12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers
Overview
12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers is a 2018 American war drama film directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and written by Ted Tally and Peter Craig. The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Doug Stanton, which tells the story of the first U.S. Special Forces team to be sent to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.
The True Story
The film is based on the true story of Operational Detachment Alpha 595 (ODA 595), a U.S. Army Special Forces team also known as the "Horse Soldiers." In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the team was sent to Afghanistan to capture the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, which was under the control of the Taliban.
Led by Captain Mitch Nelson (played by Chris Hemsworth), the team consisted of 12 soldiers who were tasked with completing their mission on horseback, just like the legendary horse soldiers of the past. The team faced numerous challenges, including harsh terrain, extreme weather conditions, and the threat of Taliban forces.
The Film
The film stars Chris Hemsworth as Captain Mitch Nelson, Michael Shannon as Chief Warrant Officer Hal Spencer, and Michael Peña as Sergeant First Class Sam Diller. The movie also features Trevante Rhodes, Navid Negahban, and William Fichtner in supporting roles.
Critical Reception
12 Strong received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film's action sequences and performances, while others criticized its predictable storyline and lack of character development. The film holds a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 142 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10.
Box Office Performance
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $67 million in the United States and over $176 million worldwide on a budget of $35 million.
Conclusion
12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers is a thrilling and inspiring film that honors the bravery and sacrifice of the first U.S. Special Forces team to be sent to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. While it may have its flaws, the film is a testament to the strength and resilience of the American military and the power of human courage in the face of adversity.
