MOVIE REVIEW: "Anora" (2024 - my rating: 5 of 5 stars)

This is the kind of movie where revealing whether the ending is happy or sad could be considered a spoiler. Instead, I'll pose a question: can a sex worker achieve a stable, monogamous, and fulfilling Cinderella-like romance? Without giving anything away, I'll just say I found the ending satisfying and leave it at that.

Winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, I can confidently say this is the best film I've seen all year.

Recognized as one of the top 10 films of 2024 by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute, and with five Golden Globe nominations—including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Best Actress, and Best Director—I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a major contender at next year's Oscars.

Ukrainian men face sexual torture in Russian detention centres: UN

The UN says most reported cases of sexual violence against men occur in detention centres with the majority going unreported due to stigma. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

Man dubbed ‘one of Australia’s worst paedophiles’ sentenced to life in prison

Judge says scale and nature of crimes were ‘depraved’ and ‘horrendous’. READ MORE from The Independent

BOOK REVIEW: “Love in the Tsunami” by Ashok Ferrey

 

Love in the Tsunami by Ashok Ferrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashok Ferrey is a 67-year-old Sri Lankan writer of literary fiction. He has previously won Sri Lanka’s prestigious Gratiaen Award and has also been shortlisted for the State Literary Award and India’s DSC Prize, which recognizes South Asian literature.

Ferrey’s compatriot and fellow author Shehan Karunatilaka, winner of the UK’s prestigious Man Booker Prize, describes Ferrey as “both the court jester and the crown prince of modern Sri Lankan writing”—and rightly so. Ferrey’s “Love in the Tsunami” is a short story collection that offers a rich and insightful glimpse not only into Sri Lankan society but also into the human condition.

The title story, “Love in the Tsunami”, is particularly poignant, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of life in the face of a natural disaster. It deals with the profound subject of the 2004 tsunami that devastated southern Sri Lanka. One of my close Maldivian friends, who actively participated in recovery efforts in Sri Lanka, shared with me the heartbreaking scenes of death and destruction he witnessed during that time.

As the title suggests, love is a central theme, but it is explored in multifaceted ways—romantic, familial, platonic, and even self-love. Ferrey also weaves subtle yet sharp social and political commentary into his stories, addressing issues such as class, caste, and gender inequality within Sri Lankan society, which evoke the complexities of human relationships.

Many of the stories are infused with a dry, witty humor that counterbalances the more serious themes. The dialogue feels natural and authentic, capturing the rhythms and nuances of everyday speech. Ferrey’s prose is vivid and evocative, bringing the sights, sounds, and smells of Sri Lanka to life for the reader. This combination of elements creates a distinctive voice that is both engaging and insightful. The diverse range of stories showcases Ferrey’s versatility as a writer, encompassing various themes, tones, and styles.

Ferrey’s compatriot and multiple award-winning author Shyam Selvadurai praises Ferrey’s “hallmark” ability to “write convincingly from other cultural points of view.” Selvadurai describes him as “cosmopolitan and diasporic—at home in other lands as much as in his own,” and notes how Ferrey takes readers “into the world of the English-speaking elite of Sri Lanka, a rapidly dying breed.” I couldn’t agree more.

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BOOK REVIEW: "Sacred Games" by Vikram Chandra

 

Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vikram Chandra, the 63-year-old Indian-American author, is renowned for his captivating and intricate storytelling. ‘Sacred Games’ is arguably his most famous novel, a sprawling epic that delves into the underbelly of Mumbai (formerly India’s Bombay), intertwining crime, politics, and spirituality. It has garnered critical acclaim and was adapted into a successful Netflix series.

This novel has received several prestigious awards, including in 2006, the Hutch Crossword Book Award, considered the Indian equivalent of the Booker Prize. The novel was honored with the Salon Book Award in 2007 while it was a finalist for the prestigious US literary award, the National Book Critics Circle Award. These awards recognize the novel's literary merit, its compelling narrative, and its exploration of complex themes.

