Fury (2014) exceeded my expectations!
Warning - Spoilers!
I like to claim that I am a fairly decent history nerd but, I could absolutely be better. History is so interesting, massive and complex that it would take serious time and dedication to learn as much as I'd like. In 2025, I find it fascinating how everyone interprets history differently. Everyone seems to have their source and at times it's really difficult to know what to believe. Nevertheless I like to assume we have a mostly accurate grasp at how things have gone down throughout time.
I like to claim I know a lot about history but for some reason I've barely watched any history movies. Pretty nuts! I don't even know why that is. I like movies, I like history, what am I waiting for? I recall watching 'Pearl Harbor' and 'Letters from Iwo Jima' with my brother but otherwise I don't know that I've seen many off the top of my head and it's a shame! The movie I just watched 'Fury' absolutely made me want to watch more war type of movies and maybe sharpen my history knowledge along the way.
I expected to enjoy 'Fury' but it definitely exceeded my expectations. It was a massively well acted film. The very definition of an emotional rollercoaster. I was immersed, the movie created such an authentic feeling, it really felt as if I was in their world. The environment was real, grim and urgent. I of course expected death but I still was so upset when the deaths occurred.
I am honestly having trouble describing the film because it's not my usual style of movie that I watch, but I love it. I feel grateful for my freedom after watching it, yet sad such grim events had to occur. I feel oddly spooked after watching it, moved I guess. The characters seemed frustrating one moment and then impressive and admirable the next. The scene where War Daddy and Norman interact with the German women in that town they enter was striking. The pitiful echo of normalcy during such a ridiculously scary situation was so real and unique.
The ending scene of 'Fury' is a scene I won't soon forget. I've seen a lot of movies where people make their last stand against an obviously superior force, but that scene was simply beyond intense and spectacular. The comradery and love between those five men felt very authentic and I respected them all.
Pitt's death scene was actually some of the best acting I've seen in a hot minute. The conversation between Wardaddy and Machine had my eyes and soul glued to the screen. The way they discussed their fear was just profound. As a man extremely and absurdly removed from World War II or being a soldier of any kind, that's a sliver of something I can relate too a bit. I live in fear way too much, man. Despite their fear they just did what had to be done despite their feelings. The bravery of that crew was just admirable. I know they were all just acting but still, I feel like these actors did the very best they could to portray the bravery of the men that had to fight and endure throughout the war.
This is a movie that I want to own on DVD. This is a movie I'd like to show my son when he's old enough.
I will never forget this movie man, there could be better war movies out there but I believe I found a good one. I may not have watched many war films, but I have watched a lot of movies in general and I know a good one when I see it.
According to the film's Wikipedia page the actors were put through some pretty legit prep work to really get their roles right. They had a brief boot camp, fought and hazed each other and even lived in the tank with one another. Pretty nuts. I respect it and I believe it absolutely worked in making the movie and performances better.