What is the primary title and original Norwegian title of the film directed by Harald Zwart?

The film is primarily known as "The 12th Man," and its original Norwegian title is "Den 12. mann."

Who directed the 2017 Norwegian historical drama "The 12th Man"?

The film "The 12th Man" was directed by Harald Zwart, a Norwegian filmmaker known for various international and domestic productions.

Who is credited with writing the screenplay for "The 12th Man," and under what alternative name?

Petter Skavlan is credited with writing the screenplay for "The 12th Man." He is also credited under the name Alex Boe for his writing contribution.

What literary work and authors served as the basis for the film "The 12th Man"?

The film "The 12th Man" is based on the book "Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him," authored by Tore Haug and Astrid Karlsen Scott. This book details the true story of Jan Baalsrud's remarkable escape.

Who were the producers of the film "The 12th Man"?

The producers of "The 12th Man" were Veslemøy Ruud Zwart, Espen Horn, and Aage Aaberge. Veslemøy Ruud Zwart was instrumental in securing the film rights for the project.

Who are the main starring actors in "The 12th Man"?

The film "The 12th Man" stars Thomas Gullestad in the lead role and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in a significant supporting role.

Who was the cinematographer for "The 12th Man"?

Geir Hartly Andreassen served as the cinematographer for "The 12th Man," responsible for capturing the film's visual aesthetic.

Who edited the film "The 12th Man"?

Jens Christian Fodstad is credited as the editor for "The 12th Man," shaping the film's narrative flow and pacing.

What is the name of the composer for the film "The 12th Man"?

Christophe Beck composed the musical score for "The 12th Man," contributing to the film's atmosphere and emotional impact.

What production companies were involved in the creation of "The 12th Man"?

The production companies involved in creating "The 12th Man" were Nordisk Film Production AS and Zwart Arbeid. These companies were responsible for the logistical and creative aspects of filmmaking.

Which distributor handled the release of "The 12th Man"?

IFC Midnight served as the distributor for the film "The 12th Man," bringing it to audiences.

When was "The 12th Man" released, and what is its running time?

"The 12th Man" was released on December 25, 2017, and has a running time of 135 minutes. This runtime allows for a detailed exploration of the historical events and the protagonist's ordeal.

From which country does "The 12th Man" originate, and what languages are featured in the film?

"The 12th Man" is a Norwegian film, originating from Norway. The movie features dialogue in multiple languages, including Norwegian, German, and English, reflecting the international context of the story.

What was the reported budget and box office gross for "The 12th Man" in Norway?

The film "The 12th Man" had a production budget of 64 million Norwegian krone. It achieved a box office gross of $9.6 million specifically within Norway.

What historical events and figures form the basis of the 2017 film "The 12th Man"?

The 2017 film "The 12th Man" is based on the true historical events of Operation Martin and the harrowing escape of Norwegian resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud during World War II. The narrative is adapted from the book "Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him" by Tore Haug and Astrid Karlsen Scott.

What is the central narrative of "The 12th Man" concerning Jan Baalsrud's escape?

The film "The 12th Man" chronicles the dramatic and perilous escape of Jan Baalsrud from occupying Nazi Germans. His escape began on the island of Rebbenesøya and involved traversing the Lyngen Fjord and Manndalen before he ultimately reached neutral Sweden in the spring of 1943.

What was the objective of Operation Martin, as depicted in the film "The 12th Man"?

Operation Martin, as depicted in the film, was a mission undertaken by twelve Norwegian resistance fighters who sailed across the North Sea to Norway. Their objective was to sabotage German military facilities using eight tons of TNT they carried.

What challenges did the resistance fighters face shortly after arriving in Norway during Operation Martin?

Upon reaching Norway, the resistance fighters encountered immediate critical challenges. Their designated local contact was found to be deceased, and their identity and mission were compromised when a German sympathizer alerted the occupying forces to their arrival.

How did the German forces react to the presence of the resistance fighters' fishing boat?

A German warship detected the resistance fighters' fishing boat and opened fire. In response to the attack, the resistance fighters ignited their cargo of TNT, causing a large explosion, and then jumped into the water near the fjord to escape.

What was the fate of the eleven captured resistance fighters after the incident with the fishing boat?

After the confrontation, eleven members of the resistance group were captured by the Germans on the beach. One fighter was shot on the spot, and the remaining ten were subjected to intense interrogation and torture. Tragically, two of the captured fighters died from their injuries, while the rest were executed on the island of Tromsøya.

How did Jan Baalsrud manage to evade capture after the attack on the fishing boat?

