Film Review: ‘Fury’

World War II has proven to be fertile cinematic ground: there are so many inspirational stories to tell from a number of perspectives, all important. The challenge lies in telling a new tale and avoiding treading on familiar territory.
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World War II has proven to be fertile cinematic ground: there are so many inspirational stories to tell from a number of perspectives, all important. The challenge lies in telling a new tale and avoiding treading on familiar territory.

End of Watch director David Ayer’s answer is to see how many actors he can fit into a tank at once, and then subject them to a barrage of against-the-odds scenarios set against the backdrop of the dying embers of war.

It’s April 1945 in Germany, and a Sherman tank nicknamed “Fury” is ready to make its final push forward for the allies.

Commanding this hulking great war machine is Don “Wardaddy” Collier (Brad Pitt), a hardened veteran who has been killing Nazis from Africa to Europe.

Under his watch are the God-fearing Boyd Swan (Shia LaBeouf), uncouth reprobate Grady Travis (John Bernthal), spotter Trini Garcia (Michael Peña), and the rookie of the bunch, trained office clerk, Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman).

Don "Wardaddy" Collier (Brad Pitt, centered) and his men Boyd Swan (Shia LaBeouf), Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman), Trini Garcia (Michael Peña) and Grady Travis (Jon Bernthal) in 'Fury.' (Giles Keyte/Columbia Pictures)
Don "Wardaddy" Collier (Brad Pitt, centered) and his men Boyd Swan (Shia LaBeouf), Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman), Trini Garcia (Michael Peña) and Grady Travis (Jon Bernthal) in 'Fury.' Giles Keyte/Columbia Pictures