Glad I gave it a second chance

Rating: 7/10 (29 November 2000)

A second viewing of this film has totally changed my opinion. This really is an outstanding movie. That said, I can definitely understand why some people wouldn't like it.
When I first saw the Thin Red Line in the I found it to be very long and slow, with little or no action. I was expecting an action packed movie with a strong central theme (winning over the island). What bothered me the most was the fact that there was almost no real story or plot to follow. It left me in the dark as to where the movie was going. I remember sitting in the theater after the movie had been running for an hour thinking "This film could end in the next five minutes or it could take another hour, I just haven't got a clue".
When a friend who hadn't seen it yet talked me into seeing it a second time, my reaction was totally different. I already knew what happened so I didn't have to wonder about the plot. I was able to pay attention to the fascinating images and brilliant cinematography. There are just some terrific scenes in this movie. The scenes where they captured the ridge and the enemy camp are outstanding.
The movie really demands a lot from the audience. The narrative is pushed so far in the background that you have to be really attentive to understand all of what is happening. If you do give it a chance then it can be mesmerising.