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Plot Summary
Based on the graphic novel by James Jones, The Thin Red Line tells the story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived. A powerful frontline cast - including Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Woody Harrelson and George Clooney - explodes into action in this hauntingly realistic view of military and moral chaos in the Pacific during World War II.
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Director
Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
79%- Reviews Counted: 91
- Fresh: 72
- Rotten: 19
- Average Rating: 7.2/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: A complex, highly talented work marked by intellectual and philosophical ambitions!
Fresh: At two hours and 45 minutes, The Thin Red Line gives ample evidence of suffering all manner of cuts, if not having been simply hacked into its final shape. But this violence only adds to the movie's brave, strange, eroded nobility.
Fresh: One of the most curious and perversely brilliant films ever made!
Customer Reviews
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This story changed my life.. I held the message of this story close to heart while I served in Helmand Province Afghanistan.
Best Film of the 20th Century
My favorite movie, This film is amazing, and I can say nothing wrong about it. It is certainly one of the most beautifully photographed in the history of film making, the cinematographer of this film obviously knew what he or she was doing. The plot of the movie is deceptively simple, American soldiers fighting the Japanese on a distant island in the pacific. As the film goes on, the story thickens as different characters are added and their morals put on display for the audience, and their view of the kind of battle they think they are fighting, against the Japanese and against themselves. This film would appeal to people who like war movies, to people who don't like war movies and to anyone who appreciates a good film that delivers beauty and a film that makes you think.
Amazing, deep, classic cinema. Some of the best acting I have ever seen
Along with Apocolypse Now, this is one of the best war movies I have seen. As it came out around Saving Private Ryan time, it got a bit overlooked. While the first 20 minutes of saving private ryan are amazing, after that crazy beach scene the movie is banal, predictable, and filled with your generic stereotypes. Thin Red Line examines themes like Man vs Nature, brotherhood, love, and fear and courage in amazing detail. I read that the original film was around 6 hours of footage. At 2.5 hours, you will still want more. So many amazing performances, stuffed with intensity and beautiful acting. This is a tour de force of great performances. Jim Caviezal's portrayal is one of the best acting roles I have ever seen performed- he plays a man who learns to love and see the beauty of life in the midst of a bloody war. Sean Penn is also remarkable. This movie has something that is so lacking in todays 16-24 year old typical flicks- it has depth, layering, symbolism, metaphor, and allows the time to develop great stories. It portrays real courage, the horror of war, and the conflict inherit in human existence. I cannot reccomend this movie enough. Nick Nolte, John Cusack, the list goes on. The only criticism I have is the extended portrayal of the dear john recipient's memories, the only time I felt restless, and at that just because I wanted to see more of the other deep characters. The cinematography is stunning, the march through huge bamboo forests where you can hear the clacking of the trees in the wind is a favorite. This is a film I would love to see in a film class. I have seen it several times and each time I find a new performance to marvel at. Thank you for making this movie.
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