Alright, lets just get this out in the open right bloody now. Soldiers of Change is not a war movie per se. Despite the cover image, and the descriptions. But its still a good, yet little known movie.
What it
is though, is a thoughful look at racism and overcoming it during the late 1960's. Atlanta rich white boy Randy Barrington (Heath Freeman) falls for the niece of his father's driver (Clifton Davis), one Hallie Gilmore (Stacey Dash). He's got to overcome prejudices on both sides before either side will accept this relationship, and ultimately he ends up going to Vietnam to escape his father's disapproval. He's killed, and its not until his father (Charles Shaughnessy) meets his grandson does he overcome it.
So yes, there is a brief foray into Vietnam, but its by no means the central aspect of the movie. The war is at home here. Since it's not really a war movie I won't even attempt to explain it in great detail. All I can say is you really should see it, just because. I found myself spending the first half going, "hmm, ok, so when does he get shipped off?" then I started actually liking it for what it was. Yeah its not exactly a top notch production, and the acting, while good, is certainly not oscar material... but I found it compelling and interesting nonetheless.
War movie? No. Movie about struggle and the fight to overcome prejudice? Yes. I'm only giving it a 6 because I was duped by the cover! :) But I still recommend it.
Soldiers of Change, aka The Painting (2002?) on Spout.com
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War Movie Reviews and News