Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty, violent DMZ military thriller has a strong heroine.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Valiant One
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Inspired by a true story and set during the peak of tense relations between North and South Korea, VALIANT ONE follows a group of noncombat U.S. soldiers who are on a routine military operation at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) when they crash-land deep in North Korea. Led by tech specialist Captain Edward Brockman (Chase Stokes), along with fellow specialist Selby (Lana Condor) and civilian Josh Weaver (Desmin Borges), the team of unlikely heroes must quickly navigate hostile territory on a desperate mission to race across the DMZ before they accidentally start a war.
Is It Any Good?
Gripping underdog heroism with a poignant war-themed perspective, this action thriller depicts the dangers of the often untold story of modern-day military operations at the Korean DMZ. Stokes is adequate in his role as a fairly forgettable lead soldier, but Condor and Borges portray nuanced characters who help keep viewers engaged. Valiant One ultimately keeps humanity centered over "violence for violent action film's sake." And the tight run time keeps things moving at a brisk pace. The characters' unlikely heroism and fully realized fears are relatable, and the story offers a rare glimpse into North Korean culture and the intensity at the DMZ.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the value of watching war movies like Valiant One. Why is it important to portray different aspects of military missions, from intense violent battle scenes to the power of the human connection? Do "inspired by a true story" war films interest you more than fictional ones? Why, or why not?
What's the purpose of the heavily militarized border between North and South Korea, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)? Why do you think U.S. soldiers are stationed there in modern times?
How does this film portray the Korean people? Do you think that North Korean civilians and North Korean soldiers have the same thoughts about the U.S. military? Why, or why not?
How does this team of underdog soldiers compare to actual war heroes? What character traits helped the soldiers to survive? What traits perhaps compromised their mission?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 31, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : February 18, 2025
- Cast : Chase Stokes , Lana Condor , Desmin Borges
- Director : Steve Barnett
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Puerto Rican Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Briarcliff Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, and language throughout
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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