Review: The Tree of Life (2011)

Hello everyone, today I am going to do a little review about the film "The Tree of Life" (2011).

"The Tree of Life" is a 2011 American film written and directed by Terrence Malick. The cast is composed by Brad Pitt (Mr. O'Brien), Jessica Chastain (Mrs. O'Brien), Sean Penn (Jack O'Brien), and Hunter McCracken as young Jack. 


The story of the film consists in a lot of raccontos or flashback -whatever you prefer- of an adult Jack. Who reflect on his childhood, the death of one of his brothers in Vietnam and the creation of the universe. So, the film is an epic, existential journey through the cosmos and his creation. 

Nonetheless, is easy to fool yourself thinking that this film is an all out war epic. Where there are a lot of gigantic set pieces and battles. Especifically, the feature film is an experimental drama recorded, most of the time, with a camera on the shoulder. Also, It is important to say that the film is very long. Approximately, a total of 139 minutes. But, in my humble opinion, this is not a problem. Because, the rhythm is constant and fluid.

The visual effects are out of this world. They are easily comparable with the magnificent film "2001: A Space Odyssey". The sequence of the origin of the universe, is one of the best sequences of cinema that I have ever see. Everytime I see it, I get a big smile on my face. 

In adittion, the soundtrack is beautiful, and is well put together with the scenes that are transcurring in front of you. For example, "Lacrimosa" by Zbigniew Preisner, transform the sequence of the origin of the cosmos in something worthy to observe. Also, the soundtrack composed by Alexandre Desplat is formidable.

The cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki is awesome and thought-provoking. Every frame is well put together and give you a sense of belonging. Also, there is a great importance in the close-ups of the faces of the actors. The cinematography is not a big surprise if we have in mind other films directed by Terrence Malick, for example, Days of Heaven (1978). Which, is considered by many, like one of the most beautiful films of all times.

In other sense, the cast is very good. Brad Pitt is superb as the strict father of Jack, and Hunter McCracken have a strange aura that make him stand out from the others child actors. If we get inside the themes of the film, Mr. O'Brien (Brad Pitt), represents Nature in the sense of that oppressive force that would crush others for his own survival. Meanwhile, Mrs. O'Brien (Jessica Chastain), represents Grace. Figure that is associated with kindness.

In conclusion, "The Tree of Life" is one of the best films that I have ever see. The movie have all the things that make your film a classic: an extraordinary cinematography and visual effects, a great cast and a beautiful soundtrack. I recommend this film to everyone who want to sit for 3 hours and reflect about the meaning of life. But, It is important to say, that is not a film for everyone.

I hope that you enjoyed this review. I would like to read your comments. Tell me if you had seen this film or if you plan to see it in some point of your life. Please, share your comments.


Comments

  1. Flavio PassiMay 28, 2021 at 4:06 PM

    very interesting review, I'll add this movie to my list

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diego Ortiz LoaizaMay 29, 2021 at 4:54 PM

      Great! I hope you don't get dissapointed. Considering all the propaganda that I did

      Delete
  2. Darlyn SanhuezaMay 28, 2021 at 5:26 PM

    WOw, I did not know this movie, it sounds interesting, one day I hope to see it...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beltran B.May 28, 2021 at 6:39 PM

    Hello Diego.
    A long time ago a friend told me about this movie, but after that I forgot it completely. I think I should give it a opportunity. Nice review.

    ReplyDelete
  4. valentina frómetaMay 29, 2021 at 6:35 AM

    The movie seems pretty interesting, I'm definitely adding it to my "to watch" list.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nico GajardoMay 29, 2021 at 4:57 PM

    I really love this movie, I think it's very underrated!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diego Ortiz LoaizaMay 30, 2021 at 10:36 AM

      Me too! I think that Terrence Malick is well loved by the specilized critic (for example, Roger Ebert) but is the mainstream public that don't know about him. This is also something reasonable, considering that his films are very unique and don't have a very well structured narrative. He tend to create the films in the post-production process. So, in ocasions he eliminates parts of narrative that would, maybe, help to the general audience.

      Delete
  6. Sebastián Carrillo B.May 30, 2021 at 9:18 PM

    After read your review of this movie i really need to see it! it sounds like a very nice plan with a pizza and a soda jejej

    ReplyDelete

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