There have been a handful of ‘brave’ directors who have taken on the responsibility and challenge of turning harrowing true stories into big screen movies. Paul Greengrass is up there with the best of them and his latest movie United 93 is another example of this.
United 93 tells the horrifying true story of events that occurred onboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11th 2001, the day that rocked the world. As events are unfolding in the heart of New York and the ghastly images from the spine-chilling day are recreated on the big screen, Greengrass puts us, the viewer, into the world of the passengers on board the fourth hijacked plane.
This well documented movie goes through the time line of events. We witness the hijackers preparing for their mission, the pilots making their way to what they believe to be another ‘normal’ day at work, passengers families carrying out their daily routines, and lingering shots of the passengers themselves around the airport.
As passengers begin to board the plane, we see each one up-close, as well as a prolonged look at their boarding card clearly displaying their names. Blending in with the passengers we see the hijackers and their boarding cards go through the same process.
Besides the 45 minutes delay, everything appears fine and as the plane takes off we get panoramic views of the passengers and hijackers intermingled onboard.
The pilots are interrupted in the cockpit with an urgent message making them aware of other planes being hijacked. By this time it’s all too late. The hijackers aboard Flight 93 are already in action and are quick to take over the plane. As the command centre back on the ground are made aware of another hijacking, the movie moves between events in the air, and events unfolding on the ground.
As horrified passengers call both home and the command centre, they quickly learn their plane is part of a co-ordinated terrorist attack. Mass hysteria and desperation kicks in. Aware of the fate that lay ahead of them they unite to fight back against the hijackers, knowing that the outcome will be equally as catastrophic for them, but vital to protect the target they are en-route towards.
As the film draws to a close, we wish for the typical Hollywood ending, although we know the heartbreaking end that is about to take place.
Although some critics are dubious about the releasing of this movie, Greengrass has produced it in a professional and respectful fashion. Although terrorism plays a large part in this film, it is the bravery of the passengers that he most puts across and it’s that which drives the plot. The quality of acting is outstanding from a cast that holds no major ‘stars’ in its line-up.
It is also worth noting this movie was only released after been given the ‘ok’ from the families of those killed onboard the flight that day.
With that being said, you cannot deny the gut-wrenching sadness this movie represents. The movie hits home in a harrowing manner that leaves you thinking about the movie and September 11th ’01 for hours, if not days, after viewing. While I would personally recommend people to watch this movie, the sensitive nature of the story does make uncomfortable viewing in parts, and may not be to everyone’s taste. More than anything I came away from this movie admiring, respecting and remembering the bravery of the passengers and their families, in a day that would end and change their lives, and the world, forever.
My rating: 9/10
