I just had my third viewing of this film. For me this was the most important viewing, because I’ve now seen two other of Malick’s films.

This is a good film. The scenes taking the ridge are beautifully handled. There’s also a beautiful moment in the early scenes where a soldier is talking to a native woman, asking if she is afraid of him. I could watch that over and over.

The cast is filled with huge names. None of which ever get time to shine. I sort of wonder why they bothered to get them for the film. George Clooney might as well have not been in the film at all. I don’t think this is a problem, I also don’t think it’s an advantage.
Nick Nolte is the stand-out in this film, for me. He plays his character perfectly.

The film doesn’t present a large level of danger, but I don’t believe that’s the point. But what the film did do, was send me into thoughts about life after death etc.

Films seldom send me into such serious thought. So for that, I commend Malick.