The Tree of Life (2011) | Rotten Tomatoes (original) (raw)

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Critics Consensus

Terrence Malick's singularly deliberate style may prove unrewarding for some, but for patient viewers, Tree of Life is an emotional as well as visual treat.

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Adam Nayman The Ringer Malick's earnest pretentiousness surely invites derisive laughter. But it also withstands it, and like the ancient evergreen of its title, it towers benevolently over less ambitious movies... Apr 6, 2020 Full Review Amy Taubin Film Comment Magazine The Tree of Life in no way measured up. Aug 27, 2019 Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator Ideally, you would bathe in a film like this without striving to decipher it. As it's a film about what we can't get our heads around, we are probably not meant to get our heads round it. But, even so, it is so audacious it will take your breath away. Aug 31, 2018 Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight There are two distinct films being made here and while the opening frames of The Tree of Life are some of the finest in memory, there’s little in the middle-to-late section of the film worth noting. Rated: 3.5/4 Oct 10, 2023 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review You may not be able to pinpoint with words how it all comes together, but the beauty and power of Malick’s imagery and impressionistic approach to filmmaking convey another ponderous picture, the director’s most ambitious and lyrical work yet. Rated: 4/4 Jun 7, 2023 Full Review James Croot Stuff.co.nz A film that blossoms into a compelling tale of nature versus nurture, which boasts one of Pitt's finest performances and imagery that will take root in your brain for days afterwards. Rated: 4/5 May 24, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Potato p The movie is made for pseudo intelectuals, showing some random imagery from Spore life stages so the runtime gets buffed. The actual story inside this mess is quite good, the characters are all complex and incredibly acted. Sadly, as I said before, the meteor from Spore's intro linda steals the show. 0/10 worst the sims adaptation Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 07/29/24 Full Review Misha C One of the most beautiful film ever produced. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/12/24 Full Review Dan W Possibly one of the worst films I've ever seen. Too slow, very boring, first time I've been at the cinema and seen a number of people walk out, I stayed to the end to see if it would get better, it didn’t. I'd give zero stars if that was an option. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 06/28/24 Full Review Mike B One of if not my favorite film. Hauntingly beautiful somehow with minimal dialogue. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/28/24 Full Review Audience Member Incomprehensible. My wife and daughter and I saw this movie and none of us had any idea what it was about. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 04/08/24 Full Review Jodi Lynne L Very weird. Didn't make sense. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/17/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Synopsis In this highly philosophical film by acclaimed director Terrence Malick, young Jack (Hunter McCracken) is one of three brothers growing up as part of the O'Brien family in small-town Texas. Jack has a contentious relationship with his father (Brad Pitt), but gets along well with his beautiful mother (Jessica Chastain). As an adult, Jack (Sean Penn) struggles with his past and tries to make sense of his childhood, while also grappling with bigger existential issues.

Director

Terrence Malick

Producer

Sarah Green, Bill Pohlad, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Grant Hill

Screenwriter

Terrence Malick

Distributor

Fox Searchlight

Production Co

Cottonwood Pictures

Rating

PG-13 (Some Thematic Material)

Genre

Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

May 27, 2011, Limited

Release Date (Streaming)

Nov 25, 2015

Box Office (Gross USA)

$13.3M

Runtime

2h 18m

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