United 93
2006
* * * 1/2
On September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked by terrorists. As people on the ground fought desperately to figure out what was going on, those in the planes were in a terrifying situation. Before long, two of the planes had been crashed into the World Trade Center; a third collided into the Pentagon. On the fourth, however, the passengers decided that they would fight back. The plane crashed and practically incinerated in a field in Pennsylvania - probably saving hundreds more lives; that final plane, it would seem, was probably headed toward our Capitol building. Those ordinary people showed true heroism.
The words and images of that day are sketched into the brains of all who lived through it. It became one of the defining moments of the generation, much like the assassination of JFK.
Less than five years later, two filmakers decided to tackle that terrible, tragic day. This is the first. Many, myself included, wondered if it was too early.
Writer/director Paul Greengrass, however, does not make this "Hollywood" in any way, shape, or form. This is a realistic view of what probably did happen that day.
It is impossible to say how a person who does not remember 9/11 would feel. To me, however, this was a monumental film. I felt like I was there. This captures the sense of confusion, of chaos, of terror, and of resolution that must have been felt on that day, and feeling those emotions makes the tragedy more personal, more cutting - and more meaningful. The final shot is a truly terrifying, intense, and yet somehow inspiring shot that leaves the viewer absolutely stunned. Greengrass did a brilliant job.
It isn't a perfect film; Greengrass's shaky camera/fast editing style works wonders once the terror starts in earnest, but in the opening scenes, it's kind of annoying and intrusive. It takes a while for the movie to actually take hold. However, nearly everything else is perfect. The casting is right on; some of the people on the ground are played by the real people. Of these, Ben Sliney does an especially good job. In the air, the actors are unknowns, which keeps it from ever being intrusive or distracting.
The emotions the film puts you through are strong emotions: sadness, intensity, and horror; and yet, at the end, there is also a strangely inspirational feel. Nothing ever feels cheap here. It's all genuine. For those who remember the day, this film will help you remember and cherish those brave actions taken in the most desperate moments. It gives a strange sense of closure, and for that alone, is well worthwhile. And for those who did not see or do not remember, this will tell you all you need to know.
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