Remarkable War Movie with a Message

Rating: 9/10 (17 March 2005)

A close Russian friend, a one-time tank commander, made me think seriously about this movie. He said, "The first 20 minutes of 'Saving Private Ryan' make all other war movies look foolish." He then continued, "For example, that Hollywood movie 'Memphis Belle' is so silly." Well, I happen to think 'Memphis Belle' is a good movie. And I must say that Spielberg copied the "Hollywood" war-movie style of Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove".
Technical issues or even realism aside, the underlying message of "Saving Private Ryan" is so strong, so well-put, and so human, that in my view it defies objection. I have wandered too many war cemeteries to think otherwise. "All Quiet on the Western Front" is also a good war movie but it makes the case for pacifism. The basic message of "Saving Private Ryan" is not pacifist at all. It's something else altogether. But I suggest you see it and draw your own conclusions.
Lastly, "Saving Private Ryan" is so well-made that it bears repeated viewings. But if you dislike war movies, then you should still watch this movie once, if only for the message.