Better watch a documentary

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 1999)

I had quite a few laughs during the movie. It could have been tears too. Especially at the end where Spielberg shows his nationalistic view to comfort his compatriots. At times I couldn't look at the screen anymore (and not because of the bloody scenes). When Tom Hanks says his last words: 'Make sure you're worth it' only the nice lady next to me prevented me from stepping out of the theater. In my opinion, the movie shows the sentimental stuff that is typical of so many American made commercial movies. It was so ridiculous. The Germans outnumbered the enemy but even after 4 years of fierce combat training they weren't able to conquer a piece of land defended by a dozen marines. Instead, they fell like dominoes.
If you didn't like it either for the same reasons, try watching Stalingrad (1993) directed by Joseph Vilsmaier. No false sentiment in that one.
What I quite liked about SPR were the landings on the beach. (And the Germans actually speak German for a change!) Try watching 'D-Day to Berlin' by George Stevens. Filmed during 1944 -45 and in full colour. Not easy to get your hands on but very impressive!