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The Thin Red Line

The Thin Red Line

1998
War, History
2h 50m
"The Thin Red Line" tells the story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who took part in the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal, but the way in which this story is told transcends the boundaries of the war film genre.

Directed by:

Terrence Malick

Screenwriter:

Terrence Malick, James Jones

Starring:

John Cusack, Adrien Brody, Nick Nolte, Woody Harrelson, Jared Leto, Jim Caviezel, John C. Reilly, Elias Koteas, Sean Penn, John Travolta, Nick Stahl, Miranda Otto

Franchise:

The Thin Red Line

Genres:

War, History

Countries:

Canada, USA

Languages:

English, Japanese, Greek, Tok Pisin
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The Thin Red Line

1998
War, History
2h 50m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 66.88% from 5864 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
99
99th
The greatest American film of the 1990s and the greatest cinematic exploration of the human propensity for war. Space limitations prevent adequate analysis: it is an adaptation of Martin Heidegger's An Introduction to Metaphysics as much as of James Jones's novel, but even this fails to indicate the scope. First viewing should definitely be at a well-equipped large-screen cinema with high-quality sound. This is so beginning from the first shot of the film. A singular achievement.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
hurstyHursty
Rated 16 Nov 2007
72
66th
A reluctant group of poets take on THE EMPIRE OF JAPAN
Rated 16 Nov 2007
kahKAH
Rated 28 Apr 2009
4
93rd
Just as much a metaphysical exploration of human nature as it is a war film in the classical sense. It doesn't bother to depict winners and losers, heroes and villains, but seeks instead to find the core of evil. It offers no answers of course, but it asks the right questions, which make it a philosophical work more worthy of the term anti-war than any other film. Its impressive visual qualities threaten to undermine the overall focus for some viewers, but will enhance it for others.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
kmcneilKMcNeil
Rated 16 Dec 2010
10
98th
(Third watch,bluray) Overtly warping our concept of the depiction of war, 'The Thin Red Line' is Malick at his poetic best. One could argue that it's too pretty, well-planned and meticulously constructed given the material, but that would be an overly dogmatic approach to art. On the contrary, the staccato-esque "war turns men into dogs" voice-overs coupled with picturesque compositions (balance is the key word here) forces the viewer into a weird borderland between nightmare and dream.
Rated 16 Dec 2010
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 04 Oct 2011
95
98th
War is not something depicted with heroic musical refrains or pulsing action beats. There's a mournful tone throughout. Malick understood it's not good versus evil but humanity giving itself over to something chaotic and primal. There's an elemental soulfulness in this film like his other works where he ties human existence with its connection with nature. The camera seems to flow naturally from individual to individual as if they were all sharing the same nightmarish fugue state.
Rated 04 Oct 2011
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 06 Oct 2010
6
98th
Few images have ever arrested me as that of Miranda Otto, carefree and smiling, swinging upside-down in the glow of the evening sun. Malick's gift is to be able to capture these moments which are beyond words, achieving a state of grace that hits on a level outside conscious thought or reason.
Rated 06 Oct 2010
juntakinte99juntakinte99
Rated 26 Mar 2021
100
97th
This is a perfect introduction to anyone curious as to why actors, filmmakers, and audiences have such love for Malick. Here he recaptures the novelistic tone of his 1970's films. He also provides a glimpse of the beautiful visual poetry his future films would have. That fusion extends to his existential concerns (about man, war, and nature) as well as his character's philosophical thoughts. Penn is amazing, and it is fun to hear all the places the film's music has been ripped off. A classic.
Rated 26 Mar 2021
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 26 Oct 2009
10
97th
Consistent in emotion and stunning scenes throughout the close to three hour running time. The closest film has got to capturing the spirit and the most realistic take on war. Casting is sensational and the talent shows in abundance. Terrence Malick makes every shot something to be remembered which further enhances the terrific storytelling.
Rated 26 Oct 2009
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 29 Mar 2008
10
98th
