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Homefront (2013) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Homefront (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 100 min · German
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Directed by
Gary Fleder
Starring
Jason Statham, James Franco, Clancy Brown, Frank Grillo, Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth
Budget
$22M

Following the aftermath of war, a former prisoner of war journeys to Vienna seeking retribution for the deaths of his fellow soldiers. His quest for vengeance leads him into a complex investigation involving a notorious serial killer. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a larger conspiracy and is forced to confront painful memories and the lingering effects of his wartime experiences.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Homefront
  8. 8 Every angle
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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Homefront Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Homefront (2013), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Phil Broker (Jason Statham)

    Phil Broker is a determined DEA agent whose past catches up with him as he tries to start anew. He is a protective father, putting Maddy's safety above all else, yet is haunted by the consequences of his actions. Broker's character showcases resilience and moral conflict as he navigates threats to his family.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Agent
    • 👨‍👧 Father
    • ⚖️ Resilience
  • Gator Bodine (James Franco)

    Gator Bodine serves as the film's primary antagonist, embodying a manipulative drug dealer. His control over the local drug scene and violent tendencies present a stark contrast to Broker's protective instincts. Gator's character reveals the pitfalls of addiction and the dangers of criminal ties.

    • 💀 Antagonist
    • 🚬 Drug Dealer
    • 🔥 Manipulative
  • Maddy (Izabela Vidovic)

    Maddy is the innocent daughter of Phil Broker, whose world is profoundly affected by her father's past. She shows strength during her conflicts at school, indicating her resilience but also serves as a reminder of the innocence at stake in the chaotic environment around her.

    • 👧 Daughter
    • 🔄 Resilience
    • 🏫 Student
  • Susan (Rachelle Lefevre)

    Susan is the school counselor who provides guidance to Broker regarding Maddy's challenges. Her insights about Teddy highlight the complexities faced by families in the community. Susan displays compassion and a supportive nature amidst the tense backdrop of the story.

    • 👩‍🏫 Counselor
    • 💬 Supportive
    • ❤️ Compassionate
  • Cassie (Kate Bosworth)

    Cassie, Gator's sister, grapples with her own addiction issues while trying to impose control over Broker's actions. She represents the dark familial ties in the narrative, highlighting how addiction can drastically affect relationships. Her character embodies vulnerability and desperation.

    • 💔 Sister
    • 🚨 Vulnerable
    • 🔄 Addiction
  • Danny T (Chuck Zito)

    Danny T is a leader of a biker gang whose arrest sparks a series of violent events. His character symbolizes the influence of organized crime in the community. Although not present throughout the film, Danny's impact reverberates through Broker's life and decisions.

    • ⚔️ Gang Leader
    • ⛓️ Criminal
    • 🔑 Influence

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:00

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Setting

Where and When Does Homefront Take Place?

The setting of Homefront (2013): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Contemporary

The movie takes place in the present day, reflecting societal issues such as drug addiction and the challenges of local law enforcement. The contemporary setting highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of crime on communities.

Location

Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport, located in Louisiana, is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. The city is a hub for film and television production, often referred to as 'Hollywood South.' Its diverse neighborhoods and proximity to the Red River contribute to a unique Southern charm.

  • 📍 Location
  • 🌆 City

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:00

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3 major themes

Homefront Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Homefront (2013) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Protection

    The theme of protection is central to the story, as DEA Agent Phil Broker goes to great lengths to safeguard his daughter Maddy. His attempts to shield her from the dangers of their surroundings highlight the lengths a parent will go to provide safety, even amidst chaos.

  • Violence

    Violence pervades Broker's life as he confronts the threats posed by the local drug scene. The brutal encounters with Gator Bodine and his thugs speak to the harsh realities of crime and the violent struggles within the black market.

  • Family

    Family emerges as a significant theme, as Broker's relationship with his daughter Maddy is tested by the chaos surrounding them. The emotional turmoil stemming from his past actions and their implications for their future together adds depth to the narrative.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:00

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Character & theme questions

Homefront Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Homefront (2013): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

While filmed in Shreveport, Louisiana, the story takes place in a fictional small American town grappling with drug crime. The setting reflects a generic working-class community where local law enforcement struggles against organized drug operations, creating an environment where a former DEA agent might try to disappear.

  • setting
  • location
  • small town
  • drugs
  • louisiana
Q2

What time period does the movie take place in?

Homefront is set in the contemporary present day. The story reflects modern issues including drug addiction, the challenges facing local law enforcement, and the impact of crime on family and community life.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • present day
Q3

Who is Phil Broker?

