Im no philosopher but yeah I feel like Malik was trying to highlight the duality of what it means to be a human being. We are at once part of nature but also feel painfully alienated from it. We are self conscious and always trying to construct meanings to justify our actions; to justify our very existence. But nature just is. And the beauty of Witts character is i feel like he managed to resolve or find peace with his human nature in a very real way. It is hard to explain. But I find it to be a very profound almost religious film
Well put. I love this movie. I prefer it over "Saving Private Ryan" (which I also liked very much). But TRL was much darker and, as you said, these scenes really captured the sense of dread that must have prevailed during these types of actions.
I had a similar feeling when I went to Normandy to see the D-Day landing sites. It was genuinely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life, it was so serene and peaceful feeling the wind and smelling the sea. But it was all contrasted by destroyed bunkers, huge craters in the ground, dug out fighting positions, etc. and the thought of how many good men lost their lives that day
John Toll was the DP for this movie. Malick's next movie, The New World, had Emmanual Lubezki as DP. Despite having two very different cinematographers, it looks like Malick asked for natural light to be used in most scenes.
@@Coyote9Tninewhy are you here then...watching clips of the movie and searching through the comment section for people talking positively about it? Sad troll 😢
I was 18 when this movie came out. Compared to Saving Private Ryan, it was a snooze fest in my eyes. I was nodding off in the theater. 20 years goes by and I decide to give it another try. What a difference 20 years makes with maturity. I came away with, "this is one of the best war films ever made!!!"
@@doanchi1 I saw it after Private Ryan and it did not match the expectations I had. It is important to see it in a completely different context and mindset. A friend of mine who is pretty much old military hardcore, when I asked him what was the best war movie he ever saw, he replied without hesitation "The thin red line". To me, it shows the futility of our little and horrific conflicts within nature and universe. Our wars are nonsense, and even this nonsense doesn't matter. It is memerizing.
The year 1998, two great WWII movies came out. "The Thin red Line" and "Saving Private Ryan", both were fantastic movies. As a kid, I liked "Saving Private Ryan" more but as I mature "The Thin Red Line" took the lead. I have lost count of how many times I have watched this Terrence Malick's movie.
Back in my drinking days, little place by my house would run movies that ran out of time here, this was one, got to sit in a little theater WITH my dog, sipping beer watching this.
what's crazy is that this was Malick's first movie in like 20 years, and he basically got every A list actor of the time to beg to star in his movie, from Penn to Clooney and more, and yet Elias Koteas is the actor to me that stands out, he literally steals the show. His best role ever and brilliant acting through and through.
Under rated movie of under rated battles. The hill battles of Guadalcanal that occurred AFTER the Marines pulled out rarely get talked about. Why? Because Guadalcanal = USMC infamy. But many forget the Army took over after a few months and continued the fight beyond the perimeter of Henderson Field. This movie depicts the Battle Of Galloping Horse I believe, getting it's name due to this particular hill formation looking like the Ferrari Prancing Stallion in recon photos. The final and climax of the gill battles would come some weeks later when the Army began to reduce the Japanese defensive fortification known as 'The Gifu' which would be the last organized resistance from Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.
@@tomcat505na fck that... Give them japs a little respect. Every single one of them fought to the death. No such thing as leftovers in the Japanese army at that time. All of em warriors.... Japs.. Marines...soldiers... Sailors...
One of my favourite movies, more introspective and quiet than Saving Private Ryan and all the more powerful because of the reflective scenes away from the noise of combat.
The big lesson of the South Pacific war and jungle fighting is that most casualties were not from fighting but rather sickness, and poor living conditions. Medics trained for trauma were confronted with obscure, unknown diseases, and soldiers broken by the physical difficulty of dealing with jungle warfare.
@@blockmasterscott great comic out there if you ever want to read it "Showa: A History of Japan". basically a highschool-textbook level of japanese history of the Showa era (reign of Hirohito); told with ancedotes from the author who was drafted into the IJA and lost an arm in the conflict. I found it pretty enthralling.
Part of what made this unique from a lot of other war films before it is that while they discuss the military strategy and the orders before the battle, once the bullets start flying, all of that is gone. The chaos of the scene feels like a horror movie. Even the commanding officer is wildly confused and terrified. The scene isn’t really about the strategy but what it felt like to be there. How you can go from quietly waiting in the grass one minute to crying your eyes out, going insane in the mud in the next. But it also shows something historical: allied soldiers in the Pacific war said that mortar shelling almost more psychological warfare than precise attacks. Soldiers would have full mental breakdowns just from the incessant shelling.
Your analysis captures the essence of the film's unique approach to portraying war. It's a powerful observation that highlights the chaos, fear, and psychological toll of battle rather than solely focusing on the strategic aspects. Terrence Malick's portrayal of the abrupt shift from quiet anticipation to the overwhelming intensity of combat adds a layer of authenticity and emotion. The depiction of the psychological impact of continuous shelling aligns with historical accounts, shedding light on the often overlooked mental toll of war. It's a testament to the film's ability to capture the raw and visceral aspects of the human experience in wartime. 🎥🔍
There are times where the tactics and discipline of order wins the battle - such as what was seen in the European theater of the war. However in the geography and type of warfare the Japanese fought, the pre-planning was completely ill tuned to the situation and was near worthless.
the East side of Guadalcanal - inexperienced NG troops - after my experiences at war & the infantry, incredible insight & accuracy to those moments versus the mundane days - by far the best war movie. Saving Private Ryan was a typical Spielberg action movie mall money maker
Probably the greatest acting talent I've ever seen on screen collectively since On the Waterfront. Elias Koteas, Jared Leto, Sean Penn, Jim Kaviesel, Adrian Brody, Ben Chaplin, Woody Harrelson, Miranda Otto, John Cusack and Nick Nolte gave a once in a lifetime career best unforgettable performance's. The Thin Red Line is a modern masterpiece.