Every shot of this is incredibly beautiful. It's like a painting on film, seriously. Superior to another war film, SPR, that came out the same year in every way.
Rated 29 Mar 2008
davidblastDavidBlast
Rated 06 Jul 2011
30
13th
Dear Terrence. So, you saw 'Apocalypse Now' and wanted to make you own version. This is fine. But did you have to make it so long, Terrence? Did you have to examine every single war movie cliché? Did you think that your pseudo-poetic approach would make it interesting? It didn't, Terrence. It made it pretentious. Pretentious and unbelievably boring. So Terrence, the next time you think you have a poetic angle on the profane that you want to share, please remember that WE KNOW ALREADY!
Rated 06 Jul 2011
bunkenBunken
Rated 04 Jul 2011
100
99th
This movie kind of sums up why Terrence Malick is one of my favourite directors. He is capable of capturing sheer beauty in all of his film and you just sit back in awe. You almost forget the storyline (Which by the way also is really good) when Malick takes you on a ride through one magnificent frame by another...
Rated 04 Jul 2011
spanksSpanks
Rated 27 Jun 2011
100
99th
There are movies, then there are films, and then there are experiences. There came a point where I forgot I was watching something and had to remind myself I was simply looking at a screen. I'm absolutely blown away. No one can capture the overwhelming beauty like Malick can on a camera, his "God" POV is incredibly well established, and if I only had 24 hours to live I would literally spend 3 of them on this. And give it time; I have a feeling this will be a top ten all time film in 50 years.
Rated 27 Jun 2011
nobletNoblet
Rated 14 Apr 2011
86
87th
I loved the contrast between the calm introspection and intense battle scenes. The movie looks amazing, the island is shot beautifully. The few characters that get a lot of screen-time are superb, and all of the actors do a terrific job. This film does seem a bit unfocused, but it's still a very good and unique look into a fairly overused setting.
Rated 14 Apr 2011
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 20 Sep 2010
73
88th
A lot of people prefer this to Saving Private Ryan, I think it's pretty close. Obviously it is beautiful, and lush, but occasionally I just felt as if it was trying a little too hard. My grandfather watched it with me (he was on the second boat to land at Guadalcanal) and he said " I didn't have a lot of time to be introspective, I was too busy eating spiders and shitting in a hole". lol
Rated 20 Sep 2010
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 27 Jan 2009
5
93rd
A kaleidoscopic vision of man on a precipice, mortal and spiritual, somehow both fleeting in action but lingering in effect, beautifully shot.
Rated 27 Jan 2009
big_lemonsBig Lemons
Rated 08 Jul 2007
97
99th
This film is long, contemplative and is probably the most beautiful war film ever shot. The violence has a balletic flair. Some of the best battle sequences on film can be found here; you can really feel the fear the soldiers' faces at every moment.
Rated 08 Jul 2007
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 04 Dec 2016
88
87th
Leave it to Terrence Malick to make a WWII film about taking the most scenic hill in the pacific theater, a film so star-studded it often comes off like one of those righteous political ads where a slew of A-listers finish each others sentences. But it's as gritty as it is pretty, and often embraces genre convention just as successfully as it subverts it - some of the 'slo-mo battle with string section' sequences are the most powerful I've ever experienced.
Rated 04 Dec 2016
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 03 Oct 2010
100
98th
Shut up in a tomb. Can't lift the lid. Playing a role I never concieved. Nick Nolte is just as amazing as the cinematography in this.
Rated 03 Oct 2010
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 11 Jul 2010
94
99th
TTRL seeks to depict the reality of war, but Malick does this by turning his back to the typical visceral and hard-hitting affect that most films in this genre cling to. Instead, the audience views individual struggles of each man along side the antagonistic pairs that are so beautifully intertwined in the film. The most defining opposite, the destruction of war vs the beauty of nature, is absolutely gorgeous in its capture through the lens. There are no other war films quite like this one.
Rated 11 Jul 2010
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 22 Mar 2011
90
97th
For almost 3 hours I was transfixed to my screen, swept away by the gorgeous imagery and at the same time repulsed by the actions of man. Since it's (partly) a war movie it can't avoid some genre cliches, but those are irrelevant in the big picture. The musings on war, life, death, nature and the purpose of man might seem pretentious, but really make all the difference. I can't exactly say why this film got such an emotional reaction out of me, but I'm glad it did.
