Diverted

So what took so long? Right after 9/11, I said the story of Canada accepting hundreds of diverted flights would make a great movie. Finally after eight years, it's happened. This is well done, not "great", but well done. A couple of plausible love stories are effectively worked in. The film seems true to the facts and it captures the wonderful realities of Newfoundland right down to some great "down east" music, the awesome scenery, the legendary hospitality of "Newfies" and even the touristy rite of "kissin' the cod." I hope this film gets some offshore exposure. It was a tragic time but also one in which Canada played a proud role.

As a witness to the 9/11 diversion to Gander back in 2001 I was extremely eager to watch this film. I was more then thrilled when I heard there would be a movie based on the kindness and generosity fellow Newfoundlanders showed over 6000 strangers from all over the world. But when I finally watched the movie I was more then disappointed! The storyline was half-decent and had some great scenes portraying how Newfoundlanders respond to a crisis with their acts of Kindness as well as focusing on some of the local traditions (screeched in). But it would have been nice for the writer to put some research into the town of Gander in which the movie was depicting. For example: People in Gander do not have strong Irish accents, the school is called Gander Academy and not Gander Elementry, the neighbouring town which also went to great lenghts to house and provide necessities to those stranded is in fact called Glenwood and not Glendale (I think this deserved some recognition and the name should have at least been correct) The highway the man took to go to Port Aux Basques to catch the ferry to NS is in fact the Trans Canada Highway which is not by any means a single lane road with no lines and bush overgrowth reaching the side of the road. There are no Dairy Queens or 'Gateway' hotels. (Catchy name though) and the Ocean is not a simple hike from Gander. A lake, yes, Ocean definitely not. The nearest Ocean to Gander is at least an hour drive, if not a little more.

For a low-budget film the actors did a good job considering what they were given to work with! Kodos to them... But as for the rest of it... I expected more.

I give this movie a 4 out of 10.... Next time if your writing a movie based on actual events and places, a little research would be appreciated!

A well done and well deserved film, celebrating our fine Newfoundlanders.

David Suchet portrays the role of Samuel Stern with such conviction that you have no choice but to go through his emotional journey with him. Joanne Whalley played her role with a lot passion and understanding. Lisa Repo-Martell gave one of the most memorable performances during the film with lots of control and presence. One of the most interesting subplots was the story of Jamal Hassani, played by Anousha Alamian and his struggle as a minority, which felt real and honest and gave the film such humanity, that it was thrilling to watch.

Well worth watching again and again.

I loved this movie. Perhaps because I'm a proud Newfoundlander from that part of the island, perhaps because I heard first-hand what was happening as it was happening, or simply because it was a great tale; probably a mixture of all.

Yes, the budget was typically Canadian - no doubt. And, it was a little annoying to hear some of the leading actors sport fake Irish accents and to watch the movie pass off parts of St. John's as Gander. However, I couldn't have been prouder to see the town rally to support the emergency. It's like they'd done it every day of their lives.

I was moved to tears several times, especially in the beginning. I think they did a great job trying to capture the various tales people had to go through at that time - the personal stories.

In general, it was moving to see the town spotlighted in such a positive way, and to see the typical Newfoundland and Labrador kindness displayed on screen.

I watched a documentary a year after the 9/11 disaster that shared the story of Maritime airport roles on this day. It gripped me as I had been to the Maritime region within a month of 9/11 flying in and out of Boston, and later, by Manhattan on towards my home--pointing out the Trade Center to a tween boy sitting next to me. Recently, I was trying to find that documentary and stumbled across this film. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The human element shows up despite it being a secondary movie. The acting is done well and hones in on the highlights and the heart of the Gander people--save the poor "Italian children" who probably know one Italian word, "Si." There are a few things that do not totally add up timing and props--see other reviews which gripe on these matters. Nonetheless, this film captures the heart of the Gander people, the fear of the whole situation, family members who deal with missing loved ones, the scare of stereotyping Muslim people, and why not add potential love to the mix though I do think it necessary for the air traffic controller to sleep with the girl from London. It is a film that I have now shared with several friends/family, and watched numerous times myself. Kudos to Canadian filmmakers!