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liveintheprésent: The Last Full Measure Experience (by: Jovin Tardif)

The true story of Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger (Jeremy Irvine), a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman (also known as a PJ) who personally saved over sixty men. During a rescue mission on April 11, 1966, Pitts (as he was called) willingly chose to leave the relative safety of the rescue chopper to aid people on the ground when he saw how bad the situation below was. When others in his team declined to go, he put himself at risk to do more to help his fellow Americans. After saving many already, he was ordered to take the chance to escape on the last helicopter out of a combat zone heavily under fire, but he stayed behind to save and defend the lives of soldiers of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, before making the ultimate sacrifice in one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Thirty-two years later, Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan), on a career fast-track, is tasked with investigating a Medal of Honor request for Pitsenbarger made by his best friend and PJ partner on the mission (William Hurt) and his parents (Christopher Plummer and Diane Ladd). Huffman seeks out the testimony of Army veterans who witnessed or were saved by Pitsenbarger’s extraordinary valor, including Takoda (Samuel L. Jackson), Burr (Peter Fonda) and Mott (Ed Harris). Many of them carry their own demons from their experiences and trauma of that day. But as Huffman learns more about Pitsenbarger’s courageous acts, he uncovers a high-level conspiracy behind the decades-long denial of the medal, prompting him to put his own career on the line to seek justice for the fallen airman.

The Last Full Measure Experience

‘The Last Full Measure’ is not even out yet. With a small group of movie enthusiasts and a Tribute magazine in hand, I made my way to my seat. Just for fun, I started listening to people as they were taking their seats. A group sitting in the row just behind me were discussing their thoughts on ‘Cats’.  Honestly, at first, I thought I would be sitting alone. As the room started to fill up, I was a little surprised that everyone wanted to sit in the middle of the theatre. It felt like a large family sitting together to enjoy a film together. The lights went out and the movie was about to begin.  First off, I just want to say thank you to director & screenplay writer Todd Robinson. I love the way this story was told. It was a powerful and emotional film. It’s a story about a brave Airman William H. Pitsenbarger Jr who sacrifices his life in order to help others on the battlefield. The movie itself focuses on several dedicated individuals who work diligently to make sure William H. Pitsenbarger Jr is awarded the Medal of Honor for his service.  I jotted a few notes on a notepad in the dark as I watched the movie. I don’t want to reveal too much about the film. I really want you to go out and watch it.


The Last Full Measure Airman William H. Pitsenbarger Jr. is awarded the Medal of Honor for his service and actions on the battlefield.
The Last Full Measure – Roadside Attractions

My notes

Quotes:

Here are a few quotes that grabbed my attention. “Nothing in this for you”, “The power of one person” & “Fear. Use it.”

Imagery:

Pay close attention to a stunning and beautiful scene with butterflies. ‘Menelaus blue morpho’ This scene was powerful.

Fashion:

Doesn’t Sebastian Stan fashion look a little bit like 90’s Tom Cruise in certain scenes? (Just wondering)


I went into ‘The Last Full Measure’ not really sure what to expect. In the end, I felt like this is a film you don’t want to miss.  Don’t rush out the door when it is finished. Take a moment to watch the movie credits.  There is a little surprise at the end.


The Last Full Measure
Release date: January 24, 2020 (Canada)
Director: Todd Robinson
Screenplay: Todd Robinson
Music composed by
: Philip Klein
Distributed by: Roadside Attractions
Producers: Mark Damon, Julian Adams, Michael Bassick, Timothy Scott Bogart, Nicholas Cafritz, Adi Cohen, Pen Densham,
Robert Reed Peterson, Jordi Reliu, Shaun Sanghani, Lauren Selig, Sidney Sherman, and John Watson
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Irvine, and Peter Fonda


The Last Full Measure – Roadside Attractions


The Last Full Measure is a 2019 American war drama film written and directed by Todd Robinson and distributed by Roadside Attractions. The story follows William H. Pitsenbarger, a United States Air Force Pararescueman who flew in helicopter rescue missions during the Vietnam War to aid downed soldiers and pilots, and the 34-year quest by many veterans to see him receive the Medal of Honor.[3][4] The film stars Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Irvine and Peter Fonda, in his final, posthumous film role. Production began in the United States in 2017, and the film premiered at a special screening for veterans in Westhampton Beach, New York.[5] It was released worldwide on January 24, 2020, and grossed $3 million against a $20 million budget. The film's title is taken from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, where Lincoln honored the fallen, saying that they "gave the last full measure of devotion."[6]
The Last Full Measure – Roadside Attractions

About the Author
Jovin Tardif
Press/Media What On What’s Good
StorytellerConversation Starter,
WriterReviewerInterviewer
and Social Media

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