Diverted

Admittedly a feel-good story is left open many interesting personalities of the passengers and the people in Gander. It is so much like a pilot that I can't believe it wasn't intended that way. I love the story I would watch more.

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!

I don't believe this movie deserves the criticism several others have posted. I think they did a great job telling the basic story and the low-budget several have complained about makes no difference to me because the tale was told well and the movie looked great in High Definition. The credits say it was shot in St. John's Newfoundland, Hamilton, Ontario and London, England. All the locations were beautifully photographed.

I think what came through most clearly was the kindness and generosity of the population of Gander, Newfoundland. That such a thing could still happen in this modern world will come as a shock to most people, but clearly the people of Newfoundland couldn't imagine it happening any other way.

I'm glad this story was told and I appreciate the mention of the book by another poster. I do recall that the government of the United States was generally ungrateful and that's a shame. However, the people of Gander didn't do what they did to get gratitude. Their charity is appreciated and was fantastic. That came through in the movie. They probably did even more kind deeds and you couldn't make a movie long enough to include them all. The negative comments I'm reading here about the movie are just too petty to take seriously.

It was a good movie and kept my attention completely. Worth watching for sure.

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.

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.