Thin Red Line, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -2 1/2

During the World War II battle on the Pacific island of Guadacanal, Army Rifle company Charlie suffered great losses in the capture of "hill 210". This unique war film explores the transition of a group of soldiers as the horrors of war bring them together creating a sense of family and brotherhood. Centered around no particular character, the film follows the relationships, fears, heroic efforts and shortcomings of the men as they attempt to survive. As the battle continues, Captain James Staros (Elias Koteas), the commander of Charlie Company, struggles with sending his men to their deaths. This eventually leads to a conflict between Captain Staros and the higher-ranking Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Tall (Nick Nolte). Filled with several well-known actors like Sean Penn, George Clooney, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson and many others, THIN RED LINE will most likely do well at the box office. But those expecting a typical war film may be surprised to find this to be more of a character study.

The soldiers demonstrating sincere religious beliefs before and during battle is commendable. The film is filled with many intense battles as the riflemen rout out the Japanese dug into the strategic island. And although this film has its share of shootings and stabbings, the severity of the violence is considerably subdued in comparison to Spielberg's recent SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. But some may find several instances of native islander nudity in the film, including brief full frontal male, female beast and childs rear nudity, to be offensive. However, the most objectionable element is the massive amounts of crudities, obscenities and profanities. Although foul language was undoubtedly used on World War II battle fields, we feel the Lord's name should never be taken in vain neither in real life nor on the big screen. It deserves to be held in reverence in all instances. Some would argue that the 14 obscenities and these many crudities are merely depicting historical accuracy, but we feel that realism does not justify the 21 regular profanities found in the dialogue.

Preview Reviewer: Rik Wyrick
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Las Angeles, CA, 90035