Plot: What’s it about?
We all know that youngsters tend to become attached to animals they’re followed home by, but what if an unusual animal managed to capture the child’s attentions? This is what happens when young Leonardo (Michael Ray) saves a small bull in a horrendous storm, which leads to many good times and also some bad ones. Leonardo and the bull quickly become the best friends and before long, it seems as though where one is, the other can always be found. As the young boy grows, as does the bull only on a much more advanced scale, of course. The bull even steps in and returns the favor he was given, when he saves young Leonardo from a prowling and dangerous predator. But the good times are about to end, when the owner of the bull shows up to take him away, to be killed in a bullfighting match. Leonardo cries, pleads, and begs to no avail and when all else fails, he takes his case to the very top of the Mexican government. But even if he can cease the fight in time, will his bull ever be the same?
This movie isn’t the most famous one in the world and it never will be, but I will do this review for one reason, to let people know it exists. I know some of you have heard of this film, but for the most part I think it has been lost in the modern shuffle, which is a shame. I’m not usually one for sympathetic, emotional type flicks, but when an animal is involved, I always get suckered in. I love Lassie, Old Yeller, My Dog Skip, and yes, The Brave One. A bull isn’t the normal animal of choice for a film like this, but the storyline and such demands it and it works to sheer perfection. The film also erases doubts about the effectiveness of the bull choice early on, which always helps a film’s impact. This one has all the elements you can ask for, terrific writing (which took home a 1956 Oscar), wonderful acting, and an environment perfect to hold it all together. From the opening sequences to the touching final ones, this film is one that deserves a look and no film fan should miss. And of course, what better way to glimpse this classic than on this disc, right?
The credits list a Robert Rich as the writer of this classic story, but when he won the Oscar for the writing, no one showed up to claim the statue. This might seem odd at first, but Rich was just an assumed name used by veteran contract writer Dalton Trumbo. He was unable to work with his own name, thanks to the witch hunt that blacklisted so many talented workers from this time period. Despite his troubles though, Trumbo delivered a top notch effort and more than deserved the Oscar his story won that night. Michael Ray might have been a very young and inexperienced actor, but he shines in his role in this film. In fact, I think his work is one of the major reasons this movie comes off so well, which is quite compliment. The writing is excellent and Ray (Lawrence Of Arabia) winds up making it look even better through his performance. Also turning in solid efforts here are Elsa Cardenas (Mrs. Death), Carlos Navarro (The Empty Star), and Rodolfo Hoyos (A Night At The Opera). Behind the camera for this film was Irving Rapper, who also helmed such films as Forever Female, Rhapsody In Blue, Pontius Pilate, and Another Man’s Poison.
Video: How does it look?
The Brave One is presented in a 2.35:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. I wish this were an anamorphic release, then the edge enhancement and other small compression hitches would be gone. But aside from that, this is a decent transfer and one that looks better than I expected. The image does seem on the dark side at times, but never to the extent that detail is lost, so I won’t complain too much. The colors look good, though a little faded and I found no smears or bleeds, flesh tones also seem natural. This transfer could have been very good, but without anamorphic enhancement, it stands it is average at best.
Audio: How does it sound?
This isn’t a film that demands dynamic audio by any means, so the included mono track is more than adequate. The overall impact is a little thin, but this is still a nice track that delivers when it needs to. The sound effects sound clean and distinct at all times, with the storm sequence and of course, the bullfight scenes taking the claim as most intense. The dialogue is also in fine form with no harshness or the like, while the volume level always remains proper and consistent.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc houses some talent files and the film’s theatrical trailer.
