WATCH ONLY THE BRAVE MOVIE

There was a slight uproar earlier this year when Lionsgate unloaded two Black Label Media releases from their 2017 schedule, only for those films to get picked up by Sony.

Again, what makes the film stand out is the sheer quality of the writing and the time the picture allows to show these folks living, learning and changing before the proverbial end. In a departure for this kind of movie, the screenplay makes her into a three-dimensional human being, someone with opinions, contradictions and someone whose words and deeds have an impact on the plot. Sony picked up the film (originally to be released via Lionsgate) and will open it Friday through its Columbia Pictures label.ĭo you plan to see Only The Brave? Let us know what you think.And the 'exclusive' clip above highlights one of its best elements, namely Connelly's terrific performance in what otherwise could have been a stock 'supportive wife' character. Producers are Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill (who also appears on screen as one of the hotshots), Michael Menchel, Dawn Ostroff and Jeremy Steckler. It is truly hold-back-the tears-time in a solidly made film that never panders for them.

There’s also a terrific original song, “Hold The Light,” performed by country star Dierks Bentley and effectively played over images on the end credits of the real-life hotshots and their families. The technical credits across the board are first rate with superb cinematography from Claudio Miranda, tight editing from Billy Fox, and a stirring score by Joseph Trapanese. Andie MacDowell is also in for a few scenes as Bridges’ wife. The personal toll these men and their families go through is nicely etched in well-played scenes between Brolin and Connelly. The cast also includes a very fine Jeff Bridges as the fire chief and confidante to Brolin’s Marsh, as well as Jennifer Connelly in a gut-wrenching turn as Amanda, Marsh’s wife who is also a healer of damaged horses.

WATCH ONLY THE BRAVE MOVIE

It is a tricky proposition when you make a movie out of a tragedy like this one, but Kosinski keeps his eye just as much on the people who fight it as the impressively re-created fire itself, and that is key not only to what makes it work as a great and exciting film about courage and duty, but also as a harrowing and gripping account of what makes real heroes - these hotshots are unforgettable. We see them on the job and at play as we get to know them along the way. It is almost at times overwhelmingly emotional and sad, but overall the film tries to focus on the brotherhood of these mostly very young men, their camaraderie, and their all-for-one attitude.

Some errors played a part in finding the hotshots caught in the middle of what eventually happened as it became one of the worst fires ever in terms of casualties, and it is all presented in nail-biting fashion. The film ultimately centers on the Yarnell fire, which at first doesn’t seem to be a huge threat but quickly turns into something terrifyingly out of control. Others given decent screen time are James Badge Dale as Marsh’s second in command, and Taylor Kitsch who is every bit as effective as he was in Lone Survivor which also dealt with men in these kinds of enormously challenging life-threatening events. He’s not exactly a prime candidate for the group, but as the film shows, redemption can be a good thing for a hotshot. The training sequences are great, particularly involving a down-on-his-heels recruit named Brendan McDonough ( Miles Teller) affectionately referred to as “Donut.” He’s a key figure in the story and comes to the unit after a troubled past he is trying to put behind him. He basically puts these guys through their paces in order to get them to the elevated level of “hotshots,” the elite of the elite. They include their superintendent known as “Supe” Eric Marsh, played by Josh Brolin, who is really sensational in a role he completely embodies. Only The Brave, with a sharp screenplay by Ken Nolan and Eric Warren Singer, laser focuses on just a few of the men involved in charting the creation of this unit of fearless firefighters. 'Only The Brave' Red Carpet Premiere Pays Tribute To 100 First Responders Deadline

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