Groundbreaking filmwork, pointless film.

Rating: 2/10 (7 August 2006)

After years of avoiding, I finally got around to viewing SPR. Considering the hype--I was expecting greatness--I got---a 3 Hr rehashing of Schindler's List masquerading as an action-flick.
Though not the worst film, or the worst WWII movie, it certainly is among the most overrated. The D-Day landing sequence is horrific, riveting and emotionally numbing, a true landmark in film-making. Realistic?--wouldn't know--wasn't there--my uncle was, and from certain things he spoke of--seems fairly accurate. Then there's the rest of the movie....
There are plenty of reviews pointing out historical, tactical, writing, acting and directing flaws. That's all minor stuff, hardly worth mentioning--I can overlook a lot of warts when I'm in love. I couldn't even build up a mild affection for this film. After numerous sacrifices by much worthier individuals, the only people who survive are the most undeserving, self-absorbed, venal and craven of the characters in the film. Then, after living an apparently good life(surrounded as he is by loving family members), not even the title character can justify those sacrifices on his behalf. As for the typist--is everyone insane or just daft? He shoots the German to cover up his cowardice, NOT because he finds his inner Rambo.
Deep? Maybe for a mud puddle. According to SPR the Great Generation was so because of the sacrifices of their betters and their own need to live up to the implied expectations of those sacrifices. How droll. If you want a Great war movie, there are many--A Bridge too Far, Gallipoli, The Big Red One, Tora Tora Tora, All Quiet on the Western Front, Das Boot, Bridge Over The River Kwai---These are all WAY better movies, and None of them could be classified as droll---go watch one or all, you won't be sorry.