Saving Private Ryan

Steven Spielberg's 1998 masterpiece, Saving Private Ryan, is one of the highest grossing war movies of all time, and for good reason. The film features a cast of some of the highest regarding actors America has to offer, including: Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, and Matt Damon. This film crafts together the horrific element of war, as well as the United States' "no man left behind" mentality. The plot of the story entails a squad of US Army Rangers heading into the Invasion of Normandy during World War II in order to save Private James Ryan. Ryan is the last surviving of four brothers, who have all been killed in the war. These soldiers were ordered by the US Army General to rescue Private Ryan, as the General promised Ryan's mother that he would bring back her only surviving son.

The crew of Rangers know they are likely to lose many men on the mission to rescue just one man, however the honor and loyalty to their fellow soldier is displayed throughout the film, as they continue to fight off German soldiers. The soldiers worries came true, as throughout the film many men were lost due to heavy gun fights. The remaining members of the crew do end up finding Private Ryan, however it is in the midst of a very heavy gun fight against German soldiers. During the fight, the group of Army Rangers ensure that Ryan is protected at all costs.

Nearly all of the starting crew of Army Rangers, including the Captain of the crew, John Miller, who is played by Tom Hanks. In a very emotional scene, when US reinforcements come to rescue Private Ryan, Miller is dying after being shot multiple times. Miller looks at Ryan, and tells him to, "earn this, earn it." This was without a doubt one of the most captivating scenes in American Cinema history. The Rangers completed their mission, obviously with a very heavy price. The movie's ending scene fast forwards to present day, as Private Ryan has grown old with his wife. While reflecting on what all the Rangers did for him, Ryan turns to his wife and asks her if she thinks he is worthy of what was done for him, to which she replies, "Yes." This scene was very emotional for the audience and was acted out wonderfully. This movie is still a staple in American Cinema today. It is not coincidence that the film has earned so many awards, including: Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Special Visual Effects.