'United 93' depicts heroism of common people

United 93 is a gripping, gut-wrenching drama about the passengers and crew of the fourth hijacked plane involved in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the flight controllers who tried to make sense of the horror that unfolded.

The powerful film is presented documentary-style, using an unknown cast that includes several of the actual participants playing themselves, which lends it a harrowing sense of realism.

Universal Studios 'United 93' A The verdict: A tough, important film. Director: Paul Greengrass Starring: Opal Alladin, Erich Redman, Ben Sliney, Susan Blommaert, Peter Hermann Run time: 111 minutes Release date: April 28, 2006 Rating: R for some intense sequences of terror and violence. See showtimes Hollywood on tragedy Hollywood typically — but not always — has waited longer to depict major traumatic events than it has with "United 93." Is it too soon? Atlantans share their thoughts about 'United 93' on this AccessAtlanta blog. On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'United 93'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Despite the inevitable outcome, United 93 builds like a thriller to a heart-pounding climax as the passengers realize that their plane is to be used as a weapon, and courageously fight for their lives.

The result leaves you emotionally shaken and then stays with you for days, which is the sign of a truly effective film.

Such visceral impact also is a tribute to United 93's victims, whose families have given the film account their blessing.

Drawing on our recent collective memory, United 93 is sure to be controversial. Some people may think it's too soon to revisit that tragic day via popular entertainment. However, high ratings for several cable television movies about the ill-fated flight indicate a degree of public curiosity.

British writer-director Paul Greengrass, best known for The Bourne Supremacy, used a similar, documentary-style approach for his award-winning 2002 film Bloody Sunday, about the 1972 civil rights march in Northern Ireland that left 13 people dead.

Greengrass researched United 93 from official interviews, reports of flight recordings and phone calls made by some passengers to their family members.

Federal Aviation Administration national operations manager Ben Sliney, whose first day on the job was 9/11, served as an advisor and portrays himself.

The devastating drama unfolds in real time once flight 93 lifts off, as if a camera crew were on board capturing events.

A tough, important film for our times, United 93 is both disturbing and inspiring.

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