The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Foggy]

Buried

Last time I watched this was this time last year at the theatre, oh how time flies

I love the film, I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time, but hell it's one of the most uncomfortable films you'll ever sit through That alone is worth a lot

I held off buying the blu-ray because of the horrendous aspect ratio problems the UK version has, and I was still expecting to be infuriated by it during it's entire run time, but it often escaped my mind, although, I would of liked the film to be restored to it's original way sometime soon in the UK

If you haven't seen it, watch it, if you have, watch it again

9/10

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Buried

Last time I watched this was this time last year at the theatre, oh how time flies

I love the film, I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time, but hell it's one of the most uncomfortable films you'll ever sit through That alone is worth a lot

I held off buying the blu-ray because of the horrendous aspect ratio problems the UK version has, and I was still expecting to be infuriated by it during it's entire run time, but it often escaped my mind, although, I would of liked the film to be restored to it's original way sometime soon in the UK

If you haven't seen it, watch it, if you have, watch it again

9/10

I thought it was an interesting and daring concept that was actually executed pretty well. That being said, I was underwhelmed by the film and thought it was just "so-so." I did think the end was kind of cool at first, but then upon reflection I started (and still do) think it was too "gotcha" and intended to be more thematically important and meaningful than it actually was.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I just googled Melancholia, since I hadn't heard of it. Lars Von Trier, didn't he direct Antichrist? Yes! That was another great film. Another director I'd put in the "original" club along with Aranofsky and Malick.

Thats why I brought it up. You and I had a ten page theme dissection of that film. We didnt agree on what it meant, but we both liked it.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Get with the times.

Updated ya basterd

I switched it with Satantango, Bela Tarr's (Werckmeister Harmonies) legendary 9 hour magnum opus. Admittedly, I haven't seen it other than clips on youtube, which I've posted here before. Tarr is such an exciting director to me though, and the film is almost mythological (read up about ppl trying to see it, like Ebert), that I would def get it.

So happy to see 12 Angry Men get a Criterion release--too bad it's released two days after the B and N sale ends.

[iam1bearcat]

finishing up some last minute work stuff, then flying home so i can watch The Tree of Life tonight before bed

it's weird because i'm not going in like, "oh mahh gawwd, i'm gonna LOVE this!" it's more like, "oh mahh gawwd i wanna see this" and if i hate it, i hate it. if i love it, i love it. or somewhere in between. just curious to finally see what all the hoopla is about.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

You said Tree of Life has made it into you top 10....so which film on your current list will be knocked out???

Yes, quite literally half the theater. It's funny, prior to the movie I told my girlfriend that I expected at least a third of the theater to walk-out in the first half hour. Part of this was due to the nature of the film, and the fact that people, for some reason, do no research prior to seeing a film. They see Brad Pitt and go "oh my gawwwd, I gotta see that!" The other part of it was due to many theaters across the country actually posting a sign at the theater, stating that the film is supposed to be "artistic and abstract," and that it should not be off-putting. Yes, many theaters actually posted a warning!

i seriously wonder if stores will post these same signs next to the display. i mean, if they did for a $10 ticket (give or take) they may want to for a $23+ blu-ray release

[dag]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

finishing up some last minute work stuff, then flying home so i can watch The Tree of Life tonight before bed

it's weird because i'm not going in like, "oh mahh gawwd, i'm gonna LOVE this!" it's more like, "oh mahh gawwd i wanna see this" and if i hate it, i hate it. if i love it, i love it. or somewhere in between. just curious to finally see what all the hoopla is about.

At the very least, Tree of Life is a film worthy of discussion. And this is the perfect forum!

[Show spoiler]

I thought that the scenes chronicling the protagonist's upbringing were perhaps the greatest representation of how childhood is experienced, and remembered. The camerawork is absolutely fantastic: the parents are frequently shot from a low angle, mimicking how a child would see them; the presence of the sun and shots of nature are deeply symbolic.

I don't know if the film completely succeeds, but you'll be glad you saw it. And we're be here to listen to what you have to say about it.

