Review of The Thin Red Line (1998) by Sean D — 21 Jul 2011
Quite simply, Terrence Malick's "The Thin Red Line" is not a movie. I would not even say that this is a "film." "The Thin Red Line" is poetry. It is philosophy. It is art.
And it is beautiful.
On the outset, "The Thin Red Line" is about a division during the battle of Guadalcanal that happened during World War II. However, it is more about the war-like nature of "civilized man." Malick starts by showing two soldiers AWOL on an island in the middle of the Pacific and interacting with the people of the island. Everyone is at peace. No one fights.
And then they are caught and pretty much thrown into hell.
There are many small, memorable roles in this movie. Don't blink or else you will miss John Travolta, Woody Harrelson, George Clooney, and John Cusack. Sean Penn is great as the bitter, battle weary sergeant who is but isn't Jim Caviezel's best friend. Speaking of which, Jim Caviezel's Private Witt is brilliant. Adrien Brody maybe says five words in the entire movie, but does so much with facial expression. You know what he is thinking. Elias Koteas is also great as the Captain who wants to keep his platoon together and in one piece. My favourite is Nick Nolte as Colonel Tall. He is bitter, driven and, at times, explosive.
The real beauty of this "film" is in its shots and dream sequences. Malick has a way of portraying landscape and dreams like no other director I know. And it takes a real talent to make these so vivid as Malick does.
I realize this "film" may not be everyone. But if you see it, relish it for its visual poetry, its directing, and powerful acting.
This review of The Thin Red Line (1998) was written by Sean D on 21 Jul 2011.
The Thin Red Line has generally received very positive reviews.
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