Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2012)

Saving Private Ryan (1998) Director – Steven Spielberg Cinematographer – Janusz Kaminski Writer – Robert Rodat Editor – Michael Kahn
Favorite quote – "Captain Miller: James, earn this... earn it." Saving Private Ryan is an epic war film set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II. It is a film noted for its graphic and realistic portrayal of war. Saving Private Ryan opens with a 30-minute cinematic high intensity tour de force following Captain John Miller (protagonist) and his team depicting the Omaha Beach Assault on June 6, 1944. It later follows Capt. John Miller and his hand-picked team of seven other soldiers including one newcomer who have served with him throughout the war as they search for a paratrooper, Pvt. First Class James Ryan, who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen.
Saving Private James Ryan and bringing him home is Capt. Miller's new mission and his ticket to be home with his family. Capt. Miller faces several group of opposing enemies (Germans) and loses his couple of soldiers on the way to find Pvt. Ryan. The squad finally finds Pvt. Ryan on the outskirts of Ramelle. Pvt. Ryan is told of his brothers' deaths, and their mission to bring him home. He is distressed at the loss of his brothers, but does not feel it is fair to go home looking at the small band whose duty it was to defend a bridge and destroy an approaching German mechanized unit. Miller decides to take command and defend the bridge with what little manpower and resources are available. Germans arrive in force with more than 50 men supported by armor. In spite of inflicting heavy German casualties most of the Capt. Miller's men are killed. While attempting to blow the bridge, Capt. Miller is shot and morally wounded. He is about to be bombed by a tiger tank when an American P-51 Mustang (tank destroyer) flies over and destroys the tank followed by more P-51s and advancing American infantry. Pvt. Ryan stays with his Captain as he dies and says his last words.
The film ends with the present day Ryan, now a World-War II veteran standing at Capt. Miller's grave with his family. He asks his wife and confirms that he is a good man and he has led a good life and thus worthy of the sacrifice of Capt. Miller and his team.
Saving Private Ryan symbolizes the courageous, tough and commanding persona of an Armed Force Officer and in this case, it's Capt. Miller's. His will and determination to accomplish his mission is unquestionable. He loses his life fighting for the assigned mission. From the very beginning of rattling gun fires and missiles at Omaha Beach to the very end of his life at the Ramelle Bridge, Capt. John Miller always proves to be the brave and loyal soldier of his force.
Review by – Mayank Bhattacharya