SPOILERS FREE
If Lone Survivor could be called the realistic war movie set in modern day, then this is probably the most realistic and graphic World War ll film since Saving Private Ryan. What it sets out to do is not to portray it's lead characters as true heroes, they are far from it. But what it does set out to do is to show people the intensity and exhaustion American soldiers had in one of the final epic battles of World War ll against the Germans. Fury is brutal and doesn't hold back in its representation of war. It is powered by the strong performances of two key actors. Brad Pitt as Sargeant Wardaddy and Logan Lerman as Norman Ellison, both playing two men who not only fight against the Nazis but have opposing views on how to handle the situation morally. Brad Pitt plays a more serious role in this movie than he did in Inglorious Bastards, he is actually very powerful here. The supporting cast of Michael Pena, Jon Bernthal, Shia Labeouf, and Jason Isaacs all prove to be very effective and help drive home the realism of the story. The plot of the film sets the timeline in April 1945, when Nazi Germany was on the brink of losing the war. As the allies make their final push in the European Theater, Sargeant Wardaddy, commanding a Sherman tank with his crew of five, go on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. During the process, they receive a rookie soldier named Ellison, as a replacement for their original gunner. The rookie proves to be inexperienced in combat, and is looked down upon by the troops. The Sargeant and his men face overwhelming odds in their attempts to strike the core of Nazi Germany. The rookie in this film is the key character, because he allows the audience to see how the war has taken toll on the soldiers. They are unhappy, tired, exhausted, and in some ways lost the meaning of right and wrong. They may be heroes to their peers, but the audience see's them as being very flawed individuals that are hardly deserving of the title. One of the film's most powerful moments is when Wardaddy and Ellison invade the home of a German woman and her daughter. The two men lock down their apartment and have a simple conversation with the two girls as they are treated to their hospitality. Ellison ends up playing the piano and the girl sings during his playing, making them build an emotional connection towards each other. It shows a moment of pure innocence in all the battle and chaos, and the idea that romance in war can happen unexpectedly. The audience also grows to like Ellison as a character fondly, because he embodies the traits of not just a great soldier, but a true human being. The violence is graphic and brutal where it needs to be, with the majority of the action taking place in the allies tank. In the days where Hollywood performs massive acts of censorship, it's good to see filmmakers out there who don't hold back in the action department in their quest to tell a good story.
Fury is well-acted, well written, expertly directed, and carries with it a great message about war. It also provides a more personal insight into the mentality of the soldiers during this era. David Ayer creates a dark and gloomy atmosphere that fits the tone of the film perfectly. Each character is fleshed out beautifully in Ayer's screenplay. The audience gets just enough information and interaction with the crew to get acquainted with them and their personalities. You either like or dislike them with no middle ground. It's battle scenes are stunning and the film carries with it a raw depiction of the horrors of war. If there's any flaws that this film has, maybe it's that it could've shown more of these men leading up to the climatic final battle. Like let's see them performing more good deeds and the neverending war taking it's toll on their morale so the audience can better understand their actions in the film. These are not great men by any means, but their actions in the finale of the film make them redeemable and to a certain extent, heroic. The movie makes a great point by stating that just because one is on the allied side,doesn't necessarily mean they are a good person. Fury gets two big thumbs up and a recommendation of being a must see film. Here's hoping it will make it on the top 10 Best Picture list at this year's academy awards. Gone Girl has some competition now apparently. Brad Pitt and director David Ayer hit one out of the ballpark with this film. Bravo
8.5/10
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