15 Must-See War Movies Featuring Powerful Black Characters!

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Movies portraying conflicts, or as we commonly call them, war movies, have been a staple since the early days of cinema, enthralling viewers with narratives of courage, sorrow, and victory, frequently chronicling notable events and paying tribute to those who served and perished. Race is an integral aspect in these tales, either explicitly featured in films like those about the American Civil War, or implicitly by presenting the perspectives of people of color within the military. In recent times, there’s been a growing focus on war stories centering around Black experiences, both relevant to current events and carrying historical importance.

2024 saw the release of Tyler Perry’s movie “The Six Triple Eight,” a heartfelt tribute to the true story of the all-Black, all-female battalion during WWII. As a movie enthusiast, I was eagerly anticipating this project, with its focus on showcasing unsung heroes, particularly women of color. With powerhouses like Kerry Washington and Oprah Winfrey involved, it had the potential to be exceptional. Regrettably, “The Six Triple Eight” fell short of doing justice to the brave women who formed the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and was met with criticism for not fully capturing the poignant narrative it aimed to share. However, if you, like me, were left feeling let down, there’s no need to despair. There are numerous other well-crafted war movies centered around Black characters that offer a compelling viewing experience.

15
Bataan (1943)

1943’s black-and-white WWII drama titled “Bataan” was among the pioneers of American war films featuring a multiracial cast. Unlike the real U.S. military during that era, which was segregated by race, this film showed Black, Asian, Latino, and Irish soldiers working together on the battlefield. The story revolves around a group of these men who strive to sabotage a bridge on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines, aiming to slow down the Japanese invasion. At the time, the choice of a diverse cast was met with criticism, and the film was even prohibited from screening in the American South. Over the years, “Bataan” has gained respect as a war movie that authentically portrays the harrowing conditions and circumstances these soldiers faced.

14
A Soldier’s Story (1984)

In 1984, playwright Charles Fuller transformed his Pulitzer Prize-winning drama into the film “A Soldier’s Story,” directed by Norman Jewison. This movie combines elements of a military narrative with a gripping mystery surrounding a murder. The central character is Captain Richard Davenport, portrayed by Howard Rollins Jr., who is dispatched to an Army base in Louisiana to unravel the circumstances behind the fatal shooting of Master Sergeant Vernon Waters (played by Adolph Caesar).

Despite focusing more on war’s social aspects rather than its violent aspects, this production offers a significant insight into American race relations during that era, specifically within the military. Given its 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1985 Academy Awards, A Soldier’s Story is worth revisiting 20 years later.

13
Men of Honor (2000)

Men of Honor is a film that draws inspiration from the real-life story of the first African American master diver in the U.S. Navy, Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear. Portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr., Brashear initially served as a mere crew member on the USS Hoist but was determined to excel as a diver despite facing challenges such as limited education, deliberate sabotage from colleagues, and racial bias within the bureaucracy. Joining him in this powerful cast are Robert De Niro, Hal Holbrook, and Charlize Theron. Men of Honor was not only a commercial success, earning $82M against a budget of $32M, but also a heartfelt tribute to Brashear’s remarkable resilience and impressive career.

12
The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

The movie titled “The Tuskegee Airmen” provides a distinctive viewpoint on World War II. Featuring Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr., Malcom-Jamal Warner, Courtney B. Vance, and Andre Braugher in the cast, it narrates the journey of these men as they undergo rigorous training to fight against skepticism from an institution that doubts their abilities due to their race. Known for its historical authenticity, the film received positive reviews, though there were some reservations about the script, eventually winning a Peabody Award.

11
The Woman King (2022)

Renowned actress Viola Davis portrays the main character, General Nanisca, in the historical action film “The Woman King“, alongside performers Such as Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega. The story unfolds in West Africa during the 1820s, focusing on a band of female warriors known as the Agojie, who are responsible for guarding the Dahomey kingdom. In preparation for the film, producer Maria Bello delved deeply into the history and culture of the Agojie people, and the cast underwent rigorous physical training to accurately portray their roles.

1. The actresses received much acclaim for their performances, with Davis living up to her impressive abilities as expected, and Mbedu showcasing a standout role. The film’s action scenes were particularly noteworthy, contributing to its success at the box office. Critics likened the movie’s intense narrative to Mel Gibson’s 1995 war film Braveheart.

2. The actresses garnered high praise for their acting skills, Davis demonstrating her exceptional talent as anticipated, and Mbedu delivering a breakout performance. The action scenes were one of the movie’s strongest aspects, leading to its financial success. Several critics found parallels between the film’s gripping tale and Mel Gibson’s 1995 war epic Braveheart.

