A Soldier's Story is undeniably theatrical, which is no surprise as it was adapted from a play. Certain characters and monologues are indeed over the top for film but would undoubtedly work for the live stage. With that said the majority of the film is superb work. Of special note are Denzel Washington in an early role and David Alan Grier who I don't usually think of as holding his own in dramatic roles. Of course I don't think you can talk about this film without praise for Howard Rollins Jr.

Great.

Very good, though occasionally preachy in the same way In the Heat of the Night was. Excellent acting all around, though. This film found places for a lot of good character actors.

Martin Ritt's direction never liberates this drama from the stage, but there is a lot of fine acting here. Rollins is ver good, and Caesar gives a truly remarkable performance.