Guadalcanal, 1942. An Eden turned inferno. The air hangs thick and heavy, a suffocating blanket woven with the scent of rot and the promise of death. Lush green hills rise sharply, hiding unseen enemies, whispering tales of a war that has consumed the world. Private Robert Witt, a deserter returned to the fold, finds himself wading ashore, the tranquility of his past life a distant memory. First Sergeant Edward Welsh, hardened by years of service and disillusionment, barks orders, his voice a rasp against the symphony of the jungle. Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Tall, ambitious and ruthless, sees this island, this war, as his path to glory, a stage upon which he will carve his name. And Private Jack Bell, haunted by a love left behind, searches for meaning amidst the chaos, clinging to hope as the thin red line between sanity and madness begins to fray.
Movie Overview
| Title | The Thin Red Line |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1998-12-23 |
| Runtime | 171 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, History, War |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Jim Caviezel | Pvt. Robert Witt |
| Ben Chaplin | Pvt. Jack Bell |
| Dash Mihok | Pfc. Don Doll |
| Woody Harrelson | Sgt. William Keck |
| Nick Nolte | Lt. Col. Gordon Tall |
| Sean Penn | 1st Sgt. Edward Welsh |
| John Cusack | Capt. John Gaff |
| Adrien Brody | Cpl. Geoffrey Fife |
| John Travolta | Brig. Gen. David Quintard |
| Jared Leto | 2nd Lt. William Whyte |
| George Clooney | Capt. Charles Bosche |
| Elias Koteas | Capt. James Staros |
| John C. Reilly | Sgt. Maynard Storm |
| John Dee Smith | Pvt. Edward Train |
| Kirk Acevedo | Pvt. Alfredo Tella |
| Mark Boone Junior | Pvt. Christopher Peale |
| Matt Doran | Pvt. Howard Coombs |
| Paul Gleeson | 1st Lt. George “Brass” Band |
| Don Harvey | Sgt. Paul Becker |
| Arie Verveen | Pfc. Charlie Dale |
| Thomas Jane | Pvt. Ash |
| Donal Logue | Marl (uncredited) |
| John Savage | Sgt. Jack McCron |
| Nick Stahl | Pfc. Edward Bead |
| Miranda Otto | Marty Bell |
| Tim Blake Nelson | Pvt. Brian Tills |
| Larry Romano | Pvt. Frank Mazzi |
| Penelope Allen | Witt’s Mother |
| Danny Hoch | Pvt. Leonardo Carni |
| Benjamin Green | Melanesian Villager |
| Simon Billig | Lt. Col. Billig |
| Jarrod Dean | Cpl. Thorne |
| Travis Fine | Pvt. Weld |
| David Harrod | Cpl. Queen |
| Don Harvey | Sgt. Becker |
| Michael McGrady | Pvt. Floyd |
| Stephen Spacek | Cpl. Jenks |
| Steven Vidler | 2nd Lt. Gore |
| Will Wallace | Pvt. Hoke |
| Todd Wallace | Pilot |
| Simon Westaway | First Scout |
| Dan Wyllie | Medic #1 |
| Randall Craig | Navy Gunner (uncredited) |
| Kick Gurry | (uncredited) |
| Randall Duk Kim | Nisei Interpreter (uncredited) |
| Darrin Klimek | (uncredited) |
| Dane Moreton | Pvt. Alexander (uncredited) |
| Ray Samuelson | Navy Soldier (uncredited) |
| Justin Ward | Navy Soldier (uncredited) |
| Felix Williamson | Private Drake (uncredited) |
| Norman Patrick Brown | Pvt. Henry |
| Sam Arnold | Sgt Mitchell (uncredited) |
Storyline
In the throes of the Guadalcanal Campaign, “C-for-Charlie” Company endures the brutal realities of World War II, their journey a stark portrayal of human endurance and the psychological toll of combat. Private Robert Witt, a soulful and introspective soldier, struggles to reconcile the beauty of nature with the savage acts he witnesses, seeking solace in memories of simpler times. As the company navigates the island’s dense jungle and fortified ridges, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Tall, driven by ambition and haunted by past failures, relentlessly pushes his men toward a seemingly insurmountable objective, often clashing with Captain James Staros, a compassionate leader who prioritizes his men’s lives over strategic gains. Amidst the chaos, Private Jack Bell yearns for a return to his wife, his letters a poignant reminder of the life he desperately hopes to reclaim, while Sergeant William Keck, hardened by years of service, grapples with the moral compromises he must make to survive and keep his men alive. The relentless fighting exposes the raw nerves and vulnerabilities of each soldier, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and question the purpose of their sacrifices, until the survivors, forever scarred, are finally evacuated, carrying the weight of their experiences and the ghosts of those left behind, their understanding of life irrevocably altered by the thin red line between sanity and madness, survival and oblivion.
Details
Set against the lush, yet unforgiving backdrop of Guadalcanal during World War II, “The Thin Red Line” is a profound meditation on war, nature, and the human condition, following C-for-Charlie Company as they navigate the brutal realities of combat. The film eschews typical war movie tropes, instead focusing on the inner lives and philosophical struggles of its soldiers as they grapple with violence and the loss of innocence. Private Robert Witt, played by Jim Caviezel, a sensitive soul adrift in the chaos, searches for meaning amidst the bloodshed, questioning the nature of good and evil, while dodging duty alongside his mate, Private Jack Bell, played by Ben Chaplin, who is struggling with his love back home. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Tall, portrayed by Nick Nolte, a career-driven officer hungry for advancement, ruthlessly commands his men, embodying the ambition and detached brutality of war. In contrast, 1st Sergeant Edward Welsh, played by Sean Penn, cynicism masks a deeper weariness with the endless conflict. Their journey intertwines with that of Private Don Doll, portrayed by Dash Mihok, each man forced to confront his own mortality and the inherent savagery within himself and the world around them as the men under the command of Sergeant William Keck, played by Woody Harrelson, fight to stay alive. The film explores themes of camaraderie, the psychological toll of war, and the search for spiritual meaning in the face of unimaginable horror, challenging viewers to contemplate the essence of humanity amidst the brutality of war.
FAQs
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What is “The Thin Red Line” about?
It’s a war drama focusing on a company of US Army soldiers, C-for-Charlie, during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II, exploring their experiences, struggles, and personal transformations.
When was “The Thin Red Line” released?
The movie was released on December 23, 1998.
What genres does “The Thin Red Line” belong to?
It falls into the genres of Drama, History, and War.
Who directed “The Thin Red Line”?
The film was directed by Terrence Malick.
Who are some of the main actors in “The Thin Red Line”?
The cast includes Jim Caviezel, Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Ben Chaplin, and George Clooney, among many others.
What is the runtime of “The Thin Red Line”?
The film has a runtime of 171 minutes.
What was the budget for “The Thin Red Line”?
The film had a budget of 52 million USD.
What was the revenue generated by “The Thin Red Line”?
The movie grossed approximately 98.1 million USD.
On what battle is “The Thin Red Line” based?
The film is based on the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II.
Is “The Thin Red Line” based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the novel of the same name by James Jones.
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