Variety
A searingly visceral combat picture, Steven Spielberg’s third World War II drama is arguably second to none as a vivid, realistic and bloody portrait of armed conflict.
Full review
Saving Private Ryan
Beginning with the D-Day invasion, perhaps the most famous moment in the history of WWII, the story itself chooses to focus on the rescue of one man. This allows for reflection upon the nature of war on the individual as opposed to the jingoistic flag waving that swamps so many World War II films. To this end, the terror is amplified in several unforgettable sequences, most notably the opening landing scene on the beaches of Normandy. The soldier characters are both heroic and flawed, allowing for a genuine human element that few other war films achieve. The minor details are fantastic too, with historical production design that was lauded for its accuracy by veterans. Moreover, it is they who claim that this is the best war story in cinematic history.
Winner of 5 Academy Awards including Best Director, 1999. Best Film (Drama), Golden Globes 1999.
1998Rating: R15, Depicts graphic & realistic war scenes169 minsUSA
ActionDramaWarHistorical
- Director:
- Steven Spielberg ('Jaws', 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', 'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial', 'Jurassic Park', 'Schindler's List')
- Writer:
- Robert Rodat
- Cast:
- Tom HanksMatt DamonTom SizemoreEdward BurnsBarry PepperAdam GoldbergVin DieselGiovanni RibisiTed DansonPaul Giamatti
Saving Private Ryan / Reviews
The New York Times
Steven Spielberg's soberly magnificent new war film, the second such pinnacle in a career of magical versatility, has been made in the same spirit of urgent communication. It is the ultimate devastating letter home.
Full reviewRoger Ebert
This film embodies ideas. After the immediate experience begins to fade, the implications remain and grow.
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Los Angeles Times
A startling reminder of exactly how spectacular a director Spielberg can be when he allows himself to be challenged by a subject (in this case World War II) that pushes against his limits.
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