Strong picture of two policemen and their families' struggle to get through the horrors of 9/11

Rating: 7/10 (16 October 2006)

I was really afraid that this would be yet another pompous, "America rules!" kind of movie... But I came out moved and very pleasantly surprised. Nicholas Cage seldom does any bad character-interpretations, and he is convincing as John McLoughlin. But the two most impressing achievements in this movie, I think, was Michael Pena as Will Jimeno and Maggie Gyllenhaal as his wife, Allison. Hats off for you two!! I have seen some remarks that this movie was too focused on these two policemen, and missed out on the big tragedy that was happening and all the thousands of people involved.... I must say, I'm glad Oliver Stone didn't get too ambitious on this point! This is not supposed to be a documentary, and it is not supposed to tell everyones story. The movie also gains my respect for not being political at all! 9/11 was a terrible day, not only for America, but for the whole world... I was glad to see that some good things came out of this tragic loss!