A magnificent representation...

Rating: Null/10 (19 February 2001)

This movie is a marvellous attempt to put the audience in the shoes of a battlefield soldier. Not that I thought so at first -- indeed, I expected a "Saving Private Ryan" in the Pacific, which had me quite excited. And after leaving the theatre, unfulfilled, I trashed the film.
But nevertheless, I watched it again when it came out on video. And rather then sitting there waiting for those exciting action war scenes that I had foolishly looked for the first time, I absorbed the film. "The Thin Red Line" is one of the most engrossing films I have ever seen ... which completely justifies its length. To those who get it, it will completely enwrap you in the sorrow that these men faced. I sat amazed for the three hours.
A point in the movie that had bothered me was Hans Zimmer's score. I'm a huge fan of his Grammy-winning score to "Crimson Tide," however I was deeply disappointed the first time coming away with no notable theme or something I could tangibly (and mindlessly) hum to myself. After I got ahold of the soundtrack, I played it in my room, closed my eyes, and again allowed it to envelope me the same way the movie had ... and especially tracks like "Journey To The Line," slow, but powerful once they build... truly moved me.
Depending on who you are, you will either love this movie or hate it. If you were disappointed by "Ryan," you'll find the missing emotional level in "Thin Red Line." I certainly did.