13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

2016 film by Michael Bay 13 Hours (film) the 2010 British film 13Hrs13Hrs the 2014 book on which the film is based 13 Hours (book)13 Hours (book) April 2018 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi 13 Hours poster.png Theatrical release poster A soldier running from an explosion, fire and dirt in the air. Text is overlaid in large white block letters "When everything went wrong six men had the courage to do what was right" Michael Bay Michael Bay Erwin Stoff Chuck Hogan 13 Hours Mitchell Zuckoff James Badge Dale John Krasinski Max Martini Lorne Balfe 3 Arts Entertainment Bay Films Dion Beebe Pietro Scalia Michael McCusker Calvin Wimmer Paramount Pictures 2016 01 12 AT&T Stadium 2016 01 15 United States 144 minuteshttps://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00mjkynjg 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi (15) British Board of Film Classification January 19, 2016 January 19, 2016 April 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210420102243/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00mjkynjg live United States English $50 millionhttps://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt4172430/ 13 Hours (2016) Box Office Mojo IMDb July 23, 2025https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/13-Hours-The-Secret-Soldiers-of-Benghazi#tab=summary 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) The Numbers Nash Information Services, LLC. July 23, 2025 $69.4 million 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a 2016 American biographical action-thriller film, directed and produced by Michael Bay. Written by Chuck Hogan, it is based on the 2014 non-fiction book 13 Hours by American author Mitchell Zuckoff. The film follows six members of the Annex Security Team who fought to defend the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya after waves of attacks by militants on September 11, 2012. The film stars James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Pablo Schreiber, Max Martini, David Denman and Dominic Fumusa, with supporting roles by Toby Stephens, Alexia Barlier and David Costabile. Filming on location began on April 27, 2015, in Libya. Upon its release on January 15, 2016, by Paramount Pictures, 13 Hours grossed over $69 million worldwide against a production budget of $50 million, becoming one of Bay's lowest-grossing films. It also received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its performances, action sequences, and dark tone, but criticized the script for historical liberties. Bay's direction also received a mixed response, with many criticizing his emphasis on over-the-top action, but some also noting it as one of his most mature and grounded films. 13 Hours received an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Mixing at the 89th Academy Awards. Plot 2012 Benghazi attack In 2012, following the overthrow of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Benghazi is named one of the most dangerous places in the world. While several countries have pulled their embassies out of Libya in fear of an attack by militants, the U.S. still has a diplomatic compound open in the city. Less than a mile away is a CIA outpost called the Annex, which is protected by a team of private military contractors from Global Response Staff (GRS). New to the detail is Jack Silva, who arrives in Benghazi and is picked up by Tyrone "Rone" Woods, commander of the GRS team and a personal friend of his. Arriving at the Annex, he is introduced to the rest of the GRS team and the CIA Chief-of-Station, who constantly reminds them never to engage the citizens. The U.S. Ambassador Stevens arrives in Benghazi to maintain diplomatic connections amidst the political and social chaos. Despite warnings, he decides to stay at the Special Mission with limited protection from a pair of Diplomatic Security (DS) agents, Wickland and Ubben, and guards hired from the local February 17th Martyrs Brigade militia, nicknamed "17-Feb". On the morning of the eleventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Stevens notices suspicious men taking pictures of the compound and notifies his security detail. Back at the Annex, Silva finds out that his wife is pregnant. That night, a group of militants from Ansar al-Sharia assault the compound. The 17-Feb guards quickly surrender their posts, allowing the attackers easy access to the Special Mission compound. Wickland takes Stevens and Smith, an IT specialist, into the safe room. Unable to breach it, the attackers set the building on fire, hoping to burn them out. Wickland escapes but loses both Stevens and Smith. At the Annex, the GRS team desperately wants to go to the compound to help, but the Chief refuses, fearing that the team's departure would leave the Annex vulnerable. However, the team is dispatched to the compound and meets with the DS agents. Silva and Woods go into the building to search for Stevens and Smith, but only find Smith's body. The DS team retreats to the Annex, but after Wickland goes in the wrong direction, they are followed back to the Annex. Later, the GRS team also retreats to the Annex. Knowing an