Saving Private Ryan | Review & Score

About: Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.

The greatest war film ever made.

Steven Spielberg's SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is one of the rare ocassions where a war film is done to complete perfection. In terms of raw, brutal, heartwrenching and action packed beauty that only a war film can really bring to the screen.

Tom Hanks, Matt Damon and Steven Spielberg are all in top form. Hanks, who always brings it, is great as Captain Miller. He brings a raw and softly spoken brute to the forefront, while also showcasing the veterancy that is needed for a role this truly large. Hanks doesn't go too far into the rabbit hole of war, but its enough to make you sit and think about things.

Matt Damon is great as Private Ryan, the young man who has no clue what awaits him from a team of WWII soldiers missioned to bring him home from this frontlines. Damon shows vulnerability but understanding to the role. He understand the complexity of the situation, while also knowing he has to stay and fight or it was all for nothing, especially for his brothers who died in battle. He knows if goes home, its all for nothing and he doesn't wanna go 'empty handed', if you will.

Its visually stunning, beautifully raw and portrays war in a very humane, but brutally honest way. One of my favorite films of all time.

5/5