Spielberg at war.

Rating: 9/10 (14 April 2000)

As we all know, the opening 30 minutes will go down in cinema history along side the Odessa steps scene in Eisenstein's POTEMKIN (1925 - Russia) as pure classic. The rest of the film is a journey taken through the madness of war by Captain Miller, (Tom Hanks), and his men. The production values are of the highest order, achieving realism and emotional impact. I admit to be in fits of shakes during the opening and then crying on my way home. But do we have to see what we already know and that is War is barbaric in death and destructive to those who survive it. Maybe yes, because you value life just that little bit more after seeing this. Only complaint. The ending battle. I'm not quiet sure if that was a sign of patriotism or stupidity but it almost had the flavour of the Dirty Dozen kicking Nazi butt but not quiet so. By this stage it was enough war carnage.