What Is The Great War About?
The premise of The Great War in 281 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the waning hours of World War I, the battle‑scarred fields of the Western Front become a stark canvas for a desperate, off‑screen struggle. Amid the looming cease‑fire, a lone contingent of African‑American Buffalo Soldiers finds itself cut off behind enemy lines, cut off from supplies and contact. The film breathes a hushed, wintry atmosphere, where mud‑slicked trenches and the distant rumble of artillery underscore a world on the brink of peace yet still mired in violence. The tone is a blend of gritty realism and quiet reverence, letting the stark beauty of the devastated landscape speak as loudly as any dialogue.
Into this tense tableau steps Captain William Rivers, a seasoned white officer tasked with a seemingly impossible rescue. Rivers carries the weight of his command and the unspoken prejudices of his era, yet his sense of duty pushes him toward an uneasy partnership with the isolated colored unit. Alongside him, Private Cardinni and Pvt. John Cain emerge as representatives of the soldiers whose fates hinge on this fragile alliance. Their interactions are marked by cautious respect, shared hardship, and the subtle heat of cultural tension that crackles beneath the cold war‑time air.
Behind the scenes, higher‑ranking figures such as Colonel Jack Morrison and General Pershing orbit the mission, their decisions reflecting broader political pressures and a desire to prove loyalty to all who serve. A modest Red Cross nurse named Mary appears briefly, embodying the fleeting humanity that surfaces amid the chaos. Together, these characters set the stage for a story that explores courage, camaraderie, and the quiet heroism that can arise when disparate lives converge on a single, perilous purpose—long before the final gunshots echo across the horizon.
What Happens in The Great War?
The complete story of The Great War, from the first scene to the last, in 656 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 12 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
During the final days of the Great War (July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918), a group of U.S. soldiers embarks on a perilous mission behind enemy lines to rescue a stranded platoon. Just hours before the ceasefire, commanders from both sides persist in launching assaults to secure territory. Captain William Rivers (Bates Wilder), a U.S. Army officer, leads one such ill-fated advance against the German defenses, resulting in catastrophic losses for his entire unit, leaving only a handful of survivors.
In an effort to reclaim some ground, Rivers enlists the help of Private Cardinni (Edgar Damatian) and Pinchelli (Judah McFadden) to outflank the German trenches and eliminate their troops and machine-gun positions. However, this slight tactical gain comes at a tremendous cost. During their confrontation, Rivers’s team encounters some black soldiers, only to learn they face a dire situation as they find themselves stranded far behind enemy lines, their supply routes severed.
This alarming intelligence—that a unit of colored soldiers is isolated and vulnerable—reaches Colonel Jack Morrison (Billy Zane) at U.S. Army HQ in Chaumont on November 9th. He brings the matter to the attention of General Pershing (Ron Perlman), who fears that the colored unit will soon be overwhelmed by German forces eager to reclaim their lost positions prior to the ceasefire. Intent on demonstrating his support for black soldiers, Pershing authorizes a rescue mission.
Reluctantly, Rivers receives orders to lead his platoon on this mission. Despite the prevailing racial tensions within his unit, he assembles a small team consisting of Cardinni, Pinchelli, Corporal Anson Kirby (Andrew Stecker), and O’Malley (Cody Fleury). Notably, Jenkins (Eric M. Johnson), a colored radioman from Rivers’s battalion, volunteers to join the rescue effort. Meanwhile, Captain Hooker (Wade Everett), the battalion’s commanding officer, exhibits his disdain for black soldiers and attempts to dissuade Rivers from proceeding with the mission. In a twist, Pvt. John Cain (Hiram A. Murray), another black soldier, is reassigned to Rivers’s unit as his runner.
As they venture towards the colored unit’s last known position, Rivers and Cain encounter Mary (Jordan McFadden), a Red Cross nurse, who guides them to some wounded soldiers from the same unit. Joseph Le’Fluer (Leonard Searcy) informs them that the remaining men are entrenched atop Hill 473. On their journey, they link up with Captain A.J. Stevens (Jeremy Michael Pereira), who warns that the Germans have been mobilizing artillery and three battalions in front of the hill, suggesting that the attackers might seize the position before the war concludes.
