Is Pierce Brosnan's The Last Rifleman based on a true story?

The Last Rifleman is a 2023 British drama featuring Pierce Brosnan as Artie Crawford, a 92-year-old World War II veteran. Directed by Terry Loane and written by Kevin Fitzpatrick, this poignant tale follows Crawford as he leaves his Northern Irish care home to revisit Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

His 1944 landing memories haunt him as he seeks closure. This redemption film was released on Sky Cinema on November 5, 2023. The movie is streaming on Prime Video.

The question on many viewers’ minds is, Is Pierce Brosnan’s The Last Rifleman based on a true story? The answer is yes, as the film is inspired by the real-life story of British WWII veteran Bernard Jordan.

In 2014, 89-year-old Jordan left his English care home to celebrate Normandy's 70th anniversary. Despite dramatizing some events, The Last Rifleman captures Jordan's daring and heartfelt adventure.

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The true story behind Pierce Brosnan's The Last Rifleman

The Last Rifleman follows Artie Crawford’s journey to Normandy, inspired by Bernard Jordan’s real-life adventure. In June 2014, Jordan, an 89-year-old WWII veteran, left his care home in England to attend the D-Day 70th anniversary in France. Much like the fictional Crawford, Jordan evaded restrictions to fulfill a personal mission.

Known as “The Great Escapee” in the media, Jordan’s actions quickly captured public attention. Unlike his fictional counterpart, Jordan’s journey wasn't kept a secret; his wife knew of his intentions, although his departure caused a brief alarm for care home staff until his safe arrival in France was confirmed.

Jordan’s story embodies the same spirit seen in The Last Rifleman — a yearning to honor fallen comrades and face personal memories from the war. Although the film takes creative liberties, the story remains a respectful reflection on the bravery of those who served in World War II.

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Artie Crawford’s journey: Fact meets fiction

From his quiet resolve to his determination to leave his care home, the fictional Artie Crawford shares numerous similarities with Jordan.

Crawford's journey is punctuated by interactions with strangers, each of whom extends their assistance. Despite the fact that these interactions are likely fictional, they serve to emphasize the kindness and respect that veterans frequently inspire.

Crawford's character in the film is confronted with the emotional depth of deep-seated memories and guilt regarding his wartime experiences, a reality that's relatable to the experiences of many veterans.

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Production and direction

Terry Loane directed The Last Rifleman, and Kevin Fitzpatrick's script deeply moved him. Loane, who was already recognized for her ability to handle character-driven narratives, sought to elicit both the haunting memories and the warmth of Artie's journey.

Crawford's emotional journey is set against a genuine backdrop of filming locations in Northern Ireland and France. The role is enhanced by Brosnan's portrayal of Crawford, which combines humor, vulnerability and resilience, complementing Loane's direction.

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Cast and characters

The cast is comprised of Pierce Brosnan as Artie Crawford, Clémence Poésy as Juliette Bellamy, Jürgen Prochnow as Friedrich Mueller and John Amos in his final screen role as Lincoln Jefferson Adams.

The interactions and journey of Crawford are enhanced by the contributions of each actor, who adds depth to their roles. Brosnan's portrayal of Artie is particularly noteworthy, as it effectively captures the veteran's unyielding spirit and quiet dignity, rendering him a memorable character in contemporary war cinema.

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The Last Rifleman effectively blends a fictional narrative with real-life inspiration, paying a sincere tribute to World War II veterans, like Bernard Jordan. The film captures the courage and sense of duty that veterans carry long after their battles end by dramatizing elements of Jordan's adventure.

The Last Rifleman not only retells an emotional journey but also pays tribute to the legacy of a generation that was influenced by wartime sacrifice, thanks to Terry Loane's direction and Brosnan's poignant performance. This compelling narrative, which resonates universally, reminds viewers of the enduring power of memory, respect and closure.