Probably the best movie of the year

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 1998)

Firstly, I'm impressed at how many Australians have commented here on what is clearly a very American movie in attitude and content. Secondly, anyone who says this is easily the best movie they've ever watched needs to watch more movies. That said, this is an exceptionally well made film and definitely worth seeing. The criticisms I have with the movie don't nearly outweigh its finer qualities. Too many criicisms focus on what a movie isn't (and should be?) rather than what it is. This movie attempts to provide some insight into the horrors of war, without straying too far from the standard war-fare (cute pun). I also felt a touch of the Cameron-esque (chiefly in the unnecessary use of the flash-back but other things too). The 'hooray for America' line that is so common is trundled out again, the only reference to the rest of the Allies is criticism. I was impressed 'though that Spielberg didn't try to suggest that American soldiers were flawless saviours. The execution of prisoners was an important part of this. The comments of others seem to suggest some tenuous holds on reality. The camera work in the battle scenes could be jerky, but I thought it was effective and didn't last too long. The bloodshed was unpleasant and realistic, but not real. If this movie made people a little more educated about how horrific war really is, how chaotic and terrifying, all the better. I am not sure 'though that some glory did not attach itself to Miller's team and their deaths. Lastly, I was impressed that, although this was a long movie, it didn't feel it at all. It held my attention the whole time. Anyway, enough already. Very good movie, 8/10 (9 being my highest - no such thing as a 10 in art). Definitely worth the price of a ticket, even in the home of costly movie tickets.