Review of The Thin Red Line (1998) by Greg D — 06 Apr 2012
"The Thin Red Line" is the war film that all other war films think they are. Terrence Malick relishes in his juxtapositional narrative and John Toll's cinematography is some of the most breathtaking, surreal and supportive I have ever seen.
What makes this such an unforgettable experience is that while it's working within the context of World War II it's not a film about World War II. This is a film about nature, life, death and human crisis.
"The Thin Red Line" is also one of the more effective anti-war films around. Not as decided as say, "Grand Illusion," but certainly resonant in it's own right. This is not a film for everyone.
If you want a flag waving, bravo war picture, "Saving Private Ryan" will do the trick (obviously, since that film overshadowed almost every aspect of "The Thin Red Line" when both were released in 1998).
But if you are looking for a cerebral, pensive and deeply complex film about humanity (a more contemporary sibling would be "The Hurt Locker") "The Thin Red Line" is for you. You won't find anything ever quite like it.
This review of The Thin Red Line (1998) was written by Greg D on 06 Apr 2012.
The Thin Red Line has generally received very positive reviews.
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