Powerful Dose of Reality

Rating: 10/10 (11 August 1998)

I've always been fascinated about the subject of WWII, having read many books on the subject. Until now, however, it was always somewhat distant and surreal. I looked at photographs of the war and thought how amazing that such an event could have ever taken place, and how I admire and respect the men who gave their lives in defense of freedom. A man I know was recently decorated by the President for his part in D-Day and I asked him if he had been scared at the time. He told me that the truth of the matter was that all of the kids in the boats were really unaware of the enormity of the whole situation and that it was just something that had to be done. After having seen SPR, I understand what he meant and why it is that when I ask other WWII survivors about their experiences, they mostly generalize, not really wanting to talk about it. The things they must have seen cannot be conveyed in mere words. Steven Spielberg has done a tremendous job in helping me to see the truth about WWII. The next Oscars will be a titanic night for Saving Private Ryan.