Saving Private Ryan
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Plot Summary
Following the Normandy invasion in WWII, Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) leads a squad of U.S. soldiers on a dangerous mission to find and bring home Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), the last surviving brother of four servicemen. As they traverse war-torn France, the men confront the brutal realities of combat, sacrifice, and the value of a single life.
Why You Should Watch
- One of the greatest war films ever made, praised for its realism and emotional depth
- D-Day opening sequence (26 minutes) is a cinematic landmark for its unflinching portrayal of combat
- Tom Hanks delivers a powerhouse performance as the weary but determined Captain Miller
- Groundbreaking sound design and cinematography that immerses viewers in battle
- Won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Director for Spielberg
Cast
Review
Spielberg's masterpiece redefined war films with its visceral, chaotic battle scenes and profound humanity. The Omaha Beach sequence is arguably the most realistic depiction of combat ever filmed, using shaky cameras, desaturated colors, and brutal sound design to place viewers in the horror. Beyond the action, the film explores themes of duty ("Earn this"), leadership, and the cost of war through intimate character moments. A technical and emotional triumph that remains unmatched.
Did You Know?
- Spielberg shot the D-Day sequence in Ireland with 1,500 extras (including amputees for realism).
- Many WWII veterans walked out of screenings due to the film's graphic accuracy triggering PTSD.
- Matt Damon was kept separate from the cast during filming to mirror the squad's resentment of Ryan.
- The film's shaky-camera style inspired later war movies and TV shows like *Band of Brothers*.
- Spielberg and Hanks donated profits to establish the WWII Veterans Committee.
Memorable Quotes
"Earn this." — Captain Miller's dying words to Private Ryan
"I just know that every man I kill, the farther away from home I feel." — Private Ryan
"This Ryan better be worth it. He better go home and cure a disease or invent a longer-lasting light bulb." — Private Reiben
What Viewers Say
- "The opening 30 minutes left me physically shaking."
- "Not just a war movie—a meditation on sacrifice and humanity."
- "The final scene in the cemetery destroys me every time."
Awards & Achievements
- Won 5 Oscars: Best Director, Cinematography, Sound, Film Editing, Sound Effects Editing
- Nominated for 6 more Oscars, including Best Picture (lost to *Shakespeare in Love*)
- Golden Globe wins for Best Picture (Drama) and Director
- Preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry (2014)
- AFI's #71 Greatest American Film (2007)