attack by the militants is imminent, the CIA staff of the Annex makes several desperate calls for help. The only help they can get is from Doherty, a GRS officer in Tripoli, who forms a team including two Delta operators that fly to Benghazi after several delays. Meanwhile, the GRS team fends off the militants as they try to breach the Annex perimeter. After repelling the largest attack wave, they receive word from ISR that help is en route. The Tripoli GRS reinforcements arrive, preparing the CIA and DS staff to head for the airport. The militants launch a mortar attack in which Ubben and Geist are wounded; Geist's left arm is partially severed, and Ubben's right leg suffers a compound fracture. Woods and Doherty are both killed by mortar. With the GRS team compromised and the Annex now vulnerable, the remaining GRS operators watch as a convoy of vehicles rolls toward them. Fearing the worst, the operators prepare to make a final stand, until it is revealed that the convoy is part of the Libya Shield Force militia escorting the GRS reinforcements. They also discover Stevens was found behind the compound, but was pronounced dead at the hospital. At the airport, the CIA staff and the wounded Geist board the plane to Tripoli while the remainder of the GRS team awaits the next plane with the bodies of Stevens, Smith, Woods, and Doherty. Closing titles reveal that all of the surviving Annex security team members received contractor medals in a private ceremony and have since retired from the GRS team and live with their families. Cast GRS Team John Krasinski as Jack Silva, newest member of the team and former US Navy SEALhttps://www.nationalreview.com/2016/01/13-hours-benghazi-fictionalized/ Benghazi as Zombieland National Review January 15, 2016 December 29, 2020 April 23, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210423064412/https://www.nationalreview.com/2016/01/13-hours-benghazi-fictionalized/ live James Badge Dale as Tyrone S. "Rone" Woods, commander of the GRS team and former US Navy SEAL Max Martini as Mark "Oz" Geist, team member and retired US Marine Dominic Fumusa as John "Tig" Tiegen, team member and retired US Marine Pablo Schreiber as Kris "Tanto" Paronto, team member and former US Army Ranger David Denman as Dave "Boon" Benton, team member and retired US Marine Scout Sniper Toby Stephens as Glen "Bub" Doherty, GRS operator in Bakool, former US Navy SEAL, and good friend of Woods and Silva CIA Alexia Barlier as Sona Jillani, an undercover CIA Officer in Libya Freddie Stroma as Brit Vayner, an undercover CIA Officer in Libya David Costabile as "Bob" aka "The Chief", Benghazi CIA Chief-of-Station Shane Rowe as CIA Annex Cook, who participates in the defense of the Annex Gábor Bodis as CIA Agent, a security officer U.S. State Department Matt Letscher as J. Christopher Stevens, USA Ambassador to Libya0504762 Matt Letscher David Giuntoli as Scott Wickland, DSS Agent Demetrius Grosse as Dave Ubben, DSS Agent David Furr as Alec Henderson, DSS Agent Davide Tucci as Defense Attaché Christopher Dingli as Sean Smith, an IT specialist Civilians Wrenn Schmidt as Becky Silva, wife of Jack Silva Peyman Moaadi as Amahl, a local interpreter Production Development On February 10, 2014, it was announced that Paramount Pictures was in talks with 3 Arts Entertainment to acquire the film rights to the book 13 Hours, written by Mitchell Zuckoff, with Erwin Stoff to produce.Fleming Mike Jr. Paramount In Talks For Benghazi Attack Film Based On Book By Survivors https://deadline.com/2014/02/paramount-in-talks-for-benghazi-attack-film-based-on-book-by-survivors-680448/ May 4, 2015 Deadline Hollywood February 10, 2014 December 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225172857/https://deadline.com/2014/02/paramount-in-talks-for-benghazi-attack-film-based-on-book-by-survivors-680448/ live Chuck Hogan was set to adapt the book, based on the true events of The Benghazi Attack by militants on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi Libya, on the evening of September 11, 2012. The film would focus on six members of a security team that fought to defend the Americans stationed there. On October 29, 2014, Michael Bay was set to direct and produce the thriller.Kit Borys Michael Bay in Talks to Direct Benghazi Movie '13 Hours' (Exclusive) https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-talks-direct-benghazi-744933 May 4, 2015 The Hollywood Reporter October 29, 2014 March 25, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190325164410/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-talks-direct-benghazi-744933 live Casting On January 14, 2015, John Krasinski was cast to play a leading role, playing a former US Navy SEAL.Kroll Justin John Krasinski to Star in Michael Bay's Benghazi Movie '13 Hours' https://variety.com/2015/film/news/john-krasinski-13-hours-casting-michael-bay-1201372268/ January 15, 2015 Variety January 14, 2015 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061921/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/john-krasinski-13-hours-casting-michael-bay-1201372268/ live On February 3, Pablo Schreiber also signed on to star in the film, playing Kris "Tanto" Paronto, one