Miracle at St. Anna October 17, 2008

‘It’s a World War II film – a brutal mystery that deals with historic events and the stark reality of war. But it’s also a lyrical, mystical story of compassion and love.’ Spike Lee

With a script adapted by James McBride from his own acclaimed novel, Spike Lee gives new voice to the conventions of the epic war movie by reclaiming the experiences of America’s black servicemen. Stationed in Tuscany in 1944, Staff Sergeant Stamps (Derek Luke), Sergeant Bishop Cummings (Michael Ealy), radio operator Hector Negron (Laz Alonso) and Sam Train (Omar Benson Miller) are members of the all-black 92nd Division Buffalo Soldiers. After a push to cross the Serchio River they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines. Befriending a traumatised young Italian boy, they come upon a remote village, where the local population have never seen a black person before. Under threat of Nazi attack, the soldiers, villagers and local partisans have to find a way to band together, overcoming their differences of language and culture. Balancing high action combat scenes with the human stories of the characters involved, Lee leavens his scrupulously authentic approach with magical realism, welcome humour and deeply felt emotion.

Official Website: http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff/miracle_st_anna_0