12 Strong

Story: Based on a true story, the American war drama revolves around US’ counter attack on the Taliban post 9/11. In order to infiltrate the Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan, a Special Forces team of 12 is deployed to the ‘graveyard of many empires’. Led by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), the 12 American soldiers must team up with Afghan warlord General Dostum (Navid Negahban) and his allied Afghan rebels to take on the Taliban.

Review: Nicolai Fuglsig’ retelling of this near impossible dangerous covert mission is unnerving and atmospheric. The depiction of loss of innocent lives, incessant gunfire and bombings that engulf war-torn Afghanistan, literally make you watch over your shoulder to ensure you are safe and that is the kind of impact you expect from a war drama. The execution is loaded with intrigue and that keeps you going, even when the pace drops. Even the actors deliver a fine performance, which enhances the narrative. Seeing Chris ‘Thor’ Hemsworth as a super soldier instead of a superhero, who wields the gun instead of swinging his hammer, comes as a refreshing change.

Michael Shannon and Michael Peña too make their presence felt. But of the lot, it is Navid Negahban, who steals the show with his earnest portrayal of Dostum — an Afghan rebel with a cause. Nelson’s change in perception of war and its aftermath, after facing the ground reality is what affects you the most. You see the film through his eyes and can relate to his psychological upheaval and the post-war ramifications that affect the soldiers and survivors so deeply.

However, despite the many pluses, what doesn’t work in the film’s favour is its hasty climax that makes the Afghan war look a tad flimsy, dramatic and way too convenient. While the tension is maintained brilliantly throughout, we wish the ending was as gripping or effective.

Overall, if you are keen to watch a war film that blends 19th century warfare (cavalry) with modern weaponry, latest technology and human emotions overcoming the horrors of war, you’ll like this real-life epic tale.