The events of September 11 left an indelible mark on most Americans, and certainly on those in the New York City area. Yet as fresh as the images seem, it's easy to forget the actual grit, sacrifice, and uncertainty of that day. Director Oliver Stone captures the essence of 9/11 by focusing on the true story of two Port .. Read more
| Starring | Maria Bello, Nicolas Cage, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jay Hernandez |
|---|---|
| Director | Oliver Stone |
| Genres | Drama |
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The events of September 11 left an indelible mark on most Americans, and certainly on those in the New York City area. Yet as fresh as the images seem, it's easy to forget the actual grit, sacrifice, and uncertainty of that day. Director Oliver Stone captures the essence of 9/11 by focusing on the true story of two Port Authority Police Department officers who were trapped beneath the wreckage of the fallen World Trade Center. Veteran officer Sergeant John McLoughlin (Nicholas Cage) and his team, including rookie Will Jimeno (Michael Pena) are gathering equipment to enter the burning Twin Towers when the concourse comes crashing down around them. Twenty feet below the surface, pinned by debris and unable to reach anyone by radio, the officers must rely on their own will--and on each other--to survive. Above ground, their families watch the towers fall, uncertain whether or not McLoughlin and Jimeno are there, since they are normally assigned to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Like so many that day, Donna McLoughlin (Maria Bello) and Allison Jimeno (Maggie Gyllenhaal) wait for news at home surrounded by their families, fearing the worst and praying for the best. Stone's film depicts the horror and heartbreak of the victims, survivors, and their families with an understated, subtle touch. From the ash and dust covering everyone and everything to the dazed expressions of the workers leaving the towers to the steaming twisted metal remains of the World Trade Center, attention to detail is exceedingly realistic. Rather than being political or sensationalistic, this is a film about everyday heroes--men and women doing their best in the face of an unspeakable event. It may be just one story of many from September 11, but it represents the efforts, emotions, and reactions of so many on that fateful day.
| Starring | Maria Bello, Nicolas Cage, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jay Hernandez, Stephen Dorff, Frank Whaley |
|---|---|
| Director | Oliver Stone |
| Studio | PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 9 mins Blu-ray: 2 hrs 9 mins HD DVD: 2 hrs 9 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 29 Jan 2007 Blu-ray: 09 Apr 2007 HD DVD: 02 Apr 2007 Production year: 2006 |
| Format | DVD |
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[I]t's in the smaller moments that the film shines. Stone's focus on the men in the rubble is characteristically intense
Stone zones in on humanity amid inhumanity... Stone is still capable of the brash and the beautiful...
Oliver Stone is not known for making subtle films but even by his standards this is bombastic and cliched. Some truly dreadful moments - especially in the flashback scenes and any scene featuring the marine where the script is toe curling. He evens resorts to visions of Jesus and the final scenes where Stone tries to make links between 9/11 and Iraq is unforgiveable. The only reason to see this film is for the terrific sound effects when the buildings collapse. If you want to see a moving film about the tragedy and heroism of that terrible day see Flight 93.
I think this film could have been made a lot better when you consider the subject matter. As soon as the film starts the terrorists attack the Trade Centre and the relationship between the characters and each other doesn't come into it till later. It is a moving film but I didn't reallhy enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
Hollywood's take on the terrorist attacks on New York is now available for UK residents to own. Telling the story of two policemen, portrayed by Nicholas Cage and Michael Pena, the film focuses on the character's experiences of the infamous events, trapped under the rubble of the buildings. Additionally, the stories of their worried families unfold for the camera, with performances from Maggie Gyllenhaal and Maria Bello. World Trade Center is the latest in a long line of blockbusters for Cage,... Read more