Review of United 93 (2006) by Johnd. — 30 Apr 2006

I'm awarding this film a 10. Not a 10 in the sense that 'it was entertaining and I want to watch it over and over', but a 10 for what was simply a job well done. I think the subject matter was extremely difficult to tackle without cliches and 'drama for drama's sake' creeping in, and despite the challenges, the cast and crew succeeded admirably in this endeavor.

I found the film endlessly taut and gripping, yet respectful and profound throughout its execution. My hat's off to Greengrass and crew for doing things right without resorting to the tired trappings of Hollywood.

Utilizing a cast with little to no name equity was precisely the right thing to do. As I said, this is not a film I feel compelled to watch over and over again, as that implies being entertained...and entertainment was not my reason for going in the first place.

I went to remember...and remember I did. I could tell this film connected with me personally after leaving the theater because it's been a very long time since I felt the numbness of 9/11. In witnessing this film's non-manipulative handling of that fateful day, much of that numbness returned to me, and I think that more than anything else indicates this film was a moving and worthy effort.