Above the Best (2019) User Reviews

This Could Have Been So Much Better

[hewilson2-72-796868 · 4/10 · 24 November 2019]

In order to avoid spoilers, I may be a bit vague here. The overarching story of the bravery of Army air support crews is a good one. It is something I am interested in and it should have been easy for this film to engage me and make me happy I watched it. But sadly, it failed to do that. I say sadly because I was interested and wanted to know more and to understand. Instead I just ended up confused. The film begins with one tale in Afghanistan. A sad and terrible tale. Switches to a stateside tale in Maryland. Then returns to Afghanistan but never effectively ties them all together. The first story gets lost entirely. I still have no idea how it relates to the main thrust of the film. The second and third tales are related but there are huge unanswered questions about how they became connected. I was very interested in this film but ended up disappointed.

Embarrassing Fabrication

[rduplechin · 1/10 · 27 March 2023]

The most disappointing part of this review is that I couldn't give it ZERO stars. I was an Apache pilot in the same unit with this individual during the same deployment. I know him. I flew with him. I know these missions. He has a personal vendetta against two of the pilots in our unit and he used this platform to try to smear them personally. It is just that simple. His narrative of the fight in the Tageb is highly misleading and his claims that those crews were laying waste to the countryside without knowing what they were shooting at is an actual LIE. Maybe he was too busy playing with his cameras that day to do his job but the other members on that mission knew exactly who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. His claims to the contrary slander the entire Apache community. It makes us all look as nutty as he appears to be. The fact that he could get almost no one who was there with him to participate in his fantasy movie speaks volumes. I spoke to some of those who did participate and they feel tricked. The project was pitched to them as one thing and after the fact edited into the hallucination that it is. The fact that he wants to be famous so bad that he is willing to make himself (and others) look positively out of control is just sad. Dan if you really need help, go see the VA and get it. If you are just angling for a bigger PTSD check...that's pitiful.

NG Apache Pilots...horrible

[rousseau-84001 · 3/10 · 25 January 2020]

This is a horrible film about a National Guard Apache unit. They were my unit's replacements in 2006 and they were a horrible unit. The National Guard should not have AH-64 aircraft because being an attack aviator is a full time job. Please do not judge Army attack aviation by this one weird film and by this horrible unit who let their lift brothers and ground forces down day after day.

Great, some random warrant officer illegally strapped a GoPro camera to the outside of his aircraft to get flight footage. Wonder if he got an official release from the Army to show his flight footage?? Did he have an Airworthiness Release (AWR) for the addition of the outside camera??

I wouldn't have made a film about a less than stellar Apache unit. There are much better units and pilots out there with much better stories.

What isn't going on...?

[mvike · 3/10 · 15 November 2019]

I want to say first, I LOVE these documentaries about the events in the Middle East. And I am VERY pro American/Military.

With that said, this was pretty bad. I got about 15-20 minutes into it and I was so confused... my thoughts were, "what the heck is going on?? Are these stories linked? Are they different stories? What's with the weird effects/editing??" I found it very difficult to know when the narrative changes to a new one. The structure of how this was put together might be the worst I've ever seen. It's almost like one of those "wildest police shootouts" type things. So I came to IMDB to see if I was being unreasonable...nope! 3.7 stars, so it seems others had issues as well.

If you watch this and find yourself kind of lost...you're not alone. I'll admit I gave up around the 20 minute mark...but you likely will too.

Horrible video

[TheOtherFranco · 1/10 · 7 August 2019]

Don't bother with this one unless you're looking to put on a video to heckle the whole time. No self respecting aviator would be proud of this video. Launching with no 30 mm ammo? Shooting the wrong village 8 kilometers away?

Hard pass. Who do we talk to about getting a refund? When the video ended, someone said out loud, "It's over? Thank God!"

OMG

[Razor3505 · 1/10 · 4 June 2020]

Terrible, chronicling the biggest cowards in aviation, you are the reason why chopper pilots aren't officers.

Not how gunships operated in COMBAT back in Viet Nam!

[alsever-12159 · 1/10 · 10 March 2024]

Served in RVN, Cambodia, Laos. We would have been kicked out of gunship platoons if we acted like this unit!

Want to read about REAL Gunship war--XIN LOI, VIET NAM--Served 68,69,70,71,72.