Rated 22 Mar 2011
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 26 Dec 2010
90
96th
An epic visual poem, that Homer couldn't have written any better. Mallicks best.
Rated 26 Dec 2010
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 23 May 2010
9
90th
(after repeat viewings) The definitive anti-war film, a visually striking epic whose humanistic approach makes a bold case against the use of violence without justifying the need for it (as most war films tend to do). A must see.
Rated 23 May 2010
icarusIcarus
Rated 30 Sep 2009
99
99th
Malick uses war as a window into the makings of human beings, the roots of good and evil, and the mystery of a beauty that endures in spite of senseless killing. The main narrative follows the paradoxical Witt, who begins the film focused on the thought of death while living in paradise, only to increasingly embrace the light and goodness in the world, even as death seems to creep ever closer to his world. The film stands as a wonderful meditation on questions that really matter in life.
Rated 30 Sep 2009
rosvallrosvall
Rated 13 May 2009
40
19th
treyatwoodTreyAtwood
Rated 01 Oct 2012
80
80th
Maybe the only war movie I've seen that doesn't take death for granted.
Rated 01 Oct 2012
zayankZayanK
Rated 23 May 2011
93
91st
Anyone who thinks this is a "war movie" may as well shut the hell up.
Rated 23 May 2011
domahdomah
Rated 15 Jan 2010
100
99th
Hauntingly beautiful piece of cinema; every aspect of this film is perfection. I cannot even fault the pacing and the quick entry/exit of seemingly major characters, because Malick intended the movie to be far longer than the released cut.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 09 Aug 2009
87
89th
Malick doesn't know how to make a film that isn't beautiful. It's done in such an impressionistic and surreal manner that the beauty actually makes war more horrifying. Through the characters, he manages to express a great deal about war, fear, death, nature. Despite the intensity of the battle scenes, it somehow ends up being a "quiet" film about war, which is a remarkable thing. While it rambles a bit, it never feels inappropriate to do so. A movie completely commands your attention.
Rated 09 Aug 2009
doctor7doctor7
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
91st
Suffered because Saving Private Ryan came out around the exact same time and SPR had the shell-shocking opening 20 minutes which no one will ever forget. I think that while this movie doesn't have any one scene as powerful as that the entire movie on a whole is more consistantly great that SPR.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
lexlex
Rated 08 Aug 2013
85
67th
Overwhelming and somewhat aimless, even by Malick standards, but also amazingly filmed and conceived, even by Malick standards. It's been my first viewing and I know I'll get back to this one but I didn't really end up taking much out of this from a philosophy standpoint. It's a film with a lot of ideas and emotions: a whole lot more than a simple war film, and it ends up feeling beautifully original and oddly disjointed at the same time.
Rated 08 Aug 2013
cook3777Cook3777
Rated 28 May 2012
90
94th
it should be illegal to portray our soldiers as being such pussys. when I play call of duty i never act like such a puss
Rated 28 May 2012
actionbergActionberg
Rated 23 Mar 2012
85
84th
The thing I probably appreciate most is the film's unabashed attempt at overwhelming complexity. War is a nonsensical smorgasbord of noise and horror, amounting to so little in the face of nature. The men may be wrapped up in their friendships, their spirituality, their failings, and their loves, but the grass keeps blowing all the same. The depiction of the difficulties of leadership is easily one of its most successful aspects, and the film gets less interesting without Nolte/Koteas in hour 3.
Rated 23 Mar 2012
hofschneiderHofschneider
Rated 05 Oct 2011
95
97th
The best war movie ever made (if this is one).
Rated 05 Oct 2011
ebelcEbelC
Rated 28 Sep 2011
30
13th
Unbelievable... and it was meant to be 6-hour long. It's boring and superficial. Yes, everyone is telling it's deep and realistic, but it's not because it has that idea that war makes all men poets, it has no true characters because they're all the same. One character says at some point: "I look at that boy dyin', I don't feel nothin'. I don't care about nothin' anymore". That's what I felt for them all, the whole movie. I just don't care about those unrealistic and idealized people.
Rated 28 Sep 2011
kasperlKasperL
Rated 04 Sep 2011
80
86th
