Saving Private Ryan (1998)

This World War II classic was one of the first war films I ever saw. It had a deep and fulfilling impact on me as an aspiring film buff. Today, after being able to experience this film in cinema for the 75th anniversary of WWII, I proudly say that this movie is still absolutely awesome. The anxiety and panic created by the opening D-Day sequence is powerful and immediately transports its audience to the beaches of Normandy. This is where the real plot of Saving Private Ryan begins. Remember, the mission is a man. As many great war films there are many existential questions proposed, but the lingering one here- is one man worth the lives of eight other men? This question takes our very talented cast, who undertook weeks of boot camp preparing for their roles, thorough-out enemy territory in search for Ryan. The ambition of Spielberg's sets and war scenes is fantastic. They are gritty and real. Often placing the audience between the gunshots as if to not to pick a side. There are many moments when the integrity of the American soldiers is questioned, as it should be. The intention of this story is not at all about pride as American's. Its a universal tale about the destitute nature of war and how it effects men, as well as their families back home. 

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