19 reviews
Truth is, I've seen better stuff on youtube, with better camera work - less headache when watching, including much better action and stories.
This is just a tribute and should've been there and not made as a movie.
What is really sad are the FAKE 9/10 and 10/10 reviews here on IMDB. I read all of them and they all are written by the same person as the style of writing is the same.That person also reviews 3-6 of the same movies on all of the accounts. That was a dead giveaway. Just sad creators of this youtube-style clips had to resort to this instead of actually making a great documentary that other people praised and not themselves.
Anyways, there were some good moments,but as I said, it's hard to review the stuff you can find openly on the video site in much better form.At times it almost feels like the journalist made this as a tribute to herself for going through all that...
4.6/10 is the most I can do for this documentary.
Anyways, there were some good moments,but as I said, it's hard to review the stuff you can find openly on the video site in much better form.At times it almost feels like the journalist made this as a tribute to herself for going through all that...
4.6/10 is the most I can do for this documentary.
- WatchAndSmile
- Feb 6, 2018
- Permalink
Documentary doesn't have a journalistic feel. More like a glitz and glamor piece, with a focus too much on the journalist. The part were she talked about dying was laughable in a dark manner. What did she expect? She is going into a combat zone taking part in a major offensive. That whole part of her being dressed up and being quasi interviewed was weird. The shots of the head stones were too choppy. Who were the people that died? What about person 6 and 7, a Brit and a Canadian? Were they coalition forces or reporters?
I also Had difficulty thematically tying the first and second sections together. Turned it off part way into the SF Group 7 story. Wanted to like it.
I also Had difficulty thematically tying the first and second sections together. Turned it off part way into the SF Group 7 story. Wanted to like it.
- cruisers-58265
- Aug 12, 2023
- Permalink
- nogodnomasters
- Nov 8, 2019
- Permalink
Greetings again from the darkness. This is the third in a series of unparalleled looks at war from the front line courtesy of co-directors Christian Tureaud and David Salzberg. Their 2014 documentary The Hornet's Nest followed war correspondent Mike Boettcher and his son as they covered the most violent era of the Afghanistan War, and 2015's Citizen Soldier went inner circle with the Army National Guard's 45th Infantry Combat team in Afghanistan. This time the focus is on the work of war correspondent Alex Quade, a female reporter (yes, her gender is worth noting) who documented missions carried out by Special Forces teams.
Ms. Quade's interviews with Wendy R Anderson provide structure to the film and a chance for viewers to catch their breath in between combat videos. The interviews allow us to get a better feel for Ms. Quade's personality and motivation. She states that after being around soldiers in such stressful and life-threatening times, she believes "I have to tell their stories". These are stories we aren't usually privy to on network news reports. These situations go beyond dangerous and require courage most of us can't imagine.
There is some incredible early footage, much shot with night vision, which chronicles a large scale air assault ending in tragedy. The helicopters are being fired upon from ground-based weapons, and one is shot down. We then see how fast the rescue and recovery mission is implemented and how there is no hesitation in going in.
Ms. Quade makes this the personal story for one soldier – Rob Pirelli. She interviews his fellow soldiers, and even visits with Rob's parents at their home. The film begins in 2007 and goes into 2008 where she tracks the progress of Combat Outpost Pirelli – a home for a Special Forces team.
This is outstanding and eye-opening journalism, and forces viewers to confront the atrocities and always present danger of war. There are times during the interviews where Alex Quade comes off a bit arrogant, but we are reminded of a quote that at times has been attributed to Muhammad Ali, Bear Bryant, and Dizzy Dean "It ain't bragging if " Ms. Quade deserves much respect for her tenacity and bravery for doing what's necessary to tell these stories.
Ms. Quade's interviews with Wendy R Anderson provide structure to the film and a chance for viewers to catch their breath in between combat videos. The interviews allow us to get a better feel for Ms. Quade's personality and motivation. She states that after being around soldiers in such stressful and life-threatening times, she believes "I have to tell their stories". These are stories we aren't usually privy to on network news reports. These situations go beyond dangerous and require courage most of us can't imagine.
