Fury

(Grim, bloody World War II tale)

“Fury” is the name given to the tank that carries a grim, furious team of American soldiers into battle in Germany during the height of WWII.

Brad Pitt plays Sgt. Collier, the tough-as-nails commander of the tank crew. Logan Lerman plays Norman, the squeaky-clean clerk-typist who has been assigned as a gunner, joining a team of seasoned, hardened fighters whose only goal is to kill Germans before they kill them. Norman can’t bring himself to pulling the trigger at first, but circumstances make him a killing machine as he realizes that it is kill or be killed.

“Ideals are peaceful; history is violent,” Sgt. Collier tells him.

The Americans are gravely outnumbered. They watch other American tanks get destroyed as they use their wits and grit, and a lot of luck, escaping the stronger German forces.

There is one very poignant scene when the Americans capture a German town, giving the crew a chance to mingle with the few survivors, including two women.

The battle scenes are tough to watch, all leading to the long final battle where the Fury crew faces a couple hundred armed Germans.

“Fury” is not a movie for everyone. It is violent. It is disturbing. It is brutal. But it does keep you caring for the American soldiers, fighting against unbelievable odds.

Rated a big R, with profanity, war violence and great intensity.