A Soldier's Story (1984) - PG

Charles Fuller adapted his award-winning play in writing the screenplay for this compelling mystery. Set on a southern army base toward the end of World War II when troops were still segregated, the film begins with an African American Army sergeant shouting, "They still hate you!" right before he is shot by an unknown assailant. An African American major from Washington, D.C., is sent in to investigate the murder, much to the dislike of the white officers at the base. People assume it was the act of the KKK or maybe a white officer. However, the murder victim was very unlikable, so members of his own unit are suspects. The investigation is as much about finding out more about the sergeant - expertly done through flashback - as it is about discovering the perpetrator. This movie offers incredible performances by an ensemble cast that includes Denzel Washington in an early role.

Questions for reflections and/or discussion:

• Were you surprised at the identify of the person who killed Sergeant Waters? Who did you think did it?
  
  
• Much of the film works backwards in time, giving the audience pieces of information about the characters, particularly Sergeant Waters. Do you think that the flashbacks and the gradual information about the characters deepens the mystery?
  
  
• The movie shows that there are prejudices within and among the African American community. Were you surprised that the movie spotlighted some of these prejudices? Why do you think those prejudices existed, especially those of Sergeant Waters toward southerners?