Spielberg shines in brutal and emotional war picture

Rating: 9/10 (6 December 2009)

A group of U.S soldiers cross enemy territory to take James Ryan (Damon) home to his mother, who has already lost 3 sons.
Steven Spielberg's brutally honest war drama tells the story of a brave and emotionally uplifting idea of family that exploits the nature of the Second World War in a highly realistic and flinching manor that has won over fans all over the world.
The Jaws director instantly sets off by cementing the main characters at the heart of the battle of Normandy. This opening battle is a mark of true leadership from Spielberg. You simply have to look and see the vast collection of people, main actors, extras, stunt doubles all crowded together to see the work and effort put in by the man and it all works in perfect synchronization to create a devastating feel of realism. The silence of no music and the cries from soldiers and shouts of orders and heavy breathe give this opening a very eerie feel, a necessity to make the feel of the film, which continues uninterrupted throughout the entire duration.
The action sequences of this 1998 release are the key element to its realism. The use of various weapons, the direction of tanks and boats all comes together to create a hardship for the script and emotional feel of battle.
The script adds a great sense of drama that coincides with the film's ambitious outlay. The inclusion of emotional soldier sub stories adds an extra dimension to the already dramatic element of the Second World War. Matt Damon's ad lib for his brother's spying game is a fine example of the emotional core at the heart of the situation. Other elements including friendship and family are well included and portrayed.
The story itself a story within a bigger story is great. This rescue attempt to save Private Ryan included numerous twists, shocking action montages and a battle of personalities withstanding emotion that gives this film a true sense of realism in context, justifying what it would truly be like going to war and dealing with unthinkable consequences.
Tom Hanks leads strongly from the front and though not his strongest role gives a fine leading performance, inspiring the likes of other soldiers in his group to follow suit. Matt Damon as ever is perfect whilst the religious side story to Barry Pepper's protagonist is perfectly emotional and balanced with other sub stories.
Spielberg's direction extends to more than just big battle montages. Such as the shot of a hand through dying eyes, the emotional core of doing the duty, the high shots from towers, the character recognition, the director has created something utterly remarkable.
At times the film can slow down a little too much and is quite long but then the relevance is significant of the true battle, as with the filming. The shaking camera and unsteady feel with the colour ratio changing adds spice and a uniqueness to make a groundbreaking and deserved Oscar winner.