The Thin Red Line 1998 * * * 1/2 Stars

Director: Terrence Malick
Year: 1998
Rated: R
Rating: * * * 1/2 stars
Cast: Sean Penn, John C. Reilly, John Travolta

Director Terrence Malick came out of a mini retirement (his previous films were Badlands in 1973 and Days of Heaven in 1978) to make this original and genuinely cerebral World War II film based on the infamous battle of Guadalcanal. A lot of big name actors with small parts contribute to his Ali-like return to the film making ring. The result is a powerful movie that stimulates the brain and pulls at the heart. The unique aspect of The Thin Red Line is in the form of narration that goes with almost every character's thoughts. Add Hans Zimmer's legendary musical score and Malick's keen eye for camera movement and you get something special. It's a film with images that stay with you long after it's over. Next to Apocalypse Now (1979) and Platoon (1986), it's tops on my list of great war films. 

Written by Jesse Burleson