In collaboration with PASSIONS, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in PASSIONS Volume 44 in 2011, we present this movie review on The Tree of Life.
Director: Terrence Malick
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain
For those who are looking to escape the CGI-on-steroids Hollywood films deluging the cinemas this time of the year, for a more thought-provoking movie experience – then look no further than The Tree of Life. Recently showered with temporal glory at The Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’ Or, The Tree of Life is Malick’s fifth feature in 38 years. The centre of the film’s universe is Jack O’ Brien (Penn), a middle-aged architect who is haunted by the death, many years earlier, of his younger brother.
The opening scenes of the film take us to Jack’s youth, introducing us to his parents, Mr and Mrs O’Brien (Pitt and Chastain) who allow their grief over the loss of their son to cast a shadow of tragedy over everything in their lives. In light of this, a voice-over ponders existentialism, and the audience is catapulted on a blindingly beautiful journey through Earth’s natural wonders. Thundering clouds, lush forests and vast oceans make their appearances and audiences will be awed by Mother Nature before returning to the O’Briens, in a juxtaposition of human existence and eternity.
