Most important film in this genre!

Rating: 10/10 (15 February 2018)

Book-ended so deftly with genuine and heart felt honesty, this film is one of Spielberg's most important. And is definitely, in my view, the most important and impacting War genre film ever put to celluloid. From the gritty, in your face representation of what the Normandy landing was like -to which veterans in theaters often had to clear out for that harrowing opening, such that the depiction struck too real- to trudging into the unknown throughout war-torn France that Hank's character and his band of brothers face; this movie hits a combination of humanity and the brutality of War that everyone should see in their lifetime. Not for the violence of it but to honour the men who laid so costly a sacrifice.
A technical feat of filmmaking, as well as respecting the lives and the bravery of young men in battle against a threatening foe (Hitler's Germany), this tributes their legacy in a truly human way. Without cliche, without glorification, nor a hint of faux emotion. John Williams score drives this humanity throughout every scene, especially in the transitions to the next sequence of events. And Spielberg guides these performances with precision to deliver unforgettable, and harrowing moments throughout.
Thoroughly deserved Sound Design, Editing, and Director Oscars for Saving Private Ryan! A masterpiece. Enthralling. Engaging. Relentless in bursts, but will give you a handful of breathers and close on a tragic, if not reflective ending that shows the cost of War.