“Valliant One” is a lost cinematic mission

Producer Steve Barnett, known for genre favorites like “300,” “Land of the Dead,” and last year’s captivating “Hit Man,” makes his directorial debut with the military thriller “Valliant One,” produced by Briarcliff Entertainment. Barnett also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Tipton, based on a story he developed with Tipton.

A routine mission spirals into a fight for survival when a US Army helicopter crashes deep within North Korean territory. Naturally, the commanding officer, Chris Lebold (Callan Mulvey), is injured, and this will force his troops to step up the plate. With their communications equipment destroyed, Captain Edward Brockman (Chase Stokes) and Specialist Selby (Lana Condor) must lead the team through hostile terrain, cut off from US military support as they attempt a daring escape across the treacherous Demilitarized Zone.

As a veteran of the Air Force and a military brat, I strive to be lenient with military films. I understand that there’s a misfire for every masterpiece, and authenticity is often lacking. I expect solid action but not much emotional depth when watching lower-budget films. That said, “Valliant One” is a missed opportunity.

“Valiant One” begins with text declaring its basis on a true story but quickly transitions into familiar lower-budget action movie clichés. The script presents a disjointed collection of familiar tropes and underdeveloped concepts, failing to form a unified story. Viewers might anticipate an examination of emotional struggles or sharp dialogue when the characters’ helicopter crashes behind enemy lines. 

Instead, we are served a series of predictable tropes: The narrative presents us with familiar clichés, including the unflappable leader and the stubborn newcomer, as well as artificial displays of bonding among the characters. The film showcases a series of unoriginal action sequences during the team’s journey through North Korea, leading to a tedious viewing experience.

The constant gunfights and chase scenes fail to engage the audience, while director Steve Valliant’s chaotic style often results in more eye-rolling than suspense. This repetition undermines the potential thrill of escape. Despite delivering sincere performances, the actors do not elevate the material. Stokes’ portrayal of Brockman lacks complexity, and Condor’s Selby, though spirited, lacks depth. The absence of chemistry between the characters prevents investment from the audience.

The film commits its most serious wrong by portraying the North Korean setting. It diminishes North Korea’s use of simple material for shoot-outs and explosions instead of creating a meaningful backdrop for tension and conflict. The film’s oversimplified approach disregards audience expectations while showing cultural insensitivity and reduces serious narrative elements to mere entertainment.

The visual presentation of “Valiant One” lacks distinction, with uninspired cinematography featuring basic shots. Moments meant to captivate only underscore the film’s limitations, while the sound design suffers from overpowering music during tense scenes and weak impact during quieter moments.

“Valiant One” depends on genre clichés while failing to add originality or substance.

“Valiant One” depends on genre clichés while failing to add originality or substance.

Final Grade: C-

“Valiant One” opens in theaters tomorrow.