47. 12 Strong; movie review

12 STRONG
Cert 15
130 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, violence, injury detail

Nobody does rah-rah-rah war films quite like the Americans, do they?
Nicolai Fuglsig's adaptation of a true story may not demand brain power from its audience but it is intense and, in parts, moving.
It hangs on the American view that the Taliban needed to be removed from power in Afghanistan for there not be a repeat of the Twin Towers atrocity.
But if we are spared the politics, it can be seen as a portrayal of great bravery by a group of men who won a key battle against the odds.
Chris Hemsworth plays Mitch Nelson - an army captain who offers himself up to lead a unit despite having no previous experience of frontline combat.
At first he is turned down but it is clear that what is needed is brains as well as brawn so his request is granted.
There are echoes of a modern day Magnificent Seven among this terrific twelve thanks to the high odds against them succeeding in their fight against an evil enemy.
Indeed, Trevante Rhodes' character even has local kid adoration in the same way that Charles Bronson's was surrounded by them.
Michael Shannon and Michael Pena are among this first US military team to be sent to Afghanistan in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 with the task of allying with the Northern Alliance, the Taliban's opposition.
Navid Negahban plays General Dostum, the mercurial warlord whose trust they have to gain if they are to make any progress.
It is upon the interplay between Dostum and Nelson  that much of 12 Strong is focused. They test each other out in myriad ways, both mentally and physically, as they reach for the cultural as well as military boundaries.
This early incursion into Taliban territory was hidden in America's secret files for years so only latterly has the story of great daring been told.
As said, it does not address the politics other than to highlight the ghastliness of the Taliban regime towards its own people and a belief that it was partly responsible for the New York and Pentagon attacks.
In other words this is all about the action rather than the whys and wherefores. On that basis, it scores.

Reasons to watch: out-and-out action war film
Reasons to avoid: not too hot on character exploration

Laughs: none
Jumps: one
Vomit: yes
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Director quote - Nicolai Fuglsig: "The fact that (the story) has been declassified recently is important. It is a story people really weren't aware of. I just couldn't believe it was true."

The big question - Was the war in Afghanistan real worthwhile?

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