Jan Baalsrud, identified as the twelfth resistance fighter, successfully evaded capture by hiding and undertaking a perilous swim across the fjord in extremely cold, sub-zero temperatures. This act of survival was crucial to his eventual escape.

What role did local civilians play in Jan Baalsrud's escape?

Local civilians played a vital and courageous role in Jan Baalsrud's escape. They risked their own lives to provide him with assistance, helping him evade the Nazis and making his journey from the island of Rebbenesøya towards Sweden possible. This emphasis on the helpers aligns with Baalsrud's own accounts of the local population's bravery.

What kind of journey did Jan Baalsrud undertake to reach safety in Sweden?

Jan Baalsrud's journey to safety was arduous, involving severe physical trials of endurance and extreme hardship. He navigated from Rebbenesøya, through the Lyngenhalvøya region, and across Manndalen, all while evading Nazi pursuit.

How does the film "The 12th Man" portray the pursuit of Jan Baalsrud by the Sicherheitsdienst (SD)?

The film "The 12th Man" presents the pursuit of Jan Baalsrud from the perspective of the Sicherheitsdienst (SD) leadership. It frames the intense chase as a strategic cat-and-mouse game between the German officer Sturmbannführer Kurt Stage and the determined resistance fighter Baalsrud.

According to historical documents mentioned in the text, what did the Nazis believe happened to the resistance fighters?

According to German documents referenced in the text, the Nazis captured and killed eleven members of the resistance raid. They mistakenly believed that the twelfth man, Jan Baalsrud, had perished in the explosion aboard their boat. Consequently, there are no reports indicating that the Germans actively hunted for Baalsrud after this initial incident.

Who portrays the central character, Jan Baalsrud, in "The 12th Man"?

Thomas Gullestad portrays Jan Baalsrud, the main character whose escape is the focus of the film "The 12th Man." Gullestad's performance captures the immense physical and mental fortitude required for Baalsrud's survival.

Which actor plays the role of Sturmbannführer Kurt Stage, the German antagonist pursuing Baalsrud?

Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the role of Sturmbannführer Kurt Stage, the German officer leading the pursuit of Jan Baalsrud in the film "The 12th Man." Stage represents the relentless Nazi effort to capture Baalsrud.

Besides Thomas Gullestad and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who are some other notable cast members mentioned in "The 12th Man"?

Other cast members featured in "The 12th Man" include Marie Blokhus as Gudrun Grønnvoll, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as Marius Grønnvoll, Julia Bache-Wiig as Hanna Grønnvoll, and Martin Kiefer as Major Walther Wenders, among others who portray key figures in the story.

When were the film rights for "Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him" secured for the adaptation that became "The 12th Man"?

The film rights to the book "Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him" were secured by producer Veslemøy Ruud Zwart back in March 2004, initiating the long process towards the film's production.

When did the principal photography for "The 12th Man" commence?

Principal photography for "The 12th Man" commenced in April 2016. This marked the beginning of the actual filming process for the historical drama.

How does the story of Jan Baalsrud in "The 12th Man" compare to previous cinematic portrayals?

The story of Jan Baalsrud's remarkable courage and endurance has been depicted cinematically before. Arne Skouen's 1957 film "Nine Lives," which was nominated for an Oscar, also emphasized Baalsrud's resilience. Additionally, David Howarth's book "We Die Alone" recounts Baalsrud's experiences. "The 12th Man" shares its protagonist with "Nine Lives" and adapts the book "Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him."

What specific physical preparation did lead actor Thomas Gullestad undertake for his role in "The 12th Man"?

To embody the role of Jan Baalsrud, lead actor Thomas Gullestad undertook significant physical preparation. He went on a strict diet to lose 15 kilograms, aiming to accurately portray the hardships and physical toll of Baalsrud's escape.

What is the critical reception of "The 12th Man" on major review aggregation websites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic?

"The 12th Man" received generally favorable reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 86% based on 21 reviews, with an average score of 6.52 out of 10. Metacritic provided the film with a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, based on ten critic reviews.

How did the Norwegian newspaper *Aftenposten* characterize "The 12th Man" in its review?

*Aftenposten* noted that "The 12th Man" highlights Baalsrud's helpers and the struggles of the Resistance in a manner distinct from Arne Skouen's earlier film "Nine Lives." The review suggested that this approach offers a nuanced perspective on the well-known Baalsrud legend.

What were the main points of criticism regarding "The 12th Man" in the review by *Verdens Gang*?

Morten Ståle Nilsen of *Verdens Gang* described "The 12th Man" as a solid, yet predictable film. While acknowledging the stunning Norwegian scenery, the review criticized the film for being monotonous, excessively long, and overly focused on the protagonist's suffering, suggesting these elements detracted from its overall impact.

