War don't ennoble men. It turns them into dogs... poisons the soul.

Rating: 8/10 (7 December 2008)

We have to take this rock. Director Terrence Malick made us look at something else. It wasn't a rock, it had trees, and people, and wildlife and real beauty before anyone outside the rock ever appeared.
It also has human emotions and thoughts and dreams along with those who came to take this rock.
Can you come back the same? Not likely. You will be changed by this rock and you will be a different man because of it.
Some great actors appeared in this film, some in small parts, and some crucial to the film.
I won't forget Nick Nolte as Lt. Col Tall. I've known many like him - passed over for promotion and looking for a chance at glory, no matter what the cost.
Or Elias Koteas as Capt Staros, who cared about his men and looked at them as more than sacrifices for the war effort.
Of course, you can't forget Sean Penn as that Sergeant that manages to keep it all together.
Others will have their favorites, and everyone will take what they want from this movie.
For me, it is war's futility.
Everyone will experience a beautifully shot film that really was a pleasure.