Strikingly different

Rating: 9/10 (9 August 2002)

The reason this film is so successful is that it sidesteps the corniness which can go hand in hand with so many war movies. The characters are tantalisingly out of reach. Yes, you find out snippets. One of the troop's recollection of his mother coming home from work, and an anecdote about Ryan's brothers. But what makes this film special is the way that when Ryan asks Captain Miller to elaborate on his wife, Miller simply said that some things are for him alone. The fact that their lives back home are only occasionally hinted at actually gives the band of soldiers incredible dimension. I do not need to celebrate the awesome battle scenes or the moment when Edith Piaf sings out of the deserted town before the battle. Others have done that. Simply be prepared for an unforgettable experience.