The 12th Man

Set against the treacherous backdrop of World War II, "The 12th Man" is a gripping tale of survival, bravery, and the unbreakable human spirit. The film follows Jan Baalsrud (Stellan Skarsgård), a Norwegian resistance fighter who, along with his comrades, had been planning to sabotage a German troop transport on the Norwegian coast in 1943. The mission, codenamed "Operation Gunnerside," aimed to disrupt the Nazis' plans to establish a strategic military presence in the region. On the fateful night of February 27, 1943, Baalsrud and his team infiltrated the targeted dam, determined to destroy it and hinder the enemy's movements. However, their plan was short-lived, as the Nazis had discovered their presence and responded violently. In the ensuing chaos, Baalsrud's comrades were either caught, killed, or forced to escape. As the sole survivor, Baalsrud was gravely injured and left for dead by the Gestapo agents who found him. The Nazi forces, fueled by a desire to erase any evidence of the sabotage, set out to hunt down the remaining members of the resistance cell. Desperate to evade capture, Baalsrud embarked on a perilous 400-mile trek through the harsh, snowbound terrain of Scandinavia, pushing himself to his limits in a bid for survival. The film masterfully recounts Baalsrud's grueling journey, which takes him across treacherous mountains, through freezing forests, and along frozen rivers. With each step, his body screamed in agony as he struggled to heal from the bullet wounds and severe frostbite that ravaged him. The elements themselves seemed determined to crush him, subjecting him to subzero temperatures, blinding snowstorms, and the ever-present threat of hypothermia. Meanwhile, back in Norway, Baalsrud's loved ones – including his wife, Kirsten (Ane Dahl Torp) – received news of his predicament and began to mobilize the local resistance to aid his escape. As they braved the Nazi-infested countryside, dodging checkpoints and avoiding enemy patrols, their actions inadvertently helped to prolong Baalsrud's chances of survival. One of the most striking aspects of "The 12th Man" is its depiction of the Norwegian people's collective defiance in the face of overwhelming Nazi occupation. The film highlights the resourcefulness, resilience, and kindness of those who risked everything to aid Baalsrud's escape. These acts of resistance, often performed by ordinary citizens, played a crucial role in helping him evade capture and ultimately make it back across the border into neutral Sweden. As Baalsrud's odyssey reaches its climax, he finds himself caught between the Nazi forces closing in and the desperate hope of reaching the safety of Sweden. On the brink of collapse, he is rescued by a group of friendly locals who, despite the risks, provide him with shelter and medical care. Baalsrud's harrowing experiences are interwoven with the larger narrative of the war, showcasing the brutal realities of life under Nazi occupation. The film does not shy away from depicting the atrocities committed by the enemy, including the execution of Norwegian resistance fighters and the forced relocation of civilians. Through Baalsrud's incredible story, "The 12th Man" pays tribute to the countless unsung heroes of the resistance movement, whose bravery and sacrifice helped to weaken the Nazi grip on occupied Norway. The film also offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, as well as the enduring power of courage, perseverance, and the bonds of community. Ultimately, "The 12th Man" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought against overwhelming odds, and a celebration of the human resilience that continues to inspire us today.