Film Review: Reviewed By Adrian Turner; 5 out of 5

After 20 years in the film-making wilderness, Terrence Malick released this belated third feature - a magnificent account of the Second World War battle for Guadalcanal island in the South Pacific. Based on James Jones's novel of the same name, first filmed in 1964, it's a long, discursive and deeply philosophical evocation of war, beautifully shot by John Toll. Although the film boasts an all-star cast, big names such as John Travolta and George Clooney make only brief appearances, though Sean Penn as a cynical sergeant and Nick Nolte as an uncompromising lieutenant colonel make deeper impressions. The principal role, however, goes to the then-little-known Jim Caviezel as Private Witt, the nonconformist and idealist who seems completely at one with the tropical surroundings, while British actor Ben Chaplin gives a convincing performance as the ordinary Joe who dreams of his wife back home. But it is Malick himself who provides the real star turn with his extraordinary direction. This is a modern masterpiece.

Plot Summary

Second World War drama starring Sean Penn, Nick Nolte and Jim Caviezel. Against the backdrop of the impending battle for the South Pacific island of Guadalcanal, former deserter Private Witt reflects on life and death and the pandemonium of conflict.