Man in Red Bandana a 9/11 movie, is sad at points but leaves you inspired and up-lifted.
It's September 11th again. Reliving the day, I can feel the pain in the pit of my stomach rising up. I close my eyes as the movie opens, not wanting to see the plane crashing into the towers.
The sounds penetrate my mind and I am back in 2001 in my home.
I open my eyes and the story begins to unfold. Welles Remy Crowther, His name rolls around in my mind. I am jolted back to the present. Composed in my seat, I Focus again on the screen as Welles' life unfolds before me. Very soon I see, this is not just another 9/11 story. This is a story of a boy, who becomes a man. This is a story of a day in history where everything aligned, and brought Welles Remy Crowther to his greatest moment. "Man in Red Bandana" is a story of dreams realized, it renews our faith in the human spirit.
Everything Welles did up until that day, was in preparation for the rescue that he led on 9/11. The red bandana represents his life. In it was contained all that Welles was and all that he wanted to be. In the red bandana inside his pocket, was the real Welles Crowther. The secret Welles carried was woven into the fiber of his bandana.
Welles' message lives on through this Documentary of his life. "Man in Red bandana" teaches us to, "Dream big, set your goals high, work hard and never give up", never stop dreaming. Be who you are. Find your happiness. This is a small film with a really big heart. It is a film, I will never forget.
Merel Fisher.
14 Reviews
A solid but occasionally flawed celebration of an undeniably selfless and good-hearted man
Jeremy_Urquhart17 February 2020
It feels bad saying anything negative about this movie, given that it clearly means a lot to certain people and tells an emotional story about the heroic actions of one young man on an undeniably awful day. But ultimately, I thought this documentary was overall quite good with a few imperfections, and in the interest of offering my honest thoughts after watching this, will break down first the stuff I really liked, followed by some of the stuff I didn't love.
Above anything else, this documentary excels when it gives an emotional and detailed insight into the people trapped within the south tower after the plane collided into it. Having accounts from the survivors proved to be incredibly moving and effective at getting me as a viewer to imagine how harrowing that experience would have been. Additionally, the way the multiple survivor accounts are used to piece together exactly what Welles bravely managed to do was interesting and ultimately inspiring, as well as undeniably the highlight of the entire documentary. As a whole, the film's approach is simple and straightforward: here's who Welles was, here's what happened, here's what he did, and here's how he's remembered. This may be a downside if not for the fact that what he did was obviously heroic and brave; such a straightforwardly selfless act does not really need a complex or multilayered approach. This film is about celebrating what he as an individual did during a desperate time, and I really respect that. I found his story engrossing and informative, as I'd never heard of the "man in the red bandana" before, and it's an emotional and moving story worth telling.
In terms of addressing some flaws: I found that the voiceover from Paltrow was poorly recorded at times, as she was occasionally drowned out by the background music. In fact, her contribution to the documentary in general was quite weak; she seemed shoehorned in, she sounded uninterested, and overall the film could have worked fine without a narrator in my opinion. Simply having interviews and footage from the day could have sufficed in explaining what was happening, especially because so many of the interviews were already very solid and informative. The music is sometimes mawkish and a little too much too, especially during the opening and closing credits (likely won't be a problem for all though). Additionally, the film seems to struggle to reach feature length, as it loses some steam towards the end and features an odd ending, where the credits start, then some other written information is given through titles, then there is a strange 'filmmaker Q&A,' which is then followed by some more credits. It's not the strongest overall ending, but I can't say it ruins the entire documentary.
Overall, I don't believe this to be a perfect documentary, but it is a compelling and mostly well-constructed one. At its core, its subject and story are both fascinating and important, and the insights into how it would have been inside the tower on that fateful day are very powerful. There's enough here to respect and be compelled by for me to give this a pretty solid recommendation.
Above anything else, this documentary excels when it gives an emotional and detailed insight into the people trapped within the south tower after the plane collided into it. Having accounts from the survivors proved to be incredibly moving and effective at getting me as a viewer to imagine how harrowing that experience would have been. Additionally, the way the multiple survivor accounts are used to piece together exactly what Welles bravely managed to do was interesting and ultimately inspiring, as well as undeniably the highlight of the entire documentary. As a whole, the film's approach is simple and straightforward: here's who Welles was, here's what happened, here's what he did, and here's how he's remembered. This may be a downside if not for the fact that what he did was obviously heroic and brave; such a straightforwardly selfless act does not really need a complex or multilayered approach. This film is about celebrating what he as an individual did during a desperate time, and I really respect that. I found his story engrossing and informative, as I'd never heard of the "man in the red bandana" before, and it's an emotional and moving story worth telling.
