Quite possibly the best WWII film ever

Rating: 10/10 (3 July 2005)

Saving Private Ryan is quite possibly the best World War II-inspired movie ever.
I know, it's not at all historically accurate. I know, there are plot points that don't make sense. I know and understand all these criticisms.
As a film, however, and as a statement on what war is and how war affects people, this film is Top Notch and should have won the Best Picture Oscar the year it was released.
This film has exciting, graphic, horrifying and realistic battle footage. The opening montage alone represents the best film-making possible regardless of technology.
The cast is simply brilliant, not a lame or hackneyed performance in the bunch. Tom Hanks is again Oscar-worthy, and if they had an Oscar for Best Ensemble Cast this film would have won hands-down.
This film is absolutely *nothing* like the cheesy WWII movies with John Wayne or Henry Fonda or Ernest Borgnine. This film is not all jingoistic patriotism, it is a real look at what real war is like, with heroic soldiers and cowardly soldiers and soldiers simply trying to do their jobs and survive. It shows the futility of war and the necessity of war. And it pulls no punches in showing the horrors of war.
Beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, terrifically written, truly an amazing piece of film-making.
10 out of 10 for an inspiring film.
Barky