Saving Private Ryan (Special Limited Edition)

The storyline is absolutely ludicrous. I can't believe the military would take one of its best commanders and eight other soldiers and send them behind enemy lines on what amounts to a suicide mission because they feel sorry for a little old lady who lost three of her sons. Especially at such a critical point in the war. This is pure Hollywood fantasy. The films depicton of military life and soldiers about to enter battle is similarly unbelievable. No one ever utters a profanity, and people say heroic things before going into battle. Spielberg's direction is at times as heavyhanded and maudlin as Frank Capra at his worst.

That said, it's certainly not a bad film. It does portray the brutality of battle as no other film ever has before. Not quite a classic though.


A glimpse into history. Cannot recommend too highly.   September 20, 2001
No one of consequence (Maineville, Ohio)
As an amateur WWII historian, this movie was a rare and wonderful opportunity to peek into the past and get a realistic glimpse of what D-Day was like for those on Omaha Beach. Spielberg does a masterful job of portraying the unbridled horror of the beach assault, which in itself is a must-see for every American. It's a great reminder of the price which has been paid to preserve basic human liberties.

From a historical perspective, it was great to see the director's attention to some minute details for the sake of authenticity. The uniforms, the equipment and the general tenor of the movie were indeed realistic and convincing. No doubt a great deal of research went into this production.

I only give it four stars, however, because in other historical areas, it is lacking. The main example is the depiction of the first wave on Omaha managing to not only get off the beach but clear the German defenses. This simply did not happen in reality. Additionally, the general story line, although based loosely on a true account, was given an ample dose of "Hollywood," and thus was a little weaker from a historical perspective than I would have liked.

Nevertheless, the overall movie experience is, in my opinion, better than any other for depicting D-Day in all its awfulness. Well done, Mr. Spielberg.


WOW   September 19, 2001
Shawn M. Warswick (El Paso, Tx United States)
What else can I say about Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg's masterpiece about the D-Day invasion of Normandy? This film represents the pinnacle not only of war movies, but of film making in my opinion. The characters are memorable, the cinematography is amazing, the direction is right on, and the actor's all deliver with performances that are nothing short of perfect.

First let's talk about the cinematography. It's wonderful. The shots are all reminiscent of Life Magazine and the original images of the invasion. This, however, is just where it begins. Spielberg, ever the perfectionist, and his cinematographer (Janusz Kaminski) use a first person perspective of shaky camera's to put the viewer right in the middle of the battle. Whether it's on the beach, or pinned down in the middle of a french village, the viewer certainly feels as if he is there with those soldiers.

The script itself was a wonderful story. The idea that you would risk a few to bring out one man because he is the last of four children is powerful. .... The sacrifice these men made for one was selfless and honorable. The writers certainly captured the spirit of what is being called "The Greatest Generation."

As for the actors, well, they were amazing. Tom Hanks is certainly the best actor of this time period and he proves it with this performance. Tom Sizemore is excellent as the competent and battle hardened sergeant. Barry Pepper delievers the performance of a lifetime as the religious sniper and Giovanni Ribisi's performance as a soulfull medic makes me wonder why he accepts such [bad] parts in movies like Mod Squad (to name just one of his many horrible movie choices).

In short, this movie was robbed when it lost out to Shakespeare in Love and is one of the greatest movies ever made. If you don't own in on DVD then you need to buy it NOW!!


One Of Hollywood's Greatest Accomplishments   September 19, 2001
Barry
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Saving Private Ryan is a masterpiece of filmmaking and storytelling. Steven Spielberg proves once again that he is head and shoulders above everybody else. The first 20 minutes or so of the film is some of the rawest, most gripping, most brutal piece of film ever filmed. It's tough to watch, and definitley not for everyone. The rest of the film is the same way. The war scenes are as real as real could get. You'll feel like you were right there. The sound is the greatest sound I've experienced in watching a film. The bulletts sound as if they were whizzing right by your ear. It is phenomenal. This isn't an entertaining movie. It's not a good time. It's not something you can watch over and over. This movie is very brilliant and highly educational. It's important for everybody to see this film. Especially younger people. This is real. This is history. There are moments of this film that will haunt you for a very long time. There is only one moment in the film that sorta ruins it. It's a scene where a German passes an American on the steps after killing one of his fellow soldiers. The German, with gun in hand, just looks at the American and keeps walking. That part is Hollywood. Thankfully, it was the only part. The cast is incredibly good. Tom Hanks is phenomenal. Matt Damon is good, but he could've been given a better part. There's a rather odd cameo by Ted Danson halfway through the film. What's Sam Malone doing there?. This is a very special, important film. You need to watch this. I'm not guaranteeing that you will have a great viewing time. It's not that kind of movie. Just watch it and have the great feeling afterwards that you've seen it. You'll be a better person for it. Pure brilliance.