Above the Best

I can't say enough great things about this film. I saw it with a few friends of mine and by the end of it we couldn't help but sit back and reflect on how grateful we are to be protected by men like Daniel Flores. Above the Best is no Hollywood Blockbuster. It is an action film that portrays the real life actions and heroism of real American heroes. The men and women featured in this film get the call and they are out to risk their lives. That is the kind of high stakes situations that are being addressed in this film. This film had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend this film. David Salzberg has done it again.

Above The Best tells a story of selflessness among a team of Army pilots and crew. The brave people of this combat group focus on the mission and what needs to be done and put those needs before their own. The incredible men and women fighting the Taliban are altruistic not only to each other but also to the members of the Afghanistan military. The unity between the two sides is unique to see and sheds light on a part of war that most people don't see. Matt Hall and Naser Ahmadi's connection during the war and ability to help each other when they need is most shows the audience that these people are not enemies but allies. This film is a great story of the courageous men and women that fought alongside each other and were together until the end and for these reasons I would definitely recommend this film!

After watching Above The Best, directed by David Salzberg, I felt a strong sense of renewed patriotism and understanding for the courageousness of our American soldiers. Salzberg and Tureaud placed a strong emphasis on the selfless acts of heroism portrayed by warriors such as Chris Ambro and Bill Cook. The heartfelt retelling of the traumatic and strenuous events of combat provided me with an eye-opening grasp on the reality that these are real people who are out risking their lives for our country. The display of valor and selflessness by the soldiers in this film left me feeling utterly grateful and indebted to not only those featured in Above The Best, but American soldiers universally. This inspiring film awakened me to the idea of new perspectives while providing me with a refreshed esteem for our country!

In order to avoid spoilers, I may be a bit vague here. The overarching story of the bravery of Army air support crews is a good one. It is something I am interested in and it should have been easy for this film to engage me and make me happy I watched it. But sadly, it failed to do that. I say sadly because I was interested and wanted to know more and to understand. Instead I just ended up confused. The film begins with one tale in Afghanistan. A sad and terrible tale. Switches to a stateside tale in Maryland. Then returns to Afghanistan but never effectively ties them all together. The first story gets lost entirely. I still have no idea how it relates to the main thrust of the film. The second and third tales are related but there are huge unanswered questions about how they became connected. I was very interested in this film but ended up disappointed.

David Salzberg, director of the Heroes of Valor Collection, presents Above The Best, a documentary about the Afghan war told through the soldier's perspective. Through the honesty of the bodycam footage, photos, and testimonies, I was able to understand the intense sense of challenge and brotherhood of war in a gracious way. Listening to Daniel Flores testimony, while also being able to experience his time in Afghanistan made the story come to life before my eyes. Seeing the interactions of the aviators and soldiers on the ground, beautifully illustrates the ability of American soldiers to risk their lives for those they have never met. Watching this film, gives a real understanding of sacrifice and what it takes to be able to act when others cannot.