Review of Saving Private Ryan (1998) by Ethan H — 16 Nov 2013

Even though he rarely writes screenplays there is no denying that Steven Spielberg is one of the best filmmakers in cinema history. This film is a perfect example of just how.

Brilliant the man really is. Many film critics and military experts argue back and forth about which films give a realistic portrayal when it comes to war. There have been many films that have depicted the Normandy D-Day invasion such as The Longest Day and The Big Red One. Those films are classics in their own right, but with all due respect they do not come close to this film especially when it comes to the battle scenes. In just a few minutes after the film begins we are plunged into a ruthless carnage of destruction and death as members of the 2nd Ranger Battalion and 29th Infantry Division struggle to take the heavily defended Dog Green Sector of Omaha Beach during the Normandy D-Day invasion. In these twenty minutes alone we witness dozens of men being cut down by machine guns, mortars, snipers, and land mines even in the most random and unexpected moments of the scene. This film comes closer to actual war than any other previous war film. If you don't believe me ask some actual veterans who were there. When this film was released in theaters many combat veterans had to leave because of the gruesomely realistic battle scene at the beginning of the film. The story shows you why these men were called the greatest generation. They often risked life and limb for each other while fighting a ruthless enemy. This is one of the best films I have seen and this is also my favorite film of all time. This is a must see for those who support our troops.