Spike Lee has never been a very cuddly director. Most of his movies kick up controversies like a Texas tornado picking up trailer homes, but don’t let this fool you. Lee remains one of the most interesting directors of his generation, and although he may not make the prettiest or most facile films, he does stir the pot.
He presents things in a new way and inspires discussion on a host of social, historical and political issues. His newest opus, “Miracle at St. Anna,” continues his brand of “hard to swallow” films, but it may be one of the most interesting movies of the year.
The story focuses on four Buffalo soldiers who are trapped in a Italian town which is surrounded by the Nazis during World War II. While there, they tackle love, betrayal and (obviously) war. Pretty ambitious, right? On top of that, each soldier comes from a unique background that shapes his experience of the war, but they all share the burden of racial discrimination and resentment.
Their commander, Second Staff Sergeant Stamps (played by Derek Luke), tries to hold the men together through an odd series of events that befall the group. Sergeant Cummings (Michael Ealy) is angry about his place in society and how a foreign society treats him like a human, while many people hate him for the color of his skin in his own country.
Private Train (Omar Miller) becomes attached to a small boy (who may or may not make miracles happen). An odd hand, but Lee plays his cards right, making this latest joint smolder with intensity, controversy and inspiration.
This movie isn’t about what you may think it’s about. Ultimately, the film tackles the topic of faith. Its virtues and vices plunge our heroes into multiple situations where you’ll scratch your head and say, “What are they thinking?” Train has an abundant faith in God and miracles; he believes that God has charged him to protect the aforementioned boy and a random stone head that may have mysterious powers. Stamps believes in the progression of society and that racial equality will come with time and good deeds.
Indeed, this theme is what really makes “Miracle” a stunning success. The racial controversy aside, faith is the true focus of this film and colors it in a very intriguing way. “Miracle” sings with a voice that charges the viewer with a need for faith that everything will work out in the end. It’s oddly inspiring how the characters accept their fates and act with gusto in the face of overwhelming danger and violence. They’re just hoping for a miracle to save them.
However you may feel about Lee, his latest offering is truly a work of art. You may scoff at the idea of a movie about faith, but Lee’s latest film is an interesting effort and the ensuing discussion will keep you thinking for quite some time.
STARS: 3 out of 4
