REVIEW: “13 Hours” of action-packed excellence

By Emma Juchau,
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

An old combat adage states that “war is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.” The film “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” accurately depicts both.

“13 Hours” tells the incredible true story of six ex-military members of the Annex Security Team stationed at an undercover CIA base in Benghazi, Libya. The men work together and go above and beyond the call of duty, defending the compound for 13 hours against overwhelming odds on Sept. 11, 2012.

One thing after another goes wrong as the temporary consulate in Benghazi is attacked by Islamic militants. The team, led by Tyrone “Rone” Woods (James Badge Dale), disobeys orders from the CIA Station Chief at the Annex and travels the one-mile distance to the consulate to protect the ambassador.

The team engages in a pitched battle there, successfully rescuing U.S. personnel. After returning to the Annex, the men find that the fight is not over yet, as militants besiege the compound throughout the night.

Beginning with interviews from the surviving members of the Annex Security Team, viewers get a sense of what really happened before the story unfolds.

Director Michael Bay’s signature hand-held filming technique is present throughout the film, making the audience feel in the middle of the scene. At times, the technique brings the confusion of war to life.

The film’s action-filled storyline and excellent pacing by Bay keeps the audience on the edge of their seats for the entire film, constantly wondering what’s going to happen next.

John Krasinski stars as Jack Silva, the newest member of the Annex Security Team. The serious role and tone of the film is unusual for Krasinski who is best known for his role in “The Office.” Nevertheless, Krasinski embraces his role and puts together an outstanding performance.

“13 Hours” brings the fog of war to the viewers through the uncertainty of who exactly the enemy is. “Are we expecting any friendlies?” becomes a mantra throughout the film as agents attempt to identify everyone approaching the compound.

The emotional strain from the events is shown by the actors with heart-wrenching realism as the movie progresses. “13 Hours” accurately brings the viewer to the battle scene, encompassing the fear and horror of war.

The film realistically conveys the camaraderie of the crew, and the tension and fear that invades their minds while waiting for the next attack. In between each impending battle the viewer gets a glimpse into the lives of each of the men, and learns about their families and what each has left behind in America.

Unlike typical war and action-type films, “13 Hours” brings to the screen a sense of loss for both sides of the fight. The U.S. personnel in Benghazi aren’t the only ones to experience tragedy; this becomes clear in a brief scene at the end showing the loss of life and innocence for Benghazi locals.

“13 Hours” takes place during an incredibly violent and unpredictable time in Libyan history, just after the Libyan revolution. The realistic graphics combine with the story for a bloody and, at times, hard-to-watch film.