One of the best portrayals of war

Rating: 10/10 (3 July 2005)

The plot of this movie was based on fact, which means that the actual events that are depicted in the movie may not have happened exactly as portrayed, but represent real events that did take place. If many who saw this film complain about the lack of historical basis, lack of minorities, lack of whatever, then get over it. Some events took place in World War II that did not actually include members of all races or nations. As for those who say the film is boring, then I can only suppose that real life situations don't hold much appeal for you. If you're that disconnected from the real world, go back to your video game.
World War II was a very grim time in the history of our civilization, and it would be difficult to find anyone who actually participated in battle during this period to disagree with me. I've known many soldiers, and I've never met one that wished for the awful, bloody, sickening carnage that is combat, especially the all-or-nothing circumstances that were all to real in this world between 1939 and 1945. Soldiers are simply people who are willing to fight for their country. In World War II, many of the American combatants were drafted, and some did refuse to fight, as is the case in any war, but most served, with or without distinction or recognition, but did what they felt was their duty. Infantry soldiers, even Ranger captains like John Miller were often ordinary people very much removed from the lives they wanted to be living. Every country that participated in World War II lost many John Millers, decent, ordinary people that were just doing their duty to the best of their ability.
For those who complain about the stark portrayal of combat as being too brutal, I suggest you just live in your dream world where when a steel projectile strikes human flesh, the body just simply falls to the ground. You are living in a dream world to think this is so. Combat invariably involves gruesome situations. Body parts are blown away, blood and gore flies. "War is Hell" is not just a saying; it's the absolute truth.
Saving Private Ryan depicts combat with more accuracy than most war films in the past have done. Watching this film will put the average person much closer to the actual feeling of being in combat than almost anything else.
As for those that hate to be reminded of accurate depictions of history, there is a saying: Those who ignore history will repeat it. This movie, and the war it depicts hopefully have taught us some valuable lessons. I hope we never forget them.
If you're offended by a movie that shows the American flag, then don't watch it. The realistic depiction of the USA as a patriotic nation in the 1940's might be a little too much for you.