Try seeing it a second time.

Rating: Null/10 (9 October 1998)

I went to see this film when it was first released in the US. Like many others I was shocked and sickened at what was presented on the screen during the invasion sequence. For the rest of the film I sat in a trance-like state, unable to comprehend what I was seeing. I left the theartre empty and cold. However, for the next few days, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The movie invaded every conscience moment, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had missed something profound.
The following weekend I decided to see it again. I'm glad I did because it was a totally different experience for me. Symbolism plays a huge part in "Saving Private Ryan" and most of it, along with character development, is extremely subtle. Pay close attention to the soldiers expressions and actions and you will learn more about them then by anything that they say. Sure there were slow, boring stretches in the movie. Spielberg intentions was for the viewer to "experience the war", as well as can be done in a film, from a soldiers standpoint. How many boring moments do you think a soldier had to endure keeping watch for the enemy or snaking across the countryside? Quite a few I suppose. And just how chatty do you think war was? I doubt soldiers spouted their life stories off to their fellow comrades. And talking with WW2 vets, including my grandfather, the Germans, right or wrong, were nameless, faceless enemies. I feel that these instances were portrayed fairly accurately in SPR.
I feel this movie requires a second viewing. It will give you a chance to remove yourself from the violence and pay closer attention to other details. Then compare your reactions. I doubt that Spielberg's point of this movie was that "war is hell". That analogy is too simplistic, an easy synopsis to come up with when we are presented with material that actually requires some thought.