Last Flag Flying

Main Plot

"Last Flag Flying," directed by Richard Linklater, follows three Vietnam War veterans who reunite after decades apart. The story begins when one of them, now a grieving father, seeks out his old comrades to help him bury his son, a young Marine killed in the Iraq War. The trio embarks on a road trip to bring the son's body home, confronting their pasts and the impact of their military service along the way. As they navigate their journey, they grapple with themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the passage of time, ultimately finding solace and understanding in their shared experiences. The film blends humor and poignancy, exploring the enduring bonds of friendship and the complexities of duty and honor.

Characters

• Bryan Cranston plays Sal Nealon, a Vietnam War veteran who helps his old friends retrieve and bury one of their sons, a Marine killed in Iraq.
• Laurence Fishburne plays Reverend Richard Mueller, a former Marine who helps two old friends retrieve and bury one of their sons killed in action.
• Steve Carell plays Larry "Doc" Shepherd, a grieving father who reunites with old friends to bury his son, a Marine killed in Iraq.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of 'Last Flag Flying,' directed by Richard Linklater, the three Vietnam War veterans—Larry "Doc" Shepherd, Sal Nealon, and Reverend Richard Mueller—complete their journey to bury Doc's son, Larry Jr., who was killed in the Iraq War. Initially intending to have a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, Doc decides instead to bury his son in his hometown in New Hampshire. Throughout their journey, the trio confronts their past traumas and rekindles their friendship. At the burial, Doc reads a heartfelt letter from his son, revealing Larry Jr.'s admiration and love for his father. This moment brings a sense of closure and healing for Doc. Sal and Mueller, who have also grappled with their own issues, find a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie. The film ends on a note of reconciliation and hope, as the three men, having faced their shared history and personal demons, reaffirm their bond and look towards the future with a sense of peace and understanding.