The Wrath of God

The Wrath of God

Year: 1972

Runtime: 111 mins

Language: English

Director: Ralph Nelson

WesternAdventureDrama

Set in the 1920s, a group of foreign prisoners held by a South American military faction are given a stark choice: join the mercenary squad known as the Firing Squad, or embark on a daring mission called The Wrath of God. Accepting the latter could earn them freedom, but only if they succeed in overthrowing a deranged local military commander.

The Wrath of God (1972) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Wrath of God (1972) 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 the early 1920s, a turbulent stretch of South America lies bruised by revolution and the lingering echo of distant wars. Rough mountains and dust‑blown towns create a world where law is a suggestion and survival depends on quick wits as much as on firepower. The air hums with the clash of cultures—foreign soldiers, local militias, and indigenous peoples navigating a landscape that feels both timeless and on the brink of modernity.

At the heart of this restless frontier is Emmet Keogh, an Irish patriot whose reputation as a political assassin precedes him. Captured and imprisoned alongside other foreign detainees, Keogh finds himself among a motley crew of men and women from distant lands, each bearing the weight of their own pasts. Their confinement is stark, but the real pressure comes from the men who hold them: a South American military faction that has turned the prison into a bargaining chip.

When the captors present a stark ultimatum—join the brutal mercenary unit known as the Firing Squad, or accept a perilous assignment called The Wrath of God—hope flickers in the most unexpected places. The promise of freedom hangs on a gamble: to undertake a daring mission that could topple a deranged local commander. Among the prisoners, Father Oliver Van Horne, a compassionate American priest, and Jennings, a shrewd English gunrunner, emerge as unlikely allies, each bringing a different perspective to the fraught decision.

The film weaves a tense, gritty atmosphere where loyalty is tested and motives blur. As camaraderie forms under the shadow of looming danger, the story hints at a clash between ruthless ambition and a yearning for redemption. The stakes feel as expansive as the mountainous horizon, inviting the audience to wonder how far these strangers will go when the line between survival and sacrifice becomes indistinguishable.

Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:48

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.

Movies about redemptive mercenaries like The Wrath of God

Criminals and outlaws are given a chance at redemption through one last bloody mission.If you liked The Wrath of God, you'll appreciate these films about teams of flawed anti-heroes embarking on perilous missions. Discover similar adventure and western stories where criminals seek freedom and redemption through violent, morally complex journeys that test their limits.

grimtensebrutaldesperatemorally ambiguousredemptiveviolentsacrifice

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear mission structure, but the core is the character-driven arc of redemption. The external goal (overthrowing a tyrant, a heist, a rescue) serves as a crucible for the internal struggle of each character, forcing them to confront their past sins and make heavy moral choices, often culminating in sacrifice.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their central premise of redemption-through-violence, the tense dynamic of a forced alliance, and a tone that balances brutal, high-intensity action with heavy emotional weight and themes of sacrifice.

Movies with revolutionary brutality like The Wrath of God

Stories of survival and moral collapse set against the chaos of war-torn regions.Find movies similar to The Wrath of God that explore survival in violent, revolutionary settings. These films share a dark tone, high intensity, and heavy emotional weight, focusing on the grim realities of political corruption and the desperate choices people make to stay alive.

grimsavagebrutalatmosphericdesperatetensewar-torncorrupt

Narrative Summary

The plot is often a straightforward survival or mission narrative, but it is elevated by its immersive and hostile setting. The world's inherent violence and moral decay constantly challenge the protagonists, leading to a journey that is as much about enduring a harsh environment as it is about achieving a specific goal, often ending with a bittersweet or bleak resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their atmospheric, savage settings, the theme of survival against overwhelming corruption, and a consistent tone of grim desperation. The pacing is steady, driven by the relentless pressure of the environment.

Unlock the Full Story of The Wrath of God

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

The Wrath of God Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Wrath of God, 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 Wrath of God Summary

The Wrath of God Timeline

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

The Wrath of God Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wrath of God

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wrath of God

More About The Wrath of God

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Wrath of God: 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 Wrath of God

Similar Movies to The Wrath of God

Discover movies like The Wrath of God 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.