Voices over absolutely sublime cinematography. A lyrical rather than narrative form. Malick's style of filmmaking is an acquired taste. Through Penn's character he seems to propose that man is an island, consequently asking questions of morals about obeying orders in war, with a scene between Elias Koteas and Nick Nolte, both electric, being the standout. The many big-name cameos get a bit distracting.
Rated 04 Sep 2011
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 27 Dec 2010
73
89th
I think the divorce letter and Witt's final moments were stunningly beautiful scenes. And the nature imagery is fantastic as well. It's not so much a war film, or even an anti-war film. It's an anti "war film" film. Its intentional avoidance of conforming to the norms of the genre can have a mixed effect: sometimes alienating, sometimes transcendent.
Rated 27 Dec 2010
markjpMArkjp
Rated 25 Sep 2010
25
6th
This will receive a thorough thrashing, once I manage to sit through the entire whopping 170 minutes without falling asleep.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
nathandarkoNathanDarko
Rated 14 Feb 2010
95
93rd
This movie tells,in an impressing way,the story of the results of war. About the secret fears and doubts of the soldiers. It's one of the most poetic movies that handle this topic. Beside this fact "the Thin red line" has a beautiful cinematography with some stunning slomo shots. Awesome movie experience.
Rated 14 Feb 2010
tathieltathiel
Rated 22 Dec 2009
95
99th
Highly philosophical, complex movie but one to which I could relate best. Although one does tend to compare it to other movies like Apocalypse Now, The Deer Hunter, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket and what not this movie has its own qualities. The multi-narrative structure enriches the movie to a very high degree, so that you get to know nearly all facets of war and the message is even stronger.
Rated 22 Dec 2009
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 22 Dec 2009
95
94th
Discursive, lacking in action . . . but that's Malick for you. I like this film a lot. It is much deeper and richer than the overly praised "Saving Private Ryan."
Rated 22 Dec 2009
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 18 May 2008
86
92nd
Although I'll take the gritty realism of "Saving Private Ryan" over the beauty of this one any day, great cinematography and character development also have a place in my heart. The narration and characterization here are the greatest parts.
Rated 18 May 2008
ktappektappe
Rated 20 Feb 2008
97
93rd
Disturbingly amazing. To me this is the best war film--better than Private Ryan, better than Platoon. Those were great at times but inconsistent, sometimes dropping the ball. Thin Red Line is consistently moving throughout, never letting up, never letting you feel at ease, just as these soldiers were never able to ease up as they feared for their lives 24/7.
Rated 20 Feb 2008
kavuKavu
Rated 01 Feb 2008
84
83rd
Stunning cinematography, overabundance of stars and lack of focus. Did I mention the cinematography?
Rated 01 Feb 2008
grimsoothgrimsooth
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
89th
A war movie as they were meant to be. Brutality driven by the detached war machine. It's senseless, and even those who live simply die inside. There are no heroes here.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kristapleykristapley
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
Director Terrence Malick was touched by God as he poetically waxed philosophic on the nature of man's war with himself and the cyclical reality of strife. Adapted from a James Jones novel and whittled from hours of surely usable material into an epic introspection, the film contains one of the most ironically organic enesmbles collected on film - ironic given the star-caliber across the board, thespians typically quite at home headlining their own vehicles. The only star here is Terrence Mali
Rated 14 Aug 2007
eveeluneveelun
Rated 06 Mar 2007
79
72nd
The spectacular photography and intense battle scenes are well complemented by introspective philosophical musings, though some of these thoughts are more profound than others. I wouldn't say characterization is one of it's strong points, either, but I suppose with a film like this, where man is positioned within the world of nature, that characterization is somewhat besides the point.
Rated 06 Mar 2007
k177105k177105
Rated 31 Dec 2023
100
99th
Had some hard time telling the characters apart and recognising who was doing the voiceover, but the further into the film, the less they seem to still matter: isn't it that, the baseness of subsistence, the extraordinariness of violence, and the togetherness that raises them both into the warmth of ordinariness yet can itself so easily sink in its own fragility, are questionings we all have to live in, and that, no matter what path we take from there, tragic is the ultimate gift of life for us?
Rated 31 Dec 2023
