Documentary?

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2014)

Great war movie! Saw it listed as a documentary which it is not. Based on a small kernel of truth, 90% of the movie is fiction. (There was no trek across France nor any battles to retrieve Niland - the real Pvt. Ryan.)Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. But fiction is fiction, usually with a hefty dose of drama. And Ton Hanks' portrayal of the Captain in charge of the group sent to find and bring Ryan back is great. All the supporting cast is also great. The action scenes are superb. I particularly liked the scenes of the armour. (Halftracks, tanks, etc.) However this is still a work of fiction. To call it a documentary does a dis-service to film-makers and servicemen alike.