Revolution

Revolution

Year: 1985

Runtime: 126 min

Language: English

Director: Hugh Hudson

Budget: $28M

AdventureDramaHistoryWar

In 18th-century America, the colonies are under the control of England, but seek to break free through a Declaration of Independence. A fierce conflict erupts between the well-organized British army and the rebel forces, ordinary men forming a makeshift army. When fur trader Tom Dobb loses his son Ned during a visit to New York, Ned joins the rebels. Determined to be with his son, Tom makes the decision to join the rebellion as well, facing a challenging and dangerous fight for freedom.

Revolution (1985) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Revolution (1985) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a restless 18th‑century America, the colonies pulse with the promise and peril of a fledgling rebellion. The streets of New York hum with whispered grievances against an empire that still holds the crown, while makeshift camps of ordinary men and women scramble to give shape to a dream of liberty. The world feels both gritty and hopeful, a landscape of rain‑slick cobblestones and open fields where the smell of gunpowder mingles with the sharp scent of fur pelts, hinting at the harsh choices that lie ahead.

At the heart of this turmoil is Tom Dobb, a pragmatic fur trader whose livelihood has always been tied to the fragile balance of trade and survival. When his young son Ned is swept up by the fervor of the revolutionary cause, Tom is forced to confront a new reality—one where family ties and personal stakes clash with the chaotic pull of the nascent army. Their relationship, forged on riverbanks and in modest homes, becomes a quiet anchor amid the louder clamor of drums, banners, and restless crowds.

Among the city’s privileged circles, Daisy McConnahay watches the unfolding upheaval from a marble veranda, her curiosity tinged with compassion for those fighting beyond her sheltered world. Her interactions with Tom and Ned reveal a subtle tension between duty to family wealth and an emerging empathy for the rebel spirit. Together, these characters embody the film’s tone: a blend of rugged determination, simmering hope, and the ever‑present question of what one is willing to sacrifice for freedom. The stage is set, the atmosphere electric, and the promise of a nation’s birth looms on the horizon, inviting viewers to wonder how each will navigate the uncertain path ahead.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:07

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Grim war survival stories like Revolution

Ordinary people pushed to their limits by the chaos of war and revolution.If you were captivated by the harsh, ground-level perspective of Revolution, explore more movies like it. This collection features historical dramas where ordinary people fight for survival amidst the chaos of war, focusing on brutal realism and the heavy personal cost of conflict.

grimdesperatebrutalchaotictragicresilienthistoricalwar

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a linear, survival-focused journey through a major historical conflict. The protagonist is often an unwilling participant, driven by necessity rather than ideology. The plot is punctuated by harsh setbacks, fleeting alliances, and a constant battle against a superior, organized enemy, leading to a victory that feels pyrrhic at a personal level.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to depicting war as a grim, exhausting, and dehumanizing experience. They share a high intensity, heavy emotional weight, and a bittersweet or bleak tone that questions the true cost of victory, focusing on resilience in the face of overwhelming despair.

Father-son war dramas like Revolution

A father's desperate journey to protect his child amidst the violence of war.For viewers who appreciated the central father-son relationship in Revolution, this list highlights similar movies. Discover powerful stories where a father's love is tested by the brutal realities of war, focusing on protection, sacrifice, and the loss of innocence.

patriotictragichopefulemotionalsacrificefamilybondwar

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a father figure who, often reluctantly, enters a conflict to save or reunite with his son. The journey forces the father to confront violence and make difficult moral choices, while the son often undergoes a loss of innocence, becoming hardened by war. The resolution typically involves a reaffirmation of their bond at a great personal cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their primary focus on the father-son dynamic as the emotional engine of the plot. They share themes of protection, sacrifice, and the intergenerational impact of violence. The tone is consistently heavy, with high emotional stakes driving a steady, character-driven pace.

Unlock the Full Story of Revolution

Don't stop at just watching — explore Revolution 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 Revolution is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Revolution Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Revolution, 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.

Revolution Summary

Revolution Timeline

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

Revolution Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Revolution

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Revolution. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Revolution

More About Revolution

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Revolution: 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 Revolution

Similar Movies to Revolution

Discover movies like Revolution 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.