As the mission progresses, tragedy strikes when a stray grenade kills Pinchelli, igniting discontent among the men who question the value of risking lives to save what they perceive as “niggers.” Standing firm, Rivers asserts his commitment to carry out the orders but refuses to force his men to comply. Despite their protests, the unit begrudgingly continues on their path.
Upon locating the colored unit, Rivers communicates with СО Sgt. Perry to relay his orders for their extraction. However, Perry and his men are determined to defend the hill, which they have valiantly held at great cost, losing 27 comrades in the process. Rivers warns them of the imminent German assault and their growing desperation to reclaim the hill. Ultimately, Rivers persuades his men to stay and protect the position, hoping to rescue their colored counterparts and fulfill their mission.
In a dramatic turn, Rivers formulates a defense strategy against the looming German forces. When a German captain approaches with a demand for surrender, Rivers resolutely declines. The German officer informs him that their offensive will begin at dawn, giving Rivers the opportunity for a surprise counterattack that evening, catching the Germans off guard.
Although the U.S. troops inflict severe casualties on the enemy, they quickly deplete their ammunition reserves in the fierce battle that ensues. Tragically, Rivers succumbs to his wounds but manages to hold the hill until 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, marking the end of the war.
The Great War Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Great War Begins” to “The End of the War”.
- 1
The Great War Begins
The Great War, also known as World War I, officially starts on July 28, 1914. This monumental conflict brings unprecedented devastation and sets the stage for intense global warfare.
When:July 28, 1914
- 2
U.S. Soldiers Embark on a Mission
As the war reaches its final days, a group of U.S. soldiers embarks on a perilous mission behind enemy lines. Their objective is to rescue a stranded platoon that is cut off and vulnerable amidst the chaos of battle.
- 3
Captain Rivers Leads an Assault
Captain William Rivers leads an ill-fated assault against German defenses. The attack results in catastrophic losses for his unit, leaving only a handful of survivors to carry on the mission.
- 4
Rivers Enlists His Team
In a strategic effort to reclaim some ground, Rivers assembles a small team including Private Cardinni and Pinchelli. Although they manage a minor tactical gain, the cost in lives is significant.
- 5
Discovery of Isolated Colored Unit
Rivers's team encounters a group of black soldiers who are stranded behind enemy lines. This alarming situation triggers concerns about the vulnerability of the colored unit facing an overwhelming German force.
- 6
Colonel Morrison Receives Intelligence
On November 9th, Colonel Jack Morrison at U.S. Army HQ learns of the isolated colored unit's plight. He promptly informs General Pershing, who fears for their safety as the war draws to a close.
When:November 9 Where:Chaumont
- 7
Authorization of the Rescue Mission
General Pershing decides to launch a rescue mission to support the vulnerable colored soldiers. He instructs Rivers to lead the operation despite the racial tensions that may erupt within his unit.
- 8
Rivers Assembles His Crew
Gathering his team, Rivers includes Cardinni, Pinchelli, and new volunteers like Jenkins, a colored radioman. Contrastingly, Captain Hooker expresses disdain for the mission, leading to further tensions.
- 9
Encounter with the Red Cross Nurse
Rivers and his team meet Mary, a Red Cross nurse, on their way to locate the colored unit. She provides essential information about the wounded soldiers and guides them toward Hill 473.
- 10
Warning of German Mobilization
Upon linking up with Captain A.J. Stevens, Rivers receives grave news that the Germans are gathering artillery and battalions near Hill 473. This jeopardizes the colored unit's defense as the ceasefire approaches.
Show the other 5 events of The Great War Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Losses and Descent into Chaos
Tragedy strikes when a grenade kills Pinchelli, leading to rising frustrations within Rivers’s team. Despite the hostility and reluctance, Rivers insists on proceeding with the mission to save the colored soldiers.
- 12
Contact with Sgt. Perry
Upon finding the colored unit, Rivers attempts to relay extraction orders through Sgt. Perry. However, Perry and his men refuse to abandon their hard-won position on Hill 473, risking further dangers.
- 13
Preparations for Defense
Faced with impending German forces, Rivers devises a strategy to defend Hill 473. The unit steels itself for battle, determined to hold the position and support their comrades against overwhelming odds.
