Year: 1972
Runtime: 111 mins
Language: English
Director: Ralph Nelson
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Wrath of God (1972) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Wrath of God (1972) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Wrath of God (1972) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Wrath of God – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
I Am Wrath (2016) Film Overview & Timeline
Godless (1000) Story Summary & Characters
Day of Wrath (2006) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Legend of God’s Gun (2007) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Wrath of God (1968) Ending Explained & Film Insights
May God Forgive You… But I Won’t (1968) Detailed Story Recap
God Is My Colt (1972) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Executioner of God (1973) Movie Recap & Themes
God’s Gun (1976) Full Movie Breakdown
The Holy War (1979) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Black God, White Devil (1964) Full Movie Breakdown
Kill and Pray (1967) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Go with God, Gringo (1966) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
And God Said to Cain (1970) Full Movie Breakdown
The Guns (1964) Movie Recap & Themes