12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers
Overview
Based on a true story, "12 Strong" 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 "Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode into Afghanistan after 9/11 and Defeated the Taliban" by Doug Stanton.
The True Story
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, a team of 12 U.S. Army Special Forces personnel, led by Captain Mitch Nelson (played by Chris Hemsworth), are sent to Afghanistan to join forces with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban. The team, known as Operational Detachment Alpha 595 (ODA 595), is tasked with infiltrating Taliban-occupied territory and gathering intelligence to support the U.S. military's fight against the terrorist organization.
The Horse Soldiers
What makes this team unique is that they are trained to ride horses, which they use to navigate the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. This unconventional tactic allows them to move quickly and stealthily, catching the Taliban off guard. The "Horse Soldiers" moniker is derived from the fact that they are the first U.S. troops to ride horses into combat since the final battle of World War II.
The Mission
ODA 595's mission is to secure the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, a strategic stronghold in northern Afghanistan. Led by Captain Nelson, the team faces numerous challenges as they navigate treacherous landscapes, avoid enemy fire, and contend with cultural differences. Along the way, they form an unlikely bond with the Northern Alliance warlord, General Abdul Rashid Dostum (played by Navid Negahban), who becomes a crucial ally in their fight against the Taliban.
The Cast
- Chris Hemsworth as Captain Mitch Nelson
- Michael Shannon as Chief Warrant Officer Hal Spencer
- Michael Peña as Sergeant First Class Sam Diller
- Trevante Rhodes as Sergeant First Class Ben Milo
- Navid Negahban as General Abdul Rashid Dostum
- William Fichtner as Colonel John Mulholland
- Rob Riggle as Lieutenant Colonel Bowers
Reception
"12 Strong" received mixed reviews from critics, but was a commercial success, grossing over $67 million worldwide. The film was praised for its action sequences and the performances of the cast, particularly Hemsworth and Negahban. However, some critics felt that the film oversimplified the complexities of the war and relied too heavily on genre tropes.
Conclusion
"12 Strong" is a gripping and intense war drama that tells the extraordinary true story of the Horse Soldiers. With its talented cast, impressive action sequences, and inspiring true story, the film is a must-watch for fans of the genre. While it may have its flaws, "12 Strong" is a powerful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. military personnel who risked everything to fight for their country.