[jvince]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I have read a bunch of non professional reviews for Melancholia and many people are saying that they were touched by the film in the way that they anticipated being touched (but werent) by The Tree of Life. Its Lars von Trier
so I am eager to check that out as well.

I've seen Melancholia, and it is easily the best (true) 2011 release so far. It's for people who like character stories and for those who like the idea of apocalyptic films but hate (or are tired of) the big-budget popcorn flicks that the sub-genre is always presented as. The acting is amazing; I think this will be Dunst's Black Swan, and I'd be very pissed if Gainsbourg doesn't win an award for her performance (I wonder if she'll qualify for Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress since both actresses had equal screen time and importance). The opening sequence is pure brilliance and the final shot will forever be imprinted in my mind. It's amazing stuff, and now it makes me want to watch von Trier's other works (this was the first I've seen from him). I'll see if I can write up a full review later.

[iam1bearcat]

THE TREE OF LIFE
Written and Directed by: Terrence Malick

Engrossing.

Perplexing.

Thought-provoking.

Extraordinary.

Expanding.

Engaging.

Confusing.

Eyebrow raising.

Absorbing.

Profound.

Not to get too serious and personal for a moment, but as someone who is currently undergoing tests / treatments for what my doctors have labeled as “a possible terminal illness situation”, I found a deeper connection to The Tree of Life than I think I would have had if I was in good health because of the "eternalness" and "mysteries of the universe / life" feel and questions of the film.

Obviously from the title alone, anyone who knows anything knows that the “tree of life” term has a lot of symbolism and meaning to life, death and everything in between. So of course, the film carries that symbolism and message in full force. Not just in humans, but in our spirits, death, nature, animals, existence as a whole, and the cosmic universe as we know it.

It’s impossible to describe The Tree of Life and impossible to describe the feelings received throughout the 133 minute run time.

It’s also, I believe, better to go in not expecting an “end result”. Most films have a story that goes somewhere and tells something. And while The Tree of Life does have a story and message behind it, if you expect the film to logically “end” and conclude the mesmerizing story, you will get angry and antsy quickly, waiting for something to happen. Just calm down and enjoy the journey Malick takes us on.

And by the way, the reason the film starts with a message to “play the film LOUD” it’s because EVERYONE IN THE DAMN FILM WHISPERS REALLY QUIETLY!!!!!!! Seriously, every line of dialogue is hushed in just barely above silence volume.

Which fits the film and doesn’t bug me, just an FYI about that.

I watched the film last night and again today after work. And in a way, I actually wish there was no dialogue in the film, or a way to watch without dialogue. The music is amazing and the silence is deafeningly creepy in a lot of ways and the noises of nature are wonderfully preserved to disc. And the dialogue almost kind of at first took me a bit out of the experience, but on second viewing it didn’t “throw” me off as much.

The music / score / sounds are amazing and so very full and complete. Add in the extraordinary visuals and hypnotic directing (amazing camera movements! ) and you have a real treat for both eyes and ears. And I can only imagine how many people are gonna get really, really, REALLY high and then watch this. For better or worse…

Going back to the whole “don’t expect an end” deal, it fits the film perfectly. There really is no beginning and no middle. The film just… is. It is what it is. Everything connects, everything flows and the journey is something I could have watched for many more hours than the two that are showcased here.

Sean Penn “stars” in this for about 5 minutes.

Brad Pitt gives a startling performance which covers about an hour or so of screen time. I was majorly thrown off by how

[Show spoiler]rigid and tense

he was and how

[Show spoiler]strict

he was with his kids and how this

[Show spoiler]affected them in their childhood

. Some really

[Show spoiler]haunting, tense, hostile

moments with the kids just

[Show spoiler]boiling under the service with anger and fear

for their father and his parenting style left me a little shocked. For some reason, I wasn’t at all expecting that. I was expecting (for some reason) some type of standard family deal, not one where Pitt’s character was so

[Show spoiler]“stand off-ish”

.

I was going to sit here and comment on how many scenes felt like “real life” and made me forget I was watching a movie – particularly the childhood scenes and the swinging camerawork, but honestly, all of the childhood scenes felt real. With such minimal dialogue and kids that may or may not have been acting (in some scenes) it really felt like I was sitting at the dinner table with them, or outside playing fun, childhood games with friends and siblings. Like I was right there with them in every field, running down every street, climbing every tree, learning every lesson about manners and life. So yeah, the directing was good.

