Mark Wahlberg Honors Boston's Heroes In 'Patriots Day'

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BOSTON (CBSMiami) — A remembrance took place in Boston on Wednesday, it was a special screening of the highly anticipated movie 'Patriots Day' about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing — a terrifying chapter in the city's history.

Just about all of the city was witness to the two bombs that exploded on Boylston Street during the marathon just over 3 ½ years ago.

The whole world watched the intense manhunt in the days that followed.

Mark Wahlberg plays Boston police officer Tommy Saunders.

"I always thought I was pretty tough, but there's a new meaning of tough, there's a new meaning of cool, there's a new meaning of hero for me," he said.

"Patriots Day" is the telling of the bombing at the Boston Marathon and the terrible aftermath.

As a native of Boston, Wahlberg knew he carried a lot on his shoulders.

"You will be held accountable if you don't get it right, but I just knew what our intentions were and I was just so proud at how the people of Boston reacted and responded to this horrific event, and wanted to share that with the world," he said.

As a film based on actual events in recent history director Peter Berg knew there was a heightened sensitivity for those living in Boston, and especially the victims of the terrorist act.

"It didn't make any sense to turn this movie into a hyped up piece of fiction. That would be insulting to everyone. We approached it almost from a docudrama perspective," Berg said.

Kevin Bacon plays the FBI agent heading up the manhunt, he said you could feel the horror of the experience on the film set.

"Didn't know what went into the four or five days when they were looking for those guys and that, to be a part of that search was a fascinating telling of something," he said.

The terror of those days is palpable in the film, but all involved also said it's very much a story of why the town is known as Boston strong.

"This community proved that love beats hatred and the way that this community got back on its feet and took care of each other was extremely inspirational and that's the big takeaway for me," Berg said.

It's no accident that the film is being released on the cusp of Hollywood award season. The story and performances are generating big buzz.