I watched the movie “World Trade Center” recently. I have to admit that I was a little hesitant about watching it. The 911 disaster hit a little too close to home for me. You see, I used to travel to NYC all the time around then. I almost always stayed in the Marriott in the WTC. I probably stayed there 20 times that year. I used to stay there mainly because my company had an office in the WTC, in Tower 2. We moved a few months before 911 so we did not lose anyone from my company, but as you can imagine, many of my coworkers knew people in the building and there were some losses. But to be honest, that is not what bothered me the most. I was actually in D.C. that morning. I was sitting in the lobby of my hotel, watching the disaster unfold in NYC, only about a mile or so from the Pentagon when it got hit. It was a very scary day. Now I am sure many people have stories very similar and worse than mine. I just mention it, as it explains why I have pretty much avoided movies like this.
I will admit, the movie is done pretty well. However, I almost turned it off when they showed the person jumping to their death from the tower instead of burning in the fire (actual footage). They only showed one person and the scene was over quickly, but it is a very disturbing scene and I feel very sorry for those people as well as those on the ground who had to watch. I am sure that is a memory they will never get out of their mind.
The movie chronicles day of the two Port Authority officers that were rescued from under 20 feet of rubble. It also shows the stress and anguish that their families went through in wondering if they were dead or alive. And although there was a happy ending for the two families and the police officers, it struck me that there were many other wives, husbands, children and parents who went through the same anguish and did not have a happy ending. That’s the real tragedy of the movie.
I would also point out that until after the movie was made, the Marine who helped find the two police officers was unknown. He showed up at the site, searched the rubble, helped the police officers, stuck around for two weeks to help and then disappeared. Talk about true heroism. He never looked to be noticed or famous. He didn’t come forward until after he saw the trailer for the movie. There isn’t much about him in the movie, because they didn’t know anything about him. Amazing. You can read his story here.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I would caution that it does use actual footage of the disaster, so be prepared.
4 comments:
On a sidenote, Sgt. Thomas now lives in Ohio, and the television show "Extreme Home Makeover" came to Ohio and built him and his daughters a new home part of their 50 states tour. I believe it should be aired sometime soon.
I watched a show on PBS not long ago about the WTC. They showed the people holding hands leaping to their death. It bothers me just remembering that image. Not sure If I'll see the movie or not. Thanks for the warning though.
I have to admit that I'm just not sure that I can watch it, esp. in light of you mentioning that they used real footage. The images of those that jumped to their deaths would haunt me for a while, even though I know that the alternative was worse.
I just wanted to follow up and let you know that in 2 weeks from today, on ABC'S Extreme Home Makeover they will be telling the story of Sgt. Thomas and building him and his family a brand new home.
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