The plot of Apple TV+’s “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” film initially sounds unbelievable and unreal. Then, you notice the claim that it is “based on true stories” on the screen. This instantly piques your curiosity. This film’s most fantastic selling point is its juxtaposition between the story’s absurdity and the fact that real-life events inspired it. This incredible true story is set in 1967 and centers on John “Chickie,” a young New Yorker who decides, at the age of 18, to go to war-torn Vietnam for beer delivery to his neighbors. He learns a lot about the world around him along the way. All you need to know about “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.”
Plot Synopsis: The Greatest Beer Run Ever
Inwood is a North Manhattan neighborhood that Chickie grew up in in 1967. Chickie is a US Marine veteran who never saw combat. He now works in the Merchant Navy. His father disapproves of the job and wants Chickie to leave. His mother insists that Chickie should stay on the land for as long as possible.
The 1960s were a fascinating period in American history. The 1960s were a time of civil rights activism, Kennedy was assassinated, and the Vietnam War was not over. Chickie and his friends are initially unaware of what’s happening in Southeast Asia. They believe the government’s talking points to be actual, and they don’t consider the possibility of being biased.
Chickie and his friends in New York don’t know what war is. Chickie drinks, shouts at peace activists, and is angry at reporters covering the war. Chickie tells his friends that he will bring beer from New York to deliver to his enlisted neighbors. Chickie initially thinks he won’t have to go. Chickie’s unusual act draws attention to his family, who have been in Vietnam with their children. They approach him to ask if they can deliver items to their loved ones.
Chickie’s view of the war dramatically changes once he is in Vietnam. Chickie witnesses the unjustifiable cruelty with his own eyes. Chickie isn’t willing to give up. This part of Chickie is the source of his endless optimism. He sees the worst in humanity but manages to keep his perspective intact. He suffers and grows through it.
The Greatest Beer Run Ever: Does Chickie Deliver Beer To All His Friends?
“The Greatest Beer Run Ever” is not necessarily anti-American but anti-war. The film’s portrayal of America as the aggressor during the Vietnam War is not very kind to the country. While the film is critical of America’s actions during Vietnam, it also tries to forgive those who fought for America in that conflict — some of whom were Chickie’s friends. “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” portrays them as heroes, unfortunate victims of American capitalism, just like the Vietnamese.
This would be a disservice to history. We must be critical of the role played by the soldiers in Vietnam’s executions if we are going to criticize America’s actions. While it is easy to blame a shadowy organization such as the CIA, it is much more challenging to hold the boy down the road responsible.
“The Greatest Beer Run” fails to live up to its potential as a film. However, that doesn’t make it a bad movie. It is a story about a man who strives to make a difference in his life. He learns to distrust the system. He delivers beer to his neighbors, many of whom are deployed in Vietnam during this time. Rick Duggan and his friends Kevin McLoone and Tommy Collins initially expressed shock and frustration when Chickie arrived in Vietnam. They then sought out the reason for Chickie’s arrival. Chickie can positively impact the lives of almost all his friends.
Chickie’s entire experience also changes him. When he returns to the USA, his friends and family cannot recognize him. Chickie makes friends with Vietnamese. The traffic officer Chickie refers to the most famous of these as Oklahoma. The film shows their relationship blossoming until Oklahoma is killed in a Vietcong attack against Saigon. During his time in the country, Chickie makes friends with Arthur Coates ( Russell Crowe), a war correspondent from America. This provides Chickie with much-needed context for the events around him.
Why is Chickie blaming himself for Minogue’s death?
Chickie is a beer delivery man who delivers beer to his friends. However, Chickie has heard that others have been killed while in action. He feels more guilty about the death of Tommy Minogue, who was one of his closest friends. Chickie persuaded Minogue to enlist and go to Vietnam. Chickie realizes that his friend convinced him to die in a senseless and unnecessary war after learning the truth about the War in Vietnam. Chickie can confront Minogue’s mother in New York and tell her the truth when he returns home.
Bill Murray takes a step outside his comfort zone to play the role of a World War II veteran named Colonel. Chickie is encouraged to travel to Southeast Asia by him, and he projects the moral imperatives of World War II against Vietnam. After his return, Chickie returns to the Colonel and urges him to see the difference between fighting Nazism or warring against desperate residents defending their homes.
The Scene of Post-Credits
Like many films based on true stories, The Greatest Beer Run Ever also provides additional information about the people who inspired the characters. Rick Duggan, Tommy Collins, Kevin McLoone, and Bobby Pappas all made it to the USA alive. Chickie didn’t become a police officer or a peanuts seller at the Polo Grounds as he wanted, but he returned to school. He graduated from high school and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Also, the title cards reveal that Chickie was a Sandhog. She worked as a New York tunnel-builder and eventually rose to the organization’s legislative director position. The film shows Chickie with his friends and the original Polaroid photo taken at LZ Jane. The film then shows Chickie and his four best friends as they are today. The last title card is about Minogue. The card reveals that Minogue died while protecting his commanding officer’s life and that of his fellow soldiers. It also explains that Minogue has a grassroots campaign for the Medal of Honor.