3 Stars — Powerful
The true story of the Prescott, Ariz., Granite Mountain Hotshot team is devastating. The loss of 19 dedicated firefighters in 2013 was the greatest loss since the 9/11 terrorist attacks when our first responders were taken down by the collapse of the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City.
In Only the Brave, powerfully told by director Joseph Kosinski, we walk with these men as they become the first municipal fire department crew to become certified as wildfire hotshots. We not only come to care about these men as individuals, but also for their spouses and families when the unexpected shift in wind drove the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire over them.
In the final pictures as we see the real men the actors portrayed, our join in their grief and express our honor.
Part of the power of the film is the raw authenticity of its portrayal. This is seen most dramatically in the superintendent of the crew, Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin). A flawed and driven man who has turned his early addictions into an adrenalin love-hate relationship with fire, he describes an early experience he still sees in his nightmare. Early in his career, he saw a bear in flames running out of a wildfire and into the dark. Noting this was the most beautiful and terrifying thing he had ever seen, it became the symbol for his life — even down to the bear on his belt buckle.
Although we are invited into the lives of the entire crew at some level, there was one particular member who survived because he was sent to another location as a lookout, Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller). McDonough was a young man who was addicted but wanted to change his life when a one-night stand created a daughter. Recognizing himself in McDonough, Marsh allows him to try out for the crew. This restorative grace becomes a theme around which the film revolves in both men’s lives.
Deepening the context of the story is the inclusion of Marsh’s wife, Amanda (Jennifer Connelly), and his mentor, Duane Steinbrink (Jeff Bridges). The causes for the unique marriage with Amanda becomes clear throughout the story as does the power of the mentoring relationship.
The unique lives our firefighters live in order to protect our homes and cities is difficult. Not only do these people put themselves in harm’s way, but the impact of the absences and the anxiety of the families are numerous. In this visual tribute, we are reminded to stop and give prayers of protection as well as expressing our gratitude for all they are and do.
Discussion
» When Amanda claims that Marsh has exchanged one addiction for another, we experience this as a moment of clarity for him. In what ways do you experience a similar exchange in your life or those you love. How do you find clarity?
» The need for a mentor who can help us in our personal and professional lives is made clear in Steinbrink’s watching over Marsh. Why do you think Marsh both appreciates and resists this care?
» Did knowing in advance the outcome of this true story enhance or deter your appreciation of the film?
— Cinema in Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary. Hal Conklin is a former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is the retired pastor of Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara and lead superintendent of Free Methodist Church in Southern California. For more reviews, visit www.cinemainfocus.com, or follow them on Twitter: @CinemaInFocus. The opinions expressed are their own.