It's amazing how director Terrence Malick manages to bring about a very lyrical way of portraying life and death. A unique war film, unlike others that are jingoistic. The applied technique of multiple narrations perfected the film, something that enables the audience to metaphorically hear both sides of the story. Not every soldier has a thirst for the enemy's blood, but not every soldier is as patriotic as another. Every man definitely fights his own war.

nick_s - How I'd love to live in a world where this was an "averagely well-made war film." In this world, in terms of sheer filmmaking (cinematography, editing, directing, script, etc.) this is one of the greatest war films ever made. You may not like the story being told, or the way it's told - and that's perfectly fine - but in no way is it "averagely well-made."

A rare inside look at war and battle from the hearts of men who lay their lives down in them. Beautiful cinematography and superb acting from a large and mostly underestimated cast, as some of the best performances come from relatively unknown actors. Both tragic and poetic, philosophical and gritty, but never preachy or complacent.
Some will be put off by the length but there's not a wasted scene.