It is as respectful as a movie can possibly be, and it joins the ranks of films such as "Schindler’s List" as a movie that should be watched at least once, no matter how uncomfortable it may make you.

We all remember where we were that day.

It was actually quite sunny, hardly a cloud in the sky. Hardly, except for the giant black cloud escaping from the wounded side of the Twin Towers, escaping onto the New York City skyline like a hellish gash.

It has been just over five years since 'that day', and this year marked the first time a feature film would be made to chronicle a part of that day. "United 93," newly released on DVD, tells the story of the plane that didn’t make it to its destination, for neither passengers nor terrorists. It is at both times quiet and chaotic, inspiring and terrifying, and is something that, at least once, should be seen.

There is no need to go into the plot. You already know it. What this film does is examine the events of that day from the perspectives of the people that monitor the plane and those in the plane itself. It even takes the bold step to show the events from the perspective of the terrorists. In a way, it humanizes the terrorists, most poignantly in a scene where one of the terrorists calls up a loved one and hears, “I love you,” on the other end.

The film uses a handheld camera technique, giving it almost an air of documentation. The footage is presented in a real, minimalist way. There are no boisterous speeches, no fancy special effects. It is, as best we can piece together, how both the passengers on that flight and the people on the ground really acted. Even Todd Beamer’s famous line “Let’s roll,” which was heard after as the rallying cry for Americans, is spoken quietly.

There is no slow motion as he says it or triumphant music as they begin the charge. It is said in the mad scramble for control of the plane, lost in the cacophony of chaos inside the plane.

This is a brilliant, touching, moving, heartfelt film. All those thinking that this is a Hollywood movie, made from a nation’s sorrow for the purpose of turning a buck, can rest easy. The families of the victims of United 93 have given their approval of the film. Some of the people who worked on the ground that day even take part in the movie, reliving the events of September 11^th once again.

It is as respectful as a movie can possibly be, and it joins the ranks of films such as "Schindler’s List" as a movie that should be watched at least once, no matter how uncomfortable it may make you. Because as it shows the darkest corners of the human soul, it also shows the parts that have honor, dignity, and above all, courage.