It follows Artie Crawford (Brosnan), a Northern Irish (East Belfast) World War II veteran who, on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, decides to secretly escape his care home and embarks on an arduous but inspirational journey from Northern Ireland to France, to pay his final respects to his best friend and find the courage to face the ghosts of his past.
The film is loosely based on the true story of British D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan, who left his care home in England to travel to France. Another film based on Jordan's story, The Great Escaper, starring Michael Caine, was released a few weeks earlier.
The Last Rifleman marked the final film appearance by John Amos (a native of Newark, NJ - as am I) prior to his death on August 21, 2024. The film did not have a theatrical release; it premiered on the Sky Cinema subscription service on 5 November 2023.
If you're a veteran like me, if you have family in Ireland like me, if you like just plain great story telling, watch this movie. You can find it on Prime just by clicking on the banner above if you're a member. If not, sign up just for this. It's also available on YouTube I believe. You will enjoy it. Believe me.
It is a very good movie.
ReplyDeleteI just watched this movie free on youtube. Thanks so much for putting it up, I cried more than once.
ReplyDeleteI never knew my Dad. He died in late November 1944 in France with Patton, 3 days before his 27th birthday; I was born 5 months later. I'd have given anything to meet him. These great movies like Private Ryan and a few more just tear me up every time.
My poor mother never got over his death despite living another 50 years. I pray every day for their immortal souls.
Great film!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across this; it was powerful, poignant, and carefully crafted. My wife and I loved it. Correct about Brosnan's best acting; usually I can take him or leave him, but he was fantastic. Worth the time
ReplyDeleteWatched this movie a couple of months ago. Concur that it is worth your time.
ReplyDeleteVery good movie…the interaction between Brosnan and Jurgen Prochnow as old enemies was terrific.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great movie. My wife and I watched it last night. Not just you, we shed a few tears as well. My Dad fought at Guadalcanal in 1942 with the Navy’s Black Cats squadron and in his late eighties he commented that at every reunion there were fewer and fewer people until just a half dozen by the time he reached 90 and then he passed at 92. Thanks for the recommendation! Eddie from Ventura (CA)
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