Nature-Human bravely and skillfully painted into war

Rating: 10/10 (31 July 2000)

It is understandable but somewhat intolerable knowing that this true masterpiece, original hard work of a director would not even get the respect it deserved. This is my all-time favourite movie. Yes! The primary reason is that this movie appealed to the persons mind making the person think instead of trying out for an Oscar.
-Most people obviously did not understand what a true masterpiece this was. Only at a superficial level is this a war movie. Instead of just making the movie from the book Terrence Malick includes the theme of Nature vs. Human (With aspects of love and God questioned by different characters each significant and with dept). The start of the story Showing Private Witt up to his death is a true symbolisation of him as a part of nature. Like mankind he starts in a paradise of nature and dies like all the other soldiers with a view of a natural element. I would not be going to far if I state that the final shot of the plant near the shore specifically represents Private Witt. When you listen to the narration and carefully take note on the camera shots this makes complete sense.
-This movie is also a revolution for American cinema because it is one of the first ever movies that does not try to gather Oscars by flashing American Flags all over the place and playing to viewers patriotic views. Instead the perspective of the enemy is shown fairly as well.And the message is not "America is the greatest country, it saved the world" and I whole-heartedly agree with the viewer that stated that a person who hates this film must have really enjoyed and cried in Independence Day. I send my gratitude to you, sir.
And more striking: All the viewers who have hated this movie have not really clarified what aspect of the narration "Did not make sense". So obviously they feared to think or pay attention to the narration.
And for the viewer who stated, when talking about the characters, that "people don't think like that" I advise him to read the works from writers who have experienced war. Please read Earnest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" and Thornton Wilder's "The bridge to San Luis Ray" you will find extreme similarities in thought with Terrence Malick's adaptation of The Thin Red Line.
-Another notable aspect of the movie is the fantastic acting of Sean Penn, Nick Nolte and Jim Caviezel. Especially Jim Caviezel's performance is also proof to how some directors like Terrence Malick are considerate for their actors and are willing to take risks allowing them to have important roles.

-A movie is ofcourse not complete without a soundtrack. Hans Zimmer has created fantastic music, which sticks to your mind. Especially the scene in the smoke covered forest where the two enemies fight it out. The sensation created was a tragedy.

-Finally I would like to finish this review by stating that Terrence Malick has opened a complete new dimension with additional characters (The most striking private Witt), scenes and offcourse message and theme. Too bad that people do not want to realize that theme and originality and the influence of the director is starting to re-shape the classic definition of Hollywood.

-As Hollywood as well as America continues to open itself up to the world I am sure that this type of movie will be given more consideration. So cheerfully people speak about Globalisation but we sometimes have to realize that even the people who we consider to be our enemies are not purely evil. We are all human beings with our good side and our bad side
For my last paragraph to make any sense to you please read the quote from the Japanese soldier.