panzerwolfpanzerwolf
Rated 09 Mar 2022
80
85th
A deeply contemplative, beautifully shot movie with equally beautiful yet brutal narration. Especially during a time as we are going through in 2022, the feeling of the futility when it comes to war is very much real. Loved the shots of the forest and the sea with their sparkling colors and how they contrasted to the destruction happening within these otherwise serene scenes.
Rated 09 Mar 2022
calexicoCalexico
Rated 04 Nov 2020
100
99th
A gorgeous, heartbreaking, breathtaking masterpiece.
Rated 04 Nov 2020
skapskap
Rated 03 Oct 2020
30
10th
War drama has always been on every great director's check list, only Malick is not a great one, but he thinks he is. A bunch of famous Hollywood actors dressed up as soldiers, giving some pretty default "war" performances (that is solemn to the point of being silly), and a thin script. What people mistake for High Art is the exaggeratedly slow pace and the cheesy "philosophical" voice-over. And why ALL the defeated Japanese are depicted as mental patients? Isn't it a bit racist? Fuck you Malick!
Rated 03 Oct 2020
feublofeublo
Rated 26 Jul 2018
85
74th
TTRL is a stunning film with Malick's God-like view of nature and this time, meshed within the adversity of war. The agony from struggles often absent in the propaganda is well portrayed and again, Malick's use of voice-overs added to my emotional experience. It delves into the philosophy of war and humanity using a scope untouched by this genre.
Rated 26 Jul 2018
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 12 Oct 2017
83
93rd
nice movie
Rated 12 Oct 2017
twincinematwincinema
Rated 26 Mar 2017
70
52nd
A beautiful piece of cinema that left me feeling cold. I understand Malick and his intentions (or at least, I pretend to), but this one didn't work me. Its contemplative, philosophical nature was just too much for me. I apologize, film fans.
Rated 26 Mar 2017
yoohooyoohoo
Rated 08 Jan 2017
95
97th
The most cerebral anti-war movie I have ever seen. I don't know if that was Malick's intention or not, but getting into the head of every. single. character was an effective way of truly showing you the horrors of war and the toll it takes on people. It isn't just ptsd after the fact, it is true and absolute fear in the eyes of every man that is sent to their deaths. Wow. What a powerful movie. Possibly the best movie I never want to watch again.
Rated 08 Jan 2017
flapjack6xflapjack6x
Rated 24 Apr 2016
99
98th
I can't stand war movies. I will likely never watch another war movie that I love as much as this film. Epic, meditative, suspenseful, powerful, and touching. One of the few films that had me not wanting to take my eyes off the screen, it was so hard to look away. Never will there be a better war movie then this one. At least in my eyes. A masterpiece.
Rated 24 Apr 2016
kmilchev1Kmilchev1
Rated 19 Apr 2016
95
98th
Pehaps Terrence Mlick's best film to date. It is poetry in motion, which perfectly captures the emotions of the american soldiers during the battle for Guadalcanal. The lack of a main character perfectly illustrates the unity of the whole group despite the difference in their views and actions. The beautiful scenes filled with the wonders of nature blend superbly with the flow of the film, which completes Malick's masterpiece.
Rated 19 Apr 2016
dardandardan
Rated 22 Feb 2016
96
98th
Man, seeking his way to beauty, to harmony, to grace, can while searching get lost or, better said, remain lost. Unknowingly enslaved as a function to an illusionary world, Malick captures them amidst its violence. And yet there is something else.
Rated 22 Feb 2016
vinegarbobVinegarBob
Rated 06 Jan 2016
50
24th
"Okay boys, we have to take that bunker! Now it's not gonna be easy, but rest assured - oh look, a turtle".
Rated 06 Jan 2016
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 11 May 2015
99
98th
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." - Chinese Proverb
Rated 11 May 2015
armilioArmilio
Rated 21 Dec 2014
53
13th
A new-age evangelization by Malick with an annoying voice-over. Dialogues, introspective scenes and the message are less deep than what Malick probably think. Beautifully shot of course, but i hate the pomposity and pretentiousness of this movie. Saying "I hate war, we are bad, nature is good, come back to live in the forest" it's too easy and dumb: the "noble savage" is outdated. And not a character who screams "shut the fuck up poets and let's go kill some japs!", i would have liked it.
Rated 21 Dec 2014
knuthknuth
Rated 14 Dec 2014
85
89th
What are people doing on an island in the pacific ocean fighting in the jungle for a piece of ground? Malick presents a visually astonishing philosophy lesson. The only bad things are the length of the film and the too much voiceovers.
Rated 14 Dec 2014
yiannosYiannos
