Only the Brave

Since the initial trailer, I was very excited about the film. I'm very glad that someone turned the story of this firefighting unit into a film because, in my opinion, this tragic event is not very well known, and people should definitely see what tough daily work firefighters have to deal with, especially in Arizona, where fires are considered a normal everyday occurrence. Joseph Kosinski not only showed their actual work but also carefully built the atmosphere, and the character development is also at a high level. I was surprised that the film managed to depict the lives of the supporting characters, which is not very common in today’s films. It is admirable how the unit’s friendship was portrayed; they never let anyone down and truly acted like one cohesive family, where everyone cares about each other. Many people criticize the film for the first three-quarters, saying it lacks action, but that's not the main point of the film. It rather tries to show us viewers how dangerous this job really is. I have nothing to add about the acting. Brolin played the central role remarkably well. The ending was an emotional blow. Even though I knew all along that there wouldn’t be a happy ending, I still hoped for one deep down. The moments before the fire were literally heartbreaking; it must have been terrible to realize that death was just around the corner, and you could do absolutely nothing about it. For now, I give it a strong four stars, and I might decide on a higher rating over time. 85%. (15/02/2018)

A strong story, good characters, brilliantly acted by excellent actors, and on top of that, excellent work in the field, whether with fire or without it. This simply succeeded, in addition, the camera has some truly great shots that can both inspire and chill. Just like the finale of this firefighter movie. (12/02/2018)

At this moment, there isn’t a more topical movie than Only the Brave. While endless fires are ravaging California that leave dead people and scorched land in their wake, a film premiered here about people who are trying to preserve at least a part of untouched countryside. It’s quite unbelievable for a Czech viewer, but within American patriotism, this is the best-made, and essentially, catastrophic movie in a long time. (18/11/2018)

Don’t be fooled, this time Kosinski doesn't provide a neon feast for the eyes. Of course, his sense of visuals cannot be denied, and fire as an element looks impressive and perhaps too beautiful. At the same time, the firefighters' interventions are often very simplistic. But Only the Brave strikes on an emotional chord and wins the viewer over with carefully built characters, family detail, and a properly macho army feel both at the beginning during training and at the end during engagements. The ending, by the way, is flawless. Shot by shot. An excellent cast lead by Josh Brolin, who has experience with fire from his youth, and Jennifer Connelly, whom you just want to see arguing. A mainstream cast, but a film that avoids grandiose pathos and traditional pomposity. The guys couldn’t have asked for a better homage. (28/01/2018)

Kosinski is a visual magician. Technically perfect image composition this time rides on a true story about firefighters. The great casting is enhanced further by the acting performances. Brolin is literally a prototype for a good guy. Jennifer Connelly is wonderful once again. We even find recruitment speeches and some mean joking. Music for guys, a homage to family obligations and lessons for young junkies. All of the minor imperfections are forgotten after the powerful finale. The real finale. That burning bear was the most beautiful and at the same time horrible thing I have ever seen. (03/02/2018)