United 93 Makes me Proud

Rating: 10/10 (12 June 2006)

When I saw the ads and a documentary about this movie on TV, I thought that I would not be able to handle watching this.
Just two weeks later, I was on the internet looking for a movie in the theater to see. I watched the trailer, and for some reason, I felt the need to watch it. I was a bit nervous going into the theater, but I watched it until the end. I am happy that I saw this movie. In fact, I may even go see it again.
"United 93" made me proud because due to the heroism not only performed by the passengers on the plane, but also due the the heroic decision of the The Command Center's national operations manager, Ben Sliney, who ordered all FAA facilities to instruct all aircraft to land at the nearest airport. My husband and I were, in fact, on one of those planes that very day that was re-routed back to the point of orgin (Atlanta). Our final destination was La Guardia Airport in NYC.
Some reviews make note of the jittery-ness of the camera in the movie. I did not feel uneasy about that; nor did I even notice it.
I appreciate the fact that the director did his best in sticking with the facts as reported by the 9-11 Commission Report. It's in a PDF form, and I recommend reading it.
Were there some differences? Probably so, but there were no political spins or major twists to the original story that some may speak of.
Aside from Bush and that infamous "7 minute wait" for authorization to "shoot down", I really and truly believe that our ATC, FAA, all the command centers, and our military did the best with what they had. People need to keep in mind that the decision to halt air traffic on that day was not only "unprecedented", but it was a result of "thinking outside the box". When was the last time a national disaster as unique as this occurred in U.S history? This film reconfirmed for me the mass confusion, the shock, and the sadness of 9-11. And the difference between having seen it all on the news and having seen it in the movies was important for me: In the movies, I felt as if I were right there experiencing it for myself. I was the confused Air Traffic Controller, the terrified passenger, and part of the shocked and disbelieving personnel at the command centers.
Some people are "sick and tired" of the "Never Forget 9-11" mantra that people say and write. While this phrase could be overstated and occasionally disingenuous, I really do think people forget about this tragedy. They forget about it because some still continue to think that America is invincible (especially our government) and don't do enough to ensure that there isn't another 9-11 (i.e borders? TSA improvement and more funding?). But it just may take another 9-11 to OPEN OUR EYES. Some think that by going to Iraq that we have already secured our homeland. Many foreigners that live in the U.S not only have forgotten 9-11, but never really paid attention to it on the news thinking it wasn't a big deal and that "we had it coming to us". And some are just too squeamish to face the reality of the time we live in. These people need to see "United 93" and "remember". Last but not least there are the conspiracy theorists that claim 9-11 was an "inside job". I respect their opinion and believe that this movie is NOT for them to see because no amount of information on 9-11 will aid them in seeing it for what it was.
Also keep in mind, this movie wasn't made for "jaw dropping cinematography". This movie wasn't made for "impressive special/visual affects". This movie was not made to flaunt and tout the beauties and cam-queens of Hollywood. This movie isn't about "acting". This is not "Spiderman", not "Lord of the Rings", not "Star Wars", and not "The Matrix". For goodness sake, this is about normal everyday people who not only suffered these brutal attacks, but took a bite out of courage and ate it keeping our White House protected! I must admit that I am more than impressed that the director of "United 93" went to each and everyone of the victims families to get permission on making this film possible. As an FYI, each and every family member of the victims not only agreed, but cooperated with Mr.Paul Greengrass as they felt that this movie would aid them in their grievances. A HUGE Kudos to them! Somebody mentioned they were shocked that ATC didn't know the planes had hit the towers at the moment they hit? Are you kidding me? If you know anything about ATC, those monitors they look at do **not** show visuals of hijacked commercial airlines plowing into buildings. Each and every individual could only go on what they knew. Some people, no matter how hard we try, they will never understand or appreciate and always "expect more". It takes a lot of understanding about how airlines work, aviation, the FAA, and Air Traffic Control before you can be grateful and respecting of their jobs and also appreciate the fact that WE DID DO OUR BEST.
Rather than "blood money" or "morbid fascination" as some people call it, those responsible for making this movie happen deserve to make profit for their hard work. But as another FYI, proceeds are going to the "Flight 93" National Memorial. For those that don't want to watch the movie can always donate. Just visit their website.
In any event, though, I highly recommend this movie and my condolences to those whom were affected by this tragedy. I would give my condolences to victims and their families regarding any tragedy, but right now, we are talking about 9-11.