Thoughtful look at combat

Rating: 7/10 (6 February 2002)

Sometimes sluggish, often violent and obscene, Thin Red Line for the most part offers a poetic insight into the stupid horrors of war. For certain it is not a simple re-make of the original. Like all battle films it is peopled with the cowards, the cynics, and the lovers of combat. Nolte was superb as the Pattonesque, rabid rank climber willing to see any amount of death and bloodshed to look good for his superiors. 4 stars.