Danger Close

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.

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.

"'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)

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.

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.