Rent Saving Private Ryan (1998)

This does not glorify war. - Saving Private Ryan review by RP

I saw this at the cinema when it was first released and now again on DVD I was just as shocked by the first 20 minutes. Certainly it does not glorify war. If this is what war is like, then that's one place I never want to be. After that – when the storytelling begins – it all seems a bit of an anticlimax, and the premise that a small platoon of troops is sent to wander semi-randomly around to rescue / retrieve a lone soldier seems a little far fetched. There are other flaws that bug me as well, from its over-riding American war perspective to the wooden acting abilities of Tom Hanks. I guess this sums up this film for me: multi-Oscar winning, flawed action film masquerading as a war film, some very powerful scenes, and despite my reservations Tom Hanks does act better than in many of his other films. It is most definitely American and the patriotism is a little over-done for this Brit. But it's a good film and I rate it as 4/5 stars.

One of the most influential films of my earlier life given a stunning refresh on 4K Blu-Ray - Saving Private Ryan review by TB

When Saving Private Ryan first came out, it not only kick started my love of WWII history, but also showed a side of war which had not been put on film in a way like it before. Far from battles which mainly occurred off-screen with no focus on slaughter, in the first 2 minutes of the beach scene opening, most of the nameless men you see on screen have been slaughtered. And this is what Spielberg gets across in those 20 minutes more than anything: these individuals, some of the bravest men who have ever lived, don’t even get a chance to fight. The waste and wounding which is burned into your brain and onto your eyes never leaves you.

Using hand held cameras to make this up close and personal, you are in the thick of action. Whether on the battlefield or simply watching the chosen men for this mission interact, you are alongside them, sharing the horror, humour and grief they all have to deal with.

Although Tom Hanks is the A lister at the centre of the movie, the character who made the most impression on me was Edward Burns: Reiban was someone who, although a big presence in the group and quick to anger, also was the one who had the most difficulty trying to understand the situation he was in, as well as trying to survive. And the brief moment between him and Ryan before a battle, (a look which says a thousand words, with no dialogue) shows that even when there are no guns firing, the drama can be just as hard hitting.

But the 4K remaster made me see the film in a completely different way. Everything was more visceral and the washed-out look of the film makes the contrast even more stark. This was a perfect 4K remaster of a classic. 

Legendary War film, sags in the middle somewhat. - Saving Private Ryan review by IanF

Great start and closing battle scenes, but the 'human drama' does not ring true that fills up the middle. Guess I've been spoilt by 'Band of Brothers', which Speilburg made following the success of this film. He cut out all the false histrionics you would not get in a platoon of elite soldiers - even in the US army - which does not ring true at all.

Gritty drama - Saving Private Ryan review by PO

Not for the sensitive.... very 'raw and real'. Hanks is brilliant - different type of role for him and he does it very well, supported by a really good cast and horrible effects. Deserved all its oscars but not because it's a particularly enjoyable film...!