Moving, tragic and real

Rating: 10/10 (11 February 2007)

I wanted not to see this movie for the longest time, but was persuaded by a good friend that I trust (at least in movie taste!). I thought it started a little slow.
Like early mornings in September no-one expects much to happen, but the build up is both relevant and brings to the fore the general feelings of us all on that day. After 30 minutes it took off and I could not take my eyes off the screen. The opening shot with the Muslim prayer turned out to be one of the most scary things I have seen given the context. The lack of 'stars' was a positive plus, the list of people playing themselves an added bonus - in many ways this was more of a good documentary (and in my opinion way better than the Michael Moore documentaries that have been made recently). A worthy Oscar nominee, it's a total surprise to this viewer that the usual suspects have made the grade, and this wonderful, moving and tearful movie has not been considered.
I've flown many many times and the realism of the in-flight scenes and the real life lack of 'ultra-heroism' was a refreshing change from the normal Hollywood pic. The passengers as depicted showed emotions and actions that left me feeling like someone who was on the plane with them.
A truly amazing movie - if you have not seen it, you have no excuses, go see it NOW!