I still shake after watching this film

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2006)

I just recently watched this film again for what must be the nearly 30th time, and I still find myself numb and shaking like I did leaving the theater in 1998. I remember that night every time I watch this movie, nobody spoke leaving the theater, a lot of people were crying, and I believe everyone had the sick sensation in their stomach and shaking hands I did.
Personally I don't believe there has been a war movie that has ever captured even closely what it's truly like to be engaged in actual close fighting, and then came along this film. Yes, the characters are fictional but the events their story takes place in are real and portrayed as accurately as could be humanly possible to recreate on film. The action is intense, and completely realistic and sickening to imagine anyone could have endured such events and survived.
I find myself crying during the D-Day invasion, and various other points during the film. Most notably when Capt. Miller sits down on the rock after they take the German nest and can't control his hands and starts sobbing. Anyone who remains dry-eyed after Ryan asks his wife to tell him he's lived a good life at the end must not have really comprehended the film.
I consider this technically the greatest war film ever, the set decorations are unbelievable, the modified tanks are more than convincing, the weapons 100% the real item, and little details abound throughout the film (such as the shot surrendering soldiers during the initial invasion actually being Czech soldiers who would have been forced into the German army).
Most importantly, I think this film is important to show in educational settings. Yes, it's violent. Yes, it's full of language and even shows U.S. soldiers in questionable moral situations (like shooting the surrendering soldiers aforementioned). However, if it can educate upcoming generations to what horrors war really presents to those participating, then perhaps there will be hope for mankind after all. When my daughter inevitably comes home from school one day and asks me what war is about, I plan to sit her down and show her this film, and make her watch the entire movie no matter how uncomfortable she gets.
My favorite Spielberg movie, and one of in not my favorite movies of all time. I'd give it eleven stars if I could. This is one I'll watch regularly until my grave.