'Sacred Games' is a sprawling and ambitious novel that explores the underbelly of Mumbai, intertwining crime, politics, and spirituality. Renowned for its sheer size and epic scope, encompassing a vast canvas of characters, storylines, and historical events, the story delves into the complexities of Mumbai's underworld, portraying the lives of gangsters, police officers, and ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire.

The novel features a rich cast of characters, each with their own motivations, flaws, and complexities. The protagonist, Inspector Sartaj Singh, is a conflicted figure grappling with his personal demons and the weight of his responsibilities. The antagonist, Ganesh Gaitonde, is a larger-than-life criminal mastermind who embodies the dark side of ambition.

Social commentary-wise 'Sacred Games' offers a scathing critique of Indian society, exposing the corruption, violence, and inequality that fester beneath the surface. It explores themes of power, religion, and the human condition, raising profound questions about morality and the nature of evil.

It’s a genre-bending narrative which seamlessly blends elements of crime fiction, historical fiction, and philosophical discourse. It draws inspiration from Bollywood films, Hindu mythology, and contemporary urban realities, creating a unique and captivating narrative experience.

Highly influential on popular culture, 'Sacred Games' has gained widespread acclaim and has been adapted into a successful Netflix series, further solidifying its status as a landmark work of Indian literature. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a multifaceted portrait of Mumbai and its people. Its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and insightful social commentary have earned it a place among the most celebrated works of contemporary Indian fiction.

Chandra's prose and writing style is a captivating blend of several elements: its rich and evocative language enacts vivid imagery and sensory details to paint a picture of Mumbai's vibrant and gritty underbelly. His descriptions of the city's sights, sounds, and smells immerse the reader in the novel's world.

With complex sentence structures, Chandra's sentences are often long and intricate, reflecting the complexity of the characters and the interwoven storylines. This style adds a layer of depth and nuance to the narrative.

Intertextuality-wise, the novel is filled with references to Bollywood films, Hindu mythology, and other literary works, creating a rich tapestry of cultural allusions. This intertextuality adds another layer of meaning and depth to the story.

Chandra masterfully shifts between the perspectives of different characters, allowing the reader to experience the events of the novel from multiple viewpoints. This technique provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Blending genres, the novel seamlessly merges elements of crime fiction, historical fiction, and philosophical discourse. This genre-bending approach keeps the reader engaged and constantly surprised.

Chandra's writing style is both powerful and versatile. His ability to craft intricate sentences, evoke vivid imagery, and seamlessly blend genres makes for a truly immersive and unforgettable reading experience.

Chandra's works, from ‘Red Earth and Pouring Rain’, ‘Love and Longing in Bombay’, and ‘Greek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty’ are characterized by his rich and evocative prose, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. He has established himself as a master storyteller, captivating readers with his unique blend of genres and insightful social commentary.

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BOOK REVIEW: “Introducing Chomsky: A Graphic Guide” by John Maher and Judy Groves

 

Introducing Chomsky: A Graphic Guide by John Maher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Introducing Chomsky: A Graphic Guide” by John Maher and Judy Groves is another life-changing book for me. Opened my mind so wide. A billion thanks to my high school friend who gifted me this book, bringing it all the way to Maldives from Malaysia!

Simplified “guides” like these are actually more useful to people like us who don’t have the academic knowledge to dive into intellectually dense subjects of personalities and their interesting philosophies about the human condition and our life on this Earth and beyond.

I plan to find more of these “guide” books because after reading this guide on Chomsky, I am sure I will find such guides very beneficial because I am no longer at any education institution and so I wouldn’t have the chance to get proper understanding of philosophical and literary works coming from intellectuals such as Chomsky.

For example, I am sure I would have loved Russian Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” which would have made sense to me if I received instructions from a lecturer of literature. I say this because I loved South African Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer’s “July’s People” when it was taught by a British teacher in my higher secondary education English literature class.

