I saw this film at a pre-screening, and apparently it was several minutes longer than the theater release. In any case, it is unquestionably the most intelligent, sensitive and understanding look at the consequences of Sept 11 on the mentality of individuals in the US I have seen.
To place myself on the political spectrum, I'm an American and a fervent opponent of the policies of George W Bush.
The film looks at the psychological damage inflicted upon a broad spectrum of Americans (from young leftist humanitarian activists to mentally unstable right-wing militia-types) with an understanding and an acceptance which goes far beyond political debates to look at the consequences of 9-11 on Americans as individuals - something done by no other film I have seen with the possible exception of Sean Penn's short film in the anthology "9-11".
What astonished me most about the film was that a non-American like Wenders could have such a profound understanding of the American psyche. Wenders looks at America without aggression, without anger, without a shred of intolerance - but with affection, understanding and an appreciation for the damage done by 9-11.
Personally I felt a tremendous amount of frustration throughout the first 2/3rds of the film. It wasn't enough of an anti-war statement for my tastes. But by the end, the much greater depth of the message this film carries had penetrated my left-wing reactionary preconceptions and I felt - to put it simply - that Wenders had shown me my own self. The message is universal, powerful, and tolerant in the extreme.
If your opinions are strong concerning 9-11, the 2nd gulf war, or the homeland security program and it's consequence - no matter what side of the fence you sit on - you should see this film. If you can watch it with an open mind, you might find the world and America are both a better place for it.
Thank you, Mr. Wenders. You're brilliant.
To place myself on the political spectrum, I'm an American and a fervent opponent of the policies of George W Bush.
The film looks at the psychological damage inflicted upon a broad spectrum of Americans (from young leftist humanitarian activists to mentally unstable right-wing militia-types) with an understanding and an acceptance which goes far beyond political debates to look at the consequences of 9-11 on Americans as individuals - something done by no other film I have seen with the possible exception of Sean Penn's short film in the anthology "9-11".
What astonished me most about the film was that a non-American like Wenders could have such a profound understanding of the American psyche. Wenders looks at America without aggression, without anger, without a shred of intolerance - but with affection, understanding and an appreciation for the damage done by 9-11.
Personally I felt a tremendous amount of frustration throughout the first 2/3rds of the film. It wasn't enough of an anti-war statement for my tastes. But by the end, the much greater depth of the message this film carries had penetrated my left-wing reactionary preconceptions and I felt - to put it simply - that Wenders had shown me my own self. The message is universal, powerful, and tolerant in the extreme.
If your opinions are strong concerning 9-11, the 2nd gulf war, or the homeland security program and it's consequence - no matter what side of the fence you sit on - you should see this film. If you can watch it with an open mind, you might find the world and America are both a better place for it.
Thank you, Mr. Wenders. You're brilliant.