After 20 years of solice, Terrence Malick hit a home run with his film adaptation of a remake (The Thin Red Line, 1964 ). Too much information very well could leave this film in the ditch, however, I don't think this will disappoint anyone. Terrence Malick's reputation as one of film's most brilliant directors, enabled him to draw the largest all-star casts in Hollywood history. The only thing that I would have hoped for was a better representation of minorities within the cast. We all must start fresh as we pick up after the 2nd World War in Europe and begin our lengthy saga of fighting in the Pacific. Our author (James Jones) keys upon a WWII story following the efforts of an army platoon that attempts to capture a Japanese-controlled island named Guadalcanal. The war will make an important turn in the overall outcome of the war because of our persistent heros, however, regardless of the circumstances, continue to press the enemy to total defeat. The members of Charlie Company are all fighting for different reasons: some to achieve glory, some to fight for democracy, and some simply to remain alive. Our wonderful story begins with Jim Caviezel going A.W.O.L. and getting pulled back into the war at hand. Sean Penn leaves us stunned at his total recomprehensible attitude towards life and a steady hand at love and death. The haunting music led by Hans Zimmer is totally awesome along with a unending score of leading actors. We see first hand how Malick shows us the true meaning of life in the hands of dying soldiers. The times that are spent between battles show exactly what happens at the hand of generals when the infantry is sent into battle to die. Nick Nolte never delivered a better performance as the power hungry die-hard 3-bar rank standing in charge of the line advance. Woody Harrelson gives a fantastic performance in this film when he inadvertently pulls a pin out of his grenade and blows himself to bits. The Charlie Company, Led by Sean Penn and Nick Nolte, all have their own pensive moods. They spend their last moments pondering on their last days. Most try and search for some meaning amid the senselessness of War. We all all have to give full credit for John Toll's floating camera work. Our impervious members of the infantry chose not to concentrate on the violence and destruction of war. Our director tries to show the soft sides of humanity rather than making these characters super-human. We should never realize the potential of film without making pure sense out of our understanding of humanity. Humankind has waited for this 270 minute film way longer than it needed to. The people that lived this were way to brave to tell their stories then. That's why we had to wait so long for it to be told. After 65 years, we should thank a person such as Malik, who had enough vision to see into the eyes of thousands of soldiers. If President Harry S. Trumann hadn't made the decision to drop the bomb, we would have had another 50 million people die at the hands of a waring nation. The entire world should pause and thank our leaders for making the correct decisions based on the number of unnecessary deaths that were already connected with an ideology based on human lives. My score of this film is 5/5 perfect for utter perfection. Don't miss this film, whatever you do. It certainly has all of the right elements. IF YOU LIKE MY REVIEW, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO LET ME KNOW BY VOTING. THANKS!Read full review
Though Malik took some liberties he stays true to the book for the most part. The only thing I have trouble w/is Witt`s role in the movie as gone AWOL is different from the book. How could he have got off the ship prior to going ashore w/ the rest of the battalon?? Just as in "From Here to Eternity" PVT R.Lee Pruitt loves the Army but it doesnt love him and the same is of Witt. He loves the Army but doesnt fit in to the politics of of the platoon because of injustice he see`s and the way he is treated for not conforming to the rules. What Malik shows that Jones the writer doesnt is the native population position in the middle of this epic campaign. There`s no glory in this movie. Its honest and moving. Unlike most war films this is a accurate portrait of comabat and what it does to people. Some find this film boring because of all the voice overs. I think it serves well. I wont call it boring but the combat scenes are much more punctuated w/ the lulls of soldiers dreaming of home and beyond. This is not "Saving Private Ryan". Its much more honest in my opinion though Malik doesnt shows as much of the male bonding that the book covers.Read full review
A beautifully shot movie about the terror and horror of war contrasted with the beauty of friendship and bravery of soldiers fighting to save each other's lives. A thin red line separates enemy positions on a map as well as cruelty and compassion, cowardice and bravery.
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I love this movie and the dvd plays perfectly.
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My husband loves this movie!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
One of the best War movie ever performed..it's amazing
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Great film. Nick Nolte is awesome in this film.
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Great movie, much more than a typical war movie.
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Much better realism than most war movies!! Some of the good guys got killed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
great movie
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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