From this guide, what I understand is that Chomsky, a US professor and public intellectual who is also a renowned linguist and political activist, has contributed significantly to various fields of study. His linguistic theories revolutionized our understanding of language, while his political views have made him a prominent figure in critical social and political analysis.

Chomsky’s three philosophies about “Linguistic Philosophy” can be understood under three points:

• Universal Grammar: Chomsky's most influential concept, proposing an innate, biologically endowed linguistic faculty in humans. This faculty, he argues, enables children to acquire language rapidly and effortlessly, despite limited input.

• Generative Grammar: A framework for describing the rules of language, focusing on the underlying structures that generate an infinite number of grammatical sentences.

• Nativism: The belief that certain knowledge and abilities are innate, rather than acquired through experience. In linguistics, this implies that humans are born with a predisposition for language acquisition.

Chomsky’s “Political Philosophy” can be understood under four points:

• Anarchism: Chomsky identifies as a libertarian socialist and an anarchist, advocating for a society without hierarchical power structures.

• Anti-imperialism: A strong critic of US foreign policy, he views US interventions as driven by economic and strategic interests, often harming targeted populations.

• Media Criticism: Chomsky has extensively analyzed the role of mainstream media, arguing that it often serves the interests of powerful elites, shaping public opinion through propaganda and manipulation.

• Human Rights: A vocal advocate for human rights, Chomsky has spoken out against various human rights abuses worldwide, including state repression, political imprisonment, and extrajudicial killings.

Chomsky also has two other notable philosophies:

• Rationalism: Chomsky's emphasis on innate knowledge and reason aligns with rationalist philosophy, which prioritizes reason and logic as sources of knowledge.

• Critical Theory: Influenced by critical theory, Chomsky's work often challenges dominant ideologies and power structures, seeking to expose underlying assumptions and contradictions.

Chomsky's views are complex and multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of topics and perspectives, which is why I found this guide book crucial for my understanding of his linguistic and political philosophies. His work continues to inspire and provoke debate across various disciplines, making him one of the most influential intellectuals of our time.

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After the bulldozer: Indian Muslims grapple with loss amid demolished homes

From death to the loss of relationships, India’s wave of bulldozer demolitions leaves a long-lingering trail of despair. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

You can’t stretch a leg without poking a photographer in the ass.

We’ve been to the best universities, traveled the world, and are armed with the most expensive equipment.

I can’t help asking this: Where is our output? How come none of us is able to produce that piece of research or take that award-winning picture? READ MORE from Naimbe's Instagram

From X to Bluesky: why are people fleeing Elon Musk’s ‘digital town square’?

Musk’s platform has lost 2.7 million active US users in two months, while its rival has gained 2.5 million. READ MORE from The Guardian

Elon Musk becomes the first person to reach a net worth of $400 billion

The richest person in the world just hit an even higher milestone.

Elon Musk’s net worth has reached $400 billion, according to Bloomberg, making him the first person ever to cross that mark. READ MORE from CNN

RSF’s 2024 Round-up: journalism suffers exorbitant human cost due to conflicts and repressive regimes

The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024 Round-up reveals an alarming intensification of attacks on journalists — especially in conflict zones, where over half of the news professionals who lost their lives this year perished. Gaza stands out as the most dangerous region in the world, with the highest number of journalists murdered in connection with their work in the last five years. Since October 2023, over 145 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army, including at least 35 whose deaths were linked to their journalism. What’s more, 550 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, a 7% increase from last year. This violence — often perpetrated by governments and armed groups with total impunity — needs an immediate response. RSF calls for urgent action to protect journalists and journalism. READ THE ROUND-UP

CAMBODIA: RSF appalled by the murder of environmental journalist Chhoeung Chheng

Cambodian journalist Chhoeung Chheng died from his wounds on 7 December, after being shot while investigating illegal deforestation in the country’s northwest. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges the Cambodian government make sure this crime does not go unpunished, and to take concrete measures to protect journalists.

