The Last Drop (2006)

The Last Drop Poster

Different factions in WWII-era Holland race to find a stash of Nazi gold.

Intro to "The Last Drop"
"The Last Drop" is a British war experience movie released in 2006, directed by Colin Teague. The motion picture links aspects of action, drama, and historic fiction, set against the backdrop of World War II. It tells the tale of a group of Allied soldiers undertaking a break-in during the last days of the war, juxtaposing the break-in intrigue with the grim truths of the battlefield.

The Plot of "The Last Drop"
The story unfolds during Operation Market Garden, the biggest air-borne operation of its time, which was an unsuccessful effort by the Allied forces to end the war quickly by catching tactical bridges in the Netherlands. Within this historic context, the film presents a varied cast of characters: American, British, and an Irish soldier alongside Dutch resistance fighters.

Main character, Lt. Billy Flynn (played by Billy Zane), is tasked with leading a hidden operation, code-named 'Matchbox', which is officially aimed at recuperating a treasure trove of stolen art from the Nazis. However, the true objective is revealed to be a cover-up for a secret program: to recover a hoard of Nazi gold. Accompanying Flynn is a diverse group, consisting of Sgt. Powell (Neil Newbon), and Pvt. Dennis Baker (Tommy Flanagan).

As the group navigates through firing line, they experience the cruelties of war, and their mission is even more made complex when they come across a German plot to introduce V-2 rockets at London. Along with the primary narrative is a subplot involving a Dutch resistance fighter, Niels (Michael Madsen), whose personal vendetta against the Germans includes depth to the unfolding drama. Their particular pursuits become linked as they seek to fulfill their goals while attempting to survive.

Styles and Action Sequences
"The Last Drop" explores styles such as loyalty, betrayal, and the moral uncertainties of war. The characters are faced with challenging choices between task and greed, in addition to the mayhem of battle that tests their willpower and camaraderie. The movie juxtaposes the main heist-driven plot with the raw violence and disaster of World War II, presenting a microcosmic view of a conflict on the cusp of ending yet still claiming lives.

Action series in the film are crafted to illustrate the perilous nature of the objective. Gunfights, ambushes, and the painful experience of the soldiers in opponent territory are portrayed with a sense of gritty realism that is expected from a war film. However, the movie does attempt to stabilize the grimness with lighter minutes of friendship and humor among the squad.

Reception and Conclusion
"The Last Drop" gathered blended evaluations upon its release. Critics valued the attempt to mix a break-in narrative with a war setting, though some thought that the execution fell short in providing an engaging heist thriller or a reflective war drama. Viewpoints differed on the performances, the pacing of the plot, and the integration of historical occasions with fictional elements.

In conclusion, "The Last Drop" sets out to use an alternative World War II narrative by combining a treasure hunt with the weariness of war. While it may not stand apart as a classic in either the war or heist categories, it presents an entertaining tale that tries to explore the human experiences behind the significant occasions of the conflict. The movie serves as a tribute to the complexities and contradictions of humanity during times of war, wrapped in an adventurous, if somewhat unconventional, cinematic package.

Top Cast

  • Billy Zane (small)
    Billy Zane
    Robert Oates
  • Neil Newbon (small)
    Neil Newbon
    Rhys Powell
  • Michael Madsen (small)
    Michael Madsen
    J.T. Colt
  • Alexander Skarsgård (small)
    Alexander Skarsgård
    Jergen Voller
  • Neil Jackson (small)
    Neil Jackson
    Sergeant Simkins
  • Tommy Flanagan (small)
    Tommy Flanagan
    Dennis Baker
  • Nick Moran (small)
    Nick Moran
    Alan Ives
  • Laurence Fox (small)
    Laurence Fox
    Major Kessler
  • Rafe Spall (small)
    Rafe Spall
    David Wellings
  • Sean Pertwee (small)
    Sean Pertwee
    Bill McMillan
  • Karel Roden (small)
    Karel Roden
    Hans Beck