Why Steven Spielberg is the greatest director alive

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 1998)

This is the reason why Steven Spielberg is the greatest director alive, possibly the greatest director of all time. This film is about heroes, real heroes, and it is something that EVERY American should see.
You look at an old man and see just an old man-- but how do you know what this old man has done in his life? What he's seen and done? "Saving Private Ryan" caused me to stop and think about that. It caused me to stop and consider the sacrifices young American men have made throughout this nation's history. Sacrifices many of the men in my own family have made.

This is no John Wayne war film. The heroes of this movie were young men who were there to do a job. They were scared to death. They screamed and prayed and cried for their mothers. This film brings home (as best as any film can) the absolute horror and carnage of war and the very human way people react to such a nightmare. They were unwilling heroes, just like every other dogface who went to war in real life.
Mr. Spielberg has made the best war movie ever to hit the theaters, and the actors-- all of them-- were outstanding. But let this film remind you of the real men who fought for us in real battles. This film is a tribute to them, and I don't think Mr. Spielberg will disagree with that statement. The film is gory and loud and frightening-- and it should be. Just remember, our fathers and grandfathers were there. Think about that the next time you see an old man doddering down the street.