I think all the overacting and shouting here stinks, especially from the field commanders. Todays Hollywood movies are more shallow with actors who have no real soul or personalities.
It's evident from your description that you hold "The Thin Red Line" and its ensemble cast in high regard. The film indeed boasts an impressive lineup of talented actors, each delivering powerful and memorable performances. The combination of their skills, along with Terrence Malick's directorial vision, contributes to the film's status as a modern masterpiece. Your comparison to the collective talent in "On the Waterfront" adds historical context to the significance of the cast's performances. It's always fascinating to witness such collaborations in cinema that leave a lasting impact on viewers. Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this remarkable film and its cast! 🌟🎬
@lewisbush7147 It's the military, getting shot in a full blown war is part of the job description you signed up for. Its called dying (sacrificing yourself) for your country. So like I said, it's their literal job to look for the enemy knowing they have a high likelihood of being pew pew'd.
You are sooo right! I think it's filthy to hear someone chewing ans also hear someone talk with their mouth full of food, so thank you for your comment!
I was watching The Pacific miniseries again and I got completely confused during some scenes. I kept thinking I was watching this movie again. It turns out Hans Zimmer did the music for The Thin Red Line and The Pacific, with both shows also sharing the same shooting locations a decade apart.
@@fallinginthed33p though some of the best music in The Thin Red Line is by Faure and Ives. The Zimmer is notable for it's understated quality....also , some of the most dramatic scenes have no music which was a good choice.
@@sqoolboihugh I think part of the reason it is so great is that a lot is not spelled out. Malik lets the imagery and power of suggestion do most of the work. So even if people dont fully understand that they are being "taught a lesson" so to speak they still recognise they are watching something of deep meaning
the masterpiece and something very special with Mr Nolte: He is a gripping study of ambition, frustration, and moral conflict. He embodies a man bitterly disappointed by life’s failure to meet his grandiose self-image, trapped in a war that forces painful compromises. Nolte’s raw intensity and haunting demeanor reflect the crushing weight of ambition and disillusionment, making his performance a poignant commentary on the futility of war and its personal toll.
This is not a war movie. People who expected a regular war movie were bound to be disappointed. It's a movie about how the beauty of this world (and/ or God, if you want to interpret it that way) shines through even in the most horrible circumstances.
People who read, much less appreciated the Novel are bound to be disappointed as well. All three novels from James Jones' Trilogy are about people, dynamics, the trajectory of their lives, with war (more or less) a sub plot. "The Thin Red Line" had combat play a more prominent part, but again, making Private Witt a "Poet Warrior" was more than people( who are familiar with the novel) should have to 🐻.
@johnnajarian4711 I can understand the disappointment of those who appreciated the book as well. Personally I watched the movie first so I found the book disappointing. Was expecting something completely different. It was still a great book. One of the most intense and terrifying descriptions of combat i have ever read. Makes me think that the director should have found his own title and not called his movie the thin red line, cause he apparently had a total different idea about what the story was supposed to be about.
@@frosthjerta have you read "From here to eternity?" The main characters start there at Schofield Barracks before the war, then "The thin red line," then the final "Whistle" has them coming home after the war (their part anyway) was over. I read them all, even a couple times, so felt so "familiar" with the plot and characters, i couldnt help but be disappointed in the film. (Movie 😃) I thought the might have at least said something like "very loosely based on the novel" but again, its only a movie, so ultimately, why not? As long as the novels exist, thats good enough for me. Oh: and Ben Stillers "Tropic Thunder" which did a good job making fun of the whole "actors bonding while making war movies."
The book is one of the great novels to come out of WWII. I don't think it ever got the traction it should have, but it should be required reading like All Quiet on the Western Front. Jones also drew a lot from his own experience in the Pacific. If you haven't read it, give it a go.
It's wonderful to hear your appreciation for the book associated with the film, and your recommendation adds significant weight to its literary merit. James Jones's personal experience in the Pacific undoubtedly contributes to the authenticity and depth of his storytelling. It's not uncommon for certain great works of literature to be underappreciated in their time, but your endorsement may inspire others to explore and discover the richness of "The Thin Red Line." I appreciate the suggestion, and I'm sure those who haven't read it will consider it for their reading list. 📚🌟
This is my favorite war film. It was just filmed so well and it was so different to all do the others. It’s just unfortunate it decided to come out the same year of Saving Private Ryan.
@@henryesj6242 Do you just get offended by one comment? It quite literally isn't. Movie isn't even the best War movie of all time, let alone actual movie. Probably isn't top 1000 Maybe don't make such outlandish dumb comments :)
I lived on Guadalcanal and worked there. I found many WW2 artifacts including machine guns, pistols, grenades, tanks and even a crashed P-38 Lightning while hunting Pigs with spears and Dogs with the local natives. Still empty shell casings on the ground at Edsons Ridge.
@@IAmAFamel I import and sell sporting goods now. Back then I was helping work on Helicopters. I was also crew on a 200 ton ship sailing up and down the east coast of Australia/ Papua and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
The best thing about this movie is how it captures the the thoughts and emotions of all the soldier in the heat of battle. Also captures the uncertainty, and brings the viewers to question, "At what point DOES a failed attack stop?" And the decision to not use much background music for the battlefield adds to the mystifying uncertainty of untimely death or serious injury.
