12 Strong
Based on actual events, 12 strong tells of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11. Lead by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), this group of twelve would infiltrate the war torn country, win the support of Afghan warlord General Dostum (Navid Negahban), and cripple the Taliban with terrible losses in a matter of three weeks– an unprecedented and amazing feat that would impact each warrior for life. Recounting their battles and political jousting, this is their story.
Directed by newcomer Nicolai Fuglsig and Cinematography by Rasmus Videbæk, this visual smorgasbord of military engagement doesn’t ask for tremendous emotional swings from the ensemble or the viewer, but does offer up a compelling narrative that pulls the viewer in to caring about the characters, even though the initial setup lacks creativity and originality. Not shying away from carnage and things that go boom, 12 Strong delivers concussive blow after blow to the viewer for just over two hours, this is after all a war movie, those with lighter stomachs might opt for lighter faire. Meanwhile, the ensemble thoroughly engages their killer eyes all the while bringing a bit of humanity to the insanity of the situation as a whole. Plunging a bit didactic in act three, the sentiments and terrors of war are not to be lost on the audience, perhaps there are more artistic ways to convey the message? Still, a strong contender for your matinee dollar this weekend. 12 Strong is rated R.