12 strong

[zico]

6/10. Watchable war film set in Afghanistan 2001 starring Thor (Chris Hemsworth) based on a true story.

Film is Dirty Dozen/Magnificent 7 set-up about a small bunch (12 strong, naturally) of US elite forces led by Thor, who are the first US soldiers into Afghanistan after 9/11, with a mission to link up with a warlord and seize a strategic town. They face overwhelming odds, and have no other support other than the mightiest air force the world has ever seen. The first half of the film is good, introducing the various characters, and getting across the uncertainty of their mission and whether their warlord ally would be good, incompetent or simply sell them onto the Taliban. There are some good one liners from the various soldiers and it seems like an accurate portrayal of the situation, with some interesting and amusing scenes. There's one scene from the Afghan viewpoint which is very powerful and effective.

So far, so good, with a fair bit of nuance and good prospects for an intelligent war film about Afghanistan. But in the second half, nuance goes completely out of the window, it gets very formulaeic, and is simply good guys v bad guys, becoming a prolonged advert for what great soldiers the USA has, with some good (but very extended) battle scenes. A very watchable film, but with a few tweaks, it could have easily been a much better film than it actually is.

[nimnarb]

ahhh..the days of the dirty dozen and kelly's heroes. shall look out for this one. Thx Zico. Let me know your opinion on The Florida Project if you get round to see it as we all think differently particularly with endings.

[zico]

Where did you see the Florida Project? Thought it had gone from cinemas, and not yet out on DVD. It's one I'd like to see.

[nimnarb]

Apple iTunes rental.