Only the Brave

A directorially polished masterpiece, to which I won't give five stars just because it sets up the character of Teller in a very clichéd way and delivers his transformation in routinely and wide-eyedly (and is ultimately a bit unnecessary for the film). Otherwise it deserves them, because I've never seen such a superbly acted, narratively balanced and emotionally gripping disaster movie. First and foremost, it's a strong and believable drama about "parenthood and work", where nothing over the top happens and the characters grow on you just by their ordinary and natural behaviour – Kosinski shows his class not only when he's fighting fires, which in his performance is one of real respect and fear, but also on a personal level and subordinating it to an enormously effective conclusion that doesn't feel pathetic at all, and I dare say that if, like me, you don't know the real events, it's guaranteed to blow you away. Great soundtrack, gorgeous cinematography and effects, perfect Teller and Connely, awesome Brolin. One of the best films of 2017, Czech distributors should be ashamed. 85% (29/01/2018)

After the lackluster Oblivion, Joseph Kosinski redeemed his reputation with me and made the best film of his career. He chose a very sensitive and destructive subject that immediately grabbed my heart and pulled me to my seat. Josh Brolin is excellent and commands incredible respect, and Miles Teller is the best young-adult actor working today. Kosinski has made a very heartfelt drama with some excellent moments including training and bullying, family issues, the transition from junkie to hero, great strategy and behind-the-scenes work by the American firefighters, and an emotionally devastating finale that had me decently shredded. A perfect film that is well acted, shot, tense and with intelligent dialogue. First five star this year. Surprise 90% (25/01/2018)

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)

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)

I didn’t expect a film with such believable characters and a powerful dramatic arc from Kosinski, even though I knew that this particular story was based on real-life events. Only the Brave is really moving, but without cheap sentiment, pathetic heroism or a funeral with fluttering US flags. Its narrative sometimes uses shortcuts to be able to fully focus only on what is essential, which is a carefully assembled character puzzle leading into the final emotional blast. Every character conflict, whether internal (Teller) or in relationships (Brolin + Connelly), is vivid, authentic and well acted. I also appreciate the explanation of the firefighting practices of “monster” extinguishing in the last third, as an element used for escalation, both answering the questions of the curious viewer and depicting the professional advancement of the team of protagonists. A calm and visually clever film with heart. (30/10/2018)