Review of The Tree of Life (2011) by Simon H — 06 Jun 2014

I couldn't give The Tree of Life to someone and claim they are going to like it. The film has caused a split into two different audiences. The cause of this mainly relies on the fact that there is no plot in the film. Rather than have a narrative involving a beginning and an end, The Tree of Life presents a selection of events that happens in a young boys childhood. Among these moments, you are also presented with a look of the birth of the Universe. This creation is fun to watch but shots of computer generated dinosaurs do seem slightly random in this particular film. Although the film does have Brad Pitt's and Sean Penn's names attached, they are not a major part of the film. When you get the one and only scene with both men together, you are completely lost with what you are watching.

To say The Tree of Life is a bad film would be a lie. It's well made, has some lovely visual shots and some interesting editing techniques, however what is presented to you will not appeal to everyone. If you are intending to give it a viewing, it would be fair to go in with an open mind and make up your own opinion based on what you gain from it.