A turly gorgeous, remarkable film making...

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 1999)

I usually read other people comments before I posted mine. It seemed that many people don't like this movie for various reasons. It is perfect fine that people have different opinions.
But for those who said *it's terrible movie*, *don't see it!* because they didn't finish the movie or fast-forward through it. It seems irresponsible.
The joy of this film is in the process of watching ; Not the story (there is not much plot), not the acting (the actors are just part of prop for the film). I regretted that I didn't get to see this movie on the big screen. (I saw Saving Private Ryan first and did not feel like watching two war films in a row). What a wonderful film experience would it be. It amazes me that two such high quality and different war films were produced in the same year to compete with each other. (different from each other, also from any other war films were made before)
All the flaws being said about this film are true: such as overdone, didn't end where it is supposed to end and kept going and going. Those famous movie actors served no purpose to the film but distractionÂ….
But it is such a beautiful and personal film. The director was so truthful to how he wants the film being done. Although I agree that Saving Private Ryan is a much complete and skillful film, there is something about the Thin Red Line surpass the other one in a very artistic and quiet way which can only be *felt*. There is particular one scene at the end where the American soldier was chased by Japanese in the woods, came to stop, long pause (yes, more lush rain forest and innocent wild life to contrast what is going to happen), then the gun went off, and camera jumped into under water scene with the native islanders' singing in the far distance. The execution of that sequence just took my breath away. I will always remember it.