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The Independent Critic

STARRING
Chase Stokes, Lana Condor, Desmin Borges, Daniel Jun
DIRECTED BY
Steve Barnett
SCREENPLAY
Eric Tipton, Steve Barnett, Daniel Myrick
MPA RATING
NR
RUNNING TIME
102 Mins.
DISTRIBUTED BY
Briarcliff Entertainment
OFFICIAL IMDB

 Movie Review: Valiant One 
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For the presence of Lana Condor alone, I would happily sit through the action thriller Valiant One again. The Briarcliff Entertainment release centers around a group of non-combat US military reserves whose helicopter goes down while on a mission deep within the North Korean territory. With their routine mission having gone wildly awry, this team is tasked with traveling through hostile terrain as they attempt a daring escape across the treacherous Demilitarized Zone. 

The team is led by Captain Edward Brockman (Chase Stokes) along with Specialist Selby (Lana Condor), Josh (Desmin Borges), and Wilson (Daniel Jun). 

While the entire ensemble is more than capable, it's Lana Condor's turn as Specialist Selby that really mesmerizes with equal parts grit, compassion and a richness of humanity. A Vietnamese-born American actress largely raised in Whidbey Island, Washington, Condor gives  the film an emotional resonance and honesty that absolutely captivates. 

Chase Stokes is impressive as well as Captain Brockman, a leader tasked with leading in ways he likely never imagined. The rest of the ensemble is strong throughout with young Diana Tsoy also impressive in a more limited role. 

There's no question that Valiant One is a pro-military flick with action-packed sequences and heart-tugging storytelling. It's impossible to not admire and respect these characters who rise to the challenge of heroics when heroics may very well be the only way any of them can survive. 

Lensing by Dan Stilling is effective throughout and Steve Barnett's direction emphasizes both the inherent action necessary and the elements of humanity that demand we immerse ourselves in this world. A well known producer of such films as The Spiderwick Chronicles, Legendary, Hit Man, and Journey to Bethlehem among others, Barnett makes his feature directing debut here and makes the most of this engaging thriller that opens in theaters on January 31st. 

While those who prefer more hardcore military action may find Valiant One not quite action packed enough, for those who can appreciate a military flick with elements of faith, humanity, and a deep respect for those who fight this country Valiant One will be a film to not miss.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic