12 Strong The Declassified Story Of The Horse Soldiers
12 Strong is a 2018 war drama film directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and written by Ted Tally and Peter Craig. The movie is based on Doug Stanton's non-fiction book "Horse Soldiers," which tells the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, Navid Negahban, Trevante Rhodes, Geoff Stults, Thad Luckinbill, William Fichtner, and Rob Riggle.
The Plot
The movie is set in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. A Special Forces team led by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) is sent to Afghanistan to work with General Abdul Rashid Dostum (Navid Negahban) of the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban.
The team is made up of soldiers from different backgrounds who are not used to working together. They must learn to trust and rely on each other as they face a dangerous and unfamiliar enemy in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
The soldiers are introduced to their Afghan counterparts and must work with them to navigate the rugged terrain and fight their way through enemy lines. The team is constantly on the move, trying to stay one step ahead of the Taliban, who are determined to stop them from reaching their objective.
As the team gets closer to their target, they face increasingly difficult challenges and must rely on their training and camaraderie to survive. The film ends with the team successfully completing their mission, but not without suffering significant losses.
The Cast
Chris Hemsworth plays Captain Mitch Nelson, the leader of the Special Forces team. Michael Shannon plays Chief Warrant Officer Hal Spencer, Nelson's second-in-command. Michael Peña plays Sergeant First Class Sam Diller, a seasoned soldier who is skeptical of Nelson's leadership. Navid Negahban plays General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the leader of the Northern Alliance. Trevante Rhodes plays Sergeant First Class Ben Milo, a soldier who is struggling to cope with the loss of his friend. Geoff Stults plays Sean Coffers, a soldier who is trying to keep his spirits up despite the difficult circumstances. Thad Luckinbill plays Vern Michaels, a soldier who is determined to complete the mission. William Fichtner plays Colonel John Mulholland, a high-ranking officer who is overseeing the mission. Rob Riggle plays Colonel Max Bowers, a soldier who is part of the team but also serves as a consultant on the film.
The Production
The film was shot on location in New Mexico and Morocco. Director Nicolai Fuglsig wanted to capture the ruggedness and beauty of Afghanistan, and the production team went to great lengths to achieve an authentic look and feel.
The cast underwent rigorous training to prepare for their roles, including learning how to ride horses and handle weapons. They also spent time with real Special Forces soldiers to get a sense of what their lives are like.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its action sequences and performances while others criticized its clichéd plot and lack of depth. However, it has been generally well-received by audiences and has grossed over $70 million worldwide.
The Legacy
12 Strong is a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in the early days of the War in Afghanistan. It shines a light on their courage, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of incredible adversity.
The film has also sparked renewed interest in the story of the Horse Soldiers, and the book on which it is based has become a bestseller. It has also inspired a new generation of young people to consider joining the military and serving their country.
Overall, 12 Strong is a powerful and moving film that honors the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve in the military. It is a reminder of the bravery and dedication that it takes to defend our freedom and protect our way of life.