Review of United 93 (2006) by Byron H — 23 Aug 2013

When it was announced that plans were in the works for a film based on the planes hijacked on 9/11 a short six years after the event, a lot of people claimed that it was too soon. They said Americans were not ready to relive the horror of that day. In a lot of respects, I might have agreed until I actually saw "United 93", a film made by a British director that does everything right and ends up being a moving tribute film that celebrates the lives of the Americans that were lost that day without being insensitive or insulting.

The story is told in real time, starting with the boarded of the ill-fated flight, showing the mundane and ordinary way the day started not only for the people closely involved with the tragedy but the country on the whole as well. Naturally, one must assume that a great deal of what went on that plane that day is pure speculation because who could know for sure, but everything is as authentic as it could be thanks to Paul Greengrass' masterful direction that give these events the sense of immediacy the film needs.

He wisely cast unknows in the film, further adding to the sense of realism. These are ordinary Americans, not Hollywood actors. As the inevitable conclusion nears, and the passengers make their final, devastating calls to their loved ones, your pride swells with a lump in your throat and the tears flow freely. You're so caught up in the moment, you pray that history will re-write itself and the plane will land safely. But of course "United 93" is not a work of fiction. It is, however, a harrowing film that celebrates the American spirit with taste and dignity. It's also the best film of the year.