12 Strong: A Simplistic and Overzealous Tribute to Early Afghan Operations
12 Strong (also known as Horse Soldiers) presents a dramatized account of the initial U.S. Special Forces mission in Afghanistan following the September 11th attacks. The film, while based on true events, leans heavily into patriotic fervor, resulting in a somewhat one-dimensional portrayal of a complex conflict.
The story follows Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), a Special Forces officer who transitions to a desk job but feels compelled to return to active duty after 9/11. He rejoins his unit and, along with eleven other soldiers, is deployed to Afghanistan. Their mission: to join forces with Afghan General Dostum (Navid Negahban), a Northern Alliance leader battling the Taliban, and assist in capturing the strategically important city of Mazar-i-Sharif. With winter fast approaching, Nelson and his team have a mere three weeks to cross treacherous mountain terrain and coordinate airstrikes against Taliban positions. A unique challenge arises when they discover that the rugged landscape is impassable for vehicles, forcing them to learn to ride horses, a skill that comes naturally to the farm-raised Nelson.
Fun fact: Rob Riggle, who plays a supporting role as Nelson’s commander, is a former Marine who served under a colonel he later portrayed in the film.
A Look Back at the Early Days
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the global community largely understood and supported the U.S. response. The attacks warranted a firm reaction. However, the subsequent years have been marked by military missteps and controversies, leading many, even within the U.S., to question the ongoing presence in Afghanistan. 12 Strong attempts to isolate the initial phase of the conflict, a time when American anger was arguably justified, and celebrate the heroism of the soldiers involved without delving into the broader political complexities.
Unapologetic Hero Worship
Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, 12 Strong unabashedly glorifies American Special Forces. The film’s reverence for its subjects rivals the most nationalistic war films.
Elsa Pataky, Chris Hemsworth’s real-life wife, plays his on-screen spouse.
Knights in Shining Armor
The film presents Mitch Nelson and his team as flawless heroes: skilled, dedicated, morally upright, and sensitive to the plight of Afghan civilians. They are spared the complexities of post-traumatic stress and any moral ambiguity. The film seems to deliberately avoid any comparisons to darker war narratives like Apocalypse Now, instead presenting a sanitized version of the conflict. The soldiers are just human enough to be relatable, but never flawed enough to be truly complex.
Exaggerated Heroics
While acknowledging the bravery and competence of the Special Forces team, 12 Strong veers into the realm of Hollywood fantasy, reminiscent of Rambo III. The film depicts the Americans as single-handedly defeating the Taliban, leading cavalry charges against enemy positions and tanks, and sustaining minimal casualties. General Dostum is portrayed as a stereotypical “noble savage,” a colorful but ultimately enigmatic figure who seems more resigned to fate than driven to victory. While he possesses local knowledge and courage, Nelson gradually becomes the true leader, with Dostum seemingly reaping the rewards of the American’s efforts.
Historical Inaccuracies
This portrayal is a significant exaggeration. In reality, the American soldiers primarily coordinated with Afghan forces and directed air support. They rarely engaged in direct combat, both for their own safety and at Dostum’s insistence. The general needed American air support, not more infantry. Ultimately, Mazar-i-Sharif was captured by Afghan forces with American support, not the other way around.
A Missed Opportunity
The film’s simplistic portrayal of its heroes transforms it into something akin to a video game adaptation: visually impressive but emotionally shallow. While it strives for realism, it lacks the over-the-top action of films like Rambo III. With a runtime exceeding two hours and a focus on a military often viewed with skepticism, 12 Strong may only appeal to die-hard fans of war movies. Despite charismatic performances, stunning scenery, competent cinematography, and a formulaic script, the film ultimately fails to deliver a truly compelling narrative.