13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Michael Bay (Transformers) brings his explosion-triggering, flag-waving style of direction to this account of the six-member security team that went to the aid of Americans trapped in the embassy in Benghazi, when it came under fire. Stars John Krasinski (TV’s The Office), James Badge Dale (Iron Man 3) and Max Martini (Pacific Rim).
Post-Gaddafi Libya is well on its way to becoming a failed state when Jack Da Silva (Krasinski) arrives to take up a position as a private security contractor protecting US Embassy staff and their families. Da Silva hasn't been on the ground for long before US compounds come under attack from hundreds of militants, the armed team finding themselves the last line of defence in a lawless city lacking a formal American military presence.
- Director:
- Michael Bay ('Transformers', 'Bad Boys', 'Armageddon', 'Pain & Gain')
- Writer:
- Chuck Hogan
- Cast:
- John KrasinskiPablo SchreiberToby StephensDavid DenmanMax MartiniJames Badge Dale
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksI saw Michael Bay’s latest film and I did not hate it. Choosing to leave aside key political considerations - the timing of this film depicting controversial events that have dogged a frontrunning presidential candidate and its accuracy in doing so - helps, with the results being predictably jingoistic, but still an intense watch. Yes, it’s basically a big screen Call of Duty once the gunplay commences, as a few highly-skilled and heavily-armed US military contractors do their utmost to repel waves of Islamic militants during one night in chaotic post-Gaddafi Libya.
Bay's Propaganda?
Michael Bay is well known for his high action impact films that burst to the brim with unbridled patriotism. Each paint a picture of sheer superiority for the 'red, white and blue' in its devoted battle against insurmountable odds for the good of man kind and '13 Hours' is no different. Bay's flirtation with a serious event takes time to build but when the...
Time Out
pressThe final word on this incident will require a more thoughtful filmmaker. But hopefully, that artist will possess at least half of Bay’s punishing, peerless craft.
The New York Times
pressThe movie is a pummeling slog - 45 minutes of setup and an eternity of relentless combat.
Rolling Stone
pressThere’s nothing wrong with a movie that cheers American heroes. But this one does so by reducing everything else to cardboard.
Los Angeles Times
pressThe film wants us to feel, as one of the men they protect says, "I'm proud to know Americans like you," but we're never really given the opportunity.
Little White Lies
pressIt's all so hateful. Hates women. Hates talking. Hates tact. Loves guns.
Hollywood Reporter
pressHe gets you there, but you know the ride could have been a lot more varied and nuanced.
Entertainment Weekly
pressThere’s a real story of American heroism somewhere in here, but it’s diluted by Bay’s worst tendencies.
Empire Magazine
pressBay squanders the potential to explore the nuances of a politically sensitive issue and instead descends into a gruesome display of war porn.
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksI saw Michael Bay’s latest film and I did not hate it. Choosing to leave aside key political considerations - the timing of this film depicting controversial events that have dogged a frontrunning presidential candidate and its accuracy in doing so - helps, with the results being predictably jingoistic, but still an intense watch. Yes, it’s basically a big screen Call of Duty once the gunplay commences, as a few highly-skilled and heavily-armed US military contractors do their utmost to repel waves of Islamic militants during one night in chaotic post-Gaddafi Libya.
Time Out
pressThe final word on this incident will require a more thoughtful filmmaker. But hopefully, that artist will possess at least half of Bay’s punishing, peerless craft.
The New York Times
pressThe movie is a pummeling slog - 45 minutes of setup and an eternity of relentless combat.
Rolling Stone
pressThere’s nothing wrong with a movie that cheers American heroes. But this one does so by reducing everything else to cardboard.
Los Angeles Times
pressThe film wants us to feel, as one of the men they protect says, "I'm proud to know Americans like you," but we're never really given the opportunity.
Little White Lies
pressIt's all so hateful. Hates women. Hates talking. Hates tact. Loves guns.
Hollywood Reporter
pressHe gets you there, but you know the ride could have been a lot more varied and nuanced.
Entertainment Weekly
pressThere’s a real story of American heroism somewhere in here, but it’s diluted by Bay’s worst tendencies.
Empire Magazine
pressBay squanders the potential to explore the nuances of a politically sensitive issue and instead descends into a gruesome display of war porn.
Bay's Propaganda?
Michael Bay is well known for his high action impact films that burst to the brim with unbridled patriotism. Each paint a picture of sheer superiority for the 'red, white and blue' in its devoted battle against insurmountable odds for the good of man kind and '13 Hours' is no different. Bay's flirtation with a serious event takes time to build but when...
Share