Histoircal accuracy is incredible The way they hold their rifles, the way they move, everything They even look haggard, like Pacific theatre soldiers actually were
Great movie, Malick is a master, Palm d'or for tree of life...Thin red line is for me a masterpiece, the beauty , tragedy, and mystic, i love the unique style of Malick the Poet
My 1st veiwing in cinema I was disappointed I wanted a war movie. But I was not blind there was something to this piece, it was not a war movie you could say but a study and it asked questions about mortality and how nature could be perceived at it's core as beautiful or simply deadly. So I bought the DVD and still have it and I love it. If we want to just look at the war aspect, well the scene in which the volunteer squad take the Japanese dugouts is absolutely one of the most intense combat depictions I have seen.
2:10 This scene hits hard. A few gunshots in the beautiful sun and two lives are erased forever. And the realisation hits the others. edit: As many others have stated, I was young when this was released and was enthralled by saving private ryan and its opening scene. But I always liked this movie, the poetic narration and amazing soundtrack. And this is the movie I found myself rewatching again and again. I think this was the first movie in my teens that hit the feelings in a way I hadnt experienced before. "Where's your spark now?"
Your description captures the profound impact of a particular scene in "The Thin Red Line." The sudden and irreversible loss of lives juxtaposed with the beauty of the surroundings adds a layer of tragedy and reflection. The realization that follows among the characters emphasizes the emotional toll of war, making it a poignant moment in the film. It's interesting how your perspective on the movie has evolved over time, especially in comparison to other war films. The poetic narration, the compelling soundtrack, and the unique emotional resonance of "The Thin Red Line" have clearly left a lasting impression on you. It's a testament to the film's ability to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level, transcending the typical war movie experience. The line "Where's your spark now?" adds a thought-provoking and introspective dimension to the narrative. Thanks for sharing your personal connection with this powerful cinematic work. 🎥🌅🔥
What you wrote was perfect, it does feel like your destiny awaits when you see those rolling hills, ...you should see the game Valheim, where you are one of the honoured dead, trying to earn your way to Valhalla, it has so many gorgeous scenes like this one, with the wind in the grass, it's incredibly mesmerizing. I get the feeling you would love it as well.
This was my favorite scene as well. 2 Soldiers just lost their lives and the contrast of light and breeze blowing through the grass was like a switch, showing the shock reality of how quick a life can be snuffed out.
I remember watching that on the big screen. Seeing the hillside go from shadow to full sunlight in so much detail was a jaw-dropping experience. Malick always gives time for nature to show its magic in his movies.
It's incredible how certain shots in a film can evoke such powerful emotions and reflections. The moment you describe, at 2:23, seems to have left a lasting impact on you. The idea of a shot unveiling destiny and compelling one to seize the moment is a profound interpretation. It speaks to the cinematic power of visual storytelling to capture the essence of a character's journey and the gravity of the situation they find themselves in. Moments like these contribute to the emotional resonance and lasting impression that a film can have on its audience. 🎥✨
I always felt that sense of "OMG what did I just do?" with Jared Leto's character. Imagine telling 2 men to move forward to just get shot and killed and you'll have to live with that feeling for the rest of your life.
Take note of how scared the officer is. He keeps tellin his guys to go without him going himself - then the second he stands up he gets it. You can just see the confusion and fear in everyone's eyes.
I read the book as a young teenager. Nick Nolte's portrayal of LCol Tall I found most interesting. He was far older than what I perceived the character , who was described as being about 40 years old. It was the personality portrayed that resonated with me.
Seriously one of the best movies about men in war based on one of the best novels about men in war; as opposed to being a 'war movie.' It's so much more.
I suspect that this is a reasonably accurate depiction of what it is like trying to assault the well-concealed positions of a determined foe, uphill across terrain that gives the illusion of cover so long as you remain low and perfectly still. Does anybody with actual experience care to comment?
I played the snake in this scene. Malick put me through hell getting into that character. And what happens? Uncredited, that's what happened! Everyone says to me "How hard is it to play a snake?" And I say, "You try squirming on your belly, with some prima donna director constantly asking about your 'motivation.' Bite somebody, that's my motivation." For the sake of the art, just let a snake be a snake!
Did you ever have to play a snake for Ken Russell? That would have been very intense with all his yelling at the crew, fire, smoke & the camera zooming in & out at you all the time.
just thank your lucky stars you got a hiss in. Adrian Brody was the main star and turned up to the opening unaware that every talking scene and all his plot was cut out
How the F^ck am I watching this in 1440 resolution because of how old this INCREDIBLE movie is?>?>? Thin Red Line ...... is to War movies what 2001: A Space Oddessy is to Sci- Fi movies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Poetry in the internal monolog in each soldier was masterful. ... is Beautiful. Top 5 war movies of all time, easy.
I was on that movie in the cinema back then. With my teenage depression, the whole character of the movie synced perfectly. Also in this scene you can see, how recon by fire played out in most cases. On every front lines & and armies of that war.
Completely different film than SPR…two exceptional works of art. Both masterful in their own right. Unfair and unrealistic to compare the two. I remember seeing both in the theater. I think I cried at both. What those men went through…I can’t even comprehend warfare on that scale…
I watched this clip while stoned and almost cried because of how scary it is, like it put pure terror into my soul, scarier than any horror movie has ever been for me
Such a great movie, this should’ve came out during a later date not while another big production movie with the same topic… I love this movie you can see them scared anxious etc, what I’d imagine from Real fight
From hiking around on Guam & Saipan as a teenager I know that "sword grass", as we used to call it, slices you up pretty bad. It is so long and strong that it cuts any exposed skin. I would hate to have to crawl in it or run through it to save my life from enemy snipers. Mad respect to you world war II vets. Miss you grandpa. 😢
I was a small kid when I first saw this movie, I’ve always remembered that scene where the two men were ordered to advance ahead of their unit before getting killed.
