Fuoco mortale

Perhaps the best thing about this film is that it will convince many people that it is really necessary to keep those 50 or even 100 meters without trees around the houses. And even then... the example given here of the ingenious care taken by the owner of that house literally going up in smoke was interesting: you're never safe from the recklessness of your neighbors.

The story of a family of 3+1 who survived a forest fire provides the pretext for a production in which we are placed inside the burning forest, in a terrifyingly realistic reconstruction of the scenario that someone in those circumstances has to face - with virtually no chance of survival. Great value is placed on unity, as each element of these three will contribute in its own way to an improbable outcome.

The production (pyrotechnics and everything else) is stupendous, the actors very convincing and the filming impeccable. But there are a few problems, namely the script, which is too formulaic and predictable, and with inconsistencies: there's the manslaughter of two old people, with no culpability and (almost) no remorse, and there's the final shock of seeing those trees, so green, on the shores of Lake Chilton...

As a former Firefighter/EMT I found this film to be infuriating, especially because it was based on a true story! After fighting numerous wildfires in the backcountry, a firefighter's worst nightmare is dealing with unprepared citizens and an inept Incident Commander that endangered the lives of those employees & citizens who were properly trained.

If the details presented were accurate, the family portrayed should be chastised for their ignorance while residing in the obviously heavily wooded area! Using Google to research emergency procedures should have been a priority BEFORE A FIRE 🔥! Being insured, clearing defensive space & preparing a GO BAG are priorities! Preparation is everything.

The fire was done very well, and showed the real dangers of living in the woods and how fire can spread so fast. And with featuring the 911 staffing, showed how quickly things can change when fire spreads from strong winds. What seems couldn't happen becomes what does happen. The weakness is the script, as the actors do a good job showing their skill, their danger and the ability to think quickly. And the father Dave, risked everything for his family. Rated PG-13, it was watered down into too much of a formula driven script. But that is more the reality of what is necessary than the fault of the execution of the production. It needed to be acceptable for family viewing. It seems to be a lot of real fire, along with some CGI fire, but maintained the tension.

It was good however,feel a few changes might of made this better.. It had clichés,plotholes & parts might feel contrived.

Although love Fiona in past work,she was miscast for this part.

The CGI was decent enough to draw you into the fire storyline,however some dialog & such failed occasionally.

The cinematography felt low quality,but have seen worse in productions.

Overall acting & casting was ok,was hoping Lance H would of had a more pivotal role.

This movie was poorly marketed & considering enjoy Peter F movies,plus him having major involvement such as directing that's unfortunate.

This movie is worth seeing-even once.. It brings family,faith & survival during a desperate time.

No pun intended - I thought at first the movie was made in the 80s - the title and the fact Lance Henriksen is one of the "leads". I was wrong in the end - but I did like what I got served. Well liked as in I think it was very well made. Because what we do get is quite harrowing. And yes suspension of disbelief is quite important here. And accepting that some things may feel a bit like cliches ... but they still work.

I have met Peter Faccinelli at a convention and he seemed very content and happy with the movie. And considering the cast and the struggle/fight for life we see there ... something we can all relate to ... Will of life ... drama baby ... it all works, depending on how much slack you want to cut it.