Fury

RELEASED: November 2014
CERTIFICATE: 18
DIRECTOR: David Ayer
CAST: Bradd Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman
RUNNING TIME: 134 minutes
PLOT: “When greenhorn typist Norman (Lerman) is recruited to the hardened crew of a Sherman tank grinding its way through battle-torn Germany, led by adored but unstable commander Wardaddy (Pitt), he will be confronted by the grim realities of winning a war the hard way.”

Fury is a powerful insight into the brutal nature of WW2, revoking films of old like a Bridge Too Far, and a scrutinised viewpoint on ally war-time behaviour, unlike anything seen to date. Starring the charismatic Brad Pitt and controversial Shia LaBeouf, Fury succeeds in power-housing the audience through a thrill packed ride of sleek cinematics and rousing battle scenes. Set amongst the polarised characters of Pitt and LaBeouf, Logan Lerman succeeds in successfully conveying his ‘evreyday man’ persona, quickly establishing himself as a serious talent. Set in 1945 Germany, Fury establishes its audience emphatically, leaving an entirely submersed audience in the wake of David Ayers creation. The characters are entertaining and although bordering on stock and archetypal, Pitt brings his usual enthusiasm to the table, carrying the narrative. The tank, appropriately named Fury, serves a physical and metaphorical vehicle for the plot, leading the audience through mine-riddled battle ground, small towns and SS battalions; the sub-plots intertwine with the main narrative.

Pitt, is the star of the show here. After personally producing it himself, it’s his craft and steel that will cement Fury as a memorable watch. Despite being problematic on set, LaBeouf proves he can still bring something to a blockbuster feature. Lerman displays maturity in the shallow role he’s given and brings the final piece to the collective gang. An iconic watch, Fury succeeds in what it sets out to do. Admittedly there’s no ground breaking here, but Fury does provide a thought-provoking message to the audience, challenging our pre-conceptions of ally soldiers and their behavior on the front line.
Lermans nickname is a clever feature, after his characterisation is molded into cold-hearted tank gunner, he is dubbed as machine. A strong message from Ayer, provoking thought from the viewer.

A great spectacle.

Verdict: 8/10