The 12th Man (2017)

Director: Harald Zwart

Starring: Thomas Gullestad, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Marie Blokhus

They were 12 saboteurs. The Nazis killed 11 of them. This is the true story of the one who got away…

‘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’ won awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Design. It also received nominations for Best Production Design, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Music.

In Norwegian and German.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.