A set photo from Da 5 Bloods gives viewers their first look at Spike Lee's new film. It was around this time last year Lee signed on to direct the project, which follows Vietnam War veterans returning to the jungle in an attempt to find the remains of their squad leader and (perhaps) buried treasure. Chadwick Boseman leads a talented ensemble that also includes Paul Walter Houser. With Lee coming off the success of the Oscar-winning BlacKkKlansman, Da 5 Bloods ranks as one of the most anticipated non-franchise offerings of the year, as audiences are curious to see if Lee can deliver another hit.
Since Da 5 Bloods doesn't have a set release date yet, Netflix hasn't kicked off the film's proper marketing campaign. In due time, Lee's fans will be treated to a trailer and get a better idea of what he's going for with his latest endeavor. But for those eager to get any kind of look at Da 5 Bloods, a new set photo featuring the iconic director has been revealed.
Sight & Sound took to their official Instagram account to share an image of Lee with Da 5 Blood's Vietnamese cast. As part of the magazine's 2020 preview issue, Lee explained what drew him to make the film. Check out the post (which includes Lee's quote) in the space below:
It's easy to see why Da 5 Bloods appealed to Lee. Throughout his career, he's taken a keen interest in stories detailing the African-American experience, telling them through his unique lens. Lee should be working well within his wheelhouse here. There have obviously been several films about the Vietnam War, though few have approached the era from this perspective. As such, it'll be interesting to see what Lee has to say in Da 5 Bloods and if he found a way to tie its overlying message to the modern age. BlacKkKlansman was a 1970s period piece, but its themes and subject matter were just as relevant to audiences watching it in 2018. Lee's comment about President Trump suggests Da 5 Bloods will feature some of the director's trademark social commentary. Lee may not always be subtle when getting his point across, but he uses his platform to raise fascinating talking points. That alone is reason enough to want to watch Da 5 Bloods.
On the heels of a banner 2019 that included Oscar contenders The Irishman and Marriage Story, Netflix has another loaded slate planned for 2020. Alongside Da 5 Bloods, their other original films include high-profile offerings like David Fincher's Mank and Ron Howard's Hillbilly Elegy, giving the streaming service a number of potential awards contenders for the coming year. Netflix just made headlines for acquiring Bradley Cooper's Leonard Bernstein biopic (which will shoot next year), but their more immediate future looks just as bright. Fingers crossed Lee's latest is another compelling drama.
Source: Sight & Sound