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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013). 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.


The US military receives critical intel that the President of Pakistan has been killed, raising fears that nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists. In response, the Joes are tasked with securing these dangerous armaments in Pakistan, under the orders of Zartan (Arnold Vosloo](/actor/arnold-vosloo)), who is masquerading as the President of the United States (Jonathan Pryce). The operation appears successful as they manage to secure the nuclear warheads. However, while awaiting extraction at a forward base, a military strike obliterates the entire team, leaving only Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Flint (D.J. Cotrona), and Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki) alive.

Roadblock speculates that only the President could have ordered such an assault on the Joes. The three survivors stumble upon a remote airfield, and manage to capture a flight back to the US. Upon their return, the POTUS accuses the Joes of assassinating the Pakistani President—an act allegedly carried out by Snake Eyes (Ray Park)—and accuses them of conspiring to steal the nuclear arsenal, branding them as traitors. In light of these accusations, the POTUS convenes with major world powers to discuss nuclear disarmament.

Meanwhile, Storm Shadow (Byung-Hun Lee) and former Joe Firefly (Ray Stevenson) execute a daring rescue of Cobra Commander (Luke Bracey) from an underground maximum-security prison in Germany. An injured Storm Shadow retreats to a Himalayan temple for recovery. Back in the mix, Cobra Commander is overseeing the ominous Project Zeus, which is set to launch in 48 hours.

In an effort to bring Storm Shadow to justice for the murder of his uncle, the Blind Master (RZA) dispatches Snake Eyes and his talented apprentice Jinx (Elodie Yung), who is also Storm Shadow’s cousin, to locate him. The Blind Master advises Jinx to find her inner peace if she aspires to become a formidable warrior.

After regrouping in the US, Roadblock, Flint, and Lady Jaye establish a new base of operations in a dilapidated gym. When Zartan announces that Cobra will replace the Joes as the country’s main defense force, Lady Jaye suspects something amiss. Through careful analysis of the President’s past footage, she discovers disconcerting changes in his mannerisms that signal he may be an imposter.

Determined to uncover the truth, they seek out General Joseph Colton (Bruce Willis](/actor/bruce-willis)), who supplies them with weapons and aids their infiltration of a fundraiser where the fake POTUS will make an appearance. Lady Jaye manages to steal a DNA sample from the President, confirming that it is indeed Zartan. They narrowly evade a confrontation with Firefly and Zandar ([att Gerald), head of the Presidential Detail and affiliated with Cobra.

In parallel, Snake Eyes and Jinx apprehend Storm Shadow at his mountain sanctuary for healing. After an intense battle against loyal ninjas, they transport him to Tokyo, where Storm Shadow defends his innocence regarding his uncle’s death by fighting with the weapon associated with the crime, only for it to fail—revealing it is not made of the renowned Arashikage steel. The Blind Master deduces that Zartan is the true murderer of the Hard Master, having framed Storm Shadow to infiltrate Cobra from within. Now exonerated, Storm Shadow joins forces with Snake Eyes and Jinx to combat Cobra and avenge his uncle.

Zartan orchestrates a summit with world leaders, coercing them into disabling their nuclear arsenals. In a catastrophic display, he launches US nuclear warheads, forcing other nations to comply, subsequently self-destructing them, and leaving the world devoid of nuclear weapons. He unveils Project Zeus: seven devastating orbital kinetic bombardment weapons at his command, and demonstrates their potential by obliterating central London, putting other capitals in imminent threat should they resist Cobra.

However, in a shocking twist, Storm Shadow betrays Cobra Commander and eliminates Zartan, exposing the scheme to the global leaders. As chaos unfolds, particularly with Snake Eyes, Jinx, and Flint engaging Cobra’s troops, Cobra Commander attempts to initiate the remaining orbital weapons while instructing Firefly to safeguard the launch apparatus.

In a climactic showdown, Roadblock confronts Firefly, culminating in his death, as Roadblock successfully dismantles and destroys the orbital weaponry. Meanwhile, Colton and Lady Jaye rescue the genuine President, resulting in Cobra Commander slipping away during the turmoil while Storm Shadow disappears after avenging his uncle.

In the aftermath, the real President addresses the nation, honoring Roadblock, Lady Jaye, Flint, Jinx, and Snake Eyes as heroes of the day. They are commemorated for their bravery, while Colton salutes them and presents Roadblock with a treasured M1911 pistol previously owned by General George S. Patton. With pride, Roadblock raises the weapon and fires a solitary shot in tribute to his fallen comrades.

Timeline

Track the key events of G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Assassination of the Pakistani President

The US military receives critical intelligence indicating that the President of Pakistan has been assassinated. This event raises urgent concerns that nuclear weapons might fall into the hands of terrorists, prompting immediate action from military leaders.

Pakistan

Deployment of the Joes

Following the assassination, the Joes are dispatched to Pakistan with the critical mission of securing nuclear warheads. They operate under the orders of Zartan, who is posing as the President of the United States.

Pakistan

Securing the Nuclear Warheads

The Joes successfully secure the nuclear armaments amidst rising tensions and fears of terrorist takeover. Their operation appears to be going well, ensuring that the dangerous weapons are in safe hands.

Forward military base in Pakistan

Destruction of the Team

While waiting for extraction at a forward base, the entire team is suddenly obliterated by a military strike. Only three members, Roadblock, Flint, and Lady Jaye, survive the attack, resulting in chaos and confusion.