On 7 December 2024, journalist Chhoeung Chheng died in a hospital in Siem Reap, a city in northeastern Cambodia, from injuries sustained during an attack two days prior. The 63-year-old reporter, who works for the online media Kampuchea Aphivath, had been shot in the abdomen while reporting on illegal logging in the Boeung Per nature reserve.

The Siem Reap regional government announced the arrest of a suspect the day after the attack. Local media report that the suspect admitted to shooting the journalist after being photographed twice while transporting illegally logged timber. READ MORE from Reporters Without Borders

BOOK REVIEW: "Descent into Paradise: A Journalist’s Memoir of the Untold Maldives" by Daniel Bosley

 

Descent into Paradise: A Journalist’s Memoir of the Untold Maldives by Daniel Bosley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Simply put, former “Maldives Independent” editor Daniel Bosley’s nonfiction book, “Descent into Paradise: A Journalist’s Memoir of the Untold Maldives”, traces the descent of an ancient paradise into a modern hell, plagued by spiraling violence in its political, social, and psychological forms.

Bosley offers a captivating and insightful look into the complexities of the Maldives, a nation often romanticized as a pristine tropical paradise. However, from an outsider’s perspective, a deeper dive reveals an archipelago in turmoil, concealing epic struggles beneath its deceptively tranquil waters.

Drawing from his experiences as a journalist in the Maldives, Bosley shares his personal journey and the challenges he faced while reporting on the country's political landscape, social issues, and environmental concerns.

The book chronicles the Maldives' contemporary political turmoil, delving into its tumultuous history marked by authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. Bosley provides a firsthand account of the political upheavals that have shaped the nation's present reality.

No history of the Maldives can be complete without examining the environmental and existential crises it faces due to climate change. Global warming and rising sea levels threaten to submerge the world’s lowest-lying nation, placing its very existence in jeopardy.

With its low-lying islands, the Maldives is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Bosley sheds light on the country's pressing environmental challenges, including rising sea levels and the erosion of fragile coastal ecosystems.

The book also explores prevalent social issues in the Maldives, such as gender inequality, religious extremism, gangsterism, substance abuse, and the impact of tourism on local communities. Bosley offers a nuanced perspective on these complex and interconnected problems.

Addressing the hidden side of “paradise,” Bosley challenges the idealized image of the Maldives as a tourist destination. He exposes the darker realities of human rights violations, political oppression, and social struggles that lie beneath the surface of this idyllic facade.

Written in lucid, clear, engaging prose, Bosley provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of the Maldives, offering readers a glimpse into the untold stories and challenges faced by this unique island nation. His personal insights, combined with journalistic rigor, make this book an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Maldives.

View all my reviews

Quotable quote

Love, Sartaj mused, was an iron trap. Caught in its teeth, we thrash about, we save each other and we destroy each other.

-- Vikram Chandra, "Sacred Games"

‘His Facebook was a shrine to my face’: the day I caught my catfish

I stumbled on a profile with my picture as the photo. What was this man doing with my identity? I set out to track him down … READ MORE from The Guardian

Billy Childish: ‘I idolise myself. I don’t waste my time idolising other things’

The artist talks about old pop stars, not networking, getting lucky as a painter and earning the right to fart at the table. READ MORE from The Guardian

Depressed fish? How Prozac in lakes and rivers may harm aquatic life

An Australian study has found fish in freshwater lakes and rivers with traces of the anti-depressant, fluoxetine. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

India court rules against dividing eateries by religion in BJP-ruled states

India’s top court has ruled that restaurants cannot be forced to display the names of their owners, suspending police orders in two northern states that critics said could foment discrimination against Muslims. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

