September 11, 2001 - a day that will forever be etched in my memory. I recall where I was when I heard about the World Trade Center and it was a horrible historical event that occurred in my lifetime. Needless to say, it will be a story that I will pass onto my children and grandchildren and discuss with my family and friends down the road.

With that said, United 93 is a movie that is based on the fourth plane that was scheduled to smash into the capitol building in Washington D.C. This movie attempts to depict the potential drama created when terrorism clashes head-on with heroism that may have happened on United flight 93.

From the beginning of the movie we are shown differences in our culture as compared to those of the terrorists. Ranging from religious beliefs, language, and counter references such as "God Bless America" banners. Overview shots of New York City symbolize how we Americans internally view the grandeur of the golden apple state.

In my eyes, Hollywood is known for movies and Las Vegas is known for casinos. I hold a special part in my heart for New York (I once traveled there) as being symbolic with freedom and american integrity. Shown in many different movies, I think it's safe to say that the typical american has a strong passion for New York icons. These aren't limited to, but may include Manhattan, The Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.

Before making irrational comments on this movie being unrealistic, we must remember that airport security checks were not as deep as they are today. The events on 9/11 changed the way that the United States handles security and we are much more aware and cautious about terrorism. One of the things that will pop-up from viewers of this movie is "How did they get through all of that security with that stuff?". People must remember that airport security and magnetic devices were definitely not as tight back then as they are today, and as much as we wish the suspects had been caught - they weren't.

The premises of the movie is based on real events that were pre-planned by a group of terrorists. Hijacking planes to smash major american icons which signified our freedom, economy, and democracy. The World Trade Center (WTC), The Pentagon, and The Capitol building were major targets on that horrible day.

Farce, bombs, and knives were the key ingredients these terrorists used to take over. Committed to damage our well-being with a religious guarantee of immortality and after-life, the terrorists managed in unfoiling their totally-tasteless plan. Sneaking in knives and a bag full of wires and battery charges, the terrorists (who changed their looks to depict typical clean-shaven american males) got aboard first-class. In one hasty minute they seized a nearby stewardess, killed a few passengers via slicing their throats, and the aforementioned happened to the two pilots as well.

The first half of the movie takes place in an american airline headquarters with a dedicated staff that moderates air traffic, ETA, and safe landings. Crew members are in shock when they suspect a hijacking. Confusion and questions pop-up as they diligently try to find out solutions to the problem. When chaos and mass confusion hit their peaks, a plane hits the WTC in an obvious terrorist attack. Later on they find out that there are more planes that are hijacked. They desperately await answers from the government and other commanders, but there really isn't very much time left and decisions had to be made on-the-fly.

We are given a major turning point in the middle of the movie where some of the passengers realize that the captain and co-captain have been murdered. There isn't anything that they can do because it's obvious that it's just going to get worse. Planes have already crashed into the WTC and they realize that this plane is probably going to hit a major building as well. They must do something, and they frantically decide that they are going to have to try to retake the plane. With the rest of their hope, they muster enough courage to attack the nearby terrorists and eventually break into the cockpit. It was too late, however, and in the end the terrorist-pilot crashes into a field in Pennsylvania.

This is a hard movie to talk about because it's not fun thinking of 9/11. From a movie-standpoint, I feel that the director did a good job in re-enacting the events on the plane. By showing both sides (terrorism vs. heroism) it makes MORE sense, but I will always have my questions on the situation, particularly on WHY they did it in the first place. What could have caused their minds to be so poisoned with terrorism that they would do such a drastic deed? I think that we should watch this movie because it's a relatively current historical event and we can learn some stuff from watching it. We all know the outcome of what happened to the plane, but I think that the director did a good enough job of mixing up the intensity to keep me gripped to the edge of my seat and filling me up with hope. Unlike a completely sad ending (crashed plane), at least we got to see a few of the terrorists be served some true american justice.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older