Whilst it takes an annoyingly generic and familiar approach to it's incredible true story, The Last Full Measure is still a really good fact based drama that's emotional and engaging. Sebastian Stan gives a great lead performance and Christopher Plummer, Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris and William Hurt all give amazing supporting performances. Todd Robinson's direction is really good and the war scenes are effectively intense and harrowing. The music by Philip Klein is good.
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masonsaul20 July 2020
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boblipton24 August 2021Sebastian Stan is a lawyer for the Pentagon. He's smart, driven, ambitious, politically savvy and looking for his next job. His last assignment at his current position is to look into the file of William H. Pitsenbarger, Jr., an airman killed in Vietnam twenty-two earlier. Members of his unit, soldiers whose lives he saved under the fire that killed him, his dying parents (Christopher Plummer in his final screen appearance, Diane Ladd) have petitioned to have his Air Force Cross upgraded to the Medal of Honor he was originally recommended for. As he travels to interview the people, we hear the things they are not saying more clearly, and Stan does too, gradually becoming convinced that Pitsenbarger must have his medal of honor, even though he is not sure why, and the fight may make him enemies he can ill afford.
It's a heartfelt and meaningful response to the question posed in the movie -- and almost a century ago, in BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN -- as to what a piece of ribbon is worth. It's a distinguished cast, including Peter Fonda (also in his last screen role), Samuel L. Jackson, William Hurt, and Ed Harris. Highly recommended. -
grantss16 April 2021In 1999 an up-and-coming political staffer at the Department of Defence, Scott Huffman, is given the job of investigating a request to upgrade an award to the Medal of Honour. After conspicuous acts of gallantry Airman William H Pitsenbarger was killed in Vietnam in 1966. He was recommended for the MoH but his award was downgraded to the Air Force Cross. For over 30 years his comrades and family have been lobbying for him to receive the medal. Huffman cares more about his own career than this case but the more he looks into it, the more convinced he is that Pitsenbarger deserves the MoH and should have received it in 1966. Why didn't he then?
Great drama, based on a true story. Captures well the reality of war: the sacrifice, the camaraderie, the trauma, the survival guilt and the long-term effects. Quite gritty in its depiction: no gung ho heroics and soldiers make mistakes. Also accurate in showing how politics and politicians are willing to abuse and neglect the sacrifice of soldiers in order to further their own careers.
Emotional too, as we realise that Pitsenbarger's sacrifice was not in vain, as we see the lives he saved and the lives they went on to lead. Incredibly emotional towards the end.
Doesn't start very compellingly though. Sebastian Stan is a bit underwhelming as Huffman and the movie takes a while to find its focus. When it does though it becomes an incredibly engaging and interesting drama.
Another reason for the high quality of the film is the cast. Sebastian Stan may be a bit lacking in screen presence but this is more than made up for by the supporting cast: William Hurt, Christopher Plummer, Dianne Ladd, Peter Fonda, Ed Harris, Samuel L Jackson, John Savage. All are superb and give the film the gravitas it needs. Even Samuel L Jackson eschews his usual in-your-face style for a more sensitive, introspective approach.
Great film about an incredible act of gallantry and selflessness. -
TxMike23 June 2020The title of this movie derives from something Abe Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address all those years ago, "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion."
The event in question happened in Vietnam in 1966, 21-yr-old Airman William H. Pitsenbarger, Jr., a medic, decided on his own to scramble down into the fray upon realizing the unit's medic was the one wounded. He had been recommended for the Medal of Honor but it never went through, we learn because the paperwork routing went awry. It was eventually awarded on December 8th, 2000 during the Presidency of Bill Clinton.
Several really good veteran actors are the the roles of men who fought with Pitsenbarger, plus during the end credits we see and hear from several of the actual men who were involved during the 1960s.
Good movie, I watched it at home on DVD from my public library, my wife skipped. Maybe 20% of the movie is recreated battle scenes, the rest in modern (1990s) times during the search to find out what happened and what needed to be done to get the award finalized. -
winstonaugusta25 April 2020If this story wasnt o hollywood-ized, it is a great story worthy of producing.
