Focused specifically on the battle of Guadalcanal, the film explored how the horrors of war forced a group of young soldiers into a tight-knit group developing resilient bonds of love and family. Unsurprisingly the film received much critical acclaim and was nominated for numerous awards.

The New World (2005)
 
Recently hailed as one of the best films of this decade, The New World used over a million feet of film, with three different versions, of varying length, released. Malick began writing the screenplay for this film in the 1970s but was only given the opportunity to produce it after funding for another film fell through.

The New World features a romantic and vibrant interpretation of the eminent story of John Smith and Pocahontas.

Akin to all of Malick’s previous pieces of work it was a period piece set in America; a winning formula that he seems wildly reluctant to discard. Despite receiving mixed reviews during its theatrical run, it was still nominated for an Oscar for best cinematography.

The Tree of Life (2011)
 

The latest of Malick’s instalments is just as highly anticipated as his previous work, perhaps even more so. Rumours suggest that he began writing the screenplay immediately after the release of Days of Heaven, the results of which present an intricate script coupled with beautiful and awe-inspiring imagery.

A trademark Malick masterpiece, The Tree of Life is an impressionistic story of a 1950’s Midwestern family, following the life journey of the eldest son, Jack (Sean Penn), through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father (Brad Pitt).

It premiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival where it won the coveted Palme d'Or. The Tree of Life is due for its much anticipated UK release on July 8th.

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