As insulting a piece of historical revisionism as ever has made it to film.

Rating: 8/10 (22 January 2001)

There are good aspects to this movie - quite strong characterisation, the most stunningly horrific depiction of war ever, and a sensitive treatment of the subject matter.
Of course, this is not to say that the subject matter is anything but the most insulting piece of American historical revisionism to cross our screens in years. Apparently, Tom Hanks is STILL the conversative white all american hero (he hasn't played any other role in years, which tells you something about his self image, politics, and ego), the Americans were the only people involved in World War II, and all american values are the best thing to fight for. They ALMOST covered the humanity of the germans...but no. They almost mentioned other countries... but no.
They ALMOST gave a treatment of war worthy of the first 20 minutes... oh hang on. No they didn't. They sunk into sentimentalism, flag waving, and Tom being a hero at the price of the story and quality. Insulting to the memory of WWII vets from around the world.