Some of the greatest war films ever made were released in the 1990s, including Saving Private Ryan, which became one of the best-known stories of the decade. But according to many movie fans, another World War 2 epic from the same era was unfairly overshadowed by Steven Spielberg’s hit, despite being even better in several ways.
The film has an 80% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and the same score from audiences. Viewers say anyone who loved Saving Private Ryan needs to give this one a chance too, especially because it takes a very different approach to the subject.
The film in question is The Thin Red Line, which is now streaming on Disney+.
Released in 1998, the film tells a fictionalised story of the Battle of Mount Austen during the Guadalcanal campaign.
It follows soldiers of C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment as they take part in the brutal fighting in the Pacific.
The cast includes Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, Nick Nolte, Elias Koteas and Ben Chaplin.
The film marked director Terrence Malick’s return to cinema after a 20-year absence.
It also features appearances from Adrien Brody, John Cusack, George Clooney, Woody Harrelson, Jared Leto, John Travolta and John C. Reilly.
Much of the movie was filmed in Queensland, Australia and the Solomon Islands.
Those who have seen the movie have been full of praise.
One person said: “It is a beautifully filmed masterpiece with a superb story, excellent acting (especially Nick Nolte), and a great script. It takes things way deeper than Saving Private Ryan or most other modern war movies dare to go.”
Another added: “It’s one of the most beautiful films ever. It has it all. Beautiful cinematography, characters, music. Every time I watch this film I get a sense of despair, yet hope.”
A third wrote: “The greatest fault of The Thin Red Line was its timing. It was released at around the same time as Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan.
“While most people dismissed The Thin Red Line as the ‘other’ World War 2 movie of 1998, it’s actually a very different kind of film. The film itself is not hurt by similarity to Ryan but was hurt commercially due to the misconception.
“It’s easy to forget that Red was nominated for seven Oscars. This is an extraordinary film that can stand well on its own and for me it’s the best World War 2 film of the 1990s.”
Someone else said: “This is one of the most beautifully crafted and haunting films that I have ever seen. Not only is the amazing ensemble cast giving truly beautiful, effective performances, but the direction and cinematography combines to create a magnificent visual and mental feast.”
The Thin Red Line is now available to stream on Disney+.