I was expecting more

[Show spoiler]dinosaur

scenes. That was kind of sad it only lasted like,

[Show spoiler]5

minutes.

The score is haunting and magical. I wish I could get the score, as it seems the one available on itunes and amazon isn’t quite what we have in the film (disappointing! ) and the score, I believe, makes the film. It adds a supreme level of amazement and jaw-drop ability to the film. Of course, the gorgeous visuals help make this a one-two punch of extreme senses overload.

I can’t wait to watch it again this weekend. And yes, this is a film none of my friends will ever want to watch or could sit through or have any interest in.

To be honest, this is a love it or hate it film. I can easily see why people would hate this. But for those that love it, I’m sure we’ll all have our favorite scenes or a particular moment we like more than others.

In an odd issue some might have is the strong presence of faith and the talk of god and what he means and our questions to him. Being someone who doesn’t believe in religion and finds it incredibly fascinating that people believe with such luster and zest something people hundreds of years ago just… wrote down… about things you cannot see… and cannot back up with facts or logic, I wasn’t annoyed or turned off by the religious “feelings” in the film. But I can see why many would (much like how people freaked about the finale of LOST… ).

Anyways, so yeah. It’s an experience that should be viewed by all – or attempted to be viewed at all. It’s certainly unlike anything else. And while I don’t wanna jump the boat, much like the 60’s had 2001: A Space Odyssey as a masterpiece to grow up with and absorb and doesn't have any exact answers, The Tree of Life may be this generations masterpiece to grow up with and absorb and dissect for decades. I’m also excited and happy that such a film comes along when I’m in my early 20’s, as i can hopefully grow with it. It’s a film I will definitely be keeping and will be interesting to look back on in my 60’s and 70’s (if I live that long).

Because that’s what The Tree of Life kind of is, an experience of life – of all kinds from all vantage points.

I’m not gonna bother trying to assign a score to this film. How do you score a film like this? What does a score even indicate? What does 5/5 mean and how can you make it match the level of scope and scale that the film provides? You can’t. A score is just a number and can’t match or contain the feelings that the film encompasses. So, because of that, the film will not get a score, and maybe no films or shows from now on will, but I can say with a matter of fact, “hey, I love The Tree of Life. It’s an amazing film. And I love it.”

[jhiggy23]

Bearcat:

Glad to hear you were so thoroughly impacted by The Tree of Life! Hope your health situation improves, as well. Read my write-up about The Tree of Life 2-3 pages back--I get into what I believe the ending gets at.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

You said Tree of Life has made it into you top 10....so which film on your current list will be knocked out???

haha, we'll have to see. just watched Tree of Life a second time and, as you know, you can't watch it too much in order to get a good feel for how you like it. i'll probably watch it a couple more times before I decide where to rank it.

Part of this was due to the nature of the film, and the fact that people, for some reason, do no research prior to seeing a film. They see Brad Pitt and go "oh my gawwwd, I gotta see that!"

yes! exactly! OMG I can't believe that so many people went into this without any idea who Malick is or what kind of film it would be. I mean its only playing in what? 300 theaters? isn't that a clue that its possibly worth checking on at least what kind of film it is?

So, in the first half hour, somewhere between a third to a half of the theater walked out. And get this: most of them walked out PRIOR to the 20-minute "history of the universe" section!

unbelievable! although I"m not surprised!

As for my ranking of his films, it's tough. I know you've read quite a bit of my Malick thesis, and in it I never really provided a ranking.

yes, i'll have to revisit it now that i've become a full fledged Malick fan! do you have a link?