Rated 08 Jul 2014
85
97th
A complex meditation on man's relationship to nature and his own violent tendencies. Still the best war film made in the last 40 years, regardless of its flaws. Malick exercised more restraint here than he did on later efforts, and the battle scenes are superbly executed. The characters are also more like people, less like ciphers--despite the fact that they often represent philosophical positions--and Zimmer's string score rises and recedes with mournful majesty.
Rated 08 Jul 2014
alcyonalcyon
Rated 02 Jun 2013
75
76th
I loved the constant lingering on seemingly random detail. The grand events and vistas offset by the minute had some real impact and punch. Unfortunately the sublime visual poetry and charactirization was not backed up by meaningful poetic monologues or characterization. Real letdowns were the foray into bog-standard-war-movie-mode. This seemed unneeded, as was the hamfisted noble savage contrast, both dulled and cheapened the supposed message considerably.
Rated 02 Jun 2013
redactedredacted
Rated 22 Mar 2013
88
89th
Malick continues his gaia theory film making. Hurling it this time towards the concept of mass conflict. Possibly, making the most important connection of themes, in his films I've seen thus far. We get a full spectrum view of human nature as it is thrown into the intense pacific theater setting. Watch the characters ponder their current reality, via their own flashbacks, flow of conscious and occasional mad primal outbursts of shattered misunderstanding.
Rated 22 Mar 2013
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 01 Feb 2013
61
23rd
Very slow and long film. It has some great nature shots, particularly enjoyed the animal shots. But I'd be better off watching a documentary for that. Tries too hard to be clever and philosophical, but ultimately falls flat if you're familiar with the science of nature. It does have some nice touching moments. Lots of big name actors on board though in most cases this isn't a good thing, not because of bad performances but it further took me out of the experience. Will not watch this again.
Rated 01 Feb 2013
nepetaNepeta
Rated 10 Jan 2013
95
96th
A dreamy poem of a movie built on mood and that ultimately you have to give yourself over to it - it is something you experience and feel. Looks at human nature, at the nature of good and evil, at how people react to the situation they find themselves in, at a deeply rooted yearning. At love and death and relationships and man's tendency to be drawn to war. Beautiful and stunning.
Rated 10 Jan 2013
sveneriksvenerik
Rated 26 Oct 2012
100
99th
Malick's greatest film? Yes, I think it is. Both gut wrenching and thought provoking, this film accentuates the abject fear and confusion of modern warfare. It features memorable performances from Harrelson, Nolte, Koteas, Penn & Chaplin, but the heart of the film is the staggeringly effective and affecting understated performance by Jim Caviezel as Witt.
Rated 26 Oct 2012
skitchimaSkitchima
Rated 21 Aug 2012
40
6th
Looks pretty, but film is about storytelling too.
Rated 21 Aug 2012
huahHuah
Rated 07 Jul 2012
97
96th
Malik takes us on a poignant journey of prosaic meditations on nature and philosophy, that he affronts in direct contrast the cataclysms of war and pernicious human bloodlust. From the perspective of the decorated General, down to the low ranked privates, it strolls down the long foyers' of these disgruntled men, some the most sensitive to others without a humanizing sentiment in their callous hearts. The absurdity of property, destruction of nature, trampled innocence, captured in a film.
Rated 07 Jul 2012
elysian_airElysian Air
Rated 28 May 2012
98
95th
Not only is it fair to say that The Thin Red Line is the greatest war film ever made, it's also fair to say that it's one of the greatest films ever made. The story isn't about warfare per se, although that's what transpires; this isn't a film about death, this is a film about life. As usual in Malick's work, the narration provides a beautiful cohesion to the cinematography and the narrative, transcending the constricting chains of the genre.
Rated 28 May 2012
damildamil
Rated 25 May 2012
75
81st
This movie has a pretty epic cast. And all the actors gave great performances. I've never seen a war film quite like this one. It's very much a Terrence Malick film, and indeed, often reminded me of The Tree of Life (2011). I thought the action scenes were very well choreographed. I won't pretend every minute of the nearly 3-hour film kept me completely engaged, but I definitely recognise it as a beautiful piece of cinema.
Rated 25 May 2012
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 17 Apr 2012
90
80th
