The heartache and tragedy of the Sept. 11, 2001, events created wounds on the hearts of many Americans.Now, five years later, Hollywood has released two movies depicting some of these events. But is it too early to release films that created such tragedy?

For many Americans, it is obviously too soon because many people have chosen not to see these films, but to some, the films speak for themselves and they speak with heart.

Both films left me speechless, and I felt as though the events were unfolding in front of my eyes.

The first film was released in May 2006 and is titled “United 93.” I was hesitant about seeing this film because I heard that it was disturbing, but I knew I needed to see it.

No one knows exactly what happened on United flight 93, but the film gives a depiction of the events that likely took place that day. I did not realize how ignorant I was about the incidents that happened on United flight 93 until I saw the film, and there are probably millions who are as unaware as I was. For this reason, it is important for every American to see this film.

The people on that flight decided they were willing to trade their lives to avoid greater loss of life. The people on United flight 93 that day should be recognized as heroes just as much as anyone who fell victim to other Sept. 11 attacks.

The second film, released in August 2006, is titled “World Trade Center.” This film is a true story of two New York Port Authority Police who were trapped in the North tower of the World Trade Center. I was also skeptical about this film, but after seeing it, I was astonished by the faith and courage these heroes had for our country. “World Trade Center” was inspiring because it told the stories of two people who actually survived the attacks.

Both films, “World Trade Center” and “United 93,” were completely different. They described two different viewpoints of the tragedy people faced that day. More important than anything, the films gave two depictions of the thousands of tragedies that happened Sept. 11. These depictions made me realize how many people suffered.

Hollywood has put its heart into their production and for a good cause.

I have never seen any films that have made me feel the empathy I felt for the people who were featured in the Sept. 11-inspired movies. I walked out of both films with my eyes stinging and heart pounding. Such a reaction is what proves a film has made an impact.

I also walked out of each film with an overwhelming sense of pride for my country, and that is what made the films worth seeing.

Jacquilee Killeen is a senior broadcast journalism major from Lubbock.