On September 11, 2001, a horrific and devastating tragedy struck the United States when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger planes, two of which crashed into the World Trade Center and the third into the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed in rural Pennsylvania after the crew and passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 mutinied and prevented the plane from hitting its intended target, which was most likely the Capitol Building. 2,977 people were killed on that dark and horrific day in American history, completely changing the spirit and soul of the country as the world mourned.
In 2006, Hollywood decided to honor the heroic men and women who risked their lives and sacrificed their lives on 9/11, with the film Paul Greengrass. United 93 and oliver stone World Trade Center Both films have just premiered in theaters, and have wowed audiences with their poignant drama. Each film depicts the horrific events of that tragic day, and both pay tribute to the victims and those forever affected by the horrific attack. Let’s take a look at what the films are about and how moviegoers have received each picture as a tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11.
United 93 Honors Brave Passengers, Crew
The arduous efforts of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 are captured in director Paul Greengrass' poignant documentary thriller. United 93The film provides a powerful look at the events of September 11, 2001, and how passengers rose up against the terrorists who took over the plane and fought to prevent an even greater tragedy. The deeply moving film tells the story of the plane hijacking and depicts what happened in the air and on the ground after three other flights were hijacked during the September 11 attacks; Flight 93 was the only plane to fail to reach its intended target..
United 93 The first Hollywood production to draw its narrative directly from the actual events of September 11, Greengrass had several of the people involved in the actual tragedy play themselves in the film, including television journalist Thomas Roberts and Federal Aviation Administration operations manager Ben Sliney. The director also had the actors playing the passengers and crew members stay in a separate hotel from those appearing as the hijackers in an attempt to create tension and hostility between the two opposing groups.
The film's production was grim and intense, with the set built to replicate the way the actual ride moved, and some of the actors even hurt themselves during the mutiny scene, and the blood on their faces was real and authentic. United 93 The film was produced in collaboration with many (but not all) of the passengers' families, and 10% of the film's gross revenue from the first three days of its release was promised to go towards the construction of a memorial to honor the victims of the flight.. United 93 It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $76 million, and was hailed as one of the best releases of the year and a touching tribute to the memory of the passengers.
World Trade Center Honors the Best of New York
Another very compelling and compelling film also released in 2006 was Oliver Stone's disaster docudrama World Trade CenterStarring Nicolas Cage, Michael Peña, Michael Shannon and Maggie Gyllenhaal, this film follows the courageous and noble actions of a team of New York City police officers trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, following the terrorist attacks. Sergeant John McLaughlin (Cage) and Officer Will Jimeno (Peña) must fight for their lives after being trapped in the rubble after helping people escape, and must wait in desperation for a rescue team to locate them.
The real McLaughlin and Jimeno, along with their wives, co-wrote and produced the film.wanting to honor and pay tribute to their fallen comrades and the rescuers who gave their lives on 9/11. The two heroic men even appear in a brief scene at the end of the docudrama as the survivors prepare a celebratory barbecue. When asked why they felt the need to participate in World Trade Center “We got involved in this project because we felt it needed to be accurate,” said McLaughlin's wife, Donna. “We wanted to do the right thing and I think the filmmakers wanted to do the right thing, too.”
Although some of the events were fictional and critical,such as the motivations and portrayals of paramedic Chuck Sirica and rescuer Dave Carnes (and their lack of screen time), Producers World Trade Center We met with 9/11 victim groups to discuss their intentions and mission.Upon its release, both the New York City Fire Department and the NYPD were satisfied and impressed with the final product. World Trade Center The film grossed $163 million and received an A- CinemaScore rating from audiences, and was praised for its tribute to the brave heroes who risked their lives on that devastating day.
Two powerful and moving images of the tragedy of September 11th
both of them United 93 and World Trade Center It serves as a poignant tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives and fought to keep their country and fellow Americans safe.Each film offers a harrowing reenactment of the dark and tragic day that changed the United States forever. Yet, the deep pain and despair that strikes the audience and squeezes their chests United 93 This movie is clearly full of suspense, as moviegoers know exactly how the terrifying drama will unfold despite the valiant efforts of the passengers to prevent a disaster.
Seeing them take a brave stand against the kidnappers with no regard for their own safety and despite probably feeling an unimaginable amount of fear and terror, was truly emotional, Roger Ebert call United 93 “Brilliant and moving,” it says, and “honors the memory of the victims.” The moving film also reached Audio Visual ClubThe film was listed as one of the “great films that hurt to watch twice” and received numerous awards, including two Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for Paul Greengrass. United 93 The film handles the heavy and difficult subject matter with respect and sensitivity, and provides a powerful and deeply meaningful portrayal of the real, everyday heroes who risked everything for their country. flow United 93 On the peacock. Stream World Trade Center On Paramount+.
