Rating: 
Summary: a very unconventional film
Review: I don't think that it is nearly as profound or revolutionary as some say it is, but I also don't agree with those who say it is ridiculous and boring. The film does a superb job of conveying the mood of each scene. First we are totally drawn into tranquility by the simple beauty of life with the island natives. We are then drawn into a slight sense of tension as the troops prepare for their invasion of the island. Malick does a splendid job of letting the tension build up as the troops make their landing. But then we are overwhelmed by uncertainty as the landing is unopposed and the company begins searching through a seemingly empty jungle. Where is the enemy?? Just when you are starting to doubt if they're even out there at all, the patrol comes across the mutilated remains of friendly troops. Now we are all of a sudden filled with dread and it seems that we are stumbling in the dark and looking for an enemy we can't see, but we know is there. And through the entire time it is hard not to be enthralled by the astounding beauty of the island and its wildlife. This blend of fear and admiration works well to create an immersive setting. The excellent score and cinematography also help to draw us in even further. Every beautiful camera shot seems to be symbolic of something and that coupled with the melancholy music gives the film a constantly contemplative nature. That aspect of the film makes it unique but also hurts it as well. It gets too contemplative as it jumps into the minds of so many characters, trying to convey their deepest thoughts through abstract images and cheesy monologue. What makes these thoughts even harder to grasp is the fact that we are never properly introduced to all these characters. Some of them look so much alike and they all have such uninspiring names such as "Witt", "Welch", "Bell" and "Tall". This makes it hard to differentiate between them and remember whether it was Witt who thought this or Bell who thought that, etc. Even if you are sharp enough to tell them apart throughout the whole thing, it doesn't help much since the message is so abstract to begin with. Once the film dives completely into contemplation, all remnants of a clear plot disappear. As for well developed characters- they were never there to begin with. The sad thing about that is that certain characters in the film had so much potential. But since the film never allows us to focus in on any of them long enough, they all(or at least most of them) end up paper thin and under developed. But the nature of the movie is very unconventional. I don't think that Malick intended it to be driven by characters or plot. That is what makes this movie hard to judge. It is more of a meditation on nature, life and war than a depiction of the battle at guadalcanal. The symbolic images created by the awe inspiring nature scenes and unique camera work make watching the thin red line more like gazing at a beautiful symbolic painting than watching a war movie. But it ultimately fails to create the same effect of a great painting because the images of a great painting leave the viewer open to his or her own interpretation. There is no right or wrong answer. The Thin Red Line on the other hand seems to use a lot of confusing and unnecessary means in order to force the viewer to receive a simple message: Life is cruel and war is hell. In other words, it tries to seem profound but really isn't. But that doesn't change the fact that it paints a truly vivid picture that can be appreciated by those that are intrigued by such things. But keep in mind that if you enjoy this film it is simply because the unique style of film making appeals to you. It doesn't mean that you're any smarter than someone who didn't like it.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely horrible
Review: This may very well be the worst movie I have ever seen. I would like to meet the individuals who liked this movie, because I have not encountered anybody who enjoyed it. I will never get those 3.5 hours of my life back, and for this I will never forgive the producers, directors, writers, and actors involved in this production.
Rating: 
Summary: DVD release delayed for additional extras
Review: The DVD was originally scheduled for release in June, but that has been pushed back to November. The good news is that some "extras" are being added to account for the delay. Those who have been salivating for more *will* get it, apparently, and the wait will be OK for them. Like me...-dB
Rating:
Summary: The amazingly great film that dragged on forever.
Review: My review of three stars is most definatly bordering on four. I wouldn't be surprised to see it on the next AFI movie list. I don't recommend this movie to anyone who doesnt love war movies. The scenery was better then that of "Saving Private Ryan" which got an oscar for that. I think it should have been cut shorter though (the movie clocks at over three hours of war, war and more war!). I really did love this movie. It was close to perfect BUT i really do think it should be cut shorter.
Rating:
Summary: One of the worst movies I have seen
Review: This must have been one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Too long, too stupid. It was like pulling teeth.
Rating:
Summary: Not for the single-minded viewer
Review: There have been a lot of negative reviews of this film. Sleepy, boring, not enough of a story. Two words for these folks, SPICE WORLD! This has to be one of the best cinematic achivements I have seen in a long time. The film is confusing to watch at first but it draws you in. Instead of shocking you, it gets you involved. The title suggests the line between sanity and insanity. The forces of duality. This movie brilliantly explores that subject better than any war movie. Even better than Full Metal Jacket. It shows you how life goes on untouched in this horrific situation. To all those who didn't like this show, grow a brain!
Rating:
Summary: It should get Negative Stars
Review: This is the worst war movie ever made. They had some of the best actors, authentic equipment, filmed on location, and it sucked!!! almost three hours of torture. I only sat through to be sure it really did suck all the way to the end and it did! This is a cross between SNL's "Deep Thoughts" skit and "Apocolypse Now." No plot, the actors have cameo's, the action is non existant. It covers war as it really is, endless boredom, short battle with lots of gore, endless boredom, repeat. The movie seemed longer than the battle. It is a shame that such an important battle is represented by such a bad movie. Perhaps John Milius or Steven Spielburg will do Guadalcanal and the men who fought there, justice, like they did in "THe Rough Riders" and "Saving Private Ryan", which are as good as this movie is bad. If I wanted someone to talk, I would duct tape them to a chair, clamp their eyelids open a-la a Clockwork Orange, and force them to watch this movie. The movie is torture.
Rating:
Summary: Too smart for most people
Review: This is a wonderful film! The people who don't like this movie are mainstream people who are too dumb to understand it. They then complain about how it was boring and how they fell asleep. I guess they have limited brain capability. This is extrordinary, just try to understand it.
Rating:
Summary: The best war movie I have ever seen!
Review: This is a great movie. There are a bunch of famous actors in it and they all do a great job with their parts. The movie seems real to life and will make you feel what they are feeling. I saw this movie because of John Cusack and really enjoyed it. I recommend it to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Good, But VERY over-rated
Review: this film is good, but very over-rated. it was just too long, and a story would have been nice.
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