The Thin Red Line

Rating:
Summary: A true depiction of war?
Review: Looking at the mixed reviews says a few things about Thin Red Line, 'you'll either like it or you won't'. The unfortunate thing is that so many comparisons are drawn between TRL and Saving Private Ryan. Both unquestionably excellent examples of films in their own right delivered by two (and very different) filmmakers.

For many people Saving Private Ryan engages a whole different group of senses and feelings, whereas the battle scenes in Saving Private Ryan do drag you in on a purely visceral level, there is still much to the Thin Red Line that is watchable.

Firstly, the cinematography is just, frankly, excellent (by cinematographer John Toll). The movement of the camera through the shoulder high grass, guiding the audience through the soldiers eyes, is really masterful. Every shot is crafted to perfection that any one could be a work of art.

For me the staging of the action was just right, but the real weight of the picture was the personal effect that war and mans inhumanity to his fellow man can have on a human being.

A powerful film that deserves a place in everyone's collection.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie That Shows the Darker Side Of War
Review: While many of the other reviews on here disliked the movie, I think that they are judging it on the fact that it was not what they wanted it to be. I loved it, while it is not a "Saving Private Ryan," which shows the fighting part of war (which I am sure the other people were expecting it to be), "The Thin Red Line" shows the pyschological trauma that men go through during a war.

So I do not think that this is a bad movie at all. I read the book before seeing the movie, so I had some idea what the movie would be about. It is beautifully filmed and has a great cast, all of whom played the roles of their characters really well. Even though Corporal Fife, who was one of the main characters in the book, was not portrayed as I thought he should have been.

I enjoyed every three hours of the movie, and would recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a tale of war, that is not all blood and guts. So for all you war action buffs, I wouldnt recommend this movie, that is unless you go into it with a somewhat open mind.

Rating:
Summary: Why see explosions and gore
Review: I saw TRL three times, it is one of my favorite films. Why do people compare it to "Private Ryan", That is when we narrow our minds and shut out a true masterpiece. Consider this, "Thin Red" was one of the most interlectually simulating movie of past years. It was unconventional, much more than "Private Ryan". I've heard people complain about the weak script. NO, not weak, different: Everyone expect a movie(a war movie)with a huge objective. What is wrong with spending time with soldiers, even if there is no real drama going on between them. I got news for you, TRL seemed more realistic to me because it diidn't feel like I was watching "Hollywood, american, money-oriented film". (For more on this visit the reviews of "Saving Private Ryan") There was great acting from every actor in hollywood(they all were in the movie; from Penn to Leto, and Nolte to Clooney). Many complain about not being able to remember OR feel emotions for any of the characters. Well, these just happen to be the narrow-minded people who fell asleep watching "Thin Red", so if they have this little insight, why would I care about their opinion. Most every movie that is released, have charcter we care very little about. Plus: can you name every one in Tom Hanks Team ? "The Thin Red Line" is a high note in filmmaking today. A movie should entertain and enlighten ones mind. Such films as "Star Wars, Badlands, and Days of Heaven, do this. Thank Mr. Malick, you have caught my attenion once again.

Rating:
Summary: the best film ever made
Review: the thin red line offers viewers what other films do not - the freedom to think and interpret the scenes throughout the film. this film is a masterpiece because it captures the complexity of humanity, and does not give any straight answers by oversimplifying the experience of war. the technical aspects are also excellent - the film is not only thought provoking but beautiful and amazing to watch. it's a pity that it is not more widely appreciated.

Rating:
Summary: Why see explosions and gore.
Review: The first time I went to see it, I was comparing it to "Private Ryan". There lied my biggest fault. "Line" is a much deeper film, was a better messege about life (and death). It was very unconventional and that is what made it great. It didn't have to appeal to a large audience.

Rating:
Summary: This movie is not for everyone!
Review: What can i say about The Thin Red Line, just as most other moviegoers,I went to the theater to see action and stars. The preview itself was excellent. Little did I know that this would be one of the most moving and touching films ever. After I saw the The Thin Red Line it persuaded me to watch Badlands, and Days of Heaven. Needless to say Terrance Malick's work, is a work of art. I love his movies, but most will not, they are bothered by the distractions that make his films wonderful. If you are a person who enjoys deep thoughts and difficult answers watch The Thin Red Line. The actors have so little to do with this movie I love it. There are great performances by Elias Koteas as the ethical man afraid to send his men into death. Sean Penn as the cynical Sgt.Welsh. Then Nick Nolte and Jim Caviezel as Private Witt. The story meandors, it is not always exciting, but every moment in this movie is profound, Thank You Terrance Malick!

Rating:
Summary: An existential, lyrical wonder.......
Review: Discard expectations, convention, and all that war films have been in the past: this is a film, like "Apocalypse Now" or "2001", that avoids the limitations of narrative and character and instead, exists as a poem. Those looking for heroes, battle plans, and a "grand message" are bound to be bored and disappointed, but I accepted its intent from the very beginning and therefore had no problem settling in. Whenever a film strives for philosophical meditation, Americans go wild and run for the exits. Hey kids, that's OUR fault, not the director's.

Rating:
Summary: Malick's "Moby Dick"
Review: Any movie that divides viewers into such extreme opposing camps ("TRL is the most boring, overrated, obtuse, bloated, and unwatchable movie ever made" vs. "TRL is the greatest movie of all time and makes Citizen Kane and Casablanca look like mere child's play") -- any movie that can provoke such extreme reactions MUST be doing something right. The Thin Red Line is like Melville's "Moby Dick" -- hated by many, endured (more than enjoyed) by most, yet somehow majestic and above it all. People will still be debating the merits of this beautiful, disturbing, and spiritually rich film long after the special effects of Saving Private Ryan have been eclipsed.

Rating:
Summary: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Review: I'm sorry but I thought this film was a sleeping pill in the form of a movie. I fell alseep for real! Or maybe it's too deep for me or something. Oh and one more thing, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Rating:
Summary: And I thought "M*A*S*H" was boring......
Review: I am really surprised at how many good reviews this film got here on Amazon.com. I honestly don't know how you could sit down and watch this utterly boring "masterpiece" (as the critics hailed it).

The film starts off boring, and ends boring. And I went to the theater with a tottaly open mind. I tried to keep telling myself "Hey, hang in there, something cool will come." Well, nothing "cool" ever did. THE THIN RED LINE reminds me of a ride at Disneyland....lots of build-up, no pay off. Example: The troops get in their landing craft to heart-pounding music, and speed towards the shores of Guadacanal in a Private Ryan-esque scene. And when they get to the beaches (still heart pounding music playing, mind you), the gates of the craft come down, and the soldiers run into the jungles without a bullet fired.

The stupid narratives were jumbled and hard to follow. They bore the viewer before they teach him anything. And I found myself not caring about any of the characters. I also could have done without the endless running through grassy hills. It all became pointless.

If my car had not been in the garage getting repairs at the time, I would have gotten up and left. I even felt like going to sleep. To make a long review short, I was BORED TO TEARS.