Watch The 12th Man

The 12th Man is an intense war drama inspired by true events that took place during World War II. It tells a gripping tale of the extraordinary courage and resilience of a young Norwegian resistance fighter named Jan Baalsrud, who attempts to escape the Nazis during the brutal winter of 1943. The film opens with Jan leading a group of Norwegian commandos on a mission to sabotage German forces in Norway. However, their mission fails, and Jan finds himself alone and desperately trying to avoid capture by the Nazis. Over the next few days, he endures a perilous journey through treacherous terrain, facing extreme weather conditions, starvation, injuries, and encounters with hostile Germans.

As the days pass, Jan is pursued relentlessly by a determined Nazi officer named Kurt Stage (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who is convinced that Jan is a vital member of the Norwegian resistance movement. The tension between the two men builds throughout the film as they engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

Despite the odds against him, Jan refuses to give up and is aided along the way by people who risk their own lives to help him. He eventually finds himself on the remote and isolated island of Moskenes, where a small community of fishermen live. However, his situation is far from safe, as the Germans are aware of his presence on the island, and Jan must depend on the kindness of strangers if he is to survive.

The film's title - The 12th Man - refers to the idea that Jan is never truly alone, as he carries the spirit and support of his fellow resistance fighters with him on his perilous journey. This theme is woven throughout the film, as Jan draws on his inner strength and determination to keep going despite the odds stacked against him.

Thomas Gullestad delivers a powerful performance as Jan Baalsrud, capturing the character's fierce determination and unwavering spirit. His physical transformation over the course of the film - from a fit and healthy commando to a malnourished and injured survivor - is particularly impressive. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is equally impressive as the ruthless Nazi officer, bringing depth and nuance to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional.

The film's cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the rugged Norwegian coastline, snow-covered mountains, and icy waters. The music, composed by Johan Söderqvist, adds to the film's emotional impact, bringing a sense of grandeur and intensity to the action sequences.

The 12th Man is a harrowing and inspiring tale of survival and resilience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. It is a compelling reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought against tyranny and oppression, and a testament to the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In conclusion, The 12th Man is an intense war drama that delivers a powerful message about the resilience of the human spirit in times of extreme hardship. With exceptional performances, breathtaking cinematography, and an engrossing story, it is a must-see for fans of historical dramas and war films.

The 12th Man is a 2017 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 70.