Okay, a bit late to this party since it was released in 2001, but thought I'd mention it as something very worth seeing. I went over a bunch of movies last weekend I'd recorded on the trusty DVR, watched the first act of most before deleting, but was compelled to continue watching Buffalo Soldiers.

For those who haven't seen it and might be interested, I won't give too much away. Joaquim Phoenix stars (one of today's best actors IMO) along with a solid cast of actors, most of whom you'll probably recognize but can't name. It's set in the end of the Cold War right when The Wall falls and Joaquim is a former criminal serving in the army as a court option rather than serving time. He stationed at an American base in Germany and runs a black market operation selling items off the base to other soldiers and to Germans and living the life--his former criminal experience comes in handy.

It's a sort of dramedy in the vain of American Beauty in that it is a drama with a lot of subtle laughs and some over the top moments that keep you glued to the screen. Joaquim is so believable and likable despite his activities that you really care for him. The movie really gets going when a new commander takes over and threatens Joaquim's enterprise right when Joaquim is about to make the score of his life, and in retaliation, Joaquim goes after the new commander's daughter who happens to be played by True Blood's Anna Paquin who couldn't have been more than 18 when she shot the film and was already showing her acting chops.

Surprised I don't remember hearing about this film when it was released. Great performances. Great story. Some laughs in between. What more can you ask for?