Is Reign Over Me based on a true story? Plot, Review, and more

Find here is Reign Over Me based on a true story as the movie plot starts with the 9/11 attack and in this article, we will see how Reign Over Me connects to the historical events of real life.

by Tamilchandran | Updated Apr 18, 2023

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Reign Over Me

American buddy drama Reign Over Me was released in 2007 and was written, directed, and produced by Mike Binder and his brother Jack Binder. The movie centers on the relationship between Charlie, who is dealing with mental health concerns after losing his wife and daughters in the September 11 attacks, and Alan, who were once roommates in college and close friends.

With Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, Saffron Burrows, Mike Binder, and Melinda Dillon (in her final film acting role before retiring from performing and passing away in 2023) serving as supporting actors, Reign Over Me stars Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle. The movie, which was distributed by Columbia Pictures, was shown in theatres on March 23, 2007, and it was made available on DVD and Blu-ray on October 9, 2007.

Is Reign Over Me based on a true story? 

Reign Over Me is based on true events that occurred on September 11, 2001, and it is deeply about a man who is coping with the death of his family. The September 11 attacks, sometimes known as 9/11, were four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, carried out by the militant Islamist extremist network al-Qaeda.

The tale of Alan and Charlie, two longtime friends and former college roommates, who are dealing with mental health concerns after losing their wives and daughters in the September 11 attacks, is followed throughout the film. The movie's characters portrayed the mindset of those who perished along with their loved ones in the terrorist attack.

Is Reign Over Me historically accurate?

Reign Over Me is more historically accurate, and the movie is listed in the popular culture referring to the September 11 attacks. There appear to be two categories of 9/11-related films at this time in history:

  • The first sort repeatedly yells "ZOMG NINELEVEN NINELVEN!" while poking us in the eyes, shaking us back and forth, and slapping us in the face. The 9/11 Film from United 93 is this.
  • The second type starts out with "Hey...9/11..." and then becomes obscenely schmaltzy, a product akin to the movie of the week that has nothing to do with that day.

Even if there are hushed references to 9/11 almost constantly, Mike Bender's gloomy new picture Reign Over Me is large of the second kind.  Charlie, Alan's college flatmate, is portrayed by Adam Sandler. Charlie's family was "on the plane..." on 9/11 (likely American Flight 11 which was the first aircraft to strike the World Trade Centre).

Reign Over Me plot

Charlie Fineman was left with nothing in his life that was significant after the Twin Towers collapsed in 2001. After the deaths of Charlie's wife and daughters five years ago, the formerly wealthy and gregarious man has transformed into a reclusive shell of his former self. His in-laws are concerned for his mental health since he keeps his loss a secret, leading them to think that he has forgotten the tragedy.

He meets Alan Johnson, his former college flatmate, and the two men revive their friendship. Alan also is feeling the pressure from his personal and professional obligations, but his rekindled friendship with Charlie gives both men the fortitude to persevere through this pivotal time in their lives. 

Reign Over Me movie review

Reign Over Me tries to demonstrate how a good man's perseverance may lead to significant outcomes, but it fails despite its best efforts. This film, which unintentionally comes across as exploiting the 9/11 tragedy in the pursuit of saccharine melodrama, is a tearjerker. 9/11 is a day that will live on in everyone's memories and hearts forever. A lot of individuals came together to seek comfort, compassion, and strength on this day of transition and loss.

The events of that day also serve as the foundation of Mike Binder's incredibly potent movie "Reign Over Me," which stars Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle. The movie "Reign Over Me" has a R rating (under 17s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian). 

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Is Reign Over Me based on a true story - FAQs

1. What happened to Charlie's family in Reign Over Me?

Charlie Fineman lost everything significant to him in the September 11 Attack, including his wife and daughters.

2. Why is Reign Over Me rated R?

The MPAA has given Reign Over Me an R rating due to some sexual references and coarse language. The American rating for this mature drama is Restricted.

3. What happened at the end of Reign Over Me?

Charlie decides to tell Alan because he can trust him. Despite the emotional and marital challenges Alan and his wife face, they both remain committed to one another and finally demonstrate their shared love.

4. What city was Reign Over Me filmed in?

Office of Angela Oakhurst, Manhattan, 1172 Park Avenue, and East 93rd Street. Manhattan's 125 East 11th Street and 3rd Avenue are home to Webster Hall. Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal is located at 89 East 42nd Street and Park Avenue. At 42nd Street and Park Avenue, there is a commuter train terminal station called Grand Central.

5. Who wrote Reign Over Me?

Mike Binder is the writer/director of the movie Reign Over Me.