Cease Fire

Cease Fire

Year: 1985

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: David Nutter

Drama

Tim Murphy, a Vietnam veteran, loses his job and is plunged back into the trauma of his war experiences. The resurfacing nightmares strain his marriage and family life until he joins a veterans’ therapy group. Through the fellowship of fellow vets and his wife's steadfast love, he confronts his demons and begins to heal.

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Timeline & Setting – Cease Fire (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cease Fire (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century

Set in the years following the Vietnam War, the narrative traces a veteran's struggle to readjust long after his service. The period reflects a society still grappling with how to help returning soldiers, and the limited recognition of PTSD. The timeframe underscores the slow, painful process of healing and the fragility of the family unit amid memory and danger.

Location

Tim's Home, Luke's Apartment, Veterans Office, Local Community Center

Most scenes unfold in a suburban American setting, centering on Tim's home as a battleground between memory and reality. The film also follows Luke's apartment and local veterans' facilities, illustrating how veterans navigate civilian life. The settings emphasize the strain on family life as trauma bleeds into daily routines.

🏠 Domestic setting 🌆 Suburban life 💔 Family tension

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

Main Characters – Cease Fire (1985)

Meet the key characters of Cease Fire (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tim Murphy (Don Johnson)

A Vietnam veteran fifteen years home, now married with children, Tim is out of work and plagued by relived memories of combat. He wanders the house with a knife during a nighttime confrontation, threatening the safety of his family. His reluctance to seek help gives way to a devastating episode that pushes his loved ones to confront the depths of his trauma.

🧠 Veteran 🪖 PTSD 💔 Family man

Paula Murphy (Lisa Blount)

Tim's wife, trying to understand his terror and protect the family. She joins a Women's Group in search of support and possible solutions, and she fights to keep the family intact as Tim's condition worsens. Her resolve and empathy anchor the family amid chaos.

❤️ Partner 💪 Support-seeking 🏡 Family

Luke (Robert F. Lyons)

Tim's veteran friend who hopes to reconcile with his wife but is overwhelmed by the strain of civilian life. His return from separation is marred by news of divorce papers, leading to a fatal confrontation that underscores the fragility of relationships after war.

🪖 Veteran 💔 Strained relationship 🕯️ Tragic end

Badman (Richard Chaves)

A fellow soldier who fights alongside Tim and is present during the harrowing patrol. His death during the unit's ambush marks a brutal turn in the story and deepens Tim's guilt and sense of responsibility.

🪖 Veteran 💀 Loss ⚔️ Combat ally

Rafer (John Archie)

A member of Tim's unit who is killed as mortars and gunfire close in during the escape, heightening the urgency and despair of the situation.

🪖 Veteran 🕯️ Sacrifice 💥 War violence

Sanchez (Jorge Gil)

A fellow soldier shown in the cohort during the mission; he is wounded during the confrontation, becoming a reminder of the cost of every operation.

🪖 Veteran 🩹 Injury 🛡️ Unit

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

Major Themes – Cease Fire (1985)

Explore the central themes of Cease Fire (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Trauma

A Vietnam veteran's mind is haunted by memories of combat, blurring past and present. Intrusive flashbacks drive dangerous actions at home and threaten his family's safety. The film treats trauma as a persistent force shaping relationships and personal stability.

❤️ Family

Paula's efforts to support Tim and preserve the family illustrate the strain of caregiving under crisis. Their relationship is tested by fear, frustration, and the pull of professional help. The story shows children and spouses navigating a healing process within a fractured home.

💀 Loss

The death of Tim's comrades during the unit's patrol underscores the cost of war brought home. Luke's divorce and subsequent death magnify the theme of irreversible loss. The violence of combat reverberates through Tim's life, influencing his future choices.

🤝 Support

The film depicts veterans' groups and social support as vital tools for dealing with trauma, even as Tim resists opening up. Paula's search for help contrasts with Tim's reluctance to speak, highlighting the tension between individual struggle and communal aid. The narrative suggests that connection and professional help can guide families toward recovery.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:08

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Cease Fire Summary

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Cease Fire Summary

Cease Fire Timeline

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Cease Fire Timeline

More About Cease Fire

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Cease Fire (1985) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Cease Fire (1985) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Cease Fire (1985) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow