I attended an advanced screening of this film. All opinions are my own.

“It’s not what stands in front of you… it’s who stands beside you. ONLY THE BRAVE, based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, is the heroic story of one unit of local firefighters that through hope, determination, sacrifice, and the drive to protect families, communities, and our country become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the nation. As most of us run from danger, they run toward it – they watch over our lives, our homes, everything we hold dear, as they forge a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire.”-©Columbia Pictures

I remember a few years ago, hearing on the news the tragic story about the Granite Mountain Hotshots. I knew beforehand that this would probably be a sad movie. I still wanted to see it because it had an amazing cast. I am glad that I went to see this movie.

The main thing that I loved about watching ONLY THE BRAVE, was that it did not focus on the death of these firefighters but more on their lives. The movie portrayed the love and brotherhood that all of these men had for each other. They definitely were a family. As a viewer, you become emotionally invested in the story of their lives which makes it even harder when the movie comes to its tragic end.

I thought that cast was wonderful in this film. I felt that these actors definitely wanted to honor these heroic men and their families and showed in all of their performances.

This movie is rated PG-13 “for thematic content, some sexual references, language, and drug material.” It definitely earns this rating. The ‘f-word’ is used, there are many scary situations with firefighting, and you do see some rear end nudity. I would leave the kids home for this one.

ONLY THE BRAVE is a fantastic movie that definitely honor the lives that it is based on. Make sure to take tissues with you to this movie, you will need them!