'The 12th Man' is a gripping, heart wrenching survival story, based on fact. Due to the film being so well made, and brilliant acting by Thomas Gullestad, this was a very difficult watch.
The cinematography is stunning with breathtakingly beautiful scenery. As the film progresses, it almost becomes torture for the viewer, too. Torture from having to endure (and experience) what Jan Baalsrud (Gullestad) went through. Through Gullestad's incredible acting, I felt every inch of agony and pain of his character. It is also beautifully inspirational to see how helpful people can be in desperate times, risking their own lives in the process. Be warned, some scenes are cringe worthy due to their graphic nature.
The film's run time did feel a bit too long, but nevertheless effective in conveying what Baalsrud was going through, having to overcome obstacle upon obstacle over a 2-month period. 'The 12th Man' is an excellent production and fascinating tale, but indeed a difficult watch.
The 12th Man
2017 [NORWEGIAN]
Action / Drama / History / Thriller / War
Plot 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.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
June 15, 2018 at 01:24 PM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Gripping, but so difficult to watch...
Is that your toe?
This film is based on a true story. 12 men are trained in Scotland and go to Norway to disrupt German operations. We know Jan Baalsrud lives and everyone else dies from the opening. This is a long story about his survival and being helped out of Norway into neutral Sweden.
I watched the film with subtitles. The translations were cleaned up (I know how to swear in German but nothing more). The whole problem with the film is we get to watch Jan hide for much of the film...and cut off his toes.
Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.
Great drama
March, 1943. Twelve British-trained Norwegian saboteurs are ambushed by German troops when they enter Norway. Eleven of the saboteurs are either captured or killed. The twelfth, Jan Baalsrud, manages to escape the trap but now there is a massive German manhunt out for him. The odds on him escaping back to the Allies are very slim.
Enthralling drama, based on a true story. On the surface it is a war drama but it is more a survival drama, showing how Baalsrud, against the odds, survives every type of calamity, trial and setback and keeps going. Quite amazing, the ordeal he goes through.
Also a great examination on the value of community and defiance and how people banding together can outwit the strongest foe.