Only The Brave

PG-13
Starring: Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch, Andie MacDowell and Matthew Van Wettering
Running Time: 2 Hours and 13 Minutes


This is such a dramatic and realistic movie, that you are drawn into it from the very start.
With all of the deadly and devastating wildfires that have taken place recently in Northern California, I think it made this movie even that much more realistic.
This is the true story of the "Granite Hotshots", as they are referred to, a group whose mission was to fight wildfires, located out of Prescott, Arizona.
There were twenty firefighters in the hotshot crew. They were a great group of young men comprised of mostly of 20-30 year olds. This story is centered around only a few of the primary characters, namely Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) the superintendent of the Hotshots, his wife Amanda Marsh (Jennifer Connelly) and their personal trials and tribulations. Also the story of young Brenden McDonough (Miles Teller) nicknamed Doughnut and the difficult obstacles he has to overcome to become a coveted "Hotshot".
These young firefighters are a typical bunch of young men, a little rowdy at times but always full of life and love. They were always willing to put their own lives on the line for the greater good!
The Hotshots were trained to the highest standards to be able to fight the most perilous fires and to be able to survive under the very worst of conditions.
On June 28th 2013 a lightening strike near Yarnell, Arizona ignited a wildfire which grew out of control. On June 30th the fire overran the fire lines at lightening speed and trapped 19 of the Hotshots. They had absolutely no where to run for safety and this is the most unfortunate story of the infamous Granite Hotshots.
This is such a moving and highly emotional story. Just such a heartbreaking and devastating set of circumstances. This story puts firefighting these horrific and deadly fires into perspective and you come to really, really appreciate these young men and all they do and sacrifice for us!
I was amazed how totally realistic this film was, I honestly felt like I was right on the fire lines myself. The special effects were totally incredible!
I also loved how they paid tribute to the firefighters at the end of the movie, it made it very up close and personal. God bless all of the fallen firefighters and their families!!!
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG-13. This is a very intense movie with dangerous firefighting situations front and center! There is some raucous behavior, male behind nudity (several times), the f-bomb was used twice along with other profanity and a bedroom scene between a husband and wife. I would not recommend this movie for children under the age of thirteen.
I am giving "Only The Brave" four bags of popcorn.