War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) Ending Explained: Caesar’s Legacy

“War for the Planet of the Apes” is the third installment of the beloved movie franchise, continuing the storyline from “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” Released in 2017, the film stars Andy Serkis as Caesar and Woody Harrelson as the formidable Colonel. Picking up after the destructive aftermath caused by Koba’s actions, the movie delves into the struggle of the ape community to coexist with the remaining humans. However, the humans’ hostile attitude towards the apes sets the stage for a gripping conflict. The film garnered praise from both fans and critics, particularly for its impressive CGI. The war and snow scenes are visually stunning, enhancing the overall theatrical experience.

The War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) Plot Summary & Film Synopsis

After Koba’s violent actions, a deadly war erupts, with humans hunting down apes. When Malcolm’s community establishes communication with the Northern Army, troops are sent to fight back. The movie opens with soldiers, aided by Koba’s ally, Red Donkey, attacking the apes. The soldiers bomb the apes’ army, causing significant casualties. In retaliation, the apes manage to kill most of the soldiers, except for a few and Red Donkey. Despite their losses, Caesar orders the surviving soldiers to be returned, showing the apes’ commitment to peace. However, they keep Red Donkey captive, who had injured Winter, a white ape, before fleeing. It is later revealed that the apes have found refuge behind a waterfall, using it as a safe haven from the soldiers’ attacks.

Why did Caesar and his community split?

Blue Eyes and Rock return from a quest to find Caesar and others at the lake. They reveal they had found a place for the Apes to move where humans could not follow. While Winter insists they leave immediately, Blue Eyes recommends strategizing their moves due to the danger. Caesar sees some lights through the waterfall while he is guarding his colony that night. While investigating, he finds a rope hanging from the cliff to the waterfall, indicating human presence.

He rushes back to his community only to find Blue Eyes and his spouse dead. He catches the Colonel walking out and tries to confront him, but he flees. Caesar and others mourn the deaths of their loved ones and prepare to leave for the safe space Blue Eyes discovered. When the Apes leave in the morning, Caesar splits from them to find and seek revenge on the Colonel for killing his family. Maurice, Rocket, and Luca follow Cesar to help him with his revenge.

Did Caesar manage to free the other Apes?

As the Apes approach the Colonel’s station, they come across a village. They notice a man about to shoot them, but Caesar shoots him first. Upon further inspection of the house, they find a little girl, and Maurice gives her a doll. Although Caesar initially refuses, Maurice takes the little girl with them. While searching for a soldier camp, they come across one where they see Winter working with the soldiers.

When Caesar confronts Winter, he reveals that he has made a deal with Red Donkey. Caesar accidentally kills Winter, but before dying, Winter reveals that the Colonel is on his way to the security border to the north. That night, Caesar regrets his actions. The next day, while they are spying, a thief steals one of their horses, and the group chases him. When they catch up to the thief, they discover it is an Ape named Bad Ape.

Bad Ape reveals that he will take the Apes to the border, but they will need to free Bad Ape’s son. The next day, the group leaves for the border. On their way, two patrol soldiers attack them, and Luca and Rocket successfully knock them out. However, during the commotion, Luca dies. Maurice insists on returning to their colony, and when Caesar refuses, he tells him that he is becoming like Koba. A furious Caesar moves alone towards the station. When he reaches close, he sees his community’s apes are left hanging on stakes to die.

One of the apes is barely alive and tells Caesar that the Colonel had captured them and made them work on a wall as slaves. Red Donkey attacks Caesar and takes him to the Colonel. The Colonel mocks him and takes him to work with his cohort. In the morning, the Apes start working, and Caesar revolts, but he is tied to a stake. After repeatedly asking, the Apes are provided food and water except Caesar. Maurice and others watch this from a distance and accidentally find a tunnel that leads directly to the camp.

The War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) Movie Ending Explained:

What happened to the Apes’ and human colony by the movie’s end?

The little girl, infected by ALZ 113, sees Caesar in agony and reaches him. While no soldiers are looking, she feeds Caesar and gives him water. She also leaves her doll with Caesar. When a few soldiers start to approach Caesar’s cage, Rocket creates a scene and beats Red Donkey until the Colonel stops their fight. Rocket is locked in a cage and signals Caesar to initiate his escape plan.

