Danger Close

"'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)

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.

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.

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.

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.