‘13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’ – Movie Review

Category: Movies

We have all heard about the attack in Benghazi on September 11, 2012 but we don’t know the true story. 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is the story of the six men who held off the ISIS murders and saved many American lives.

At the time of the attack, American Ambassador Chris Stevens (Matt Letscher) was visiting the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi. He had minimal security however a team of former military elite fighters was nearby. They were hired to protect the CIA covert outpost about a mile away. These men were the best of the best.

Jack Silva (John Krasinski), Tyrone “Rone” Woods (James Badge Dale), Kris “Tanto” Paronto (Pablo Schreiber), Dave “Boon” Benton (David Denman), John “Tig” Tiegen (Dominic Fumusa), and Mark “Oz” Geist (Max Martini) did not shy away from a conflict and took their responsibilities seriously. They were there to protect American lives and in the heat of everything, that is exactly what they did.
When ISIS fighters and other militants attacked the compound, the CIA chief (David Costabile) refused to let the operatives go to help the Ambassador, but they knew they were Stevens’ only hope. While the compound was being targeted and burned, the former military operatives did not think twice. They had to jump into the situation or it would get worse. Unfortunately, by the time they got there, the Ambassador could not be located.

Retreating to the CIA outpost, they knew that that location was the next target. How could six men defend against an army of fighters? That is the heroism of this story. That is the amazing story that came out of this horrific situation. These men gave everything for their country. Some even gave their lives. But they never gave up. They held on in the midst of all the chaos. And it was chaos.

Watching this film is an emotional journey. It definitely brings up all the politics that has come out of the situation. Why didn’t they get any support? Where were the American fighter jets to lend them support and help in this horrendous situation? Thirteen hours of craziness and only six men.

The men were taken aback when they heard the American press was reporting the situation as a demonstration gone awry. They never saw any protestors. All they saw were fighters. These militants were responsible for murdering an American Ambassador and three others: former Navy SEALs Glen Doherty (Toby Stephens), Tyrone Woods, and Information Officer Sean Smith (Christopher Dingli).

What unfolds on the screen is absolutely unbelievable on many levels. It brings the chaos and criminality of the region to audiences. It also brings the heroism of these Americans who are indeed worthy of the word “hero.”

The film runs 2 hours and 17 minutes. That might seem like a long time however it goes by quickly. The film is filled with action and emotion. Even if you are tired of hearing about Benghazi (no matter what side of the aisle you are on), this is worth seeing. It really isn’t a political story as much as it is a story about American heroism.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is rated R for strong combat violence throughout, bloody images, and language.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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