Valor is defined in many ways. Valor in war is rewarded on the highest level.
Thanks for this movie -
rodroper20 January 2020A story worth telling so its a real shame that the production team just opened the book of cliches and spewed forth . it could have been a very good movie instead its lack luster and as sickly sweet as sugar syrup. a shame
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babyruth-3900624 January 2020I totally loved the movie. My mother, my aunt and I went to go see it and it was very emotional for us. I'm so glad to finally see, what went into getting our cousin, the Congressional Medal Of Honor. Also, just putting this out there. It states here, William Hart Pitsenbarger Jr but he was not a junior. He was not named after anyone, except for his middle name, which was his mother's maiden name. I would also like to note, that Diane Ladd played Alice Pitsenbarger but Alice Pitsenbarger was not Williams' mother. His mother passed away in 1991. Alice was his fathers 2nd wife. Williams' mothers name was, Irene Emma (Hart) Pitsenbarger. I know this because William was my family. My great-grandmother and his grandfather, were brother and sister.
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galahad58-130 May 2020The Last Full Measure is a very good film. It is a film that takes you on a journey through the lives of Vietnam veterans - their view of the battlefield and their journeys through their lives.
I encourage vets to watch this film - it is a very good movie. I do wish that the film was longer and included more of the interviews with the veterans. -
jstrandberg-885-30159323 January 2020This was a great movie. People who nit-pick it miss the point. Movies are supposed to entertain us, they are not history lessons. Sure there are a few mistakes, but nothing that detracts from the story or the man's heroism.
And for you guys talking about his "sergeant strips" that change did not take effect until Oct. 1967 and this action happened in April 1966. At the time of the action his 3-stripes indicated Senior Airman, which is still an Airman.
Sit back and enjoy the film. I'm sure you won't regret it. God bless you William Pitsenbarger. -
puttaren27 January 2020Very touching story in all it's simplicity. Very well acted by some great actors.
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marcd3031927 January 2020How can a movie with such good and noble intentions, augmented by some of the most heart-felt acting I have seen in a long time, leave me so disappointed?
According to what I have read, writer-director Todd Robinson had wanted to do a film about Medal of Honor recipient William H. Pitsenbarger for over a decade, but had to fight development hell and studio indifference.
My problem is the film used a fictional investigation to frame the story, hence the opening title card that said: "Inspired by True Events." In doing so, the film-makers shifted the focus on the investigator, not William H. Pitsenbarger.
It is encouraging that Hollywood is finally giving our veterans from the Vietnam War son long overdue recognition. The story of William H. Pitsenbarger is truly inspiring. It did not need the fictitious artifice of a fake conspiracy story to make it more compelling or relevant.
For good intentions - 10 For execution - 5 -
brooke-6139328 April 2020Great storyline and entertaining throughout the whole movie. It's sad to see our vets get no recognition and this movie showcased how humanity, respect and compassion is still alive. I cried at the end. I never cry watching movies but this one really touched my heart!!! A must see! :')
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martimusross30 August 2020The Last Full Measure
This movie tackled some very difficult subjects with a clever script and brilliant acting. It is very much an American story and certainly not for everyone.
The narrative vehicle was a naive and ambitious administrator, played by Sebastian Stan, as he learned so we gradually understood, the meaning of posthumous honours, human valour, closure, selflessness and the enduring pain of those who survive.
I can't say I enjoyed the movie by I certainly experienced it in a visceral way. Whoever developed this dry script into this movie deserves a Hollywood medal as it was a tour-de-force without descending into mush or sentimentality. -
philpriestley18 October 2020OK first of all criticism of the film is not criticism of the person awarded the medal of honour. Please don't misapprehend me on that.
At the basis of this film is a really poor script with genuinely weak dialogue. Awful, awful writing.
The money in the film has been spent in a lopsided way on cast - but the best actors in the world can't resurrect a dreadful script. They need something to work with.