The point is that our lives and the conflicts we go through are obsolete and irrelevant from nature's point of view, because nature is the controlling force in the universe. The film shows this through the fire, which interrupts the drama regarding the love triangle and propels it towards a different destination. Nature controls.

wow! me like!!!! this is something i definitely missed on my viewing but completely makes sense now. i love the "humans ain't sh!t" theme (or more accurately, as squid put it: don't take yourselves so dang seriously)

The Thin Red Line I still feel is his strongest film. I think it balances the visual with the spoken and the story most effectively. To me, it was the culmination of all the ideas of nature he had presented in his previous two films.

just watched it again this week after watching Tree of Life and was stunned at some of the parallels (

[Show spoiler]narrator engaging in existential dialogue (i'm paraphrasing): "why do we do this to each other?", "is there something inside us where this comes from?"

). It REALLY stood up to a repeated viewing, and was even better than my lasting viewing.

The New World was my favorite Malick film, although arguably his weakest overall. I think it had a good balance of story, visuals, and thematic material. Many critics did and still do find it very difficult to understand, aside from the obvious Pocahontas tale. I don't agree. I think that when deconstructed, it actually is reasonably easy to understand the purpose, as long as you realize it's a continuation of Malick's previous thematic pursuits.

yes, I just watched it once about a few months ago. half way through I was getting confused with the plot, but by the end, I really enjoyed it, mostly because I was into "disengage logical computer" mode and shut off that voice in my head which insists that everything must make sense and be explaned, etc etc. still not sure on all the themes, but loved the ones I felt at the time I watched it (couldn't recite them to you now, but could name 1-2 after the film ended). another one I need to buy ASAP and watch a good few times. its $15, reasonably cheap for a malick film, no?

The Tree of Life I find to be more troublesome than Days of Heaven and more abstract thematically than The New World. I think it builds upon some ideas in Badlands, but ultimately is more unlike that film than any of his other films. I think it is his most difficult film to dissect, even though I've only seen it once.

I think you're right. I just watched it a second time (first time seeing the ending...first viewing was on an airplane where we landed right before the end ). On this second viewing, I was actually getting a good feel for the film themes half way through, but then the second half really threw me and now I'll have to watch it a few more times before I can even write a review on it. I"ll read what you wrote in your spoilers and what bearcat wrote after a few more viewings, just so i can give it a fair shake.

So, overall, what would my ranking be? Probably as follows:

Best:

The Thin Red Line, The Tree of Life, Days of Heaven, Badlands, The New World

Favorite:

The New World, The Thin Red Line, Days of Heaven, Badlands, The Tree of Life

nice ranking! you think Tree of Life is already his second best? wow. our local critic, Roger Moore of the ORlando Sentinel, is a complete boob and gave it 1.5/4 stars. why dont you go on his blog and rip him a new one? j/k
I like how you have New World as your favorite film. It just shows that you're not swayed by the critics and will go with your heart. Very key. New World was SO BEAUTIFUL! Plus, the historical period really intrigues me and the discovery of america. Then throw in a Malick direction and cinematography? WIN, WIN, WIN!!!

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

As for Let Me In, you're right, I thought Let the Right One In was decent but not nearly as special as ppl made it out to be. I think Matt Reeves' direction improved the movie, and he removed the

[Show spoiler]scene showing the girl's lack of sexual organs, which I just found odd and not thematically important.

wow, thanks for that. i see its on sale and was thinking about a blind buy. by the way, regarding that scene you talked about, did I tell you that I was chatting with some dude who made me go --> when he told me the significance of that scene? He said that

[Show spoiler]in the book, the girl is a guy who was castrated! That old dude "she" has with "her" is more like a dad than a boyfriend, since he goes out and gets her blood, but obviously was never "her" lover, since both "her" and the old dudes are dudes! On top of that, the only reason she recruited Oskar wasn't because he is a nice guy or hot or anything. It is because he was being bullied, so would be easy to manipulate (to first get him to fight back, so that he becomes a good fighter, then to trust "her" so that he joins "her" and becomes her new "blood guy" for the next 50 years). Apparently, she's had 8-9 of these "blood guys" over 500 or so years and oskar is just the 10th or whatever

. you being a book reader, i wasn't sure if you had heard of that plot?

