In 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... (Full plot summary below)
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In 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?
Leave your thoughts about The Last Full Measure.
| Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperThere’s hardly a moment in this film that doesn’t feature at least one great actor in top form. |
| ObserverRex ReedIt’s rare to see a war film you can truthfully label poignant, but The Last Full Measure combines the heart-pounding excitement of "1917" with the urgent, deeply moving emotional honesty of "Saving Private Ryan" to tell a heroic but somehow overlooked story of courage under fire that now emerges as one of the most valuable chapters to emerge from the debacle of Vietnam. |
| The Associated PressMark KennedyDespite its flaws, this movie reminds us all of the sacrifices made by soldiers and to be mindful of how we treat them when they come home. |
| RogerEbert.comOdie HendersonThese ideas are presented by a cast of well-seasoned actors who help the film survive its occasionally clunky dialogue. In fact, one of the film’s bigger pleasures is listening to these thespians plow through their numerous monologues. Their performances are the film's saving grace. |
| The Film StageJared MobarakThere are no sides when it comes to appreciating soldiers like William Pitsenbarger—only awe. Rather than epitomize a great military man, he exemplifies what it is to be a great human being. That’s why his story can change the priorities of a man like Huffman and why those he barely knew can dedicate their lives to his honor. |
| Original-CinKim HughesThe Last Full Measure stands as a fascinating document of how truly messed up every aspect of the Vietnam War was. It’s also a touching if occasionally syrupy rumination on the nature and provenance of valor. |
| The GuardianCath ClarkeHere’s a true story about a young soldier’s exceptional bravery and sacrifice made into a pretty average war movie, insubstantial and TV-ish despite the appearance of some decorated Hollywood veterans. |
| The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Aparita BhandariThe stellar cast manages to dignify some of it. And it’s the grizzled war veterans’ experiences that stay with you afterwards, the personal demons they keep on fighting. |
| Chicago TribuneKatie WalshWhat The Last Full Measure demonstrates is how powerful it can be to shed light on these experiences, through testimony, bearing witness and yes, ceremonial recognition. |
| The New York TimesGlenn KennyThe movie is written and directed, with undeniable sincerity, by Todd Robinson. While its story mechanics are creaky, the valor of Pitsenbarger is evoked cogently, in well-executed battle sequences |
