Special Forces Movie Review: ’12 Strong’ – The True Story of America’s First Strike After 9/11

In the chaotic days following the September 11 attacks, a small team of U.S. Special Forces soldiers embarked on a mission that would set the stage for America’s long war in Afghanistan.

’12 Strong’ chronicles this harrowing operation, where twelve Green Berets, who would often be referred to as “horse soldiers” due to their equine mode of transportation, teamed up with Afghan Northern Alliance fighters to take on the Taliban in some of the most unforgiving terrain imaginable.

Led by Captain Mark Nutsch (renamed Mitch Nelson in the film), Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 595  faced overwhelming odds, navigating both the complexities of unconventional warfare and the stark realities of a war-torn land.

Unlike many Hollywood war films, ’12 Strong’ strives to stay rooted in the real-life courage and sacrifice of these soldiers. It offers viewers a gripping look at one of the earliest and most pivotal missions of the War on Terror. Yet, the film also invites scrutiny, particularly from veterans who lived through the darkness and complexity of war that Hollywood often overlooks.

A Close Look Into the Reality of Warfare

’12 Strong’ is not your typical Hollywood war movie. It doesn’t rely on flashy special effects or exaggerated heroics. Instead, it grounds itself in the reality of modern warfare.

The soldiers portrayed in the film are not superhuman; they’re men who understand the gravity of their mission and the potential cost. The film does a good job of showing the complexities of war, especially when fighting in a foreign land with unfamiliar allies. It also does a pretty good job of showing how deployments affect our families and loved ones in different ways. Before 9/11, Nutsch was preparing to take a desk job. His wife was most likely of the mindset that his dangerous deployment days were over. Nothing could have been further from the truth. 11 of the 12 men were married, ten had children.

The combat scenes are intense but not gratuitous. The filmmakers focus on the tactical aspects of the battles, highlighting the challenges the soldiers face in coordinating with the Northern Alliance fighters.

While unconventional, the use of horses in combat is shown as a necessity rather than a gimmick. And the hell of it was, besides Mark, only one other guy on the ODA had any experience at all riding a horse, and that was at a dude ranch. Green Berets, however, are resilient and learn fast. The film effectively captures the tension and unpredictability of warfare, expect the unexpected.

Leadership Under Fire

One of the central themes of ’12 Strong’ is leadership. The film portrays the burden of command through the character of Captain Mitch Nelson.

He’s thrust into a position where the lives of his men and the success of the mission rest on his shoulders. It’s not unfamiliar territory for most 18As. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the weight of this responsibility. Nelson’s decisions, often made under extreme pressure, reflect the realities of military leadership. Your decisions affect lives. It’s the nature of the beast, and all involved accept it.

The film also highlights the importance of trust and communication in a combat environment. The team’s success depends on their ability to work closely with the Northern Alliance, led by General Dostum. The dynamic between Nelson and Dostum is one of the film’s strengths, showing the challenges of building trust between two vastly different cultures united by a common enemy. There was trust there, but also tension. Dostum tested the American, sometimes to the point of frustration, but I think that was by design. The General wanted to know what kind of man he was dealing with.

The Cast: A Strong Ensemble

’12 Strong’ features a solid ensemble cast that brings the story to life with authenticity and conviction. Chris Hemsworth takes the lead role as Captain Mitch Nelson, the inexperienced but determined leader of the Special Forces team. Nutsch always said he wanted Thor to play him in the movie, so he got his wish.

Hemsworth, best known for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, steps into a more grounded and serious role here. He effectively conveys the weight of leadership and the challenges of commanding men in such a high-stakes situation.

Michael Shannon plays Chief Warrant Officer Hal Spencer, a seasoned soldier who provides guidance and support to Nelson. Shannon, known for his intense performances, brings a quiet strength to the role, balancing out Hemsworth’s youthful determination. His portrayal of Spencer adds depth to the team’s dynamic, showing the importance of experience in the chaos of war.

Michael Peña stars as Sergeant First Class Sam Diller, bringing a mix of humor and heart to the team. Peña’s performance provides some levity in an otherwise intense film, but he also captures the seriousness of the mission and the camaraderie among the soldiers.

Navid Negahban, who plays General Dostum, stands out as the Afghan warlord who becomes a crucial ally to the Americans. His portrayal is nuanced, showing both the brutality and the wisdom of a leader who has been fighting the Taliban for years.

The cast’s performances are solid, with each actor bringing their character to life in a way that respects the real soldiers they’re portraying. The chemistry among the actors helps to create a believable team dynamic, which is essential for a film focused on a small, tight-knit group of soldiers. The writing is crisp, throwing in a lot of the dark humor and general joking around in a real military environment.

