United 93

Directed by Paul Greengrass

Rated R

            “United 93” is the best movie so far this year, but calling it a movie doesn’t seem right. It’s more like a flashback to the ghastly day of September 11^th, 2001 - like a nightmare as to what it would have been like to be onboard of the hijacked plane United 93, which never made it to the United States Capitol, the supposed destination of the plane.

            The first section of the film shows the air traffic controllers and their panic in dealing with an unknown situation. When the first plane hits the World Trade Center, there is a rushing feeling of sadness and pain that strikes everyone in the audience. As the day’s infamous events continue, we are led through the aisles of United 93, watching the unknowing, normal passengers talk amongst themselves, and the four terrorists as they conspire as to when they should attack.

            When the terrorists do hijack the plane and cockpit, the passengers slowly learn about the tragedies at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon earlier that morning, and decide to take action. What follows is incredibly effective, and we get a true feeling as to why the passengers of United 93 are known as American heroes.

            Director Paul Greengrass does this story justice, and should certainly earn a Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards next year. “United 93” is a film that honors the passengers that had strength in a time of strife.

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