Tank

Tank

Year: 1984

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Marvin J. Chomsky

ActionDramaComedy

In this pulse-pounding drama, decorated military officer Zack Carey trades combat for small-town law enforcement, only to find himself at odds with corrupt Sheriff Cyrus Buelton. When his own son is framed and imprisoned, Zack must take matters into his own hands, commandeering a vintage tank to break his boy out of jail, sparking a thrilling cat-and-mouse battle.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Tank 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 – Tank (1984)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Tank (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the social dynamics of the early 1980s America. During this period, the U.S. military was grappling with public perception as the Vietnam War left a lingering impact on both soldiers and their families. The film addresses themes of authority, justice, and civilian-military relations within this unique historical context.

Location

Fort Clemons, Georgia

Fort Clemons is an Army base in Georgia that serves as the backdrop for the film's events. Known for its military installations, the base is filled with dedicated servicemen and their families living together in close quarters. The local community is impacted by the activities of the military and the relationships that form within this environment.

🏞️ American Military Base 🚙 Small Town

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Main Characters – Tank (1984)
Meet the key characters of Tank (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sergeant Major Zack Carey (James Garner)

Zack Carey is a dedicated Army sergeant major facing the struggles of a military man dealing with personal loss and systemic corruption. He is portrayed as a strong-willed protector of his family, using his unique skills to confront injustices in a small town. His sense of humor and unyielding determination make him a relatable yet heroic character.

👮‍♂️ Military 👨‍👦‍👦 Family Man 🎖️ Veteran

Ladonna Carey (Shirley Jones)

Ladonna is Zack’s supportive wife who navigates the complexities of being a military spouse. She showcases resilience and strength, especially when her family faces threats from local authorities. As a nurturing mother, she balances her home life and stands by Zack, emphasizing the theme of loyalty in marriage and family.

👩‍👦‍👦 Supportive Wife 💪 Resilience ❤️ Love

Billy Carey (C. Thomas Howell)

Billy is the teenage son of Zack and Ladonna, who struggles between living up to his father's legacy while creating his own identity. Caught in a tumultuous situation, he learns valuable lessons about courage, family loyalty, and moral integrity as he witnesses his father's fight for justice.

👦 Coming of Age 💔 Loss 🌱 Growth

Sheriff Cyrus Buelton (G.D. Spradlin)

Sheriff Buelton embodies corruption and authority's darker side, using his position to exert power over the townsfolk and military personnel. His ruthless nature contrasts sharply with Zack’s honorable character, creating a classic protagonist-antagonist dynamic. His actions drive the plot, highlighting the perils of unchecked power.

🚨 Antagonist 🔪 Corruption 🤵 Authority Figure

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Major Themes – Tank (1984)
Explore the central themes of Tank (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🚓 Authority vs. Justice

The movie exposes the conflict between military authority and local law enforcement, highlighting questions about power abuse. Sergeant Major Zack Carey stands against the corrupt Sheriff Buelton, illustrating the struggle for justice when institutional powers act improperly. It emphasizes the lengths one will go to protect family and uphold moral integrity.

👨‍👦 Family Bonds

Family dynamics are a central theme, as Zack navigates his relationships with his wife and only remaining son, Billy. The film explores themes of loss, parenthood, and the bonds that hold families together, especially in times of crisis. Through their journey, the importance of understanding and supporting one another becomes evident.

💣 Defiance

Zack's defiance against corrupt authorities encapsulates the theme of standing up for one’s beliefs. The use of the Sherman tank symbolizes his fight against oppression and the desire to protect his family at all costs, resonating with audiences who value personal freedom and justice.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Similar Movies to Tank
Discover movies like Tank 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.