Based on the true story told in Doug Stanton’s novel “Horse Soldiers”, this war drama focuses on the dozen men that went to Afghanistan within weeks of the 9/11 attacks. Leading the early fight against the Taliban, they were charged with opening a landing area so that the regular military forces could move into the country. Although they are well armed, they end up with only horses as transport to carry out their mission (hence the novel’s title).

In addition to the events and combat on the ground in Afghanistan, 12 Strong also explores the soldiers’ relationships with their wives and children before and after the 9/11 attack, and in the lead up to their deployment.

The film is the latest from producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Con Air, Armageddon), so don’t expect a deep, thought-provoking study of the nuances and moral ambiguities of war. This is a tale of heroism in the worst of circumstances, of good triumphing over evil, of the power of a few good men. Even if it’s not very fair to send Thor into battle at the head of your army.