13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

When everything went wrong, six men had the courage to do what was right.

R
2h 24m

Directed by: Michael Bay
Novel: Mitchell Zuckoff
Premiered: January 14, 2016
Language: English
Status: Released
Budget: $50,000,000.00
Revenue: $69,411,370.00
Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. 5 nominations total
Country: United States of America

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

7.2/10 (3793 vote)

★★★★★★★★★★

Production: Paramount Pictures
3 Arts Entertainment
Bay Films

Spoiler

In the tumultuous aftermath of Muammar Gaddafi's deposition and execution, Libya plunged into a state of extreme volatility. By 2012, the nation, once host to over 200 American outposts, had become a crucible of conflict. Benghazi, in particular, emerged as one of the world's most perilous locales, compelling the United States to withdraw the majority of its diplomatic and security presences. However, one crucial facility, known as The Annex, remained operational, defended by a dedicated contingent of CIA contractors operating under the banner of the Global Response Staff (G.R.S.).

The arrival of Jack Silva, portrayed by John Krasinski, in this volatile environment marked the beginning of an intense ordeal. He was met by his close friend and fellow contractor, Tyrone "Rone" Woods, played by James Badge Dale. Their initial moments in Benghazi were fraught with tension. While navigating the city streets, they were intercepted by a group of armed militants. Rone, demonstrating his resourcefulness, contacted their Chief, David Costabile, requesting backup for their team. The Chief's refusal to dispatch additional personnel underscored the precariousness of their situation and the limited resources available. The militant leader, emboldened by the lack of immediate support, ordered Jack and Rone to halt their vehicle for inspection. In a swift display of readiness, both contractors drew their weapons. Rone, employing a strategic bluff, informed the leader of an overhead drone, warning of dire consequences for his family should they proceed with any hostile action. This calculated maneuver successfully de-escalated the immediate threat, allowing Jack and Rone to depart.

Back at The Annex, Rone confronted the Chief regarding his decision not to deploy the team. The Chief reiterated the strict protocols, emphasizing the importance of avoiding civilian engagement and minimizing conflict with local militant factions. It was here that Jack was formally introduced to the rest of the G.R.S. team: Kris "Tanto" Paronto (Pablo Schreiber), Dave "Boon" Benton (David Denman), John "Tig" Tiegen (Dominic Fumusa), and Mark "Oz" Geist (Max Martini). This seasoned group formed the core of the security detail tasked with protecting American interests in this dangerous city.

Jack's initial assignments included a brief mission alongside two undercover CIA officers, Sona Jillani (Alexia Barlier) and Brit Vayner (Freddie Stroma). The G.R.S. team maintained a protective perimeter nearby, ready to intervene if necessary. During this operation, Rone's keen observation skills detected suspicious individuals, prompting him to disembark from their vehicle, inadvertently exposing their position. Alerted to the compromised situation, Jack swiftly ensured Sona and Brit were safely extracted.

The team was subsequently relocated to the Special Mission compound, the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens (Matt Letscher). Here, they met additional security personnel, including Dave Ubben (Demetrius Gross) and Scott Wickland (David Giuntoli), and familiarized themselves with the layout and security protocols of the compound.

The morning of September 11th, 2012, dawned with an unsettling premonition. Ambassador Stevens observed individuals loitering around the compound, taking photographs, which he promptly reported to his security detail. Meanwhile, at The Annex, the G.R.S. team attempted to connect with their families. Jack shared a poignant conversation with his wife, Becky (Wrenn Schmidt), and their daughters. During their call, one of his daughters inadvertently revealed that Becky was expecting their third child, a piece of news that brought a mix of joy and apprehension to Jack, given the volatile circumstances.

As night fell, the relative calm was shattered by a coordinated assault. A large group of militants launched a ferocious attack on the Special Mission compound. The external guards, overwhelmed, surrendered. The attackers breached the compound, unleashing a barrage of gunfire. Wickland, in a desperate attempt to protect Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith (Christopher Dungli), ushered them into the compound's panic room. Realizing they could not breach the reinforced door, the militants resorted to a brutal tactic: dousing the floor with diesel fuel and igniting it. The ensuing inferno filled the panic room with thick, suffocating smoke. Wickland managed to escape the flames, but tragically, Ambassador Stevens and Smith perished within the room.

News of the attack reached The Annex, and the G.R.S. team was immediately aware of the unfolding crisis. Their urgent plea to deploy and assist was once again denied by the Chief, who feared leaving The Annex vulnerable to a potential attack. Undeterred by the direct orders, the team made the critical decision to disregard their command and proceed to the Special Mission compound. Upon arrival, Jack and Rone discovered Sean Smith's body, a victim of smoke inhalation. As they began their withdrawal back to The Annex, their convoy was targeted by militants armed with RPGs and AK-47s. The G.R.S. team returned fire, engaging in a fierce firefight as they retreated.

In the midst of the escalating chaos, CIA officers at The Annex desperately sought assistance from nearby airbases, hoping to coordinate an airstrike against the advancing militants. Their efforts were successful in contacting Glen "Bub" Doherty (Toby Stephens), another G.R.S. officer stationed in Tripoli. Doherty swiftly assembled his own team and embarked on a perilous journey to Benghazi to provide reinforcement.

The militants, however, continued their relentless assault, shifting their focus to The Annex. The G.R.S. team inside valiantly defended their position, enduring intense gunfire and heavy shelling. Both sides attempted to regroup and strategize amidst the pandemonium. The arrival of Glen Doherty and his team provided a much-needed surge of support. Shortly thereafter, the G.R.S. team received the devastating news that Ambassador Stevens' body had been recovered, confirming his death from smoke inhalation.

The Annex received further communication indicating that additional help was en route. However, the respite was short-lived. The militants regrouped and launched a mortar strike directly at The Annex. The devastating attack resulted in the deaths of Rone, struck by an explosion, and Glen Doherty, who was killed moments later. Oz sustained a severe injury, his left arm mangled by shrapnel. Jack, finding his best friend Rone's lifeless body, was overcome with grief.

As dawn broke, the surviving G.R.S. members found themselves in an extremely precarious position, vulnerable and depleted. A large convoy of vehicles approached The Annex. Initially, Tanto, with his weapon trained, prepared for another confrontation. However, he soon received a signal indicating that the approaching vehicles carried friendly forces. Relief washed over the exhausted team as men from the Libyan army emerged, ready to assist. These Libyan soldiers gathered the surviving Americans, escorting them to an airfield. The bodies of Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith, Rone, and Glen Doherty were recovered and prepared for transport.

Before their departure, the Chief, facing the consequences of his earlier decisions, was confronted by Jack. Jack, reminding him of his partial responsibility for the lives lost, compelled him to board the plane. Before leaving, Jack made a call to Becky, assuring her of his safety. The emotional toll of the events became evident as he broke down, confessing that Rone had not survived. As the plane ascended, Jack uncovered Rone's body, taking one last look at his fallen comrade.

The concluding text revealed that 28 Americans were successfully rescued that day. Libya, subsequently, was declared a failed state and became a significant stronghold for ISIS. Ten days following the attack, a somber gathering of thousands of Libyans took place to mourn Ambassador Stevens. The Chief and the surviving members of the G.R.S. were honored with medals in a private ceremony, after which they retired to spend time with their families. The film, "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi," directed by Michael Bay, is a gripping war, action, history, drama, and thriller that premiered in 2016, starring John Krasinski and James Badge Dale, and stands as a testament to the courage displayed by six men when everything went wrong.