Boseman as Squad Leader 'Stormin Norman' is played as mythic..

Which is so important in this film as 'Stormin Norman is the force that kept the Bloods and these guys alive in their tour of duty in Vietnam. Chadwick doesn't have much screen time but his presence throughout the film weighs heavily on all of the characters. Most of all with Paul (Delroy Lindo). On my initial viewing of the film I viewed Stormin Norman's arc rather perfunctorily delivered because you know his death is coming. As the film plays out Norm is shown as more than competent but he didn't seem to be any more extra ordinary than any other leader. The exception being his mentorship of the Bloods who were following him into battles.

On my second viewing of the film I was struck with the power of both Lindo's performance, Boseman's brillance as an actor and Norman's circumstance. Norman is a God-Like figure to all of his squad. It was on that second viewing that I became emotional at scenes earlier in the movie that were powerful but now were haunting.

This film does indeed have an emotional resonance that can be enjoyed on multiple viewings. For many who see this film it may very well be a jarring learning experience that can't be denied by Spike using historical archived footage and photos that can't be relegated to just 'artistic license' if it were just acted and spoken. Spike's use of photos, quotes and old footage is indeed a short-cut and the film is definitely NOT a documentary but it is supremely eloquent in laying out this story.

Boseman again wont get any accolades in his role for this film but he is damn good in this.