Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (2 July 2004)

The cinematography in this movie is outstanding. One of my all time top movies, and my favorite war movie. Some exceptional performances from a great cast.
This movie is very slow paced at times and takes the viewer on a long journey. During the 3 hour running time the film really delves into big subjects such as the morality and horrors of war. It doesn't initially grab the viewer but almost "fades in" for the first 30 minutes. It's a moving experience. While depicting brutality there is a beauty in the way the film is shot with the amazing landscapes and bright colors. This contrast is effective in that it reminds the viewer that the events being depicted are based on reality.
The Thin Red Line is very different to the generic Hollywood war movie. In my view it puts significant space between itself and classics such as 'Platoon' and 'Saving Private Ryan' by avoiding the normal clichÃ©s so common in this type of movie. It isn't as epic as 'Saving Private Ryan' or as atmospheric as 'Apocolypse Now' but it does portray human emotion in a very believable way.
If you've already watched this movie it's certainly worth a second viewing.