Rating: 
Summary: What do others see that I don't?
Review: After hearing all the hype about this movie, I went to see it in order to write a paper about it for a film class. I walked out, the first time in a very long time that I have walked out of a movie. I could not for the life of me comprehend what the critics saw in this movie, nor what AMPAS members saw in it that qualified it to be nominated for best picture. This is what happens when ego gets in the way of creativity. Meandering storylines that peter off into nothingness, characters that are indistinguishable from one another, and no clear concept of where the story is going. All the big names in this movie were wasted, only useful for the drawing power of their names on the marquee. Terence Malick should stay gone for another 20 years as far as I'm concerned. I am more convinced now than ever that Days of Heaven was just beginner's luck.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the Deepest Most Poetic Movies Ever
Review: Most films exist at one or maybe two levels. The Thin Red Line is one of the most textured, layered films I have seen. Not only is it a compelling story of soldiers who, but of the nature of humanity. Thin Red Line with minimal strokes characterizes nearly a dozen characters.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful film
Review: Why is anybody comparing this film to Saving Private Ryan? The only thing they have in common is that they are about WWII. Both movies were excellent, and both movies have their own agenda. I am not a war historian, I didn't read the book this is based on, and I don't need to have battles rammed down my throat to stay awake. There is plenty of fighting in this film, but it definitely focuses more on the psychological drama of the men. I personally don't care how this film relates to the novel, it stands by itself. The so-called psycho-babble and gobbledygook that other reviews complain about are reflections on life and the war state-of-mind. It may take a couple of viewings to get it, but it's perfectly understandable. Rent it, watch it, if you don't like it get over it, if you understood it you will probably buy it to have and ponder over and show to younger generations. (Get the widescreen version) Nuff said.
Rating:
Summary: the worst movie I have seen
Review: After seeing "Saving Private Ryan" four times, and each time being more impressed by the realism and artistry of that film, I was tempted to see "The Thin Red Line." The reviews I'd read made it sound comparable to "Saving Private Ryan," but in the Pacific Theatre. What a disappointment! I am not exaggerating when I write that this is the worst movie I have seen. There is no plot to speak of, only a series of unconnected vignettes. Nothing makes the audience identify with any of the characters. The action is not realistically depicted (Do soldiers really try to move so closely together that one bullet can take out an entire squad? Did every Japanese soldier constantly grimace in mute agony?). Finally, the forced "artistry" of the camera work - particularly the innumerable shots of single palm trees - make the viewer squirm with dismay. How this film received some good reviews is a mystery to me. If I had known in advance how long it is, I would have walked out after the first 30 minutes.
Rating: 
Summary: Haunted
Review: The first time I saw this movie I was dissapointed having just been private Ryanized. But something about this film stayed with me. When it came out on video I was able to watch it.......over and over and over again. This is not a run of the mill war story. Every time I watched I found a new dimension. Now without getting to deep, the action and battle scenes were second to none. But they were presented beautifully, the first two soldiers get shot, and the sun changes the landscape right before your eyes. When we overran the Japanese base the emotions and images I felt and saw were haunting. The relationship of man and nature is never far from the main story line.It also has a very interesting soundtrack. If you choose to view this movie, you'll need to see it several times to get it. I think I did.
Rating: 
Summary: The thin red line
Review: Boasting an ensemble cast including veteran Nick Nolte, Sean Penn and John Travolta (in a minor role) to name a few, The thin red line endeavours to portray yet another rendition of the gritty reality of war. Set in the second world war it deals with a group of American soldiers whose mission it is to win a sub-war in the South Pacific, their first front being the jungles of Malaysia where they must be prepared for the distress of futile human sacrifice - in so doing they must also be prepared for the imminence of their own death or maiming. Sean Penn plays his usual cockiness well; however his role doesn't ever allow him to display the criminal roguishness at which he truly excels, for example the character Meserve portrayed in the Vietnam flick Casualties of War. Incidentally two other thin red line cast members also appeared in the above film (John C. Reilly and Don Harvey). Nick Nolte's gravelly voice gives credibility to his authoritarian role - Furthermore the portrayal of his disaffected, uncompromising Lt. Col. Tall are well realised. Adrien Brody adds a touch of peacefulness and melancholy as Corporal Fife. Overall this is a well balanced cast whose solid teamwork effectively conveys the mood of the collective war experience. Nevertheless, familiarity of plot and setting and the string of well known faces numb the intended impact of the film to drive home the violence of war that was so well done in Saving Private Ryan.
Rating:
Summary: Pitiful, putrid, and pointless
Review: Having read the book, and looking at the cast of characters, I expected a pretty good film. However, the movie wandered aimlessly, and never once captured the emotion or gut wrenching fear that undoubtably one would feel if faced with a similar situation. The script writers butchered the story completely and the end result was a waste of talent and film. Don't waste your time on this one; if you want to see a good war film, see Saving Private Ryan instead.
Rating:
Summary: Avoid
Review: This movie is the worst ever! I tried to go to sleep when I was in the theatre watching it. Do not buy it! I highly recommended AGAINST it!
Rating:
Summary: Not a movie for everyone...
Review: I commend HOllywood for being brave enough to come out with something like this. This is not a film for everyone..several people will be dvided on it's entertainment value, meaning etc. This is a very deep poetic movie who only some people can understand truly, and that is not an insult to those who thought this movie was garbage. Terrence Malick is a very spiritual man, and he is on a distant plane seperate from most of us, and he shows this best through his work. a masterpiece (while some may disagree) but this is something not turned out to make money and keep people happy while they buy their popcorn and stuff.. what are actors but popcorn salesman? if you think about it... but this movie is "entertaining" on a very different level. some people like intellectual stimulation while others do not..and thats perfectly understandable..so this can't be viewed by many but give it a look..and if you find yourself falling asleep..walk away because then..you were never meant to understand the message..at this point in your life, at least. i mean no offense to people who did not like this but to those who saw it's sheer power and beauty. I respect that and feel what you feel. A great movie. I salute Mr. Malick.
Rating:
Summary: Mallick Creates Miracles
Review: This film exemplifies all the spectacular and beautiful things that can be achieved through the use of a camera. Unlike the blatently obvious and artificial Saving Private Ryan, The Thin Red Line delivers insight into human existance through its visuals and steam of consciousness dialogue. The characters, such as Nolte and Caviezel, give a true feeling of what it's like to go through the trials of war. Their constant questioning of nature and there right to invade a foreign world go hand in hand with the contradictions of war and the question of whether or not we as humans have the right to kill, even in war time. Mallick delivers one of the most asthetically pleasing films I've ever seen. The visuals are gorgeous in their picture of a place untouched by the quest for power presented in war. On the flip side they are also hideously ugly in their depiction of a land being envaded by Americans, who treat their enemies as if they were nothing more than animals. This movie is definetly not for the moviegoer who is enticed by invincible and superficial heros, but rather for one who desires to understand the truth about war and decide for themself what to do with the information Mallick so beautifully presents.
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