“Only the Brave” captures spectacular imagery of the grandeur of the mountain forests of Arizona, and the beauty and ferocious nature of fire. In its most personal Director Joseph Kosinski’s “Only the Brave” does move us. Beautiful compassionate Jennifer Connely as Amanda, wife of Granite Mountain Hotshots supervisor Eric, played by solid Josh Brolin, consoles Miles Teller’s Brendan, who breakdowns in tears. Her Amanda tells Brendan, “Don’t you dare” think of your life as less than. In the midst of melodrama and raging flames, “Only the Brave” is about the legacy of Hero. This ultimately works and inspires.
Ken Nolan and Eric Warren Singer wrote the screenplay based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots firefighters, who fought the historic forest fire in Arizona. Brolin’s Eric is the leader of the tier 2 firefighters who become Hotshots and heroes. Brolin embodies the passion and nobility for what he does as a firefighter, protecting the community.
As the movie opens that passion is the source of conflict of his marriage to Connely’s Amanda, who raises horses on their ranch. Apparently, Amanda sacrificed having a family to be with Eric. That secret is the melodrama that mostly lands as authentic. Brolin and Connely’s poignant chemistry eases some of the predictable narrative. It’s nice to see Jennifer Connely back in the movies.
Teller’s Brendan is the lost stoner, who discovers that he is going to be a father from his estranged girlfriend Natalie, smart sweet Natalie Johnson. This is Brendan’s wake-up call that he has to make something of his life instead of smoking dope with his buddies. Brendan applies for a slot on Eric’s crew. Eric immediately outs Brendan as drug addict, and offers him the challenge to make the team.
Miles Teller has this gentle spirit that enrolls us in Brendan. His vulnerability is powerful. This is his chance for redemption in life. He turns his life around. In the heartwarming scene, grubby Brendan sheds tears as he holds his baby daughter Makayla in his arms. “Only the Brave” is at its best in the quiet moments.
Eric and Brendan’s relationship is the heart and soul of “Only the Brave”. Through rigorous training and firefights Eric and his crew earn the Hotshots rating. But the work takes its toll on all, especially new Dad Brendan, who can’t spend time with his baby daughter. Eric knows Brendan so very well, and his past. Eric eloquently tells him, “I am you.” It’s about love. Love breathes greatness in others. This is how heroes are born.
“Only the Brave” inspires. Kosinski respectfully pays homage to the actual brave men of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Heroes give their all and use their powers for good. The heroes’ legacy expands in the telling of their stories. “Only the Brave” does this in great understatement and more.
—
The Good Men Project is different from most media companies. We are a âparticipatory media companyââwhich means we donât just have content you read and share and comment on but it means we have multiple ways you can actively be a part of the conversation. As you become a deeper part of the conversation—The Conversation No One Else is Having—you will learn all of the ways we support our Writers’ Communityâcommunity FB groups, weekly conference calls, classes in writing, editing platform building and How to Create Social Change.
ââŚâ
Here are more ways to become a part of The Good Men Project community:
Request to join our private Facebook Group for Writersâitâs like our virtual newsroom where you connect with editors and other writers about issues and ideas.
Click here to become a Premium Member of The Good Men Project Community. Have access to these benefits:
- Get  access to an exclusive âMembers Onlyâ Group on Facebook
- Join our Social Interest Groups—weekly calls about topics of interest in today’s world
- View the website with no ads
- Get free access to classes, workshops, and exclusive events
- Be invited to an exclusive weekly âCall with the Publisherâ with other Premium Members
- Commenting badge.
Are you stuck on what to write? Sign up for our Writing Prompts emails, youâll get ideas directly from our editors every Monday and Thursday. If you already have a final draft, then click below to send your post through our submission system.
If you are already working with an editor at GMP, please be sure to name that person. If you are not currently working with a GMP editor, one will be assigned to you.
ââŚâ
Are you a first-time contributor to The Good Men Project? Submit here:
ââŚâ
Have you contributed before and have a Submittable account? Use our Quick Submit link here:
ââŚâ
Do you have previously published work that you would like to syndicate on The Good Men Project? Click here:
Join our exclusive weekly âCall with the Publisherâ â where community members are encouraged to discuss the issues of the week, get story ideas, meet other members and get known for their ideas? To get the call-in information, either join as a member or wait until you get a post published with us. Here are some examples of what we talk about on the calls.
Want to learn practical skills about how to be a better Writer, Editor or Platform Builder? Want to be a Rising Star in Media? Want to learn how to Create Social Change? We have classes in all of those areas.
While you’re at it, get connected with our social media:
- To join our Facebook Page, go here.
- To sign up for our email newsletter, go here.
- To follow The Good Men Project on Twitter, go here.Â
ââŚâ
However, you engage with The Good Men Projectâyou can help lead this conversation about the changing roles of men in the 21st century. Join us!
ââŚâ
We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable.
The Good Men Project is an Amazon.com affiliate. If you shop via THIS LINK, we will get a small commission and you will be supporting our Mission while still getting the quality products you would have purchased, anyway! Thank you for your continued support!
—
Originally Published on IMDb