Shooting up an area 7 KM from the actual gun fight!!! We would have been Relieved ASAP and never been in a gunship again!

No one bothers to identify friendly and enemy? Just go shoot up anything and everything? Who is in charge?

Want a gunship story---Why is is that no one ever made a movie about the dong tam eight? The two gunships from the 335th Assault helicopter company that in September , 1970 flew out of dong tam and started shooting 220+ civilians?

Great Film!

[cmariejensen · 8/10 · 13 November 2019]

David Salzberg, director of the Heroes of Valor Collection, presents Above The Best, a documentary about the Afghan war told through the soldier's perspective. Through the honesty of the bodycam footage, photos, and testimonies, I was able to understand the intense sense of challenge and brotherhood of war in a gracious way. Listening to Daniel Flores testimony, while also being able to experience his time in Afghanistan made the story come to life before my eyes. Seeing the interactions of the aviators and soldiers on the ground, beautifully illustrates the ability of American soldiers to risk their lives for those they have never met. Watching this film, gives a real understanding of sacrifice and what it takes to be able to act when others cannot.

Awesome film!

[desirfrance · 10/10 · 21 November 2019]

Above The Best is an extraordinary documentary that dives into the actual combat faced by American heroes during their time in Afghanistan. Directed David Salzberg, depicts the extreme courage and valor of the American soldiers in an immersive cinematic production. Following several missions that occurred during the Afghanistan war, specifically the Korengal Valley, the film brings the audience into the actual cockpit and the frontlines with these soldiers, an experience like no other. I genuinely enjoyed how the Salzberg was able to create an amazing narrative that allowed me to feel empathy for these heroes in this passionate and inspiring film.

So moving

[lizahope-69399 · 9/10 · 5 November 2019]

Of all the attributes that make Above the Best an astounding war documentary, I think the unique editing style really sets it apart. The film features archival footage from the war in Afghanistan paired with interviews of the soldiers who recorded and lived through the battles depicted in the footage. During the interviews, they cut the footage to create a glitching effect when the veterans discuss their panic and anxiety attacks from the war. This gave me a visual representation of the disorientation they felt as they lived through the battle that was being shown throughout the film. There was also a vignette effect used during these anxiety attacks that portrayed the feeling of claustrophobia the soldier was experiencing. These editing tactics only made the emotions and feelings expressed throughout this documentary more powerful and moving. Above the Best is definitely a strong, emotionally driven film that is important for people to see.

great example of true bravery

[nicholashoskinson · 9/10 · 5 November 2019]

The amazing war documentary, Above The Best, is not only a unique look into the lives of soldiers in combat, but a story of courage and unity. The film tells the stories of soldiers and pilots and their experiences in the Korengal Valley through talking heads and footage that they personally took while in combat. The director's decision to use body cam footage to drive the narrative was a very creative choice that did a great job of portraying the reality and context of combat to the audience. The incredible editing of the raw footage captured by the soldiers really exemplified to me as a viewer the amount of bravery that is required of these people. You can see the dangers they put themselves in to protect other soldiers, some they may not even know, and it is truly inspiring. I thought it was incredible to see Apache pilot Daniel Flores talk about how his experiences have affected him and still affect him in his daily life. Overall, I would definitely recommend Above The Best as an extraordinary documentary about a story of heroism and teamwork.

inspiring film!

[allisontobrien · 9/10 · 19 November 2019]

After watching Above The Best, directed by David Salzberg, I felt a strong sense of renewed patriotism and understanding for the courageousness of our American soldiers. Salzberg and Tureaud placed a strong emphasis on the selfless acts of heroism portrayed by warriors such as Chris Ambro and Bill Cook. The heartfelt retelling of the traumatic and strenuous events of combat provided me with an eye-opening grasp on the reality that these are real people who are out risking their lives for our country. The display of valor and selflessness by the soldiers in this film left me feeling utterly grateful and indebted to not only those featured in Above The Best, but American soldiers universally. This inspiring film awakened me to the idea of new perspectives while providing me with a refreshed esteem for our country!

