United 93, written and directed by Paul Greengrass, 10 out of 10

United 93, written and directed by Paul Greengrass

10 out of 10

Notes and thoughts on other books are available at:

-              https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEVa4_CsRStSBBDo4uJWT8BSWtTTn0N1E and   http://realini.blogspot.ro/

United 93 is a gripping, tremendous drama.

The entire world has been shocked, alas some have cheered, when the terrorist piloted airplanes have crashed into the Twin Towers.

This film refers to that, albeit not directly, and the phenomenal account of the men and women aboard the United flight that crashed in Pennsylvania.

It is one of the most astounding dramas that describes the heroism, bravery, strength, spirit of sacrifice of a group of passengers.

Terrorists had taken flying lessons and then went on board civilian airplanes to crash them into important targets.

Tragically, two have hit The World Trade Center and one the Pentagon, the latter with fortunately fewer casualties.

The fourth plane selected gives the name to this fantastic film that describes passengers, relatives, communication with them and the accelerating pace towards the denouement, which is known but no less impressive and horrendous.

Tension is slowly building up, with people getting on the airplane together with their would be kidnappers.

Part of the plot involves the men and women on the ground, controlling the air traffic, who learned about the situation on United 93.

On a side note, air traffic controllers- and people in other jobs- are supposed to have a negative attitude, because those with a positive mindset see the big picture better, but miss on details and psychology research proves that negativity helps with the small parts- in positions like those of lawyers, policemen investigating crimes, etc.

At a chosen moment, the terrorists use knives to highjack the plane and take control of the cockpit, flying the plane.

After September 11^th, a decision was taken to improve security on board airplanes and make access to cockpits more difficult.

The passengers have their mobile phones and some get in contact with the dear ones on the ground and keep talking throughout.

This is in fact one of the main sources from which we learn what happened on United 93, the narrative and all the acts.

The relatives or friends that communicate with people on the plane see the news and what happens to the Twin Towers and The Pentagon.

And the passengers on United 93 come to realize what the use of their aircraft would be, if they do nothing about it.

It must also be said that the United States government, learning about the three attacks and the high jacking of United 93 made some plans…only they were not put in practice

If they watched the plane fly too close to Washington, where it became increasingly clear that it would target Congress or another strategic institution, then they would resort to a drastic, dreadful decision:

-          Take the plane down

In effect, fighter planes were not given the order to shoot down a civilian air craft, for fear of accidental shoot down.

Only the people on the flight took action themselves, understanding full well the consequences, risks and odds.

A group has decided that the only option is to attack the terrorists, hoping to regain control of the plane.

With grit, courage and determination, these Superheroes, heroic men and women went to face the enemy.

They did not manage to avoid their own deaths, but with their sacrifice they have saved the lives of others…

“Todd Beamer: [to Mark Bingham after Ziad Jarrah on purpose causes the plane to lose attitude as it gets closer to Washington D.C]. This is a suicide mission. They are not going to land this plane. They are not going to take us back to the airport. We have to do something. I don't think we have much of a choice.”

United 93 is an outstanding motion picture, about extraordinary, unique, courageous, powerful, unforgettable heroes.