During his time in the camp, Caesar concludes that the soldiers arriving from the north do not support the Colonel’s violence. The following day, the Colonel finds the doll and suspects that there has been an infiltration. Caesar and Rocket finalize the plan to escape through the tunnel. However, when they are about to dig an opening into the separate cage of the young apes, they notice their side of the tunnel flooding.

The Apes overpower a soldier, taking his keys to free the young ones from their cage. They move all the Apes just as the Northern army attacks the camp. In the chaos, Caesar stays back to confront the Colonel. Upon reaching the Colonel’s tent, he finds the man infected by the doll. At the frontline, a soldier notices the Apes escaping and opens fire. Seeing his community suffering, the red donkey realizes his mistake. He sees Caesar approaching with a grenade when a soldier attacks him.

Caesar is injured, but the red donkey shoots the soldier. Caesar detonates the grenade, escaping into a tunnel. The northern army wins the battle, but an avalanche strikes, wiping out all the humans. The Apes save themselves by scaling massive trees. The Apes finally reach the beautiful Savannah suggested by Blue Eyes. However, their joy is short-lived as they realize Caesar’s wound has not yet healed and he is dying. As the film nears its end,  Caesar shares a peaceful moment with Maurice before passing away, knowing his community is safe.

What are the Themes Explored in War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)?

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) delves into a captivating exploration of humanity’s core conflict: nature vs. nurture.

• Nature vs. Nurture: A Blurred Line: The film challenges the clear-cut distinction between innate instincts and learned behaviors. While Caesar’s apes display a growing capacity for empathy and morality due to their upbringing, humans like the Colonel seem increasingly driven by primal survival instincts in the harsh post-apocalyptic world. This theme can be further explored by referencing specific scenes, like Caesar’s decision to spare the human child versus the Colonel’s ruthless treatment of his own soldiers. Consider including relevant keywords like “Caesar’s moral dilemma” or “Colonel’s descent into savagery.”
• The Cost of War: The movie unflinchingly portrays war’s devastating consequences, both physically and emotionally. Scarcity of resources, loss of life, and a constant sense of paranoia plague both ape and human societies. This theme can be enriched by mentioning specific characters like Rocket, a chimpanzee struggling with survivor’s guilt, or Nova, a human survivor grappling with the loss of her family. Keywords like “war trauma” or “post-apocalyptic society” can be integrated here.
• The Shaping of Morality: The film examines how apes, once driven by instinct, evolve under Caesar’s leadership, developing a moral compass influenced by their experiences. Humans, on the other hand, struggle with the brutal realities of a post-apocalyptic world, blurring the lines between survival and compassion.
• The Cycle of Violence: War’s devastating consequences are laid bare, showcasing the suffering it inflicts on both sides. The film explores the possibility of breaking this cycle by emphasizing the power of empathy and understanding.
• Caesar’s Legacy: A Beacon of Hope Despite the bleak backdrop of war, the film offers a glimmer of hope through the power of empathy and compassion. Caesar’s unwavering belief in peaceful coexistence, even in the face of betrayal and violence, serves as a moral compass. Contrast this theme with the actions of the Colonel, who exemplifies the pitfalls of hatred and distrust. Mentioning specific scenes where Caesar shows compassion (e.g., sparing the human soldiers) can strengthen this point. Consider including keywords like “Caesar’s humanity” or “breaking the cycle of violence.” Despite the film’s dark setting, the ending offers a subtle ray of hope. Caesar’s legacy lives on through his son, who carries the torch for a potential future where humans and apes can coexist peacefully. Analyze the final scene and its symbolism of a new dawn. Keywords like “Caesar’s legacy of hope” or “future of humanity and apes” can be used here.

Read More: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) Movie Ending Explained: What Happens After Caesar and the Other Apes Escape the Sanctuary?

Trailer:

The War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) Movie Links: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia, Letterboxd
Cast: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn
Genre: Sci-fi/Action, Runtime: 2h 22m

Where to watch War for the Planet of the Apes