Elias Koteas doesn't get the credit he deserves for his role here. Shortly prior to this he was playing Kirstie Alley's brother in Look Who's Talking Too. He's brilliant in The Thin Red Line, the empathic and comradely Captain, battling Nick Nolte's hopelessly egotistical Colonel. He loves his men and he pays for it.
Что меня больше всего раздражает в военных фильмах, так это то, что когда стреляет пушка, не происходит никакого отката ствола. Это так в глаза бросается. Но здесь орудие хотя бы подпрыгивает. В наших фильмах вообще не заморачиваются, вообще ни каких движений при выстреле.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
The sense of dread contrasted with the serenity of nature is what makes this movie so special. It’s almost dreamlike
Im no philosopher but yeah I feel like Malik was trying to highlight the duality of what it means to be a human being. We are at once part of nature but also feel painfully alienated from it. We are self conscious and always trying to construct meanings to justify our actions; to justify our very existence. But nature just is. And the beauty of Witts character is i feel like he managed to resolve or find peace with his human nature in a very real way. It is hard to explain. But I find it to be a very profound almost religious film
Well put. I love this movie. I prefer it over "Saving Private Ryan" (which I also liked very much). But TRL was much darker and, as you said, these scenes really captured the sense of dread that must have prevailed during these types of actions.
I had a similar feeling when I went to Normandy to see the D-Day landing sites.
It was genuinely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life, it was so serene and peaceful feeling the wind and smelling the sea. But it was all contrasted by destroyed bunkers, huge craters in the ground, dug out fighting positions, etc. and the thought of how many good men lost their lives that day
@@LS-xs7sg BINGO. Totally nailed it. This is Malik's finest film. His true Masterpiece.
Well said
Terrance Malicks use of natural light has always been a joy to witness, despite it being a horrific scene. This film is phenomenal.
malicks photography is the best there is, was or will be ....badlands
This movie is so damm real
John Toll was the DP for this movie. Malick's next movie, The New World, had Emmanual Lubezki as DP. Despite having two very different cinematographers, it looks like Malick asked for natural light to be used in most scenes.
@@fallinginthed33p Its his MO. I adore the natural light. It makes the experience more real and believable.
Saying public ryan
The cast was absolutely stacked.
Yep almost all of those good actors rule would die in the film but to be fair it's too much money
yeah and it was an an abomination. The movie was an indulgence.
Yeah, but no character development. Roger Ebert.
I was in it (well, me and about 200 other extras). A great craic.
@@Coyote9Tninewhy are you here then...watching clips of the movie and searching through the comment section for people talking positively about it? Sad troll 😢
I was 18 when this movie came out. Compared to Saving Private Ryan, it was a snooze fest in my eyes. I was nodding off in the theater. 20 years goes by and I decide to give it another try. What a difference 20 years makes with maturity. I came away with, "this is one of the best war films ever made!!!"
I remember walking out the cinema
Same here. With time, I have come to think this is the best war movie I have ever seen. Second, maybe Apocalypse Now.
@@sixtwentyeight8620 I might give it another go - maybe time heals 😂
@@doanchi1 I saw it after Private Ryan and it did not match the expectations I had. It is important to see it in a completely different context and mindset. A friend of mine who is pretty much old military hardcore, when I asked him what was the best war movie he ever saw, he replied without hesitation "The thin red line". To me, it shows the futility of our little and horrific conflicts within nature and universe. Our wars are nonsense, and even this nonsense doesn't matter. It is memerizing.
Different energy...u can feel it in your nerves. My favorite war movie...also Kelllys Heroes and MASH
The year 1998, two great WWII movies came out. "The Thin red Line" and "Saving Private Ryan", both were fantastic movies. As a kid, I liked "Saving Private Ryan" more but as I mature "The Thin Red Line" took the lead. I have lost count of how many times I have watched this Terrence Malick's movie.
Best Cinematography should have gone to "The Thin red Line"
Good watch next to the pacific
The worst thing to happen to this movie was coming out the same year as Saving Private Ryan.
The movie still made $100 million. If anything, SPR helped TTRL.
I always thought the worst thing was nick nolte
Back in my drinking days, little place by my house would run movies that ran out of time here, this was one, got to sit in a little theater WITH my dog, sipping beer watching this.
This movie was better than SPR.
@@fbksfrank4:
How did your pooch manage to hold its bladder while you watchin' that movie sippin' beer ?
For me the most horrifying part is when the wind blows across the grass it’s like death is physically there waiting.
I saw it as the indifference of nature.
this was filmed where i lived as a boy.....i would play war in the long grass in the 1980s
Metaphoric for the scythe reaping men
And they couldn’t plan or fake that (at least they didn’t. It’s just natural)
Stupidity vs. Beauty
This movie is a unique masterpiece. A work of art.
what's crazy is that this was Malick's first movie in like 20 years, and he basically got every A list actor of the time to beg to star in his movie, from Penn to Clooney and more, and yet Elias Koteas is the actor to me that stands out, he literally steals the show. His best role ever and brilliant acting through and through.
The list of actors they filmed that were cut from the movie is incredible as well
@@creekandseminole That sniper that Mickey Rourke portrayed is scary
Terrence Malik showcases a directing masterclass with this movie. One of my all-time favourites.
Under rated movie of under rated battles. The hill battles of Guadalcanal that occurred AFTER the Marines pulled out rarely get talked about. Why? Because Guadalcanal = USMC infamy. But many forget the Army took over after a few months and continued the fight beyond the perimeter of Henderson Field. This movie depicts the Battle Of Galloping Horse I believe, getting it's name due to this particular hill formation looking like the Ferrari Prancing Stallion in recon photos. The final and climax of the gill battles would come some weeks later when the Army began to reduce the Japanese defensive fortification known as 'The Gifu' which would be the last organized resistance from Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.
