as unexpected as it is brilliant.

Rating: 10/10 (11 January 2001)

I believe this to be one of the most intelligent and worthwhile pictures ever made. Terrence Malik's use of cinematography as a continuity device is as unexpected as it is brilliant. He touches on the same devotion and innovation as the French Impressionist filmmakers, who were the first to explore the possibilities of using the camera to describe character's inner thoughts and feelings. Malik leaves the viewer caught in the action, unsure exactly of how each soldier fits into the grand scheme of things, and without any real idea of the direction of the film and how it is going to end. The result of which leaves the viewer disorientated, confused, and not at all sure what to think (whilst at the same time filled with despair).

Unfortunatly such style of filmmaking isn't ever appreciated by a wide audience, and the film and Malik have received as much criticism as acclaim. It is so unfortunate that a large portion of the movie-going public don't appreciate films that are not purely entertainment pictures, if only they realised what they're missing! I took a lot more away from this movie than any film I can remember.