Danger Close (I) (2017) User Reviews

I have seen much better stuff on Youtube...

[WatchAndSmile · 3/10 · 7 February 2018]

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.

Unwatchable

[cruisers-58265 · 1/10 · 13 August 2023]

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 was supposed to have been on that helicopter

[nogodnomasters · 2/10 · 9 November 2019]

The documentary is about war reporter Alex Quade and her tribute to Rob Pirelli, an army engineer who died in a helicopter crash. The climax of the film we watch Rob's family see footage of the camp he designed. There is some actual combat footage. I had that uncomfortable feeling like when a friend asks you to watch their home movies. A great film if you are Alex Quade or part of the Pirelli family. I am neither.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Combat Outpost Pirelli

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 28 April 2017]

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.

Review - Robert M. Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense

[davids-46 · 10/10 · 3 May 2017]

"'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)

So Much More Than A Front Lines Documentary

[neener3707 · 8/10 · 16 January 2018]

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.

Highly Charged Documentary- Danger Close

[isaaclevine-36731 · 9/10 · 22 May 2017]

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.

Inspiring story of Rob Pirelli and Alex Quade

[davidthorpeal · 9/10 · 26 May 2017]

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.

Deep and Evocative Perspective into Life on the Front Lines

[jsscmrgndvs · 10/10 · 24 May 2017]

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.

Raw footage of bravery, sacrifice, family, and brotherhood

[mandyxpustelniac · 9/10 · 25 May 2017]

After seeing Citizen Soldier, I expected nothing less from Danger Close than the utmost respect for our troops and raw footage of all they endure for our freedom. Directors, David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud once again deliver the epitome of courage, sacrifice, brotherhood, and family in their third film of the Heroes of Valor Collection.

In Danger Close, the film follows the female journalist, Alex Quade, from Franklin, Massachusetts, where the fallen Staff Sgt. Rob Pirelli's family lives, to Afghanistan and Iraq in order to uphold his legacy. Having been the leading engineer for a safe haven in Iraq, Pirelli's family was determined to ensure it was still in good condition and being used after he was killed in action in 2007. After being denied, himself, from going overseas, Pirelli's father asked military journalist, Alex Quade, to make and film the trip.

Dedicated to reaching the safe haven and fulfilling her promise to Pirelli's family, Quade teams up with Special Forces combat units to lead her safely to Combat Outpost Pirelli. After flying on a different helicopter than planned, Quade escapes death by a hair when the other is gunned down. The documentary alternates between raw footage overseas, to interviews with Pirelli's family, and interviews with Alex Quade, herself, in order to get an inside look into her determination to bring a Gold Star Family closure after losing their beloved son.

Viewers travel beside Quade on her journey from post-to-post, spanning hundreds of miles, and sharing in her unwavering dedication along the way. Viewers will find themselves constantly transitioning from sitting on the edges of their seats to reaching for tissue boxes throughout the action of combat, the loss of a brother and son, and the determination of a journalist to fulfill her promise to a family who has endured it all. I highly recommend this film because not only does it give insight as to what our troops experience each day, but it also allows viewers to see what lies behind the freedom that is often taken for granted.

A Must Watch

[costasfsutl · 9/10 · 26 May 2017]

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.

Danger Close Review

[gabidopico · 9/10 · 7 June 2017]

So glad the Heroes of Valor Collection has become a trilogy! Danger Close has become one of my favorite documentaries. Alex Quade is a freelance war reporter that has dedicated her life to getting up in the action of war. Not only is Quade capturing raw footage with her personal point and shoot camera, she is also on a mission to give back to fallen Staff Sargent Robert Pirelli and his family. Robert Pirelli hand built a combat outpost in the most dangerous part of Iraq and was killed in a firefight with the Al Qaeda. The outpost was eventually named Combat Outpost Pirelli in honor of Robert Pirelli. After Alex Quade was injured in the field she was sent home to get better, while in the states Quade met up with the Pirelli family and they expressed their desire for Quade to make it back to the outpost to see what had become of it. Quade accepted the task and instantly became determined to keep her promise. My favorite part of the movie was seeing the perseverance that Quade exhibits when traveling from different special forces units just to go back to the outpost. The film is an overall touching, feel-good movie. I recommend this to people that want to see a behind the scenes look at what happens overseas, and also people who love giving back to their troops.

