The Final Countdown

The Final Countdown

Year: 1980

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

ActionSci-Fi

During a training exercise, the USS Nimitz is pulled through a mysterious temporal vortex, unexpectedly transporting Captain Kirk Douglas and his crew to December 2nd, 1941, the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Faced with the imminent threat of history repeating itself, Kirk must find a way to warn the military and prevent a devastating surprise attack, all while struggling to understand how they arrived and how to return home.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Final Countdown 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 Final Countdown (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Final Countdown (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980

The movie is set in 1980, a period marked by heightened Cold War tensions and the lingering legacy of World War II. The characters grapple with the historical burden of Pearl Harbor's impact, exploring what could happen if past events are altered. The story’s juxtaposition between the present and the past showcases the complexities of history and its repercussions on the future.

Location

USS Nimitz, Pearl Harbor, Puʻuwai

The USS Nimitz serves as the main naval backdrop of the film, representing sheer American military prowess. Pearl Harbor is a historic site known for the infamous attack in 1941, which significantly altered U.S. military strategy. Puʻuwai, an isolated Hawaiian island, plays a crucial role as a deceptive refuge in the storyline, amplifying the film's themes of conflict and ethical dilemmas.

🚢 Ship 🏝️ Island 🇺🇸 USA

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

Main Characters – The Final Countdown (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Final Countdown (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen)

Warren Lasky is a systems analyst whose arrival on the USS Nimitz unknowingly sets off a series of unforeseen events. He demonstrates resourcefulness and a commitment to duty, becoming a crucial figure in navigating the crisis when communication systems fail. Lasky's character is shaped by his growing awareness of the historical significance of his circumstances.

🔍 Analyst 🚢 Naval Officer 🧠 Resourceful

Captain Yelland (Kirk Douglas)

Captain Yelland is a seasoned leader grappling with the pressure of potentially altering history. His character embodies the weight of command, confronting both external threats and internal dilemmas regarding military ethics. Yelland's decisions are pivotal as he navigates the complexities of wartime leadership.

⚓ Commander 📈 Leadership 🤔 Ethical Dilemmas

Senator Samuel Chapman (Charles Durning)

Senator Chapman is a frustrated political figure who symbolizes the lost potential of American leadership during wartime. His character provides insight into the political ramifications of history while pushing for action against the approaching threat. Chapman's strong-willed nature drives much of the tension on board the Nimitz.

🏛️ Politician 🚨 Urgent 😠 Frustrated

Laurel Scott (Katharine Ross)

Laurel Scott is depicted as a compassionate aide entangled in the unfolding chaos aboard the Nimitz. Her character's evolving relationship with Commander Owens adds a personal touch to the narrative, reflecting the impact of circumstances on human connections. Scott's determination and empathy make her a vital part of the journey.

👩‍⚕️ Aide 💔 Compassionate 🌊 Resilient

Commander Owens (James Farentino)

Commander Owens is portrayed as a determined military officer with a deep appreciation for history. His curiosity drives him to piece together the significance of their situation, raising questions about destiny and choice. Owens’ intellect and bravery manifest as he faces the unfolding crisis alongside his comrades.

📚 Historian 🎖️ Brave 🌐 Intellectual

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

Major Themes – The Final Countdown (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Final Countdown (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⏳ Time Travel

The movie intricately explores the theme of time travel, spotlighting how interventions in the past could drastically alter the present. Characters are faced with ethical dilemmas as they weigh the consequences of their actions on history. This theme generates tension and challenges characters to confront their moral obligations.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict is a central theme as characters navigate battles not only against enemy forces, but also against the moral implications of their choices. The film showcases military engagements, highlighting the psychological and historical weight of warfare. The characters’ interactions reveal personal and ideological conflicts influenced by the broader war narrative.

❤️ Romance

Amidst the chaos of war and time manipulation, a romantic bond develops between Laurel Scott and Commander Owens. Their relationship signifies hope and continuity despite the surrounding turmoil. The theme of romance adds a personal layer to the narrative, contrasting the larger battles and ethical struggles.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

Unlock the Full Story of The Final Countdown

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

The Final Countdown Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Final Countdown, 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 Final Countdown Summary

The Final Countdown Timeline

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

The Final Countdown Timeline

More About The Final Countdown

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

Similar Movies to The Final Countdown

Discover movies like The Final Countdown 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.