In terms of addressing some flaws: I found that the voiceover from Paltrow was poorly recorded at times, as she was occasionally drowned out by the background music. In fact, her contribution to the documentary in general was quite weak; she seemed shoehorned in, she sounded uninterested, and overall the film could have worked fine without a narrator in my opinion. Simply having interviews and footage from the day could have sufficed in explaining what was happening, especially because so many of the interviews were already very solid and informative. The music is sometimes mawkish and a little too much too, especially during the opening and closing credits (likely won't be a problem for all though). Additionally, the film seems to struggle to reach feature length, as it loses some steam towards the end and features an odd ending, where the credits start, then some other written information is given through titles, then there is a strange 'filmmaker Q&A,' which is then followed by some more credits. It's not the strongest overall ending, but I can't say it ruins the entire documentary.
Overall, I don't believe this to be a perfect documentary, but it is a compelling and mostly well-constructed one. At its core, its subject and story are both fascinating and important, and the insights into how it would have been inside the tower on that fateful day are very powerful. There's enough here to respect and be compelled by for me to give this a pretty solid recommendation.
Who will like this one?
rmgaspar-49er20 July 2021
As usual, not about my opinion.
People who can't deal with 9/11 content will not do well. It is pretty sad - difficult to think it would be otherwise. Tone is heavy all around. No point in exposing your mind.
Those who see in 9/11 and sad events the opportunity to be inspired, or feel better due to human valiant spirit, will be impressed. It is the story of a hero. Welles was clearly great, not fabricated stuff.
Those who want to have a better idea of how the plane attacks took place from an engineering point of view will also like. Best explanation I've seen about floors, impact, chances of survival, stairs etc. You will understand what happened inside the towers.
Only reservation - and this is subjective. Less about the film, that simply shows it, but about life. The hero was selfless, humble, hard working, efficient. I tend to think he would like to be remembered and praised in a lower profile than all we see in the end. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but an act (or storytelling) speaks more than what is created circling heroism.
* Apologies for imperfect English.
People who can't deal with 9/11 content will not do well. It is pretty sad - difficult to think it would be otherwise. Tone is heavy all around. No point in exposing your mind.
Those who see in 9/11 and sad events the opportunity to be inspired, or feel better due to human valiant spirit, will be impressed. It is the story of a hero. Welles was clearly great, not fabricated stuff.
Those who want to have a better idea of how the plane attacks took place from an engineering point of view will also like. Best explanation I've seen about floors, impact, chances of survival, stairs etc. You will understand what happened inside the towers.
Only reservation - and this is subjective. Less about the film, that simply shows it, but about life. The hero was selfless, humble, hard working, efficient. I tend to think he would like to be remembered and praised in a lower profile than all we see in the end. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but an act (or storytelling) speaks more than what is created circling heroism.
* Apologies for imperfect English.
Best Ending Of Any Documentary
kayekat10 September 2017
The story of Welles Crowther is simply amazing. Welles saved, at least, 10 people in the upper reaches of the South Tower on 9/11. However, no one knew what happened to him until 8 months later. Welles' mom was reading the NY Times and read about a man wearing a red bandanna who saved people. She knew instantly that this was her son. The film shows all the heroic actions that Welles displayed that day and then shows how he has assumed a folklore status throughout the country. The final ending just blew me away!
A hero, A legacy
nikki1211-852-40804213 September 2017
After reading The Red Bandanna by Tom Rinaldi, I felt a strong urge to know more about Welles's story. The very next day I bought tickets to view Man in Red Bandana. I was 20 years old when 9/11 happened and I have not seen footage of the actual day since the first day when I watched the 2nd tower fall on TV. Re-watching the footage in the documentary brought me back to that time when my innocence of youth was forever changed.
