Saddle Up for a New Kind of War Drama: The 12 Strong Movie Review
In 12 Strong, directed by the relatively new player on the big stage, Nicolai Fuglsig, we dive into a genre amalgamation of action, drama, and history, all tied into a war-torn narrative. As the first cinematic reenactment of the real-life mission in the rough terrain of Afghanistan, the film attempts to blend epic combat with raw human emotion. In this movie review, let's dig into what makes 12 Strong both a unique entry in the war genre and a must-watch film for history buffs.
A True Grit Tale with a Heroic Heart
Picture this: Post 9/11, when America was navigating the tumultuous tides of a new world order, twelve Special Forces soldiers found themselves on horseback (yup, we've got ourselves a modern-day cavalry charge!) in the mountainous expanses of Afghanistan. The team, heroically led by new captain Mitch Nelson, played with both gravitas and charm by Chris Hemsworth, faces the daunting task of cooperating with local warlord General Dostum, portrayed by the commanding Navid Negahban. Their mission? Take down the Taliban and switch on the light of hope in a beleaguered country.
Chris Hemsworth and Team: Brothers in Arms
Chris Hemsworth, known for his iconic hammer-swinging as Thor, sheds his superhero cape to dig into a role grounded in reality and history. Playing opposite him, the seasoned Michael Shannon injects a level of veteran stoicism that complements Hemsworth's immersive performance. Together with Michael Peña and Trevante Rhodes, the ensemble cast breathes life and authenticity into their roles, making the camaraderie believable yet, at times, a tad predictable through the lens of Hollywood's gaze.
Director Nicolai Fuglsig brings his own flavor to the cinematography, offering a panoramic view of Afghan landscapes that breathes both beauty and peril. What's most fascinating, though, is how the director manages to balance explosive sequences with the quieter, introspective moments that give the film its emotional heft.
History or Hollywood? Blurring Lines with Style
Following Ted Tally and Peter Craig's screenplay, 12 Strong laces its narrative with both factual enormity and a pinch of artistic liberty. This isn't your average documentary-style playback of events; it's a cinematic interpretation that sometimes prioritizes entertainment over accuracy—which isn't always a bad thing. Could we call it Hollywood's love affair with the historical drama? Perhaps! Imagine "Saving Private Ryan" engaged in a fiery affair with "American Sniper", and you might just concoct something akin to 12 Strong.
Yet, it's the underlying theme of brotherhood and perseverance against the backdrop of an unfamiliar and hostile landscape that consistently shines through, resonating with audiences beyond the confines of the war genre.
Comparing Brawn with Brains: Is 12 Strong the Best War Flick of Its Time?
Amongst its brothers in arms like Lone Survivor and Zero Dark Thirty, 12 Strong stands out not necessarily for reinventing the wheel but for its rousing tribute to unsung heroes. While the comparison to director Peter Berg's execution or Kathryn Bigelow's intense realism might not tip the scales in 12 Strong's favor, the film carves its own niche by focusing on lesser-known heroes. However, one might argue that the true strength of 12 Strong lies in its awe-inspiring ability to transform an often political narrative into a visceral journey through the eyes of brave soldiers.
Closing Charge: A Call to Watch (or Not?)
So where does this leave us? In the emotive yet gritty universe of 12 Strong, we're left pondering how heroism, when examined through the kaleidoscope of cinema analysis, translates across oceans. If gut-wrenching, action-packed retrospectives on military history are your passion, don't skip this new action-drama hit. It pays tribute not just to a specific few, but to all who have served in the name of righteousness. Whether you're up for a classic military thrill ride on horseback or seeking heartfelt narratives beyond the action, 12 Strong deserves at least a ride along your cinema trail.