You are right.
Nah during that battle the 25th ID fought alongside 2nd MarDiv who replace the 1st MarDiv
But the Marines went in first, and the Army took the leftovers
@@tomcat505na fck that... Give them japs a little respect. Every single one of them fought to the death. No such thing as leftovers in the Japanese army at that time. All of em warriors.... Japs.. Marines...soldiers... Sailors...
@@tomcat505 No need for that BS, both branches fought hard
One of my favourite movies, more introspective and quiet than Saving Private Ryan and all the more powerful because of the reflective scenes away from the noise of combat.
I've watched it 10 times.
yeah only omaha beach was real and the last battle
The last great battle was in Okinawa in the Pacific, the battle of the Bulge in Europe. For the Americans that is.
Yes much better than Saving Private Ryan
Entièrement d'accord avec vous !
This is one of the best war movies. So underrated
What I love about that movie is that it makes you feel like you're IN THERE with those soldiers feeling the same fear as they do. Massive achievement!
That guy from 30 seconds to Mars really f*cked up.
The noise from the chewing gum gave out his location 😂
This was the first movie I saw that had the exact same scenes that i pictured in my head when I read the book 15 years before the movie was made.
That’s kool
Easily one of the best films ever made. much much more than just a war movie
The big lesson of the South Pacific war and jungle fighting is that most casualties were not from fighting but rather sickness, and poor living conditions. Medics trained for trauma were confronted with obscure, unknown diseases, and soldiers broken by the physical difficulty of dealing with jungle warfare.
Russian winter is kinda the same.
The Nips had a big reputation for thriving in the jungle, but from what I've researched, they suffered just like the Yanks, Aussies, and Limeys did.
I
@@blockmasterscott great comic out there if you ever want to read it "Showa: A History of Japan".
basically a highschool-textbook level of japanese history of the Showa era (reign of Hirohito); told with ancedotes from the author who was drafted into the IJA and lost an arm in the conflict.
I found it pretty enthralling.
every war has this, even the American civil war, most casualties were disease.
@@blockmasterscott They called Guadalcanal "Starvation Island" When a soldier laid down and couldn't/wouldn't get up, he had two days left.
Part of what made this unique from a lot of other war films before it is that while they discuss the military strategy and the orders before the battle, once the bullets start flying, all of that is gone. The chaos of the scene feels like a horror movie. Even the commanding officer is wildly confused and terrified. The scene isn’t really about the strategy but what it felt like to be there. How you can go from quietly waiting in the grass one minute to crying your eyes out, going insane in the mud in the next. But it also shows something historical: allied soldiers in the Pacific war said that mortar shelling almost more psychological warfare than precise attacks. Soldiers would have full mental breakdowns just from the incessant shelling.
Your analysis captures the essence of the film's unique approach to portraying war. It's a powerful observation that highlights the chaos, fear, and psychological toll of battle rather than solely focusing on the strategic aspects. Terrence Malick's portrayal of the abrupt shift from quiet anticipation to the overwhelming intensity of combat adds a layer of authenticity and emotion. The depiction of the psychological impact of continuous shelling aligns with historical accounts, shedding light on the often overlooked mental toll of war. It's a testament to the film's ability to capture the raw and visceral aspects of the human experience in wartime. 🎥🔍
There are times where the tactics and discipline of order wins the battle - such as what was seen in the European theater of the war. However in the geography and type of warfare the Japanese fought, the pre-planning was completely ill tuned to the situation and was near worthless.
The way the music swells at 3:09 and the contrast of the men getting blasted and their screams.
I get chills.
Read the book as well, this is an incredible adaptation. And the soundtrack…
2:29 This part was haunting and sad. The last sunshine many of them were going to see.
the East side of Guadalcanal - inexperienced NG troops - after my experiences at war & the infantry, incredible insight & accuracy to those moments versus the mundane days - by far the best war movie. Saving Private Ryan was a typical Spielberg action movie mall money maker
That beach scene in SPR is one of a kind. No one can deny that
Probably the greatest acting talent I've ever seen on screen collectively since On the Waterfront. Elias Koteas, Jared Leto, Sean Penn, Jim Kaviesel, Adrian Brody, Ben Chaplin, Woody Harrelson, Miranda Otto, John Cusack and Nick Nolte gave a once in a lifetime career best unforgettable performance's. The Thin Red Line is a modern masterpiece.
Don’t forget George Clooney
The scenes with Nick Nolte and John Travolta are amazing.
As is the scenes with jim caviziel and sean penn
I think all the overacting and shouting here stinks, especially from the field commanders. Todays Hollywood movies are more shallow with actors who have no real soul or personalities.
It's evident from your description that you hold "The Thin Red Line" and its ensemble cast in high regard. The film indeed boasts an impressive lineup of talented actors, each delivering powerful and memorable performances. The combination of their skills, along with Terrence Malick's directorial vision, contributes to the film's status as a modern masterpiece. Your comparison to the collective talent in "On the Waterfront" adds historical context to the significance of the cast's performances. It's always fascinating to witness such collaborations in cinema that leave a lasting impact on viewers. Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this remarkable film and its cast! 🌟🎬
Always loved how the two scouts didn’t want to move up cause they knew they were going to find the enemy
Among the fact they have poor visibility, there's absolutely no cover and they're charging an enemy with a superior position on a hill.
jared leto got bros killed
That's the literal job of scouts.
@@POPJack1717 yeah? I didn’t say otherwise lmfao, getting shot while doing that isn’t their job though, thus they’re pensive
@lewisbush7147 It's the military, getting shot in a full blown war is part of the job description you signed up for. Its called dying (sacrificing yourself) for your country. So like I said, it's their literal job to look for the enemy knowing they have a high likelihood of being pew pew'd.