An Exceptional Documentary

[monicamariesuarez · 9/10 · 23 May 2017]

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.

Powerful showcase of family, unity & legacy

[anascarella · 9/10 · 2 June 2017]

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.

Riveting Documentary about a Reporters Journey through a war zone.

[elisabethapagan · 9/10 · 27 May 2017]

Danger Close is a documentary film that is successfully shown from the perspective of award winning war journalist Alex Quade. This film shows her journey and experiences in a war zone working along side highly trained US soldiers. This film cuts from footage of Quade working with different units from all around Iraq and Afghanistan, starting with Quade's close call while on a tactical mission that made her reflect and redirect her journalistic path. Now with the outlook to not just tell the story of the war but of the soldiers as well, little did she know from this Danger Close would be born. When she arrives at Combat Outpost Pirelli, where she had worked in the past, she discovered that a member of a past unit she has worked with, Staff Sergeant Robert Pirelli, had given the ultimate sacrifice. Staff Sergeant Robert Pirelli was a great member of his unit and built most of Combat Outpost Pirelli himself. After being sent home from an injury, Quade went to visit Robert Pirelli's family and saw their longing to see the legacy Rob left behind, Combat Outpost Pirelli. The array of footage of the family and their story pulls at the heartstrings and has a sobering effect on its audience. Because of government restrictions the family wasn't allowed to go to the outpost, moving journalist Alex Quade made a promise to the family to get back overseas to ensure Rob's legacy still stands. The journey to keep this promise is a large part of the film. The film also includes the struggles of both Quade and the soldiers she meets along the way. Having the opportunity to see the perspective of the soldiers on the ground and the trying journey of both them and Alex Quade is a humbling experience. I highly recommend this documentary to anyone looking for a movie with a great journey flowered with key themes of bravery, unity, and courage

No Tripod Required

[christopherportiz · 10/10 · 23 May 2017]

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.

Danger Close Summary

[janepeterse · 9/10 · 24 May 2017]

If you're looking for an authentic look into the lives of our troops, Danger Close is the documentary for you. After watching the trailer, I knew it was a documentary that I wanted to see, but also one that I had to see. Danger Close follows freelance reporter Alex Quade as she travels through Afghanistan & Iraqi war zones to tell the story of fallen Green Beret soldier Rob Pirelli. Because there are not many firsthand documentaries out about our troops, Danger Close is important for us as citizens to experience. And while it is important, it is also just a really good documentary. Two scenes that really affected me were the scene with Rob's sister and the scene with the helicopter. Rob's sister accounts her fathers' reunions with Rob at his grave. He would buy two coffees, sit with Rob and drink coffee with him. It was heartbreaking to see what Gold Star families go through after losing a loved one. Another scene that hit me was when Quade watched the helicopter she had almost flown in be shot down. It was shocking to watch and I really got to see how Quade started her journey to tell Rob's story. I recommend this documentary because it had me on the edge of my seat, it's honest, and reminds us of the bravery of our troops.

Powerful military documentary

[justinannazone · 9/10 · 24 May 2017]

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.

Moving Film in Honor of our Heroes

[mabarry-69560 · 25 May 2017]

Exhilarating, moving, and authentic, Danger Close takes you on an array of emotions, but at the end leaves you silent and humble. As a viewer, you are given an inside look into the uncensored and raw footage of the most courageous men and women, our soldiers. Recording on the front line, Alex Quade brought me right in the middle of action of our troops' everyday lives. Quade is the only journalist, male or female, to be embedded with special ops forces long term, which makes this documentary unique and a one of a kind experience. Her journey through Iraq is to honor fallen Staff Sergeant Rob Pirelli and the family he left behind. Quade moves from units in Iraq determined to deliver evidence of the mural in his honor. Along with the footage of her quest with different units, I was transported back to his family remembering their loving brother and son that left me connected and empathetic to this gold star family and others who have gone through the same loss. I was given a dual look into the life of military and their families. I was reminded that as they fight for our freedom, there are families wishing for their safe return. Quade does what few reporters have accomplished, affecting me emotionally with her determination to give a honest story and bring closure to the Pirelli family. It is a honor to be able to see into the lives of our modern society's heroes. Even though I will never experience first hand the life of a soldier, Danger Close delivers an insight and truth into their lives that few films have. I believe this is a documentary for anyone seeking a better understanding of our valiant soldiers and a remembrance to fallen soldiers.