An engaging blend of relentless action and compelling drama, "Valiant One" narrates the spellbinding chronicle of U.S. soldiers stranded perilously in North Korea, due to a mission failure near the DMZ. Directed by experienced producer and executive Steve Barnett, the film may not reinvent the wheel in the genre of "marooned behind enemy lines" thrillers but delivers a riveting mix of intense combat scenes and reluctant-hero narrative that will particularly appeal to military film enthusiasts. Enjoy spirited performances from Chase Stokes, known for the “Outer Banks” series, and Lana Condor from “To All the Boys” films, as "Valiant One" hits selected U.S. theaters from January 31.
"Valiant One" falls within the genre of mid-sized action films, a category that has seen diminished theatrical releases since the rise of direct-to-streaming platforms. Although it may not parallel the grandeur of big-budget films such as “Black Hawk Down,” the film's impressive production values, combined with robust lead performances paying tribute to those in service, could potentially drive it to success. The story, stripped utterly of political, bureaucratic, and geo-political discourse, maintains a determinedly pro-military stance without verging on excessive jingoistic tones. The central plot revolves around ordinary soldiers mustering bravery and cleverness to survive in hopelessly dire circumstances.
With a crisp runtime of 87 minutes, "Valiant One" opts for an efficient handling of character development rather than intricate analysis. Based at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, tech officer Sgt. Edward Brockman (Chase Stokes), envisions a future in Silicon Valley rather than military service. Brockman's casual attitude stands out against the Navy Seals backdrop that inspired Barnett's story. However, when a mission to accompany contractor Josh Weaver (Desmin Borges) to the North Korean border goes awry due to a freakish storm, it's up to Brockman and his team to navigate their predicament.
Barnett and Eric Tipton's screenplay aligns with classic war movie tropes-the inexperienced Brockman, initially overwhelmed by the responsibility, must now ensure the safety of his team, including civilian Weaver and soldiers Lee (Daniel Jun), Ross (Jonathan Whitesell), and Selby (Condor). Particularly noteworthy is the character of Selby, a Vietnamese-born medic, whose strategic intelligence and empathy shine through when the team seeks refuge in a local farmhouse.
Despite predictable plotlines, the power-packed performances by Stokes, Condor, and the others, paired with effective action sequences and vivid cinematography by Daniel Stilling, help "Valiant One" stand out. Featuring a robust mix of rap and orchestral music, along with an appealing display of revolutionary U.S. weaponry and dated North Korean machinery, "Valiant One" proves an entertaining watch.
