13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

"Things change fast here in Benghazi." Jack Silva (Krasinski) has just been reassigned as a guard for the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. What starts off as a routine assignment changes on September 11, 2012. When a group of insurgents breach the Embassy and attempt to kill the US Ambassador, Jack and his group of 6 have to make a decision. Follow orders and stay away, or disobey their commander and go help their fellow soldiers. I was looking forward to watching this, but I was also a little worried at the same time. The story is interesting and somewhat controversial and is a perfect idea for a movie, but it was directed by Michael Bay. For that reason I was expecting a lot of special effects and explosions and didn't think he was the director that should be in charge of this story. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was wrong. This is a realistic war movie that doesn't embellish the drama or actions, mainly because the story didn't need it. The movie is not political at all and mainly focus on the soldiers decisions. I liked it more than I expected to. Overall, not just a surprisingly good Michael Bay movie, a good movie period. I give this a high B+.

It is honestly hard to believe that the guy behind all that transformers crap made a solid, almost flawless war movie with an amazing cast. I have no idea why this is rated so low, acting is on point, pacing is great and the build-up keeps you engaged even on the second viewing.

The 13 hours that didn't have to be and the 14 American lives that didn't have to be lost. The Benghazi incident of 2012 will always be remembered as another failed diplomatic experiment in the Middle East by the United States, but it sadly won't be remembered for the brave soldiers that so boldly fought to save the lives of several Americans.

"13 Hours" changes that. This film gives the brave men, who selflessly put their lives on the line, the recognition that they deserve. It honors the lives of those lost and it gives the audience an authentic, real visualization of what happened on that night.

Finally, I love how personal this film got. Many war films lack that personal touch, but "13 Hours" reminds you that even America's most prestigious militants are humans with a life beyond warfare.

This movie hit home. Every PMC who signs every contract knows they have no US military support. A PMC or grouping of PMC's is on their own. Only a President can order US military action on a foreign nation without the Senate and House Approval. Had President Obama sent in a military for for support or even ordered air support for those PMC's would have made a single handed de-facto declaration of war against Libya, which at the time out armed forces were engaged in military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Adding a third conflict with another Arab state would have over extended US armed forces resources to one region, complicating a difficult situation already happening. I am glad most of those PMC's made it home alive to their families and did exactly what their contract states, solved the situation by themselves. Great movie ,but brought up horrible memories for me. With the facts I presented keep those facts in mind when sitting down to watch this movie or watch it again. ( Once was enough for me. ) Great directing and acting, pretty close to factual. Watch it or rewatch it with the facts I presented in mind and the movie will make a whole lot more sense to the viewer.

I have seen this film twice. Both times I was disturbed by it for the next few days after not sleeping the nights I watched it. I fought in Afghanistan 2004-05 and Iraq 2006-07, and for me, this film nails it. The night vision green, the sound of the AK's, the streets and allys, the mentality and sense of duty, all of it is too realistic for me to watch again. But I respect that. This is the only film I can think of that really rattles my cage. Well done.

I wouldn't say it's the best war film I've ever seen, but for my experiences, it accurately portrays them, despite me never having been to Libya. It's accurate of my personal experiences to a large degree.