Overview
Michael Bay produced and directed “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” an American biographical war film released in 2016. It is based on Mitchell Zuckoff’s film of the same name published in 2014. It covers the events of 9/11/2012 where Islamic militants attacked a US diplomatic facility and a CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya.
The film illustrates the desperate battle to save American lives as told by the six members of the Annex Security Team, which were former contractors the CIA hired to protect their personnel.
Synopsis & Plot Development
Arrival in Benghazi
Libya in 2012 is a country torn apart by civil war. Silva is a former US Navy Seal and is traveling to Libya to meet a fellow Seal and a member of the GRS, Tyrone “Rone” Woods, as part of a GRS team that was hired to protect a CIA site in Libya known as the annex. The GRS team is made up of seasoned former soldiers: Woods, Mark “Oz” Geist, John “Tig” Tiegen, Kris “Tanto” Paronto, Dave “Boon” Benton, and Silva.
Conflicts with the CIA
The security contractors for the U.S. diplomatic compound get into the with Bob, the CIA station chief who demands they keep a low intensity profile, confront no local militias, and avoid conflicts with local militias. However, the GRS members are aware that the atmosphere in Benghazi is exceedingly unsteady and they suspect at times that they are being watched by hostile local security near the compound.
The Benghazi diplomatic compound
The 11th of September 2012 is a date that no American will boldly tell and show where they were on that date. However for U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens, there was little to no security because he was basically a sitting duck in a Benghazi diplomatic compound. Stevens was not under NDA since he was not shielded from the guards who were largely members from the Diplomatic Security services. Instead, he was being guarded by a group of local militias who had little to no training and were to put it lightly, substandard in their training.
The Start of the Assault
A great number of well-trained militants try to recover from the injuries they had in the September 11 and instead recover by overwriting the Benghazi diplomatic compound instead. Stevens who’s now the US ambassador was in a Benghazi diplomatic compound and would eventually abandon ship through the back exit along with the guards who foolishly fled. The local guards who military tattoo on their arms, fled to initially lot of people and the DS guards during this chaotic turmoil. The GRS team would hear the call for help and would begin to suit up. But were in no hurry since they were told to stand by until local militia help arrived.
Feeling the risk and delay, Woods finally approves, and the team drives to the compound where they are met with fierce firefights as they attempt to extract the remaining DS agents. Within the battle, Stevens cannot be located in the smoke-filled building, and Sean Smith is found deceased due to smoke inhalation. Stevens is found later with critical injuries and is transported to the hospital where he later passes away.
Siege at the Annex
The team prepares for further attacks as they retreat to the Annex. During the night, militants utilize small arms, and even rocket-propelled grenades and mortars to further attack. Even though the number of defenders is sparse compared to the attackers, six GRS members and a few CIA employees man the Annex, resulting in a stalemate.
Throughout the conflict, they attempt to reach out to the stationed U. S. forces in Tripoli and other locations, but no meaningful support arrives in time to change anything.
The Final Mortar Attack
The first mortar attack occurs at the Annex in the early morning, resulting in a loss for the remaining defenders. As for Woods and Glen “Bub” Doherty, both suffer fatal injuries due to the remains of the mortar hitting the Annex. Woods perishes instantly alongside Glen, while Geist is mortally wounded as he receives major shrapnel wounds to his arm. In attempt to hold the Annex, the remaining defenders continue to fight until the militants ultimately withdraw.
Evacuation
Once the siege ends, the survivors relocate with the aid of a Libyan militia that is friendly to them. The film finishes with a sad remembrance of the four Americans who died, which includes Stevens, Smith, Doherty, and Woods.
Cast And Crew
Screenwriter: Chuck Hogan
Based on: 13 Hours by Mitchell Zuckoff
Producers: Michael Bay, Erwin Stoff
Main Cast
Mark “Oz” Geist- Max Martini
Jack Silva- John Krasinski
Toby Stephens plays Glen “Bub” Doherty
Cinematography: Lorne Balfe
Production Companies: 3 Arts Entertainment and Bay Films
Paramount Pictures
The first theme is Brotherhood and Loyalty
The film features a strong focus on the GRS team and the bond that they share, showcasing the unique loyalty they display for each other and the need to protect Americans under siege. It is this bond that really propels the film forward, rather than politics, ideology, or even the external world.
- The Unrestrained Nature of Contemporary Battle
Rather than traditional open warfare, the conflict in Benghazi is characterized by a blend of diplomacy, intelligence, and urban guerrilla warfare. The fog of war makes distinguishing allies from enemies and friends from foes an additional problem. - Office Policies Versus Field Reality
The earliest decision made in the narrative, the “stand down” order, is arguably the most controversial. It captures the gap between the people safely sitting in well-furnished offices making decisions and those in the field risking their lives on the ground. - Unacknowledged Valor
The narrative of the film revolves around the GRS contractors, who worked in silence and in the shadows, their acts of bravery going unrewarded. It is a blend of a documentary and tribute to those who put in their life’s savings for operations deemed politically delicate.
Tone & Style
As is the case in all his films, Bay uses his hallmark camera work in this one, albeit in a more subdued manner than in his other pictures. The camera work in this film is vigorous and captivating in a manner that places the viewer in the mid-portion of the firefight. The use of warm, dusty colors characteristic of Libya, coupled with the frantic nature of the footage, further mudded the night-vision shots and close-up handheld angles.
Rather than overusing an orchestral score, 13 Hours uses sound design such as gunfire, explosions, and shouted orders to create and build tension. Lorne Balfe’s score helps emphasize the emotional aspects of the movie, particularly regarding the losses and moments of reflection.
Reception
Critics seemed to be divided as some praised the film’s gripping action and praised the technical aspects of the film, while others heavily criticized the film for lacking a sufficient political analysis of the Benghazi events. Regardless of the divide, many critics did acknowledge that the film did a commendable job honoring the valor of the men involved.
The overall reception by the audience was more favorable, especially with veterans and fans of action and war movies. John Krasinski was highlighted for his performance portraying the character’s extreme vulnerability and his tender side while also showcasing a soldier’s toughness.
The film did moderately well commercially by breaking even on the production budget and later gaining traction on streaming platforms.
Conclusion
The film 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi focuses on the six GRS team members and their heroism and portrays the political controversy regarding the cries for American help during the Benghazi Consulate attack. The portrayal of the film provides a soldier’s view on the courage, the sacrifice, and the bonding that was required to achieve the formidable odds of impossible odds.
Although the movie might not answer the questions surrounding the Benghazi incident, it does depict the disorder of contemporary warfare and the resolve of people who refuse to budge when support will not arrive beautifully. For those who want to watch a war movie focusing on the sheer perseverance of individuals rather than politics, 13 Hours serves as a blazing action spectacle and an ode to the defenders who fought without recognition.
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