Directed by
David Ayer
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Fury (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the Allies push deeper into Nazi Germany in April 1945, a seasoned U.S. Army Staff Sergeant known as Don “Wardaddy” Collier, portrayed by Brad Pitt, leads his crew in an M4A3E8 Sherman tank aptly named Fury. This five-man team, consisting of all veterans, includes gunner Boyd “Bible” Swan played by Shia LaBeouf, loader Grady “Coon-Ass” Travis, played by Jon Bernthal, and driver Trini “Gordo” Garcia, played by Michael Peña. Following the death of the tank’s original assistant driver, they reluctantly welcome a fresh recruit, the inexperienced Norman Ellison, portrayed by Logan Lerman, who has never even seen combat.
Norman, nicknamed “Machine” by Grady, soon finds himself in the intense environment of warfare. In a shocking display, Wardaddy expresses his intense hatred for the Waffen-SS when he roughly interrogates a wounded enemy officer, bluntly instructing Norman to kill any SS member he encounters. The crew initially mocks Norman for his naïveté and reluctance to take lives, which leads to dire consequences when their platoon leader, Lieutenant Parker, is killed, and his tank is destroyed as a result of Norman’s hesitation. In a horrifying turning point, Wardaddy forces Norman to execute a captive German artilleryman, driving home the brutalities of war.
As they advance and seize a small German town, a personal bond forms between Norman and Wardaddy. In a poignant moment, they encounter two German women, Irma and her cousin Emma. After a brief yet heartwarming breakfast together amidst the horrors of war, tragedy strikes when an aerial bombardment kills Emma, hardening Norman’s heart. Witnessing the horrors inflicted by retreating German soldiers solidifies Norman’s transformation, as he admits to Wardaddy his growing enjoyment in killing enemy combatants.
With essential orders to hold a critical crossroads, the crew faces a formidable challenge when they are ambushed by a menacing German Tiger I tank. Despite being heavily outgunned, Wardaddy leads the attack and demonstrates his tactical prowess, ultimately destroying the Tiger and ensuring their advance to the crossroads. However, their victory is short-lived as their tank becomes immobilized after hitting a landmine, exposing them to an overwhelming force of three hundred Waffen-SS soldiers.
Though vastly outnumbered, the crew stands strong under Wardaddy’s leadership, utilizing their remaining firepower to inflict significant losses on the enemy. Tragically, as the battle escalates, Grady, Gordo, and Bible fall one by one, leaving Wardaddy gravely wounded by an SS sniper. In their last moments together inside the tank, they share heartfelt words before being confronted with the grim reality of their situation.
When two grenades are tossed inside the tank, Wardaddy instructs the severely injured Norman to escape through an emergency hatch. As Norman slips away, he finds himself beneath the ruined tank, evading detection by a young German soldier. The next morning brings a glimmer of hope as U.S. medics locate Norman and inform him of his crew’s bravery. As he is carried to safety, he casts a final glance at the devastation—a landscape strewn with the fallen bodies of German SS troops surrounding the wreckage of Fury, a stark reminder of the war’s brutal reality.
Track the key events of Fury (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction of Don 'Wardaddy' Collier
In April 1945, the Allies are advancing into Nazi Germany. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Don 'Wardaddy' Collier leads his seasoned crew aboard the Sherman tank named Fury.
Wardaddy's Crew
Wardaddy's crew consists of battle-hardened veterans: gunner Boyd 'Bible' Swan, loader Grady 'Coon-Ass' Travis, and driver Trini 'Gordo' Garcia. They prepare for the upcoming challenges that lie ahead as they make their way through war-torn landscapes.
Norman Joins the Crew
Following the death of their original assistant driver, the crew reluctantly accepts new recruit Norman Ellison. Norman, inexperienced and terrified, has never seen combat, making him an outsider among the seasoned veterans.
Wardaddy's Brutal Lesson
During a tense moment, Wardaddy expresses his unrelenting hatred towards the Waffen-SS by interrogating a wounded enemy officer. He instructs Norman to kill any SS member he encounters, marking the beginning of Norman's harsh initiation into the realities of war.
Consequences of Hesitation
During an intense battle, Norman's refusal to take a life leads to their platoon leader, Lieutenant Parker, being killed and his tank destroyed. This event marks a turning point for the crew and significantly impacts Norman's psyche.
A Sinister Order
Wardaddy forces Norman to execute a captive German artilleryman, pushing him further into the brutality of warfare. This horrifying moment solidifies Norman's transformation from a naive recruit to a soldier in a merciless war.
Encounter with German Women
As they seize a small German town, Norman and Wardaddy develop a personal bond. They share a breakfast with two German women, Irma and Emma, representing a fleeting moment of humanity amidst the chaos.
