Valiant One

The beginning of the movie seems good. The actors are acting good. We can think of this movie like "The Lone Survivor", when American snipers were doing the best they can to escape death from their villains. The cameo is good with real Korean villagers interacting with the soldier-actors. You can really think the place was in North Korea.

I was a little bit dismayed when a segment of the movie showed Korean villagers talking Korean to the soldiers yet none of those who seemingly looked Korean soldiers were native Koreans. Unable to respond to the villagers. How come? In real life, you will need local soldiers to help you in your mission, right? LOL. So, I was a little bit disappointed. It seems that this movie wants to insert some comedy to make you laugh. However, this movie is a good start and could become a potential blockbuster had it been edited properly.

Valiant One (2025) is a movie I only found out about when I watched Gladiator II (2024) at the theater and saw the trailer previews. Well I just finished watching the movie hours ago and it was very mediocre.

Positives for Valiant One (2025): This movie works best as an unironic watch as it stars Chase Stokes (John B from Outer Banks) and Lana Condor (Lara Jean from the To All the Boys Trilogy). I'll also give them credit for their performances as they are the best parts in the movie. There are some decent enough shootouts throughout the movie. And finally, the movie does move at a fast pace where it doesn't overstay its welcome.

Negatives for Valiant One (2025): The movie's runtime is too short at only 86 minutes long. Because of this, there isn't time to develop the characters, the story, themes or drama. Aside from John B and Lara Jean, I didn't care about any of the characters The movie feels like it was made from only $5 million and it definitely shows in the final product. And finally, the movie feels like a generic U. S. Military action thriller movie that would go straight-to-DVD.

Overall, Valiant One (2025) is a mediocre mess with two good lead performances and decent action, but a messy plot and dumber execution.

Low budget movies can be fun with the right mind and idea.

Personally I disliked the movie because it was predictable and easy cash grab for veterans fans of military media. So much potential yet so little ambition. I do Not recommended. It is a sloppy "realistic" military movie.

For the writer and director; you can do better.

I loved Valiant One! The story was a great story about how U. S. Army Soldiers can make great heroes and family members. The story was also a great story about fight to save lives, communism is evil, be strong, be courageous, be competent, and embrace love. The action was very cool; I really liked how the gunfire came out of the muzzle of the gun looking like a big epic star, and sounded epic. I liked how the movie was very good and was only one hour and 26 minutes long; proving movies don't need to be long to be good. All the actors did great at their roles. Therefore, Valiant One is definitely one of my new favorite movies! Have a great day and goooo Valiant One!

Mediocre Movie which could've been better with better direction and story.

The Lead and other actors could've played a better role too.

These characters were not fit for combat, they couldn't aim, or the direction made it that easy to notice. Again, shouting repeatedly in army scenes/roles is common but when it is not well executed it looks worse.

The second half made no sense, not that the first half did.

I have seen only Lana Condor's work. I loved the way she did the previous roles, but after this I think she should stay away from such roles, she didn't try her best or the characters were that inexperienced I don't know. She just failed big time.