Unsure...

Rating: Null/10 (20 March 1999)

OK... here's the thing: Many people try to draw comparisons between The Thin Red Line and Saving Private Ryan. I say this is somewhat unfair, because both are masterpieces of their OWN sub-genre. The only comparison I'm forced to make is the personal effect of the movies. SPR kept me thinking for two days. Correction, the first 30 minutes of it did. It definitely sheds a new light on what grandpa was talking about...
The Thin Red Line did not. Not because I'm immune to philosophy or because I cannot open to symbolism. As you can see from most of the comments here, everyone interpreted this symbolism differently. I think the only person who truly knows what each and every frame represents is Malick. This is why I have to agree, yes, the movie was too long. Then again, imagine what it's like having to cut an incredibly long but astonishing film over and over again. Naturally you try salvage as much of your message as possible. But it's like a fairy tale to a child that could be much more colourful if mom didn't have to go to sleep as well.
Either it should have been given justice and allowed to break all the rules thus becoming a half-day movie leaving the brain incapable of dealing with the information but never forgetting the experience even if it is overtime. Or it should have been cut a bit shorter focusing a tad more on the main message, exploring the soulless claustrophobia and terror but without removing any of the references to the link between man, nature and civilization.
This movie is definitely a tough one. Not something you take your girlfriend to, unless you have the ideal relationship and are able to sink into philosophy. Brilliant, but the aftereffect is more one of slight puzzlement than that of a changed or refreshed attitude towards war. However, if you have not yet reached the "condemn" state and it catches you at the right time in your life, it can be a turning point.
Beautiful.