Review of The Tree of Life (2011) by Tanmoy C — 16 Dec 2012

A film that resembles a poem more than a film, or even a novel. It is mesmerizing, beautiful, and marvelously acted while exploring the nature of beauty, darkness, maturity, and innocence. A movie that is daring enough to tell the meaning of existence with a poetic view on the world. With the best cinematography I have ever seen and a fantastic soundtrack filled with Beethoven-esque music, it is one of my favorites of 2011.

This film follows the life of young boy through his purity to adulthood as he struggles to continue after his brother's death years later. As he begins to reflect upon his childhood memories the movie presents a collection of beautiful, awe-inspiring images that illustrate the creation of the Earth through nebulae, stars, cells and dinosaurs, all while playing alluring, accompanying numbers. As it extends, the film contributes to a nostalgic and emotional representation of life. Toward the end, it shows what might either be a dream or the afterlife. This portion of the film is incredibly surreal and spiritual, but is also the most genuine and passionate part that gives the viewer a sentimental response.

It is somewhat fractured and disunited, but overall an amazing piece of abstract art that really should have deserved the Oscar. Terrence Malick delivered an amazing film that lives up to the great expectations of his films. If you are patient, then this movie will definitely be one of your favorites.