World Trade Center

from the mom

We rented World Trade Center a couple of months back. I am compelled to watch real stories more than others; real life is about suffering and I have a lot of empathy. Maybe in some ways I am looking for ways to be more prepared for pain.

Oliver Stone did a wonderful job of being true to the story. Will Jimeno, one of the men trapped in the rubble, was involved in the audio commentary and he talked about the trepidation when they heard it was Stone who wanted to tell their story. His reputation proceeded him and somewhat concerned these patriotic Americans who worked for the Port Authority Police. The story follows John McLoughlin (Nicholas Cage) and Will Jimeno (Michael Pena) as their day begins on September 11 and as they get caught up in the drama of the day we will remember forever. Their wives Donna (Maria Bello) and Alison (Maggie Gyllenhaal) are also portrayed and these actresses do a fine job of showing us the emotions these women experienced as they wondered if their husbands were dead or alive.

Stone was true to details. Jimeno points out how the camera follows McLoughlin as he forgets his watch that morning, thus leaving the men without any idea of what time it was when they were trapped beneath Tower 5. Jimeno breathes a prayer before he enters the building and in the commentary he mentions his gratefulness to Stone for respecting his Catholic faith and including that true detail. Jimeno also experiences a vision of Jesus beneath the rubble in which Jesus gives him a water bottle. He describes how he felt literally refreshed and able to continue hoping and encouraging McLoughlin after that experience.

The rescue is inspiring, with ordinary Americans defying orders to evacuate the area in order to save these two men. Knowingly facing the collapse of more rubble, they refused to leave these men to die. As in United 93, we are confronted with modern-day heroes, ordinary people who did not panic in the face of danger, but did what they could to make a difference.

This movie is hard to watch. There is some off-color language. But it is worth it.