The characters are two dimensional clichés - without exception. The engagement is wooden, clunky, and sometimes cringeworthy. There are constant attempts to pull at heart strings to get away with it - and there is no relief from the sentimentalism anywhere. A good film should ebb and flow, build and relieve pressure and pathos. The pace of this film is slow throughout, the sentimental content is always on full blast, to the last detail. Of course the main character's wife is pregnant. Of course Samuel L Jackson's character is introduced fishing at the creek with his grandchildren. "Does it still hurt grandpa?" "Only on the inside" It is an absolutely relentless assault to the point where it goes way over the top. It's unforgiveable.
The musical score is absolutely B grade movement at all times. The effects are generally TV movie quality.
I am sure that the gentleman who was eventually awarded the medal of honour was quite exceptional - but this film really isn't and its not worthy of his contribution. If anything it's exploitative.
The people grading it nine out of ten, ten out of ten, are happy to be fed with a sugar heavy product. This is like syrup. Someone compared this to Hacksaw Ridge and Private Ryan - and this is nowhere, absolutely nowhere near that mark.
Other critics have noted poor detail in uniform, historical accuracy, and overall military consistency. I'm not surprised. This doesn't come across as a film where anyone did their homework or cared about the delivery of meaningful dramatisation. It's pumped full of trite devices you seen before - you don't for one minute think that you've been given any insight into actual real people. This comprehensively undermines a very poor movie and it left me personally feeling that Hollywood used the opportunity to sell movie tickets and try and win some awards. Its a hideous and cynical experience. There's no integrity here. I cannot recommend it. -
dollmyr26 January 2020Politicians start the wars and our children die in them. A movie about values, bravery, tragedy and a man struggling to do the right thing. No "buzz" about this movies but certainly worth every minute n tear.
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Top_Dawg_Critic26 January 2020..the most fake/paid reviews goes to: The Last Full Measure
I can't stand it when filmmakers have no faith in their own film, that they have to resort to these tactics.
At best, and I'm being generous, this film is an honest 7/10.
The casting and performances were outstanding. The story itself needed to be told. The ending was the best part of the film, and the only part that was written and directed properly.
Writer and director Todd Robinson did a lousy job with the convoluted screenplay and the bouncing back and forth with the flashback, some duplicated, others pointless. Some of the dialogue just didn't make any sense and seemed like it came out of nowhere. His camera work was better than the editing, but still needed work.
The score also felt overbearing and out of place. I really feel this story could've been told in a much better way. Maybe another seasoned screenwriter should've been hired, in place of these constant new fake/paid reviews.\
My generous 7/10 is all towards the all-star cast that were the main reason this film wasn't a total flop. Now let's see how many more fake reviews top my honest one smh. -
Firstly, another reviewer mentioned in not being legal to for actors to wear exact uniform replicas. That is incorrect.
According to the original Title 10, Chapter 45 section 772 line (f), actors may wear armed forces uniforms as long as it does not intend to discredit that armed force, and in 1970 that condition was removed altogether by a Supreme Court ruling that it was unconstitutional. So no excuse.
As for my take-Good movie, superb acting Military members and their families are going to understand this movie on a far more personal level than civilian families & as one myself (military wife), I can can somwhat over look a few things such as the wrong stripes on the uniform. This movie really showcased in a non-sensationalist way what military members go through after war & the bureaucracy of the DOD when it comes to cases of valor. I'm glad someone told this story. It's a shame that some cynical viewers are going to slam this movie because they either don't get it (see above), or think any hopeful or patriotic is cliche. As another viewer put it, if you dislike this movie it's because you have no empathy. Check out my YouTube channel memoirs of a movie maven for my full review & more movie reviews. -
ncoutlander21 January 2020After seeing 1917 I really wasn't expecting much when I started watching the movie. 1917 would be a tough act to follow. I have to say now that at least for me...the true war Story vs a hearsay war story was way better.. At the time I knew nothing about William Pitsenbarger. I'm glad I refused all temptation to do a Google Search before watching the movie, I simply followed the story and was not disappointed. Beautifully written and I'm sure you will tear up, once you hear multiple witnesses describing the Airman's heroics.
