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10

jasharkowalskiNov 11, 2017

Didn't expect much when i went to the cinema tonight, but boy, how wrong i was! This is a real gem that nobody should miss ! I have worked along the real US firefighters, i have seen that spirit and this film captured that close-to-madnessDidn't expect much when i went to the cinema tonight, but boy, how wrong i was! This is a real gem that nobody should miss ! I have worked along the real US firefighters, i have seen that spirit and this film captured that close-to-madness zeal and knowing that you are doing the right thing. Go and see the film, this is the best thing along with the Wind River release in the movies at the moment !… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

netflicNov 15, 2017

This inspirational movie is not fiction. It is based on a true story of
a fire team "Granite Mountain Hotshots" from Prescott, Arizona.
The movie is quite long and drags at times. But it is necessary to create an atmosphere of the ArizonaThis inspirational movie is not fiction. It is based on a true story of
a fire team "Granite Mountain Hotshots" from Prescott, Arizona.

The movie is quite long and drags at times. But it is necessary to create an atmosphere of the Arizona town and delve into protagonists' lives.

I did not know the story of that particular fire team and was not ready for amount of dramatism at the end.

This will be more of an analyses than a review.

Pluses:
- targeting a wide audience;
- great casting;
- very good performances;
- excellent visuals;
- extremely emotional ending.

Minuses:
- cliches;
- minor episodes not realistic;
- as I already mentioned, a bit too long.

Overall, a good powerful movie, worth seeing.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

GreatMartinOct 25, 2017

“Only the Brave” is not the sort of movie I would go to see but I did and I will tell all others who wouldn’t go see a picture like this go for it and those who are into films like this you got a winner!

Aside from being pure entertainment,“Only the Brave” is not the sort of movie I would go to see but I did and I will tell all others who wouldn’t go see a picture like this go for it and those who are into films like this you got a winner!

Aside from being pure entertainment, along with suspense and based on a true story, this is also educational in many ways regarding fires and fighting them. It certainly was for me and far from being boring.

Though Josh Brolin almost always gets excellent reviews he doesn’t seem to be able to get to the highest level of stardom and he deserves to as his role as the real Eric Marsh shows that he does.

“Only the Brave” is the true story of the ‘Granite Mountain Hotshots’ who fought a fire in Arizona in 2013 that killed more firefighters at one time except for 9/11.

With a team of 20 men plus spouses, kids, in-laws, friends, it is pretty hard to get to know everyone in this 2 hours plus film but we met enough of the men and their interactions plus a few of the ‘civilians’ that draw you into every moment of the film and the people involved.

Yes there is a Hollywood cliché here and there but even they ring true. The fire scenes and how quickly a fire can overtake acres of land and the many ways firefighters end, or at least delay, the destruction fire can do are total.

Just watching this film as the California fires rage on taking everything in its way makes this a must see film to understand what is happening there.

I knew very little about the real story this is based on but the screenplay by Ken Nolan and Eric Warren Singer, along with the directing by Joseph Kosinski and the production values, especially the fire scenes, along with the excellent cast, makes it all real.

“Only the Brave” is such a good movie that not a person left the auditorium during the end credits even after they showed the real firefighters and who played them.

Be sure to see this film on a movie screen to get the full effect of the firefighters, the fires and what made these men so brave!

Cast: Josh Brolin, Jennifer Connelly, Jeff Bridges, Mills Tyler, James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Screenwriters: Ken Nolan, Eric Warren Singer

PG-13 2 hours 13 minutes… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

RelaxedmikeNov 1, 2017

Tearjerker towards the end. Good acting. Yet had a few hokey and corny scenes mixed in. Still..You gotta like this one. I'm told many of these characters were researched thourouhly. These men got caught in a fatal situation they had trainedTearjerker towards the end. Good acting. Yet had a few hokey and corny scenes mixed in. Still..You gotta like this one. I'm told many of these characters were researched thourouhly. These men got caught in a fatal situation they had trained for. Circumstances and unpredictable mother nature went against them and cost them their lives. Very sad. But what a..Shining tribute to some very fine brave men.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