of the six-man security team.Kroll Justin 'Orange is the New Black' Actor Pablo Schreiber Joins Michael Bay's '13 Hours' (EXCLUSIVE) https://variety.com/2015/film/news/orange-is-the-new-black-actor-pablo-schreiber-joins-michael-bays-13-hours-exclusive-1201422957/ February 5, 2015 Variety February 3, 2015 February 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150204085257/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/orange-is-the-new-black-actor-pablo-schreiber-joins-michael-bays-13-hours-exclusive-1201422957/ live On February 6, James Badge Dale was set to star, as the leader of the security team.Fleming Mike Jr. James Badge Dale Lands Lead In Michael Bay Benghazi Project '13 Hours' https://deadline.com/2015/02/james-badge-dale-michael-bay-benghazi-1201367580/ February 7, 2015 Deadline Hollywood February 6, 2015 December 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225172836/https://deadline.com/2015/02/james-badge-dale-michael-bay-benghazi-1201367580/ live Max Martini was cast as another member of the security team on February 17, 2015.Kroll Justin 'Pacific Rim' Actor Max Martini Joins Michael Bay's '13 Hours' (EXCLUSIVE) https://variety.com/2015/film/news/pacific-rim-actor-max-martini-joins-michael-bays-13-hours-exclusive-1201435244/ April 4, 2015 Variety February 17, 2015 March 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150323045634/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/pacific-rim-actor-max-martini-joins-michael-bays-13-hours-exclusive-1201435244/ live David Denman signed on to star in the film on March 3, 2015, playing Boon, an elite sniper.Kit Borys Michael Bay's '13 Hours' Finds Its Sniper in 'The Office' Actor (Exclusive) https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bays-13-hours-finds-778913 April 4, 2015 hollywoodreporter.com March 3, 2015 December 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225172839/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bays-13-hours-finds-778913 live On March 5, 2015, THR reported that Dominic Fumusa also signed on, to play John "Tig" Tiegen, one of the members of the security team, who is also a former Marine with weapons expertise.Ford Rebecca Michael Bay's '13 Hours' Adds 'Nurse Jackie' Actor Dominic Fumusa (Exclusive) https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bays-13-hours-adds-779590 May 4, 2015 The Hollywood Reporter March 5, 2015 December 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225172824/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bays-13-hours-adds-779590 live Freddie Stroma was added to the cast on March 17, 2015, to play the role of an undercover CIA officer in Libya.Pedersen Erik Freddie Stroma Has '13 Hours'; Christopher Gorham Lands Lead In 'Po'; 'Exeter' Set For DirecTV Bow https://deadline.com/2015/03/freddie-stroma-has-13-hours-christopher-gorham-lands-lead-in-po-exeter-set-for-directv-bow-1201394073/ May 10, 2015 Deadline Hollywood March 17, 2015 December 25, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225172900/https://deadline.com/2015/03/freddie-stroma-has-13-hours-christopher-gorham-lands-lead-in-po-exeter-set-for-directv-bow-1201394073/ live On May 7, 2015, Toby Stephens was set to play Glen "Bub" Doherty, another of the security team members.Kroll Justin 'Black Sails' Actor Toby Stephens Joins Michael Bay's '13 Hours' (EXCLUSIVE) https://variety.com/2015/film/news/toby-stephens-13-hours-cast-michael-bay-black-sails-1201490271/ May 10, 2015 Variety May 7, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150509084917/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/toby-stephens-13-hours-cast-michael-bay-black-sails-1201490271/ live Release On June 30, 2015, Paramount announced that the new title would be 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, and set the film to be released on January 15, 2016, on the MLK Holiday weekend.Lincoln Ross A. Paramount's '13 Hours' Benghazi Drama Confirmed For MLK Weekend 2016 https://deadline.com/2015/06/benghazi-drama-13-hours-benghazi-drama-in-theaters-mlk-2016-1201464746/ July 2, 2015 Deadline Hollywood June 30, 2015 March 31, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204423/https://deadline.com/2015/06/benghazi-drama-13-hours-benghazi-drama-in-theaters-mlk-2016-1201464746/ live The film premiered on January 12, 2016, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas,https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/movies/13-hours-gives-benghazi-attack-cinematic-treatment.html '13 Hours' Gives Benghazi Attack Cinematic Treatment Michael Cieplyjan The New York Times January 5, 2016 January 6, 2016 January 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160106082311/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/movies/13-hours-gives-benghazi-attack-cinematic-treatment.html live benefiting the Shadow Warriors Project, which supports private military security personnel and other groups. Unusual for a major American film, the film was given only a limited release in Canada during its American wide opening weekend, playing in select theatres in six cities. The film expanded to a wide release in Canadian theatres the following weekend, January 