More than an average "Movie"

Rating: 9/10 (31 March 2009)

This film portrays the deplorable events that occurred on 9/11, "United 93" was one of the four planes hijacked that day and was the only plane that did not reach its target. This is definitely not for the faint- hearted as it is a very moving portrayal.
The film is in honour to the 40 passengers and crew who stood out their bravery in opposition to the four suicide terrorists who hijacked the plane but did not reach their intentions of a premeditated attack.
Paul Greengrass wrote and directed the film, which he knew would be considered as very controversial. Many argued that it was too soon to be re-enacted, but Paul felt it seemed the right time to be made with a release 5 years after the event. Paul managed to get in contact with all the families on board of United 93 which wasn't an easy task. The families were all thoroughly supportive towards a film being made as long as it looked and felt realistic to what did supposedly occur. I was very impressed how this film created a believable truth, and the film certainly didn't suffer with its improvisation. United 93 unquestionably looks authentic and doesn't belong into a clichéd movie world where you anticipate extraordinary things to happen. There is a lot of visual effects used in this production and they are very well handled and aren't the centre of awareness. For instance, during the filming the plane was on the ground and not in the air but this was not apparent. I also really thought the music felt appropriate as it had a sense of misfortune and told the story of a broken nation, which was important because the film explored one of the most significant events in a lifetime.
The cast assembles reasonably unknown actors that were a close representation to those on board on the day. The actors were given studies to each individual's life and they met the families to give them a broad insight to whom they were playing. I have to say the acting in this film is very close to perfection and it felt truthful to use unknown actors who were just like any average Joe stuck in an everyday life. I felt this was a really good idea because I often get distracted when I see certain actors and it reminds me that the film is fictional. I believe what also made it appear authentic were the scenes shot in the air traffic command centre. The people portraying these roles are factual people and not actors, most of who were there on the day of 9/11  portraying themselves. The pilots and stewardess on board of the plane are also non professional actors and depicting what they do in everyday life.
After watching this film I felt extremely speechless and proud of the passengers and crew that were on board - they took the chance of sacrificing their life. The film didn't make them look like victims, if anything they are the heroes! It is such a credible film and I cant think of anything negative to say about it. I felt very emotional after watching this and I envisage numerous others will too.