Forward military base in Pakistan

Accusation Against the Joes

Upon their return to the United States, the surviving Joes are accused by the President of the United States of assassinating the Pakistani President. This shocking claim brands them as traitors and puts their lives at further risk.

United States

Execution of a Rescue Operation

In a parallel storyline, Storm Shadow and Firefly launch a daring rescue mission to free Cobra Commander from a maximum-security prison in Germany. Their actions set in motion a series of events that escalate the conflict.

Germany

Storm Shadow's Retreat

After sustaining injuries during the rescue, Storm Shadow retreats to a remote Himalayan temple for recuperation. This moment of solitude brings about significant internal conflict as he grapples with his past actions.

Himalayan mountains

The Blind Master's Mission

In an effort to apprehend Storm Shadow for his uncle's murder, the Blind Master sends Snake Eyes and his apprentice Jinx to track him down. Jinx is determined to find her inner strength as she embarks on this dangerous mission.

Discovery of the President's Impersonation

Lady Jaye grows suspicious when Zartan reveals that Cobra will replace the Joes as the national defense force. By examining old footage, she uncovers subtle changes in the President's demeanor, indicating he is not who he claims to be.

United States

Infiltration of the Fundraiser

The Joes, now backed by General Joseph Colton, infiltrate a high-profile fundraiser where the fake POTUS is scheduled to appear. Lady Jaye's cunning reveals the true identity of Zartan, confirming their worst fears.

United States

Capture of Storm Shadow

In the mountains, Snake Eyes and Jinx successfully capture Storm Shadow, bringing him to Tokyo for interrogation. During this pivotal moment, Storm Shadow pleads his innocence concerning his uncle's death and reveals the true villain behind the betrayal.

Tokyo

Zartan's Nuclear Ultimatum

As Zartan orchestrates a summit with world leaders, he coerces them into disarming their nuclear arsenals under threat of destruction. In a catastrophic demonstration, he launches US warheads, forcing compliance and instilling fear across the globe.

Global leaders' summit

Betrayal and Resolution

In a shocking turn of events, Storm Shadow betrays Cobra Commander by eliminating Zartan during the chaos. This act reveals Zartan's true ambitions and allies Storm Shadow with the Joes in their battle against Cobra.

Final Showdown

The stage is set for a climactic confrontation as Roadblock faces off against Firefly. In a fierce battle, Roadblock ultimately triumphs, dismantling Cobra's orbital weapons and saving the lives of countless innocents.

Cobra base

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of the conflict, the real President addresses the nation, praising the Joes for their bravery and sacrifice. In a moment of honor, Roadblock is presented with a treasured weapon as a tribute to his fallen comrades.

United States

Characters

Meet the characters that bring G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson)

Roadblock serves as the stalwart leader of the surviving Joes, demonstrating strength and determination. His character embodies the spirit of resilience as he fights to uncover the truth and protect the nation from threats.

👮‍♂️ Leader 💪 Strength 🗡️ Warrior

Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki)

Lady Jaye is resourceful and intelligent, playing a significant role in unraveling the conspiracy involving the fake President. Her keen attention to detail and tactical skills make her a formidable ally within the team.

🕵️‍♀️ Spy 🌟 Quick-witted ⚔️ Defender

Storm Shadow (Byung-Hun Lee)

Initially framed as a villain, Storm Shadow's true nature is revealed as he fights for justice and seeks to redeem his name. His complex character arc showcases themes of honor, loyalty, and personal redemption.

🗡️ Ninja 👤 Honorable 🕊️ Redeemer

Cobra Commander (Luke Bracey)

Cobra Commander is the main antagonist, orchestrating chaos through manipulation and strategic attacks. His scheming mind and ruthless tactics pose a significant threat to global security.

👹 Villain ⚔️ Manipulative 🌪️ Chaotic

Flint (D.J. Cotrona)

Flint is a key member of the Joes, providing support and tactical expertise. His bravery and resourcefulness help the team navigate numerous challenges as they fight against Cobra.

👮 Support 🛡️ Protector 🧭 Tactical

Setting

Uncover the settings of G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), 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

Modern Day

The movie is set in a contemporary timeframe, reflecting modern military concerns and geopolitical tensions. This era is characterized by fears of terrorism and the implications of nuclear arms in the hands of rogue states.

Location

Pakistan, Germany, Himalayan Temple, Tokyo, London, United States

The events take place in various countries, with pivotal moments in Pakistan, where the terrorists threaten nuclear security, and Germany, known for its maximum-security prisons. The Himalayan temple provides a place of healing for Storm Shadow, while Tokyo serves as a backdrop for vital character confrontations. London is threatened in a catastrophic demonstration by Zartan, and the United States hosts the key operations of the Joes.

🌍 Locations 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇩🇪 Germany 🇯🇵 Japan 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States

Themes

Explore the core themes of G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚔️

Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme, illustrated by the deception surrounding the imposter President and Storm Shadow's initial framing. It highlights the complexities of loyalty and trust within the military and personal relationships.

💣

Nuclear Threat

The threat of nuclear weapons underpins the plot, with characters striving to prevent dangerous arms from falling into the wrong hands. The manipulation and destruction of nuclear arsenals echo real-world anxieties regarding global security.

🛡️

Heroism

Heroism surfaces through the resilience and bravery of the Joes as they fight against overwhelming odds. Their dedication to uncovering the truth and defending their nation positions them as modern-day heroes.

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