Kes is def worth seeing. I know you like 400 Blows, and I find it to be a great companion piece, although very different. Kes has much more socio-political importance. Fish Tank I'm actually watching today, as I had only seen the first hour previously (got interrupted and never got to finish it).

wow, Kes is like 400 Blows? I'll have to check it out. I saw 400 blows comparisons with Fish Tank too.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Not to get too serious and personal for a moment, but as someone who is currently undergoing tests / treatments for what my doctors have labeled as “a possible terminal illness situation”, I found a deeper connection to The Tree of Life than I think I would have had if I was in good health because of the "eternalness" and "mysteries of the universe / life" feel and questions of the film.

No doubt - all the best with that - we'll keep you in our prayers and thoughts.

It’s impossible to describe The Tree of Life and impossible to describe the feelings received throughout the 133 minute run time.

so true. words are just indicators. they don't indicate the reality to which they point. its like a sign "New York - 120 miles". The sign is not New York - its just a sign with "new york" on it. In the same way, words about Tree of Life don't come close to indicating the experience of watching the film.

It’s also, I believe, better to go in not expecting an “end result”. Most films have a story that goes somewhere and tells something. And while The Tree of Life does have a story and message behind it, if you expect the film to logically “end” and conclude the mesmerizing story, you will get angry and antsy quickly, waiting for something to happen. Just calm down and enjoy the journey Malick takes us on.

again, so true. i look at most films as a long highway trip = its only fulfilling when you ARRIVE. i look at Malick films and others like 2001 as a back massage = its ALWAYS fulfilling

And by the way, the reason the film starts with a message to “play the film LOUD” it’s because EVERYONE IN THE DAMN FILM WHISPERS REALLY QUIETLY!!!!!!! Seriously, every line of dialogue is hushed in just barely above silence volume.

I know! I had to put on the subtitles at one point! Even with teh volume CRANKED. If I crank it too much to hear the whispers, then when it goes to the outer space sequence (loud), my speakers will blow!

I watched the film last night and again today after work. And in a way, I actually wish there was no dialogue in the film, or a way to watch without dialogue. The music is amazing and the silence is deafeningly creepy in a lot of ways and the noises of nature are wonderfully preserved to disc. And the dialogue almost kind of at first took me a bit out of the experience, but on second viewing it didn’t “throw” me off as much.

Interesting! you're the opposite of people who wanted more narrative. I'm in between: thought it had just the right amount. I think the whispering was good in that regard: it didn't jolt me too much from the euphoria of the imagery and score.

And I can only imagine how many people are gonna get really, really, REALLY high and then watch this. For better or worse…

not sure I follow - how could you "imagine" this?

Going back to the whole “don’t expect an end” deal, it fits the film perfectly. There really is no beginning and no middle. The film just… is. It is what it is. Everything connects, everything flows and the journey is something I could have watched for many more hours than the two that are showcased here.

hmm, sounds like: movie = life?

Like I was right there with them in every field, running down every street, climbing every tree, learning every lesson about manners and life. So yeah, the directing was good.

stated perfectly again!

I can’t wait to watch it again this weekend. And yes, this is a film none of my friends will ever want to watch or could sit through or have any interest in.

me too - 2 viewings and I'm just getting warmed up. themes are still cloudy for me. some of them are pretty clear, but the last hour had some moments where I definitely was like "huh?". I'll watch it a couple more times before I read everyone's take, just to give it a fair shake.

In an odd issue some might have is the strong presence of faith and the talk of god and what he means and our questions to him. Being someone who doesn’t believe in religion and finds it incredibly fascinating that people believe with such luster and zest something people hundreds of years ago just… wrote down… about things you cannot see… and cannot back up with facts or logic, I wasn’t annoyed or turned off by the religious “feelings” in the film.

good thing religion has no monopoly on God

"don't blame the moon for the people pointing at the moon"
(i.e., don't blame God for the behavior of humans who pretend they own God)

Anyways, so yeah. It’s an experience that should be viewed by all – or attempted to be viewed at all. It’s certainly unlike anything else. And while I don’t wanna jump the boat, much like the 60’s had 2001: A Space Odyssey as a masterpiece to grow up with and absorb and doesn't have any exact answers, The Tree of Life may be this generations masterpiece to grow up with and absorb and dissect for decades.

Tree of Life definitely has that potential - I only hope it continues to gain traction and critical acclaim.

