Movie Review: 12 Strong (2018)

12 Strong, directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, is an action-packed war drama based on the true story of the first U.S. Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks. Known as Task Force Dagger, this team of Green Berets, led by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), partners with a Northern Alliance warlord to strike against Taliban and al-Qaeda forces. The team faces extreme challenges as they traverse unforgiving terrain on horseback and engage in battle with a vastly larger enemy force.

Chris Hemsworth shines as Captain Nelson, bringing both a sense of leadership and vulnerability to the role of a soldier thrust into a harsh, unfamiliar environment. His performance captures the resilience and determination required of a leader facing insurmountable odds. Michael Shannon and Michael Peña add depth to the ensemble cast as fellow soldiers, bringing a sense of camaraderie and humor to balance the intensity of their mission. Their chemistry as a team enhances the film’s authenticity, conveying the unity and mutual respect among the soldiers.

The film’s action sequences are intense and realistic, with well-choreographed combat scenes that showcase the chaos of modern warfare. The cinematography captures the desolate beauty of Afghanistan’s rugged mountains, emphasizing the isolation and danger of the mission. The decision to show the soldiers on horseback—a necessity given the terrain—adds a unique and gritty historical element, contrasting the high-tech U.S. military with the traditional methods of the Afghan fighters.

12 Strong effectively portrays the bravery and dedication of these soldiers, though it does follow a familiar war film formula, focusing more on heroism and action than on exploring the complexities of the conflict. The movie could have delved deeper into the cultural and political aspects of the war, but it chooses instead to highlight the bond among the soldiers and the challenges they face together. The pacing is brisk, keeping viewers engaged, though some may find the character development a bit surface-level.

Overall, 12 Strong is an engaging and respectful tribute to the real-life soldiers of Task Force Dagger. While it may not break new ground in the war genre, it provides a thrilling and emotionally charged experience with strong performances and a focus on teamwork and sacrifice. For audiences looking for a war film that combines action with a sense of honor and loyalty, 12 Strong delivers a powerful story of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.