Dickens & Rumi
Cover of A Soldier's Story

film

A Soldier's Story

1984

In a rural town in Louisiana, a black Master Sergeant is found shot to death just outside the local Army Base. Military lawyer, Captain Davenport—also a black man—is sent from Washington to conduct an investigation. Facing an uncooperative chain of command and fearful black troops, Davenport must battle with deceit and prejudice in order to find out exactly who really did kill the Master Sergeant.

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? Mature teens can generally follow the complex mystery and historical themes, but the film includes murder, suicide by hanging, a throat-slitting flashback, racial slurs and sustained prejudice. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Educational value4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A soldier is murdered, another character dies by suicide, and a flashback recounts a soldier's killing.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts aftermaths of violence and includes descriptions of throat-slitting in a flashback, but is not gratuitously gory.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Racially demeaning language, insults and hostile military taunting are important parts of the film's depiction of prejudice.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The murder investigation, threats, military confinement, prejudice and tense interrogations create sustained dramatic unease.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

There is no significant sexual content or nudity.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are shown drinking in military settings, reflecting common period depictions of soldiers.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

The plot centers on a shooting, assault, military brutality, a fatal shooting, and a flashback involving retaliatory violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Davenport courageously investigates despite obstruction and prejudice; other characters face injustice and military danger in more compromised ways.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The narrative structure utilizes flashbacks and mystery elements to explore complex human and social dynamics.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Features a predominantly Black cast portraying diverse experiences and personalities within the U.S. Army.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

It offers substantial historical and civic context about segregation, Black military service, racism and military justice during World War II.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is shown in pockets among soldiers, but contrasted sharply with systemic hatred and cruelty.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly examines racism, dignity, justice, internalized prejudice, institutional discrimination and the destructive consequences of revenge.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Davenport models persistence and integrity, while other characters show how prejudice, cruelty and compromised judgment cause harm.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in A Soldier's Story would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A Soldier's Story, and what caused that change?
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