Opening with the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944 members of the 2nd Ranger Battalion under Cpt. Miller fight ashore to secure a beachhead. Amidst the fighting two brothers are killed in action. Earlier in New Guinea a third brother is KIA. Their mother Mrs. Ryan is to receive all three of the grave telegrams on the same day. The United States Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall is given an opportunity to alleviate some of her grief when he learns of a fourth brother Private James Ryan and decides to send out 8 men (Cpt. Miller and select members from 2nd Rangers) to find him and bring him back home to his mother...
Review
To think that this movie did not win Best Picture is a crime. Director Steven Spielberg uses all of his talent and resources to give to the world the greatest war film ever made.
Though its true that this is not the type of movie you want to sit down with the family and eat popcorn the emotional drive of the picture the storys poignant messages and the fantastic acting of the cast draws you into a world that is both dangerous and unpredictable.
Spielberg is able to take you into action and make you feel as if you are a participant in the movie and not just a viewer. This is Tom Hanks best movie he ever did. Forget his performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump (though they were also good) he should have received another Oscar for the role of Capt. John Miller a leader who must act strong in front of his men but must also hide his emotions from them. It would have been welldeserved if he won again.
I give this movie my highest recommendation. Saving Private Ryan is a movie that makes you realize how life is precious and how honor and duty though they are deep philosophical concepts that are praised in war can put you in jeopardy of losing your life for something you may not believe in.