After 20 years in the film-making wilderness, Terrence Malick released this belated third feature - a magnificent account of the Second World War battle for Guadalcanal island in the South Pacific. Based on James Jones's novel of the same name, first filmed in 1964, it's a long, discursive and deeply philosophical evocation of war, beautifully shot by John Toll. Although the film boasts an all-star cast, big names such as John Travolta and George Clooney make only brief appearances, though Sean Penn as a cynical sergeant and Nick Nolte as an uncompromising lieutenant colonel make deeper impressions. The principal role, however, goes to the then-little-known Jim Caviezel as Private Witt, the nonconformist and idealist who seems completely at one with the tropical surroundings, while British actor Ben Chaplin gives a convincing performance as the ordinary Joe who dreams of his wife back home. But it is Malick himself who provides the real star turn with his extraordinary direction. This is a modern masterpiece.

The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.