“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” (2016) is a gripping war thriller directed by Michael Bay. The film is based on the true events of the 2012 Benghazi attack, where a group of Islamic militants attacked the U.S. diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya.

The story follows six members of the Global Response Staff (GRS), a team of elite security contractors, who are stationed in Benghazi to protect CIA personnel. The film primarily focuses on the experiences of these men—John “Tig” Tiegen (played by Dominic Fumusa), Mark “Oz” Geist (played by Max Martini), Kris “Tanto” Paronto (played by Pablo Schreiber), Jack Silva (played by John Krasinski), Dave “Boon” Benton (played by David Denman), and Tyrone “Rone” Woods (played by James Badge Dale).

As the anniversary of the September 11 attacks looms, tensions in Benghazi escalate. The situation reaches a critical point on the night of September 11, 2012, when the U.S. diplomatic compound is suddenly attacked. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the GRS team disobeys orders to stand down and instead rushes to defend the compound, risking their lives to save the Americans trapped inside.

The film captures the chaos, intensity, and confusion of the battle, as the GRS team fights to hold off the attackers and protect the survivors. As the night wears on, the team faces wave after wave of assaults, culminating in a desperate last stand at the CIA annex. The film highlights the courage, bravery, and sacrifices of these men, who, despite overwhelming odds, manage to save many lives.

“13 Hours” is a visceral, intense portrayal of the events in Benghazi, blending action-packed sequences with a raw and realistic depiction of modern warfare. The film sheds light on the harrowing experiences of the GRS team, showcasing their heroism in the face of extreme adversity.