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The Last Full Measure 2020

A young Pentagon staffer investigates the story of William H. Pitsenbarger, a Vietnam War medic who selflessly saved over sixty soldiers before losing his own life. While researching his actions, the staffer uncovers a decades-old effort to suppress Pitsenbarger's heroism and award him the Medal of Honor. As he digs deeper into the truth, he confronts a conspiracy that seeks to erase this American hero's extraordinary sacrifice from the historical record.

A young Pentagon staffer investigates the story of William H. Pitsenbarger, a Vietnam War medic who selflessly saved over sixty soldiers before losing his own life. While researching his actions, the staffer uncovers a decades-old effort to suppress Pitsenbarger's heroism and award him the Medal of Honor. As he digs deeper into the truth, he confronts a conspiracy that seeks to erase this American hero's extraordinary sacrifice from the historical record.

Does The Last Full Measure have end credit scenes?

No!

The Last Full Measure does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Ratings and Reviews for The Last Full Measure

See how The Last Full Measure is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Last Full Measure stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

64

The Last Full Measure presents a thoughtful account of valor but is hindered by uneven execution. Reviewers acknowledged its sincere intentions and occasional stirring battle sequences, yet frequently criticized its uninspired pacing and generic visual presentation. Performances by a veteran ensemble earn consistent praise even as the screenplay falters in maintaining narrative momentum. The result is a film with meaningful moments that struggles to sustain engagement throughout.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Last Full Measure

70
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film offers some well-executed battle sequences and sincere direction but often relies on conventional visual choices. The cinematography is serviceable yet lacks a distinctive palette, and editing rhythms outside the action scenes contribute to a bland aesthetic. Despite competent framing in key sequences, the overall presentation feels muted and rarely capitalizes on its potential for visual innovation.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from a seasoned ensemble whose performances frequently anchor the narrative. Monologues delivered by veteran actors provide sincerity and depth, and moments of emotional resonance arise in depictions of personal sacrifice. However, several supporting roles remain underdeveloped, and some portrayals feel one-dimensional, limiting the lasting connection with certain characters. The mix yields strong individual performances amid variable character depth.

55
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the narrative presents a poignant true account of bravery but struggles with pacing and structural coherence. Acts of sacrifice are depicted with emotional weight, yet the screenplay often resorts to procedural exposition that disrupts momentum. Critics noted creaky plot mechanics and a tendency toward melodrama, while admirers found moments of genuine engagement. Overall, the story delivers meaningful content unevenly across its runtime.

65
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When evaluating the sensory experience, the film features dynamic sound design and an impactful score during key battle scenes. Visual and auditory elements heighten moments of tension, yet many sequences rely on standard shot-reverse-shot conventions and lack a cohesive tonal palette. Some viewers praised the immersive audio cues, while others found the presentation muted outside of action set pieces. The result is a serviceable but intermittently striking sensory landscape.

50
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When considering the rewatch factor, the film offers pockets of strong emotional resonance that may appeal on subsequent viewings. The ensemble performances and select battle scenes provide memorable elements, yet uneven pacing and procedural passages can diminish repeat engagement. Viewers seeking a reflective account of sacrifice might revisit its earnest moments, but structural inconsistencies undercut lasting appeal. Overall, commendable sequences are tempered by mixed replay appeal.

Metacritic

51

Metascore

6.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

62%

TOMATOMETER

review

96%

User Score

TMDB

73

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.1

From 14 fan ratings

Movie Insider

4.35/5

From 26 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Last Full Measure Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Last Full Measure with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Last Full Measure Quiz: Test your knowledge about the heroic story of William H. Pitsenbarger and the events surrounding his posthumous Medal of Honor.

What branch of the military did William H. Pitsenbarger serve in?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Last Full Measure

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Read the complete plot summary of The Last Full Measure, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


At the core of The Last Full Measure is the remarkable story of William H. Pitsenbarger, a courageous U.S. Air Force Pararescueman who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. On the fateful day of April 11, 1966, known as Pits by his friends, he made a daring choice to leave the safety of his helicopter amidst fierce enemy fire to aid wounded soldiers, despite the hesitations of his comrades. His altruistic actions saved numerous lives, and when the order came for the last helicopter to depart, Pitsenbarger chose to stay behind, ultimately sacrificing his life for the men of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

Fast forward thirty-two years, we meet Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan), a diligent Pentagon staff member who is unexpectedly assigned the responsibility of investigating a Medal of Honor request for Pitsenbarger, put forth by his parents and Tom Tulley (William Hurt), a fellow Pararescueman who served alongside him. As Huffman begins to unravel the layers of this hero’s legacy, he encounters a shocking revelation: for decades, the Air Force had neglectfully failed to submit the names of brave enlisted personnel for consideration of this esteemed medal, despite Pitsenbarger’s gallant death in 1966.

Inspired by Pitsenbarger’s extraordinary bravery and his strong desire to shed light on such a significant narrative, Huffman takes a risky path that could jeopardize his career and strain his relationship with the company’s ex-commanding officer—now a U.S. senator aiming for reelection. When the Senate’s refusal to grant the medal is entangled in unrelated political disputes, Huffman bravely decides to share Pitsenbarger’s story with the public.

Ultimately, Pitsenbarger is awarded the Medal of Honor through a presidential decree. In a heartfelt moment before the award ceremony, Ray Mott (Ed Harris) finds the strength to deliver Pitsenbarger’s poignant final letter to his former love. As the ceremony unfolds, Pitsenbarger’s parents, who are dealing with their own loss as their son faces terminal cancer, stand alongside the soldiers whose lives were deeply affected by Pitsenbarger’s selfless deeds. The Air Force Secretary presents the medal to his parents, acknowledging the profound effect of Pitsenbarger’s heroism. The narrative concludes with a somber reflection that, as of 2019, only three enlisted Airmen have received the Medal of Honor among millions of U.S. military personnel.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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The Last Full Measure Official Trailer | Roadside Attractions

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