22–24.http://www.tribute.ca/movies/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi/111435/ 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Tribute.ca January 15, 2016 January 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160117220106/http://www.tribute.ca/movies/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi/111435 livehttp://filmjunk.com/2016/01/15/new-to-theatres-this-weekend-13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-ride-along-2-norm-of-the-north/ New to Theatres This Weekend: 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, Ride Along 2, Norm of the North – Film Junk Paramount specifically marketed the film to conservatives,Pulver Andrew January 15, 2016 Benghazi attack film 13 Hours is marketed to conservative audiences The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/15/benghazi-attack-film-13-hours-targets-conservative-audiences January 24, 2016 January 26, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160126171757/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/15/benghazi-attack-film-13-hours-targets-conservative-audiences live in a method similar to previous films Lone Survivor and American Sniper, both of which had beaten box office expectations. This included screening 13 Hours for key Republican Party figures in order to generate endorsement quotations.https://deadline.com/2016/01/13-hours-box-office-michael-by-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-republicans-1201684874/ '13 Hours' Opens Lower Than Expected; Being Politicized Didn't Help Anthony D'Alessandro Deadline Hollywood January 17, 2016 January 24, 2016 January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160123093417/http://deadline.com/2016/01/13-hours-box-office-michael-by-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-republicans-1201684874/ live Home media 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 7, 2016. Likely due to a boost from the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, the film made $40 million in DVD and Blu-ray sales by August 2016.http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/08/05/michael-bays-13-hours-gets-huge-sales-boost-as-election-nears.html Michael Bay's '13 Hours' gets huge sales boost as election nears Fox News 2016-08-05 January 28, 2017 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161022133159/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/08/05/michael-bays-13-hours-gets-huge-sales-boost-as-election-nears.html 2016-10-22https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bays-benghazi-film-gets-916588 Michael Bay's Benghazi Film Gets Trump Bump in Home Video The Hollywood Reporter 2016-08-04 McClintock, Pamela April 17, 2020 July 15, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200715064035/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bays-benghazi-film-gets-916588 live It was released on 4K UHD Blu-Ray on June 11, 2019.13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi 4K Blu-ray https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/13-Hours-The-Secret-Soldiers-of-Benghazi-4K-Blu-ray/238779/ 2019-04-23 April 23, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190423135227/https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/13-Hours-The-Secret-Soldiers-of-Benghazi-4K-Blu-ray/238779/ live Reception Box office 13 Hours grossed $52.8 million in North America and $16.6 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $69.4 million, against a production budget of $50 million, making it Michael Bay's second lowest-grossing directorial film after Ambulance.https://variety.com/2022/film/box-office/ambulance-michael-bay-box-office-flop-1235229377/ Has Netflix Killed Original Action Movies? Why Michael Bay's 'Ambulance' Crashed at the Box Office Variety April 11, 2022 April 11, 2022 The film was projected to earn around $20 million in its four-day Martin Luther King weekend debut. It faced competition from fellow newcomer Ride Along 2, as well as holdovers The Revenant and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-movie-projector-20160113-story.html 'Ride Along 2' is likely to take over No. 1 spot at box office this weekend Ryan Faughnder Los Angeles Times January 13, 2016 January 13, 2016 January 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160113135512/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-movie-projector-20160113-story.html live Other films in a similar vein that had opened on the MLK weekend in previous years, American Sniper ($107.2 million in 2015) and Lone Survivor ($37.8 million in 2014), found success, although they had faced weaker competition, and were considered less politically divisive.https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-13-hours-855167 Box-Office Preview: Michael Bay's Benghazi Movie '13 Hours' Could Be Politically Divisive Pamela McClintock The Hollywood Reporter January 12, 2016 January 13, 2016 January 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160114054905/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-13-hours-855167 live However, The Hollywood Reporter noted that the film could outperform expectations if it was buoyed by waves of patriotism. The film made $900,000 from 1,995 