- 14
The Battle Commences
As dawn approaches, the German captain demands surrender from Rivers, who resolutely declines. The U.S. troops launch a surprise counterattack that inflicts substantial casualties on the enemy.
- 15
The End of the War
Despite their courageous stand, Rivers succumbs to his wounds in the ensuing battle, yet his unit manages to hold Hill 473 until 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I.
When:November 11
Who Are the Main Characters in The Great War?
6 characters, among them Gen. Pershing, Capt. William Rivers and Col. Jack Morrison: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Gen. Pershing
Played by Ron Perlman
General Pershing is a dedicated leader who demonstrates a commitment to the principles of equality within the armed forces. His decision to authorize a rescue mission for the isolated colored soldiers highlights his belief in supporting all troops, regardless of race.
- 🎖️ Leadership
- 🕊️ Equality
-
Capt. William Rivers
Played by Bates Wilder
Captain Rivers is a determined and resilient officer who grapples with the complexities of leadership amid a racially charged environment. His dedication to his mission and the safety of his soldiers showcases his noble character, despite facing resentment and doubt from his own men.
- 🛡️ Heroism
- 🧭 Duty
-
Col. Jack Morrison
Played by Billy Zane
Colonel Morrison is an astute strategist aware of the dangers facing his troops, particularly the colored soldiers stranded behind enemy lines. His actions reflect both the urgency of the situation and the evolving attitudes towards race within the military.
- 📊 Strategy
- 🪖 Command
- PC
Pvt. Cardinni
Played by Edgar Damatian
Private Cardinni is a brave soldier who joins Rivers on the perilous rescue mission. His character embodies loyalty and courage, showcasing the camaraderie that bonds soldiers together, irrespective of their backgrounds.
- 🪖 Comrade
- 🚀 Brave
- PP
Pvt. Pinchelli
Played by Judah McFadden
Private Pinchelli is a member of Rivers's platoon who faces the grim realities of war. His fate serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict, fueling further tension among the men.
- 💔 Sacrifice
- ⚔️ Valor
- M
Mary
Played by Jordan McFadden
Mary is a compassionate Red Cross nurse committed to helping the wounded. Her presence serves as a beacon of hope and humanity amid the chaos, emphasizing the role of caregivers during wartime.
- ❤️ Compassion
- 🏥 Caregiver
Where and When Is The Great War Set?
The Great War is set in Chaumont and Hill 473 (November 1918). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
November 1918
The movie is set during the final days of World War I, just before the ceasefire on November 11, 1918. This period is marked by intense fighting as soldiers strive to secure territory and rescue their comrades, reflecting the desperation and chaos of war's concluding moments.
Where
Chaumont, Hill 473
Chaumont serves as the operational headquarters for the U.S. Army during the Great War, where crucial decisions are made regarding troop deployments. Hill 473 is a significant strategic position that becomes the focal point of conflict, where the desperate stand of soldiers unfolds against overwhelming odds.
- 🗺️ Locations
- ⚔️ Battlefields
What Are the Themes of The Great War?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Courage, Racial Tensions and Sacrifice.
-
01
Courage
The theme of courage is central to the story as the characters face overwhelming adversity and the reality of war. Captain Rivers and his men demonstrate remarkable bravery as they undertake a dangerous mission behind enemy lines, highlighting their commitment to their duty and each other.
-
02
Racial Tensions
Racial tensions play a significant role in the narrative, reflecting the struggles faced by black soldiers in a segregated military. The film explores themes of prejudice and unity as Rivers confronts the biases within his own unit while championing the cause to save the isolated colored soldiers.
-
03
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a recurring theme, illustrating the heavy toll of war on soldiers. The characters face difficult choices, and as lives are lost, the film poignantly conveys the harsh realities of conflict and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
What Kind of Film Is The Great War?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and gritty war drama that creates a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere, focusing on the grim realities of combat and the fragile bonds of camaraderie forged under extreme pressure, culminating in a tragic yet heroic sacrifice.
- tense
- gritty
- claustrophobic
- tragic
- heroic
- melancholic
- racial tension
- military camaraderie
- war survival
- sacrifice
Content notes: war violence, combat death, racial slurs, racism.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Great War? Test yourself on the story.
