Film Review: "Only the Brave" (2017).

In Only the Brave, "It's not what stands in front of you, it's who stands beside you." This biographical drama film directed by Joseph Kosinski, written by Ken Nolan and Eric Warren Singer, and based on the GQ article No Exit by Sean Flynn. Based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a group of elite firefighters who risk everything to protect a town from a historic wildfire.

In the official accident report released by the Arizona State Forestry Division, investigators noted a "culture of engagement" that, while ruled out as a direct contributing factor to the accident, was highlighted as the likely reason the Granite Mountain IHC chose to leave "the black". As noted, Hotshots are recognized as experts within the wildland firefighting community, whose persistence and improvisational ability makes them uniquely suited to the unusual challenges of wildfire engagement. It was concluded by investigators (and hinted at in the movie) that the Granite Mountain IHC was reluctant to sit by and do nothing, instead choosing to leave the black- presumably desiring to reengage the fire or assist in evacuation of Yarnell. While this decision was not sanctioned by the supervising authority, investigators determined the Granite Mountain IHC would not have perceived any risk associated with the move, since it was not yet known the fire would later shift directions. As a result, it was ruled out as a contributing factor but highlighted as a learning opportunity for wildland firefighters.

By early June 2016, Josh Brolin, James Badge Dale, Jeff Bridges, Miles Teller, Alex Russell, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Hardy, Thad Luckinbill, Geoff Stults, Scott Haze, Andie MacDowell, and Jennifer Connelly were cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and took place throughout New Mexico, under the working title Granite Mountain. Initially, Lionsgate (under its Summit Entertainment label) was going to distribute this film in the United States, but a disagreement between them and Black Label Media made the distribution rights change from Lionsgate to Columbia Pictures. Lionsgate will retain international rights in select countries. In late July 2017, the film was retitled with the debut of the trailer.

The film stars Brolin, Badge Dale, Bridges, Teller, Russell, Kitsch, Hardy, Luckinbill, Stults, Haze, MacDowell, and Connelly. The film is a spectacle worth observing, thanks large part to the performances given by the cast. It may also generate a little more respect for firemen, everyday heroes who don't need the movies to polish their image.

It's not particularly deep, but Only the Brave is a strong action movie with exceptional special effects. The film has some of the raw filmmaking excitement that has been missing from Kosinki's work. The fire sequences are stunning, and the build-up to them, complete with blaring sirens and bellowed conversations, has an aggressive immediacy. The film is a top-notch drama/thriller trapped within a poorly-paced and needlessly bloated piece of work. Kosinki's film is one of smoke-eaters, crispers, and torches, and it bestows a renewed respect on a profession all too often taken for granted.

Simon says Only the Brave receives:

Also, see my review for Oblivion.