The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life

The experimental storytelling employed in Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life" is so contentious that many theaters, after they saw swaths of walkouts, posted warning signs; even Sean Penn, one of the movie's stars, publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Malick's direction. But regardless of its love-it-or-hate-it nature, "The Tree of Life" is beautiful in its obscurity. Family life throughout the ages is juxtaposed by sweeping panoramic shots to create a sort of narrative of humankind. Sure, it is the type of movie audiences must completely surrender themselves to in order to be rewarded. But if you do, the reward is worthwhile.