Emotional, powerful will leave you frozen in your seat

Rating: 9/10 (28 May 2007)

When United 93 started to be advertised in theaters there was one thing I heard over and over again: "Too soon." Many could make the argument for the film being to soon but I do not see it this way. I found the film to be very much needed and a very important film in general. This film shows us that though how terrible the events of 9/11 were for the United States, it also shows how there was heroism occurring during these terrible events from ordinary people who were simply on a flight to San Francisco.
The film just follows the events of September 11, 2001 centered around United 93 and its passengers. It also shows in depth the work from air traffic controllers and the military to prevent the attacks though they are virtually unaware of what is happening on United 93. About how the film shows us the passengers and the terrorists on board the plane and what may very well have been happening in ill-fated flight. No one knows for sure what exactly happened, all that is known is that the passengers saved hundreds by attacking the terrorists. I get goosebumps just thinking of the film.
The actors are virtually all unknowns. I did not recognize one face in the film but that does not mean it was not amazing acting. The actors bring out the characteristics and realism needed for the film. The actors are practically ordinary people and the people they portray (all real people, no fictional) are ordinary people. No one is made out to be an overarching hero. They simply decided to stand up for themselves which makes the film even better. No fictional heroes makes a better film in any case.
There are no sappy scenes. Yes we do see the passengers saying their goodbyes to family members, wives, children, etc but this is all true. There are records of this happening and the film simply tells the story how it was, no matter how sad it is. Trust me you will tear up during this film. I'm 25 years old and my girlfriend is 26 and both of us were still not able to hold back tears. The last scene is one of the most emotional sequences I've ever seen. Just powerful and emotional in every way imaginable. I sat stunned after seeing the film.
I only have one complaint with the film. There is a character put on the plane who happens to be German. Well he is made out to be the only man to show appeasement to the situation. He wishes to negotiate with the terrorists whether then attack them. He wants to let them do what they want so they don't get hurt. I believe this was taking the story a bit too far. Details are still unclear about what exactly happened on United 93 and to make a passenger out to be giving into the terrorists I think does not fit when it is clear that the passengers weren't giving into the terrorists and were ready to attack. It doesn't matter if that is what he really felt. They shouldn't have made him out to be this way. They should have just made him to be normal.
Other than that one complaint I have no problems with the film. It is exceptionally powerful. I teared up more then once and was haunted by some of the images, including real footage of the towers burning and being hit by the other planes. The portrayal of the terrorists is done right. Obviously they had been corrupted by Osama bin Laden and no jabs are taken at the Islamic faith by the film which is very important. The film shows heroism can occur even in the worst of times. It also shows that when we work together we can accomplish anything. Islam is not portrayed in a bad way and the events seem to be pin point accurate from the knowledge we have.
4.5/5 Stars