Films that remember September 11, 2001...

World Trade Center (PG-13)

Directed by Oliver Stone and Starring Nicolas Cage, Maria Bello, and Michael Pena

Oliver Stone (well known for creating/ raising controversy with films like JFK, Nixon, and, Born on the fourth of July) brings out an unusual turn with his vision of 'World Trade Center'.  Instead of causing diffusion, setting blame or creating conspiracy, he considers the human side that we all remember from September 11, 2001; the shock and loss of so many.  

But Stone goes a step further and tells the story of John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno, two men (one a policeman and the other a firefighter) trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed second tower.

It is a story of hope, survival and a stunning statement at how we as a people come together in times of great horror and sadness to work together to save a fortunate few in the midst of losing many.  

The other movie effected me at a deeper level.  Although, 'World Trade Center' is a very emotional and beautifully told film, this other movie buried itself deep inside me.  And it hasn't let go.

United 93 (PG-13)

Directed by Paul Greengrass and Starring J. J. Johnson, Gary Cammock, Polly Adams, Opal Alladin, and many others

In this very detailed and honest portrayal of the events that happened on United flight 93, Paul Greengrass (Bourne Supremacy, Bourne Ultimatum, Green Zone) gives us a most visceral vision of what happened.  He puts us in the moments and pulls the true emotion from every character from this event.

What I think is most impressive, is the fact that this amazing cast is full of people you don't know (you might recognize one or two, but you don't know them).  This makes it less Hollywood and more of a truth.  Also (and perhaps more amazing), the workers that were in the air towers and air traffic control were played by the actual people who worked that day.  Amazing.

It felt so real.  And, although many would argue, "Why would you want to go through that again?'  I believe that it is very important to remember events like this, to remember what you felt that day and what it cost.  It is important.  

Without memory, we learn nothing.

If we choose to forget, we belittle the cost and the loss.

When the credits rolled at the end of 'United 93', I literally didn't move for ten minutes.  I was effected by it's honest telling of a truly sacrificial tale.  I cried and let myself be moved.

Brice