UNRWA head accuses Israel of buying Google ads to block donations to agency

Commissioner-general says Israeli government has undertaken a defamation campaign against the UN agency. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

AI expert Marietje Schaake: ‘The way we think about technology is shaped by the tech companies themselves’

The Dutch policy director and former MEP on the unprecedented reach of big tech, the need for confident governments, and why the election of Trump changes everything. READ MORE from The Guardian

Can goats predict earthquakes? Can dogs forecast volcanic eruptions? These scientists think so

Tracking the behaviour of tagged animals from space could transform the research into a host of natural phenomena. READ MORE from The Guardian

Construction of world’s tallest skyscraper resumes after years-long hiatus

Construction of Saudi Arabia’s kilometer-high Jeddah Tower, which will become the world’s tallest skyscraper upon completion, has resumed almost seven years after work ground to a halt amid a kingdom-wide anti-corruption purge. READ MORE from CNN

Study looks at impact of two kinds of chocolate on type 2 diabetes risk

Eating at least five tiny servings of dark chocolate each week may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21%, according to a new observational study. In fact, as dark chocolate consumption increased from none to five servings, so did the benefits, the study found. READ MORE from CNN

Male initiation: Rites of passage and why males need one

A letter to my almost 16-year-old son for him to open as he goes on a 9-day adventure with Outward Bound in the Pisgah National Forest in the Linville Gorge area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. READ MORE from Austin Empowered

The WORST Amateur Writing Mistakes | 22 Novice Writer Issues

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOQqxHKO-0w

10 amazing benefits of reading books

 

Iran’s jailed Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi allowed to leave prison for 21 days after surgery

Iranian authorities have allowed Narges Mohammadi, the country’s most prominent human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner, to leave prison for 21 days to recover from surgery for suspected cancer, a decision her family has criticized as “too little, too late.” READ MORE from CNN

The irony of "perverse incentive"

The phrase "perverse incentive" is often used in economics to describe an incentive structure with undesirable results, particularly when those effects are unexpected and contrary to the intentions of its designers.

The results of a perverse incentive scheme are also sometimes called cobra effects. This name was coined by economist Horst Siebert based on an anecdote taken from the British Raj. The British government, concerned about the number of venomous cobras in Delhi, offered a bounty for every dead cobra. Initially, this was a successful strategy; large numbers of snakes were killed for the reward. Eventually, however, people began to breed cobras for the income. When the government became aware of this, the reward program was scrapped. The cobra breeders set their snakes free, leading to an overall increase in the wild cobra population. READ MORE from Wikipedia

Which countries recognise Palestine in 2024?

The State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 146 countries, representing 75 percent of United Nations member states. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

The ChatGPT secret: is that text message from your friend, your lover – or a robot?

People are turning to chatbots to solve all their life problems, and they like its answers. But are they on a very slippery slope? READ MORE from The Guardian

Go bright or go Gucci? British Muslim men discuss what they wear to Friday prayers

For Muslims, Jummah has always been a time to dress your best, and a new exhibition documents just what that means for the older and younger generations. READ MORE from The Guardian

Crime against humanity: Why has a court found Belgium guilty of kidnapping?

Thousands of children were forcibly taken from their families in Belgium’s African colonies because they were mixed-race. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

Dead but not counted: Hidden victims of Pakistan’s latest political clash

Al Jazeera spoke to family members of PTI supporters whose deaths last week were denied by the government. READ MORE from Al Jazeera

Quotable quote

Cash creates beauty, cash gives freedom, cash makes morality possible.

-- Vikram Chandra, "Sacred Games"

Maldives records six HIV/AIDS cases this year alone: Avas

Statistics from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that six HIV/AIDS cases were reported in the Maldives between January and October 2024, according to a Dhivehi language report published in Avas newspaper on December 2, 2024.

"This year marks the highest number of recorded AIDS cases since the disease was first identified in the Maldives," the newspaper reported.

