Parents' Guide to The Last Rifleman

Movie PG-13 2024 102 minutes
The Last Rifleman movie poster: Pierce Brosnan as a World War II veteran sits on bench against a red background

Common Sense Media Review

Stefan Pape By Stefan Pape , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

British drama about WWII veteran shows the good in humanity.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Last Rifleman Trailer
  • The Last Rifleman Movie: Pierce Brosnan as a World War II veteran sits in a pub.
  • The Last Rifleman Movie: Pierce Brosnan as a World War II veteran and a younger White male stand in a grassy field.
  • The Last Rifleman Movie: Pierce Brosnan pointing to a piece of paper
  • The Last Rifleman Movie: Pierce Brosnan as a World War II veteran sits on a bench.

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 5 parent reviews

 

 

See all 5 parent reviews
 

 

What's the Story?

THE LAST RIFLEMAN tells the story of Artie Crawford (Pierce Brosnan), a World War II veteran who lives in a care home in Northern Ireland. Following the death of his wife, he decides to ignore all advice, and sets off alone to France, to attend the forthcoming 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. It's an unlikely trip for an unlikely adventurer, who seeks closure and peace after years of suffering in silence, as he finally confronts his past.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 5 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

This low-key British drama is a moving film, yet seems to take forever to find its true purpose. The Last Rifleman takes the viewer on something of a laborious journey, not too far removed from that which its lead is going on himself. It's not until the final act when this Terry Loane feature truly comes to life. The final few minutes stop you in your tracks, with a profound closing sequence that will linger long in the memory, and one that nearly makes up for what preceded it. Instead of having confidence in its narrative and leaning into Brosnan's WWII veteran and the sentimentality this invokes, the film veers into a by-the-numbers adventure. In contrast, The Great Escaper tells a similar story but captures the imagination better by focusing more on what its characters are about. That said, Brosnan is fine in the role of Artie, though his prosthetics leave a little to be desired.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what The Last Rifleman had to say about forgiving yourself. How did Artie's guilt impact his life? How did he overcome this?

  • What character strengths did Artie display? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits in your own life?

  • Has the film inspired you to learn more about WWII? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.

  • This film is inspired by a true story. Can you think of any other films that are based on real events?

Movie Details

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The Last Rifleman movie poster: Pierce Brosnan as a World War II veteran sits on bench against a red background

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