Outstanding film

[gabbiebenjamin · 9/10 · 12 November 2019]

Above The Best was an exceptionally inspirational documentary that presented a story about US soldiers who fought in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. The film was presented through the unique lens of actual raw footage that was captured by the soldiers themselves. An element in the film that I found particularly moving was seeing how the American soldiers teamed together with Afghan troops, which really emphasized the tone of togetherness and selflessness. One of the Afghans, Naser Ahmadi, showed a great deal of heroism while risking his life for his brothers in battle and presented a unique perspective of what occurred during the war. With that being said, Above The Best was a film that guided me to feel a great sense of empathy for these heroes and I really want to encourage you to give it a watch too.

Bold sacrifices and a great watch!

[kayalynnyoun · 9/10 · 30 October 2019]

Above the Best shows us a soldier's most perilous fear: the fear of failing to protect those you are there to support. The quick decisions demonstrated by the featured soldiers held such a high importance in "Above the Best." Refueling and reloading firepower or staying and waiting could mean life or death for the infantry soldiers below the US Army Apache Pilots. Above the Best demonstrates the very real fears/regrets that pilots like Daniel Flores have to live with and strongly persevere through. I have the greatest respect for those military personnel that have to act quick and risk their lives everyday. Above the Best really showcases their bold sacrifices and is a great watch.

Great documentary

[royspray-1 · 10/10 · 3 July 2019]

Greetings from the darkness! (just kidding) This isn't so much a documentary but a telling of some instances that define what it really is like to be at war. The fear and the mundane that goes with it. In the end, it's really a job. A scary one but a job none the less. Most people that join the military don't intend to be in a war zone and most don't face combat. If you want to see what it was like in the skies this is it. I served but never saw war and grateful for it. Hats off to those that did. Well edited and the interviews are good. The footage is spot on. Skip fantasy and watch what it is really like.

Such a great film!

[Alexisnikohl · 9/10 · 17 July 2019]

I can't say enough great things about this film. I saw it with a few friends of mine and by the end of it we couldn't help but sit back and reflect on how grateful we are to be protected by men like Daniel Flores. Above the Best is no Hollywood Blockbuster. It is an action film that portrays the real life actions and heroism of real American heroes. The men and women featured in this film get the call and they are out to risk their lives. That is the kind of high stakes situations that are being addressed in this film. This film had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend this film. David Salzberg has done it again.

A Cinematic Experience

[kajasonfilm · 9/10 · 28 October 2019]

I found above the best to be an unprecedent cinematic experience. A documentary of notable interviews with Americas heroes of valor, US Military Veterans. Above the Best is one of many films from Strong Eagle Media that depicts US troops in the field. The dynamics of the film was well put together by creating proper beats and great choices in honest moments. Through the director's vision you can see the dangers that each soldier endures. Nighttime missions cinematically reveal's the most dangerous moments as a soldier at night because you can't see what's coming. Director David Salzberg combines a powerhouse of raw combat clips of how US military men and women showcase bravery and unity on land and in air. I believe Above the best will elevate your personal collection.

a unique storytelling experience

[kenziemorgan-36502 · 9/10 · 28 October 2019]

Above the Best is a documentary that tells the story of missions during the Afghan War in 2006, and how Apache pilots support ground troops in those times of need. I enjoyed how the film immerses the audience in the story with the use of raw footage that the soldiers recorded themselves. Being able to see what they were experiencing in those moments while also hearing their thoughts on the events in the present day was truly a unique viewing experience. I believe that this is a testament to the director David Salzberg's ability to weave together two different methods of storytelling seamlessly into one. It was also inspiring to see how both teams of soldiers worked together to ensure one another's survival, and how each of them would lay down their lives to save the other, and I can honestly say after watching this film that I have an even greater amount of respect for all veterans, which is why I would definitely recommend it.

Immersive and emotional

[holdenforeman · 10/10 · 23 October 2019]

Very few films, let alone documentaries, have the emotional impact that Above the Best carries with it, similar to the weight that the soldiers carry themselves. In David Salzberg's fifth U.S military documentary, the filmmaker places us, literally, into an Apache cockpit, the seat of a Humvee gunner, and ducked behind cover as we experience two separate battles in 2006 Afghanistan. These events chronicle the personal stories of several soldiers who luckily lived to tell the tale, opening a window into the strength of their brotherhood and the immediacy of their selflessness. Through this incredible real body cam footage and powerful editing, we feel the claustrophobia and anxiety that Pilot Daniel Flores overcomes as well as the helplessness of Terry Best and his men as they all quickly run out of ammo, succeeding only through their bond and courage. These acts of heroism should not go undetected, and thankfully they haven't, as Salzberg has crafted a heart-stopping and emotional experience that I feel compelled to recommend.

