13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Rotten Tomatoes Review
Tomatometer: 51% (based on 174 reviews)
Audience Score: 84% (based on 50,000+ ratings)
Overview
Directed by Michael Bay, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a 2016 American biographical war drama film based on the 2013 book of the same name by Mitchell Zuckoff. The film depicts the true story of the 2012 Benghazi attack and the heroism of the six members of the Annex Security Team who fought to protect the Americans stationed at the Benghazi compound.
Critical Consensus
The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a visceral, intense, and emotionally charged film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While it has some flaws, the strong performances and well-executed action sequences make it a gripping and powerful drama."
Positive Reviews
- Rolling Stone: "Bay's direction is swift and clean, and the cast - including John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, and Pablo Schreiber - is excellent."
- The New York Times: "The film's re-creation of the attack is intense and well-staged, with a strong sense of chaos and confusion."
- USA Today: "The film's strongest asset is its cast, particularly John Krasinski, who gives a convincing performance as Jack Silva, the leader of the security team."
Negative Reviews
- The Guardian: "The film's politics are muddled and suspect, and Bay's direction is as subtle as a sledgehammer."
- The Hollywood Reporter: "The film's attempts to lionize its heroes feel forced and overly sentimental."
- Variety: "The film's visceral impact is undermined by Bay's habit of indulging in gratuitous slow-motion and bombastic music."
Conclusion
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a gripping and intense film that tells a powerful true story. While it has its flaws, the strong performances and well-executed action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of war dramas. With a Tomatometer score of 51% and an Audience Score of 84%, it's clear that opinions are divided on the film's merits. However, if you're looking for a visceral and emotionally charged film experience, 13 Hours is definitely worth checking out.
