Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brutal WWII battlefield fable isn't for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Miracle at St. Anna
What's the Story?
After a major battle in the hills of Italy in the waning days of World War II, four surviving African-American soldiers from the segregated 92nd Infantry Division are caught behind enemy lines. Desperately trying to get back to their company, the men encounter a terrified child and lead him to the safety of a small Tuscan village. Meanwhile, Nazi troops in the vicinity are searching for the local Italian partisan (resistance) leader known as "The Great Butterfly." Ultimately, the four Americans, who are the last hope of the villagers and the advancing American forces, come face-to-face with the enemy -- and with the traitor who has betrayed the partisans.
Is It Any Good?
The story and the performances are heartfelt and powerful in this brutal war film. Talented, versatile director Spike Lee, working from a script by James McBride (who wrote the novel the movie is based on), attempts the almost impossible. MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA is part devastating World War II movie, part political film exposing the notorious racism of much of white America during that time, and part fairy tale in which a child becomes one with his rescuers as his spirit transcends the evil around him.
It's an ambitious goal, and not entirely successful. The movie changes tone and direction too many times, and what suffers most is characterization: The men become archetypes instead of singular individuals. Still, the production is magnificent, and if viewers allow themselves to be transported to that monumental period in America's history, it will be an enlightening and moving experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this movie is saying about American history. What was the country fighting for in World War II? Why were the military troops segregated during that war -- and throughout U.S. history? How has America's racial conscience changed since then? Also, what does Captain Nokes represent? Did he learn anything over the course of the film? How did you feel about him?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 25, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : February 10, 2009
- Cast : D.B. Sweeney , John Turturro , Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Director : Spike Lee
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African American Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Touchstone Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 160 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong war violence, language and some sexual content/nudity.
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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