The Last Full Measure is a gripping tale that will leave you breathless, your heart pounding with every scene. This 2019 American war drama film, written and directed by Todd Robinson, takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as it unravels the untold story of one man's extraordinary sacrifice.
Prepare to be captivated by the sheer power of this film, as it delves deep into the complexities of war, honor, and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood.
Brace yourself for a journey that will challenge your beliefs, stir your emotions, and ultimately leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Get ready to experience the last full measure of courage, as this movie takes you on a heart-wrenching journey that you won't soon forget.

Synopsis
In "The Last Full Measure," prepare to be captivated by the incredible true story of William Pitsenbarger, a Vietnam War hero who went above and beyond the call of duty. As a U.S Air Force Pararescueman, Pitsenbarger saved the lives of over 60 men during the war, displaying unparalleled bravery and selflessness.
The film takes us back to April 11, 1966, during a treacherous rescue mission. Pitsenbarger, known as Pits, made a fateful decision that would change everything. Despite the danger and against the wishes of his team, he left the safety of his helicopter to aid wounded soldiers under heavy fire.
His actions saved countless lives, but tragically, he sacrificed his own in the process.
Fast forward 32 years, and we meet Scott Huffman, a Pentagon staffer on a promising career path. Reluctantly, he is assigned the task of investigating a posthumous Medal of Honor request for Pitsenbarger.
As Huffman delves deeper into the story, he uncovers a shocking conspiracy that spans decades.
The Air Force had never put forth the names of enlisted personnel for the Medal of Honor, leaving Pitsenbarger unrecognized for his extraordinary valor.
Huffman's pursuit of justice puts his own career at risk and threatens to expose a former commanding officer, now a powerful senator seeking reelection. With the odds stacked against him, Huffman must navigate political infighting and public scrutiny to ensure Pitsenbarger's sacrifice is finally acknowledged.
As the film reaches its climax, the tension rises. A Senate effort to award the medal fails, but Huffman refuses to give up. He takes the story public, and through sheer determination, the Medal of Honor is awarded to Pitsenbarger by presidential decree.
The emotional journey doesn't end there, as Pitsenbarger's comrades find the courage to confront their own demons and honor his memory.
In a poignant and powerful ceremony, Pitsenbarger's parents, who are battling their own struggles, witness their son's bravery being recognized. The Air Force Secretary presents them with the medal, acknowledging the impact Pitsenbarger had on the lives of everyone in attendance.
It is a testament to the incredible power of one person's actions.
"The Last Full Measure" is a gripping war drama that will leave you inspired and in awe of the sacrifices made by our military heroes. It sheds light on a forgotten chapter in history and reminds us of the immense courage and selflessness that can exist in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Don't miss this extraordinary tale of honor, duty, and the enduring legacy of one remarkable individual.

