Based on a true story of survival and hope|Dec. 25, 2017|Norway|136 Min.|Unrated
Genre: Action;Drama;War
Description: “The 12th Man” is a 2017 Norwegian historical drama film directed by Harald Zwart. It recounts the gripping true story of Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter, and his harrowing escape from the Nazis during World War II.
The film begins with twelve Norwegian resistance fighters embarking on a mission from Shetland to sabotage German military facilities in Norway. Carrying eight tons of TNT, they cross the North Sea as part of Operation Martin. However, their plan falls apart shortly after arriving in Norway. Betrayed by a German sympathizer, their identities are exposed, and they are ambushed by a German warship.
In the ensuing chaos, the fighters detonate the TNT and leap into the frigid waters of a nearby fjord. Eleven of them are captured or killed, with some succumbing to torture and others executed. Jan Baalsrud, the twelfth man, narrowly escapes and begins a perilous journey to safety. Enduring sub-zero temperatures, he swims across the fjord and relies on the bravery of Norwegian locals who risk their lives to aid him.
Facing extreme physical and emotional challenges, Baalsrud traverses treacherous terrains, including Rebbenesøya, Lyngen Fjord, and Manndalen, before finally reaching neutral Sweden in 1943. His story is one of resilience, courage, and the unyielding spirit of survival.
The film is based on the book “Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him” (2001), written by Tore Haug and Astrid Karlsen Scott. It shares similarities with the 1957 Oscar-nominated film “Nine Lives,” which also highlights Baalsrud’s remarkable endurance. Additionally, his story is recounted in David Howarth’s book “We Die Alone.”
“The 12th Man” offers a powerful portrayal of wartime bravery and the sacrifices made by those who fought against Nazi occupation.
Cast director: Harald Zwart
Cast actor: Thomas Gullestad, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Marie Blokhus, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Martin Kiefer, Vegar Hoel, Håkon Thorstensen Nielsen, Eirik Risholm Velle, Daniel Frikstad, Alexander Zwart
Original name: Den 12. mann