United 93

This is not a review. I haven’t seen “United 93.” I’m not sure if I will.

Actually, that is what this entry is really about. Should I see this movie?

The reviews have been very good. Manohla Dargis, writing in the New York Times, said:

A persuasively narrated, scrupulously tasteful re-creation of the downing of the fourth and final plane hijacked by Islamist terrorists on Sept. 11, “United 93” is the first Hollywood feature film to take on that dreadful day. It won’t be the last. (Next up, ready or not: Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center.”) Preceded by both the expected bluster and genuine relief that the film is as good as it is

3 thoughts on “United 93”

  1. Geoff, I saw the movie this afternoon (first showing of the day)in New York. I went into it with a sick feeling- but I had to see it, for the same reason that I had to see Schindler’s List.

    I must tell you what a different experience this was from any other movie I saw. Being a New Yorker, I think most of us in that theater had either a direct or very close connection with that horrible day.

    I will tell you this- the movie was not what I would call gory. I won’t go into details about the exceptions- but the movie runs pretty close to form. The hijackers mostly used deception, terror and fear to keep a half-full planeload of people under control. There were a few moments that were exceptions to that- but overall, the nature of the whole story overwhelmed any of that.

    There were moments that made me angrier than any movie I have ever scene, and sadder, and prouder. The people I saw it with agreed that the overwhelming emotion was rage- and that it was the same rage we felt on that day.

    What motivated me to see this movie? More than anything, the families of Flight 93 and their support of the project and almost unanimous endorsement. This movie is not about politics or blame- though I think you come away pretty clear about the nature of good and evil- it’s about what happens when inherently good people are put in an unthinkable situation.

    I wouldn’t be so bold as to tell people to see this movie. I think everyone needs to do what they feel is right for them. Some people may prefer to watch it at home in privacy some day, and some people have already internalized what happened and don’t need to see it.

    I will be bold enough to say that counter to my original thoughts when I heard about this movie, I am very glad it was made.

  2. Geoff, I saw the movie this afternoon (first showing of the day)in New York. I went into it with a sick feeling- but I had to see it, for the same reason that I had to see Schindler’s List.

    I must tell you what a different experience this was from any other movie I saw. Being a New Yorker, I think most of us in that theater had either a direct or very close connection with that horrible day.

    I will tell you this- the movie was not what I would call gory. I won’t go into details about the exceptions- but the movie runs pretty close to form. The hijackers mostly used deception, terror and fear to keep a half-full planeload of people under control. There were a few moments that were exceptions to that- but overall, the nature of the whole story overwhelmed any of that.

    There were moments that made me angrier than any movie I have ever scene, and sadder, and prouder. The people I saw it with agreed that the overwhelming emotion was rage- and that it was the same rage we felt on that day.

    What motivated me to see this movie? More than anything, the families of Flight 93 and their support of the project and almost unanimous endorsement. This movie is not about politics or blame- though I think you come away pretty clear about the nature of good and evil- it’s about what happens when inherently good people are put in an unthinkable situation.

    I wouldn’t be so bold as to tell people to see this movie. I think everyone needs to do what they feel is right for them. Some people may prefer to watch it at home in privacy some day, and some people have already internalized what happened and don’t need to see it.

    I will be bold enough to say that counter to my original thoughts when I heard about this movie, I am very glad it was made.

  3. I too saw the first showing at the Regal in Branford. I think every American will approach this with a great deal of trepidation, but upon leaving will be glad they saw this. It IS violent–but is NOT gory. It is a story of common people thrust into this situation and deciding they were not going to let the terrorists win the day. This was the only victory on a day when America took it on the chin. Although they died, they denied the terrorists the satisfaction of accomplishing their mission. They were truly heroes.

    When the movie ended, no one left. We all just sat there, stunned, even though we knew the outcome. And there were many tears as well, on me too.

    Larry King’s show was about this movie tonight. He had actors from the movie, and family members of the passengers of United 93, and all believed this movie needed to be made. And I agree.

    As far as box office is concerned, the movie cost 15 million to make, so there will be a profit, but 10% of the opening weekend proceeds will be donated to the fund for surviving family members of United 93. So if you decide to go, go this weekend. You’ll see a powerful movie, and help them at the same time.

    This movie shows the power and determination of average Americans who step up when its needed. This is the foundation upon which this country was built, dating back to Bunker Hill, and continuing to this day.

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