I Didn't Think They Made Movies Like This Still...

Rating: Null/10 (26 August 2006)

This is an unparalleled film in its tremendous emotional engagement of the viewer. From the very beginning to the gut-wrenching final moment, this is a piece of art that one must remind oneself is almost a reenactment of an actual event. Paul Greengrass & crew have outdone themselves with this detailed, powerful film.
The ultra-realistic depiction of mass confusion and breakdowns in communication between ordinary people trying to cope with an unprecedented situation pack so much punch because we, looking back today, of course know the outcome. Yet all we can do is sympathize for these souls who are nearing their untimely end. This is film at its finest; emotionally gripping, perfectly paced and brilliantly edited to portray the mess that September morning was for those trying to prevent further destruction.
The class and respect for this tragedy Paul Greengrass has shown is a no-brainer. You have to be seriously delusional to anticipate a film like this coming out in some Die Hard action-type style of nonsense. It's obvious great care was taken and needed to be, and the result is nothing short of one of the best films I have seen in years.
Clearly Greengrass has written the film closely following the 911 Commission's report, and the key in viewing a film like this is to detach yourself from your belief, whether you be a dedicated conspiracy theory believer or have Bush's pictures hanging on your home walls. This is a story of people dealing with an immense situation, at its heart.