A Monument

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 1999)

I just returned from my third viewing of Saving Private Ryan. I get more and more out of it every time I watch the movie. As a student of conflict in general and World War II in particular, I find it to be a masterpiece, a tribute to those men who, when history called, put down their tools, calmly went off defeat the forces of evil, then modestly returned to everyday life without another word.
Their generation was the bravest there was. I wonder if the "me-me-me" generations which followed have earned the sacrifices they made at Normandy, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Tarawa, and Anzio.
The Academy would be doing a great disservice if Saving Private Ryan is not selected as best picture for 1998.