theaters during its Thursday previews and $16.2 million in its opening weekend, finishing fourth at the box office.https://deadline.com/2016/01/ride-along-2-begins-to-zoom-in-thursday-previews-box-office-1201683644/ 'Ride Along 2' Continues No. 1 Journey With $41.5M; '13 Hours' Clocks $19.65M – Monday Update Deadline Hollywood D'Alessandro, Anthony 18 January 2016 Paramount Pictures' controversial 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is coming in lower than its $20M-$23M industry projection, but stronger than anticipated with a $19.65M FSSM and $16.2M in its 3-day B.O. April 17, 2020 January 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160117101525/http://deadline.com/2016/01/ride-along-2-begins-to-zoom-in-thursday-previews-box-office-1201683644/ live The film added 528 theaters in its second weekend and grossed $9 million, a 39.8% drop.https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4148&p=.htm 'The Revenant' Weathers Snow Storm While Weekend's Newcomers Perform as Expected Brad Brevet Box Office Mojo January 24, 2016 January 25, 2016 January 25, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160125222158/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4148&p=.htm live Critical response 13 Hours received mixed reviews from critics, though some viewed it as a welcomed tame effort from Michael Bay.https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-review-dramatized-look-at-the-deadly-2012-benghazi-attack-b90270 '13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi' review: Dramatized look at the deadly 2012 Benghazi attack Rafer Guzmán Newsday January 17, 2016 January 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160118000217/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-review-dramatized-look-at-the-deadly-2012-benghazi-attack-1.11328669 livehttp://www.cinemalogue.com/2016/01/15/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi/ 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Jorgenson Todd January 16, 2016 Cinemalogue.com January 18, 2016 December 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171211085859/http://cinemalogue.com/2016/01/15/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi live http://theyoungfolks.com/review/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-michael-bay/70719 Movie Review: '13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi' – The Young Folks The Young Folks January 16, 2016 January 17, 2016 January 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160119143047/http://theyoungfolks.com/review/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-michael-bay/70719 livehttp://www.fatguysatthemovies.com/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-movie-review/ Fat Guys at the Movies - '13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi' Movie Review Fat Guys at the Movies January 15, 2016 January 17, 2016 January 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160118122253/http://www.fatguysatthemovies.com/13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-movie-review/ livehttp://www.tri-cityherald.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/mr-movie/article54596165.html Mr. Movie: '13 Hours' a dragged out version of Benghazi you've never heard Tri-City Herald Wolcott, Gary 14 January 2016 January 17, 2016 June 20, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170620184138/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/mr-movie/article54596165.html live On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 52% based on 223 reviews, with an average rating of 5.60/10. The site's consensus reads, "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."movie 13_hours_the_secret_soldiers_of_benghazi April 26, 2025 On Metacritic the film has a score of 48 out of 100, based on 36 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.movie 13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi April 26, 2025 Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CY0f1EJUAAAeatD.png The Grades Are In CinemaScore April 8, 2017 April 9, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170409174641/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CY0f1EJUAAAeatD.png live Soren Andersen, writing for The Seattle Times, gave the film 3 stars out of 4, criticizing the lack of distinctive characters but ultimately summarizing 13 Hours as "engrossing" and "a ground-level depiction of heroism in the midst of the fog of war".http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/13-hours-a-gripping-look-at-what-happened-in-benghazi/ 13 Hours: a gripping look at what happened in Benghazi Soren Andersen Seattle Times January 14, 2016 January 14, 2016 January 30, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160130225203/http://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/13-hours-a-gripping-look-at-what-happened-in-benghazi/ live Richard Roeper similarly praised 13 Hours in his review for the Chicago Sun-Times. Although he lamented the script, Roeper found the film to be a "solid action thriller with well-choreographed battle sequences and strong work from the ensemble cast".https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/3/6/18473564/13-hours-keeps-focus-on-benghazi-fight-fighters '13 Hours' keeps focus on Benghazi fight, fighters Roeper, Richard Chicago Sun-Times March 6, 2016 January 14, 2016 January 3, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200103035852/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/3/6/18473564/13-hours-keeps-focus-on-benghazi-fight-fighters live Like Roeper's review, New York Daily News Joe Dziemianowicz was less receptive toward the script, but applauded the film's focus on the real-life attack, summarizing: "War is gritty here, not glamorous... [Michael Bay] delivers a gripping, harrowing, and heartfelt film."http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/michael-bay-13-hours-gripping-benghazi-story-article-1.2495477 Movie review: Michael Bay's '13 Hours' is a gripping Benghazi story with a ripped John Krasinski Joe Dziemianowicz New York Daily News January 13, 2016 January 14, 2016 January 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160115073200/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/michael-bay-13-hours-gripping-benghazi-story-article-1.2495477 live In a mixed review, Inkoo Kang of TheWrap praised 13 Hours for its action scenes, but panned Bay's direction as "myopic". She writes, "13 Hours is the rare Michael Bay movie that wasn't made with teenage boys in mind. But that doesn't make his latest any less callously juvenile."https://www.thewrap.com/13-hours-review-john-krasinski-james-badge-dale-pablo-schreiber/ '13 Hours' Review: Michael Bay's Benghazi Tale Has Way More Bullets Than Brains Inkoo Kang TheWrap January 13, 2016 January 14, 2016 January 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160115031241/http://www.thewrap.com/13-hours-review-john-krasinski-james-badge-dale-pablo-schreiber/ live Lindsey Bahr of the Associated Press was critical of the film's direction and cinematography, and found the screenplay to be confusing.https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/review-13-hours-thrilling-video-game-36279697 Review: '13 Hours' Is Thrilling, but Too Video Game-Like Lindsey Bahr ABC News January 14, 2016 April 17, 2020 January 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160118193047/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/review-13-hours-thrilling-video-game-36279697 live Similarly, The Economist described the film as "a sleek, poorly scripted and largely meaningless film". Libyan response The film caused controversy in Libya.https://nypost.com/2015/10/20/hollywood-benghazi-film-sparks-controversy-inside-libya/ Hollywood Benghazi film sparks controversy inside Libya New York Post 20 October 2015 December 9, 2017 June 27, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170627210914/http://nypost.com/2015/10/20/hollywood-benghazi-film-sparks-controversy-inside-libya/ live According to The Guardian, a Libyan social media post claimed it ignored the contributions of local people who attempted to save the US ambassador.https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/22/michael-bay-13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-libyan-politicians-bloggers-criticism-social-media Angry Libyans slam Michael Bay's Benghazi attack thriller The Guardian 22 October 2015 Child, Ben July 18, 2016 March 30, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170330180123/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/22/michael-bay-13-hours-the-secret-soldiers-of-benghazi-libyan-politicians-bloggers-criticism-social-media live Libya's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Salah Belnaba, denounced the film's portrayal of the Libyan people and described it as "fanatical and ignorant."https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hollywood-benghazi-film-sparking-anger-inside-libya/ Hollywood Benghazi film sparking anger inside Libya CBS News 20 October 2015 April 17, 2020 April 18, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200418084703/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hollywood-benghazi-film-sparking-anger-inside-libya/ live Culture and Information Minister, Omar Gawaari, also criticized the film saying: "the movie shows the US contractors who actually failed to secure the ambassador [...] as heroes", adding that Michael Bay "turned America's failure to protect its own citizens in a fragile state into a typical action movie all about American heroism".http://www.bbc.com/arabic/artandculture/2015/10/151020_libya_film_controversy فيلم حول الهجوم على القنصلية الأمريكية في بنغازي يثير جدلا داخل ليبيا A film about the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi is stirring controversy inside Libya BBC 21 October 2015 ar July 18, 2016 June 12, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160612214615/http://www.bbc.com/arabic/artandculture/2015/10/151020_libya_film_controversy live Accolades At the 89th Academy Awards, 13 Hours received a nomination for Best Sound Mixing.https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jan/24/la-la-land-equals-record-for-most-oscar-nominations La La Land equals record for most Oscar nominations January 24, 2017 The Guardian January 24, 2017 March 7, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170307144255/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jan/24/la-la-land-equals-record-for-most-oscar-nominations live However, Greg P. Russell (one of the four nominees from the film) had his nomination rescinded when it was discovered that he had contacted voters for the award by telephone in violation of campaigning regulations. Calvario Liz https://deadline.com/2017/02/13-hours-academy-rescinds-sound-mixing-nomination-greg-p-russell-1201989100/ Academy Rescinds Sound Mixing Nomination for Greg P. Russell of '13 Hours' Deadline Hollywood February 25, 2017 February 25, 2017 November 15, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201115024216/https://deadline.com/2017/02/13-hours-academy-rescinds-sound-mixing-nomination-greg-p-russell-1201989100/ live Historical accuracy The film's historical accuracy has been disputed. In the film's most controversial scene, the CIA chief in Benghazi (identified only as "Bob") tells the military contractors there when they seek permission to go defend the embassy to "stand down" and thus denies them permission. The real-life CIA chief stated that there was no stand-down order.https://www.vox.com/2016/1/15/10774928/13-hours-benghazi-michael-bay Michael Bay's 13 Hours promotes some of the worst Benghazi conspiracy theories Zack Beauchamp January 15, 2016 Vox January 17, 2016 January 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160117050550/http://www.vox.com/2016/1/15/10774928/13-hours-benghazi-michael-bay live National Review commentator David French argues that "There is much less evidence of a stand-down order from Washington or of such an order in Tripoli — at least one that would have prevented American help from arising on a timely basis. But it would be odd indeed if Washington was immediately micro-managing the emerging and confusing firefight in Benghazi."13 Hours: Of Course There's Evidence of a 'Stand-Down Order' in Benghazi http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/429855/13-hours-yes-there-evidence-stand-down-order-benghazi David French National Review January 15, 2016 January 29, 2016 March 30, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170330174706/http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/429855/13-hours-yes-there-evidence-stand-down-order-benghazi live Kris "Tanto" Paronto, a CIA contractor who was involved in action during the event, said, "We were told to 'stand down'. Those words were used verbatim—100 percent. If the truth of it affects someone's political career? Well, I'm sorry. It happens."New Benghazi movie reignites 'stand-down' order debate https://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/benghazi-movie-stand-down-order-debate-217622 POLITICO Bade, Rachael 14 January 2016 18 January 2016 December 15, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201215210133/https://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/benghazi-movie-stand-down-order-debate-217622 live The CIA base chief portrayed in the film has directly contradicted Paronto's claims, saying "There never was a stand-down order.... At no time did I ever second-guess that the team would depart."Daly Matthew AP FACT CHECK: Benghazi movie misstates some facts http://wtop.com/movies/2016/01/ap-fact-check-benghazi-movie-misstates-some-facts/ WTOP (Associated Press) January 20, 2016 May 2, 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160415024226/http://wtop.com/movies/2016/01/ap-fact-check-benghazi-movie-misstates-some-facts/ April 15, 2016 Also disputed is the film's portrayal that air support was denied. A House Armed Services Committee report found that air support was unavailable or that it would have arrived too late to make a difference.M.S.R. Could a Hollywood film about Benghazi damage Clinton? https://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2016/01/outstandown-nonsense-0 January 18, 2016 January 19, 2016 The Economist January 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160119013733/http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2016/01/outstandown-nonsense-0 live See also Counterterrorism Center List of films featuring the United States Navy SEALs References External links https://www.thirteenhoursmovie.com 4172430 13hoursthesecretsoldiersofbenghazi 13_hours_the_secret_soldiers_of_benghazi 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi at History vs. Hollywood Category:2016 films Category:2016 action drama films Category:2016 American films Category:2016 English-language films Category:2012 Benghazi attack Category:3 Arts Entertainment films Category:Action thriller films based on actual events Category:American action drama films Category:American films based on actual events Category:American war films Category:Films about the Central Intelligence Agency Category:Films about terrorism in Africa Category:Films based on non-fiction books Category:Films directed by Michael Bay Category:Films produced by Michael Bay Category:Films produced by Erwin Stoff Category:Films scored by Lorne Balfe Category:Films set in 2012 Category:Films set in Libya Category:Films shot in Malta Category:Films shot in Morocco Category:Paramount Pictures films Category:Works by Chuck Hogan