‘Greatest war film ever made’ is a ‘masterpiece’ and on Netflix now | Films | Entertainment

A “masterpiece” war film regularly celebrated as the finest the genre has ever delivered is currently available to stream in the UK.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) centres on a unit of American soldiers in Normandy during World War 2 who are assigned the task of finding Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) on the battlefield and returning him home after his three brothers are killed in action.

The fictionalised narrative mirrors what subsequently became officially recognised as the Sole Survivor policy employed by the US military to protect families from losing an entire generation during wartime.

The stellar ensemble also features Tom Hanks in a lead role as Captain John Miller, alongside Edward Burns and Tom Sizemore as soldiers undertaking the perilous mission.

Helmed by Steven Spielberg, it has been lauded as one of the most visceral and immersive portrayals of the conflict ever captured on film, securing two Oscars for Best Special Effects and Best Sound.

Saving Private Ryan was penned by Robert Rodat and drew inspiration from the works of American historian Stephen E. Ambrose, as well as real-life accounts of families who lost multiple sons during warfare.

Admirers have flocked to IMDb to heap praise upon the war epic, with one saying that “Spielberg uses all of his talent and resources to give to the world the greatest war film ever made”.

“Though it’s true that this is not the type of movie you want to sit down with the family and eat popcorn, the emotional drive of the picture, the story’s poignant messages, and the fantastic acting of the cast draws you into a world that is both dangerous and unpredictable.”

Another wrote: “This movie is so powerful. I couldn’t watch it without crying, jumping, gasping, screaming, laughing, and cringing. It brought you through a whole array of emotion.”

“I couldn’t help but give my entire being over to each character as a stunning performance was drawn by each actor. Simply amazing. I can’t describe it any other way.

“Easily the best war film I’ve seen. None was more realistic… Amazing amazing amazing.”

A third added: “The beginning was horrifying. I couldn’t believe how accurate it was and painful it was to watch. When I studied WW2 in high school, I thought no one could ever re-create the Beach of Normady.

“But Speilberg did. I felt like I was there with the soldiers. I felt their fear, pride, and love for their country.”

A fourth wrote: “Sure, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ has its flaws. The pacing can be a bit slow here and there, and some of the characters’ motivations could be fleshed out a bit more.

“But honestly, these are just minor gripes in an otherwise spectacular film.”

The film carries a 15 certificate and contains strong bloody violence, gory images, and language — viewer discretion is advised.

Saving Private Ryan is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Paramount+. It can also be rented or bought on Apple TV, Sky Store, and YouTube with a Primetime subscription.