Tragedy Strikes
The moment of warmth is shattered when an aerial bombardment kills Emma, hardening Norman's heart. This tragic event contributes to Norman's gradual acceptance of the violent realities of war.
The Ambush
The crew receives orders to hold a crucial crossroads, but they face an ambush by a German Tiger I tank. Outgunned and outmatched, Wardaddy displays tactical acumen to destroy the Tiger.
Tank Immobility
After their victory against the Tiger tank, Fury becomes immobilized after hitting a landmine. The crew is now vulnerable, facing an overwhelming force of 300 Waffen-SS soldiers closing in.
Heroic Stand
Despite being vastly outnumbered, the crew embarks on a heroic stand against the advancing enemy. Under Wardaddy’s leadership, they utilize their remaining firepower to inflict significant losses on the Waffen-SS.
Loss of Crew Members
As the battle escalates, tragedy unfolds as Grady, Gordo, and Bible fall to enemy fire one by one. Wardaddy, severely wounded by an SS sniper, shares final words with his crew, encapsulating their camaraderie.
Escape Through Adversity
In a desperate situation, Wardaddy tells the injured Norman to escape through an emergency hatch as grenades are thrown into the tank. This moment signifies the dire straits they are in and the fight for survival.
A Narrow Escape
As Norman slips away, he manages to avoid detection by a young German soldier lurking nearby. This tense moment captures the fear and desperation faced by soldiers during wartime.
Aftermath of the Battle
The following morning, U.S. medics discover Norman and inform him of his crew's bravery. Looking back at the devastation wrought by the battle, Norman reflects on the harsh realities of war and the losses he has endured.
Meet the characters that bring Fury (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Don 'Wardaddy' Collier (Brad Pitt)
Wardaddy is a seasoned and no-nonsense U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who commands the tank Fury. He embodies leadership and the harsh realities of warfare, often expressing a ruthless determination to survive. As a stern mentor, he pushes Norman to confront the brutalities of combat, forging a complex relationship amidst the chaos.
Boyd 'Bible' Swan (Shia LaBeouf)
Bible is the tank's gunner, known for his religious convictions and deep emotional struggles with the violence of war. He showcases moments of vulnerability amid the brutality, reflecting the personal conflict many soldiers face between their beliefs and the harsh demands of their environment.
Grady 'Coon-Ass' Travis (Jon Bernthal)
Grady, the loader, embodies a tough, rough-around-the-edges demeanor but has a hidden depth in his character. His dark humor often serves as a coping mechanism in the face of the relentless horrors of war, illustrating the complexities of soldier life.
Trini 'Gordo' Garcia (Michael Peña)
Gordo acts as the tank's driver, displaying loyalty and camaraderie with his fellow soldiers. He represents the everyman soldier, caught in the turmoil of war, often relying on humor and friendship to navigate the harrowing experiences they face together.
Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman)
Norman is the inexperienced new recruit who begins the film as a reluctant soldier. Throughout his harrowing journey, he undergoes a significant transformation, grappling with the morality of his actions and the brutality of war, evolving from naiveté to hardened resolve.
Uncover the settings of Fury (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
April 1945
The time period is set in April 1945, a crucial month in World War II when the Allies were making significant advances into Germany. This era was marked by intense battles, fierce resistance from enemy troops, and the culmination of years of global conflict. As the war neared its end, both the horrors and humanity of warfare were starkly displayed.
Location
Nazi Germany, German Town
The movie predominantly takes place in Nazi Germany during the final days of World War II, characterized by the remnants of a crumbling regime and the chaos of war. The crew of the tank Fury seizes a small German town, symbolizing the Allies' advance into enemy territory. These locations are marked by destruction, desperation, and the intense atmosphere of combat.
Explore the core themes of Fury (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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War and Morality
Fury explores the complex themes of war and morality, showcasing the brutal realities of combat and its effects on soldiers. It delves into the transformation of Norman from a reluctant fighter to one hardened by the violence around him. The film raises questions about survival, sacrifice, and the ethical implications of warfare.
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Brotherhood
The theme of brotherhood is apparent as the crew of Fury bonds through shared experiences in the face of adversity. Their camaraderie is tested through loss and hardship, highlighting the deep, albeit complicated, connections formed in battle. The emotional ties among the tank crew are pivotal to their survival and resilience.
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Loss and Grief
Loss permeates the narrative as the crew suffers significant casualties, illustrating the personal toll of war. Characters grapple with grief and the harsh realities of their situation, especially Norman, who witnesses friends fall and confronts the weight of their sacrifices. This theme is reflective of the broader impact of war on individuals and their relationships.
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