13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi - Fact vs. Fiction
The 2016 Film: A Dramatized Account of the Benghazi Attack
Directed by Michael Bay, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a 2016 American biographical war film based on the 2013 book 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi by Mitchell Zuckoff. The movie tells the story of the 2012 Benghazi attack, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.
The Cast: Who Played the Real-Life Heroes?
John Krasinski as Jack Silva
Jack Silva, a former Navy SEAL, was part of the CIA's Global Response Staff (GRS) team that responded to the Benghazi attack. John Krasinski, known for his comedic roles in TV shows like The Office, took on the dramatic role of Silva in the film.
James Badge Dale as Tyrone S. "Rone" Woods
Tyrone "Rone" Woods, a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, was killed during the Benghazi attack. James Badge Dale, who has appeared in films like The Departed and World War Z, played the role of Woods in the movie.
Pablo Schreiber as Kris "Tanto" Paronto
Kris "Tanto" Paronto, a former Army Ranger and CIA contractor, was part of the GRS team that responded to the attack. Pablo Schreiber, known for his roles in TV shows like Orange is the New Black and The Wire, played the role of Paronto in the film.
Max Martini as Oz
Oz, a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, was part of the GRS team. Max Martini, who has appeared in films like Saving Private Ryan and Captain Phillips, played the role of Oz in the movie.
Real-Life Footage vs. Dramatization: What's Fact and What's Fiction?
While the film takes creative liberties to enhance the storytelling, it's based on real events and interviews with the surviving members of the GRS team. Here are some key differences between the real-life footage and the dramatized version:
The Attack on the Compound
The real-life footage of the attack on the diplomatic compound shows a more chaotic and disorganized scene, with militants using RPGs and machine guns to breach the walls. The film dramatizes the attack, with more organized militant forces and a greater emphasis on the personal stories of the GRS team.
The Death of Ambassador Stevens
In reality, Ambassador Stevens died from smoke inhalation during the attack on the diplomatic compound. The film depicts his death as a more dramatic and heroic sacrifice, with the GRS team fighting to rescue him.
The Role of the CIA and the U.S. Government
The film portrays the CIA and the U.S. government as being more involved in the events leading up to the attack, with the GRS team being delayed in their response. In reality, the exact circumstances surrounding the attack are still disputed, and the film's portrayal is based on the accounts of the surviving GRS team members.
Conclusion
While 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi takes some creative liberties with the facts, it's a powerful and intense film that honors the memory of the real-life heroes who fought to protect American lives during the Benghazi attack.
