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The Tree of Life (2011)

PG-13  |   |  Drama, Fantasy  |  17 May 2011 (France)
6.7
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Ratings: 6.7/10 from 127,440 users   Metascore: 85/100
Reviews: 971 user | 574 critic | 43 from Metacritic.com

The story of a family in Waco, Texas in 1956. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence and struggles with his parents' conflicting teachings.

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Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 96 wins & 104 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Hunter McCracken ...
Laramie Eppler ...
...
...
Grandmother
Jessica Fuselier ...
Guide
...
...
Architect
Kelly Koonce ...
Bryce Boudoin ...
Robert
Jimmy Donaldson ...
Jimmy
Kameron Vaughn ...
Cayler
Cole Cockburn ...
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Storyline

The impressionistic story of a Texas family in the 1950s. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father (Brad Pitt). Jack (played as an adult by Sean Penn) finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith. Written by alfiehitchie

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some thematic material | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

17 May 2011 (France)  »

Also Known As:

El árbol de la vida  »

Box Office

Budget:

$32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$372,920 (USA) (27 May 2011)

Gross:

$13,303,319 (USA) (21 October 2011)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The butterfly that landed on Mrs. O'Brien's (Jessica Chastain) hands was not CG but a real one. One morning while both Chastain and Brad Pitt were rehearsing, Terrence Malick spotted it flying around. He got the crew and Chastain following it three blocks of Smithville, then got her to step into the middle of a street and hold her hand up. See more »

Goofs

The credits say that Johannes Brahms's fourth symphony, second movement is heard (in a version by Herbert von Karajan, not Arturo Toscanini as in the film), but it is the fourth movement. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Jack: [in a whisper] Brother. Mother. It was they who led me to your door.
[choir singing dirge]
See more »

Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Cannes Film Festival 2011 (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

Siciliana Da Antiche Danze Ed Arie Suite III
Written by Ottorino Respighi
Performed by Hanan Townshend
Courtesy of Hanan Towhnshend
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Haunting
19 May 2011 | by (DogvilleNorth) – See all my reviews

Unlike a novel the stories in this movie do not unfold, revelation following revelation, culminating in a definable message or theme. There is no moral, no hero, no emotional epiphanies. What it presents is an extraordinarily haunting vision of childhood, how the things we love the most are as fragile as morning dew yet immensely powerful. The things that connect us, separate us, and bewilder us - again and again and again throughout our lives. The saddest, most insightful, most poignant portrayal of a family I have ever seen. Genius. How can this film achieve commercial success? it seems impossible. How did a film so ambitious get made when everything that makes money today is everything this film isn't? Bravo to the producers, bravo to the early critics who are stepping up and speaking out for this deeply moving masterpiece.


338 of 608 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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Perhaps the best movie of all time. abominablesnowbat
What this film is all about, why it's hated, and why I love it... adr5500
Where does this film rank on your all-time list? jordanw_182
is Terrence Malick Retarded or just on drugs when he made this one ?? auto78900
One of the most underrated movies of all time maguew_9
Anyone who calls this film visually impressive needs to study science. securejames
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