Living History

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2006)

Saving Private Ryan may not be a completely accurate portrayal of the western front in WW2, but it does have something in common with its equally great descendant "Band of Brothers". What this film does is make it feel like you are there: from Omaha Beach to Ramelle.. No other film does that. Its almost as if they went back in time and filmed this; its almost 'genuine'.One of the things that stand out most in this film is the effects.You experience the sound of bullet whizzes,explosions,and the eerie sound of approaching tanks on a quiet little bombed out town. The film's opening scene has been billed as the best D-Day scene of all time and it rightly deserves that.
Now,there are a few historical inaccuracies people have noticed (such as the Church tower in Ramelle which,according to German tactics,would of have been destroyed as it would give an advantage to the enemy) but I don't think it will detract from the film. The question this film poses is if it is truly worth it to sacrifice the lives of many for one person. I think with the current situation in Israel with the kidnapped soldiers, this question has never been so apparent.
So,although its not a great way to learn WW2 history,its a great way to experience it.Like many others this film got me interested in the period.