The Last Full Measure is a war movie that is not only full of heart, it is based on a true story. It touches on PTSD, conspiracy, and so much more.
The Last Full Measure is not your typical war movie — it is so much more than that. Viewers will not only learn about the horrors of the Vietnam war and what many soldiers sacrificed, they will also get a close up look at the horrors of war and PTSD.
The fact that this movie is based on a true story makes it hit me in the gut that much harder. If you enjoy war movies, conspiracy movies, or even dramas, The Last Full Measure is sure to suck you in. I found myself on the edge of my seat rooting for wrongs to be righted. And I think you will too.
This movie starts off with Scott Huffman, who is played by Sebastian Stan being tasked with the investigation of a Congressional Medal of Honor request. The request is for an Air Force Pararescueman medic named William Pitsenbarger.
Brings The Horrors Of War & PTSD To Light
While conducting interviews for the Medal of Honor request, Huffman meets a lot of men who served in the Vietnam war with Pitsenbarger. Some of the these men are dealing with severe PTSD. One of them will only sleep during the day, because he is terrified of the night. His wife, who was a nurse and met him while taking care of him, says that “every day he has the courage not to stick a gun in his mouth.”
Another, played by Samuel L. Jackson, discusses how he was welcomed home from war – or rather, how poorly he was treated when he got home. He goes so far as to say “I was a refuge in my own country, and that hurt a hell of a lot more than these bullet wounds.”
The Last Measure made me feel for these men. My husband is a veteran of war so it is a subject that hits really close to home for me. But the soldiers that returned from the Vietnam War had is so much worse, and this was an up close look at it. Knowing this story is based on a true story? Well that just made it even harder to swallow.
Why The R Rating?
Unfortunately this movie earns it’s R rating. I don’t mind an R-rated movie, however I know some people do. And I only say unfortunately because I wish more people could see this movie. There is strong language and violence. It is a war movie after all.
There is blood and even intestines — yes, it is gory. Personally, I love that stuff so it didn’t bother me one bit. But if you are sensative to it, be aware. It doesn’t take away from the story itself, in fact it adds to it.
Based On A True Story
The Last Full Measure is based on a true story. Pitsenbarger is a real man. A real soldier. Who gave up his spot to get out a war zone, and ended up making the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. The bravery that man had puts a lot of others to shame. I love that this is a true story, and that I now know about him and his sacrifice.
Overall Thoughts
War movies are some of my favorite movies (Platoon is at the top of my list!), but The Last Full Measure takes war films to a whole new level. Not only is it filled with heart and a close up look at the horrors on and off the field, it is a movie that is going to make you feel something. If you are like me, you will love the action, feel sad for the men, and angry – so very angry – when a high-level conspiracy is uncovered.
I don’t want to get deep into spoilers but once Huffman discovers the conspiracy, this movie really gets good. Trust me you will be glued to your television screen to find out how it ends. Sure there is some gore, and definitely some language, but the story that viewers are being told is engaging and exciting.
This isn’t just another war movie. It is so much more than that, and a must see!
About The Last Full Measure
THE LAST FULL MEASURE tells the true story of Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger, a U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen medic who personally saved over sixty men. During a rescue mission on April 11, 1966, he was offered the chance to escape on the last helicopter out of a combat zone heavily under fire, but he stayed behind to save and defend the lives of his fellow soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, before making the ultimate sacrifice in the bloodiest battle of the war.
Thirty-two years later, respected Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman on a career fast-track is tasked with investigating a Congressional Medal of Honor request for Pitsenbarger made by his best friend and PJ partner on the mission (William Hurt) and his parents. Huffman seeks out the testimony of Army veterans who witnessed Pitsenbarger’s extraordinary valor, including Takoda, Burr and Mott .
But as Huffman learns more about Pitsenbarger’s courageous acts, he uncovers a high-level conspiracy behind the decades-long denial of the medal, prompting him to put his own career on the line to seek justice for the fallen airman.
Available on Digital and Available on Blu-ray on 4/21
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.