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marmar-6978026 January 2020The last full measure is a film worth seeing just for a cast that was gathered to be in this film,since im not american i didnt know nothing about this person and his story in vietnam war,but thanks to this film i learned something and i can appriciete everything that he has done,it was also good to see that sebastian stan is getting more and more regonition in a film industry since he is really underated actor,this film also give me a satisfaying ending that was deserving and very impactful,only moments when they traveled through story back in vietnam war was not so good potrayed and some scenes didnt sold me intensition of that war,this film will satisfay persons that are fans of main character since i think he was represanted with a lot of respect
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suicycomod24 January 2020Second review I 24 hours being off work sick has its advantages!! I saw the low review point on this but watched it anyway because of the cast, it nearly has a better cast than the Irishman !!!! I'm not American ... I did not serve in Vietnam nor do I know anyone that served in that war as some keyboard warrior reviews seem hung up on. I enjoyed a well written well acted movie and I'm not ashamed to say I sat here and cried for the last 10 mins, not something I do for movies I think ET in the cinema was the last time. This movie slowly wrapped its storyline around my heart, gripped me till the end and and didn't disappoint. Disregard the low ratings and rants from wannabe movie critics this is a movie to enjoy and cherish every moment of they don't make them like this too often and when they do movies like this have a habit of falling between the same cracks spoken in the movie. Enjoy it for what it is, a journey for more than one person including the viewer.
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carlos5127 October 2020To me, Everything is outstanding about The Last Full Measure, not only the deeply moving story, but also the super cast that not many movies can boast.
Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Robert Pine (from Chips), Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, John Savage and Peter Fonda... Just SPECTACULAR CAST, we don't see something so cool so often.
I watched this film and liked it. it has some moving parts and i think it might earn some oscar nomination in some categories. great acting, great story. i highly recommend it, and you'll not regret it. -
jacksonpollocksno18 October 2020Plodding over sentimental trite flag waving waste of some talented actors.
Surely the real life tale wasn't this boring? -
fiercecelt24 April 2020As a US Air Force Veteran who served in classified Intel overseas, I did not serve in-country Vietnam. I was at the cusp of the War, referred to as a Vietnam War Era Veteran. I have had friends and colleagues who did serve. We never discussed it. I respect that. If THEY wanted to talk about it, that was different. But, the rule of thumb among most Military Veterans was not (is not) to ask.
Until this movie, I was unaware of the Pitsenberger story. It is common for such movies to stir my emotions, deeply. This one surely did. The ugliness and senselessness of war, especially this war, were telegraphed across the screen with intensity. Yet, the spirit and compassion of Pitsenberger reveals a young man who was full of heart; and, love for others.
Again, as an Air Force Veteran, I feel honored to have learned about Airman Pitsenberger, superbly represented by Jeremy Irvine. The movie ended exactly as I had hoped it would. The cast of characters includes some of the best actors in the theater profession. Kudos! -
Slarkshark22 January 2022A story that deserved to be told. As I watched I couldn't help but think of 'Courage Under Fire'. An investigation with plenty of interviews, all trying to determine if a person who died in battle was worthy of the Medal of Honor.
Based on all accounts, William Pitsenbarger was definitely worthy. It's unfortunate it took so long to determine this. Thankfully his parents were a central point of the story, as they should be.
It's a drama with all the well intentions in the world. All the veteran actors did a good job portraying veterans. The sentiment message was delivered; mission accomplished. -
RvBreukie29 June 2021So many of these reviews claim it's a 10/10, it's the perfect emotional movie displaying the brutality and honor in warfare.
But truth be told, the script is not good, the cinematography is just blatantly bad and most of the acting is just plainly awful. There's no reason at all for the over the top reviews all made by fake accounts ending in -randomnumbers.