United 93: Sobs And Applause

FoxNews.com ^ | April 26, 2006 | Roger Friedman

[veronica]

"United 93" is a movie of firsts. It was made from the heart and not to make money, certainly. It’s a short movie but one that you never want to see end — not because the story is so appealing, but because you know what the end is, and you never want it to come.

That must have been how the audience sitting in the balcony of the Ziegfeld Theater felt last night at the film’s premiere. When the 93-minute movie ended — in silence, not an explosion — the people in the balcony sobbed in a way I have never heard before in a movie house. It was gut wrenching, and it was terrifying. I don’t know if "United 93" has given them closure or permission to keep reliving this horror.

Peter Greengrass has made an extraordinary document for them of what their relatives must have gone through in their final hour of life. “United 93” is beautifully crafted, thoughtful and precise. There is nothing wrong with it. In fact, it has the polish of perfection, hitting every note, dotting every “i,” crossing every “t.” You have to admire the stamina of everyone involved that they were able to pull off such a feat.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Closure is a myth. You never stop missing those you have loved and lost.

[Minnesocold]

As difficult as it will be to watch, I won't miss it. As Glenn Beck said after he saw the screening, "Please, please - go see this film."

[Fury]

From the article:

I don’t know if the film has a box office life — it seems too intimate. But the DVD will sell, as I imagine most viewers will want to be alone with such an unsettling re-creation.

This is a good point. I am going to see the movie during the day. Simply put, I don't want to hear adults sobbing (exception for Mrs. Fury), nor do I want to be seen doing that, if it occurs.

[Psycho_Bunny]

the people in the balcony sobbed in a way I have never heard before in a movie house.

Interesting.  I wonder if this reviewer saw Saving Private Ryan in a theatre.

Aside from most of the movie being horribly bad, the first 20-odd minutes left most of the people I saw it with - including myself - in tears.

That was the only film I ever saw where the audience was so stunned, and still crying, that no one even got up and left until about half way thought the final credits.  And even then people left in small groups - not as the normal full rush for the exits.

[brushcop]

It's the warm and fuzzy crowd's favorite buzzword.

[areafiftyone]

I was listening to the radio and the actors who had to portray the hijackers said it was the hardest role for them to do.

[areafiftyone]

I'm glad this came out now - We Must Never Forget what happened and what what our Men and Women in Uniform are fighting for.

[Blzbba]

"Saving Private Ryan in a theatre.

Aside from most of the movie being horribly bad,"



I realize that's your opinion, but "Huh?"

SPR was a great movie!
(IMO)

[50sDad]

I want people angry about this from today to the end of time. A few years ago people were leaping out of buildings to avoid burning to death, and we have gone back to the couch with a bag of Cheesy Doodles. And the traitorious media are spilling our war plans "to protect Americans lives".

[OldFriend]

The writer left me cold with his commentary.

[veronica]

True, but time helps grow a scab over the pain, which dulls if never goes away. But most of us have time to on some level get used to the notion that a loved one will go, especially if an illness is involved. But to lose someone as people did on 9-11, suddenly, violently, and under circumstances in which their loved one must have suffered greatly and been terrified, seems more than a person could tolerate.

[1Old Pro]

I don’t know if "United 93" has given them closure or permission to keep reliving this horror.

It's necessary to have this horror stay on our minds. Famous lines like "remember the alamo" or "We will never forget" come to mind. These terrorosts acts MUST be remembered and we need to be constantly reminded of the horror as humans have short memories and easily forgive the most heinious crimes. Our resolve to fight terrorism must be recharged every now and again, this might just help our resolve to fight these horrible terrorists.

[tgusa]

Not a first. Most of the people at the theater I was at were weeping and sobbing during 'The Passion of the Christ.'

[bkepley]

Well thanks..but it doesn't sound like a good time to me and since my mind is already right I'll just have to let this one pass.

[rhombus]

The power of this cannot be underestimated. He’s even made the hijackers interesting, if not sympathetic.

Sympathetic?

[ThisLittleLightofMine]

I had to turn Private Ryan off after the first 10 minutes. It was so extreme. I just couldn't bear it.

[CDHart]

I love your tag line!

Carolyn

[DCPatriot]

I can appreciate and respect your opinion that this type of grief should be experienced in the privacy of your home, but I respectfully disagree.

I believe it's an opportunity to experience the fellowship and connection with our fellow citizens and neighbors...who love the United States of America.

An opportunity to de-frag our mental hardrive...refocus on who is our enemy and why our troops are fighting.

God Bless America, our troops, and the loved ones left behind since that fateful day.

[veronica]

Knowing his writing style, I see reverence for the victims in this review, and respect for the movie. Friedman is usually not the type to gush, nor frankly should reviewers do so, IMO. Unless they have a certain degree of objectivity their reviews are useless. That said, his review of Munich was appalling, and I actually wrote him about it.