Review of 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) by Wendi C — 22 Apr 2016

"13 Hours" is a story of courage through an intense and dangerous night, but one must take off their blue or red colored glasses to appreciate the message. The movie is based on an actual event that took place in Libya in the year 2012. At first, I thought the movie was politically motivated due to the content and timing of the release. However, after watching "13 Hours", I felt differently about it. The focus of the movie was behind the 6 men who were in Benghazi to defend the Americans living there at the time on assignment. There was no mention of major political figures involving this controversial event during the movie.

With the focus on these 6 men, I think the movie did a great job giving the audience a feeling of what that night was like in Benghazi. To feel surrounded by people who want to kill you and not knowing when or if help was even coming, must have been a very horrific situation. "13 Hours" gave the audience a glimpse into the fear and also the courage it took to protect the Americans who were in Benghazi at that time. Throughout the movie, we are given glimpses into the personal lives of these men to add an emotional connection. The acting was well done especially by John Krasinski who portrayed the main character of the movie. The movie portrays some very violent scenes as well that can be hard to see and the sound effects make you feel like you're right there in Benghazi. The director, Michael Bay, accomplishes his goal of creating a very heroic movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat with the intensity of the event.

If you are planning on seeing this movie, put political agendas aside and allow yourself to have a small glimpse of what these people experienced that night in Benghazi. Without a red or blue view, you may just gain some sympathy for the Americans who survived the attack and the 4 who lost their lives.