Unappreciated, misunderstood, simply brilliant

Rating: Null/10 (9 November 2003)

I have been shocked and disappointed to read a stream of negative reviews of this film - obviously by a lot of ignorant and very narrow-minded film goers. Terrence Malick has crafted a film of exceptional poignancy and beauty. Indeed, it is an anti-war film, and this is just one of the reasons to celebrate it. It shows the madness, the raw humanity and the futility of war. This is the real deal, people. The cinematography, and rousing musical score by Hans Zimmer, dovetail exquisitely with some fine acting. Sean Penn, Jim Cavaziel and Elias Koteas are standouts. All those people whinging and opining emptily about the cameos of John Travolta and George Clooney are missing the point completely with this film. Really, what does it matter? This is a film that I found very moving. Poets and philosophers, in particular, may well appreciate the Zen-like opening and closing scenes. Quite simply, one of the best of all time. 10 out of 10!