Many good critical points have already been made about this film, but I'll just add that some historical events are better portrayed through documentaries and viewing real time news footage other than a Hollywood script. This movie is an example of that.

Stone is known for political button pushing, but in WORLD TRADE CENTER, starring Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena as two NY port authority policemen who are literally buried alive beneath the wreckage of the WTC collapses, the director tells the story without any digressions. It's simply the true life story of John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno, as well as the story of a horrible day that assaulted America and then brought us together.When the Twin Towers are hit by the hijacked planes, the brave men and women of the FDNY and the NYPD, along with the PA police, risk their lives to try to save thousands of innocent lives. When Trade Center 2 (the south tower) collapses, McLoughlin, Jimeno, and a fellow PA named Pezzulo (Jay Hernandez) survive, but soon they are buried by tons more debris when Tower One falls. While they struggle to stay conscious through the excruciating pain of their injuries, their loved ones back home anxiously await word from them.Jimeno was buried about 15 hours, McLoughlin about 22. Most of the movie is centered on them as they talk to each other and keep each other alive. It is quite dark on screen for a lot of the film and that kind of affects how much I enjoyed it, even though it's probably realistically presented. They were practically entombed. Luckily, you get to know the wives of these 2 men: Allison Jimeno (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is pregnant with their second child. Donna McLoughlin (Maria Bello) is wondering if she'll ever get a chance to try to be close to her husband the way they once were.The film also showcases Michael Shannon as a dedicated Marine who decides to go to New York and help in the rescue operation that saved the lives of the 2 PA policemen.I like this film because it has no political subtext. It is what it is. A story of the real heroes of 9/11.

Highly underrated movie that follows the will to survive of two Port Authority Policemen after that attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11. Special affects are amazing. I know the former WTC complex very well and from every angle of this film, it looks just like it did. Its almost laughable about how many idiots pan this movie for various things like one comment about the Jesus figure showing up. Ever consider thats what that policeman saw while going in and out of consciousness? The acting is fine. Like any of the totally stupid action movies that came out this summer are Oscar material. I know I'm getting old when great movies like this get panned, yet crowds head to the theaters for the stupidest movies nowadays. Don't listen to the bad reviews. Give this a look over and judge for yourself. Along with United 93, this movie does a great job of putting the viewer in the shows of the people who were directly impacted that day. It almost didn't feel like a Oliver Stone movie. So if thats a reason your not giving it a chance, you should see it anyway..

World Trade Center is a breathtaking, emotional film that brings back the memories of the horrific events that happened to America almost eleven years ago. I can't believe it has been eleven years since that fateful day and that it took me almost six years to watch this film. This is a film that will stay in my heart for the rest of my life.This is about how two Port Authority police officers are trapped under the rubble of the Trade Center buildings and how it takes every ounce of them just to stay alive.Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena deliver two very emotional performances. I was in awe of just how well they depicted these heroes. The supporting cast led by Maggie Gyllenhaal also give moving performances.Oliver Stone directed a heck of a masterpiece. I can't believe this movie scored so low, but it is hardly surprising. After eleven years, it is still hard to recall those events of 9/11.Even though this is an excellent, well-done movie, I might not have the nerve to watch it again. I rate this film 10/10.