There is some incredible early footage, much shot with night vision, which chronicles a large scale air assault ending in tragedy. The helicopters are being fired upon from ground-based weapons, and one is shot down. We then see how fast the rescue and recovery mission is implemented and how there is no hesitation in going in.
Ms. Quade makes this the personal story for one soldier – Rob Pirelli. She interviews his fellow soldiers, and even visits with Rob's parents at their home. The film begins in 2007 and goes into 2008 where she tracks the progress of Combat Outpost Pirelli – a home for a Special Forces team.
This is outstanding and eye-opening journalism, and forces viewers to confront the atrocities and always present danger of war. There are times during the interviews where Alex Quade comes off a bit arrogant, but we are reminded of a quote that at times has been attributed to Muhammad Ali, Bear Bryant, and Dizzy Dean "It ain't bragging if " Ms. Quade deserves much respect for her tenacity and bravery for doing what's necessary to tell these stories.
- ferguson-6
- Apr 27, 2017
- Permalink
"'Danger Close' is a gripping story of courage, loss and love as we witness first-hand graphic portrayals of combat operations and a dedicated journalist's determination to bring closure to the family of a soldier killed in action. The courage of the troops in action -- and of the embedded journalist -- is evident, as is the deep sense of loss over an admired comrade. The story is a needed reminder of the many sacrifices of our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the brave journalists who accompanied them into battle."
Robert M. Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense (2006 - 2011)
Robert M. Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense (2006 - 2011)
The film follows war correspondent Alex Quade as she accompanies US special forces in both Afghanistan and Iraq as they conduct high priority raids on enemy hideouts, homes, and caches. But the film is unlike other documentaries of the kind as it provides contemplation of other issues regarding national service and the legacy you leave behind. While most documentaries end with the deployment being over, this film spans multiple tours with a look at what it means to have served many years down the line.
First, the combat and military raids are superbly filmed by Ms. Quade and edited in a way that allows you to understand the entire situation fully. Often edited with aerial surveillance which adds a certain sense of tactical knowledge as to whats going. Several of the sequences are gripping from start to finish due to the perfect editing and top notch filming, scenes are tense and exciting to watch. The depiction of life on the front lines is superb, it respectfully portrays the unity of men at war and more than just combat, but the way they build roads, school and other infrastructure.
Second, the human element of this film will stick with after the it over. The film is supplemented with both personal interviews with Ms. Quade as well as the story of a family who's son who died in country and the legacy he left behind with them and the country in which he served. In the interviews we get an insight into what Ms. Quade was thinking and feeling while under fire. She contemplates the journalistic ethics of getting involved in military operations. Without giving too much away, the family celebrates their son while grasping onto the legacy he left with both them and in Iraq.
Over all a quality documentary, not surprising coming from a couple of fantastic directors.
First, the combat and military raids are superbly filmed by Ms. Quade and edited in a way that allows you to understand the entire situation fully. Often edited with aerial surveillance which adds a certain sense of tactical knowledge as to whats going. Several of the sequences are gripping from start to finish due to the perfect editing and top notch filming, scenes are tense and exciting to watch. The depiction of life on the front lines is superb, it respectfully portrays the unity of men at war and more than just combat, but the way they build roads, school and other infrastructure.
Second, the human element of this film will stick with after the it over. The film is supplemented with both personal interviews with Ms. Quade as well as the story of a family who's son who died in country and the legacy he left behind with them and the country in which he served. In the interviews we get an insight into what Ms. Quade was thinking and feeling while under fire. She contemplates the journalistic ethics of getting involved in military operations. Without giving too much away, the family celebrates their son while grasping onto the legacy he left with both them and in Iraq.
Over all a quality documentary, not surprising coming from a couple of fantastic directors.
- neener3707
- Jan 15, 2018
- Permalink
Danger Close, directed by David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud, is a military documentary film that captures the sense of courage and brotherhood that Special Operation Forces share while deployed on the front lines. This film follows Alex Quade, a highly decorated freelance reporter and documentary filmmaker, as she becomes embedded with Special Forces units and Conventional Forces in order to capture the inspiring story of Staff Sgt. Robert Pirelli and the legacy that he left behind. Robert Pirelli, a combat engineer, built combat outpost Pirelli located in Iraq, however, later lost his life in a firefight against Al Qaeda insurgents during a combat mission. As a result, Alex Quade vowed to tell his inspiring story in order to bring closure for the Pirelli family and highlight the legacy that he left behind. Shot in a point & shoot style, this film grants unprecedented access to the life that Special Forces soldiers live and the day to day challenges that they must overcome while on the battle field. The film lasts 90 minutes, however, the raw and heart-warming emotions that you'll feel will last long after you've watched this authentic and visceral film.
