The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.
Cinematography
John Toll shot paradise and hell simultaneously
Direction
Malick cut Adrien Brody's entire lead role—ruthless king behavior
Score
Hans Zimmer's most underrated, weeping strings over carnage
Director
Terrence Malick
Jim Caviezel
Pvt. Robert Witt
Nick Nolte
Lt. Col. Gordon Tall
Sean Penn
1st Sgt. Edward Welsh
Ben Chaplin
Pvt. Jack Bell
Elias Koteas
Capt. James Staros
John Cusack
Capt. John Gaff
Dash Mihok
Pfc. Don Doll
John C. Reilly
Sgt. Maynard Storm
Woody Harrelson
Sgt. William Keck
Miranda Otto
Marty Bell
Arie Verveen
Pfc. Charlie Dale
Kirk Acevedo
Pvt. Alfredo Tella
Nick Stahl
Pfc. Edward Bead
Thomas Jane
Pvt. Ash
Tim Blake Nelson
Pvt. Brian Tills
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Malick shot over a million feet of film and famously spent two years editing, cutting entire performances from Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Sheen, and Gary Oldman. The studio literally forgot they were waiting for it.
Released the same year as Saving Private Ryan, it was box office roadkill—yet this is the film serious directors steal from. Every 'prestige' war movie since owes its contemplative DNA to Malick's jungle fever dream.
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