‘Valiant One’ Review: No-Nonsense Action-Thriller About U.S. Soldiers Trapped in North Korea Gets the Job Done

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The film “Valiant One,” directed by Steve Barnett who is known for his work as a producer, presents an unassuming B-movie experience with top-tier production values. It’s a story about U.S. troops whose operation close to the DMZ goes awry, leaving them in North Korea. The movie doesn’t break new ground in the “stuck behind enemy lines” genre but delivers an engaging mix of well-orchestrated action sequences and a compelling narrative about reluctant heroes. This film could particularly resonate with fans of military movies. Starring Chase Stokes from the “Outer Banks” series and Lana Condor from the “To All the Boys” films, “Valiant One” hits limited U.S. theaters on January 31.

The Valiant One” represents a less common mid-size action film type, seen fewer times in mainstream cinema since the advent of streaming services. Despite not boasting the grandeur of a big-budget epic like “Black Hawk Down”, it maintains solid production qualities and could thrive due to its popular cast members and unwavering appreciation for those who serve. This screenplay steers clear of politicians, bureaucrats, or geopolitical discourse, instead presenting a pro-military narrative without veering into excessive jingoism. The story primarily revolves around ordinary soldiers discovering the strength and resourcefulness needed to triumph when all seems lost.

In a succinct 87 minutes, “Valiant One” focuses more on the essentials than delving deeply into character development. Set at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, around 60 miles from the Demilitarized Zone, our protagonist, Sgt. Edward Brockman (Stokes), is a tech officer who aspires for a career in Silicon Valley instead of military service. He’s more like a freelancer in today’s gig economy and a stark contrast to the Navy SEALS whose actual incident near the DMZ sparked Barnett’s story idea. However, Brockman is no lazybones and follows orders when tasked with accompanying Josh Weaver (Desmin Borges), a grating, humorous civilian defense contractor, on a mission to maintain surveillance installations close to the North Korean border.

Events escalate from ordinary to disastrous as the team’s helicopter veers off course during an unexpected storm, crashing in North Korea (DPRK). Following the conventions of war films, the gravely injured commander, Lebold (Callan Mulvey), delivers inspiring words and hands over a service pistol, which has been handed down through generations of his military family, to Brockman. This firearm is destined to hold both practical and emotional importance in the upcoming events.

In the screenplay by Barnett and Eric Tipton, the character Brockman, who lacks experience and essential equipment, finds himself unexpectedly in charge of a rescue mission. He’s only skilled at analyzing data but must now find a way to guide survivors – civilian Weaver, Korean American Cpl. Lee (Daniel Jun), Cpl. Ross (Jonathan Whitesell), and Cpl. Selby (Condor) – to safety.

It’s particularly noteworthy how Selby, a Vietnamese medic, shines in her role. Her strategic mind and compassion become evident when the team is compelled to seek refuge at a farmhouse belonging to a nervous pair (Michael Cha, Jerina Son) and their adolescent daughter Binna (Diana Tsoy). Condor, whose personal history mirrors that of her character, delivers an authentic portrayal as the dedicated professional. Her straightforward manner helps Brockman uncover his hidden courage.

Despite Binna’s seemingly implausible capacity to quickly regroup and guide Brockman’s squad out of danger after witnessing her parents being brutally killed by a North Korean patrol, the narrative maintains an engaging pace filled with skirmishes and gunfights. The story builds up to a thrilling conclusion deep within a tunnel system beneath the Demilitarized Zone, which in reality were mine tunnels located in Vancouver where the movie was filmed.

In this production, despite the recognizable setting, “Valiant One” manages to stand out slightly from the ordinary. This is achieved through compelling and dedicated portrayals by Stokes, Condor, and the entire cast, complemented by well-executed action sequences and stunning cinematography by Daniel Stilling. The film’s soundtrack, featuring tracks by artists like Jelly Roll and Marqus Clae, blends seamlessly with Benjamin Backus’s elegant orchestral score. A vintage, wood-fired truck used as an escape vehicle adds a unique touch to the movie’s blend of advanced U.S. technology and outdated North Korean equipment.

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2025-01-31 21:48