Avas noted that HPA has increased surveillance and testing efforts following this year’s rise in AIDS cases.

"The Maldives identified its first AIDS patient 33 years ago, in 1991. Since then, 49 cases have been reported — 43 men and 7 women," the report stated.

The newspaper also highlighted that 16 Maldivians diagnosed with AIDS have passed away, while 33 others are currently undergoing treatment.

"AIDS is transmitted through unprotected extramarital sex, sharing syringes when injecting narcotics, transfusion of HIV-positive blood, breastfeeding, and sharing personal items like towels with an HIV/AIDS-infected person," Avas explained.

It further noted that antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been provided free of charge to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Maldives since 2004.

December 1 is observed as International AIDS Day worldwide.

MOVIE REVIEW: “Last Film Show” (2022 – my rating: 5 out of 5 stars)

This is definitely not Bollywood's answer to the multiple award-winning “Cinema Paradiso” by Giuseppe Tornatore, though there are parallels, as the protagonists in both films share a deep passion for cinema.

“Last Film Show” is a Gujarati-language film directed by Pan Nalin and was India’s submission for the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category. Although it failed to secure a nomination, I found it richly deserving of one, even acknowledging the tough competition with so many excellent movies from across the globe.

Child actor Bhavin Rabari delivers an outstanding performance as the protagonist, Samay. However, if you, like me, happened to watch this after October 2, 2022, it might leave you feeling melancholic due to the real-life passing of Rahul Koli, who played Samay’s friend in the film. Koli tragically died at the age of 10 after battling leukemia.

The film is never dull, and after the first hour, it becomes truly captivating as we eagerly wonder what will happen to Samay’s dream of making movies. Samay even discovers the fundamental role that light plays in cinema, eventually telling his father (Dipen Raval) that he wants to study light to make movies.

I was enthralled by the haunting score and stunning cinematography, which capture the vibrant colors and textures of rural India. The film is visually mesmerizing, with imagery that beautifully showcases the magic of cinema—from the flickering lights of the projection booth to the awe-inspiring scenes on the big screen.

In many ways, this film feels like a nostalgic love letter to cinema, reminiscent of “Cinema Paradiso”. It pays homage to the magic of filmmaking, particularly the era of celluloid projection, and evokes the wonder and excitement of watching movies on the big screen, especially from the perspective of a young boy growing up in a small village.

At its core, this is a coming-of-age story that follows Samay’s journey as he discovers his passion for filmmaking through the influence of the local cinema and its projectionist, Fazal. It’s a heartwarming tale of dreams, aspirations, and the challenges Samay faces along the way.

Set in the 1990s, the film provides a window into the cultural and social fabric of rural India. It underscores the communal importance of cinema, which brings people together and offers both entertainment and escapism. Fazal, as Samay’s mentor, even philosophically remarks that movies are “stories told to con people.”

While deeply rooted in a specific cultural context, the film explores universal themes such as the power of dreams, the significance of mentorship, and the timeless allure of cinema.

“Last Film Show” is a heartwarming and visually captivating film that celebrates the magic of cinema and the power of storytelling. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves movies and appreciates the artistry of filmmaking.

Life is so precious: Australian Parliament bans social media for under-16s with world-first law

EXCERPTS: 

Online safety campaigner Sonya Ryan, whose 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old pedophile who pretended to be a teenager online, described the Senate vote as a “monumental moment in protecting our children from horrendous harms online.”

“It’s too late for my daughter, Carly, and the many other children who have suffered terribly and those who have lost their lives in Australia, but let us stand together on their behalf and embrace this together,” she said.

Wayne Holdsworth, whose teenage son Mac took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, had advocated for the age restriction and took pride in its passage.

“I have always been a proud Australian, but for me subsequent to today’s Senate decision, I am bursting with pride,” Holdsworth said. READ FULL REPORT from Associated Press

What happens after you quit tobacco?

