A Review of 'Soul Patrol': A Poignant and Intimate Look at the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War has been extensively analyzed, debated, and dramatized in numerous books, films, and TV shows. Despite this, the lessons learned from the decades-long conflict remain a subject of debate. J.M. Harper's 'Soul Patrol' takes a unique approach to this well-tread topic, offering a first-person exploration of the enlisted man's experience during the war. It raises profound questions about the nature of war and the Vietnam War in particular.
This documentary feature, Harper's second after 'As We Speak', weaves together powerful visuals with raw emotion and energy. It delves into the memories of six soldiers who formed a tight-knit unit, tasked with some of the most dangerous missions in the conflict. These young Black soldiers, some still in their teens, were part of a movement against U.S. militarism and the Black Power movement back home.
The film is inspired by the 2003 memoir of Ed Emanuel, a Compton native, who wrote it to free himself from the haunting memories of his year in Southeast Asia. The memoir also aimed to reunite the tight-knit group he was part of, Team 2/6 of Company F, 51st Infantry. The documentary includes a black-tie reunion of the surviving team members, offering a poignant moment of connection and reflection.
Sgt. Jerry Brock, the team leader, assembled the first all-Black special ops team in Vietnam. They were known as the LRRP (Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol), a six-man unit trained for deep jungle missions behind enemy lines. The team was dubbed 'Soul Patrol' by a colonel, a name that caused some discomfort for Emanuel, who felt it was offensive to his military identity.
The documentary also explores the biographical details of the other soldiers, including Thad Givens, Lawton Mackey Jr., Norman Reid, and Emerson Branch. Their stories reveal the diverse reasons for enlisting, from military family backgrounds to personal struggles with the law and drug dealing.
At the heart of 'Soul Patrol' is the conflict between the soldiers' pride in their skills and bravery and their doubts about the war's purpose. Their tours coincided with significant events, including the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. The film captures the growing antiwar and Black Power movements through footage and audio of iconic leaders like Stokely Carmichael, Harry Belafonte, and Bobby Seale, as well as Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful speeches.
One of the most striking moments in the film is when a former soldier uses the phrase 'give back to America' and discusses the possibility of changing the system from within. This is particularly jolting given the disproportionate number of Black soldiers and casualties compared to their stateside population, yet their stories were often overlooked in media coverage.
Harper's creative approach includes 'adaptations' where actors portray the LRRP team in reenactments, capturing the boredom, confusion, chaos, and terror of their missions. These sequences are a powerful way to convey the reality of war.
The film also incorporates Super 8 footage shot by American soldiers during their off-hours, offering a glimpse into the lives of young friends between impossible assignments. Harper's editing, with the team of Byron Leon, Niles Howard, and Gabriela Tessitore, seamlessly moves between these disparate elements, creating a cohesive and emotionally charged narrative.
'Soul Patrol' is not just a historical chronicle but a powerful reminder of the futility of war. It gives voice to the soldiers who returned home to isolation, silence, rage, and mistrust. Despite the mood of the country, they didn't receive a hero's welcome. Half a century later, Givens reflects on the combat experience, stating, 'We don't allow ourselves to release the pain.'
The film's exploration of the soldiers' experiences and their reflections on the war's impact is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War and its consequences.