SpangleOct 25, 2017

Joseph Kosinski's Only the Brave is a tearjerker of the highest order, in its telling of the story of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots. A team of firefighters who fought fires head-on across the nation but were based in Prescott, Arizona, theJoseph Kosinski's Only the Brave is a tearjerker of the highest order, in its telling of the story of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots. A team of firefighters who fought fires head-on across the nation but were based in Prescott, Arizona, the all but one of the men in the group were killed in the Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013. Building up to this eventual tragedy, Kosinski's greatest achievement in this film is firmly established long before the men ever report to Yarnell Hill. Through the nearly two hours before this fire, Only the Brave pain-stakingly develops the men as individuals in their private lives and on the job. Though this film is about a tragedy and contains many scenes of firefighting action where the men are able to return home, Only the Brave is a film about these men in life and a celebration of who they were, instead of a film about this disaster. In essence, it is a story of the men and the wives/girlfriends/parents/children/siblings impacted by this tragedy, which allows Only the Brave to be an achingly human and powerful viewing experience.

From the very beginning, Kosinski begins to signal that this is not a typical "based on a true life tragedy" film. Typically, these films include a brief scene of family followed by some brief bonding before jumping right into the tragedy. Kosinski, instead, takes a unique approach with nearly two hours of family, friendship, and the forging of a bond through fighting fires, before finally reaching that somber day. In the course of this, he introduces us to men such as Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) and his wife Amanda (Jennifer Connelly). Many character building scenes are devoted solely to Amanda, showing her as a horse loving woman who rehabilitates ones that are neglected and teaches others how to care for horses properly. We see young Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller) do drugs, get arrested, and kicked out of his mother's home, only to learn he is about to become a father. We see Brendan join the group of firefighters, forge a friendship with Chris MacKenzie (Taylor Kitsch) and care for his daughter. In quiet moments, we see the men goof around, make fun of one another, and act like the young men that they are in their private lives. We see them fight fires with great success, even sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon watching the dying embers of the fire they just fought off pour over into the canyon itself. While much of the focus is on Eric and Brendan to be sure, this is a film about the brotherhood between the firefighters and the people they will eventually leave behind as much as it is one about fighting fires. Never skimming through this character development and consistently taking the time to establish even the most peripheral of characters into enjoyable and recognizable presences in the film, Kosinski manages to make Only the Brave into a celebration of these men as they lived, not how they died. By the time the tragedy happens, these men feel as though they have become part of our own families and our hearts, making the tragedy all the more impactful and emotionally resonant. This is a film that builds great pathos, relatability, and depth in its characters that allows this film to work not just as an action or tragedy film, but as a fully-fledged drama with well-rounded characters across the board, protagonists you identify with and root for, and wife characters who are not just there as background noise instead strong, developed characters in their own right. In having watched many action films - let alone ones based on true stories - Only the Brave stands as one of the rare entries that values every single person it puts on the screen. It treats each with respect and care, capturing the essence of every single person mentioned and allowing the audience to understand who they really were, both in action and in the quiet times.

While the film's strong writing certainly helps to bring light to the real men behind these characters, it is often the film's acting that lifts the film up. As superintendent Eric Marsh, Josh Brolin shines in one of his best performances in recent memory. As we see him express doubt over his life, uncertainty about having a kid, and whether or not he wants be a family man or a firefighter, Brolin transforms into Marsh with all of his emotion, authenticity, and inner conflicts. The bond between Miles Teller's Brendan and Taylor Kitsch's Chris is palpable with the two becoming these two men who, after having so much animosity between them at the beginning, became like twin brothers. In traversing the life of the recovering addict Brendan McDonough, the new fatherhood, and the eventual survivor's guilt he experiences, Teller similarly delivers one of his best performances in a truly moving performance. Delivering lines with great feeling and emotion, Teller similarly becomes Brendan.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

Compi24Oct 24, 2017

Like other, fact-based dramas that we've seen in the theater as of late ("Deepwater Horizon," "Patriots Day," "Stronger," "Sully," etc.), "Only The Brave" is yet another carefully constructed, emotionally resonant look at an event that -Like other, fact-based dramas that we've seen in the theater as of late ("Deepwater Horizon," "Patriots Day," "Stronger," "Sully," etc.), "Only The Brave" is yet another carefully constructed, emotionally resonant look at an event that - quite frankly - every human being should know more about. Though most of the film relies on building up the characters and world, there's just this air of authenticity to the film that honestly makes it all that much more enjoyable and rewarding to watch in the end. From the incredibly well-crafted performances and relationships established between characters, to the respectful and majestic visuals brought to you by director Joseph Koskinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda, "Only The Brave" easily climbs its earnest way up onto the list of 2017's best movies.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

CapnAwesomeOct 26, 2017

An extremely well-made drama that is going under the radar. Only the Brave features a high profile cast and it pays big dividends. Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelley, Taylor Kitsch deliver huge performances that really takes theAn extremely well-made drama that is going under the radar. Only the Brave features a high profile cast and it pays big dividends. Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelley, Taylor Kitsch deliver huge performances that really takes the film to the next level. The film does a great job covering the life of the firefighters outside of the actual fires showing the toll it takes on the families as well.

