The Thin Red Line (1998)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  171 Minutes

Rating: R

Genre: Drama, War

Director: Terrence Malick

Starring: Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Jim Caviezel, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson

IMDB Rank: 7.6/10

Part 1 Time: 103 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 68 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Colonel Tal and Captain Gaff speak about the successful capture of Hill 210. Captain Gaff is concerned about the availability of fresh water for the troops. Colonel Tal states water is on the way, but the core must press on to keep the advantage.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “We’re going all the way, nothing’s stoping us, its all high ground by night fall.” Colonel Tal speaks with Captain Gaff after the successful capture of Hill 210.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “You see many dead people?” Captain Fife speaking to himself while observing the aftermath of the Hill 210 capture.

How jarring is it when the first part ends?  Jarring, seeing War World Two at this perspective makes one question the importance of life. Do you have control of your future, or will it end because someone commands you to be put it in harms way? On both the American and Japanese armies we see the brutality and sadness.

Which part is better? Part one is given the edge since it displays the full events of the Hill 210 battle. This battle shows the brutality of war, self discipline, and honour.

Academy Awards: Best Picture (Nominated), Best Director, Best Writing- Screenplay based on Material Previously Produced or Published ( Nominated), Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Music- Original Dramatic Score (Nominated).