Hotshot

As an ex Asst. Supt. This video over exaggerates being a hotshot. The director fails to adequately portray what occurs during the initial 2 week training and the comradery that's build among the crew members. His understanding of fire, the issues in forest management, politics, and urban sprawl is pronounced throughout. While he has done a better job than most documentaries, he fails to really describe a hotshot, and the basics of fire behavior. He portrays fire suppression as happening because everyone wants their part of the pie and completely misses the fact of urban sprawl, of which California is the worst culprit.

Told with a thoughtful but honest narrative. You just get the sense this was a labor of love in more ways than one. It draws you in and makes you feel the dedication and sacrifice of these "forest technicians". They are truly our superheroes of the forests who deserve our deepest gratitude.

This is some of the best cinematography I've ever seen of a world I knew very little about. The footage was stunning. Artfully captured the filmmaker made fire look like a dance that captivated your attention at every moment. I remember the movie Backdraft by Ron Howard and how he captured the fire and made it seem alive. It was the first time any film had done that. This is Backdraft 2.0, but real life. Bravo!

"Behind the scenes" is an understatement. You'll see the good, the bad, the ugly, and more truth bombs are dropped than you'll be able to process. Unlike most documentaries, this film doesn't need to make anyone look good, the content itself is so powerful the major points to the story are apparent for all to see.

Yes, you'll get a glimpse the film's character's personal lives, but you'll also get a mid level view, then a bird's eye view of the fire problem sweeping across the western U. S. More than any of that, you'll see some of the best video of fire behavior anywhere. The footage is not like other video you've seen, it was only captured because the film's creator spent years imbedded with the crew to see the fire world through their eyes.

It's hard to say what Mr Mann intended here, which makes this all the more impressive. Not that I was confused or distracted. Quite the contrary. More to it, I was consumed, as if by fire. And maybe that's it. Maybe he was looking to create an immersive experience. If so, fire, or his seat at the fire is a breathtaking beautiful experience. The poetry and nuance of this production is pure music. And, as fits, for a documentary, a substantial education on nature's most powerful equalizer. We are reminded that as a planet, a people we were born of fire. You will see a 1,000 things you have never seen before, and though, the subject is God cursed fire, it is strangely gorgeous.

Stunning cinematography, heartfelt personal storytelling, and profound contextual understanding to create a film that resonates deeply with both seasoned firefighters and the general audience.

It shows more than tells.

The film provides a rare and authentic portrayal of their work and culture, offering the recognition they rightfully deserve. It captures the raw emotions and unwavering commitment of these heroes as they face the challenges of the front lines.

Even for those unfamiliar with firefighting, the film offers a breathtaking visual experience. The cinematography showcases the remarkable natural phenomena of extreme fire behavior, immersing the audience in the heart of a wildfire's raw power and beauty.

The documentary also follows the personal journey of filmmaker Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann, whose touching and improbable relationship with an extraordinary firefighter adds a compelling human element to the narrative. This personal touch humanizes the larger-than-life world of hotshot firefighting.

It provides a comprehensive exploration, offering insights into the history, sociopolitical dynamics, and universal wisdom related to firefighting and wildfire management. It goes beyond mere documentation, offering profound insights that extend far beyond the realm of firefighting.

The dedication of the filmmakers is evident in the meticulous six-year filming process and the careful construction of the narrative. Hotshot is not just a documentary; it's a timeless piece of cinematic art that captures an era in firefighting history and the unending battle against nature's fury.

Hotshot stands as the definitive portrayal of wildland firefighting. It addresses critical issues of our time while capturing a timeless essence tied to physics, nature, and human nature. It's a mesmerizing, emotionally charged film that explores the relentless battle against fire and the indomitable spirit of those who brave the flames. A must-see for its captivating storytelling, emotional depth, and profound impact.