A film which had an emotional and lasting impact on me is ‘Saving Private Ryan’. The film was released in 1998, directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Tom Hanks and Matt Damon as the central protagonists. The film takes place during the Normandy invasion of World War II and follows a group of soldiers from D Day landings and their mission to find the missing Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have already been killed in the war.
The dramatization of the harshness and brutality of war is clearly depicted from the outset. This then leads to the mission where the band of brothers search through France for the missing Private Ryan. The mission is to prevent a family losing all their sons as had happened in previous wars and conflicts. I was immediately captured by the tone and historical significance of the film which has had a lasting impact because of its realism and graphic nature of the film.
‘Saving Private Ryan’ ranks high amongst my favourite historical films ever made due to its fantastic cast. Tom Hank’s character, Captain Miller, seen as a father figure by the group of brothers, displays his own emotions, of both elation and disappointment at significant points during the film as do the brothers.
The film follows the search for Private Ryan, missing in action. As the film ends, having found James Ryan, his survival from the war is contrasted by the death of Captain Miller, the loss of the father figure.
‘Saving Private Ryan’ is a film that I believe everyone should experience for both the historical and emotional significance of war. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/06/the-false-patriotism-of-saving-private-ryan/371539/
Josh's Film Reviews 