‘Masterpiece’ hailed as ‘greatest war film ever made’ streaming now in the UK | Films | Entertainment

A “masterpiece” war film frequently hailed as the best the genre has ever produced is streaming now in the UK. Saving Private Ryan (1998) focuses on a group of American soldiers in Normandy during World War 2 tasked with locating Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) on the battlefield and sending him home after his three brothers lose their lives in the fighting.

The fictionalised story reflects what later became formally known as the Sole Survivor policy used by the US military to prevent families losing an entire generation in war. The star-studded cast also includes Tom Hanks in a leading role as Captain John Miller, as well as Edward Burns, and Tom Sizemore as soldiers taking part in the dangerous mission. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and held up as one of the most brutal and immersive depictions of the conflict ever committed to film, winning two Oscars for Best Special Effects and Best Sound.

Saving Private Ryan was written by Robert Rodat and inspired by the books of American historian Stephen E. Ambrose, and accounts of families losing multiple sons in conflict.

Fans have taken to IMDb to shower the war epic with praise, with one writing 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.”

It has a 15 certificate and contains strong bloody violence, gory images, and language – so viewer discretion is advised.

Saving Private Ryan is streaming now on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Paramount+. It’s also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Sky Store, and on YouTube with a Primetime subscription.