Black Brigade

Director - George McCowan (Frogs, The Manhunter)
Starring - Stephen Boyd (Fantastic Voyage, Lady Dracula), Robert Hooks (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, The Flash), Susan Oliver (Star Trek, Freddy's Nightmares)
Release Date - War
Tagline - "In war, sometimes the enemy comes from within"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Blaxploitation can go so many different ways but the most popular follows a black protagonist who is fighting an evil white person or group due to a number of various reasons.  However, that is not the only type of blaxploitation.  Sometimes you get a really powerful drama that focuses on the struggles that the African American citizens face on a daily basis in the 70s that can still be seen to this day.  Case in point is the 1970 war drama Black Brigade which was a made for TV film released under the name Carter's Army.  This unusual blaxploitation flick stars a very young Richard Pryor, Bill Dee Williams, and Stephen Boyd.  

     The film follows Captain Carter (Boyd) who is tasked with securing a dam in Germany in World War II.  He is assigned to an all black unit and is ordered to take 6 men with him to secure the dam.  He enlists the lieutenant and 5 of his men.  The captain is racist and believes this group is going to get him killed but through their journey he countlessly puts their lives in danger and they save him on more than one occasion with minimal casualties.  By the end of their mission he has a new found respect for the black soldier and witnesses first hand how they are disrespected by white soldiers who are putting their lives on the line for their country just like they are.

      I honestly didn't know what to expect when I tossed this one in.  I can't recall any blaxploitation flick taking place in World War II but Black Brigade became my favorite in this set. The film is nothing like the typical blaxploitation flick that I love but it was still easily the best film in the set.  The acting in this one is fucking top notch.  The film was made for TV and not your typical exploitation flick so the cast is a step above most.  Stephen Boyd and Robert Hooks deliver unforgettable performances as the racist captain and lieutenant of an all black unit.  The supporting cast is just as fantastic.  It was cool seeing Richard Pryor and Billy Dee Williams deliver a more serious performance.  I loved the casting in this film.  The story for this one is a powerful story set against the backdrop of World War II.  The movie's main focus is how black soldiers were treated by white soldiers fighting the same war as them.  The war action really brings this rich story to a boil and the viewer will not be able to look away.  Finally, this one does have several on screen deaths.  They are not bloody and those looking for gore will miss out.  The kills fit with the war theme of the film but they are easily forgettable.  Overall, Black Brigade is a must watch for any movie fan regardless of the genre that you prefer.  Check this one out whenever you get the chance.