The Last Full Measure Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Pentagon staffer begrudgingly investigates a Vietnam War hero, discovers a cover-up, and becomes obsessed with righting a 30-year-old wrong, all while a dead guy gets a shiny medal.

🍿 The Last Full Measure: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Medal Delayed

In 1999, Scott Huffman, a Pentagon staffer, is assigned to investigate a long-standing request to upgrade Airman William H. ‘Pits’ Pitsenbarger’s Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor. Pitsenbarger died in Vietnam in 1966, and his comrades believe his heroism warrants the nation’s highest military honor, but it was inexplicably downgraded.

Unraveling the Past

Initially focused on his career, Huffman becomes increasingly convinced that Pitsenbarger deserves the Medal of Honor. He interviews Vietnam veterans who witnessed Pitsenbarger’s bravery firsthand, learning how he repeatedly risked his life to save wounded soldiers during a fierce battle. These interviews reveal a man of extraordinary courage and selflessness. The film interweaves Huffman’s investigation with flashbacks of the brutal battle in Vietnam.

Conspiracy Unveiled

As Huffman digs deeper, he uncovers evidence of a potential cover-up that may have prevented Pitsenbarger from receiving the Medal of Honor decades earlier. He faces resistance from high-ranking officials who seem determined to bury the truth. He discovers that friendly fire incidents were potentially covered up, which affected the decision to award the Medal of Honor initially.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan): An ambitious Pentagon staffer who investigates the Medal of Honor request for William H. Pitsenbarger and uncovers a conspiracy.
• William H. Pitsenbarger (Jeremy Irvine): A heroic Air Force medic who saved many lives in Vietnam and posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
• Tom Tulley (William Hurt): A Vietnam veteran and comrade of Pitsenbarger who tirelessly fights for him to receive the Medal of Honor.
• Frank Pitsenbarger (Christopher Plummer): The grieving father of William H. Pitsenbarger who seeks recognition for his son’s bravery.
• Ray Mott (Ed Harris): A Vietnam veteran who witnessed Pitsenbarger’s heroism and supports the effort to award him the Medal of Honor.
• Billy Takoda (Samuel L. Jackson): A Vietnam veteran saved by Pitsenbarger who grapples with PTSD and the memories of the battle.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tulley: “Justice delayed is justice denied. That’s my damn agenda.” – A veteran explaining his long fight to get Pitsenbarger the Medal of Honor, emphasizing the urgency of righting a wrong.
• Ray Mott: “He didn’t run. He stayed and fought. He saved us.” – A soldier recounting Pitsenbarger’s bravery, highlighting his selflessness in the face of danger during battle.
• Scott Huffman: “I thought this was just going to be another assignment.” – Reflects his initial disinterest and how the case transformed him

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,949,212
• Worldwide Gross: $3,364,426

💥 The Last Full Measure Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Last Full Measure’ to be a really moving, if a bit melodramatic, experience. The performances, especially from the older actors like Ed Harris and Christopher Plummer, were outstanding. Seeing the flashbacks of Pitsenbarger’s bravery juxtaposed with the present-day investigation really hit home the cost of war and the importance of honoring those who serve. I was definitely tearing up by the end.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in true stories of military heroism”
  • “Those who appreciate movies about justice and redemption”
  • “People seeking emotionally resonant stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Some graphic battle scenes”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Themes of PTSD and trauma”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Despite its star-studded cast and noble intentions, ‘The Last Full Measure’ often feels bogged down by its fragmented narrative and predictable tropes. The film’s exploration of PTSD and the long-term effects of war is commendable, but ultimately fails to deliver a truly compelling or original cinematic experience.
• IMDB: “The performances are powerful, particularly from the veteran actors. The story is compelling, although the execution is sometimes heavy-handed with an over-reliance on sentimentality. A moving tribute to a true hero, but could have been more nuanced.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by the emotional impact and the powerful performances.: The film’s exploration of the long-term effects of war on veterans resonated strongly with audiences.

Many highlighted that the movie brought them to tears.: Viewers commonly agreed that the story of heroism and sacrifice was worth telling.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Last Full Measure’ is a well-intentioned, emotionally resonant film that honors a Vietnam War hero, but its execution sometimes falters with sentimentality and predictable storytelling. The strong performances, especially from the veteran cast, are a definite highlight.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film spent over a decade in development hell, with director Todd Robinson fighting to bring the story to the screen.”
• “Several real-life veterans who knew William Pitsenbarger appear in the film during the end credits, sharing their memories of him.”
• “Peter Fonda and Christopher Plummer both passed away shortly after filming their scenes, making this one of their final film roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Last Full Measure?

The Last Full Measure is available for streaming purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Last Full Measure, you might like these similar films:

• Hacksaw Ridge (2016): Features a true story of a medic’s heroism during wartime, focusing on individual bravery and moral conviction.
• A Few Good Men (1992): Explores themes of military honor, government cover-ups, and the fight for justice within the armed forces.
• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Illustrates the brutal realities of war and the extraordinary sacrifices made by soldiers during WWII.
• The Pentagon Papers (2017): Thematic similarities due to legal battles around documents being made public and highlighting governmental decisions during the Vietnam war.

🛒 The Last Full Measure Related Products

• Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (PC): Immerse yourself in the WWII setting with a game that captures the spirit of heroism and sacrifice. Experience stunning visuals and intense combat scenarios. A compelling tribute to the valor displayed during wartime. Supports VR.
• Vietnam War: An Intimate History: A documentary offering an intimate and comprehensive look at the Vietnam War. Features rare footage and personal accounts from soldiers and civilians, providing context to the historical events depicted in the movie. Delve deeper into the history behind ‘The Last Full Measure’.
• U.S. Military Challenge Coin Display Case: Showcase military challenge coins and memorabilia in a stylish wooden display case. Perfect for honoring veterans and their service. A respectful and elegant way to preserve memories and achievements.
• Vintage Style US Air Force Logo T-Shirt: Show your support for the U.S. Air Force with this classic vintage logo T-shirt. Made from comfortable, high-quality materials. Features a timeless design that pays tribute to the brave men and women of the Air Force.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Last Full Measure features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hymn” – performed by Philip Klein
• “What We Leave Behind” – performed by Philip Klein

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Black and Blue’ & ‘The Last Full Measure’ | On Cinema Season 11, Ep. 5 | adult swim

Want to see ‘The Last Full Measure’ get roasted in the most hilarious way possible? Adult Swim’s ‘On Cinema’ gives it a brutally funny review. I don’t always agree with their takes, but their perspectives can be unexpectedly insightful!

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