“The Last Full Measure” directed and written by Todd Robinson, is a heart-wrenching tale of sacrifice, hope, and determination based on true events. It’s a story about how the lives of Vietnam War veterans got woven together with a Pentagon lawyer (Sebastian Stan) in hopes of getting a fallen hero the respect he deserved. It’s a story about how airman William H. Pitsenbarger Jr. is awarded the Medal of Honor for his service and actions on the battlefield, thirty-four years after his death.
Studded with a stellar cast, including Christopher Plummer, Samuel L. Jackson, and many more stars, The Last Full Measure takes you on an emotional rollercoaster throughout its run. The constant scene changes to the Vietnam War make you feel like you’re discovering parts of the history just as Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan) is being told about them in the present. It makes you feel like you’re part of the story, and you get attached to all the characters. Furthermore, once you get attached, the outstanding performance by the actors will make you feel every emotion they’re portraying, and your heart will slowly start to break as the story unfolds. Don’t worry though, the film’s end will mend your heart back again, and your tears will be of joy this time.
What sets "The Last Full Measure" apart from other was movies is its willingness to show the lasting effects of war on those who came back from it. Jimmy Burr (Peter Fonda) is just *this* shy of being completely unhinged without being a caricature of PTSD; you feel Tulley’s (William Hurt) shame but cannot articulate it until he breaks down near the end of the film; Ed Harris portrays a wounded man named Ray Mott hiding behind a facade of normalcy while Takoda’s (Samuel L. Jackson) guilt has him unable to speak to Pitsenbarger's father (Christopher Plummer) on the phone.
It looks like many of the critics are whiffing on this beautiful film and downgrading a film that should be seen but probably won't be. At least not by enough. Saying that the film lacks ‘dramatic chops and storytelling nuance to elevate it to something compelling’ doesn’t do justice to it all. Such reviews also seem to be the opposite of what I or other audiences witnessed in the film. It must be hard to be a critic and completely take apart a movie that deserved so much more. "The Last Full Measure" is not "Saving Private Ryan". It is not "1917" either. It doesn't have over-the-top special effects, ear-shattering sound effects, impossible plot twists, or ridiculous MacGuffins. It is not perfect, it is not ‘mindblowing’, and yet, for all of its flaws, it IS a remarkable film. It is subdued and subtle, a small gem that has fallen between the cracks of cineplex consumerism. It has heart, it has valor, it has courage, it has empathy and it has acceptance. In its stark refusal to demonize one side or the other, it takes a pretty definitive stance for honor, valor, and making the right choice, even when that is the most difficult path to tread. It is, in short, a movie that would fly over the heads of some that currently govern us, when they are the ones who need reminding of all these values the most.
Without a doubt, I would rate this movie a 10 of 10. To all of the readers out there, trust me, dedicating a couple of hours of your day to experience this masterpiece won’t disappoint you. You’ll end feeling inspired, with a sense of satisfaction and bravery embedded in your heart. This film deserves way more attention and recognition than it has gotten so far. I assure you, you won’t regret spending some of your hard-earned money to watch this film.
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