a work of art

Rating: Null/10 (26 January 1999)

The "Thin Red Line" is a powerful and haunting film. This film explores the psychology and spirituality of soldiers in the most extreme of human environments, combat. In combat, there is a thin red line separating heros from cowards, sanity from madness, life from death, and love from hate. The film is a study of juxtapositions: water & fire, idealism & pragmatism, evil & good, appearances & reality. Although there are several visually stunning combat scenes, this film is MUCH more than a war movie. Pvt. Witt is deeply spiritual and idealistic, caring for all men (comrades & enemy alike). Sgt. Welsh is more pragmatic, believing that each soldier's ultimate responsibility is keeping himself alive. Witt and Welsh are contrasted throughout the film. While a soldier steals teeth from dead and dying Japanese, Witt comforts and emphathizes with the Japanese. While some are indifferent to the death and agony of their comrades, Witt eases the pain of their transition from life to death. Col. Tall, concerned only with advancing his career and viewing the lives of his men as expendable, is contrasted with the CO of C Company whose primary concern is keeping his men alive and who is ultimately willing to sacrifice his command for the betterment of his "sons." The film juxtaposes scenes of horror and death during combat with the beauty of nature and the indigenous people. While soldiers are being killed, baby birds are born nearby, suggesting that nature is indifferent to the follies of men. The dialogue is sparse. The most moving aspects of the film are the narrative voice-overs. While all the acting is good, the performances of Caviezel, Penn, and Nolte are truly outstanding. The cinematography and directing are superb. Mallick has created a jewel.