Rating: 
Summary: This movie wasn't entertainment. It was a tribute.
Review: As I watched the scene of the invasion of Normandy unfold on the big screen for the first time, I noticed a movement several aisles down. I saw a white haired gentleman quietly remove himself from the theatre. It struck me that perhaps this man had seen the images shown on the screen before and didn't care to see them again. I think that this movie showed us a glimpse of what the attitude of the soldiers that fought WWII was. It was a war that had to be fought and had to be won. It re-awakened in me a sense of pride in the men that, as Tom Brokow put it, "Did no less than save the world". Thank you Mr Spielberg for making this film. It will be in my collection from November 2nd until I the day I die.
Rating: 
Summary: Good- but there are better war films
Review: This film had good cinematography- but it was still both intellectually unstimulating and badly acted. The characters had little depth, and the plot was slapped up to fit the imagery. Want a brutal, intense, horribly true-to-life war film? Get "Come and See"- miles above SPR. Worth the price- skip this one
Rating:
Summary: Best war movie ever!
Review: It seems that many who have reviewed this movie have missed the point. As a veteran of the war in Viet Nam I claim some experience with the horrors depicted in this fine film. Mr. Hanks' subsequent pleas for a proper memorial for those who fought and died in this terrible conflict is an indication of its' effect on him. One reviewer noted that there is little character depth and development. In situations like those encountered in war lasting friendships are made without knowing a great deal about those with whom you share common hardships. What comes through, most vividly, is that war is terrible and senseless. Clear your mind of any pre-conceived ideas and you will learn what war is all about. If you choose not to know of war do not see this film.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the best WWII movie ever made
Review: Being a Desert Storm Veteran I do know what it's like being shot at. The opening scenes of the movie were a nerve-racking experience for me, personally. When the ramp dropped on that landing craft and the bullets mowed down EVERYONE, I literally broke out in a sweat and was looking for a place to hide. Just a few things to bring to bear--Army Rangers (of all periods) don't walk a patrol through open fields talking, smoking and joking like they did on their jaunt to find Ryan. Germans were crawling all over that region, no way I'd be caught out in the open like that. The death and destruction were totally within the boundaries of that war, believe me when I say that any war is not a subject to be taken lightly. The cast and characters were excellent, the equipment, language and feeling of the film were as realistic as any I've ever seen anywhere. 5 stars all the way!
Rating:
Summary: The Best!
Review: This movie had very good battle sequences and its camera views couldn't be better. It isn't just another war movie; it has depth and wit in its script. You will enjoy it immensely.
Rating:
Summary: If I should die...
Review: It doesn't get any more real than this, unless you dig a hole and get shot at. I know, I've been there. Well done Spielberg.
Rating:
Summary: This film should be reqiured viewing for every schoolchild
Review: I have seen Saving Private Ryan once, which is very unusual for me. If I like a film, I will watch it innumerable times. However, something has stopped me watching this since I first saw it in the summer. I had heard all about it, watched the "making of" programme, and even knew the ending, but nothing prepared me for what I saw. Many people have criticised the film for its shallow characters etc, but that is not what the film is about. If you want complex characters, find a movie. This is not a movie, but I don't know what it is. Spielberg made this so that people of today can understand what was done for us, and be grateful. The opening scene is particularly horrific because of the parody of "The Longest Day" - it is not funny, but there are scenes which share the exact screenplay with TLD, but in a completely new light (eg. the pipe bombs). The characters in this film are all there for a purpose, and the final touch of inspiration is the fact that you don't know who the veteran is at the beginning - it could be Ryan or Miller. Overall, thi film has been waiting to be made since 1945, and hopefully it will do as intended, and help prevent the same thing happening again
Rating:
Summary: The *second* greatest WWII film I have ever seen
Review: First of all, it's a shame that this film was passed over for the Best Picture Oscar... *mumbles something about the damn Academy* Having gotten that out of the way, I must say that this is the most realisitic portrayal of WWII combat outside of documentary footage. You can't help not feeling absolutely grief-stricken after watching this film. This film is not about a plot, but about war itself. (Full Metal Jacket was similar in this way.) It's about how war is de-humanizing and downright horrific. For a more character-driven play, see The Thin Red Line (it's a very different beast from SPR, but also highly recommended). As for being the best WWII film ever, it is not. That title belongs to Schindler's List. While not being directly about the war, it shows us the Holocaust with more honesty than we have ever seen or ever will see. The gross brutality of WWII did not primarily lie with the actual combat, but with Nazis in regards to the innocent citizens of the occupied countries.
Rating: 
Summary: Great combat sequences, but an over-sentimentalized story.
Review: Saving Private Ryan has some of the best battle sequences I have ever seen, but Spielberg over sentimentalizes the story at every turn. It just seems to glorify war. Every soldier (with one exception) is unbelievably heroic. This movie is a triumph of special effects, but a total loser for conveying the emotional impact of war. Not a tenth as good as the Thin Red Line. There is no horror here, no fear, just lots of great action. Turn off your brain and enjoy. I have heard a lot of people say that the Rangers and Airborne were elite units. That they would be this heroic. All I can say is that Battleground (the story of the 101st at Bastogne) is one of the best war movies ever made and it doesn't show the kind of glorified heroics that SPR does. When I watch SPR, I feel that it was made for veterans who like to remember the good ole days. The Thin Red Line and Battleground make you feel fortunate that you weren't there and really shows the sacrifice that young boys made for this country in WW2.
Rating:
Summary: good, but needs some work
Review: First let me go over the pluses to the movie. It had incredible camera work and the characters had some(but not much) depth to them. After this I have exhausted the movies upside. The germans were portrayed a mob of trigger happy idiots. The americans were'nt much better. In the beggining scene when the invaders are mowing threw the barbed wire as easy as can be, that is completely unrealistic. Also when the allied bombers came overhead at one of the bridge scene and the germans ran, that was not only unrealistic but to me a movie-destroyer. It left me with a bad after taste in my mouth.
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