Phil Broker is a former DEA agent who, after leaving federal law enforcement, moves to a small town with his daughter Maddy to start fresh. He is haunted by consequences from his past career and prioritizes protecting his daughter above all else, showcasing both resilience and moral conflict.

  • phil broker
  • dea agent
  • protagonist
  • father
  • jason statham
Q4

Who is Gator Bodine?

Gator Bodine is the main antagonist, a manipulative and violent drug dealer who controls the local drug scene in the town. His character represents the dangers of criminal enterprises and the destructive nature of addiction, serving as the primary threat Broker must confront.

  • gator bodine
  • antagonist
  • drug dealer
  • james franco
  • villain
Q5

What role does Maddy play in the story?

Maddy is Phil Broker's young daughter who represents the innocence at stake throughout the film. Her struggles at school and her vulnerability to the chaotic environment around her highlight the theme of protection, as her safety becomes the primary motivation for Broker's actions.

  • maddy
  • daughter
  • innocence
  • child
  • protection
Q6

Who is Cassie in the movie?

Cassie is Gator Bodine's sister, struggling with addiction issues. Her character embodies vulnerability and desperation, illustrating how addiction affects family relationships and creates complex dynamics within the criminal world.

  • cassie
  • addiction
  • sister
  • kate bosworth
  • drugs
Q7

What is the theme of protection about in Homefront?

Protection is the central theme, as DEA Agent Phil Broker goes to extreme lengths to shield his daughter Maddy from the dangers surrounding them. The movie explores how far a parent will go to ensure their child's safety, even when that means confronting violent criminals and facing one's own traumatic past.

  • protection
  • parenthood
  • father daughter
  • safety
  • family
Q8

How is violence portrayed in the movie?

Violence is a pervasive element reflecting the harsh realities of the drug trade. Broker's brutal encounters with Gator Bodine and his thugs demonstrate the violent struggles within the black market, creating a tense atmosphere where danger lurks in everyday settings.

  • violence
  • drugs
  • action
  • conflict
  • brutality
Q9

What role does family play in Homefront?

Family is a major theme exploring the bond between Broker and his daughter Maddy. Their relationship is tested by the chaos emanating from Broker's past actions, with the emotional turmoil affecting their future together. The movie also shows dark familial ties through characters like Cassie and Gator.

  • family
  • relationship
  • father daughter
  • dynamic
  • bond
Q10

How does the setting impact the story?

The small-town setting creates an intimate environment where everyone knows each other, making it impossible for Broker to fully escape his past. The local drug scene controlled by Gator Bodine affects the entire community, including schools and families, forcing Broker into conflict despite his desire for a quiet life.

  • small town
  • community
  • drugs
  • setting
  • local crime

Movie threads

More Movies Like Homefront, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Homefront tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Protector Versus Criminal Underworld movies like Homefront

A lone guardian must fight a violent criminal network to protect a vulnerable loved one. If you liked the high-stakes conflict in Homefront, this list features similar movies where a lone protector takes on a dangerous criminal network. These films are tense, action-packed thrillers centered on the defense of family and home against overwhelming odds.

  • tense
  • violent
  • relentless
  • dangerous
  • gritty
  • protective
  • Tone: tense, gritty
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a protagonist seeking a quiet life, only to have their peace shattered by a local criminal threat. The story escalates from minor skirmishes to all-out warfare, forcing the hero to utilize their specialized skills to survive and protect those they love against a seemingly unstoppable foe.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core structure of a protector figure confronting organized crime, creating a fast-paced, high-intensity experience defined by personal stakes, escalating violence, and the theme of a peaceful life violently disrupted.

Gritty Small-Town Crime Thrillers similar to Homefront

Ordinary communities shattered by violence, corruption, and dark secrets. Discover movies like Homefront that explore the dark side of seemingly peaceful small towns. These stories feature tense atmospheres, corrupt locals, and intense action, perfect for viewers who enjoy thrillers where community facades crack under pressure.

  • gritty
  • oppressive
  • tense
  • paranoid
  • small town
  • corruption
  • Tone: tense, oppressive, paranoid
  • Pacing: steady to fast, building tension
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves an outsider or a returning native exposing the rot festering beneath a town's quiet surface. The conflict is often deeply personal, pitting individuals against a web of local corruption, where everyone knows each other, and trust is a liability. The setting itself becomes a character, feeling both familiar and ominously oppressive.

Why they belong together: This thread groups films based on their specific atmospheric blend of a rural or small-town setting with high-stakes crime narratives. The shared vibe is one of claustrophobic tension, where danger feels inescapable because it comes from within the community.

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Movies Like Homefront

Similar movies to Homefront: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Homefront (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Homefront in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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