13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
Six elite Global Response Staff security contractors are tasked with defending a CIA annex and the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. When militants launch a sudden, devastating attack on September 11, 2012, the operators defy stand-down orders. They wage a desperate, thirteen-hour battle against overwhelming enemy forces in a chaotic fight to protect the lives of American personnel.
Length: 2h24m
Genre: Action, Drama, War
This Title is: Intense Action, Biographical War Story
Cast
James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini, Pablo Schreiber, Dominic Fumusa
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – Strong sequences of sustained intense war violence, graphic images, and pervasive language.
FAQ
- Is 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Based on a True Story?: Yes, it is based on the 2014 non-fiction book 13 Hours by Mitchell Zuckoff, recounting the true experiences of the GRS operators present.
- Where was 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi filmed?: Primarily filmed in Malta, with key locations in Mosta and Valletta, and some additional scenes shot in Morocco.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Lorne Balfe
Filmmaker Profile
Director Michael Bay injected his signature, high-octane visual style into this grounded, true story. Known for large-scale spectacles like Transformers and The Rock, Bay brought explosive action and relentless pacing, aiming to deliver a visceral account of courage under fire during the intense siege.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The production excels with its brutally realistic and continuous action sequences that drop the viewer straight into the chaos of the conflict. The dedication to honoring the self-sacrifice of the six GRS operators is palpable, delivering a visceral and emotionally charged experience built around courage under sustained, intense fire. It’s a masterful depiction of heroism and dedication.
Main Character Deep Dive
Jack Silva, portrayed by John Krasinski, grounds the chaos as the newest member of the GRS team. His internal conflict centers on his duty as a warrior versus his intense longing to return home to his pregnant wife and children. The performance captures the quiet intensity and focused resolve of a professional soldier fighting not for politics, but for his brothers-in-arms and the Americans relying on them.
Unforgettable Quote
“We are the only help they have.”
Trivia
- The production received an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Mixing.
- The running time of 144 minutes reflects the length and unrelenting nature of the 13-hour siege the movie covers.
- This was John Krasinski’s first leading role in a major action picture, marking a significant transition from his comedic background.
Trailer
Stream 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi on:
Our Review
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I was completely gripped by this powerful story from beginning to end. Director Michael Bay manages a tight presentation of the true events, making sure we feel every moment of the intense, prolonged conflict. The ensemble performances, especially from the lead actors, are excellent, lending humanity and heart to the professional soldiers placed in an impossible situation. I found myself fully invested in their struggle and dedication to duty. The movie honors the exceptional bravery of these men who were determined to protect American lives when faced with insurmountable chaos. It’s an immersive, loud, and deeply impactful work that puts the focus squarely on the incredible self-sacrifice displayed by the security operators. The technical craft, from the immersive sound design to the explosive visuals, is top-notch, delivering a heart-pounding and wholly realistic experience. The relentless pacing ensures the viewer is never able to relax, expertly mirroring the constant, desperate threat faced by the heroes throughout the agonizing night. This is a memorable military action picture.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you enjoy hard-hitting military action pictures based on true events that focus on brotherhood, intense realism, and non-stop combat tension.
