Thin Red Line, The (US)

"The Thin Red Line" has sparked some heated critical controversy since it was released theatrically. Few recent films have been so highly praised and so despised by equal numbers of viewers. There`s no need to belabor comparisons with Saving Pvt Ryan. They are two vastly different kinds of films that happened to come out in succession. For me, "The Thin Red Line" is a far more rewarding picture. Like all great works, it requires multiple viewings and close attention to be fully appreciated. This is not an action picture in any sense of the term. Yes, there are battle scenes (one spectacular battle in particular, for the taking of a hill) The director, Terence Malick, uses the wartime setting to make points about the human condition (especially, humans as PART of the NATURAL WORLD), because war intensifies and foregrounds the most fundamental emotions. A major aspect of the film, often neglected in reviews, is the theme of the dualities of existence and how they may never be reconciled in the human mind: war/peace; nature/civilization; life/death; individual/group. The film (derived loosely from the James Jones novel) is Whitmanesque in seeing mankind as a part of nature--to the basic state of which he must return someday--and in a need for each individual to see himself in others and as part of a greater whole.

Surely, many actors who participated in this movie were frustrated when they saw how much of their work was cut for reasons on timing and concision. But of the performances we do see on screen, several stand out: the great Sean Penn creates a memorable impression, as do John Savage, Woody Harrelson, Nick Nolte, Ben Chaplin and Jim Cavaziel. Special mention should go to Elias Koteas for a beautifully rendered portrayal of a man torn between duty and morality. A magnificently photographed and haunting film, "The Thin Red Line" demands close attention and more than one viewing. For some, it will be well worth the effort. The DVD issue is technically very impressive, with room-shaking low frequencies and stunning nature imagery.

More bonus material than the Melanesian folk songs would have been good, but there`s no real complaint here.