the closest thing to combat from your armchair

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2002)

I have seen a lot of war films and I seriously doubt that any will ever show combat better than this Speilberg offering. I dont subscribe to the view that it ignores us brits, as clearly we were not involved in that area. The aside about Montgomery is not particularly fair, even though I do not rate him as a general, he was playing the part dictated by overall strategy. The first time I saw SPR I rather think I held my breath for the entire landing sequence. Certainly, I remember heaving a huge sigh of relief when it was over. If there is a more intense 20 odd minutes of film anywhere in existence I have never seen it. The film loses many points for some really stupid continuity errors but makes it up hands down for the action sequences. The technique used to film on the beach has had its critics in my circle of friends but I really do think it lent great realism to the action. Many parts of the film were a little twee, some tactics used considerably less than competent. I have never been one to let such things stand in the way of good entertainment. Overall, SPR sits on my pedestal of 'best war film' on the basis of its action sequences. Better war films are out there if you want a really good story, historical representation or total accuracy. If you want to see what it was like to be a soldier in WW2 when the lead flew, then see it on the big screen and be prepared to duck. What a shame that Steven Speilberg did not make 'Enemy at the gates'.