PG-13 | 1h 27m | Documentary | 2025
The history of a New York Police Department (NYPD) shield (or badge) number says a lot. For instance, Joe Vigiano Jr. carries the same number as his father, Detective Joseph Vincent Vigiano, who perished on 9/11. His brother Jimmy Vigiano proudly inherited his mother Kathy Vigiano’s badge number, which had been her father’s number before her. Eventually, both brothers transferred to the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn, New York, where their parents first met.
Life went on after the tragedy of 9/11, but for the Vigiano family that meant continuing a tradition of service. Robert Port chronicles their family history in the new documentary “Twin Towers: Legacy.”
Port won an Academy Award for co-directing the 2003 documentary short “Twin Towers” with Bill Guttentag; Guttentag didn’t have a credited role in the production of the new feature. Their acclaimed half-hour film prominently featured Joe Vigiano Sr. and his brother John Vigiano Jr., a New York City firefighter who died while responding to the World Trade Center terrorist attack.
In addition, Port and Guttentag devoted considerable time to the Vigiano brothers’ father, retired firefighter John Vigiano Sr., who became a reassuring fixture at Ground Zero, coordinating volunteer recovery efforts. Sadly, the late FDNY captain passed away in 2018. He’s still a significant presence in Port’s new feature, discussing his fallen sons and the grandsons following in their footsteps.
Port developed a good rapport with the Vigiano family while making the first film. Family members frankly and openly discuss some very painful memories in the new feature. Not surprisingly, Kathy and Joe Sr.’s former colleagues have their share of colorful anecdotes regarding both police officers; both were assigned to the Brooklyn Precinct at a time when it was considered a “good learning opportunity.” That was a polite euphemism for a high-crime rate.
Yet, it should be emphasized the deaths of the Vigiano brothers, Joe Sr. and John Jr., weren’t the end of their family’s story. At different times, all three of Joe Sr.’s sons enlisted with the U.S. Marines, upholding another family tradition. Like their grandfather John Sr., the two older brothers went on to careers in the NYPD, while the youngest brother, John Vigiano III, still serves in the Marines.
“Twin Towers: Legacy” isn’t just a police story. The Vigiano legacy of service additionally includes the New York Fire Department and the military, with the Navy also represented by Kathy Vigiano (just like her father before her). Frankly, it’s hard to write about the Vigiano family and Port’s film without grossly overusing the word “service.” Yet, the theme of family is just as important, if not more so.
It’s important to emphasize that “Legacy” avoids a relentlessly somber tone. A good number of humorous reminiscences help break up the heavy moments.
Port also ensures the Vigianos’ story remains ongoing. He incorporated last-minute news footage of the current NYPD brothers working in concert to save a victim of street violence. With Detective James Byrne and Detective Tony Passaro of the NYPD on board as consulting producers, viewers should have confidence in the film’s authenticity and its keen awareness of the challenges and dangers faced by police officers.
Without question, the Vigiano family and their friends are the stars of “Legacy.” However, Port’s film still has a bit of celebrity star-power, most notably including narrator Dennis Quaid, who has enjoyed a career renaissance with inspirational films like “Soul Surfer” and “Reagan.”
New Yorkers will also recognize former journalist and NYPD official John Miller, who provides context on both the 1993 and 2001 World Trade Center attacks. Plus, former Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik provides a viewpoint from within the Giuliani administration.
Thanks to the passage of time since he first documented the Vigianos, Port had the opportunity to make a follow-up 9/11 documentary that not only expresses loss but also edifies. He shows the family’s resilience and their triumphs.
Throughout the film, many significant parallels and patterns emerge, creating an extraordinary portrait of an American family of first responders. Even after the calendar date of the 9/11 anniversary has passed, their experiences and insights remain timely.
Highly recommended for its optimism and the honest, down-to-earth perspective of its subjects.
