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If you are looking for an action-packed WWII war movie, this is not that kind of movie. Instead, this is a character study about the African American soldiers who served aboard the U.S.S. Mason. The story is framed by a grandfather trying to pass on his values and heritage to his grandson's generation. The grandfather (ably portrayed by Ossie Davis) begins to tell his story as he shares his scrapbook. Then the film switches to 1944. Color sequences with actors are interspersed with black and white footage of battleships at sea (there are some great sequences of battleships on the high seas in severe storms here). The film deals well with issues of family ties, loyalty, patriotism and service, and prejudice and racism. It is a very positive, uplifting, and inspiring film that champions the values of family and service. Although the film deals with the ugly realities of prejudice and racism, it does so in a manner that makes this a great discussion starter with your children, particularly above age 5th or 6th grade (bad language is not an issue -- the captain says "hell" once). Although the film may seem slow-moving, it taps into a depth of history and has a great positive message. The central character had to pay the price of not seeing his family for a year while he served on board, and the film explores the ongoing cost of service since this year away hurt his relationship to his son for the next 60 years. The film ends with the triumphant acknowledgment of the faithful service of those on board the Mason (officially recognized by Pres. Clinton in 2003), and the family plot ends with some healing between Davis' character and his adult son. Good history. Good Values. Good music (blues and Irish music). Good acting. I saw this movie earlier under the title "Proudly We Served." In case you're wondering, it is the same movie. Leah (a history teacher)Read full review
This was a boring movie
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in the review title
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Great history
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Thank you for a priceless gift in history
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