I’m not gonna bother trying to assign a score to this film. How do you score a film like this?

how? by giving it a score.

haha, j/k, I LOVE your rating (or lack thereof). Only a couple of films can be put in the "no rating needed" category

GREAT REVIEW!

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Thats why I brought it up. You and I had a ten page theme dissection of that film. We didnt agree on what it meant, but we both liked it.

I remember that! Good stuff!! We'll have to revisit that. I need to watch it again though. Vague memories are hitting me:

[Show spoiler]I was arguing "garden of eden" in the film had biblical significance, especially with female gender guilt, etc. you said the title and garden name were completely random

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

THE TREE OF LIFE
Written and Directed by: Terrence Malick

Engrossing.

Perplexing.

Thought-provoking.

Extraordinary.

Expanding.

Engaging.

Confusing.

Eyebrow raising.

Absorbing.

Profound.

Not to get too serious and personal for a moment, but as someone who is currently undergoing tests / treatments for what my doctors have labeled as “a possible terminal illness situation”, I found a deeper connection to The Tree of Life than I think I would have had if I was in good health because of the "eternalness" and "mysteries of the universe / life" feel and questions of the film.

[Show spoiler]

Obviously from the title alone, anyone who knows anything knows that the “tree of life” term has a lot of symbolism and meaning to life, death and everything in between. So of course, the film carries that symbolism and message in full force. Not just in humans, but in our spirits, death, nature, animals, existence as a whole, and the cosmic universe as we know it.

It’s impossible to describe The Tree of Life and impossible to describe the feelings received throughout the 133 minute run time.

It’s also, I believe, better to go in not expecting an “end result”. Most films have a story that goes somewhere and tells something. And while The Tree of Life does have a story and message behind it, if you expect the film to logically “end” and conclude the mesmerizing story, you will get angry and antsy quickly, waiting for something to happen. Just calm down and enjoy the journey Malick takes us on.

And by the way, the reason the film starts with a message to “play the film LOUD” it’s because EVERYONE IN THE DAMN FILM WHISPERS REALLY QUIETLY!!!!!!! Seriously, every line of dialogue is hushed in just barely above silence volume.

Which fits the film and doesn’t bug me, just an FYI about that.

I watched the film last night and again today after work. And in a way, I actually wish there was no dialogue in the film, or a way to watch without dialogue. The music is amazing and the silence is deafeningly creepy in a lot of ways and the noises of nature are wonderfully preserved to disc. And the dialogue almost kind of at first took me a bit out of the experience, but on second viewing it didn’t “throw” me off as much.

The music / score / sounds are amazing and so very full and complete. Add in the extraordinary visuals and hypnotic directing (amazing camera movements! ) and you have a real treat for both eyes and ears. And I can only imagine how many people are gonna get really, really, REALLY high and then watch this. For better or worse…

Going back to the whole “don’t expect an end” deal, it fits the film perfectly. There really is no beginning and no middle. The film just… is. It is what it is. Everything connects, everything flows and the journey is something I could have watched for many more hours than the two that are showcased here.

Sean Penn “stars” in this for about 5 minutes.

Brad Pitt gives a startling performance which covers about an hour or so of screen time. I was majorly thrown off by how

[Show spoiler]rigid and tense

he was and how

[Show spoiler]strict

he was with his kids and how this

[Show spoiler]affected them in their childhood

. Some really

[Show spoiler]haunting, tense, hostile

moments with the kids just

[Show spoiler]boiling under the service with anger and fear

for their father and his parenting style left me a little shocked. For some reason, I wasn’t at all expecting that. I was expecting (for some reason) some type of standard family deal, not one where Pitt’s character was so

[Show spoiler]“stand off-ish”

.

I was going to sit here and comment on how many scenes felt like “real life” and made me forget I was watching a movie – particularly the childhood scenes and the swinging camerawork, but honestly, all of the childhood scenes felt real. With such minimal dialogue and kids that may or may not have been acting (in some scenes) it really felt like I was sitting at the dinner table with them, or outside playing fun, childhood games with friends and siblings. Like I was right there with them in every field, running down every street, climbing every tree, learning every lesson about manners and life. So yeah, the directing was good.

