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Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Produced by
  • Ian Bryce
  • Mark Gordon
  • Gary Levinsohn
  • Steven Spielberg
Written by Robert Rodat
Starring
Music by John Williams
Cinematography Janusz Kamiński
Editing by Michael Kahn
Studio
Distributed by
  • DreamWorks Pictures (North America)
  • Paramount Pictures (International)
Release date(s) July 24, 1998 (1998-07-24)
Running time 169 minutes
Country United States
Language
  • English
  • German
Budget $70 million
Money made $482.3 million

Saving Private Ryan is a famous war film from 1998. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. The movie is known for showing the realities of war.

The story takes place during World War II, specifically during the Normandy landings in 1944. These landings were a very important event in history. The film shows the intense D-Day assault on Omaha Beach.

The movie follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom Hanks. He leads a group of soldiers on a special mission. Their goal is to find a paratrooper named Private First Class James Francis Ryan, played by Matt Damon. Ryan is the last surviving brother of his family. His three other brothers were killed in action during the war.

The film was made by several companies working together. These included DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, and Mutual Film Company. DreamWorks released the movie in North America. Paramount released it in other countries around the world.

The Story of Saving Private Ryan

The movie begins with an older man visiting a military cemetery. This cemetery is in Normandy, France. He walks through the graves until he finds a specific one. This scene sets the stage for the story that follows.

D-Day and the Mission

The main part of the movie starts on June 6, 1944. This day is known as D-Day. Allied forces, including American soldiers, invaded Normandy, France. They landed on beaches like Omaha Beach. The film shows how difficult and dangerous this invasion was.

After the invasion, the U.S. Army discovers something sad. Three brothers from the Ryan family have died in the war. The military decides to find the fourth brother, James Francis Ryan. They want to send him home safely to his mother.

Captain Miller's Squad

Captain John H. Miller is given this important mission. He leads a small group of soldiers. These soldiers include Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Adam Goldberg, and Jeremy Davies. They are ordered to search for Private Ryan.

Their journey takes them through war-torn France. They face many dangers and difficult situations. The soldiers question why one life is more important than others. However, they follow their orders.

Finding Private Ryan

The squad travels through many towns and battle zones. They encounter both friendly and enemy forces. Along the way, they learn more about each other. They also see the terrible impact of war on civilians.

Eventually, they find Private Ryan. He is with a group of paratroopers defending a bridge. Ryan is surprised by the mission to send him home. He feels he should stay and fight with his new comrades.

The Final Battle

A large battle takes place as German forces attack the bridge. Captain Miller and his men, along with Ryan's group, fight bravely. They try to hold the bridge against the enemy. This battle is very intense and shows the sacrifices soldiers made.

The film highlights themes of duty, sacrifice, and the value of human life. It also shows the strong bonds formed between soldiers during wartime.

Filming and Impact

Saving Private Ryan was praised for its realistic portrayal of war. The opening scene, showing the D-Day landing, is especially famous. Many people felt it was a very accurate and powerful depiction.

The movie won many awards. Steven Spielberg won an Academy Award for Best Director. The film also won awards for its cinematography, editing, and sound. It helped people understand the experiences of soldiers in World War II.

Images for kids

See also

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