The Thin Red Line (1998)
Genre: War / Drama
Duration: 170 minuten
Country:
United States
Directed by: Terrence Malick
Stars: Sean Penn, Adrien Brody and Jim Caviezel
IMDb score:
7,6 (210.929)
Releasedate: 23 December 1998
The Thin Red Line plot
"Every man fights his own war."
World War II: The Battle of Guadalcanal will have a major impact on Japan's position in the area. A group of young soldiers is brought to the war-weary naval units as support. The events of the war ensure that the soldiers develop a close bond with each other.
Actors and actresses
Pvt. Robert Witt
Pvt. Jack Bell
Pfc. Don Doll
Sgt. William Keck
Lt. Col. Gordon Tall
1st Sgt. Edward Welsh
Capt. John Gaff
Cpl. Geoffrey Fife
Brig. Gen. David Quintard
2nd Lt. William Whyte
Reviews & comments
The One Ring
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- 29974 messages
- 4109 votes
Had a great review, but honestly I had no doubts about that either.
The most remarkable thing about The Thin Red Line is how well Malick's soft, lyrical and floaty style suits war. The way in which the war constantly contrasts with the indifferent nature is beautiful and regularly gives you goosebumps. That battle around that hill is probably the best battle ever captured on film, partly because you rarely see the opponents at first, while the waving grass gets all the attention. That brings a lot of tension, but it never comes at the expense of the deeper layer that is actually about the meaning of life, something to think about when you constantly seem to be on the verge of dying. Apparently I had a hard time with it in my first viewing in 2006, but actually those voice-overs that are typically Malick flow perfectly into the whole, even if a few are still a bit too contrived.
The shamelessly poetic approach is delightful anyway. I was in the movie right from the start with Jim Caviezel, but Malick doesn't give up on that approach, not even for cynical scenes with career-obsessed leaders or the harsh treatment of Japanese prisoners. Everything is right under Malick's eye. By the way, an extra compliment to the music, it was really beautiful. I also hadn't noticed before how good the cast is (including the animals).
As with The Tree of Life, Malick's precise intention is somewhat vague. The madness of war, man versus nature, religion and transience are all there, but Malick leaves open what he means by it and I think it is open to the viewer. Towards the end, the film pulls a little, but otherwise it's a consistently captivating viewing experience.
I increase to 4.5*
Translated from Dutch · View original
Shadowed
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- 11345 messages
- 6677 votes
Beautiful.
I haven't seen many Terrence Malick movies yet. Currently only three, including this one. So far he has always managed to convince me, although I feared that he had chosen the wrong environment with this film after the start got off to a rough start. Once in nature, Malick seems to have found his element.
What is particularly striking about this film is how cleverly the war scenes are portrayed. The camera floats calmly and controlled through the fields, showing the wars both unpredictably and skilfully. The first war goes on for a very long time alone. More than an hour long, I believe, and since it is anything but suspenseful, it doesn't hold your attention for that long.
Beautiful environments, strong acting and a number of scenes that are very confrontational. Unfortunately for Malick, the deeper dialogues and voiceovers don't really interest me. It gives the film a deeper layer, but the actors can't tell in a way that appeals to me. Very sad, intellectual and profound, but after and between such long scenes of shooting and war, that's not something to focus on anymore.
The Thin Red Line definitely distinguishes itself from other war films, whether you want to accept this or not. Where other war films focus very explicitly on hard violence and morality, this one shows the perspective through a calm and honest lens. You 'float' with the characters on a journey through the hills they have to conquer. It just takes too long for a film that doesn't offer much in the way of suspense and threat. Perhaps the dialogues can charm, or perhaps the special atmosphere, but it had a varying effect on me. Beautifully portrayed and unquestionably unique. Malick is doing well. Just a few more clicks soon.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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