Can’t believe the enemy didn’t hear them coming with all the chewing. 😂
I came into the comments to say "Man, that is some AGGRESSIVE gum-chewing in this movie." Fuckin' Leto.
@@joeaardvark9214Fo sho. Pete Carroll has nothing on this guy.
jared leto has always been evil. American Psycho has a great, cathartic, scene about it
@@MisterSingh. Do you like Huey Lewis and the News?
You are sooo right! I think it's filthy to hear someone chewing ans also hear someone talk with their mouth full of food, so thank you for your comment!
This movie's a frickin' masterpiece. It's like an extended piece of poetry about human nature and the catastrophe of war and.....so much more...
Superb movie with amazing cinematography and breathtaking soundtrack. It turned into my instant favourite at that time. I love it forever. ❤
I was watching The Pacific miniseries again and I got completely confused during some scenes. I kept thinking I was watching this movie again. It turns out Hans Zimmer did the music for The Thin Red Line and The Pacific, with both shows also sharing the same shooting locations a decade apart.
@@fallinginthed33p though some of the best music in The Thin Red Line is by Faure and Ives. The Zimmer is notable for it's understated quality....also , some of the most dramatic scenes have no music which was a good choice.
Best war movie out there in my opinion. Deeply moving at a visceral and spiritual level
It's truly moving, to the point it genuinely affected me. I watched it with a friend and we watched the credits in complete silence.
@@sqoolboihugh I think part of the reason it is so great is that a lot is not spelled out. Malik lets the imagery and power of suggestion do most of the work. So even if people dont fully understand that they are being "taught a lesson" so to speak they still recognise they are watching something of deep meaning
it got overshadowed by SPR so hard. It's a shame really
the masterpiece and something very special with Mr Nolte:
He is a gripping study of ambition, frustration, and moral conflict. He embodies a man bitterly disappointed by life’s failure to meet his grandiose self-image, trapped in a war that forces painful compromises. Nolte’s raw intensity and haunting demeanor reflect the crushing weight of ambition and disillusionment, making his performance a poignant commentary on the futility of war and its personal toll.
2:10 Those Japanese positions are so well camouflaged.
One of the most accurate WW2 Movies ever made....
Try "Come and see", for the best east front perspective. I find that it hits harder than any American war movie.
@@brunetyannick1174Most hardcore propaganda film as well
I LOVED THIS MOVIE and still enjoy watching it.
This is not a war movie.
People who expected a regular war movie were bound to be disappointed.
It's a movie about how the beauty of this world (and/ or God, if you want to interpret it that way) shines through even in the most horrible circumstances.
People who read, much less appreciated the Novel are bound to be disappointed as well. All three novels from James Jones' Trilogy are about people, dynamics, the trajectory of their lives, with war (more or less) a sub plot. "The Thin Red Line" had combat play a more prominent part, but again, making Private Witt a "Poet Warrior" was more than people( who are familiar with the novel) should have to 🐻.
Im sure "Wind Talkers" is a big favorite too, another joke of a revisionist cartoon.
@johnnajarian4711
I can understand the disappointment of those who appreciated the book as well. Personally I watched the movie first so I found the book disappointing. Was expecting something completely different. It was still a great book. One of the most intense and terrifying descriptions of combat i have ever read.
Makes me think that the director should have found his own title and not called his movie the thin red line, cause he apparently had a total different idea about what the story was supposed to be about.
@@frosthjerta have you read "From here to eternity?" The main characters start there at Schofield Barracks before the war, then "The thin red line," then the final "Whistle" has them coming home after the war (their part anyway) was over. I read them all, even a couple times, so felt so "familiar" with the plot and characters, i couldnt help but be disappointed in the film. (Movie 😃) I thought the might have at least said something like "very loosely based on the novel" but again, its only a movie, so ultimately, why not? As long as the novels exist, thats good enough for me. Oh: and Ben Stillers "Tropic Thunder" which did a good job making fun of the whole "actors bonding while making war movies."
@johnnajarian4711
No I haven't read them. Didn't know they existed until after I had read The line.😅
They are on my "to read list" :)
The book is one of the great novels to come out of WWII. I don't think it ever got the traction it should have, but it should be required reading like All Quiet on the Western Front. Jones also drew a lot from his own experience in the Pacific. If you haven't read it, give it a go.
Its a true story - not shitting you. Starvos refusing orders was based on a real incident.
@@SeverEnergia oh yeah, in spite of being a fictionalized Guadalcanal, there was a ton of truth in that novel.
It's wonderful to hear your appreciation for the book associated with the film, and your recommendation adds significant weight to its literary merit. James Jones's personal experience in the Pacific undoubtedly contributes to the authenticity and depth of his storytelling. It's not uncommon for certain great works of literature to be underappreciated in their time, but your endorsement may inspire others to explore and discover the richness of "The Thin Red Line." I appreciate the suggestion, and I'm sure those who haven't read it will consider it for their reading list. 📚🌟
I liked the book, it was a good read.
This is my favorite war film. It was just filmed so well and it was so different to all do the others. It’s just unfortunate it decided to come out the same year of Saving Private Ryan.
My Dad built 3 replicas of WW2 wildcats for this film… they were in it for 3 seconds and got torched. 😢
How cool is that though? Amazing.
They really added to the scenes they were in though imo, they looked authentic!
One of the best movies of all time. No competition. The power and meaning makes it so.
Its really not .
@@BabyGollum do you just like commenting negative things on comments or do you have anything intelligent to say, obviously not.
@@henryesj6242 Do you just get offended by one comment?
