Welcome one and all to the second edition of "Reviewing True Winners". Today we have what is known as the single best war movie of all time: Saving Private Ryan. Remember, the lines in bold are the favorite lines of each review and the overall rating is out of five stars.
WARNING: This reveals key points in the movies, a.k.a there are tons of spoilers.
Saving Private Ryan
Sophie’s take: ✭✭✭✩✩
I thought this movie earned every bit of praise it received. It lived up to all my expectations in glory. Whilst the blood and gore might have been too much for some, I thought it was a great way to accurately depict the scene of war. The special effects used to pull off such things, were great and just added so much to the movie, making it seem more real. Every step of the way through this movie, I felt for the characters. It really pulled at my heart strings with the incredible acting that made the story seem so real. The cinematography and shots were beautiful in some instances but in others seems rushed and blurry and I think that is such a clever way to depict the hustle of war. The depiction of many characters such as Upham and others make me feel so much guilt and sorrow for these characters; it didn’t seem like a movie. The triumphant storyline of the search for Private Ryan, paired with the obstacles along the way truly represented what war would be like. It was chaotic and messy but in the end pulled through a great story and I think that is a true essence to look for in military and war films.
Scout’s take: ✭✭✭✩✩
Despite its many awards and overall reputation, Saving Private Ryan was, in a word, overexerted. The constant vulgarity and exposure, while accurately illustrating the war, seemed to distract from the story. As I try to describe the story itself to my peers, I am at a loss. Do I describe the countless fight scenes, the quest to find Ryan, the brotherhood of the soldiers, or the story of Captain John? While each is magnificent in itself, there is not room for all. The movie shows the devastation and horrendous side of war as well as allowing the viewer to understand it. There were many times during the film that I was forced to remind myself that it was just that, a movie. The historical accuracy and depiction was perfect at the least but the deeper meaning was lost within it. In difference, the scene in which the soldiers sit in the destroyed town listening to a sad French woman sing, completely surrounds me with its beauty. I understand why it is such a celebrated film. Under its wretchedness is a sense of life, some poetry.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed. This was one of my favorite reviews by both Sophie and I, seriously we sound extremely smart.
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