3. The actresses drew widespread acclaim for their roles, with Davis demonstrating her exceptional skill as anticipated, and Mbedu delivering a breakout performance. The action scenes were a key factor in the movie’s box office success, while critics compared its intense storyline to Mel Gibson’s 1995 war film Braveheart.

4. The actresses received numerous compliments for their work, with Davis proving her exceptional talent as expected, and Mbedu captivating audiences in a breakout role. The action sequences were an essential component of the movie’s commercial success, and critics likened its gripping narrative to Mel Gibson’s 1995 war epic Braveheart.

5. The actresses gained significant recognition for their performances, with Davis living up to her exceptional talent as predicted, and Mbedu delivering a breakout role. The action scenes were a crucial element in the movie’s box office triumph, and critics compared its high-energy storyline to Mel Gibson’s 1995 war film Braveheart.

10
Hamburger Hill (1987)

1987’s war movie titled “Hamburger Hill,” directed by John Irvin, delves into the experiences of an American troop during the Vietnam War, more specifically the Battle of Hamburger Hill. Instead of encompassing a broader narrative, the film concentrates on a select band of soldiers undertaking a specific mission, thereby providing an emotionally resonant account through this narrow but powerful perspective.

In this production, there are numerous Black actors within the ensemble, with Don Cheadle portraying Private Johnny Washburn, a fresh recruit. Additionally, Don James plays Private Elliott “Mac” McDaniel, Michael Boatman is Private Ray Mowtown, and Courtney B. Vance assumes the role of Specialist Abraham “Doc” Johnson. These characters are already members of the platoon, and they openly discuss the racial prejudice they encounter within the military. Despite numerous hardships and the tragic deaths of many soldiers, those who persevere instill a feeling of pride, unity, and optimism among viewers.

9
Home of the Brave (1949)

Originally penned as a 1945 Broadway play by WWII veteran Arthur Laurents, titled “Home of the Brave“, delved into the issue of anti-Semitism within the military. When it was subsequently transformed for the silver screen, the primary character was altered from Jewish to African American, shifting focus to a distinct segment of discrimination. In this adaptation, James Edwards portrays the protagonist, Private Peter Moss, who seeks psychological help to overcome the immobility he experiences post-battle injury. The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks, painting a powerful tale of one individual’s unyielding resilience in the face of prejudice and past trauma.

8
Devotion (2022)

J.D. Dillard’s film titled “Devotion” is a biographical drama inspired by Adam Makos’ 2015 book, “Devotion: A Tale of Courage, Camaraderie, and Sacrifice.” The narrative unfolds around two naval officers, Tom Hudner (portrayed by Glen Powell) and Jesse L. Brown (Jonathan Majors), who serve during the Korean War. Despite their differences, they develop a strong bond. Throughout their service, Hudner comes to understand the prejudice that Brown encounters in his career and witnesses how this discrimination affects him and his loved ones.

The film “Devotion” recounts a genuine tale of an extraordinary friendship between two individuals, showcasing their courage, devotion, and valor. Despite underperforming financially at the box office (earning just $22M compared to a production budget of $90M), its failure doesn’t diminish its quality. Instead, “Devotion” has garnered widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals, captivating soundtrack, outstanding cast performances, and commitment to preserving the memory and honor of Brown and Hudner and their enduring legacy.

7
Crimson Tide (1995)

In the movie titled “Crimson Tide,” we find ourselves amidst a fictional scenario mirroring the intense Cold War standoff, specifically the Cuban Missile Crisis, where Russian extremists menaced to detonate nuclear weapons against the United States and Japan. The film’s suspense stems from the dynamic between seasoned Naval Commanding Officer Frank Ramsey (portrayed by Gene Hackman) and his new Lieutenant Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington), an expert in tactical maneuvers who advocates for a more calculated approach over impulsive action.

As a devoted cinephile, I found myself deeply engrossed in a high-stakes showdown of wits between two characters that not only strained the unity of our crew but also put everyone onboard at risk. The gripping tension was palpable throughout Crimson Tide, a film that earned nominations for three prestigious Oscars in the categories of Film Editing, Sound, and Sound Editing. The masterful score, skillfully crafted by the legendary composer Hans Zimmer, was awarded a Grammy for its exceptional contribution to the movie.

