The latest film from writer and director David Ayer (“End of Watch”), “Fury” tells of a platoon of tanks in 1945, World War II-ravaged Germany.

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The plot of “Fury” picks up as the crew of the Fury tank returns from a battle where all flank members have been lost, save four soldiers.  One member of the Fury’s crew has been killed, and his comrades are observably tired and war-torn.

After returning to their home camp, they are sent a replacement soldier for the man they have lost. When the young private arrives it is clear he is not prepared for the realities of war.

Soon after, the group leaves and joins a new flank as they attempt the rescue of a platoon of U.S. troops who have been pinned-down by enemy fire outside of a small town.

Fury’s newest crew member becomes exposed to the horrors of war as he sees men and children killed; he learns this is a cruel time in history where typical morals cannot be found.

The film continues for an hour and a half of scintillating cinematography depicting Fury’s mission of holding off German troops so that U.S. forces can replenish supplies to their troops.

Brad Pitt stars as the leader of Fury’s platoon, Don “Wardaddy” Collier.  Pitt gives a mesmerizing performance as the tank’s leader and shows shades of his last World War II character, Lt. Aldo Raine (“Inglourious Basterds,” 2009).

Shia LaBeouf gives an impressive performance as Boyd “Bible” Swan. Logan Lerman has the biggest and meatiest role of his career yet and is superb as the young kid who joins Fury’s team, as Norman Ellison.

Michael Peña plays another member of Fury’s crew, Trini “Gordo” Garcia.  Jon Bernthal plays the fifth and final member of Fury’s crew, Grady “Coon-Ass” Travis.  Jim Parrack, Brad William Henke, and Kevin Vance play fellow tank leaders, Sgt. Binkowski, Davis and Peterson.

“Fury” is one of the finest war films that has ever graced the silver screen, and is easily the best of the genre since “Saving Private Ryan.”

It is visceral and relentless. One defining element of the screenplay is how the characters develop.

Because the audience is joining them well into the war, Ayer does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of the men already well-established.

He constantly gives the moviegoers more to ingest with every scene. This never leaving our protagonists flat.

“Fury” also excels due to the performances of the actors. As is typical with the war genre, the film’s action sequences are raw and beautifully shot.

There are plenty of gory scenes and violence, but it all fits into the film and it feels as if you are watching history unfold.

Ayer does a fantastic job telling this story and its tone and imagery fit perfectly.

Although the tale has a run time of 134 minutes and only occasionally drags during the middle (which also happens with “Saving Private Ryan”), its tank battle and 30-minute finale do more than make up for a slightly muddled middle portion.

An achievement in filmmaking, “Fury” was exceptionally acted and woefully beautiful. As one of the best war depictions of the last decade, you will not be disappointed if you see this film.

While it will take some time to determine whether it has the power of other tales such as “Saving Private Ryan,” my vote is thoroughly yes; go see “Fury.”

Overall: Do not wait any longer; go see “Fury” as soon as possible.

*****

Tony Mosello contributed to this movie review.