The Tree of LifeMovie Reviews

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So-so Based on 444 reviews
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Must Go!
Written July 6, 2011
IT'S HUGE.

by Optimism

" TREE OF LIFE dares to offer a divine perspective on tragedy. " writes Dr. Film (Craig Detwieler). Agree. When you see this hugely ambitious movie, you will experience wonder and brain-stretching puzzlement, but, at the last, reconciliation. The 'story' and characters are partially drawn, because this picture is about big answers to universal questions.
Well, well worth it! !!!!! A wonder-filled movie.
- 42 out of 43 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written June 7, 2011
The Tree of Life: A Move from the Ordinary

by nseale81

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.
- 26 out of 34 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written June 6, 2011
Don't waste your time

by Buzmayo

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.
- 18 out of 27 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written May 29, 2011
Tree of Something

by gpress

Best acting by Pitt ever and the kids are great, too. Malick GOT all of that stuff spot on. There is very little dialogue; the wife scarcely speaks. Unless it's her whispering existential doubts to God in the background. Sean Penn basically glowers and looks pained, and isn't present in most of the movie. Now for the bad news - much of the run time is taken up by more or less pretty, interesting pictures of celestial events (lifted from an IMAX of a few years back?) with sonorous choruses, some volcano eruption shots, some peaceful forests with -even - a fairly cute dinosaur. But all of this doesn't add up to a whom movie that matches the performance of Pitt and the incite of Malick's direction of him and the boys. It's sad. About 1 minute before the film ended when I saw it, a number of people in the audience laughed. When yet another shot of cosmic explosions appeared, someone else groaned, "Oh, God."
Definitely not for kids.
- 15 out of 23 found this review helpful.
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No
Written February 19, 2012
Just Didn't Get It - Didn't Like It

by jljeje

I put the time & effort in this one, but it just didn't come together, after hanging with it til the bitter end.

Sure, some Discovery type scenes but not enough story & too much visual abstract. For me, it was one of the those type movies that you just keep watching because you think SOMETHING is about to happen, that turns this into an Okay movie.

Just a waste of time.
- 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written January 25, 2012
The Tree of Life

by David19631963

I love to watch movies, I watch them all, foreign, independent, as well as good old american films. Now, The Tree of Life should be renamed to the Tree of Crap! This is the WORST MOVIE EVER!!!! Do not waste your time or money going to see this movie. It was extremely painful to watch. This movie is a great example of why you can not trust the critics reviews. They all raved about how great this movie is. I feel like I was tricked into spending 3 hours watching this garbage, believe me, that is exactly what this is GARBAGE!!!
- 9 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written February 5, 2012
Three things I have never done

by ljo1226

1. This is the first time I have ever written a review about a movie. This movie is so bad that i felt i had to write a review to warn others. Watching this movie made me angry, frustrated, gave me palpitations, and and overwhelimg feeling of nausea which I imagine would surpass that of the feeling of swallowing ones own vomit.
2. I have never been suicidal, but after about 30 minutes of this movie I wanted to take my own life, and by the end of the movie I was on the phone with a suicide hotline. The only people who could like this movie are the artsy types who have done so many drugs in the past that thier brains are fried and they think that a bunch of silence and whispering makes something deep and "psychologically insightful".
3. I have never turned off a movie before finding out the ending....never, but I didn't care how it ended. Complete garbage and complete waste of time. First time I have seen a movie with brad pitt that I didn't like.
- 8 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written August 26, 2011
GREAT CONCEPT - BAD EXECUTION

by LDaven

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.
- 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written May 29, 2011
Agony

by Todd607

Do not go to this movie. If you go you will be sorry. Sit on the end of the row so you can leave after the first ten minutes. It does not get any better. Trust me.
- 17 out of 29 found this review helpful.
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Go
Written June 25, 2011
Tree of Life

by cj5eng

Film explores creation, evolution down to slice of everyday life in small town America in the 50s as well as a glimpse of afterlife, which is an epic experience. Be prepared for limited dialogue, appreciate the visuals and embrace post film reflections on life.
- 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written April 23, 2012
The Tree of Life

by smos2022

This is an extraordinary film! Very moving, visually stunning and the music captures and enhances what's happening in the scenes. It also captures the essence of childhood the way "To Kill a Mockingbird" did. I loved it and highly recommend seeing it.
- 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written December 12, 2011
The Tree of Life

by wob9340

Malick [like David Mamet] is a Director whom moviegoers either Love or Hate. This film must be viewed with an open mind. Chances are that you will note similarities to the childhoods [and Adult] lives of friends and/or relatives. And, it should make you question your own existence plus interpersonal relationships. I liked the film.
- 6 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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No
Written February 5, 2012
Just read the synopsis - pass on watching the film!

by Bbtrs

I did watch most if this movie On Demand but would have had no clue what the hell was going on or the true significance if I hadn't read the prior movie plot synopsis. My husband fell asleep even though I was fast forwarding through all the boring Discovery Channel or nature show filler scenes. You have to wait almost an hour or more into the film before any dialogue occurs. The concept of the movie is fine but, Dear God!, it didn't have to be torturous to endure.
- 6 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written February 23, 2012
disappointing.

by ithrah

while this film is unbelievably beautiful it lacks originality. i began to question whether or not this was on purpose. that is not good. i simply was not surprised either by the symbolism (which seemed obvious) or the story (which i kept hoping would surprise me). The Thin Red Line is one of my all-time favorite films so it is possible that i was expecting way too much. at any rate, this film is well worth the two hours and two bucks but do not expect to be shocked or moved. i still love you terrence.
- 13 out of 23 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written June 1, 2011
Confusing and Confused

by parsonsdavid

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.
- 20 out of 38 found this review helpful.
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