20 Most Iconic Hero Introductions In Movie History

11. Captain John Miller - Saving Private Ryan

Sometimes a movie hero can be too flawless, making their heroics less exciting and plausible as if they're somehow superhuman and impervious to harm (Tom Cruise take note). The more convincing heroes often demonstrate that they are imperfect and prone to experiencing real human emotions, which can certainly be said for Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom Hanks, in Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. Miller's introduction in Saving Private Ryan puts him directly in the line of the worst kind of fire imaginable, as he and countless other soldiers sweat and vomit with dread as they approach the beaches of Omaha during World War 2. Janusz Kaminski's juddering cinematography creates an relentlessly unsettling immediacy to their approach, and when the boats hit the shore Saving Private Ryan delivers the most convincing battle of all time. Hanks' portrayal of Miller as he barely holds on to his wits is pitched perfectly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82RTzi5Vt7w