A beautifully candid account of warfare and soldiers's internal struggles during WWII.

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2002)

I fail to understand the large amounts of negative criticism this film has recieved. Upon my fifth viewing of the film, which I find, though somewhat lengthy, to be a candid and beautiful depiction of the battle of Guadalcanal, as well as a unique illustration of soldiers's internal battles during warfare, I have decided that these criticisms can only be due to misunderstanding, lack of clarity regarding the film's depth perhaps, and impatience. Granted, The Thin Red Line is not a film for the casual observer. Many of its unique details-those in fact, which make it such an accurate and acutely moving depiction of warfare, are subtle. Yet, it portrays not only the true emotions that soldiers must face throughout their battles, but gives meaning to seemingly random action. Many viewers seem to have found the voice overs "corny", overly emotional, but these glimpses into the inner workings of the soldiers's minds are what create the true drama and meaning behind this work of art. If anyone has read Tim O'Brien's "The Things They cinematography (which in my opinion, adds significant value to the Carried," they become aware that each solder, whether in WWII or Vietnam, relies heavily on beliefs, memories, images of their former world, to survive. Nowhere have I seen this truth depicted so well as in The Thin Red Line. Though many complain of the film's plotlessness, its endless plotline, juxtaposing the extreme beauty of the South Pacific with horrific images of war and death), those viewers fail to capture the film's intricate subplots, and its acutely candid depiction of warfare. I must also add that Jim Caviezel's depiction of Private Witt is nothing short of astounding. Never have I seen an actor portray a character such as Witt's so believably, casting such naivety and beauty in his actions, making the character's haunting faith truly come alive.
Negative critique of this film mystifies me. It remains,for me, an amazing and very truthful portrayal of the WWII generation, finally escaping the propagandic illustrations of patriotism and valor and illuminating the true horror and emotion involved in all warfare.