The Middle Ground

Rating: 6/10 (9 August 2013)

Saving Private Ryan is a film best appreciated by the action scene enthusiast. Flawless detail and fantastic direction- particularly in the notorious opening scene- combine to reach a superb portrayal of World War 2's Normandy landing. Normally, I wouldn't enthuse with action scenes, but in this film they are as simultaneously delicate and brutal as an audience could wish for.
Other than that, the film is one dimensional. There is no real storyline. It would not be a spoiler to summarise the plot as; 'boy's brothers die, men go to find him' because that the entire progression of a 3 hour film. Without the acting of Tom Hanks, who just about propels the plot into something worthwhile. But even after Mr Hanks, you are left at the end with the feeling that you have missed a none existent development in a film that could do with one.
Not the film of a motion picture aficionado. Yet a film not to be missed, despite its limitations.