Saving Private Ryan

1998
US
170 min
15

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Robert Rodat
Cast: Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, Tom Sizemore

Like no film in recent memory, 'Saving Private Ryan' focuses its attention squarely on the brutalities endured by American soldiers in World War II. Central to this impact is the already legendary opening half hour, detailing with remorseless brilliance the carnage of the D-Day landings. Understandably enough, Spielberg finds it hard to follow up this bravura introduction. The actual meat of the story, in which Hanks is sent off with the remnants of his unit to locate the eponymous Ryan, is built on rugged rather than subtle lines.