The Best Study of War and It's Inhumanity I've Seen

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2006)

I've viewed a tremendous number of "war" films in my life, and a number stand out as true classics for their cinematography, cast, authenticity, narrative quality, and intellectual content. "The Thin Red Line," which I screened only very recently (and viewed again the next evening), has emerged as my new personal favorite. Of course, it invites comparison with "Saving Pvt. Ryan," another outstanding work, but this film reflects -- and invites -- a far greater and richer depth of thought on the nature of God, the creation, humanity, faith, mortality, and morality. It does so through outstanding cinematography, powerful imagery, truly inspired editing, stand-out performances, tempo, superb score, and a great script . . . in short, all of the essentials of the com pleat art of film-making. It also does so devoid of any nationalistic or patriotic overtones, without glorification, and without any questionable plot devices. Philosophically and theologically, "The Thin Red Line" is a profound exploration and meditation in which each scene contributes symbolically and metaphorically to the dialectic struggle. Unlike so many films, intended to be stimulating but essentially passive entertainment, this film requires our active engagement, our thought. Here are individuals, each of them confronting the world, their beliefs, and themselves, struggling collectively in the crucible of violent conflict for survival, meaning, understanding, and ultimately, salvation. Note in particular the conflicts between Pvt. Witt (Jim Caviezel) and Sgt. Welsh (Sean Penn), Cpt. Staros (Elias Koteas) and Col. Tall (Nick Nolte), and Sgt. McCron (John Savage) and . . . God. Beyond the obvious recognitions that human beings victimize themselves through war, creating our own hell out of paradise, and that all are victims, on both sides, there are no easy, simple answers in this film. That is as it should be. I was amazed, impressed, troubled, and very deeply moved. Is this film perfect? No, there are some minor issues (e.g., John Travolta's rather woody MacArthurian general?), but none that mar its overall excellence. I join others in calling for an extended "director's cut" with commentary, which unlike many other films, this work truly merits. Kudos to director and screenwriter Terrence Malick, cinematographer John Toll, editors Billy Weber and Leslie Jones, composer Hans Zimmer, and a great cast!
ALSO RECOMMENDED: Saving Private Ryan, The Deer Hunter (note the work of John Savage in both films, thematically connected), Platoon, Das Boot, Apocalypse Now, King Rat, Cross of Iron, The Naked and the Dead, All Quiet on the Western Front.