The Tree of Life: Malick's magic or self-referential pretension taken to new extremes?

Last night I went to see Terrence Malick's Palm D'Or winning fifth film, The Tree of Life. I must first say two things. Firstly, this is a film with many flaws and incongruous ideas. However, it is also, undeniably, a film of such scope and affecting fragility that I was constantly fascinated and do truly believe it to be a wonderful film. The reasons, on reflection, I feel so strongly about this film are in its crafting of a sensory and emotional experience that I feel could not be replicated in any other art medium.

    A film of such complexity, scope and critical praise will surely face its fair share of a backlash but with this one I will stand firmly with its massive acclaim. Though I feel it has flaws, many of which may well sprout from Malick's personal, perhaps obsessive, vision over his project, I still cannot help but feel that the film is honest. I also believe that Malick did not compromise his sizable and optimistic musings on the fabric of life, creation, nature, grace and quite possibly dozens of other themes.    

This will surly be a film I continue to reflect on and will upload a more expansive reflection on the film. possibly once I have see it for a second time. If anyone has seen it let me know your feelings on it or if you've read a contradicting or complimenting post or article on this film. 

First Post: Most under-rated Film from a certain director or star

To keep in theme with my first background my number one under-rated gem would have to be:


1. Rumble Fish (Francis Ford Coppola, 1983)

2. Valhalla Rising (Nicolas Winding Refn, 2009)

3. The Machinist (Brad Anderson, 2004)

4. Eastern Promises (David Cronenberg, 2007)

5. JCVD (Mabrouk El Mechri, 2008)

If you do see this, are there any more? what do you think of these if you've seen them?