The Human Element

While ’12 Strong’ focuses on the mission, it doesn’t forget the human element. The soldiers are portrayed as real people with families and lives back home. The film opens with scenes of the soldiers with their families, emphasizing what they’re leaving behind. These moments add emotional depth to the story, reminding the audience of the personal sacrifices these men are making. It also highlights something you almost never see, the fact that each family reacts differently to deployments. One wife did not want to sleep with her husband before he left. Children can be resentful that their father is leaving them again. It’s not all warm support and flag waving. Leaving for a combat deployment is hard, and every family, every individual handles it differently.

The film also touches on the psychological toll of war. The soldiers face not only physical danger but also the mental strain of combat. The fear, uncertainty, and stress of the battlefield are palpable, making their courage all the more remarkable.

Military Significance

’12 Strong’ holds significant military value as it portrays one of the earliest missions in the War on Terror. The film offers a glimpse into the unconventional warfare that defined much of the conflict in Afghanistan.

It highlights the importance of Special Forces operations, where small teams work closely with local allies to achieve strategic objectives. This type of warfare requires not only military skill but also cultural understanding and the ability to build alliances in hostile environments.

The mission depicted in ’12 Strong’ was critical in weakening the Taliban’s control in the early days of the war. By partnering with the Northern Alliance, the Special Forces team helped to pave the way for subsequent military operations that would eventually lead to the fall of the Taliban regime. The film serves as a reminder of the crucial role that these early missions played in the broader context of the war.

A SEAL Sniper Perspective

However, not everyone sees the film as a fully accurate representation of war. Brandon Webb, a former Navy SEAL sniper and the CEO of SOFREP, offers a critical perspective:

“The movie’s main plot shows an important mission early in the war and the sacrifice made by the operators and their families. This I like. However, the movie doesn’t get real enough for me; it’s just another vanilla Hollywood feel-good war movie that lacks the true darkness and complexity of war, something that Oliver Stone’s Platoon nailed.”

Webb’s critique reflects the views of many veterans who feel that Hollywood often sanitizes the reality of war for a broader audience appeal. While ’12 Strong’ is commendable for its portrayal of the mission and the bravery of those involved, it may fall short in capturing the full emotional and psychological toll of war.

Brandon shares a deep connection with the soldiers portrayed in ‘12 Strong,’ particularly with the character of Captain Mitch Nelson (Mark Nutsch), who Webb knew personally.

Both men have experienced the intense realities of special operations forces, and Webb’s insights into the film reflect his understanding of the sacrifices and challenges faced by those like Nelson during the early days of the War on Terror.

SOFREP’s Managing Editor, Army Operations Officer Guy McCardle, offers a similar viewpoint:

“The film, especially the combat scenes, seem to be a bit too much ‘made for TV’ for my liking. Too glossy, not gritty or ugly enough. They could have done a better job with that.”

Authenticity and Respect

’12 Strong’ succeeds in part because it treats its subject matter with respect. The filmmakers made a conscious effort to stay true to the real events and the men who lived them.

The film doesn’t glorify war; instead, it honors the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who volunteered for this dangerous mission.

The use of real locations and military equipment adds to the film’s authenticity. The Afghan landscape, with its rugged mountains and harsh terrain, becomes a character in its own right. The film also accurately depicts the challenges of fighting in such an environment, where the terrain can be as much of an enemy as the Taliban.

A Few Shortcomings

While ’12 Strong’ has many strengths, it’s not without its flaws. The film’s pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on.

There are moments where the dialogue feels a bit stiff, particularly in the interactions between the soldiers and their Afghan allies. These minor issues, however, don’t detract from the overall impact of the film.

Another aspect that could have been explored further is the political context of the mission. While the film touches on the broader implications of the war in Afghanistan, it largely focuses on the tactical level. A deeper exploration of the geopolitical factors at play could have added another layer of complexity to the story.

Final Verdict

’12 Strong’ is a powerful and sobering film that pays tribute to the bravery of the soldiers who were the first to strike back after 9/11. It doesn’t need to exaggerate or embellish to make its point.

The real story is compelling enough on its own. For those who have served, the film resonates on a personal level, capturing some of the realities of combat (although in a “made for TV” kind of way) and the bonds forged in battle. For those who haven’t, it offers a glimpse into the sacrifices made by those who stand in harm’s way.

In the end, ’12 Strong’ reminds us of the human cost of war and the courage it takes to face an uncertain future in the name of duty. It’s a film worth watching, not just for its action, but for its portrayal of the men who answered the call when their country needed them most.