William Pitsenbarger died in Vietnam saving many lives during one of the most deadly fights of that infamous war. This heroic gesture was never recognised by the US government. More than thirty years later Tom Tulley, Pitsenbarger’s former fellow soldier, wanted this injustice to be fixed. Tulley convinced the Pentagon to open an investigation led by the young and ambitious Scott Huffman. Huffman was a civilian and did not understand his mission’s importance. But everything became crystal clear to him thanks to the testimonies of those still alive thanks to Pitsenbarger .
The American film industry has this incredible ability to turn into epic even minor events. This creative process is mainly necessary because of the limited capacity of stories that American history can tap into. This talent has been sharpened by industry and authors through the years.
The Last Full Measure is based on a true story, and it’s an incredibly classic movie that praises the founding values of the American nation from family to faith. These values are the engine of heroic gestures that never end in themselves but change many people’s lives.
The Last Full Measure is the kind of morality play that is hard to say no and the outstanding cast is the proof. Sebastian “Winter Soldier” Stan is the ambitious Scott Huffman that during his investigation meets William Hurt, Christopher Plummer, Ed Harris, Samuel Jackson, Amy Madigan, Diane Ladd and even Peter Fonda in his last and very touching role. Production values for the movie also lightly criticize the State of the Union and its tricky games.
The Last Full Measure has too complex and rhetorical storytelling, an unbalanced rhythm, and a little blackmailing. But it is also very emotional and tells the story of an invisible hero; both things are appreciable most of the time.