It's awesome to me that Terrence Malick will do something like cut out of all of George Clooney's lines except for one short scene, or completely remove actors like Gary Oldman. Seriously awesome. It's even more awesome that he replaces them with all of those shots of nature which, in his hands, become incredibly beautiful. However, this one has good performances from an all-star cast and quite a few incredible scenes to go along with that photography. And yeah, better than Saving Private Ryan.
Rated 17 Apr 2012
goremeatgoremeat
Rated 29 Feb 2012
80
77th
Certainly has its moments and some beautiful photography, but overall it was a little detached and awkward. The Noble Savage and collective consciousness stuff was noticeably rough and simplistic. Didn't resonate with me particularly strongly.
Rated 29 Feb 2012
paxtonPaxton
Rated 24 Jan 2012
60
40th
If this was a full on war movie, it would be great. It isn't though. It's half war, and half introspective nonsense on a beautiful island.
Rated 24 Jan 2012
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 17 Dec 2011
90
85th
God damn, Malick is my man. A war film that has very little to do with war. I really liked how the prelude and aftermath was the majority of the film. World War II films commonly get pulled down into idealized horseshit. Here we had people acting dishonourably and breaking under pressure. We've seen this in war films, naturally, but it's still all too rare in World War Ii films. But. I mean, that's all secondary to the existencialism that defines every Malick film. Marvelous.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
afx237viafx237vi
Rated 05 Dec 2011
75
77th
If this had been two hours of Malick's breathtaking cinematography accompanied by the music and the poetic voiceover meditations on nature and humanity, it probably would have scored closer to 100. Unfortunately I think it loses some of its power when it dips into conventional-war-movie mode. Sure, the battle sequences are wonderfully shot, but I'm just not sure those sections gel particularly well with the more philosophical aspects of the film.
Rated 05 Dec 2011
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 16 Jul 2011
89
95th
Undoubtedly one of the great war movies. It looks brilliant, & the performances are without exception supurb. I am particuarly fond of Malick's use of music, which is outstanding. The contrast between the intense battle scenes & the calm thoughtful monologues is very effective too. That said if I have one complaint it's that at times the introspection evident during both monologues & dialogue in general is perhaps a bit too lyrical & full on when it comes from so many of the characters.
Rated 16 Jul 2011
chemtrailschemtrails
Rated 16 Jun 2011
80
90th
If you don't like it at first maybe it'll grow on you
Rated 16 Jun 2011
astrophizzAstrophizz
Rated 16 Jun 2011
75
50th
The way it bounced between characters with little development seemed to muddle any message(s) Malick was trying to convey. To me it came out as a hodgepodge of characters and their thoughts, shuffled together. Extremely ambitious though and it looked great.
Rated 16 Jun 2011
kevinjosephkevinjoseph
Rated 05 Jan 2011
77
94th
The most poetic war film I've seen. Malick's characteristic visual lyricism is as potent as ever in this film. Fantastic performances by all (especially Nick Nolte, who plays the chillingly farcical colonel).
Rated 05 Jan 2011
prowlerprowler
Rated 26 Oct 2010
53
51st
By all rights this should've been a masterpiece. This is undermined by two things: Caviezel is already auditioning to be Mel Gibson's Jesus, and Malick insists too much on the faux-poetic musings of the soldiers, which takes away from the actual poetry of their condition.
Rated 26 Oct 2010
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 17 Oct 2010
40
97th
"The Thin Red Line's hallucinatory blend of images defines the very essence of cinema." - Rob Humanick
Rated 17 Oct 2010
chrisjdgradychrisjdgrady
Rated 05 Oct 2010
5
76th
Difficult to describe, but anyone who has seen and enjoyed it probably understands why I loved it. It is art, and it is a journey, and it is moving. It really sucked me in and will be something that I believe will stick with me for a long time.
Rated 05 Oct 2010
bownBown
Rated 01 Oct 2010
91
94th
One of the single best-looking films I've ever seen, especially with the amazing Criterion Blu-Ray transfer. So many sublimely beautiful shots. Other than that, it's a great war flick with human exploration that goes much deeper than the typical "WAR IS STUPID AND HELL AND MEN DO BAD THINGS IN IT" that plagues pretty much every single war film ever - there's a reason the word "metaphysical" is getting tossed around a lot. Could have done with more individual character development, but still.
Rated 01 Oct 2010
mchaleMcHale
Rated 23 Aug 2010
10
1st
