The Movie: As is the case with mainstream films overwhelmingly beloved upon release, theres been a minor backlash against Saving Private Ryan in recent years. Unfavourably compared to Terrence Malicks The Thin Red Line (which came out six months later and likewise brings World War II to the screen is a very distinct way) and maybe marred slightly by the reputation of Spielberg's less assured War Horse, in reality theres very little to dislike. Starring Tom Hanks (because he didnt do enough classics in the nineties), Ryan picks up with the landing on Omaha Beach, then swiftly sends Hanks's Miller and his team off to save Private Ryan, who has crash landed somewhere in France. Then they go and save him. What The Title Gives Away: OK, maybe its a little facetious to be so blunt with the title. This is, after all, a three hour war epic with Ryan spending most of the film as a far-off goal. But that doesnt hide the fact we know the outcome from the moment the opening logos begin.