The documentary includes other survivors accounts of that day in the South Tower and how a man named Welles Crowther risked his own life to save others. He was only 24 years old with a life ahead of him and it pains me that he, along with the others who lost their lives that day, will never get another day. I am grateful that his documentary was made. It will never bring Welles' or the others back, but it gave the Crowther's a special gift- their son will be a legacy for years to come. I know that does not make it any easier, but I hope they found peace in knowing they raised a magnificent, selfless man.
The documentary includes other survivors accounts of that day in the South Tower and how a man named Welles Crowther risked his own life to save others. He was only 24 years old with a life ahead of him and it pains me that he, along with the others who lost their lives that day, will never get another day. I am grateful that his documentary was made. It will never bring Welles' or the others back, but it gave the Crowther's a special gift- their son will be a legacy for years to come. I know that does not make it any easier, but I hope they found peace in knowing they raised a magnificent, selfless man.
True American Hero
karianne-0091714 September 2017
This is such an inspiring documentary and a must watch for all Americans. My husband was a marine and was deployed often after 9/11. I wanted to find a story for my sons that focused on the heroism, rather than the terrorism. This documentary helps all of us to remember the pure good in our fellow man and how we should strive to live up to the character of Welles every day.
Be inspired by Man in Red Bandana
mcginnes-113 September 2017
A very important story of untold heroism. We've all heard various stories of heroes on Flight 93, at the Pentagon, and at the World Trades, and yet this story is uniquely special and important. There is a lot to learn about love and priorities from the Welles Crowther story. Well done.
Great story
marineus-110-8977606 October 2017
There was a round of applause at the end and I also did not see a person with a dry eye in the theater. Myself included. Hands down the best movie I've seen in a long time and the best in regards to that morning. My father (NYPD Retired) and myself both thought so. Especially hit home having been born one month after Welles and living in the next town over (Nyack to West Nyack) I had many of the same experiences as he did growing up. Just to relive that day through his parents eyes and his work was for lack of a better word... Outstanding.
Excellent
newfoundnh26 September 2017
This movie is a 10. Man in the red bandanna is a must see for everyone . This documentary brings home the real life people of 911. Welles Remy Crothers was a real life hero and inspiration. He gave his life to help and save others. In This movie get to know and ultimately love the man in the red bandanna. In many ways it tells a different story of 911 the spiderweb of hate and violence is almost left behind by the heroism of Welles. Behind every name at the World Trade Center is a real person and in this movie we get to know not only Welles but his family and the people he saved from the clutches of death. The movie will bring tears to your eyes but it will also inspire you. Ginny Gardner board member and finance chair of the Newton 9/11 memorial
Man In Red Bandanna
faithbobe14 September 2017
This movie is very inspirational because it teaches people, not only kids, on how to be a leader and a role model to others. 9/11 is a very tragic event, but this movie focuses on a particular man who wore a red bandanna and saved many lives.He didn't have to go back up but he did and that's a true hero.
True American hero
jpcullinan12 January 2018
This film makes me proud to be a firefighter and a Boston College graduate. It is an incredible film honoring an amazing young man. If the world had more Welles the world would be a better place. Thank you to his family for sharing his story
Inspirational
wendylieber29 September 2017
Loved this movie and what it stood for. Heroism at it's finest. Wes Crowler didn't have to go back to save others but he did because that's who he was. To be able to share his story must be so comforting in some way to his family and friends that lost this incredible man way too early. During a time when there is some much divisiveness in our world, it's nice to remember that human beings are for the most part loving, amazing, caring individuals. while this movie is centered around 9/11, it's story is so much bigger and something each of us can carry with us in our everyday lives and think of Red Bandanna acts we can do.
Must see movie
liz-1363819 October 2017
The movie was simply outstanding. Direct, detailed, informative, loving, and needed. Thank you Matthew you done real good. The many future generations will benefit from the perspective and caring this film has brought. I thank you for allowing me and my daughter to be a part of this moment.
A Must See!
sandybob1519 January 2020
Most 9/11 Documentaries are hard to watch and leave you with sadness, taking you back in time, rekindling all those unimaginable emotions. This one, Man in Red Bandanna is different though. Telling a personal story of a courageous man and seeing the impact he left on this earth. You will be amazed and inspired. Welles Remy Crowther was a True American Hero.
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