Full Movie:
"Fury" (2014) is a gripping war film directed by David Ayer and starring Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peรฑa, and Jon Bernthal. The film is set during the final months of World War II and follows a tank crew as they push through Germany in an effort to help secure the Allied victory. With intense action, emotional depth, and a focus on the camaraderie of soldiers, "Fury" stands out as one of the more memorable war films of the 2010s.
Plot Summary
Set in April 1945, as the Allies are advancing into Germany, "Fury" follows a U.S. tank crew led by Don "Wardaddy" Collier (Brad Pitt), who is an experienced and hardened tank commander. His crew operates a Sherman tank called "Fury", which has seen extensive combat and is one of the last of its kind still in action.
Wardaddyโs crew consists of:
- Boyd "Bible" Swan (Shia LaBeouf), the tankโs religious gunner.
- Trini "Gordo" Garcia (Michael Peรฑa), the tankโs driver.
- Grady "Coon-Ass" Travis (Jon Bernthal), the loader and sharp-tongued member of the crew.
- Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman), a fresh-faced, inexperienced soldier who replaces the tankโs previous assistant driver, killed in action.
When Norman joins the crew, he is immediately thrown into the brutal realities of war. The crew faces relentless combat and encounters Nazi soldiers, with the tension and violence escalating in each mission they undertake. Wardaddy, who has witnessed the horrors of war, attempts to train Norman while balancing the moral and emotional weight of the atrocities they commit during their march through Germany.
As the crew fights through increasingly dangerous territory, they form a bond, but the cost of war takes its toll. The climax of the film is a harrowing, intense tank battle, and the film concludes with a sacrifice that demonstrates the crewโs loyalty and resilience.
Themes
-
The Brutality of War: "Fury" does not shy away from depicting the horrors of war. The tank crew faces constant threats, from overwhelming enemy forces to moral dilemmas. The film emphasizes the physical and emotional toll that warfare takes on soldiers, showing how they are shaped by their experiences in combat. The violence and destruction in the film are visceral and unrelenting, creating an atmosphere of tension and dread.
-
Camaraderie and Brotherhood: One of the central themes of "Fury" is the bond that forms between soldiers, particularly within the tank crew. Despite the varying personalities and backgrounds of the crew members, their survival depends on their ability to work together. The film highlights the importance of trust and brotherhood in combat, as well as the emotional and psychological support they offer each other during the darkest times.
-
Innocence vs. Experience: The character of Norman (played by Logan Lerman) serves as the audienceโs entry point into the brutal world of war. He represents innocence and naivety, having been a clerk before being thrust into combat. His evolution over the course of the filmโlearning to kill, adapt, and surviveโreflects the loss of innocence that war forces upon its participants.
-
Sacrifice and Leadership: Wardaddy, as the tank commander, is both a leader and a mentor to his men. He bears the weight of responsibility for the lives of his crew while trying to maintain their morale. His role requires constant decision-making under pressure, and the film explores the moral and ethical dilemmas of leadership in war. The personal sacrifices that Wardaddy and others make demonstrate the cost of war, not just on soldiers' bodies but also on their spirits.
Performances
-
Brad Pitt as Wardaddy delivers a commanding performance, portraying a battle-hardened and sometimes ruthless leader who is nevertheless protective of his men. Pittโs portrayal adds depth to a character who is both a veteran of the war and a mentor trying to guide his crew through the horrors they face.
-
Shia LaBeouf as Bible provides a nuanced performance as a deeply religious character who struggles to reconcile his faith with the violence and death surrounding him. LaBeouf gives a much more restrained and earnest portrayal than in some of his previous roles.
-
Logan Lerman as Norman is the emotional core of the film, capturing the transformation from a scared, inexperienced soldier to someone who understands the brutality of war. Lermanโs performance is subtle and heartfelt, showing Normanโs internal conflict as heโs forced to become a warrior.
-
Jon Bernthal and Michael Peรฑa provide solid performances, adding to the dynamic of the tank crew. Bernthal, in particular, plays his character with a rough edge, while Peรฑa brings emotional depth to his role.
Direction and Cinematography
David Ayerโs direction is gritty and intense, capturing the chaos and violence of war with unflinching realism. The film uses tight shots and slow pacing during the quieter moments to create a sense of tension, while the action sequencesโparticularly the tank battlesโare both thrilling and horrifying. The filmโs cinematography, shot by Roman Vasyanov, is visually striking, with the dilapidated, war-torn landscape of Germany providing a stark contrast to the steel and fire of the tanks.
One of the standout features of the film is the realism of the tank battles. The film gives the audience a close-up view of the interior of the tank, emphasizing the claustrophobic and tense nature of the combat. The sound design is also noteworthy, with the thunderous noise of artillery, tank treads, and gunfire contributing to the immersive experience.
Action and Realism
The action in "Fury" is intense and often brutal. The tank battles are depicted with a sense of realism, showcasing the tactics and challenges faced by soldiers during warfare. The film doesn't glorify the violence but rather shows it as a necessary yet harrowing aspect of survival.
The filmโs most gripping action sequence occurs during the final battle, where Wardaddy and his crew face overwhelming German forces in a desperate stand. The scene is tense, emotional, and filled with sacrifice, making it one of the film's most memorable moments.
Conclusion
"Fury" (2014) is a powerful and emotionally charged war film that explores the brutality of combat, the bond between soldiers, and the personal cost of warfare. With strong performances, particularly from Brad Pitt and Logan Lerman, the film offers a raw, unflinching look at the realities of war while also showcasing moments of human connection and sacrifice. The direction and action sequences are intense and immersive, making "Fury" one of the standout war films of the decade.