6
War Witch (2012)

Filmmaker Kim Nguyen spent ten years crafting the script for his film titled “War Witch“. This movie portrays the tale of a girl, rumored to be a witch, who is compelled to participate in an African civil war as a child soldier. The plot unfolds the grim and heartrendingly authentic account of a young girl’s extraordinary courage as she struggles to free herself from the clutches of the rebel group that abducted her. The storyline is powerful yet deeply emotional, striking a chord with viewers across the globe.

Nguyen was resolute in crafting an authentic film and interacted with actual child soldiers and humanitarians before starting production. The lead actress of “War Witch“, Rachel Mwanza, used to live on the streets of Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the movie was shot, prior to being chosen for the role. She hadn’t acted before this part, but won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival for her performance. “War Witch” earned an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (French), garnered numerous other awards, and boasts a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

5
Mudbound (2017)

In simpler terms, the movie “Mudbound” by Dee Rees delves deeply into the complex issues of race and class conflict that marked America’s past, as portrayed through the lives of two World War II veterans. Upon their return to rural Mississippi, a white man named Jamie McAllan (played by Garrett Hedlund) and a black man named Ronsel Jackson (portrayed by Jason Mitchell) find themselves grappling with the aftermath of war and the lingering racism in the American South. The film sensitively portrays their struggles with PTSD and their efforts to navigate this prejudiced environment. Carey Mulligan and Mary J. Blige are also prominent characters in the story.

The film “Mudbound” received widespread acclaim for its compelling storyline, stunning visuals, and powerful performances by the cast. Mary J. Blige was recognized with an Oscar nomination for both Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song, making her the first artist to be nominated in these categories in the same year. Notably, Dee Rees, who writes her own screenplays, also became the inaugural Black woman to receive a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

4
Beasts of No Nation (2015)

The movie titled “Beasts of No Nation” was created by director Cary Joji Fukunaga, who also penned the script, and it’s an adaptation of the 2005 novel by Uzodinma Iweala with the same name. Similar to “War Witch”, this film focuses on a child soldier named Agu (Abraham Attah) from Africa, living through a brutal civil war where he is compelled to carry out inhumane acts. Fukunaga spent years perfecting the screenplay and studying the details of the Sierra Leone Civil War, adding a realistic touch to the film. Idris Elba portrays a ruthless military leader known as Commandant, while both Elba and Attah received critical acclaim for their performances. The movie was honored with a Peabody Award.

3
Courage Under FIre (1996)

The movie titled “Courage Under Fire” features Denzel Washington in one of his top performances, alongside Meg Ryan. This American war drama, directed by Edward Zwick, is set during the Persian Gulf War and revolves around Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Serling (played by Washington). He’s investigating a friendly fire incident where Captain Karen Walden (Ryan) is being considered for a posthumous Medal of Honor. His decision becomes challenging due to conflicting reports from Walden’s crew, as well as his own personal history. The movie was a box office success, earning $100M on a budget of $46M. Critics appreciated the film’s deep narrative and sensitive portrayal of a complex theme. Washington received high praise for his acting skills in this production.

2
Glory (1989)

Edward Zwick’s latest war-themed production, titled “Glory”, delves into the American Civil War this time. The narrative unfolds around one of the Union’s pioneering African American regiments, specifically, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. This film chronicles their journey from inception to the Second Battle of Fort Wagner. Matthew Broderick takes on the role of the authentic Colonel Robert Shaw, whose correspondence was utilized as a reference during filmmaking, as real-life letters were part of the production resources.

In this film titled “Glory“, Denzel Washington, Andre Braugher, and Morgan Freeman portray diverse Black soldiers. Washington’s exceptional performance earned him an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The movie was additionally recognized with awards for Best Cinematography and Best Sound, as well as numerous other accolades. “Glory” is widely regarded as one of the greatest films depicting the Civil War, garnering praise from viewers, critics, and historians alike.

1
Da 5 Bloods (2020)

The war drama film “Da 5 Bloods,” directed by Spike Lee, follows the lives of four African-American veterans who fought in the Vietnam War. Years later, they return to Vietnam on a mission: to find the remains of their fallen squad leader and a buried treasure from their past. In this movie, Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, and Norm Lewis portray the main characters, while Chadwick Boseman makes his final screen appearance in a role before his passing.

Terence Blanchard played a crucial role in creating the film’s music, which was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. The critically acclaimed movie Da 5 Bloods, directed by Spike Lee, has been praised for various aspects including its direction, acting performances, script, sound design, and narrative. Many critics found it particularly relevant given the current racial climate, as it sensitively addresses issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement while also delving into the historical experiences of African-American veterans.

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2025-01-18 19:33