The image of a city can change dramatically with just one movie.

War of the Worlds, released in 2005, is a perfect example. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, just hearing those names gives you a certain feeling.

If you think it's just a typical alien movie, you'll be surprised that it starts not in New York or LA, but in New Jersey.

This is the point. Where do the aliens land? Not in the countryside or the desert, but right in a populated area.

It begins in places like Bayonne, Jersey City, and Newark. It's just an ordinary neighborhood where people commute, work at the docks, and raise kids.

Suddenly, there's lightning, the ground splits open, and an unknown machine emerges.

This is genuinely frightening. It's not just a movie location; it's a place I could actually go to.

The character Ray, played by Tom Cruise, is just an ordinary dad. He's somewhat irresponsible and has a bit of distance from his kids.

But when the situation escalates, he has no choice. He has to flee with his two children. This makes the movie feel even more realistic.

The first 30 minutes are incredibly intense. The atmosphere of New Jersey, near the Hudson River, is palpable.

Old houses, telephone poles, and roads are all depicted, mixed with alien machines.

It's not a jarring contrast; it strangely fits together. That's what makes it even creepier. It gives the illusion that "this could actually happen."

There's a reason this movie doesn't end as just an alien film. Looking at the time period, it makes sense. It's post-9/11.

The entire country was engulfed in anxiety. That's why the scenes in the movie resonate emotionally.

People flee without knowing why, witnessing others die and get abducted, with no information, just growing fear.

This overlaps with the feelings people experienced at that time.

The family dynamics are also strikingly realistic. The dad isn't perfect. The daughter is terrified and crumbling under pressure.

The son, on the other hand, makes dangerous choices, saying he wants to fight. This reflects human reactions.

Some people run away, some freeze, and some charge forward. The movie shows all of this.

And this is where Steven Spielberg's style shines. The story doesn't get overly complicated.

It pushes forward with one emotion: fear. From start to finish, that's the focus. The camera almost always follows the protagonist's perspective.

The music also plays a significant role. John Williams composed it, but instead of the grand style we know, it has a more anxious and tense tone.

Ultimately, the message of this movie is surprisingly simple. Humanity doesn't defeat the aliens. Microbes do.

Humans just endure. That's the core message. Rather than trying to solve things grandly, it's more important to accept the situation and endure.

So after watching this movie, you might have a strange thought. Is what we fear really an external threat, or is it the human condition breaking down in that situation?

For people living in New Jersey, it's even more interesting. Familiar streets, industrial areas, and riverbanks are all shown, with aliens running amok.

It's somewhat nostalgic, yet also feels strange. You find yourself thinking, "Hey, I know that place..." and then suddenly you're immersed, holding your breath as you watch.

War of the Worlds is an alien movie. But in reality, it's a film about human fear.

And because it was filmed in the most realistic setting, right here in New Jersey, it leaves a stronger impression.