Restrepo

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!

Haven’t seen Restrepo yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

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.

PFC Juan Sebastián Restrepo

Medically trained medic whose death inspires the naming of OP Restrepo and serves as a poignant symbol of the unit's bond and sacrifice. His presence looms over the outpost as a catalyst for camaraderie and memory.

💀 Fallen comrade 🩺 Medic

PFC Timothy R. Vimoto

A 19-year-old soldier whose early death during the deployment underscores the scale of danger and the fragility of life in the Korengal. His loss marks a turning point for the unit and their resolve to persevere.

💔 Early casualty 🪖 Soldier

Captain Dan Kearney

Leader who decides to construct the advanced outpost OP Restrepo, guiding his men through harsh conditions and mounting threats. His decisions shape the daily rhythm of life at the outpost.

🧭 Leader 🪖 Soldier

Staff Sergeant Larry Rougle

Senior non-commissioned officer who dies during Operation Rock Avalanche, a casualty that highlights the dangers of point-man roles and the high cost of bold actions. He is respected for his service and bravery.

🎖️ Hero ⚔️ Soldier

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.

🤝 Brotherhood

The film centers on the bonds among Second Platoon, Battle Company, and the soldiers who rely on each other for survival. It highlights how shared danger deepens trust, loyalty, and a sense of family that persists beyond the battlefield. The naming of OP Restrepo anchors this brotherhood in memory and respect for a fallen comrade. Interwoven interviews emphasize the emotional cost of living and fighting together.

⚔️ War and Duty

The narrative presents the dual pulls of mission and humanity: securing roads, protecting civilians, and resisting constant Taliban pressure. The soldiers face daily threats—from IEDs to ambushes—that test discipline and resolve. Decisions about risk, strategy, and keeping teammates safe illustrate the complexity of modern combat. The film portrays how duty evolves into a shared, relentless routine.

🕯️ Sacrifice

Casualties such as PFC Timothy R. Vimoto, PFC Juan Sebastián Restrepo, and SSG Larry Rougle underscore the human cost of prolonged deployments. Operation Rock Avalanche becomes a focal point for loss, heroism, and the harsh realities of battlefield medic duties. The soldiers confront grief, honor fallen comrades, and reflect on what their sacrifices mean back home. The narrative also honors the memory of those buried and the impact on survivors.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:03

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 Summary

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 Timeline

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.

Restrepo Spoiler-Free Summary

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.

More About Restrepo