If Spielberg hadn't directed it, this would get unanimous acclaim

Rating: 10/10 (2 February 1999)

Like someone, I forget who, wrote in, I can't wait to see this again when it reopens on February 5. Except for the last scene at the cemetery, which was unnecessary, I can't think of a film that's moved me more all year. The fact that it's been coming under heavy criticism is yet another demonstration that a vocal minority of people have a bug up their a** when it comes to Steven Spielberg, and that's sad and shameful. If he hadn't directed this film, it would get unanimous acclaim as the best film of the year. But people can't handle that the man who made E.T. and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK would make a serious film about the horrors of war. For those who say it's powerful battle scenes at the beginning and end and nothing but cliches in between, I say hogwash! Is it a cliche when Tom Hanks' character is screaming at one of his soldiers not to save a child? Ignore all the Spielberg bashers, and if you haven't seen it yet, see it, and if you have, see it again.