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Poster for The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life

Nothing stands still.

2011 · 2h 19m · PG-13 Drama, Fantasy
Directed by Terrence Malick

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Overview

The impressionistic story of a Texas family in the 1950s. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father. Jack finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
84%
Tomatometer
Fresh

This film's rewards are many, for those with the patience to simply let it float.

Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Fresh

In this flawed yet masterful, unforgettable movie, Malick argues that even the tiniest mote can have value. He sees miracles everywhere. You just have to make an effort to see them, too.

Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald
Rotten

Glibly put, this challenging time-skipping rumination is the big screen equivalent of watching that "Tree" grow.

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh

"The Tree of Life" is rooted in human nature but ascends to the infinite mystery. It's a dizzying climb with few footholds for the timid or cynical, but the view from above is heavenly.

Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Fresh

The result actually plays like a divine pronouncement, cosmic in scope and oracular in tone, a cinematic sermon on the mount that shows its creator in exquisite form. Exquisite but frustrating.

Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

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