12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers
Idlix Exclusive Review
Introduction
"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 movie tells the story of the U.S. Army's Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, who were sent to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.
The True Story
The film is inspired by the true story of the Horse Soldiers, a team of 12 U.S. Army Special Forces operatives who were sent to Afghanistan in 2001. Led by Captain Mitch Nelson (played by Chris Hemsworth), the team was tasked with infiltrating Taliban-controlled territory and gathering intelligence on the enemy. The Horse Soldiers were the first U.S. troops to enter Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, and their mission was to help the Northern Alliance defeat the Taliban.
The Declassified Mission
The movie depicts the intense and dangerous mission of the Horse Soldiers, who had to navigate treacherous terrain and battle against a ruthless enemy. The team faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and the risk of being captured or killed. Despite the odds, the Horse Soldiers were able to achieve a series of victories against the Taliban, including the key battle of Mazar-i-Sharif.
The Horse Soldiers
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, and Trevante Rhodes. The actors underwent extensive training to prepare for their roles, including learning horse riding and combat skills. The movie also stars Rob Riggle, who played a U.S. Army colonel, and Navid Negahban, who played the role of General Abdul Rashid Dostum, a key ally of the Horse Soldiers.
Critical Reception
"12 Strong" received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the film's action sequences and the performances of the cast. The movie holds a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 144 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10. The critical consensus on the site reads: "12 Strong's impressive action sequences and strong performances compensate for its predictable story and lack of character development."
Conclusion
"12 Strong" is a gripping and intense war drama that tells a remarkable true story of courage and sacrifice. The film's action sequences are thrilling, and the performances of the cast are strong. While the movie may not offer anything new in terms of storytelling, it is a powerful tribute to the bravery and heroism of the Horse Soldiers. If you're a fan of war dramas or are interested in true stories of courage and sacrifice, then "12 Strong" is a must-watch.
Rating: 4/5 stars
