A fitting tribute

Rating: 8/10 (18 February 2010)

If the date September 11, 2001 means anything to you then you probably already know the story of United Flight 93. Of the four planes hijacked by terrorists on that day this was the only one that didn't reach its target.
I was sceptical about this film since the mere thought of a Hollywood dramatization of the horrific events of 9/11 seemed almost disrespectful. For an example of the type of thing I half-expected, see (or, better yet, don't see) the Michael Bay debacle "Pearl Harbor". Thankfully, Paul Greengrass keeps the film from becoming a victim of Hollywood hokum.
The cast is made up of unknowns, which I feel was the right choice since the absence of familiar faces adds a touch of realism. Despite being without any 'stars' the acting is in no way below par, though. In fact, if you look at the closing credits you'll note that a lot of the ground personnel were portrayed by the real people.
I don't know how close the events in the film match what really happened but I must say that Greengrass's script is mostly (mostly, mind you) devoid of the typical 'improvements' to fact that screenwriters are so fond of. At its best, the film is effective enough to evoke some of the horror felt at watching the events as they unfolded nearly a decade ago.
I'm not usually a big fan of Greengrass's directorial style but I'd have to say that he did an excellent job here. The direction & editing (the sources of the film's only two Oscar nominations) enforce a cinéma vérité approach that was really the only 'right' way to do this movie. The score is unobtrusive as well while still contributing to the mood of the movie.
In the end, "United 93" is an impressive film and a fitting testament to the heroism of those who risked, and ultimately gave, their lives with the end result that who knows how many other lives were spared.