13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Poster

An American Ambassador is killed during an attack at a U.S. compound in Libya as a security team struggles to make sense out of the chaos.

Overview
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" is an intense 2016 action-drama movie directed by Michael Bay. This painful film considerably chronicles the real occasions that occurred on September 11th, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya. The movie is likewise based on the 2014 book, "13 Hours" by Mitchell Zuckoff, delivering a powerful portrayal of a small group of American military contractors who fearlessly protected the U.S. diplomatic compound and a secret CIA base during the Battle of Benghazi.

Plot Summary
The movie opens as Libya comes down into mayhem after the overthrow and death of its dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. Jack Silva, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, gets here in Benghazi to deal with a small group of defense professionals called the Global Response Staff (GRS). They are stationed at a secret CIA base called 'The Annex' to protect CIA operatives on the ground.

On the night of September 11, 2012, a group of Islamist militants launch a violent attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound, where Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Information Officer Sean Smith are stationed. In spite of desperately wishing to step in and conserve their compatriots, the group at The Annex is purchased to "stand down" by their base chief. After the orders cause the awful death of Stevens and Smith, the GRS team, in direct offense of those orders, choose to intervene.

Action Packed High-Stakes
The film revolves around the traumatic thirteen-hour long fight, as the group launches a desperate bid to save the remaining diplomatic staff. The six-man GRS team, including Jack Silva (John Krasinski), Tyrone 'Rone' Woods (James Badge Dale), Kris 'Tanto' Paronto (Pablo Schreiber), engage the militants in relentless firefights across the city. The team conducts a gripping, tensely staged rooftop standoff until the next morning, when they protect the Annex from waves of militant attacks before they are finally left.

Thematic Underpinnings and Reception
While strongly recreating the intensity of battle, "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" likewise explores the styles of courage, fraternity, and the sacrifice of soldiers. While politics looms in the background, the movie focuses on the lived experience of those on the ground throughout those attempting hours. The movie got combined reviews from critics; the direction, action series, and performances were praised, however the movie script and politicized narrative were criticized. Regardless of these criticisms, the film works as an emotive testimony to the bravery and sacrifice of the GRS team.

In Conclusion
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" provides a visceral and extreme representation of the Battle of Benghazi, providing the audience with a nerve-wracking military action-drama that intends to shed light on the traumatic experience of a small team of military contractors. Through their courage and perseverance to save lives, the movie honors their commitment and the ultimate sacrifices made throughout among the most difficult episodes of contemporary American military history.

Top Cast

  • John Krasinski (small)
    John Krasinski
    Jack Silva
  • James Badge Dale (small)
    James Badge Dale
    Tyrone 'Rone' Woods
  • Dominic Fumusa (small)
    Dominic Fumusa
    John 'Tig' Tiegen
  • Max Martini (small)
    Max Martini
    Mark 'Oz' Geist
  • Pablo Schreiber (small)
    Pablo Schreiber
    Kris 'Tanto' Paronto
  • Matt Letscher (small)
    Matt Letscher
    Chris Stevens
  • Alexia Barlier (small)
    Alexia Barlier
    Sona Jillani
  • David Costabile (small)
    David Costabile
    Bob
  • David Denman (small)
    David Denman
    Dave 'Boon' Benton
  • Payman Maadi (small)
    Payman Maadi
    Amahl
  • Toby Stephens (small)
    Toby Stephens
    Glen 'Bub' Doherty