According to *Film Magasinet*, what was a potential weakness of "The 12th Man" despite its success as an action movie?

Nicolai Berg Hansson from *Film Magasinet* observed that while "The 12th Man" succeeded effectively as an action movie, it potentially felt somewhat hollow. He suggested that the film could have delved deeper into exploring themes of human psychology, the survival instinct, and the lasting effects of trauma.

What observations did Sigurd Vik of P3's *Film Police* make about the film's style and direction?

Sigurd Vik of P3's *Film Police* commented that "The 12th Man" seemed to employ clichés, particularly in its depiction of the SS officer Kurt Stage. However, he praised director Harald Zwart's skill in combining magnificent natural scenery with intense action sequences, influenced by director Nils Gaup. Vik concluded that the film successfully translated the serious Norwegian Resistance struggle into an engaging action movie format.

What is the significance of the title "The 12th Man" in the context of the film's plot?

The title "The 12th Man" refers to Jan Baalsrud, who was the twelfth member of the Norwegian resistance group involved in Operation Martin. After the initial attack and capture of the other eleven members, the Nazis mistakenly believed Baalsrud had died in the explosion, leading them to cease their active hunt for him and inadvertently aiding his subsequent escape.

What is the relationship between the film "The 12th Man" and the book it is based on?

The film "The 12th Man" is a direct adaptation of the book "Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him" by Tore Haug and Astrid Karlsen Scott. Both the book and the film place a significant emphasis on the individuals who risked their lives to help Baalsrud, reflecting Baalsrud's own desire to honor their contributions.

What other films directed by Harald Zwart are mentioned in the provided text?

The provided text lists several other films directed by Harald Zwart, showcasing his diverse directorial career. These include Hamilton (1998), One Night at McCool's (2001), Agent Cody Banks (2003), Lange Flate Ballær (2006), Lange Flate Ballær 2 (2008), The Pink Panther 2 (2009), The Karate Kid (2010), The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013), and the TV series Oljefondet (2018).

The 12th Man Film Wiki: The 12th Man: A Chronicle of Courage and Survival in Occupied Norway

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Film Overview

A Historical Drama

The 12th Man (Norwegian: Den 12. mann) is a 2017 Norwegian historical drama film directed by Harald Zwart. It chronicles the remarkable true story of Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter who escaped from occupying Nazi forces on the island of Rebbenesøya in the spring of 1943. The film meticulously details his perilous journey across the Lyngen Fjord and through Manndalen, ultimately reaching neutral Sweden.

Narrative Foundation

The screenplay, credited to Petter Skavlan (under the pseudonym Alex Boe), is adapted from the compelling book Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him (2001) by Tore Haug and Astrid Karlsen Scott. The narrative places significant emphasis not only on Baalsrud's extraordinary resilience but also on the courageous actions of the local Norwegian civilians who risked their lives to facilitate his escape.

Production & Release

Produced by Veslemøy Ruud Zwart, Espen Horn, and Åge Aaberge, the film was a significant undertaking by Nordisk Film Production AS and Zwart Arbeid. Distributed internationally by IFC Midnight, it premiered on December 25, 2017, in Norway. The film spans 135 minutes and was filmed across Norway, featuring dialogue in Norwegian, German, and English, reflecting the historical context of the occupation.

Narrative Arc

The Mission and Its Peril

The film commences with twelve Norwegian resistance fighters embarking on a perilous mission aboard a fishing vessel, carrying eight tons of TNT. Their objective, part of Operation Martin, is to sabotage German military installations in Norway. However, upon arrival, they discover their local contact is deceased, and their presence has been compromised by a German sympathizer. This leads to a confrontation with a German warship.

Baalsrud's Escape and Endurance

In the ensuing conflict, eleven fighters are captured or killed. Jan Baalsrud, the twelfth member, miraculously escapes the initial roundup. He endures extreme conditions, swimming across a freezing fjord and evading pursuit by the Sicherheitsdienst (SD), led by Sturmbannführer Kurt Stage. The narrative highlights Baalsrud's incredible physical and mental fortitude throughout his ordeal.

The Network of Aid

Crucially, the film underscores the vital role played by the civilian population. Numerous individuals, at immense personal risk, provide Baalsrud with shelter, sustenance, and guidance, facilitating his arduous journey across the Lyngenhalvøya and through Manndalen towards the Swedish border. This network of support forms the thematic core, emphasizing collective courage against oppression.

Principal Cast

Key Performances

The film features a dedicated cast bringing this intense historical narrative to life. Thomas Gullestad delivers a physically demanding performance as Jan Baalsrud, capturing the character's struggle for survival. Jonathan Rhys Meyers portrays the relentless SS officer Kurt Stage, embodying the pursuit.

