They turn to their spiritual side and introspection to help make some sense of their predicament and their lives. Above all, they realize they have everything in the world to live for, and they do not want to die. They realize they have made mistakes, and they want another chance to make things better if they survive.
At one point, Officer McLoughlin realizes he and his wife have issues to work on if he makes it out alive. He says, "Somewhere along the way, I guess we stopped looking at each other" ("World Trade Center"). The story shows that life (and love) is not perfect, but the alternative is much more unbearable to consider. These men do not want to die, and watching this makes the viewer look into their own life and see what needs to change. The message is meaningful and clear, time does not always stand still, and it passes all too soon. Life is precious, and it should be treasured, enjoyed, and shared with those we love and respect.
It is clear another message in the film revolves around personal transformation and development. As another reviewer notes, "WTC delivers the goods of spiritual uplift and transformation in the rescue scene with an unusual stylistic flourish: the camera rises up out of the ground with Jimeno, then keeps going, up into the air for an aerial view of the smouldering wreckage, and onward, up and away, through the earth's atmosphere" (Rich). This is clearly an image of being reborn and given a second chance in life, and that is one of the most enduring aspects of the film. This film shows that people can...
This is an emotional film, but it is uplifting, as well, just as uplifting as this image of rebirth and new beginnings.
In conclusion, this is a stirring film about one of the most tragic days in American history. However, it leaves the viewer feeling hopeful for the future. These two men survived, and they are much more aware of how truly precious life is. Everyone should take the same message away from this film. Out of tragedy, hope can grow, and tragedy should teach us that what we have is worth saving. Life and love are meant to be shared, and it is often too late that we realize how truly special our loved ones are. We should all take the time to share our feelings with the important people in our lives, and we should live each day fully and with feeling. Who knows what can happen in an instant? Because of this, life and love, and sharing our love with others, should be the most important thing we strive for every day.
References
Phillips, Michael. "Trade Center' Wraps Itself in the Flag." Chicago Tribune. 9 Aug. 2006.
Rich, B. Ruby. "Out of the Rubble." Sight and Sound. Oct. 2006. 29 Jan. 2007. http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/feature/49320/
Wirt, John. "World Trade Center' Moving and Deeply Personal Film." The Advocate. 18 Aug. 2006, p. 20.
World Trade Center. Dir. Oliver Stone. Perf. Nicholas Cage, Michael Pena. Paramount Pictures, 2006.
