By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
The new war drama,
"Valiant One," from director and co-writer
Steve Barnett ("Something Here"), is an easy sell.
The film, which is loosely "based on true events," centers on a group of U.S. soldiers, led by Captain Edward Brockman (Chase Stokes, "Uglies" and TV's "Outer Banks") who are aboard a Black Hawk helicopter for a routine mission that involves assisting technician Josh Weaver (Desmin Borges, TV's "Only Murders in the Building") with some communications radar equipment near the North Korean border.
Bad weather forces the helicopter to crash in a demilitarized zone near North Korea, leaving the injured crew--including Master Sgt. Chris Lebold (Callen Mulvey, "The Gray Man" and TV's "Last King of the Cross") and Wilson Lee (Daniel Jun, TV's "The Recruit"), stranded. Alongside their resourceful Specialist Selby (Lana Condor, "Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken"), they must find a way across the border without detection. Worse still, they have been informed that no U.S. military support will be coming, as they are trapped in a demilitarized zone. With danger lurking at every turn, the soldiers are thrust into an intense, life-or-death struggle, and you can feel the mounting tension with every step they take.
They wind up stumbling upon a barrack/house only to discover it is occupied by a gun-wielding man desperate to protect his wife and young daughter, Binna (Diana Tsoy, TV's "Cocomelon Lane"). Despite their best efforts to communicate their peaceful intentions to the couple, their itchy triggerman Jonah Ross (Jonathan Whitesell, TV's "Happy Face") isn't taking any chances.
When a tragic turn of events strikes Binna's parents, the crew take her in and vow to protect her.
While "Valiant One" doesn't rely heavily on intense shootouts or battle sequences, it's this slower, more contemplative pace that kind of sets it apart. For some, that may feel like a drawback, but for me, it was the film's greatest strength.
In addition, the actors deliver deeply layered performances of soldiers who must not only confront physical injuries but also personal fears and unresolved conflicts. Their bond deepens over the course of the film, making every success and setback feel intensely personal.
Barnett's script does a fantastic job of allowing moments of vulnerability, giving the characters depth that goes beyond mere survival.
"Valiant One" is a gripping war film that blends heroism with heart and explore the cost of survival and the ties that bind people in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"VALIANT ONE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
