This war movie has very little to do with war, at least in the big-picture sense. Instead, it’s a collection of personal meditations on what war means to an individual. Elias Koteas’ character wants to have as many men survive as possible. Nick Nolte’s character, unhindered by logic and logistics, is in it for personal glory. The film’s length is exaggerated by the story’s aimlessness, but the scenes are well-filmed and the meditations seem real and human. Don’t go expecting a traditional war movie. Expect something more thoughtful and personal, and you should enjoy this one.
The Thin Red Line
***published September 4, 2000