The Last Full Measure
War hero's sacrifice investigated posthumously for Medal Honor
About The Last Full Measure
Released: 2019
Platform: Hulu
Rating: R
Run time: 1h 56m
Cast
Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson
About The Last Full Measure
The Last Full Measure, released in 2019, is a moving war drama directed by Todd Robinson. The film unravels the true story of William H. Pitsenbarger, a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman who saved over 60 men in the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division during a devastating battle in the Vietnam War. Despite the opportunity to escape, he stayed behind to save more soldiers, eventually sacrificing his life for their survival.
Making / Production
The film's production was headed by Sydney Sherman, Shaun Sanghani, Julian Adams, Michael Bassick, and Timothy Scott Bogart. The narrative and screenplay got attention to detail right, ensuring to create an authentic recreation of the events. The production house worked closely with veterans and officials to accurately depict the Vietnam War scenario and the subsequent bureaucratic struggles in seeking recognition for Pitsenbarger's sacrifice.
Actors
- Sebastian Stan as Scott Huffman - The Winter Soldier star effortlessly portrays the Pentagon staffer, diligently investigating the decades-old request to award Pitsenbarger the Medal of Honor.
- Christopher Plummer as Frank Pitsenbarger - Playing William Pitsenbarger's father, Plummer provides a deeply touching portrayal of a heartbroken parent seeking recognition for his son's sacrifice.
- William Hurt as TJ Sekulow - Hurt brilliantly plays a Vietnam veteran, deeply involved in the fight for Pitsenbarger's Medal of Honor recognition.
- Jeremy Irvine as William H. Pitsenbarger - Irvine embodies the valor and selflessness of Pitsenbarger, portraying the role with admirable conviction.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- Despite its 2019 release, the film's principal photography actually began in Atlanta, Georgia in 2017.
- The movie highlights one of the highest military distinctions – the Medal of Honor – that only 3500 soldiers have received in U.S. history.
- The role of William H. Pitsenbarger marked the first American role for British actor Jeremy Irvine.
Awards
The film received two nominations for the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the 2021 Movies for Grownups Awards.
Quotes
- "Our Greatest Generation met its match with Pits."
- "There is no greater love than a man who lays down his life for his friends."
- "What matters most is how you walked through the fire."
Music, Soundtrack
- "The Last Full Measure Theme" by Philip Klein
- "A1C Pitsenbarger" by Philip Klein
- "Take Off" by Philip Klein
- "Operation Abilene" by Philip Klein
About The Last Full Measure
The Last Full Measure portrays a Pentagon staffer's fight to honor a Vietnam War hero posthumously with the Medal of Honor