I was expecting more

[Show spoiler]dinosaur

scenes. That was kind of sad it only lasted like,

[Show spoiler]5

minutes.

The score is haunting and magical. I wish I could get the score, as it seems the one available on itunes and amazon isn’t quite what we have in the film (disappointing! ) and the score, I believe, makes the film. It adds a supreme level of amazement and jaw-drop ability to the film. Of course, the gorgeous visuals help make this a one-two punch of extreme senses overload.

I can’t wait to watch it again this weekend. And yes, this is a film none of my friends will ever want to watch or could sit through or have any interest in.

To be honest, this is a love it or hate it film. I can easily see why people would hate this. But for those that love it, I’m sure we’ll all have our favorite scenes or a particular moment we like more than others.

In an odd issue some might have is the strong presence of faith and the talk of god and what he means and our questions to him. Being someone who doesn’t believe in religion and finds it incredibly fascinating that people believe with such luster and zest something people hundreds of years ago just… wrote down… about things you cannot see… and cannot back up with facts or logic, I wasn’t annoyed or turned off by the religious “feelings” in the film. But I can see why many would (much like how people freaked about the finale of LOST… ).

Anyways, so yeah. It’s an experience that should be viewed by all – or attempted to be viewed at all. It’s certainly unlike anything else. And while I don’t wanna jump the boat, much like the 60’s had 2001: A Space Odyssey as a masterpiece to grow up with and absorb and doesn't have any exact answers, The Tree of Life may be this generations masterpiece to grow up with and absorb and dissect for decades. I’m also excited and happy that such a film comes along when I’m in my early 20’s, as i can hopefully grow with it. It’s a film I will definitely be keeping and will be interesting to look back on in my 60’s and 70’s (if I live that long).

Because that’s what The Tree of Life kind of is, an experience of life – of all kinds from all vantage points.

I’m not gonna bother trying to assign a score to this film. How do you score a film like this? What does a score even indicate? What does 5/5 mean and how can you make it match the level of scope and scale that the film provides? You can’t. A score is just a number and can’t match or contain the feelings that the film encompasses. So, because of that, the film will not get a score, and maybe no films or shows from now on will, but I can say with a matter of fact, “hey, I love The Tree of Life. It’s an amazing film. And I love it.”

Great review. I can only imagine how scared you must be about the test result, so I hope you get the answer you are looking for.

[Diesel]

Watched Lion King again today

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jvince

I've seen Melancholia, and it is easily the best (true) 2011 release so far. It's for people who like character stories and for those who like the idea of apocalyptic films but hate (or are tired of) the big-budget popcorn flicks that the sub-genre is always presented as. The acting is amazing; I think this will be Dunst's Black Swan, and I'd be very pissed if Gainsbourg doesn't win an award for her performance (I wonder if she'll qualify for Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress since both actresses had equal screen time and importance). The opening sequence is pure brilliance and the final shot will forever be imprinted in my mind. It's amazing stuff, and now it makes me want to watch von Trier's other works (this was the first I've seen from him). I'll see if I can write up a full review later.

Thanks for the feedback. Damn, now i want to see it even more, and its unlikely that it will find a theater near me.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

wow! me like!!!! this is something i definitely missed on my viewing but completely makes sense now. i love the "humans ain't sh!t" theme (or more accurately, as squid put it: don't take yourselves so dang seriously)

Perhaps we have stumbled upon the solution for my life long yearning for the film where we all go bye bye.

Malick makes a beautiful film, Mother Nature takes her planet back, no dialogue, a beautiful score, we witness the last human perish, a happy ending and a new beginning all in one.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I remember that! Good stuff!! We'll have to revisit that. I need to watch it again though. Vague memories are hitting me:

[Show spoiler]I was arguing "garden of eden" in the film had biblical significance, especially with female gender guilt, etc. you said the title and garden name were completely random

We were right in the meat of our battle when you went AWOL. So guess what...I WIN!

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Great review. I can only imagine how scared you must be about the test result, so I hope you get the answer you are looking for.

Speaking of MIA....where have you been? Why no more reviews?