The Expendables

The Expendables

Year: 2010

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

ActionAdventureThriller

A covert CIA operation unexpectedly becomes a perilous fight for survival when a team of elite mercenaries finds themselves facing overwhelming odds. Led by the experienced Barney Ross, this group of hardened warriors—known as The Expendables—grapples with their pasts and the possibility of redemption as they confront a deadly mission and the prospect of ultimate sacrifice.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Expendables 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 – The Expendables (2010)

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

Time period

The events of the movie take place in a modern context, showcasing contemporary mercenary operations and global political dynamics. Issues such as piracy and the aftermath of the Bosnian War are reflected in the characters' backstories and the geopolitical tensions depicted in the mission.

Location

Gulf of Aden, Somalia, Vilena

The Gulf of Aden, located between Yemen on the north and Somalia on the south, is known for its strategic shipping lane and piracy issues. The fictitious island of Vilena serves as a backdrop for the conflict against the dictator General Garza, adding a layer of intrigue and danger to the mercenaries' mission. Somalia is infamous for its piracy and warlord conflicts, making it a significant location in the narrative.

🌍 Locations 🌊 Ocean 🏝️ Island

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Main Characters – The Expendables (2010)

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

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone)

Barney Ross is the leader of the Expendables and embodies the qualities of a skilled strategist and combatant. He is burdened by the weight of his past decisions but strives for redemption through his actions in the field. Ross demonstrates leadership qualities, balancing the team's dynamics while challenging ethical dilemmas presented during their missions.

💼 Leader 🧠 Strategist 🔫 Mercenary

Lee Christmas (Jason Statham)

Lee Christmas is a former SAS operative known for his knife skills and emotional depth. His character draws attention to personal struggles, particularly surrounding his relationship with his girlfriend, showcasing vulnerability in contrast to his tough exterior. Christmas's loyalty to Ross and the team is unwavering, feeding into the film's themes of camaraderie and sacrifice.

🔪 Knife Expert ❤️ Romantic 🤼‍♂️ Combatant

Yin Yang (Jet Li)

Yin Yang is a skilled martial artist who adds agility and finesse to the team. His character’s journey involves moral conflicts, especially concerning the ethics of executing a captured enemy. Yang’s dynamic interactions with Jensen highlight the theme of ideological clash within the group, bringing depth to the character's role in addressing the complexities of justice.

🥋 Martial Artist 💭 Thinker 🔥 Fighter

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Major Themes – The Expendables (2010)

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

⚔️ Camaraderie

The movie emphasizes the bond among the Expendables, showcasing their loyalty and teamwork throughout high-stakes missions. The group's resilience and support for each other amid challenges highlight the importance of friendship and unity in times of crisis.

💔 Conflict and Redemption

Through various character struggles, particularly Lee Christmas’s personal turmoil and Tool’s haunted past, the theme of seeking redemption amidst chaos thrives. The characters confront their moral dilemmas, revealing inner conflicts as they deal with betrayal and the ethics of their actions.

🛡️ Valor and Sacrifice

Valor is portrayed through the characters' willingness to risk their lives for the greater good, with Barney Ross exemplifying this by choosing to forgo payment to support a cause greater than their mission. The sacrifices each character makes showcase their commitment to justice and protection, often at personal costs.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Unlock the Full Story of The Expendables

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

The Expendables Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Expendables, 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.

The Expendables Summary

The Expendables Timeline

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

The Expendables Timeline

More About The Expendables

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

Similar Movies to The Expendables

Discover movies like The Expendables 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.