Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. It is noted for its graphic and realistic portrayal of war. The film is especially notable for the intensity of its opening 27 minutes, which depict the Omaha Beach assault of June 6, 1944. Afterwards, it follows Tom Hanks as United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller. He and seven other soldiers search for paratrooper James Francis Ryan (played by Matt Damon), who is the last-surviving brother of four servicemen. Rodat based the story on a monument dedicated to eight bothers killed in the American Civil War.

Saving Private Ryan was well received by audiences and got considerable critical acclaim, winning several awards for film, cast, and crew. It earned significant returns at the box office, grossing US$481.8 million worldwide. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated the film for eleven Academy Awards. Spielberg's direction won him a second Academy Award for Best Director. Filmmaker Oliver Stone, however, has accused the film of promoting "the worship of World War II as the good war". He likens it to films such as Gladiator and Black Hawk Down that he believes were well made, but may have contributed to America's readiness for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.