Review of Only the Brave (2017) by Kaptenvideo — 31 Jan 2018

The current wave of the movies based on recent historical events relevant to modern American continues. Many of them have been good, but „Only the Brave“ feels clearly like the best one yet.

It’s about about the work and personal lifes of forest fire-fighting crew in Arizona, everyday heroes who do important work that most of us would consider too exhausting and inconvenient.

„Only the Brave“ has been aimed for awards season, of course, but it is a quality movie in its own right. Literally everything in it is done extremely well. It has suspense, variety, a multifaceted approach to the lives of its main characters,.

In addition to some magnificent-looking great fires, it’s a real actors’ movie, which means that enjoying the performances is big part of the thrill.

And the cast is exemplary: Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Taylor Kitsch, James Badge Tale, et al. As you can guess by the names, the acting is really solid all around.

The best surprise was to see Teller in refreshingly different role, from low-life addict to responsible young man. I almost wished that he wouldn't change, the performance is that enjoyable.

There’s even room for small but well-written female character, and Jennifer Connelly attacks it with fire and conviction, so another Supporting Actress Oscar (or at least nomination) following „A Beautiful Mind“ shouldn’t be out of the question.

What looks like decorative character on paper has been turned into a beautiful and strong person who feels very real and really stands out among all the goodness the movie has to offer already.

Basically, „Only the Brave“ is 133 minutes of competence porn, Real Men and some Real Women doing What’s Necessary for the good of everybody.

But it’s done in a way that feels always real, gripping and emotionally relatable, so we can call it the best Hollywood has to offer.

And there’s not gonna be a dry eye in the house when this ordinary heroes epic reaches to its end. Go see it. It really is that good.