The Thin Red Line is a 1998 American war film written and directed by Terrence Malick. The film is an adaptation of James Jones’ autobiographical 1962 novel, focusing on the conflict at Guadalcanal during World War II. It stars Kirk Acevedo, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, and Adrien Brody amongst others.
The soundtrack was composed by multiple Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, with additional music by John Powell. Zimmer was inspired to make use of Asian instruments for this score, including the Shakuhachi and the Koto. It also features a Melanesian choral song performed by the Choir of All Saints from Honiara (“God Yu Tekem Laef Blong Mi”). The movie was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including the Oscar for Best Music (Original Dramatic Score). The soundtrack won the award for Best Original Score at the Satellite Awards.
