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Saving Private Ryan (D-Day 60th Anniversary Commemorative Edition) Customer Reviews (67 - 69 of 89 Reviews)

Well made but thats about it
This film is far far overrated. The opening 1/2 an hour is indeed shocking and the last 1/2 hour is action packed but the film is held together by a rediculous and self indulgent plot that only the Speilberg could put out as a serious film. This film is so patriotic its sickening, this film doesnt say anything even though it pretends to. If youwant to see a truely deep, meaningful and beautiful war movie, then check out The Thin Red Line that came out the same year. Avoid this sentimental speech filled insulting piece of crap.

"This time the mission is a Man!"
Many people have seen this film and had different reactions. Most good some not. The story begins with the D-Day Invasion at Omaha beach. Capt John Miller (Tom Hanks) along with Sgt. Mike Horvath (Tom Sizemore) lead a squad of Rangers onto the beach of Omaha at Normandy. The next 20-25 mintues are the most intense and realistic I have ever seen. The battle never slows down and does not cover up any realism. Blood, guts, shooting, explosions, men praying and calling out. It is all shown and should be. Some people may quesion why would anyone want to see this. Those of us that have served in the military want those who have not to see what it is like to serve in the military. Not for people to feel sorry for those who have, but to understand a different way of life. After the invasion, Miller is given an order that he and his squad must go behind German lines locate and bring back a Pvt. James Ryan (Matt Damon) from Iowa. It is no secret that his three brothers are now KIA! Some people complained that the characters where not real enough, or stereotypes. Isn't everyone given this? Before you meet them or after? Each platoon or squad in the military is like this, some nice men, others not! Plain and simple. Along for this mission is a new man to the group Cpl. Upham (Jeremy Davies) a interpreter. Men that had landed with Miller are the backbone of the film. Pvt. Reiben (Ed Burns) who likes black humor and has a quick temper, Pvt. Caparzo (Vin Diesel) a large well hearted man. Many viewers have to look twice to realize that this is Diesel in an early role. His acting abilites are strongest in this film. A man deeply religious Pvt. Jackson (Barry Pepper) and Pvt. Mellish (Adam Goldberg) a Jew who toys with German prisoners about his religion. In the rear is Wade (Giovanni Ribisi) a medic who is caught in the wind of the war without a rifle. His job is simple yet could be anything but-save lifes.
As they go with this mission they begin to argue why are they trying to find one man when there are so many of them. What is so special about Pvt. Ryan? They have mothers too.
When they finally find him Ryan refuses to go since all his brothers are dead. He will not leave the ones he has left. Capt. Miller who has kept the squad together the best he can runs into a road block, stay and help defend the bridge or take Pvt. Ryan against his will and go. The final battle is no less brutal. It takes your breath away and won't let you go. It makes you appricitate freedom. People around the world need to understand that this is a film about Americans in WWII. Were not saying we won the war ourself. We didn't. That a squad would not walk so close in the open and talk. Used to keep the movie going, thats it. Battle scene's too brutal. People also need to see what it is like for those who serve there country in the military so they may live free! Winner of 5 Academy Awards. Best Director Spielberg, also won for cinematography, editing, sound and sound effects editing. Best film and most important one I have ever seen.
Grade:A+

"We are going to get him the hell...out of there."
"Saving Private Ryan" is Director Steven Spielberg's acclaimed movie about finding the last surviving brother (one of four) who was part of the Normandy invasion of World War II. Steeped in sentimentallty as Spielberg movies often are, you do feel a genuine sympathy for the characters. There is no getting around the fact that it is a sad movie - as the designated mission accomplishes its goal at great cost.

Perhaps most-notable for its intensely graphic 20-minute opening scene of ther assault of the beach, the movie raises some points about sacrificing for a cause and the standing up for your principles. The movie boasts an impressive cast including Tom Hanks as the captain leading Tom Sizemore, Barry Pepper, and Vin Diesel, among others, to find Matt Damon. For some of the members, it is just an assignment, for others it is a waste of time, for others it it a noble cause.

The central third of the movie drags a bit, and I had a problem with one of the wimpy characters who almost screws up the mission. His character was a huge, obvious cliche.

The DVD has good a good picture and sound. The extras include a short "A special message from Steven Spielberg" which is mostly an ad for the D-Day museum, and "Into the Breach", a good behind the scenes featurette. Also included are cast/crew detail and a couple trailers.

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