It quite literally isn't. Movie isn't even the best War movie of all time, let alone actual movie. Probably isn't top 1000 Maybe don't make such outlandish dumb comments :)
@@BabyGollum you have to be pretty sad to make negative comments like this.
@@henryesj6242 Not really. you just need logic
The suspense and hidden enemy makes this movie great
It stands out to me at least in that regard
I lived on Guadalcanal and worked there. I found many WW2 artifacts including machine guns, pistols, grenades, tanks and even a crashed P-38 Lightning while hunting Pigs with spears and Dogs with the local natives. Still empty shell casings on the ground at Edsons Ridge.
What time period did you live on Guadalcanal?
@@josephstevens9888 Around 2009. I work in Honiara.
@@SPOOKSTRWhat did you do? Sounded like an awesome experience
@@IAmAFamel I import and sell sporting goods now. Back then I was helping work on Helicopters. I was also crew on a 200 ton ship sailing up and down the east coast of Australia/ Papua and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Still have any of those artifacts? What pistols did you find?
The best thing about this movie is how it captures the the thoughts and emotions of all the soldier in the heat of battle. Also captures the uncertainty, and brings the viewers to question, "At what point DOES a failed attack stop?" And the decision to not use much background music for the battlefield adds to the mystifying uncertainty of untimely death or serious injury.
Histoircal accuracy is incredible
The way they hold their rifles, the way they move, everything
They even look haggard, like Pacific theatre soldiers actually were
The most artistic war film ever...period.
That’s not necessarily a good thing.
@jonathanbirch2022 Tell me one please and I will watch it:)
That's it problem
This movie is so tense and beautiful….. Tropical oasis in the midst of a brutal conflict, fought so close it was done hand to hand a lot of the time….
BEST SOUNDTRACK OF ALL TIME
Charles Ives 'the unanswered question ' and Faure Requiem ' in paradisim' in particular.
Great movie, Malick is a master, Palm d'or for tree of life...Thin red line is for me a masterpiece, the beauty , tragedy, and mystic, i love the unique style of Malick the Poet
We need to get the Malick cut that’s supposed to be 5 hours long
One of Nolte's best roles.
Nick was awesome in this, outstanding.
Terrence Malick is a MASTER of his craft, no one can argue that
My 1st veiwing in cinema I was disappointed I wanted a war movie.
But I was not blind there was something to this piece, it was not a war movie you could say but a study and it asked questions about mortality and how nature could be perceived at it's core as beautiful or simply deadly.
So I bought the DVD and still have it and I love it.
If we want to just look at the war aspect, well the scene in which the volunteer squad take the Japanese dugouts is absolutely one of the most intense combat depictions I have seen.
2:10
This scene hits hard. A few gunshots in the beautiful sun and two lives are erased forever.
And the realisation hits the others.
edit:
As many others have stated, I was young when this was released and was enthralled by saving private ryan and its opening scene.
But I always liked this movie, the poetic narration and amazing soundtrack. And this is the movie I found myself rewatching again and again. I think this was the first movie in my teens that hit the feelings in a way I hadnt experienced before.
"Where's your spark now?"
Your description captures the profound impact of a particular scene in "The Thin Red Line." The sudden and irreversible loss of lives juxtaposed with the beauty of the surroundings adds a layer of tragedy and reflection. The realization that follows among the characters emphasizes the emotional toll of war, making it a poignant moment in the film.
It's interesting how your perspective on the movie has evolved over time, especially in comparison to other war films. The poetic narration, the compelling soundtrack, and the unique emotional resonance of "The Thin Red Line" have clearly left a lasting impression on you. It's a testament to the film's ability to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level, transcending the typical war movie experience. The line "Where's your spark now?" adds a thought-provoking and introspective dimension to the narrative. Thanks for sharing your personal connection with this powerful cinematic work. 🎥🌅🔥
Isnt the sun always beautiful?
Im 99 years old but still smell fresh my old war days😢😢😢
Sir; which war ,😊
Respect and Salute to you, Sir
Never heard such baloney.
Yet you can still spell as if your 25 🤔 suss
Dont lie
2:23 That shot always sends chills up my spine. It's like God has unveiled your destiny in front of you, and you have no choice but to seize it now.
What you wrote was perfect, it does feel like your destiny awaits when you see those rolling hills, ...you should see the game Valheim, where you are one of the honoured dead, trying to earn your way to Valhalla, it has so many gorgeous scenes like this one, with the wind in the grass, it's incredibly mesmerizing. I get the feeling you would love it as well.
Neoconned
This was my favorite scene as well. 2 Soldiers just lost their lives and the contrast of light and breeze blowing through the grass was like a switch, showing the shock reality of how quick a life can be snuffed out.
I remember watching that on the big screen. Seeing the hillside go from shadow to full sunlight in so much detail was a jaw-dropping experience. Malick always gives time for nature to show its magic in his movies.
It's incredible how certain shots in a film can evoke such powerful emotions and reflections. The moment you describe, at 2:23, seems to have left a lasting impact on you. The idea of a shot unveiling destiny and compelling one to seize the moment is a profound interpretation. It speaks to the cinematic power of visual storytelling to capture the essence of a character's journey and the gravity of the situation they find themselves in. Moments like these contribute to the emotional resonance and lasting impression that a film can have on its audience. 🎥✨
One of the greatest war films 👍
Watched this for the first time ever this year. Greatest movie ive ever seen!
Such an underrated war film, the charge scene was brutally epic, such a great piece of cinema
I always felt that sense of "OMG what did I just do?" with Jared Leto's character. Imagine telling 2 men to move forward to just get shot and killed and you'll have to live with that feeling for the rest of your life.
The rest of his life is like 10 seconds.
