Second Best Movie Ever Using War to Examine the Human Condition

Rating: 10/10 (14 May 1999)

Much superior to the rather ordinary Private Ryan that garnered far more in ticket sales. Ryan a run-of-the-mill war story with very good acting and excellent production standards. Thin Red Line very close to Apocalypse Now as a many-layered exploration of human motivation and needs. As with Apocalypse, the war is only a useful backdrop for this exploration. The Thin Red Line forces thought and self-examination, in addition to ripping at one's emotions. Ryan hits only at the emotional level--doing this very well, indeed--but not requiring any deep thought, just a vague "gee, war is terrible" response. Ryan is a really good movie. Thin Red Line is great movie making with real meaning.