The Tree of Life [Blu-ray]

Excellent, natural acting performances, especially from the children. However I found the film to be utterly pretentious, spoiling what could have been an excellent film. The tree of life theme seems contrived, absurd even, with the first 20 minutes of the film becoming increasingly irritating and terious, and the last 15 the same. In between, there is so much disjointed jumping between past and present, and from scene to scene, that any potential the film might have had was lost. The last 5 minutes, if they had been preceded by a consistent story line and the acting quality that was present throughout, would have been very special. Such a pity. Such a waste. That's just one person's opinion.

I put off watching this film for years as the reviews were incredibly mixed. I wondered if the film would be too preachy and pretentious. On the other hand I wondered if I was missing out. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of my favourite films of all time and I had heard that Tree of Life contained a sequence very similar to the style of the Stargate sequence in Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece. So curiosity got the better of me and I bought the DVD and sat down to watch it one night....Oh the disappointment! To be fair the film starts off quite ok. I was intrigued by the aforementioned sequence and my mind was filled with philosophical wonders. Great! This film may be quite good after all! Then the 1950’s American family became the predominant focus. I patiently followed the plot and then I checked the time and wondered where it was all going. Eventually I got so bored that I hit the fast forward button and got to the ending. Oh dear. Without any spoilers all I will say is that my initial apprehension towards the film was fully justified. I stopped the film, put in back in it’s cover and swiftly disposed of it in my recycle bin. I don’t think I had every seen anything so shamelessly preachy, pretentiously superficial and nauseating in all my life. My advice would be to avoid this at all costs but if like me you have a strong element of curiosity then at least get it as cheaply as possible. You have been warned.

Terence Malick is America's greatest living film-maker. This film (like much of his recent work) is as much a work of philosophy -- or more precisely, theology -- as it is a "movie" (in the standard sense of the word). The Tree of Life is the best of Malick's recent output. Those with an interest in theology should find it thought provoking at the very least. A remarkable achievement.

I really didn’t enjoy this film much apart from the photography. There’s nowhere near enough story or substance to justify its length and I was so relieved when it was all over. I really like Sean Penn but he was totally wasted here. This film clearly polarises people so I say give it a go and make your own mind up. You may totally disagree with my opinion.

If I could give it half a star I would. I understand the message of the film and the implications. I dislike the direction, production, editing, audio and structure of the film. For anyone that does not wish to wait until everything is explained it is a brain melted, as well as an eye sore and ear sore. 3 wonderful actors (providing great performances, as you would expect) and an intriguing concept, ruined by terrible directorial and production choices..... such a shame.

It's very spiritual, and very dream like. It does not follow cinematic convention. It is almost book like in the manner that you could have 100,000 people watch this film and interpret it differently. It requires your interpretation and participation in the narrative. Terrence Malick doesn't patronise the viewer. It is so difficult to capture and evoke spiritual themes within film but I think he achieves it. His ambition alone should be applauded.

Didn't like it, The camera seems to have no compassion for the heroes, would call it filming with a cold eye. In my opinion there is an invisible layer between the heroes and viewer, which doesn't let me connect with them. Still can appreciate the beauty of its cinematography, however it seems cold as well.

Would have made a great photo album but cannot decide if it wants to be a documentary about evolution or a family squabble-drama. So much talent misfiring here, both Pitt and Penn miscast. If it is meant to be secretly Qabalistic, you got me there guys, not seeing it. Definitely art house and way weirder than David Lynch, whose work I do find satisfying.