The American war drama “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” is directed by Michael Bay and is based on the book “13 Hours” authored by Mitchell Zuckoff. The book recounts the events surrounding the Benghazi attack, which happened in Libya in 2012. January 15, 2016 marked the release of the film which featured actors such as John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini, Dominic Fumusa, and David Denman. It details the Islamic militants’ assault on the American diplomatic compound alongside a CIA annex in Benghazi on September 11, 2012, spanning over thirteen hours.
The film was met with both praise and criticism for differing reasons. Viewers were captivated by the breathtaking action sequences along with the technical aspects of the film and its realism. However, this intense political controversy regarding the material and events that the film was based on and the events depicted in the film was unlike any other.
Synopsis
In the film, Libya in 2012 is depicted as a country rife with violence towards the United States, lawlessness, and deep-seated animosity. This is set during the chaotic aftermath of the fall of Gaddafi. In this turbulent environment, a select team of elite contractors, primarily consisting of former soldiers are given the mission of defending a secret CIA outpost located in close proximity to the U.S. diplomatic compound.
The story centers on Jack Silva, a former Navy SEAL who flies into Benghazi to meet his friend Tyrone “Rone” Woods, a former Navy SEAL who is in charge of a team of Global Response Staff (GRS) contractors. The GRS team consists of Kris “Tanto” Paronto, Mark “Oz” Geist, John “Tig” Tiegen, and Dave “Boon” Benton. These individuals are not soldiers or diplomats; they work in the gray zone, providing protective services to covert operations personnel and keeping plausible deniability.
Islamic militants attack a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, where ambassador Christopher Stevens stays on September 11, 2012. The embassy personnel had requested assistance several times, and although the GRS team was willing to help, their CIA station chief provided them with a “stand down” order. The GRS team then begins to make their way to the compound despite being ordered not to, and eventually, after some delay, they manage to reach the compound and begin the desperate journey to extract whatever personnel they can.
What initiates as a simple extraction operation develops into a complex standoff. Smith extracts both Stevens and his IT officer, but they suffer heavy losses when the attack helicopter picks them up. The regrouping attackers swivel their focus towards the CIA annex, resulting in a punishing and protracted gun battle that extends overnight. Throughout this thirteen hour period where the contractors defending the annex are solely outnumbered and outgunned, they exhibit stamina as well as indomitable spirit, and extraordinary conviction.
In total, four Americans are killed by the end of the fighting: Sean Smith, Glen “Bub” Doherty – a Navy SEAL who later joins the fray to bolster the defense, and Ambassador Stevens. Burned and dismembered Tyrone Woods completes the ensemble. Regardless of the title of the film, there is little consolation for these individuals. The survivors are left struggling with their anger over the consequences of political standstill on unyielding bureaucracy, while the narrative conveys a sense heavy hopelessness.
Woods and Silva comprise the remainder of the American operations team. Krasinski skillfully inhabits the multifaceted personality of Jack Silva who earlier served as a SEAL and is now portrayed as a devoted father whose family becomes the pinnacle of morale.
As the recording of the 2012 Benghazi attack persists in the backdrop, the first scene smoothly glides into the introduction of Silva’s character. Fully integrated into the film’s world, he becomes the action hero the audience yearns for and also, embody’s the core of its struggle.
Pablo Schreiber as Kris “Tanto” Paronto: A protective, hot-tempered, and impulsive character who brings much of the emotional intensity and armament in the film.
Max Martini as Mark “Oz” Geist: A grounded and steadfast team member who is chronically injured in the last confrontation.
Dominic Fumusa as John “Tig” Tiegen and David Denman as Dave “Boon” Benton: Both provide critical and essential snipe, surveillance, and combat support straining the team’s relationships with one another.
Themes and Analysis
Brotherhood and Sacrifice
The main emotional element driving the film is the brotherhood that exists intra GRS members. Their loyalty to one another, sense of duty, willingness to save deep conflicts with their unwavering resolve captures the struggle with overwhelming intensity. The film showcases the bonds forged in combat and the silence that exists in communication which is understood between men who have trained together.
Chaos of War and Fog of Command
Unlike most traditional war films that feature an organized chain of command, in 13 Hours something is territorially wrong where leadership appears to be absent altogether or actively sabotages in ways that are counterproductive. The repeated “stand down” orders illuminate the phenomenon of immovable inertia running unchecked due to a structure of governance in real time. Then, the film demonstrates the harsh reality of frontline operators in having to choose between abiding by protocol and doing the right thing.
Political Neutrality vs. Political Subtext
Despite the filmmakers saying that the story sidesteps partisan politics, the source material and the events involved are inescapably political. While the film does not pinpoint specific political figures or assign outright blame, it suggests there was considerable government apathy and miscommunication that needlessly cost American lives. This continues to fuel disputes concerning the film’s portrayal and its accuracy and consequences.
Heroism in Adversity
The primary focus of 13 Hours captures the theme of heroism in exceptional adversity. These men are portrayed not as ideal military figures, but as very human individuals confronted with the need to make impossible choices under excruciating pressure. While the firefights are fierce and accurately depict violence, they remain anchored in the resolve of the men to protect other people.
Direction and Cinematography
As with other films, Michael Bay, renowned for large-scale action blockbusters, applies his trademark style to 13 Hours, though this time he uses a more visceral and gritty lens than in previous works. The chaos and disarray of combat is captured through disorienting camera work, often handheld, which draws the audience into the tumult. The realism is heightened through night vision, drone, and thermal imaging.
In contrast to his other films, Bay opts for a more documentary approach to the directing of this film. The use of fire, firearms, and other military actions are depicted with a high level of detail and accuracy. While some critics argue that the film contains an excess amount of violence, others admit that the intensity and detail that has gone into the film is appropriate for the subject matter.
Reception
Critics gave the film a mixed to positive reception along with audiences, especially among the general population and those with military backgrounds. Audience’s reception differed from critics, as they praised the film’s leading actors and the execution of action scenes, whereas other critics felt that the film did not provide enough context or emotion beyond the two leading characters.
Some audiences received the film well due to it’s emotional impact. Even though the film did not perform well at the box office, it did succeed in garnering the respect of the viewers. The film was viewed as a significant and powerful portrayal of contemporary warfare and its psychological impact.
Conclusion
The film 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a striking depiction of the Iraq war, honoring the Benghazi siege defenders with unforgettable imagery intertwined with emotional depth. It’s an account of average individuals combating incredible odds in intensely brutal circumstances. It does not matter what your political views are; it emphasizes the grim realities of conflict, the inefficiencies of government systems, and the deep connections formed in warfare. 13 Hours is a must watch for those who enjoy powerful portrayals of uncelebrated champions, expertly executed battle scenes, and heartbreaking yet enthralling stories.
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