13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) Review

 

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

Set in the days leading up to the September 11, 2012 attack on the US Embassy in Benghazi, 13 Hours follows the brave soldiers stationed at the Annex Security post as they fight off Islamic militants in a battle to save the remaining lives of the Americans stationed there.

Anyone who knows me, knows I can’t really stand Michael Bay as a director, but I’ll give him this, he made a terrifically accurate and heroic movie about the 6 soldiers that defended the Benghazi Annex for 13 hours on the eve of the 11 year anniversary of 9/11. Sure, it was hammed up with extra explosions, action, and probably humor, but it’s a faithful telling that draws you in immediately and never lets go.

The action was intense, the deaths that occur are felt deeply, and the characters are all extremely engaging, featuring a great cast including James Dale, Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini, David Denman, and of course, newly knighted action star John Krasinski, in what would be his first big film since the conclusion of The Office. Krasinski and the rest of the cast bring a grit and determination that feels very real, showing how dedicated and determined they were to bring this harrowing true story to life.

I think one of the most important aspects to bringing this film to life was focusing on the team, instead of showcasing the opposing side/their motivations. With focusing on the team, we quickly gain an emotional attachment to the main characters, and want them to win against the nameless intruders, after they brought death and destruction upon the Americans. It’s brutally intense and real, not shying away from the harsh realities, violence, and gore that were ever present in this war zone. Using all of this, and the themes of family and brotherhood, we get a powerful and heavy hitting movie that doesn’t let off the breaks, even when the guns aren’t firing, which is a testament to the storytelling.

8.6/10