@@xiangyu3813 Hah well. Still. That was a crazy scene
Fantastic movie, I’m glad I have it on Blue Ray , the Pacific War WWII was brutal 🌴🌟🌴
Agree. It was fierce and bloody, and the Marines and Army suffered attacking the Japanese.
Take note of how scared the officer is. He keeps tellin his guys to go without him going himself - then the second he stands up he gets it.
You can just see the confusion and fear in everyone's eyes.
un casting de folie, le film prend pas une ride, 25 ans déjà !!
I read the book as a young teenager. Nick Nolte's portrayal of LCol Tall I found most interesting. He was far older than what I perceived the character , who was described as being about 40 years old. It was the personality portrayed that resonated with me.
This was an amazing movie. Its equivalent to "Tombstone" of westerns.
Incredible acting. Just simply amazing❤❤❤❤❤❤
Pretty low bar.
More like Unforgiven for westerns
Seriously one of the best movies about men in war based on one of the best novels about men in war; as opposed to being a 'war movie.' It's so much more.
Nolte made great work in this movie, the part was like made for him.
Have to watch it, again. One of the best movies ever!
My god this movie is GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An Absolute Beast of a Movie..Awsome
I suspect that this is a reasonably accurate depiction of what it is like trying to assault the well-concealed positions of a determined foe, uphill across terrain that gives the illusion of cover so long as you remain low and perfectly still. Does anybody with actual experience care to comment?
it was obvious the japs were in the grass top of hill area. should sent in artillery support.
That field is a gawt dam snipers delight. (in Brad Pitt's voice)
I played the snake in this scene. Malick put me through hell getting into that character. And what happens? Uncredited, that's what happened! Everyone says to me "How hard is it to play a snake?" And I say, "You try squirming on your belly, with some prima donna director constantly asking about your 'motivation.' Bite somebody, that's my motivation." For the sake of the art, just let a snake be a snake!
I’ve done a lot of acid, man and I’ve yet to come up with some crazy shit like that.
Did you ever have to play a snake for Ken Russell? That would have been very intense with all his yelling at the crew, fire, smoke & the camera zooming in & out at you all the time.
just thank your lucky stars you got a hiss in. Adrian Brody was the main star and turned up to the opening unaware that every talking scene and all his plot was cut out
How the F^ck am I watching this in 1440 resolution because of how old this INCREDIBLE movie is?>?>? Thin Red Line ...... is to War movies what 2001: A Space Oddessy is to Sci- Fi movies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Poetry in the internal monolog in each soldier was masterful. ... is Beautiful. Top 5 war movies of all time, easy.
Yeah it was amazing in the theater, I want to see it again that way somehow
It’s a great movie, watched a dozen or so times. Covering the army in the pacific is really interesting. I like this one.
Watch how the howitzer moves while he's on the phone. hilarious.
Yeah I feel like with today's software, it could be possible to animate the recoil of the guns in those shots, I wouldn't know how though.
You'll always come back to the thin red line.
Such an incredible movie! Easily one of the best war films ever made!
People forget about the Pacific because the war in europe was sexy compared to the pacific. RIP to the greatest generation. One Love
I was on that movie in the cinema back then. With my teenage depression, the whole character of the movie synced perfectly.
Also in this scene you can see, how recon by fire played out in most cases. On every front lines & and armies of that war.
Un des plus beaux films que j ai vu....
Criminally underrated film and cast.
Nolte should have won an academy award for this one.
Damn this movie got the early war yellow grenades. Nice attention to detail.
Completely different film than SPR…two exceptional works of art. Both masterful in their own right. Unfair and unrealistic to compare the two. I remember seeing both in the theater. I think I cried at both. What those men went through…I can’t even comprehend warfare on that scale…
At a single moment. It all turns to chaos
The title of this clip should be, "You want me to stand up and wave?"
i still have this on DVD lol i used to watch this all the time as a kid. ( im really into war movies)
I watched this clip while stoned and almost cried because of how scary it is, like it put pure terror into my soul, scarier than any horror movie has ever been for me
Such a great movie, this should’ve came out during a later date not while another big production movie with the same topic… I love this movie you can see them scared anxious etc, what I’d imagine from Real fight
This is one of the best movies every created.
From hiking around on Guam & Saipan as a teenager I know that "sword grass", as we used to call it, slices you up pretty bad. It is so long and strong that it cuts any exposed skin.
I would hate to have to crawl in it or run through it to save my life from enemy snipers.
Mad respect to you world war II vets. Miss you grandpa. 😢
I was a small kid when I first saw this movie, I’ve always remembered that scene where the two men were ordered to advance ahead of their unit before getting killed.
“To say this movie is about war is to say Moby Dick is about whales”
Exceptional film! One of the best war movie (and not alone...) EVER!!
One of the best films ever.
Better then "Ryan"
thats the bond of brothers
Elias Koteas doesn't get the credit he deserves for his role here. Shortly prior to this he was playing Kirstie Alley's brother in Look Who's Talking Too. He's brilliant in The Thin Red Line, the empathic and comradely Captain, battling Nick Nolte's hopelessly egotistical Colonel. He loves his men and he pays for it.
My fav movie of all time. I’ve seen over 5000 movies many early films. But this one. Stuck.
Что меня больше всего раздражает в военных фильмах, так это то, что когда стреляет пушка, не происходит никакого отката ствола. Это так в глаза бросается. Но здесь орудие хотя бы подпрыгивает. В наших фильмах вообще не заморачиваются, вообще ни каких движений при выстреле.
It's a classic. Moving up the all time greats every year
Terrence Malick is the GOAT.
This is the only movie where I saw several couples get up and leave the theater
This movie was compelling and depressing all at the same time.
I cant even imagine the terror of a battle like this...