The ensemble cast includes:

Thomas Gullestad as Jan Baalsrud
Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Sturmbannführer Kurt Stage
Marie Blokhus as Gudrun Grønnvoll
Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as Marius Grønnvoll
Kim Jøran Olsen as Nils "Nigo" Nilsen
Julia Bache-Wiig as Hanna Grønnvoll
Vegar Hoel as Sigurd Eskeland
Martin Kiefer as Major Walther Wenders
Trond Peter Stamsø Munch as Aslak Fossvoll
Maria Grazia Di Meo as Anna Pedersen
Håkon Smeby as Per Blindheim
Eric Dirnes as Erik Reichelt
Torgny Gerhard Aanderaa as Sverre Odd Kverhellen
Alexander Zwart as Sjur Ludvigsen Trovaag
Ole Victor Corral as Magnus Johan Kvalvik
Håkon Smeby as Harald Peter Ratvik
Axel Barø Aasen as Frithjof Meyer Haugland
Eric Dirnes as Bjørn Normann Bolstad
Daniel Frikstad as Gabriel Salvesen
Erich Redman as Oberscharführer Adam Schmitt
Kenneth Åkerland Berg as Alfred A. Vik
Sigurd Kornelius Lakseide as Ingvald Pedersen
Aggie Peterson as Ragnhild Hansen
Nils Utsi as an older Sámi

Production Insights

Conception and Rights

The cinematic journey of Jan Baalsrud's story began in March 2004 when producer Veslemøy Ruud Zwart secured the film rights to Tore Haug and Astrid Karlsen Scott's book, Jan Baalsrud and Those Who Saved Him. This marked the initial step in bringing Baalsrud's extraordinary tale of survival and resistance to a wider audience, building upon previous narrative accounts like Arne Skouen's 1957 film Nine Lives and David Howarth's book We Die Alone.

Filming and Performance

Principal photography commenced by April 2016. The production involved extensive location shooting, leveraging Norway's dramatic landscapes to enhance the film's authenticity and visual impact. Actor Thomas Gullestad underwent a significant physical transformation, losing 15 kilograms to authentically portray the emaciated and resilient Jan Baalsrud, underscoring the commitment to realistic depiction.

Historical Context and Narrative Focus

Historical documents suggest that the Nazis, believing Baalsrud perished aboard their boat, did not actively hunt him after the initial raid. This detail, alongside Baalsrud's own accounts of engaging German soldiers, informs the film's portrayal of the escape as a complex cat-and-mouse game. The film's emphasis on the helpers aligns with Baalsrud's own desire to honor the courage of the local population.

Critical Reception

Aggregated Reviews

The 12th Man garnered generally favorable reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 86% approval rating based on 21 reviews, with an average score of 6.52/10. Metacritic assigned the film a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, indicating positive critical reception across ten analyzed reviews.

Norwegian Press Analysis

Norwegian critics noted the film's nuanced approach compared to earlier portrayals of Baalsrud's legend. While praised for its stunning Norwegian scenery and effective action sequences, some reviews, such as from Verdens Gang, identified the film as solid but predictable, occasionally monotonous, and perhaps overly focused on suffering. Film Magasinet suggested that while successful as an action film, it could have explored the psychological aspects of survival and trauma more deeply.

Artistic Interpretation

Critics like Sigurd Vik from NRK P3 observed the film's engagement with cinematic clichés, particularly in the depiction of the SS officer. However, Vik also commended director Harald Zwart's stylistic influence, noting the effective combination of majestic landscapes with intense action, successfully translating the Norwegian Resistance struggle into an engaging action film format.

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References

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The 12th Man

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Film Overview ℹ️

🎬 A Historical Drama

✍️ Narrative Foundation

🌍 Production & Release

Narrative Arc 📜

⚔️ The Mission and Its Peril

🏃 Baalsrud's Escape and Endurance

🤝 The Network of Aid

Principal Cast 👥

⭐ Key Performances

Production Insights ⚙️

💡 Conception and Rights

🎥 Filming and Performance

📜 Historical Context and Narrative Focus

Critical Reception ⭐

📊 Aggregated Reviews

📰 Norwegian Press Analysis

🎬 Artistic Interpretation

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Film Overview

A Historical Drama

Narrative Foundation

Production & Release

Narrative Arc

The Mission and Its Peril

Baalsrud's Escape and Endurance

The Network of Aid

Principal Cast

Key Performances

Production Insights

Conception and Rights

Filming and Performance

Historical Context and Narrative Focus

Critical Reception

Aggregated Reviews

Norwegian Press Analysis

Artistic Interpretation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice