A Masterpice of Modern Cinema

Rating: 9/10 (2 August 2007)

The Thin Red Line, Normally I wait quite some time to write a review about a film that I have seen. But in this case I happen to love this film. The best film I have seen so far this summer on DVD. I wait because I want to think about what the true meaning behind the film and really to see if the film is any good. But in this case I know this film is so well done that one doesn't have to think about it for too long. If I try to start talking about all the great qualities this film possess' it would be impossible to stop. Let me just illustrate what I feel is the most redeeming quality this film contains that sets it above all the rest. It has "true" meaning, and I say that with all sincerity. Most films pretend that they mean something but truth of the matter is that they only pretend, and hide behind they're big visuals. Many people compare this film to Saving Private Ryan, and say that Ryan is superior. Let me just dispel that rumor right now, no it isn't. Ryan has redeeming qualities, but that is a film that hides behind it big expansive visuals. Yes, that deals with brother ship and understanding during war, as well as other themes. But this film is different, it touches on all themes of war and also why war is killing force digging itself into the heart of everyman. From the beginning you know that you aren't simply watching another WWII film, but a masterpiece that transcends all genres. Terrence Malick is now on my list of director in which I respect heavily. He can weave beautiful images in with a beautiful meaning. That is that war is hell. I'm not going to say anything else about the meaning of this film, except that anyone and everyone should watch it. The opening is beautifully composed as it glides throughout this beautiful island in the Pacific to show two soldiers, who have gone AWOL living a peaceful life. The music suits the film too, because it doesn't treat it like a war movie soundtrack but rather a wonderful film that happens to take place during war. The narration that accompanies the actors in the film is so well done that I think it might even be better that Apocalypse Now's narration by Martin Sheen. It speaks volumes into what the men who fought the war thought about at the time. How sympathetic they are toward one another. And in this film each character is different, as well as there being no centralized main character, so pick and choose. The ending is dramatic, and deep. Leaving the audience with a sense for what it was like to be in any war and not just WWII. This film will hopefully transcend generations of people who see it. Hopefully it will leave a scar in their brains as to what "good" film-making is all about.