Two great actors -- Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. One doesn't utter a single word on screen in the entire film. The message of the film? It's anyone's guess and I wish someone would explain it to me. (1) "Abusive father with submissive wife spawns abusive kid." (2) "Live by grace, not by nature" (What in the world that means is anyone's guess) (3) "Operatic soundtrack and surreal views of the universe needed a remake after the ending scene of 2001: A Space Odessey" (4) It must speak to you spiritually, because it certainly doesn't do it in a straightforward way. (5) Guess who dies and who Sean Penn plays; because it's barely clear at the end.

The concept of the movie - the evolution of mankind (nature) versus the spiritual evolution of man -understanding and forgiveness (grace)- is a very complex theme. But it is a difficult concept to portray in a movie. The movie tries to create an "experience" of a soul's consciousness. On the screen, it becomes a whispering voice(s) viewing excerpts of its previous life, including its consciousness and evolution of man. The soul understands by seeing its connection to everyone and the shared struggles, where spiritual growth comes from this understanding and embracing others who have hurt us through love and forgiveness. However, the reality was that it is painfully slow to watch for those who don't get it and those who do. There is nothing to keep you engaged - a visual ADHD experience . It is like watching a film clip of flowers growing and blooming. It is amazing at high speed, but painful if you had to actually sit and watch yourself.

Yes... The cinematography was stunning. Having said that, I hated the movie. Only the very artsy or very insecure will enjoy this film. I was left feeling like the boy in the fable who was compelled to cry out, "the king has no clothes!". The fame & beauty of the actors combined w/ the masterful way that the film was put together tried to pull me into the orbit of 'agreement' that this really was a great movie. I was able to exit that field of gravity and admit that the film was, indeed, terrible. I'm certain that other reviewers will describe the movie w/ words & phrases like "important" or "highly artistic". In truth, the film seemed to promise "Life" and was completely unable to deliver.

This movie seems to be polarizing. Some people love it - others hate it. I found it a unique and refreshing change from most movies of the day. It tackles big questions... and doesn't entirely answer them, but perhaps that is its purpose. Some may find it pretentious, others may find it moving. Undoubtedly, after watching this film you will have an opinion. But in the midst of the viewing, take time to wrestle with the important existential questions that this film unearths. In my opinion, it is this wrestling that Terrence Malick (the director) intends to evoke. Regardless, everyone should see the movie, if only to experience a film that is a move from the ordinary.