- isaaclevine-36731
- May 21, 2017
- Permalink
Danger Close is a poignant military documentary from award-winning directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud. The duo is well-known for their previous military documentaries Citizen Soldier and The Hornet's Nest as part of the Heroes of Valor Collection. The experience of the directors is apparent in this film – the documentary is heartwarming, inspirational, and thrilling, all while telling the true story of a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. After Green Beret Robert Pirelli is killed in action in a firefight in Iraq, his family asks female war reporter Alex Quade to visit the combat outpost that Pirelli built to see if his legacy still stands. Quade was the only journalist who had this kind of unprecedented access to the military in Iraq, and this unique position provided the filmmakers with loads of great footage from the field and allowed for an engaging, firsthand perspective of the trials and tribulations that our soldiers face every day. One moment from the movie in particular left a strong impression on me; Quade witnesses and captures on video when a helicopter flying next to her – a helicopter she was originally meant to be riding in – is shot down by Al Qaeda forces. There are many of these hair-raising moments, but moments of touching emotional sincerity are present as well. Quade interviews soldiers who knew Pirelli and hears the story of how he diligently built the base they called home. Even more moving are the scenes of the Pirelli family reminiscing about Rob. If you want a documentary that showcases the courage and sacrifices our troops and their families in an interesting, original way, Danger Close is the film to watch.
- davidthorpeal
- May 25, 2017
- Permalink
It is ironic that in a movie peppered with the crackle of the gunfire, the whirring of helicopter blades and the guttural shouts of men, the overall impression once the film fades away, is silence. There is a stillness, after the fighting fades and the dust has settled; there is a void where noise has once been, and it is in this void that Danger Close capitalizes on the true depth of Alex Quade's story. With piquancy and sharpness, directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud weave together Quade's journey using raw uncensored footage from the field radically juxtaposed with meditative explorations into the repercussions of life and loss. This film not only manages to capture a soldier's experience but a human one, it explores the stubbornness and vitality of the human spirit in even the most bleak and derelict of places. Showcased in this film is a woman's resilience and dedication, and our inherent ability to survive and thrive in times of peril.
- jsscmrgndvs
- May 23, 2017
- Permalink
As a film fan, Danger Close quickly absorbed me into a dynamic cinematic experience in which award-winning journalist Alex Quade conceives through her passionate filmmaking style. Her amateur cinematography techniques design an extremely real and visceral setting for this documentary that tells a story of fallen Green Beret soldier Rob Pirelli. Quade goes to great lengths to fulfill the wishes of his family and offers closure of their lost loved one. The film exudes an emotional and authentic perception of Quade's journey in an astute and riveting way. Learning about the life of a young, fallen soldier's heartfelt story of bravery and valor gives the story line depth and clarity of the true heroism behind our military troops. Journalist Alex Quade developed a perfect balance of suspense and authenticity that absorbs you into an uncensored look at both the accomplishments of Rob Pirelli and a glimpse into the real daily lives of our men and women who serve for our country with powerful footage of actual events that happened during war in Iraq. If you're looking for an alluring and engaging film about family, unity and legacy; Danger Close is for you.
- anascarella
- Jun 1, 2017
- Permalink
- gabidopico
- Jun 6, 2017
- Permalink
Watching Danger Close, I would say, is a necessity for anyone interested in the documentary genre. Danger Close is unlike any documentary that I've ever seen in how it is able to capture a soberingly and characteristically unconventional portrayal of war. While most documentaries on the subject of war attempt to capture bloodshed, horror, or grotesque imagery in attempts to seduce an unwitting audience into theaters or unapologetically voice personal political opinions; Danger Close does neither. Danger Close strays away from images of bloodshed to present images of brotherhood. This documentary is undoubtedly one of the few based on the soldiers themselves rather than the fight the soldiers are in. This film gives an inside look at what the real lives of soldiers are like as well as the unfortunate real consequences of war on families and soldiers alike. Danger Close's film style is also extremely influential in how it presents itself to its audience. This film follows award-winning war reporter, Alex Quade, as she travels through Iraq, experiencing life among special forces unit soldiers and follows the aftermath of a family, The Pirelli's, after their son Staff Sgt. Robert Pirelli is killed in action in Iraq. I'd recommend Danger Close to anyone hoping to get a glimpse at what war is really like in the real world rather than what war is like on a television screen.
