Corina Recinos

There is one movie that unfortunately I did not see on the big screen and after I watched it, I wish I had. This movie is called Only the Brave directed by Joseph Kosinski and released in 2017. Now, it wasn't your big blockbuster movie but watching it for the first time gave me chills. The film is based on the true story about the Granite Mountain Hotshots who were elite firefighters dedicating their lives to fighting some of the most gruesome fires. In 2013, there was a fire in Prescott, Arizona that took the lives of 19 of 20 members, making it one the deadliest wildland fires. Growing up in California, we've always had fire seasons and knowing that there are people out there willing to put their own lives on the line just made me respect them so much. I think when I watched this movie for the first time, it reminded me of the difficulties many people endure and how some of it isn't always appreciated. I have always admired the people who put themselves out there because if they don't, then who will.

I did not get the chance to experience this movie with a crowd of people who were just as excited to watch it. Watching a movie in theaters feels differently compared to watching it at home. You are typically surrounded by other movie lovers and get to hear some of their reactions as they watch alongside you. When a movie is so well portrayed, you feel as though you are part of it. Every emotion the characters feel, you do as well. As you watch the movie on the big screen nothing else matters and you are fully focused until the very end. This movie is full of surprises and emotions, in the end it takes a big toll on a person's heart strings . It makes you connect with the characters and wish you were there fighting the fires alongside them. This is what a movie experience in theaters is supposed to feel like, you never want it to end.

Coming from someone who watched this movie for the first time on television, I would say I experienced the emotions intended but not to the fullest capacities. Yes, I was in the comfort of my own home, but I didn't get to see or hear the reactions of others. Sometimes after watching a movie you just want to know if the people next to you experienced the same thing. I feel like I wasn't fully submerged into the movie and being at home can also cause for distractions, something you wouldn't necessarily experience in theaters. I think there is nothing like sitting in an auditorium eating a bucket of popcorn while watching something you enjoy. There is a big difference when it comes to watching a movie in theaters or at home and I believe this movie is meant to be seen on a big screen. Movie theaters are a way to escape the reality of ones life. It is a place where you can go with friends to experience the creation of filmmakers and value the work put in by the people involved in the movie. Only the Brave shows you just that, it's not only a movie, it is a way to bring people together and take them to another place, even for short amount of time.

2022 Scholarship Essays
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What movie has provided you a life lesson that you use today? What was the lesson and how have you applied it?

 

Carlos Alonzo
Regal
Regal Edwards Santa Maria
Stadium 14 & RPX
San Jose State University
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Chloe Anzaldo
Regal
Regal Colonnade Stadium 14
Pacific Northwest College
of Art

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Marycruz Arellano
Regal
Regal San Jacinto Metro 12
Mt. San Jacinto College
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Matthew Baluyot
AMC Theatres
AMC Del Amo 18
University of California Irvine
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Aaron Bravo
AMC Theatres
AMC Tustin 14
Orange Coast College
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Caleb Carroll
Regal
Regal Edwards
Metro Point Stadium 12
Vanguard University of
Southern California

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Ashley Chau
Santa Rosa Cinemas
Airport Stadium 12
California State University
Fullerton

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Luis Cruz
Brenden Theatres
Concord 14 Theatre
Sacramento State University
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Daniel Dominguez
AMC Theatres
AMC Rolling Hills 20
El Camino College
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Hailey Dominguez
AMC Theatres, Dependent
AMC Palm Promenade 14
/ Otay Ranch 12
University of San Diego
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Katie Duquette
Cinema West
Angels Theatre
Arizona State University
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Johannes Freydl
Santa Rosa Cinemas
Roxy Stadium 11
California State University
Channel Islands

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Daisy Gutierrez
Regal
Regal Mission Marketplace
11 & RPX
California State University
San Marcos

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Morgan Harrington
Central Coast Cinemas
Park Cinemas 9
Savannah College of
Art and Design

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Samantha Iraheta
Regal
Regal Natomas Marketplace
16 & RPX
University of California Davis
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Luke Kimes
Regal
Regal La Habra 16
Fullerton College
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Mia Lewis
AMC Theatres
AMC Del Amo 18
Duke University
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Harrison Macagno
Regal
Regal Marketplace
@ El Paseo RPX
California State University
Fresno

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Madison McGregor
Regal
Regal Boulder Station 11
College of Southern Nevada
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Reagan McGregor
Regal
Regal Boulder Station 11
College of Southern Nevada
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Simran Nahal
Regal
Regal Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX
Clovis Community College
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Amanda Nigro
Regal
Regal Edwards Big Newport
and RPX
California State University
Long Beach

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Maya Orantes
Brenden Theatres
Concord 14 Theatre
Diablo Valley College
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Laurel Osegueda
Cinema West
Country Club Cinema
California State University
Chico

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Jeff Park
Regal
Regal UA Laguna Village Cinema
Cosumnes River College
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Madeline Phelps
AMC Theatres, Dependent
AMC Mission Valley 20
University of California
San Diego

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Aisha Ponce
CineLux Theatres
CineLux Plaza Theatre
San Jose State University
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Lauren Potts
Regal
Regal UA Clovis 8 Movies
Fresno State University
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Jennifer Quintero
Regency Theatres
Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8
California Lutheran University
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Corina Recinos
Regal
Regal UA La Canada
California State University
Northridge

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Stephanie Rivera
AMC Theatres
AMC Tustin 14
University of California
Irvine

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Hana Rudoff
Regal
Regal Stonestown Galleria
University of California
Los Angeles

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Marisa Ruiz
Brenden Theatres
Brenden Vacaville 16
Solano Community College
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Aubrey Smith
Santa Rosa Cinemas
Roxy Stadium 14
Santa Rosa Junior College
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Samantha Walker
AMC Theatres
AMC Santa Monica 7
DePaul University
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Selena Ybarra
Galaxy Theatres
Tulare 10
University of California
San Diego

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Annie Zhang
AMC Theatres
AMC Tustin 14
University of California
Irvine

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