The 12th Man

"The 12th Man" is a 2017 Norwegian historical war film based on the true story of Norwegian resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud. Set in 1943 during World War II, it depicts his perilous escape through Nazi-occupied Norway toward neutral Sweden. Baalsrud was the only member of his sabotaged team to evade immediate capture.

The film was directed by Norwegian filmmaker Harald Zwart. Zwart is known for directing major Hollywood films like the 2010 "Karate Kid" remake, but he returned to his native Norway to helm this historical drama. The movie stars Thomas Gullestad in the lead role of Jan Baalsrud.

Jan Baalsrud survived through extreme physical endurance and the immense help of local Norwegian civilians. Despite suffering from severe frostbite and snow blindness, he was smuggled across the mountains by resistance members. He was eventually evacuated to safety by allied forces.

Baalsrud and his team were part of Operation Martin, a British-sponsored sabotage mission aimed at destroying German supply lines. Their mission was compromised shortly after arriving in Norway when they accidentally made contact with a German collaborator. The team was subsequently ambushed by Nazi forces.