The only reason I did not give this pretentious movie a single digit score was because it was so overly acted that what should have been serious scenes, became hilarious. And scenes would change from a documentary feel with people randomly explaining themselves to unseen partners, to some kind of stageplay with overacted, dramatic dialogue. The action was what can be expected from a modern movie
Rated 23 Aug 2010
bitch_alertBitch Alert
Rated 03 May 2010
100
97th
Quite possibly the best war film ever.
Rated 03 May 2010
johnsandwichJohnSandwich
Rated 09 Apr 2010
95
98th
Rewatch. It's pretty goddamn great. And while I haven't been too fond of Caviezel in anything since this, he's great here.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
garethmgarethm
Rated 04 Dec 2009
87
85th
The Thin Red Line really is the alternative war film. Despite consistently delivering horrifying war imagery and bloody battles the film focuses more on the futility of what the soldiers face and the perspectives of those on the front line. It finds a unique position in a crowded genre with beautiful natural imagery in a world of terror and overlaying the action with philospohical thinking.
Rated 04 Dec 2009
cgcorecgcore
Rated 01 Nov 2009
55
38th
fails from all aspects except cinematography. terrible casting and dialogue. some extremely pointless scenes. tries to get poetic but just becomes more boring.
Rated 01 Nov 2009
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 14 Sep 2009
63
60th
I was lenient with this at first. The best this has going for it is the high production values, the budget. It boasts a cast of star actors and impressive visuals. It's also tense and entertaining, but that's about it. It doesn't really escape war movie cliché, and suffers from the flowery, pseudu-philosophical voiceover musings I've come to expect from Malick. I get that he was trying to contrast war's uglyness with nature's beauty, but why? It's really too pretty for it's own good.
Rated 14 Sep 2009
ruslandgagaRuslandgaga
Rated 10 Sep 2009
92
63rd
Loved it. If you hate slow movies, then you will probably hate this one.
Rated 10 Sep 2009
naurunauru
Rated 19 Apr 2009
90
97th
One of the best war movies I've ever seen. Saving Private Ryan doesn't even come close to the direction, imagery, and story-telling quality on display here.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
joojooJooJoo
Rated 08 Dec 2008
6
95th
There is something missing to make this a true masterpiece but hell if I can figure out what, probably could benefit from a longer version despite its 3-hour run. I KNOW MALICK HAS ONE
Rated 08 Dec 2008
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 15 May 2008
90
94th
In many ways it's a conventional large cast war film. The rousing music, the climactic moments, the small infusion of humanity and the similar yet easily identified character molds. And yet, despite all this, Malick manages to make all this feel surprisingly unique with a slow but constantly active pace and stunning visual composition. The actors play their roles well and once I got past the initial "hey look it's ..." moments they very much became their characters.
Rated 15 May 2008
sebbysebby
Rated 28 Nov 2007
90
98th
If anyone but Malick attempted a beautiful, poetic, largely philosophical take on World War II, the result would be -- at best -- a pretentious mess. But, it's Malick, and so what you get is an astonishing, revelatory film experience.
Rated 28 Nov 2007
lookinglandLookingLand
Rated 16 Nov 2007
100
99th
best film ever.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
teknicolorteknicolor
Rated 03 Sep 2007
60
48th
Some great nature shots, and a great story about the nature of war, but otherwise not a movie I would watch again. Caviezel's character is so unbelievable it ruined most of the movie.
Rated 03 Sep 2007
owen1218owen1218
Rated 20 Aug 2007
65
38th
Fairly well shot, but the drama feels somewhat forced and there's little else to the film except for people going around shooting one another.
Rated 20 Aug 2007
fudgiebfudgieb
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
My favorite war film of all time. It is worth every aching second. The best cast I think I've ever seen. It takes such a unique, artistic, and realistic look at war...it's unlike anything ever done. Why this movie was a flop, I'll never know. Another case of people just being too damn stupid. You wait and see...this one will be more famous 20 years from now than it was when it first came out.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
lrampartllrampartl
Rated 14 Aug 2007
0
0th
The worst war movie of all time, and probably the worst movie of all time. Terrible dialogue, horrible casting, horrible pacing. The "war" scenes stink, the narration is bad, and the film is entirely too long. Complete waste of a reel of film and time. Avoid at all costs.
Rated 14 Aug 2007

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