 

MALDIVES: Violence, often hidden and justified by deeply rooted beliefs, continues to thrive in silence.

... While the Maldives has made strides in addressing gender-based violence, 1 in 3 women aged 15-49 has experienced some form of violence in her lifetime. READ FULL REPORT from UNFPA

MOVIE REVIEW: “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” (2016, 5 out of 5 stars rating)

War is futile. Humanity does not need conflicts; we need peace to live fulfilling lives. Why can't we share this world with everyone around us? This is a question I have asked myself since childhood, when I was first exposed to India's Bollywood action films that often depicted violent clashes between heroes and villains.

Towards the end of the film, we see not only the Americans overwhelmed with deep emotions but also the loved ones of the Libyan militants expressing their grief.

The U.S. soldiers question whether they will be awarded medals for their bravery and courage. To this, John Krasinski’s character, Jack Silva, poignantly responds, “We get to go home.” Toward the end of the film, he even attributes his survival to “luck.”

Director Michael Bay has always been a hit or miss for me. In this case, it is undoubtedly the former. Few directors could expertly handle a breath-holding, action-packed, adrenaline-filled movie like this — especially one based on true events that is not without its tragedies.

The film also succeeds thanks to Chuck Hogan's taut screenplay. Credit is also due to the members of the Annex Security Team. Moreover, this is a technically brilliant movie in terms of cinematography, sound, editing (including the work of "Black Hawk Down" editor Pietro Scalia), production design, and more. These elements create an immersive experience, especially when enjoyed on a home theater system—in my case, a Chinese-branded Xemal speaker system.

This 2016 American biographical action-thriller is based on the true story of the 2012 Benghazi attack, during which militants assaulted a U.S. diplomatic compound and a CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya. The film portrays the attackers as members of Ansar al-Sharia, a Libyan militant group with ties to al-Qaeda.

The narrative focuses on six members of the Annex Security Team who fought to defend the American diplomatic compound against waves of militant attacks on September 11, 2012. It depicts their harrowing battle to protect the Americans stationed there, while also emphasizing the difficulties they faced in securing adequate support and resources during the crisis.

Based on Mitchell Zuckoff's book, "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi", the film offers a detailed account of the events surrounding the attack.

The book and film center on the experiences of the security team but do not provide a definitive answer as to why the Americans were targeted. Instead, they suggest that multiple factors were at play.

One possible motivation explored is anti-American sentiment. It portrays a climate of hostility toward the United States in Libya following the Arab Spring. This sentiment may have been fueled by various factors, such as perceptions of U.S. involvement in the Libyan Civil War and the presence of American military bases in the region.

The attackers are shown to be affiliated with al-Qaeda, a terrorist organization with a long history of targeting American interests.

Revenge is another potential motive depicted in the film; the attack occurred just months after the U.S. killing of al-Qaeda's head, Osama bin Laden, and it has been suggested that the militants may have been seeking retaliation.

It is essential to note that the film is a dramatized account of the events of September 11, 2012, and may not fully capture the true motivations of the attackers. However, it provides a perspective on why the attack might have occurred and highlights the dangers Americans face while working abroad.

The anti-American sentiment depicted in the film has historical context. For instance, in 1986, U.S. President Ronald Reagan ordered the bombing of Libya in retaliation for the bombing of a Berlin discotheque, which killed a U.S. soldier and injured several others. The U.S. government attributed the attack to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Known as Operation El Dorado Canyon, the bombing targeted military and intelligence facilities in Libya. While the U.S. government claimed the operation successfully deterred further Libyan aggression, it faced criticism for civilian casualties and the potential to escalate tensions in the region.

As the credits roll, we learn that Silva resigned from the CIA and now lives quietly with his wife and three children.

Interestingly, in what appears to be a demonstration, a Libyan holds a placard with a misspelled but meaningful message: "Sorry People of America this is not the Pehavior of our Eslam and Profit" (sic).