13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Introduction
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" is a 2016 American action thriller film directed by Michael Bay and written by Chuck Hogan. The film is based on the 2013 non-fiction book "13 Hours" by Mitchell Zuckoff, which tells the story of the 2012 Benghazi attack.
The Real-Life Event
On September 11, 2012, a coordinated attack was launched on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The incident sparked a fierce debate in the United States, with many questioning the government's response to the attack.
The Film
The film tells the story of six members of a security team who fought to defend the compound against the attack. The team, comprised of former Special Forces operatives and CIA contractors, were stationed in Benghazi to provide security for the CIA outpost.
The film stars John Krasinski as Jack Silva, a former Navy SEAL who leads the security team. James Badge Dale plays Tyrone "Rone" Woods, a former CIA contractor who was part of the security team. The film also stars Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini, and David Costabile.
The Attack
The film depicts the events leading up to the attack, including the security team's warnings to the CIA and State Department about the growing threat of Islamist extremists in the area. On the night of September 11, the compound comes under attack, and the security team springs into action to defend it.
The film's portrayal of the attack is intense and graphic, with the security team fighting to hold off the attackers despite being vastly outnumbered. The film also shows the bravery and sacrifice of the Americans who lost their lives during the attack.
Controversy and Criticism
The film has been criticized for its portrayal of the events leading up to the attack, with some arguing that it is overly critical of the Obama administration and Hillary Clinton, who was Secretary of State at the time. The film has also been accused of being overly patriotic and glorifying the actions of the security team.
Conclusion
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" is a gripping and intense film that tells the story of the bravery and sacrifice of the Americans who fought to defend the Benghazi compound. While the film has been criticized for its portrayal of the events leading up to the attack, it is an important reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and as civilians in dangerous parts of the world.
