Review of The Tree of Life (2011) by Nikhil N — 18 Sep 2015

People tell me, Cinema is just entertainment. Take a couple hours off, have fun, laugh a bit, shed tears, and then return to your everyday life. That's what it is, recreation, entertainment. I used to smile, but could never put together an apt reply. Now I have one - watch "THE TREE OF LIFE"! :D.

The world as we know it has existed for about 13.8 billion years. The Big Bang Theory gives us definitive account of the creation of the universe. Human life as we know it has existed for about 3.5 billion years. For all these years, human beings have been on a quest seeking answers. On who we are? Why are we here? Where do we go? These existential questions have been asked by men since time immemorial.

Terrence Malick, it seems, is tormented by these same questions.

"The Tree Of Life" is a 2011 experimental philosophical-drama about a middle-aged man, Jack O'Brien, reminiscing his childhood with his parents and brothers in 1950s Texas. These memories are juxtaposed with visuals showing the formation of the universe and the inception of life.

Premiered at Cannes Film Festival, the film initially received polarizing opinions. Even though the early reviews were mixed, the film won the prestigious Palme D'Or and the FIPRESCI Prize (International Federation Of Film Critics Prize), at the festival. Renowned critic Roger Ebert gave the film a full four stars and named it one of the greatest films ever made.

The movie itself, so simple yet so complex, connect with the very heart of human emotions. It is both evocative and beautiful. Come to think of it, there is no precise plot. "The Tree Of life" encompasses fragmented memories of a middle-aged man, about his childhood with his authoritative father (Brad Pitt) and his ethereal mother (Jessica Chastain), and his internal battle between the two ways of life embodied by his parents, the way of grace(Mrs O'Brien) and the way of nature(Mr O'Brien). Malick takes us on a ride into lives of these people, making us feel as though we are one of them. We care for these people, we are happy for their joy and shed tears for their sorrow. The emotions are genuine, they will remind you of your lives, though you may come from an entirely different walk of life. The movie tugs at you and moves you to tears.

"The Tree Of Life" evokes the most primitive of human feelings- love , hate, confusion, greed, jealousy, compassion, elation, desperation, pain and desolation; all the while asking telling questions on our place in the world. It also raises questions of faith and belief, while giving us a perspective of life as we know it.

Malick, apparently, is an individual no one seems to know much about. A mysterious personality, he has directed only five films since his debut in 1973. He has never given an interview. A true enigma! And, with "The Tree Of Life", he has set out to make movie unlike anything you have ever seen before. A masterpiece! And succeeded he has! With soulful music, an excellent cinematography and and breathtaking visuals, Malick's film is nothing short of a spiritual experience. He has woven magic - visual poetry!

While the non-linear storyline and experimental screenplay may wear some down, give yourself time, and the movie will hit you. Hit you and affect you and emotionally drown you. "The Tree Of Life" is cinema at its effervescent best. In looking through life and humanity through the prism of the O'Brien family, Terrence Malick has created an epic, moving telling drama, having both the vision and the wisdom.

BRILLIANT!