12 Strong (2018) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
12 Strong (2018) is a gripping war drama that tells the true story of the first U.S. Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Based on the book Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton, the film is directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and features a strong cast led by Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, and Michael Peña. The film offers a dramatic retelling of the harrowing and heroic mission of these soldiers as they fought alongside Afghan allies against the Taliban. In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, and where to watch 12 Strong online via streaming services in the United States.
Plot Summary: The First Responders of the War in Afghanistan
Set in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, 12 Strong follows Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth) and his team of U.S. Army Green Berets, as they are selected for a dangerous mission: infiltrating Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to join forces with the Northern Alliance, led by General Abdul Rashid Dostum (Navid Negahban).
Mitch’s team of 12 soldiers, code-named Task Force Dagger, must travel on horseback through treacherous, mountainous terrain and coordinate with Dostum’s guerrilla fighters to take down key Taliban strongholds. Outnumbered and outgunned, they face overwhelming odds in unfamiliar territory, with the Taliban possessing tanks and advanced weaponry while Mitch’s team relies on more traditional, low-tech strategies. Despite the cultural barriers and immense challenges, the soldiers forge an unlikely alliance with Dostum and his men as they battle to liberate the city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
The film captures both the intense action of the battlefield and the personal stakes involved in this crucial, early battle in the War on Terror.
Chris Hemsworth Leads a Stellar Cast
Chris Hemsworth, known for his action-packed roles as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, brings charisma and strength to his portrayal of Captain Mitch Nelson. This role allows Hemsworth to showcase his dramatic range beyond his usual superhero persona, as he portrays a leader torn between his duty to his country and his responsibility to his family. Nelson, though initially inexperienced in combat, must quickly adapt to the brutal realities of warfare while navigating complex relationships with Afghan allies.
Michael Shannon plays Chief Warrant Officer Hal Spencer, Nelson’s second-in-command. Shannon’s character provides a grounded and seasoned perspective, acting as a mentor to Nelson and adding emotional weight to the story. His calm, stoic performance contrasts well with Hemsworth’s more energetic portrayal, highlighting the generational differences between the two soldiers.
Michael Peña, as Sgt. Sam Diller, injects humor into the film’s otherwise intense tone. Peña’s ability to balance levity with the gravity of the situation gives his character a unique charm, serving as a reminder of the camaraderie and resilience that soldiers often rely on in the face of overwhelming odds.
Navid Negahban delivers a standout performance as General Dostum, a key figure in the Northern Alliance. Dostum’s complex relationship with Nelson adds depth to the story, as the two leaders must learn to trust each other despite their cultural and ideological differences. Negahban’s portrayal of Dostum adds an authentic and humanizing layer to the Afghan side of the conflict, highlighting the shared sacrifices made by all those fighting against the Taliban.
Action-Packed and Realistic Battle Scenes
12 Strong shines in its depiction of combat, with intense and well-choreographed battle scenes that convey both the chaos and strategy of modern warfare. The film’s action sequences are fast-paced and visceral, immersing the audience in the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the ground. From fierce firefights to massive explosions, the action is relentless and vividly portrays the immense danger and stakes involved in the mission.
What sets 12 Strong apart from other war films is its use of horses in modern warfare. The soldiers’ reliance on horseback travel through Afghanistan’s rugged terrain gives the film a unique visual identity and highlights the tactical challenges they faced. The contrast between traditional cavalry-style combat and modern military technology is a key element of the film’s visual storytelling.
The cinematography, led by Rasmus Videbæk, captures the harsh beauty of Afghanistan’s mountainous landscapes, providing a stark backdrop to the brutality of war. The vast, unforgiving terrain plays as much a role in the film as the soldiers themselves, creating a palpable sense of isolation and danger.
Themes of Brotherhood and Sacrifice
At its core, 12 Strong is a story about the bonds formed between soldiers during war. The camaraderie and loyalty between Nelson’s team are central to the film, as they rely on each other to survive the mission’s many challenges. The movie also explores the theme of sacrifice, not only in terms of the soldiers’ physical risk but also the emotional toll that war takes on them and their families back home.
The cultural clash between the American soldiers and their Afghan allies is another major theme. While the film could have delved deeper into the complexities of Afghan politics and the Northern Alliance, it does a commendable job of portraying the fragile alliance between Nelson and Dostum, built on mutual respect and necessity. The film highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging cultural divides, even in the heat of battle.
Critical Reception: A Solid War Film
12 Strong received generally positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. While some criticized the film for following familiar war-movie tropes and focusing more on action than on character development or political nuance, it was praised for its realistic depiction of combat and its portrayal of the courage and determination of the soldiers involved in the mission.
For those who enjoy war films that emphasize action and heroism, 12 Strong delivers an engaging and heartfelt experience. While it may not delve as deeply into the complexities of the war in Afghanistan as some other films, it honors the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the early days of the conflict.
Streaming Services: Where to Watch 12 Strong Online
As of 2024, 12 Strong is available on several streaming platforms, as well as for rental or purchase in the United States. Below are the best ways to watch the film online.
Streaming Platforms
- HBO Max
- 12 Strong is available to stream on HBO Max, which features a wide range of films and TV shows. If you’re an HBO Max subscriber, this is a convenient way to watch the movie in HD.
- Amazon Prime Video
- The film is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers. Amazon often provides both SD and HD options, with the ability to download for offline viewing.
- Hulu (with HBO Max add-on)
- Hulu users can watch 12 Strong through the HBO Max add-on. This allows you to access HBO’s full library, including 12 Strong, directly through your Hulu account.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video
- If you’re not a Prime subscriber, 12 Strong is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Renting the film gives you 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once you begin. The purchase option provides unlimited access.
- Apple iTunes
- Apple users can rent or buy 12 Strong through iTunes. This option allows you to stream or download the movie on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.
- Google Play Movies & TV
- For Android users, 12 Strong is available on Google Play for rental or purchase, providing flexibility for watching on mobile devices or casting to a larger screen.
- Vudu
- Vudu offers 12 Strong for both rental and purchase in SD, HD, and UHD formats. Vudu frequently runs promotions, so this might be a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion: A Tribute to Courage and Sacrifice
12 Strong is a well-made, action-packed war drama that honors the bravery of the soldiers who took on one of the most dangerous missions in the early days of the War in Afghanistan. With strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and a talented supporting cast, the film offers an intense and engaging portrayal of real-life events, filled with high-stakes combat and emotional depth.
For viewers looking to explore a story of courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood, 12 Strong is a solid choice. Whether you prefer streaming on HBO Max or renting on Amazon Prime, the film is widely available and ready to stream for those interested in war dramas based on true events.
