Movie Review: 12 Strong (2018) – Official Trailer

12 Strong (2018), directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, is a war drama based on the true story of the first U.S. Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks. The film, starring Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, and Michael Peña, chronicles the harrowing and heroic mission of these soldiers as they work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban. The official trailer for 12 Strong sets the stage for a gritty and intense portrayal of modern warfare, focusing on themes of courage, camaraderie, and resilience.

The trailer opens with a somber reminder of the September 11 attacks, grounding the film’s narrative in the real-life events that changed the world. This historical context immediately adds a sense of gravity to the mission at hand, as the characters are shown grappling with the emotional weight of leaving their families behind to fight a distant war. The imagery is powerful, with shots of the World Trade Center aftermath juxtaposed against scenes of the soldiers preparing for their mission.

Chris Hemsworth, playing Captain Mitch Nelson, is introduced as the leader of this Special Forces team. The trailer highlights his character’s determination and resolve, as well as the challenges he faces in leading a group of men into an uncertain and dangerous situation. Hemsworth’s performance, as suggested by the trailer, is one of strength and quiet intensity, portraying a man who is both a skilled soldier and a compassionate leader.

The action scenes, which dominate much of the trailer, are visceral and intense. The use of horseback combat is a unique element that sets this film apart from other modern war dramas. The trailer showcases the soldiers riding into battle alongside their Afghan allies, engaging in fierce firefights against the Taliban. The cinematography captures the rugged and unforgiving landscape of Afghanistan, emphasizing the physical and tactical challenges the soldiers must overcome.

The trailer also focuses on the relationship between the U.S. soldiers and the Afghan forces they are assisting. Navid Negahban’s portrayal of General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Afghan warlord who becomes an ally, is highlighted as a key aspect of the story. The dynamics between these two groups—culturally different yet united by a common enemy—adds depth to the narrative, suggesting that the film will explore themes of trust, respect, and the complexities of alliances in war.

The intensity of the trailer is heightened by a powerful score that underscores the tension and urgency of the mission. The music swells during key moments, particularly during scenes of combat and conflict, adding to the emotional impact of the story.

While the trailer emphasizes action and heroism, it also hints at the psychological toll of war. Brief glimpses of the soldiers’ moments of vulnerability—whether it’s the weight of their decisions or the fear of not returning home—suggest that 12 Strong will not shy away from exploring the human cost of the conflict.

In summary, the official trailer for 12 Strong (2018) promises a gripping and emotionally charged war film that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers involved in the early days of the war in Afghanistan. With intense action sequences, strong performances, and a story rooted in real events, 12 Strong looks to be a powerful portrayal of modern warfare and the bonds forged in the heat of battle. The trailer effectively sets the stage for a film that honors the real-life heroes while delivering a compelling and dramatic cinematic experience.