You really feel family-like bond within the firefighters and the extreme danger they face fighting the fires. It is rare for a Hollywood movie based on true events to be as well-executed as Only the Brave and it is definitely worth the watch.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

moviemitch96Oct 21, 2017

Definitely an inspirational and powerful true story about true heroes! Director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy, Oblivion) departs from his usual sci-fi fare seamlessly with this film, and delivers an honorable retelling of remarkable andDefinitely an inspirational and powerful true story about true heroes! Director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy, Oblivion) departs from his usual sci-fi fare seamlessly with this film, and delivers an honorable retelling of remarkable and courageous heroes. The cast is solid, with Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Taylor Kitsch, and Jennifer Connelly all giving outstanding performances! Overall, it does have a few formulaic moments throughout, but it's honorable storytelling and dedication to the real-life heroes it depicts more than makes up for that!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

AnnOnomaOct 21, 2017

This film beautifully addresses themes of honor, character, perseverance, personal responsibility and community that are sorely wanting in the Weinstein Hollywood. More stories like this one and you might just return your books to the black. Bravo.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

kbashoreOct 27, 2017

After seeing worthy productions DUNKIRK, SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, BRIGHT STAR (stage musical), and ONLY THE BRAVE over the course of five days this week, I'm surprised to note an interesting intentional trend: the directors/producers ofAfter seeing worthy productions DUNKIRK, SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, BRIGHT STAR (stage musical), and ONLY THE BRAVE over the course of five days this week, I'm surprised to note an interesting intentional trend: the directors/producers of the first three -- all pulled back the reigns from full, true emotional reactions at key moments for their lead characters at the climax of their response to tragedy. In doing so, all three productions shifted me out of the moment and distanced me emotionally from the power of their story.

That's the only "flaw" of DUNKIRK.

ONLY THE BRAVE is the only recent production I've seen that dares to enter such deep emotional spaces with deft skill. And thus for me it is the most satisfying emotional experience of the pack.

If a film can convince me I'm watching a live experience with real people -- and then move me to tears, that's a high achievement in my book.

But DUNKIRK will win awards for it's epic scale, music/sound design, editing, script, directing, and novel story structure.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

KfischevenOct 30, 2017

Strong character development makes story relatable. Moving movie retelling a tragic day in life of 1st responders. Excellent! One of my favorites of 2017

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

OdinsMovieBlogFeb 19, 2018

I am so upset that this film got no recognition. This is a must see and one of the best films of the year. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie when you get the chance. The acting is solid, the writing is excellent and compelling, and theI am so upset that this film got no recognition. This is a must see and one of the best films of the year. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie when you get the chance. The acting is solid, the writing is excellent and compelling, and the direction brings about a vast array of emotions that have you not only laughing, but crying because of truly caring for these characters.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

tropicAcesOct 20, 2017

One of 2017’s best films. The cast is great (aside from WHIPLASH this is Miles Teller’s best performance) and the fire-fighting sequences, which combined CGI and practical effects, look incredible. It could’ve been trimmed a little in theOne of 2017’s best films. The cast is great (aside from WHIPLASH this is Miles Teller’s best performance) and the fire-fighting sequences, which combined CGI and practical effects, look incredible. It could’ve been trimmed a little in the middle, but you really feel the comradery among the men, and the film does a great job hitting you with an ugly-cry gut punch in the climax.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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8

EpicLadySpongeOct 20, 2017

Only the Brave shows a lot of surprises for your same old average true story, but this is way more than a true story. There's too much to say, but that would instantly ruin the excitement of this movie. It may not be an award-winning film,Only the Brave shows a lot of surprises for your same old average true story, but this is way more than a true story. There's too much to say, but that would instantly ruin the excitement of this movie. It may not be an award-winning film, but at least it acts, looks, sounds, and even feels like one.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

