Release Date
8 January 1999 (USA)


Genre
Action / Drama / War


Star Cast
Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, John Cusack, James Caviezel, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney. Woody Harrelson, Nick Nolte, John C. Reilly, John Travolta, Elias Koteas, John Savage, Jared Leto, Tim Blake Nelson, Nick Stahl.


Plotline
The thin red line is based on the Battle of Guadalcanal during the course of World War II. In its first offensive in World War II, young US troops are deployed to break the resistance faced from the Japanese. The soldiers start out by fighting for their country, with some of them being ambitious for power and leadership. As the number of troops diminishes, the war increasingly becomes one for survival.


Favorite Quote
One man looks at a dying bird and thinks there's nothing but unanswered pain. That death's got the final word, it's laughing at him. Another man sees that same bird, feels the glory, feels something smiling through it.


Behind The Scene


Before pre-production began, director Terrence Malick walked on foot across the entire southwest, stopping periodically to call producers Robert Michael Geisler and Grant Hill to talk about the meaning of the film.

I have one question though, what has walking on foot got to do with the meaning of the film?


Xpert Opinion
The thin red line focuses on the philosophical aspect of war. The soldiers’ emotions are as real as real can be. They come across as humans; they are scared of death just like everybody else. No body gives a damn about heroism or sacrifices. Terrence Malick, the director focuses on the battles raging inside each soldier than the war itself. It is this aspect and the performances that are truly endearing. It is stronger yet subtler than Saving Private Ryan. Truly, a class apart.


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