Perseverance and autheniticy

[Jay-Cole · 9/10 · 18 July 2019]

The mental and physical strength demonstrated by these soldiers is impressive to witness. Based on Daniel Flores' best-selling book "South of Heaven", David Salzberg brings a visual account to Flores' experiences during his deployment to Afghanistan. While omitting the graphic imagery of war, the audience is still pulled into the action by the use of actual archival footage from the cockpit and the ground, amplifying the intensity and magnifying the perseverance of soldiers like Flores or William Vile. Their determination and commitment to fulfill their duties and protect their fellow soldiers is quite admirable and symbolizes the meaning of brotherhood and patriotism, and Salzberg's ability to capture it in an honest fashion gives it a great impact. I highly recommend watching this documentary for its authenticity and its representation of unity.

Genuine and candid tone!

[karaelizabeth-78017 · 9/10 · 16 July 2019]

With an echoing sense of unity and loyalty, Above the Best brings a sense of honesty in its representation of what is means to be an American soldier. I felt that the film did a great job of using archival footage and talking heads to create an engaging and linear documentary plot line that was easily followed, but didn't sacrifice the immersion of audience members into the fervor and complexity of combat. These interviews also captured the subjects in such a way that created a genuine sense of empathy allowing the audience to relate to ordinary people within extraordinary circumstances. I think overall, the film is both an action-packed cinematic experience and a shining example of prioritizing the whole over the individual.

This film shows selflessness and bravery at its' best!!

[kaleyphillips-85147 · 8/10 · 5 November 2019]

Above The Best tells a story of selflessness among a team of Army pilots and crew. The brave people of this combat group focus on the mission and what needs to be done and put those needs before their own. The incredible men and women fighting the Taliban are altruistic not only to each other but also to the members of the Afghanistan military. The unity between the two sides is unique to see and sheds light on a part of war that most people don't see. Matt Hall and Naser Ahmadi's connection during the war and ability to help each other when they need is most shows the audience that these people are not enemies but allies. This film is a great story of the courageous men and women that fought alongside each other and were together until the end and for these reasons I would definitely recommend this film!

A Clean and Up-Close Look at War

[BrendenElliot · 9/10 · 15 July 2019]

Director David Salzberg defines what he believes it means to be an American soldier in his newest documentary, and he does so with absolute grace. Armed with an abundance of archival footage, Salzberg substitutes the excessive gore that is typically associated with the war genre and replaces it with highly personal interviews that reveal the heart that goes into every mission. The talking heads of this film are not afraid to reveal both the pride and personal sacrifice that went into the Korengal "Valley of Death". These accounts serve as fluid narration to complement immersive raw footage that puts viewers in the front lines of service. Hopefully, Salzberg's documentary serves as both a tribute to the brave men and women who have and continue to put the interests of the greater good above their own, as well as a reminder that in war, there is more at stake than lives.

Realistic and honest

[kaylacarpenter-04915 · 9/10 · 16 July 2019]

For those of you that enjoyed Citizen Soldier or Hornet's Nest, I highly recommend seeing David Salzberg's latest documentary called Above the Best. The film gives viewers the perspective of being both a pilot fighting in the cockpit as well as being one of the soldiers on the ground. Even in the midst of a full fledged ambush with no ammo, these pilots will do anything they can to make sure the troops on the ground make it to safety. Definitely an intense viewing experience, but one without too graphic of footage. Loved every second of this film.

Outstanding visuals and footage

[tessfutch · 9/10 · 22 July 2019]

The title "Above the Best" stood out to me before I even watched the film. After the film, I got a clear understanding as to why the director, David Salzberg, decided to use this name. The pilots in the movie tell their story through words and raw footage they recorded while being in Afghanistan. The brotherhood and unity of these pilots with the soldiers on the ground was fascinating. The pilots see the men on the ground as the best men they know, and they are happy to be able to support them from the air. Above the Best is what these pilots believe themselves to be as they assist these heroes who are fighting below them. I recommend this because of the strong brotherhood displayed and the firsthand visuals showing what these soldiers experience when deployed. Because of this film, I will always say thank you to anyone who has or will risk their life for our freedom.