Restrepo

Year: 2010

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Directors: Sebastian Junger, Tim Hetherington

WarDocumentary

In Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, a small US platoon establishes Restrepo, an isolated outpost dedicated to a fallen medic. The film offers an immersive and unfiltered look at their experiences, placing viewers directly into the harsh realities of combat. Through intimate camera work, audiences witness the constant threat and unrelenting intensity of life in the valley, with no safe haven from the ongoing conflict. It's a raw and visceral portrayal of war, focusing solely on the soldiers’ day-to-day struggles.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Restrepo (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Restrepo (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

May 2007 – April 2010

The deployment spans about 15 months starting in May 2007 in one of the U.S. military's most dangerous postings. The narrative follows near-constant combat, including the decision to build OP Restrepo and daily engagements with Taliban forces. It covers the October 2007 Operation Rock Avalanche and the subsequent losses, including SSG Larry Rougle. The film ends with the unit returning to Vicenza, Italy, and the U.S. withdrawal from the Korengal Valley in April 2010.

Location

Korengal Valley, COP Korengal, Kunar River Valley, eastern Afghanistan

Set in the Korengal Valley of eastern Afghanistan, the film centers on a remote Combat Outpost (COP Korengal). The valley's rugged terrain and its proximity to the Pakistan border make it a focal point of combat operations and logistical challenges. Soldiers describe daily firefights and IED threats, which shape life at the outpost and the unit's relationship with the local population.

🏔️ Mountainous terrain 🏕️ Remote outpost ⚠️ Conflict zone

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:03

Main Characters – Restrepo (2010)

Meet the key characters of Restrepo (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:03

Major Themes – Restrepo (2010)

Explore the central themes of Restrepo (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:03

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Raw and Unflinching War Documentaries like Restrepo

Firsthand, visceral accounts of conflict that offer an immersive soldier's-eye view.Movies like Restrepo that provide a firsthand, immersive look at the realities of war. These documentaries are often shot on the front lines, offering a tense and unfiltered perspective on combat, survival, and the bonds of brotherhood. If you appreciated the visceral intensity of Restrepo, you'll find similar films here.

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Narrative Summary

These documentaries typically follow a linear, chronological structure centered on a specific unit or location. The narrative is not about grand strategy but the day-to-day reality of survival, punctuated by moments of intense combat and psychological strain. The journey is one of enduring extreme stress and forming deep bonds under fire.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared commitment to an immersive, observational style. The high intensity, tense tone, and heavy emotional weight create a cohesive viewing experience defined by its authenticity and emotional impact, rather than traditional storytelling.

High-Stakes Survival Stories like Restrepo

Groups isolated in hostile settings, fighting for survival against overwhelming odds.If you liked the intense survival narrative of Restrepo, these movies capture a similar vibe. They feature groups isolated in extreme environments—whether war zones, wilderness, or space—facing constant danger. The stories are tense, gritty, and explore the deep bonds forged under severe pressure.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a group being cut off in a hostile environment, forcing them to rely on each other to overcome external threats and internal friction. The plot is driven by a steady pace of escalating challenges, leading to a climax that tests their resolve and often results in a bittersweet or heavy conclusion.

Why These Movies?

They share a core experience of high-intensity survival, a tense and anxious tone, and a focus on the dynamics of a group under duress. The pacing is often steady, building a sense of inescapable pressure, and the emotional weight is consistently heavy.

Unlock the Full Story of Restrepo

Don't stop at just watching — explore Restrepo in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Restrepo is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Restrepo Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Restrepo, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Restrepo Timeline

Track the full timeline of Restrepo with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Restrepo Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Restrepo that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Restrepo

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Restrepo: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Restrepo that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.