True Heroes

Rating: 10/10 (1 May 2006)

Timing is everything. Much of the criticism of "United 93" does not pertain to the movie itself, rather its timing. Is America or the world for that matter ready for a movie about 9/11? I think there is always a time for and need for stories of ordinary people who become great heroes. I think that Paul Greengrass's "United 93" is a very powerful and moving motion pictureby far the year's Best. What also makes it unsettling is the beginning of the movie is so unnerving, because we all know how it all ends. "United 93" is about heroes arising in chaos, not so much a lost cause act or one of desperation, rather people taking action out of courage and a commitment to do what is right. Greengrass's story inspires and touches one's very soul. Part of the experience for me was that of anger and my disgust for bulliesalthough the hijackers are jihad or holy warriors (in their minds), they are bullies. And like most "bullies" they ultimately face people who reclaim their nobility and courage as heroes taking a stand. My guy says in the movie, " I don't care if it (the bomb) is real, I'm going to break his f--king hand!" Greengrass, an acclaimed TV documentary filmmaker, employs a similar style and look in "United 93". The movie is unplugged and powerful.
I had read that Director Greengrass chose for the most part unrecognizable actors so as to focus attention on the story. As an ensemble the cast is phenomenal. In the story 9/11 begins as any other day at the airport. However, we see Ziad Jarrah (an excellent Khalid Abdallah) and his men prepare for their suicide mission. They among the other 40 passengers and crew board United Flight 93 bound for San Francisco. Ben Sliney plays himself as FAA head during this recreation of the events of 9/11. He is an amazing man who turns in an outstanding performance.
Three other planes were hijacked for terrorist attack. The FAA slowly uncovers this terrorist attack as the four planes one by one disappear off the transponder grid. It also turns out that on September 11, NORAD was conducting a large scale exercise. After the first airliner crashed into the World Trade Center, the havoc surrounded FAA jurisdiction and NORAD command strategy and privilege. Only the President can authorize an Air Force "kill" operation over US air space, and the President was not immediately reachable. Also NORAD has well defined strategy for outside threats, but little in terms of internal domestic attacks. Ziad and his men take control of United 93 armed with box cutters and using the threat of plastic explosive bomb. Their mission target is the White House. Using the on-board phone it soon becomes apparent to passenger Thomas Burnett (solid and strong Christian Clemenson) that Flight 93 is on a suicide mission. He along with Mark Bingham (quiet and powerful Cheyenne Jackson), the rest of the passengers and crew realize that they must rush the cockpit and regain control of the plane.
"United 93" leaves an indelible mark in our conscience. The passengers on United 93 know in all likelihood that they are going to die. While they make plans for their last stand, people call loved ones to say good bye for the last time. The experience is heart-wrenching and humbling. I wonder in such a situation knowing that I were going to die, and what there was to do was fight to the very end if I would be as brave. The people on Flight 93 made that choice, and were amazing heroes. Perhaps that is some consolation to the loved ones and family members they left behind. The passengers of United Flight 93 embodied all that is brave and noble. They shall always be remembered. Paul Greengrass honors both their selfless action and legacy in "United 93". "United 93" is at times difficult to watch, and should be seen.