Michael Shannon and Chris Hemsworth, facing camera, star in a scene from the movie "12 Strong." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Warner Bros.)

By Catholic News Service

True military adventures don’t come any more rousing than this. Chris Hemsworth plays a Green Beret captain leading a small Special Forces unit on horseback in rugged terrain in the early weeks of fighting in Afghanistan after 9/11.

Director Nicolai Fuglsig, working from a script by Ted Tally and Peter Craig, avoids what could have become flag-waving jingoistic moments, preferring to show the Americans quietly going about their tasks.

Intense, lengthy and realistic combat violence and gore, a scene of an execution of a teacher in front of three young girls. Catholic News Service classification, A-III — adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating, R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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