“The 12th Man” (2017) is a gripping World War II survival thriller based on the astonishing true story. It follows Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter who becomes the hunted prey in the harsh Arctic landscape.
After escaping from Nazi captors, Baalsrud embarks on an extraordinary and relentless journey, pursued by both nature’s frigid wrath and relentless German soldiers.
With sheer determination and willpower, he battles through treacherous mountains, icy rivers, and desolate landscapes to seek safety amidst overwhelming odds.
Baalsrud’s resilience shines through as he faces unimaginable hardships in his quest for freedom, making him an emblem of human endurance. Ultimately, “The 12th Man” skilfully captures the indomitable spirit of survival against all odds in a visually stunning and emotionally-charged masterpiece.
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Review
In a world inundated with superhero flicks and dystopian dramas, it’s easy to overlook the hidden gems that quietly grace our screens. One such gem is the gripping and heart-wrenching film, “The 12th Man.” Directed by Harald Zwart and released in 2017, this Norwegian World War II thriller manages to capture the raw emotion and resilience of the human spirit like few movies ever have.
Set in Nazi-occupied Norway, “The 12th Man” tells the incredible true story of Jan Baalsrud (played by Thomas Gullestad), a young resistance fighter who becomes the sole survivor of a sabotage mission gone awry. As Baalsrud embarks on a perilous journey across snow-covered mountains to reach neutral Sweden, he evades capture by German soldiers as they relentlessly pursue him. With each passing moment, tension builds as his determination to survive clashes with the relentless pursuit of his enemies.
What sets “The 12th Man” apart from other war movies is its relentless focus on the psychological toll of survival. Baalsrud’s physical journey mirrors his mental and emotional battle against despair. Chip Heath once wrote, “Stories are about characters who face agonizing dilemmas.” This sentiment rings true in every frame of “The 12th Man.”
The plot unfolds in a manner that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Despite knowing that Baalsrud survives his ordeal (as it is based on true events), we become engrossed in every twist and turn. Will he successfully cross into Sweden? Or will he succumb to exhaustion or capture? Questions like these fuel our investment in Baalsrud’s fate, reinforcing our connection with him as he navigates treacherous landscapes and encounters both allies and enemies along his journey.
Thomas Gullestad delivers an extraordinary performance as Jan Baalsrud, capturing both vulnerability and resilience with nuance. Gullestad fully inhabits the character, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. His portrayal elicits empathy, and we cannot help but marvel at Baalsrud’s unwavering determination amidst unbearable odds.
The supporting cast also deserves commendation for their remarkable portrayals. Jonathan Rhys Meyers shines as the relentless Gestapo officer Kurt Stage, adding a layer of intensity to the cat-and-mouse chase. The chemistry between Gullestad and Meyers is palpable, heightening the tension in every encounter.
However, it is not just the performances that make “The 12th Man” a standout film. The historical context adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the bravery of those who fought against Nazi occupation. Based on Baalsrud’s memoirs, this film stands as a testament to human endurance and the power of hope in even the darkest moments.
To further enhance its impact, “The 12th Man” boasts a hauntingly beautiful score by composer Christophe Beck. The music perfectly complements each scene, building suspense and evoking a profound emotional response from viewers. It is no wonder that Beck’s work received critical acclaim and contributed significantly to the film’s popularity.
The cinematography in “The 12th Man” is breathtaking. Jakob Ihre masterfully captures the desolate and frozen landscape of Norway with sweeping shots that immerse us in Baalsrud’s harsh reality. The visual contrast between pristine snowfields and blood-stained battlefields creates stunning imagery that stays etched in our minds long after viewing.
While not without its flaws, “The 12th Man” remains an exceptional piece of filmmaking that deserves recognition. Some critics argue that certain scenes drag on unnecessarily or feel repetitive, causing pacing issues within the narrative arc. However, these fleeting moments do little to dilute the overall impact of this profoundly moving story.
It comes as no surprise that “The 12th Man” received numerous accolades upon release. The film garnered nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound at the prestigious Amanda Awards. The recognition by industry professionals further solidifies its place among the finest war dramas of recent times.
“The 12th Man” also serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes who walked among us during some of humanity’s darkest hours. It invites introspection and urges viewers to reflect on their own resilience in the face of adversity. As Chip Heath once stated, “Stories that are true are powerful because they remind us of what we’re capable of.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the enduring impact of “The 12th Man.”
In conclusion, “The 12th Man” is a film that demands to be seen and felt. Its gripping storyline, exceptional performances, historical significance, and stunning cinematography fuse together to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. This Norwegian masterpiece reminds us that even in our darkest hours, hope can prevail, and the human spirit can triumph against unimaginable odds.
Technical Data
- Release : 2017-12-25
- Runtime : 136
- Genre : War, Drama
- Cast : Thomas Gullestad as Jan Baalsrud, Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Kurt Stage, Marie Blokhus as Gudrun Grønvoll, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as Marius Grønnvoll, Martin Kiefer as Walter Wenders
- Crew : Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Executive Producer, Harald Zwart as Director, Harald Zwart as Producer, Christophe Beck as Original Music Composer, Ulrike Müller as Casting
- Revenue : $9,567,121
- Budget : $7,806,306
- Company : Zwart Arbeid, Nordisk Film Denmark
- Popularity : 16.618
- Summary : After a failed anti-Nazi sabotage mission leaves his eleven comrades dead, a Norwegian resistance fighter finds himself fleeing the Gestapo through the snowbound reaches of Scandinavia.
- Tagline : Based on a true story of survival and hope
