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

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, directed by Michael Bay, is a gripping war drama based on the 2012 attacks on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. The film is an adaptation of Mitchell Zuckoff’s book 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi, which recounts the true events surrounding the attack and focuses on the bravery of the security contractors who defended the compound. Known for his explosive action sequences, Michael Bay brings his signature style to this real-life story, but with a more grounded approach than his usual summer blockbusters.

Plot Overview:

The movie follows a group of six former elite military operators working as private security contractors in Libya. Stationed at a covert CIA outpost known as the “Annex” in Benghazi, the team, led by Jack Silva (John Krasinski) and Tyrone “Rone” Woods (James Badge Dale), finds themselves in a harrowing situation when militants launch a coordinated attack on the nearby U.S. diplomatic compound on September 11, 2012.

As the U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens is targeted and the compound comes under siege, the team disobeys orders from their superiors to “stand down” and rushes to the aid of the compound’s defenders. What follows is a grueling 13-hour battle as the outnumbered security team fights off waves of attackers while trying to protect the surviving diplomats and CIA personnel.

Action and Cinematography:

As expected from Michael Bay, the action sequences in 13 Hours are intense and visceral. The firefights, explosions, and military tactics are shot with a gritty realism that captures the chaos and tension of urban warfare. The nighttime scenes are especially effective in immersing the audience in the confusion and danger faced by the team as they fend off relentless attacks from all sides. Bay restrains some of his typical larger-than-life style, focusing more on the tension and suspense of the situation, which lends a sense of urgency and authenticity to the battle sequences.

Cinematographer Dion Beebe uses handheld camera techniques and tight framing to convey the intensity and claustrophobia of the firefights. The action is fast-paced but not incoherent, and the film effectively conveys the fear and desperation of the situation without glamorizing violence.

Performances:

• John Krasinski (Jack Silva): Krasinski, best known for his comedic role in The Office, delivers a strong and nuanced performance as Jack Silva, one of the lead contractors. His portrayal of a family man thrust into a life-or-death situation adds emotional depth to the film. Krasinski convincingly embodies both the physical and emotional toll of combat, balancing moments of vulnerability with the toughness required for survival.
• James Badge Dale (Tyrone “Rone” Woods): Dale shines as Rone, the leader of the security team. His character is tough, capable, and fiercely loyal to his men, and Dale’s performance captures the stoic bravery that the role demands. His on-screen camaraderie with Krasinski’s character is one of the film’s emotional highlights.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting cast, including Max Martini, Pablo Schreiber, and Dominic Fumusa, also deliver solid performances, rounding out the team of contractors. Their dynamic and teamwork feel authentic, which adds to the film’s believability and emotional weight.

Themes:

• Brotherhood and Sacrifice: The central theme of 13 Hours is the unbreakable bond between soldiers and their willingness to put their lives on the line for each other. The film doesn’t delve deeply into the political implications of the Benghazi attacks but instead focuses on the men on the ground, their brotherhood, and the sacrifices they make under impossible circumstances.
• Survival and Heroism: The film portrays the desperation of survival when faced with overwhelming odds. The team’s relentless determination to protect the lives of others, even at the risk of their own, is a testament to their heroism. The film emphasizes that, despite the lack of outside support, these men took it upon themselves to save as many lives as possible.
• War’s Brutality: Bay does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of war. The film is raw and unflinching in its portrayal of violence, destruction, and the toll that combat takes on those involved. The physical and emotional scars left by war are evident in the characters and their actions.

Strengths:

• Realistic Action Sequences: The film excels in its depiction of combat, with intense, heart-pounding action that feels grounded in reality. Bay’s attention to detail in the military tactics and the use of practical effects helps immerse the audience in the chaos of the battle.
• Strong Performances: Krasinski and Dale lead a solid ensemble cast, and their performances anchor the film. They give the audience characters to root for, bringing humanity and emotional depth to the story.
• Tension and Suspense: The film maintains a strong sense of suspense throughout, with each attack heightening the stakes. The claustrophobic setting of the compound under siege adds to the tension, making the audience feel the pressure that the characters are under.

Weaknesses:

• Simplified Politics: One criticism of 13 Hours is that it avoids delving into the broader political context surrounding the Benghazi attack. The film largely steers clear of addressing the controversies and questions regarding the U.S. government’s response to the attack. While this may have been a deliberate choice to keep the focus on the soldiers, it leaves some important issues underexplored.
• Pacing Issues: At times, the film’s pacing can feel uneven. The buildup to the actual attack is relatively slow, and while the action is intense, some viewers may feel the film lingers too long on certain sequences.
• Emotional Distance: Despite the emotional stakes of the situation, some viewers may feel that the film, like many of Michael Bay’s works, focuses more on the spectacle of combat than the personal toll it takes on the characters. While there are moments of vulnerability, the film could have explored the emotional side of the story more deeply.

Final Thoughts:

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is an intense, well-executed war drama that effectively captures the chaos and brutality of combat. Michael Bay’s direction is restrained compared to his usual bombastic style, and the film’s focus on the courage and resilience of the security team gives it emotional weight. While it sidesteps deeper political discussions about the Benghazi attacks, it succeeds in telling a gripping story of survival, brotherhood, and heroism.

For fans of military action films, 13 Hours offers a tense and emotionally charged experience, driven by strong performances from John Krasinski and James Badge Dale.

Suggested Video for You: If you enjoyed 13 Hours, check out Black Hawk Down (2001), another film that explores the courage and sacrifice of soldiers in a seemingly unwinnable situation, with a similar focus on brotherhood and survival.