Review of The Thin Red Line (1998) by Zeke T — 26 Feb 2012
I just watched it for the second time via Netflix. The first time I saw it was last summer. The second viewing was much more powerful. I loved it. The characters' thoughts and prayers, in typical Malick narration style, bring up the profoundest of questions. It might have been more stirring this second viewing because I've read about half of The Spirit of Catholicism, and Karl Adam introduces the idea of all mankind being one man. While it's true we are individuals, at the same time we are all one, so intricately connected in our experiences and sufferings. The Thin Red Line reminded me of that concept, and it made the film much more powerful. I didn't feel as much the first time I saw it. I missed it. It hit me this time. Malick's the bomb.
"One man looks at a dying bird and thinks there's nothing but unanswered pain. That death's got the final word, it's laughing at him. Another man sees that same bird, feels the glory, feels something smiling through it.".
"Are you righteous? Kind? Does your confidence lie in this? Are you loved by all? Know that I was, too. Do you imagine your sufferings will be less because you loved goodness? Truth?" (Dead Japanese Soldier).
I went to sleep at 9:30 last night, so I woke up around 5 AM this morning. At about 7 AM I decided to watch The Thin Red Line after seeing a trailer got me in the mood for it.
This review of The Thin Red Line (1998) was written by Zeke T on 26 Feb 2012.
The Thin Red Line has generally received very positive reviews.
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