Man's inhumanity to man

Rating: 10/10 (14 July 1999)

This is not a film for the melancholic.
Sure it has great special effects. There's more blood and guts to be found here than in your average war movie, and if you've become accustomed to watching NATO missions on CNN or on the 'net this might just bring to mind the fact that in war there is suffering, no matter what the technology used. In this respect, the sound effects are particularly poignant.
But there are two scenes in particular which brought me a cold sweat. In one a German soldier, and in the other an American, find themselves in a situation where death at the hands of the enemy is now inevitable. For each, the only remaining option is to beg for mercy, and hope that their communications are understood. But what brings out pathos in the viewer wins little understanding from these soldiers. Therein lies the most gruesome message of all; in war these men have lost the ability to treat others as humans. This contrasts sharply with what we learn of their private lives prior to the start of the war.
The cinematography is excellent. Just as the beach scene (filmed in Ireland) receives acclaim for its realism, the scene on the bridge is filled with tension as the soldiers await the arrival of the tanks. It's "High Noon" with Tom Hanks in the role of the sheriff.
Private Ryan plays little role in the film. Perhaps this is why some commentators have said the film lacked depth. They wanted to see how Mrs Ryan was feeling at home. To them I say "go watch a Lassie movie"