The best film of 1998

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 1999)

The reason that Terence Malick's "The Thin Red Line" is so extraordinary is the fact that Malick took HUGE risks in his direction of this film and THEY PAYED OFF. This film is NOT for mass consumption. It is three hours long and extremely heady. But it conveys the terror of war in a way that I have not seen in any other film. Except for John Travolta's ridiculous 5 minute performance towards the beginning of the film, the acting is superb. Malick's use of inner monologues is earth shattering. The film is visually LUSCIOUS. To me, this is what filmmaking is all about. Be warned, this film is completely emotionally and physically draining. But the payoff is that you'll get to experience the most artistically brilliant film of 1998.