- costasfsutl
- May 25, 2017
- Permalink
Danger Close is the exciting, new addition to directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud's Heroes of Valor Collection. In the documentary, they join forces with award-winning, military journalist Alex Quade to present an uncensored look at her journey across Iraq to return to Combat Outpost Pirelli. Quade shows amazing perseverance and bravery, jumping from unit to unit to reach her destination and uphold her promise to fallen soldier Rob Pirelli's family to make sure his legacy is preserved. Edited from hours of Quade's own point-and-shoot footage, Danger Close shows real special forces units on combat missions in Iraq. The raw footage combined with interviews with Pirelli's family, former team members and Quade herself paints a more humane image of military life than is common in film. Standout editing allows the filmmakers to pull this off. The mission footage, which even includes cell phone footage taken by the Taliban, can be heart-pounding and nerve-racking at times while the interviews offer more empathetic and sentimental moments. Taken together, Danger Close becomes an honest and moving picture of what honor, legacy and sacrifice really looks like. Quade's footage is impressive, the story is touching and it all works to make a unique experience. I recommend Danger Close to fans of the directors' previous documentaries, The Hornet's Nest and Citizen Soldier, or military documentaries in general as well as anyone interested in a film that digs deep into the human experience.
- justinannazone
- May 23, 2017
- Permalink
Danger Close spends its eighty-six-minute run time analyzing perspective and scope. The raw- footage shot by Alex Quade – at times visceral and at others tender – speaks to the audience in a language that transcends hiccups or misunderstandings. The camera-work in this landmark documentary delivers on something all films attempt, but few master: pure communication, of tension, of situation and of these characters' humanity. The setting of the Iraq/Iran border strips away the luxury of tripods and meticulously planned angles, instead focusing on what every journalistic endeavor should do: putting the audience right next to the reporter through content. Danger Close's prominent subject, namely fallen Green Beret Robert Pirelli, also effervesces on- screen as an inspiration. Scenes surrounding Pirelli's family and the impact his life and passing have upon them serve to flesh out a story too often cut short by traditional media sources. Veterans, fallen or alive, have a continuous effect upon the lives they touch. These polarizing scenes cohere brilliantly, and flesh out both Gold Star families and their loved one(s) who paid their sacrifice in a way few documentaries about this subject matter do. I would highly recommend Danger Close to anyone looking for insight, an alternate perspective on this topic or fans of innovative film design.
- christopherportiz
- May 22, 2017
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- elisabethapagan
- May 26, 2017
- Permalink
As a huge film buff, I was incredibly excited to watch Danger Close. I love documentaries of all types, and this one was no exception. The film follows war reporter Alex Quade as she fulfills her task of finding the Iraqi combat outpost that Sargent Rob Pirelli built, and sending footage of it back to his family. Although Pirelli is no longer with us, watching his fellow soldiers and loved ones relive their favorite parts of him made me feel as if I was Rob's friend too. The respect and pride that radiate from everyone when speaking of him show how important he was to both his squadron and the Armed Forces. Not only was the story beautiful and engaging, the footage was equally as stunning. Quade shoots all of her own footage with only a camcorder to her name, yet this lack of equipment makes the experience of watching the film more authentic and familiar. She shows us a soft moment as a soldier kisses a stray dog, and the audience is reminded of the humanity that exists in even the most dangerous of situations. Everything about this documentary is breath- taking, and I truly believe that everyone can find something to love about it.
- monicamariesuarez
- May 22, 2017
- Permalink
- janepeterse
- May 23, 2017
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- mandyxpustelniac
- May 24, 2017
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- mabarry-69560
- May 24, 2017
- Permalink