Wednesday, September 10, 2008

In honor of September 11

The anniversary of September 11 is almost upon us. In honor of that fateful day, Historybusters would like to recommend any or all of the following:



9/11 - The Commemorative Edition

On the morning of September 11, 2001, two French brothers, Jules and Gedeon Naudet, were working on a documentary about a rookie New York City firefighter. Hearing a roar in the sky, Jules turned his camera upward--just in time to film the only existing image of the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. In a fateful instant, Jules and Gedeon became eyewitnesses to the most shocking and defining incident of our time. With cameras rolling, the Naudets followed NYC firefighters into the heart of what would be known as Ground Zero. What emerged is an unforgettably powerful visual document and a stirring tribute to real-life heroes who, in their city's darkest hour, rose to extraordinary acts of courage and compassion. This film is family friendly. It is perhaps the most powerful and honest production of this day recorded.



Looking For My Brother

An incredibly moving documentary about one man's search for his brother in the aftermath of 9/11. Family friendly, but with mature content.



Flight 93: The Movie

Flight 93 is an intense made for TV movie about the events that took place on Flight 93 on the morning of September 11, 2001. Originally broadcast on the A & E Network, the drama focuses on the passengers who attempted to take back the plane from the terrorists – they include Tom Burnett, Todd Beamer, and Mark Bingham. However, the action also reveals the chaotic nature of the ground response, from the White House bunker to the offices of the Federal Aviation Agency. Director Peter Markle and screenwriter Nevin Schreiner stay rooted in the facts as we know them. Speculation is necessary for some of the dramatic details, but Flight 93 has the unmistakable ring of truth. Produced with the cooperation of the family members of those who perished on Flight 93, this well-crafted Television movie handles difficult material with respect. This film is family friendly, but with mature conflict.



Meeting Osama Bin Laden

An extremely informative documentary about the life, works, and philosophy of Osama Bin Laden. If the saying is true, “know thy enemy as thyself,” then this important documentary tracing Bin Laden’s life is a must see. Family friendly, but with mature content.



Frontline: The Al Qaeda Files

An exceptional Frontline episode examining the birth, religion, extremism, and politics of Al Qeada.



The 50 Years War - Israel & The Arabs

The 50 Years War examines the conflict between Israel and its Middle Eastern neighbors. Using archival footage and extensive interviews with participants, this two-video set produced by PBS begins by explaining the conditions in Palestine at the end of World War II and the crisis created by the exodus of European Jews immigrating to the Middle East after the Holocaust. It explains the withdrawal of the British, the formation of Israel, the local struggles intensified by the cold war, the Six Day War, and more. This skillful, dramatic, and balanced production is a must see for any young person studying the history of today. Family friendly, but with mature content.



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