War is *this*

Rating: Null/10 (31 July 1998)

I've seen many of the great war films..."Platoon", "All's Quiet on the Western Front", "The Longest Day", "A Bridge Too Far", "Gallipoli". At their best, these great war films made me commiserate with the plight of the common soldier, see the futility and the waste of war, and understand the sacrifices made to preserve the world I live in today.
All of them, however, were observed by me. They moved me, but they were still somehow distant.
Not so with "Saving Private Ryan". From the opening frame, I was *there*. I wasn't watching a moving tribute, I was being shot at, watching comrades die horribly, and running for my life. This movie will make those who've never been to war say, "My God, that's what it was really like" and any veteran say, "My God, they've finally shown the truth." If you aren't moved by this film, I'd venture to guess you are either cold-hearted, or a film student who can't get past examining camera angles in order to experience what's going on in front of your face.
It was, without a doubt, the most powerful war film I've ever seen, perhaps the most powerful *film* I've ever seen.
People gripe about the plot. Those who do, don't know much about military protocol. Yes, eight men might be sent to risk their lives to return one home. After all, it sounds like a far easier mission than it actually turns out to be...until the chaos of a large scale military operation enters into the picture. Far sillier orders have been issued in every major war in history.
As for the camera work, complain about the jostling camera all you want. There's only so much you can do to simulate the fog of war, how everything seems slightly off-kilter when the bullets start flying and your stomach knots up. The Oscar for cinematography, which is a shoe-in, will be vindication enough against the naysayers.
If you absolutely can't stand gore and violence onscreen, this film is not for you. For anyone who can, please don't miss it. It truly is unforgettable.
It will win Spielberg his second directorial Oscar, it will win for cinematography, it will win best picture, and Hanks will probably win for best actor. Also look for Tom Sizemore to be nominated for best supporting actor. I know, I know...the Oscar year is hardly over. It doesn't matter. It was that good.