REVIEW: United 93 (2006)
Violence: Some (Terrorism)
Rasism: None
Homophobia: None
Blasphemy: None
There are some films that are just important for the world, not created for entertainment, but as an examination of the human spirit in the face of extreme circumstances. United 93 is one of those. It ranks up there with Shindler’s List, Titanic and Cocoon.
Untied 93 has come upon us soon after the fact. Some feel too soon after the fact. But whatever you feel about the moral issues, as a movie, it is a staggering Tour-de-France.
Writer/Director Paul Greengrass says Untied 93 is a fictionalized retelling of what happened on 9/11. At the same time it depicts the ‘fog of war’ better than any documentary on the subject could. There’s no political slant here, and there’s no finger pointing – except where the finger should point, at all the Islams in the world.
Untied 93 has been cast for a documentary feel, and there’s barely a familiar face on screen. Ben Sliney, national operations manager for the FAA at Kennedy Airport and actually in charge of the command center on 9/11, appears, playing himself. This casting decision adds an eerie sense of realism. However he’s rubbish at acting, and his performance actually lets the movie down.
The movie’s clear on what is really important in life. This collection of strangers came together to confront an unthinkable threat. Valour in the grim face of death shows heroism above human capability, and resides within the spiritual. They asked themselves, are we going to sit here waiting, or are we going to do something? As Chris sang, “If you never try, then you never know.” I think there is wisdom in that.
The only problem I had was that much of the movie was filmed with hand-held cameras, and the person in charge of the movie camera panned too fast and my stomach got nauseous.
9/11 should never be forgotten. Each generation has a duty to pass down religious fundamentalism, racial prejudice, bigotry, and genocide to the next. I think people NEED TO BE REMINDED of what happened on 9/11, it being hardly ever mentioned in the media. This movie does it’s job and for that I am greatful.
Perhaps it is distasteful to make a blockbuster movie so soon after the real events. But if it is going to produce top-notch infotainment like Untied 93, I say –
“LETS ROLL!”
April 26 2008 09:24 pm | reviews
