The truth is frightening

Rating: 10/10 (3 August 1998)

Usually I'm pretty reluctant to see movies at a friend's recommendation- -they're so built up by the time I actually see them and I'm rather disappointed. However, there is no way that anyone can be prepared for the effects of this film, and I was certainly NOT disappointed. There is no way that anyone can accurately describe what this movie contains--the people it portrays, the senses and sounds it illustrates, and the emotions that it evokes. It is true that this film is frighteningly realistic; it's certainly not for the faint of heart. However, it is still only a film, and it delivers only a mere FRACTION of what our veterans experienced in the horrors of battle. This is one of the most horrifying yet fascinating and moving films that I have ever seen in my life.
Saving Private Ryan is a very emotionally disturbing movie in terms of seeing the too real horrors of war on the silver screen because Hollywood is usually shiny, happy and perfect. In a way it's a bit ironic that something so horrible can appear in such compact form. It's not supposed to be real, and it's supposed to comfort us--isn't that what show business is about? This movie didn't do that. I almost became ill at some of the scenes. Merely sitting in an air-conditioned theatre with Dolby Digital Surround Sound watching this film was a bit nerve-racking, I must say. Imagine what real war must be like.
While watching this movie, I felt sickened with paralyzing fear at the thoughts of war, being wounded, and dying in battle; in my mind's eye, I imagined my friends and I in the same situation. I simply couldn't fathom it, nor will I ever. I thank the powers that be for the men and women who did suffer through those battles. I thank the men and women who died for me, who died for my family, and who died for my friends. I thank the soldiers who serve today, who keep the rest of us safe so that we don't have to go into battle ourselves.
It's films like Saving Private Ryan that give me a hundred times more respect for the armed forces. This is the film that gives us a glimpse of what we normally don't see or experience. This is the film everybody should see to gain insight into how lucky we civilians really are. This is the film about horrifying truth and enlightening respect and understanding. I guess that's what Hollywood can be about, too.
Thank you,
Piriya
Minister of Propaganda
"And praise will come to those whose kindness leaves you without debt, and bends the shape of things to come that haven't happened yet." - Neil Finn