No matter how important and serious is the problem of the film, nothing will save it if it is made without taste

Rating: 2/10 (5 October 1999)

This film is a typical example of the wrong conception that the big money and a serious theme make a great art. No matter how important and serious is the problem of the film, nothing will save it if it is made without taste. Spielberg goes on making dull, pretentious, unbearably politically correct films for adults with a teenage level of intellect. Well, there is nothing bad in making naive picture but naivety of Spielberg Films is of a special kind. It seems that the director wants to make something more important than ET or Indiana Jones but, actually these are his best films, because they are what they are __ nice, entertaining films for kids. When Spielberg aspires for something higher he inevitably finishes with a huge, monumental soap.
Unlike Shindlers List that I consider a good educational film for youth, Private Ryan has something that I, citizen of a post-communist (post-totalitarian) country cannot accept. America used to be for us a symbol of democracy, and it is strange that now when there is no Soviet danger anymore, American cinema is becoming more and more conservative and hurrah-patriotic. Of course there is nothing bad in being a patriot of your nation but the latest tendency is obviously aimed at propagating the armed forces, militarism, etc. From this point of view there is not much difference between the Private Rayan and the Independence Day. Spielbergs films doesn't seem to show that much of senselessness of war (as it was advertised), but propagates the bravery of the American soldiers and the wisdom of the American regime, and does this as straightforward and primitive as it can be. The story of the film seems pathetic (even if it is true), and the acting is corresponding, good photography and excellent sound effects cannot save the film. I think it is time for some filmmakers to realize that no matter how important and serious is the problem of film; nothing will save it if it is made without taste.