Watch Please Remove Your Shoes
- 2010
- 1 hr 29 min
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6.5 (164)
Please Remove Your Shoes is a gripping documentary film that delves into the intricacies surrounding the security measures taken in airports. The film is an eye-opening glimpse into the backstage operations of airport security and uncovers the reasons why such stringent measures have been implemented. The movie primarily features John Adler, an aviation security expert who served in the Federal Air Marshal Service, and who spent years studying airport security. Adler is candid about the thoughts and opinions of the experts and the professionals involved in the setting up of airport security systems.
The film takes us through a complete history of the evolution of airport security, starting from the Mid-20th Century, when air travel first became popular. It goes on to explain the complete lack of security measures at the time and how people could simply board a plane with ease. The movie highlights some of the disastrous consequences of this laxity, such as the hijacking of a TWA flight in the 1970s, which had prompted the Federal government to take steps to rectify the situation.
Please Remove Your Shoes is not just about examining the past; the film spends an extensive amount of time examining the present state of airport security. The filmmakers take a closer look at the devices and systems, as well as the personnel involved in the screening process. The technology used in the airports is heavily scrutinized and evaluated, with the filmmakers even going so far as to bring in security experts who could hack into and bypass the current security measures being used.
The documentary film is rife with personal accounts of individuals who have either a direct or an indirect involvement in the aviation industry. These personal accounts serve to highlight the various problems, challenges, and controversies associated with airport security. One such personal account features Mohammad Atta, who was one of the terrorists involved in the 9/11 attacks, and who was on board the American Airlines flight which hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
The film doesn't shy away from pointing out the flaws and variables involved in the airport security system. The inconsistencies in the training and assertion of authority of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) personnel are highlighted -- as is the rampant political interference which often impedes the progress of the aviation industry.
Please Remove Your Shoes ultimately poses the question of whether airports are actually safer now or whether it's all just a façade and a way to make people feel more comfortable. The film also questions whether the high cost associated with the security systems is worth it, whether they are intrusive to the extent that they invade people's privacy unnecessarily, and whether there are more effective measures that can be implemented.
One striking feature of Please Remove Your Shoes is the way in which it showcases the disillusionment and cynicism of those who have spent years working in the industry. Some of them have suffered considerable mental and emotional trauma due to their work in security departments. Their testimony serves as a warning and highlights the need to look at the problems of airport security with more sensitivity and awareness.
In summation, Please Remove Your Shoes is an insightful documentary film that peels away the veneer of airport security measures and highlights the serious issues that have arisen from it. The film questions the validity and effectiveness of not only the technology employed but also of the personnel involved. Please Remove Your Shoes is a significant documentary film for anyone who has ever flown on an airplane or for those interested in the aviation industry.