Without a doubt, the best motion picture of 1998...raw and unforgettable.

Rating: Null/10 (27 March 1999)

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is a triumphant masterpiece about heroism, integrity, and humanity.
Imagine...a soldier, fighting in the middle of a horrific war. The date is June 6, 1944, otherwise known as 'D-Day.' On the shores of Normandy, the D-Day Invasion happens. The good guys, the U.S. Army fights valiantly against all the obstacles that fate has decided to utilize. Suddenly, pulled into the heart of the battle, machine guns start firing in all directions. Explosions could be reverberated from miles away. The soldier hesitates, waiting for that clear shot. Everywhere he goes, he watches in anguish as one by one, his allies fall. Bodies of defeated souls rest all over the place, on the grass, the sand, and even floating dead around the sea. The water is adulterated with human blood, the screams of the mortally wounded echo in a whirlpool of agony. Medical experts rush to save the injured, many are not lucky. As a soldier, he is about to breakdown. Then, the glimmer at the end of the tunnel is an insinuation for him to keep fighting...
The above paragraph is an example of how technically proficient the introductory battle sequence has been directed by Steven Spielberg in this trenchant motion picture. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is the story of Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) and seven other marines who go on a quest to save the life of one damned soul...Private Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three older brothers have all been killed in action. Miller's second-in-command, Sergeant Horvath (Tom Sizemore), along with the sniper expert, Private Reien (Edward Burns), are obligated to save this very one life. Unlike many others who have sacrificed themselves in pain and suffering, this particular Private Ryan can not bare to lose his very own life...for he is the last surviving member of his family so that can perpetuate the bloodline...
The 40 minute prelude in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is one of the most disturbing yet cogent images ever filmed on camera. At the beginning, with see Captain Miller's perspective of World War II's toll both in human costs and emotional value. Little subtleties have damaged Miller for life, i.e. he constantly shakes his right hand whenever he tries to drink from a water bottle. Miller, a mere English schoolteacher only wants a ride home...but this time...him along with seven of his trusted allies must be coerced to get the mission done...
As for the cast, Tom Sizemore is equally stunning and mesmerizing as his cohort who tries to keep a straight composure, but he loses his temper as well. Edward Burns doesn't have a big role, but he contributes heavily as another of the persevering Privates, proficient with his aim. Matt Damon is also terrific as Private Ryan, one soldier who puts his duty before his own life.
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is an excruciating experience that boldly pulls the viewer into the heart of the World War II so realistically unlike most other films. The introduction showing everybody the devastating costs of inhumane violence is already a gory eye-catcher that may turn off much of the squeamish. Still, don't let the strong violence deter you from watching this movie, this film is a must-see.
Instead of glamorizing on violence as usually stereotypically depicted in other movies, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN plunges the viewer into the real consequences of war. As the stark but unforgettable saying goes, "War is hell."
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, though fictional, has been based on the inspirational real-life story of "The Fighting Sullivans," five brothers who all served in the same naval services... Unfortunately for them...one torpedo has claimed all five of their lives and has permanently scarred a family for life...
Few motion pictures in cinematic history have touched so many people's lives, hearts, and souls as this epic motion picture. Often living in a society where we take freedom for granted, these steadfast soldiers portrayed in this indelible film have dedicated their lives to save us...and the world from absolute oppression, persecution, and tyranny.
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is one splendid picture, capturing every turbulent moment of the lives of these selected eight men. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is the archetype of the consummate war film. The intro and climactic sequences for this film are eye-catching, and the characterizations for this movie have never been in so much depth. The climax in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN where both sides take their tolls is an exemplary concept of how talented a director Steven Spielberg truly is. The severity of war in this film and every life involved in it has been captured so well in detail.
If there is only one complaint I must give about SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, it's that this movie is a little bit too sluggish at times. It can be cut down to around 2 hours and still be a great film. Otherwise, this is a flawless masterpiece. Superb, solemn, and sharply powerful. The lesson that has been so successfully achieved in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is that confrontation on the true aspects of the horror of war can bring out only the best and heroic attitudes of anybody who has the courage. It is also amazing that in this film, despite all the disheveled scenes the characters must face, they still manage to retain a good sense of humor once in a while. This movie deserves all exalted praises! Too bad the Academy Awards did not allow SAVING PRIVATE RYAN to win the Oscar for Best Picture...
RATING: **** out of ****.