TURNING POINT: GENERATION 9/11
An intense and emotional look at the lasting impacts of 9/11 over the past 25 years.
Should You Watch It?
This documentary provides an intense examination of the tragic events of 9/11 and their long-term effects on Americans. It features interviews with individuals who vividly remember that day, as well as young servicemen who enlisted after experiencing 9/11 as children, adding both emotion and depth to the narrative.
The documentary presents its information in an easily digestible format and shares stories that highlight the event's devastating impact. Throughout the movie, a strong patriotic tone is evident. Many interviewees express their love for America, and service members describe feeling compelled to serve in the military after 9/11. However, the documentary tackles a serious subject.
It includes graphic footage and descriptions of violence, painful phone call recordings from those involved in 9/11, and strong language. While this documentary is an important watch, especially for Gen Zers with no firsthand memories of that day, parents should know it's not suitable for children.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESSeptember 11, 2001, marked a pivotal moment in history, one that continues to shape the lives of many, especially those who were not yet born or too young to remember. Gen Z often feels disconnected from the event because they lack real memories of that time. The documentary tracks the effects of 9/11 through the years and concludes with the US exit from Kabul in 2021. The movie features interviews with soldiers, scholars, journalists, and other experts who share the devastating effects of 9/11 that still impact our country today.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars, and this excellent documentary earns every one of them. It covers a complicated 20-year military operation in a way that's easy to understand.
The movie balances information and emotion very well, blending interviews from experts delivering academic analyses of 9/11 and the following military operations with moving stories from people who lost loved ones on that tragic day, or saw devastating scenes while serving in the Middle East.
Be aware that this one doesn't shy away from the tragedy of these events and includes footage and interviews that can be very upsetting. However, as we move further and further away from the events of 9/11, young people today must understand the grave magnitude of that day, making this documentary a vital watch.
The Worldview
The documentary carries a moral and patriotic worldview, along with some Christian elements. It features stories from first responders of 9/11 who risked their lives to help others, as well as accounts from individuals who lost loved ones on United Airlines Flight 93. The theme of patriotism runs throughout the film.
People interviewed speak about their love for America and their sadness over 9/11, and service members share that they felt called to serve in the military after the events of 9/11. However, some interviews question the war in the Middle East and point to it as a moment when Americans lost trust in the government, and some of the soldiers interviewed ask themselves whether the war proved worth it in the end.
The documentary contains some difficult-to-watch footage, including scenes of graphic violence and recordings of the final phone calls made by individuals in the Twin Towers or on Flight 93 to their loved ones. Additionally, it contains strong language throughout. This movie is particularly important for Gen Z individuals who may not have firsthand memories of 9/11.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
A strong moral and patriotic worldview, with interviews sharing people’s bravery and kindness, as well as their love for America. Soldiers interviewed speak about feeling called to serve our country. However, the soldiers also question the war and if it was worth it, and some of the people interviewed point to 9/11 as a moment when Americans stopped trusting the government, and when party divides widened. Light Christian elements, including footage of former President George W. Bush praying and sharing Psalm 23, as well as a soldier saying he told his troops to “get right with God” before going on a dangerous operation
Foul Language
Strong foul language with 25 obscenities, including 7 “f” words, 8 “s” words, 1 “b” word, 1 “a” word, 5 “h” words, 2 “p*ssed”s, and 1 “d” word, and 4 “OMG” profanities;
Violence
Many video clips and images of graphic violence, including gunshot wounds and bloody dead bodies on the ground. There are also some verbal descriptions of these events. There is also footage of planes hitting the Twin Towers and bombs going off; while no violence is shown
Sex
No sex;
Nudity
No nudity;
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use;
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drugs use;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Discussions of how terror attacks were planned, how some Afghan contacts lied to American soldiers about potential Taliban members to secure their property.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The documentary focuses on how many young people today have no real memories of 9/11, which impacts how they think about that day. Why is it so important to remember our history? Romans 15:4
The soldiers interviewed speak about the sacrifice of their fellow servicemen and women, as well as their own. How does the Bible encourage us to sacrifice for what we believe in? Romans 12:1
The documentary honors the first responders and servicemen who risked or gave their lives for others. What does the Bible say about laying down our lives for our friends? John 15:13
The Final Word
This intense, emotional documentary offers a raw, honest look at the impact of September 11 over the last two decades. It carries a strong patriotic spirit throughout as servicemen and civilians alike express their love for America. It includes plenty of graphic footage and hard-to-hear material, plus a lot of strong language, so young children should skip this one.