AxeTOct 29, 2017

While nothing groundbreaking, particularly original or exceptionally stirring; this big scale true story heroic drama is very well made with an excellent all way round ensemble cast headed by a strong Josh Brolin. Most importantly in the endWhile nothing groundbreaking, particularly original or exceptionally stirring; this big scale true story heroic drama is very well made with an excellent all way round ensemble cast headed by a strong Josh Brolin. Most importantly in the end it delivers heavy on emotion.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

Rebecca31Nov 19, 2017

Here's another "Based on the Incredible True Story" movie so get the tissues ready. I'm getting real sick of all these horrific true story movies that tries its very hardest to reduce you to a blubbering mess by the end of it. After a whileHere's another "Based on the Incredible True Story" movie so get the tissues ready. I'm getting real sick of all these horrific true story movies that tries its very hardest to reduce you to a blubbering mess by the end of it. After a while they all start to morph into one so while watching Only The Brave I couldn't help but feel like I've seen this exact movie before. Only instead of an oil rig it's a wild fire.

This particular true story biopic focuses on the Granite Mountain Hotshots. A tragic story and although the last ten minutes is perhaps the most intense scene in these based on true events movies I only wish I could say the same for the rest of the film. So formulaic it hurts, squeezing in as many overly sentimental scenes of the main characters and their families as it possibly can. And just in case you're not already crying by the end let's not forget the pictures of the real victims saved for the credits. Before they become certified Hotshots we get to meet them as best mates and after twenty minutes in I stopped counting how many times I was hearing the words dude and bro. Just to further drive home the fact that they're such great friends with the best supervisor ever, enter Josh Brolin. Now let's meet Miles Teller, the outsider, the one with the drug problem and has now just had a daughter. Trying to make himself a better person he joins the team and the bromance continues. It moves from scene to scene in a series of mediocre acting and a badly paced story. With the exception of Teller and Brolin every other firefighter was almost a copy and paste of one another and it reduces any character who isn't a Hotshot into a prop. Overly dramatic and cheesy, if there was a way to tell this story onscreen this certainly wasn't it. I lost interest very early on and only regained it towards the end. Not recommended.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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6

TVJerryOct 24, 2017

This is not an action film about firefighting, but a drama about fire fighters. Josh Brolin plays the supervisor of a team of Hotshots and Miles Teller is the troubled loser whose commitment to the squad turns his life around. The actorsThis is not an action film about firefighting, but a drama about fire fighters. Josh Brolin plays the supervisor of a team of Hotshots and Miles Teller is the troubled loser whose commitment to the squad turns his life around. The actors bring these characters to life, while the good-natured ribbing and comaradarie helps us care for them. There's some incredible images of the majesty and uncontrollable horror of wild fire, but their actual encounters aren't all that riveting. Once you accept that this is more about the people, then you can appreciate their story. Even so, it's not especially compelling (although the final scenes are powerful).… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

CompiApr 29, 2021

Great movie absolutely love it, pays justice to the real life heroes ¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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7

StevieGJDOct 27, 2017

"Only The Brave" is formulaic, somewhat emotionally manipulative and more than a little corny in parts. But it is also very earnest, emotionally engaging and entertaining. I was not familiar with the true story of the Granite Mountain"Only The Brave" is formulaic, somewhat emotionally manipulative and more than a little corny in parts. But it is also very earnest, emotionally engaging and entertaining. I was not familiar with the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. So I did not know exactly what was coming, though it was not that hard to anticipate many of the turns. Josh Brolin is great as the road weary veteran supervisor of the team. Miles Teller gives the best, and least obnoxious, performance of his young career as the troubled loser who conquers his demons. While I really liked him in "The Spectacular Now" and I loved "Whiplash" as a film, he too often hits the same note as an obnoxious, self-centered jerk (which worked in The Spectacular Now), but not so here. His character is dynamic and Teller's performance is mature. Jeff Bridges and Jennifer Connelly give strong supporting performances, as do the other actors playing the other Hotshots and their families. There may be a bit too much male bonding ribbing in the downtime, but the fire scenes are very well shot and the sound engineering is excellent. You can feel the onslaught of the fire. At times, it is laid on a little thick. But, in the end, it is quite entertaining and heartbreaking.… Expand