I was watching Terrence Malick’s under-appreciated war epic The Thin Red Line the other day, and came across what I believe to be one of the most beautiful juxtapositions in film history.

Following a group of US soldiers as they engage Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, the film engages in a philosophical exploration of the depth of humanity. With one of its overall messages being that whilst we are capable of great evil, so too, are we capable of equally great good.

This is made perfectly clear by Malick in the film’s conclusion, where, as shots of the devastation of war fill the screen, he contrasts the visual with the hauntingly innocent sound of Melanesian choirs singing a piece titled ‘Jisas Yu Holem Hand Blom Mi’.

Note the songs particular focus on sopranos and altos, creating atmospheric tones of joy and innocent.

 

When it’s contrasted with these dark images,  a beautiful exploration of humanity is created. One thing I loved about this film was it’s openness, Malick understands that the ideas he is discovering are impossible to truly find an answer too, so he simply shows humanity how it is, infinite in its ethical possibilities.