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Miracle at St. Anna

Directed by Spike Lee from a screenplay written by James McBride, the author of the acclaimed novel of the same name, the film chronicles the story of four African-American soldiers who are members of the U.S. Army as part of the all-black 92nd Buffalo Soldier Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy, during World War II. They experience the tragedy and triumph of the war as they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy. MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA explores a deeply inspiring story that transcends national boundaries, race and class to touch the goodness within us all.
20
Negative Rating
12345
SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
0
Positive Rating
12345
FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

This story is one of contrasts. An American soldier attempts to rescue an Italian boy, which causes his separation, and others in his group, from their unit. Yet racism is demonstrated by other characters in the story, with the word “nig*e*” being used, In addition, blacks are portrayed in stereotypical fashion on a poster, and a white man is referred to as a “cracker”. Likewise, speaking of contrasts, there are heroic elements among the soldiers, but the film itself is easily over-the-top in the bloody violence content and does not come close to receiving our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal as a family-friendly film.

The special effects are certainly believable which is part of the problem as the graphic violent scenes are strikingly realistic. Certainly the tragedy of war is pictured clearly in this film, but families seeking family entertainment will have to look elsewhere.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

A boy is shot and blood is seen on his clothes; a priest is executed and it's a bloody scene; a soldier is stabbed several times after he's already dead; a lot of shooting scenes including a man who is shot multiple times in his chest; grenades and explosions; a man's arm is blown off and another character's leg is blown off and bloody remains of what's left of his leg is seen; a prisoner is stabbed and we see spurting blood; a lot of violence.

3
Sex

A lot of sexual innuendo; woman wearing lingerie simulates having sex with man; a scene in which sex is about to take place.

5
Language

Too many profanities to keep track of including about 20 GD's and at least four misuses of the name Jesus or Christ; and several racial remarks including the word "ni*g*r

5
Violence

A boy is shot and blood is seen on his clothes; a priest is executed and it's a bloody scene; a soldier is stabbed several times after he's already dead; a lot of shooting scenes including a man who is shot multiple times in his chest; grenades and explosions; a man's arm is blown off and another character's leg is blown off and bloody remains of what's left of his leg is seen; a prisoner is stabbed and we see spurting blood; a lot of violence.

2
Drugs

Wine is consumed, a joke about beer; smoking in several scenes including the smoking of a cigar.

3
Nudity

Bare breasts in about three scenes; lots of cleavage; partial rear female nudity.

2
Other

Racial stereotypes including stereotypes of blacks as seen on a poster; a woman mentions fried chicken as one of the "black foods"; a character attempts to turn Germans against Americans; a man spits in a canteen before it is used; a white man is called a "cracker".

More Information

Film Information
Genre
Runtime
166
Rating
N/A
Reviewer
Edwin L. Carpenter
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