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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

R Released Jan 15, 2016 2h 24m War Mystery & Thriller Drama TRAILER for List
52% Tomatometer 225 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
On Sept. 11, 2012, Islamic militants attack the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, an officer for the Foreign Service. Stationed less than one mile away are members (James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini) of the Annex Security Team, former soldiers assigned to protect operatives and diplomats in the city. As the assault rages on, the six men engage the combatants in a fierce firefight to save the lives of the remaining Americans.
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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

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Critics Consensus

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a comparatively mature and restrained effort from Michael Bay, albeit one that can't quite boast the impact its fact-based story deserves.

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Critics Reviews

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Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com The emotional component is cheapened, at least partially, inserting a level of bad taste into the proceedings I found difficult to get past. Rated: 2/4 Aug 16, 2016 Full Review Max Weiss Baltimore Magazine Makes American Sniper look positively pacifist by comparison. Rated: 2/4 Jun 12, 2016 Full Review Jason Bailey Flavorwire Punishingly paced, flimsily constructed, and tackily executed, with the subtlety and panache of a third-rate 1930s melodrama. Apr 27, 2016 Full Review Brendan Cassidy InSession Film 13 Hours is proof that if Michael Bay wants to take something seriously, he does have the skill to do so. Rated: B Jun 17, 2024 Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson Michael Bay's film cannot help itself from taking brotherhood-fueled sides and blow everything up. Rated: 1/5 Sep 4, 2023 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Despite its flaws, I still found myself glued to the story... Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 25, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Cayce L Amazingly poignant and emotional retelling of the incredible events of that night. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/12/24 Full Review Parker P It felt like every character was trying to “outman” each other, and the action scene was as exciting as one of those zombie mobile game ads. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 09/05/24 Full Review David C 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a powerful and gripping film that deserves a 4.5-star rating for its compelling portrayal of the harrowing events that took place in Libya in 2012. The film excels in its intense action sequences, realistic depiction of the chaos and danger faced by the security team, and its respectful treatment of the true story it is based on. The performances, particularly by John Krasinski and the ensemble cast, bring a raw, emotional depth that captures the courage and sacrifice of those involved. One of the most significant aspects of 13 Hours is its importance in highlighting the reality of what happened during the Benghazi attack. The film does not need to resort to overt political commentary or finger-pointing to convey the frustration and helplessness felt by the men on the ground. Instead, it effectively uses the lack of timely support and the confusion surrounding the chain of command to illustrate the consequences of bureaucratic indecision. This approach has made the film a target for partisan critics who find it uncomfortable that the administration is portrayed in a negative light, not through explicit condemnation but through the articulation of their inaction. While some may argue that the film could have delved deeper into the political ramifications of the attack, 13 Hours wisely focuses on the human element, making it an emotionally resonant and impactful experience. It serves as an important reminder of the bravery of those who serve in dangerous situations and the complexities of international crises. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/01/24 Full Review Brian D 86%. 6/30/24. Michael Bay film based on a true story where the Ambassador is killed in Libya and the locals find and attack the covert CIA base that the Americans need to defend and hold off until reinforcements come. Thrilling film. Didn't quite love the dynamic of the story but very exciting. 5/5 rewatch Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/02/24 Full Review Norm S A must watch. Well written, lots of action and great acting!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/10/24 Full Review Audience Member Great movie. Heartbreaking and tough to watch towards the end Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/23/24 Full Review Read all reviews
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

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Cast & Crew

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Mortar Storm 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Mortar Storm 2:13 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Attack on the U.S. Consulate 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Attack on the U.S. Consulate 2:13 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Holding Off Hostiles 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Holding Off Hostiles 2:13 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - The First Wave 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - The First Wave 2:13 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Fallen Soldiers 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Fallen Soldiers 2:27 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - They're With Us 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - They're With Us 2:13 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Welcome to Benghazi 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Welcome to Benghazi 2:13 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Wrong Turn 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Wrong Turn 2:13 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Escaping the Compound 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Escaping the Compound 2:14 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Take Out the Technical 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Take Out the Technical 2:13 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis On Sept. 11, 2012, Islamic militants attack the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, an officer for the Foreign Service. Stationed less than one mile away are members (James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini) of the Annex Security Team, former soldiers assigned to protect operatives and diplomats in the city. As the assault rages on, the six men engage the combatants in a fierce firefight to save the lives of the remaining Americans.
Director
Michael Bay
Producer
Erwin Stoff, Michael Bay
Screenwriter
Chuck Hogan
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
3 Arts Entertainment, Bay Films
Rating
R (Language|Bloody Images|Strong Combat Violence)
Genre
War, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 15, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 24, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$52.8M
Runtime
2h 24m
Sound Mix
Datasat, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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