Chapters
- The Last Full Measure: A War Drama
- The Story and Cast
- The Importance of Recognizing Heroism
- The Realities of War
- Notable Performances and Standout Scenes
- Critical Reviews and Audience Reactions
- The Campaign for Recognition
The Last Full Measure: A War Drama
The Last Full Measure is a 2019 American war drama film that centers on the true story of Vietnam War hero William Pitsenbarger, a US Air Force Pararescueman who personally saved over 60 men. The film follows the efforts of fictional Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman and many veterans to see the Medal of Honor awarded to Pitsenbarger.
The movie is based on true events and stars Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L.
Jackson, Jeremy Irvine, and Peter Fonda.
The Story and Cast
The film "The Last Full Measure" was written and directed by Todd Robinson. It is based on the true story of William Pitsenbarger, a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew in helicopter rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots.
The movie follows the efforts of fictional Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman and many veterans to see the Medal of Honor awarded to Pitsenbarger.
The cast includes Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L.
Jackson, Jeremy Irvine, and Peter Fonda.
The movie was the final film appearance of Fonda, who died before the film's release, and Plummer's final on-screen appearance before his death in 2021.
The Importance of Recognizing Heroism
The central theme of the movie is the importance of recognizing and honoring acts of heroism and sacrifice, even if they occurred many years ago. The film highlights the emotional toll that war takes on soldiers and their families, and the difficulty of coming to terms with the loss of loved ones.
It also emphasizes the power of human connection and the impact that one person's actions can have on the lives of many others.
While some reviewers criticized the movie for being overly sentimental or contrived, others praised its portrayal of Pitsenbarger's heroism and the emotional impact of his story. Overall, The Last Full Measure is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers, and a reminder of the importance of recognizing their contributions to our country's history.
The Realities of War
The film "The Last Full Measure" portrays the realities of war by telling the true story of William Pitsenbarger, an Air Force Airman who sacrificed his life during the Vietnam War. The movie highlights themes of sacrifice, honor, and courage.
It showcases the exceptional bravery and sacrifice of Pitsenbarger, who risked his life to save others.
It includes scenes depicting the intensity and chaos of war, providing a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the battlefield.
The film also explores the emotional toll of war on both the soldiers and their families, portraying the grief and loss experienced by those left behind.
Notable Performances and Standout Scenes
There are several notable performances and standout scenes in "The Last Full Measure" (2020). The cast is considered a standout feature of the movie, with Sebastian Stan giving a great lead performance and Christopher Plummer, Samuel L.
Jackson, Ed Harris, and William Hurt all giving amazing supporting performances.
Christopher Plummer's final performance is also noteworthy.
The older actors in the cast are said to "tear into some red-meat scenes".
While the film is not without its flaws, the performances of the cast are considered the movie's saving grace.
Critical Reviews and Audience Reactions
The Last Full Measure is a war drama based on the true story of a young soldier's exceptional bravery and sacrifice. The critical reception to The Last Full Measure is mixed, with some reviewers praising the performances and the true story it is based on, while others criticize the movie for being clumsy and insubstantial. Roger Ebert's review describes the movie as a "well-intentioned but clumsy and overlong tribute" to the soldier. Rotten Tomatoes gives the movie a 63% approval rating based on 60 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10. The Guardian's review calls the movie "half-hearted" and "insubstantial" despite the compelling true story it is based on. IMDb user reviews are mixed, with some praising the movie as a "compelling story" and others criticizing it for taking a "generic and familiar approach" to the story. The New York Times review praises the performances of the cast, particularly William Hurt, Christopher Plummer, and Diane Ladd, but notes that the movie is "overlong" and "clunky".
The Campaign for Recognition
The Last Full Measure is a movie that pays tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers, particularly Air Force pararescue medic William Pitsenbarger, who died in the Vietnam War. The film depicts the long quest to award Pitsenbarger the Medal of Honor 34 years after his death.
The movie is an inspiring story of sacrifice, honor, courage, and doing the right thing.
It portrays the healing process for the veterans and Pitsenbarger's parents as they pursue recognition for their friend, son, and hero.
The movie reveals the deep shame and trauma veterans contend with as survivors who did their best in a war that was deeply unpopular.
The flashbacks in the movie are harried, and the gravity of Pitsenbarger's actions could have landed more fully with the audience.
The movie is a full-throated, misty-eyed celebration of heroism and sacrifice.
Unlike the stereotypical Vietnam movie, "The Last Full Measure" brims with hope and meaning amid its story of sacrifice.
Discussion topics


Concluding thoughts and considerations
The Last Full Measure is a movie that will leave you questioning the very essence of heroism and sacrifice. It tells the incredible true story of William Pitsenbarger, a courageous Air Force medic who saved countless lives during the Vietnam War. But what sets this film apart is not just its portrayal of bravery, but its exploration of the aftermath and the impact it has on those left behind.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Scott Huffman, a Pentagon staffer tasked with investigating Pitsenbarger's case for a Medal of Honor. At first, it seems like a routine assignment, but as Huffman delves deeper into the lives of the men who served alongside Pitsenbarger, he begins to uncover a web of guilt, regret, and unanswered questions.
What struck me most about this film is its ability to capture the complexity of human emotions. It doesn't shy away from the messy reality of war and the toll it takes on both the soldiers and their loved ones. We see the pain etched on the faces of the veterans as they recount their experiences, haunted by the memories that refuse to fade away. It's a stark reminder that heroism often comes at a great cost.
But what truly sets The Last Full Measure apart is its exploration of the power of forgiveness and redemption. As Huffman digs deeper, he realizes that the Medal of Honor is not just about honoring Pitsenbarger's bravery, but about giving closure to those who have carried the weight of their actions for far too long. It's a powerful message that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for healing and growth.
In the end, The Last Full Measure is not just a war movie, but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. Are we living up to our full potential? Are we making a difference in the lives of others? These are the questions that linger long after the credits roll.
So, as you watch this film, let it serve as a reminder that heroism is not just about the battles fought on the front lines, but about the battles fought within ourselves. It's about finding the strength to confront our past, to seek forgiveness, and to strive for a better future. And perhaps, in doing so, we can all become heroes in our own right.
The Last Full Measure Official Trailer
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Links and references
The Last Full Measure explained / Understanding the ending and story - AC1 2020
The Last Full Measure / Alternative ending - AC1 2020
The Untold Heroism: A Gripping Tale of Sacrifice and Valor - AC1 2020
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