By Joziah Ryan K Lyngdoh, Shuktara Goswami, and, Sutapa Das Choudhury
The central idea of Saving Private Ryan revolves around the immense suffering faced by soldiers during war and the sacrifices made by both the individuals and their families. Set during World War II, the movie emphasises the emotional and physical toll that warfare takes on those involved, as well as the deep bonds of brotherhood formed in the heat of battle. The primary theme is about the dedication and selflessness of soldiers who risk their lives for the greater good, hoping to return home without knowing what the future holds for them.
The story begins with an elderly man visiting a graveyard, kneeling and weeping as he recalls an event from World War II. This flashback leads into the main plot, which centers on a mission to save Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving son of four brothers. Following the death of his three siblings in combat, the high command assigns Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad find Ryan and bring him safely home.
This task is not without its challenges, and as the soldiers embark on their perilous journey, the emotional and physical costs of the war become all too real.
As Captain Miller and his team press forward, they find Ryan, but he refuses to leave his post, determined to continue fighting alongside his comrades. He cannot abandon his duty, as he feels a deep obligation to serve his country. Captain Miller, once a high school teacher before enlisting, explains to his men that the mission is more than just a simple task—it’s about fulfilling a promise to bring one soldier home, despite the staggering cost.
The film explores themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the moral complexities of war. In the end, Captain Miller tells Ryan to “earn it,” a statement that weighs heavily on the young soldier’s conscience. After the mission’s completion, Ryan grows up to become a veteran and visits Miller’s grave, reflecting on the profound impact the captain’s sacrifice had on his life.
The character arcs are richly developed, each adding to the emotional depth of the story. Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks, leads with a quiet but determined resolve, struggling to keep his men motivated while grappling with the weight of the mission. Corporal Upham (Jeremy Davies), a novice soldier, is thrust into situations that force him to confront his fears, ultimately growing into a capable fighter by the end. Private Ryan, the titular character, embodies the internal conflict of surviving while others sacrifice their lives for him. His refusal to abandon his fellow soldiers at the climax is a testament to his loyalty and sense of duty.
Among the supporting characters, Private Reiben (Edward Burns) is the skeptical and abrasive soldier who, despite wanting to abandon the mission, comes to understand its importance. Private Mellish (Adam Goldberg) offers comic relief but also embodies the deep human emotions that soldiers experience during wartime. Private Jackson (Barry Pepper), a sharpshooter, brings a sense of hope to his comrades in dark moments, while Sergeant Hovarth (Tom Sizemore) stands by Miller’s side as a trusted ally. Medic Wade (Giovanni Ribisi) adds a layer of vulnerability to the team, his efforts to save his comrades underlining the fragility of life during war. Private Corporal (Vin Diesel), a warm and humorous character, becomes a symbol of the soldiers’ humanity amid the horror of battle.
On the antagonistic side, Steamboat Willie (Joerg Stadler), a German soldier, plays a pivotal role in the film’s exploration of the ethics of warfare. Initially spared by Captain Miller, Steamboat Willie later returns to take lives, only to be confronted and killed by Upham in a climactic moment of justice.
The film’s most striking sequences highlight the brutal reality of war. One memorable scene occurs early in the film, as soldiers struggle to survive the harrowing D-Day landings, the violence and chaos of the beach rendered in harrowing detail. The second notable sequence occurs when the squad reaches a French village, where they mistakenly find the wrong Private Ryan, only to experience the sorrow and frustration of realising their error. Ryan’s emotional reaction to the news of his brothers’ deaths adds another layer of depth to the film, capturing the disillusionment and grief of losing loved ones in war.
The final sequence, where Ryan refuses to abandon his post and join Miller’s team, is the emotional climax of the film. Despite the desperate circumstances, Ryan chooses to stay with his fellow soldiers, acknowledging the bond of brotherhood that transcends family ties. The subsequent battle for the bridge in Ramelle showcases the sacrifices made by the soldiers, culminating in Captain Miller’s death. His last words, urging Ryan to “earn” the chance to live, resonate deeply, haunting Ryan throughout his life.
The film’s plot follows a classic three-act structure. In Act I, we are introduced to the main characters and their mission to find and save Private Ryan. The situation grows more complicated in Act II, as the squad faces mounting losses and internal conflicts. Act III is marked by the final push to save Ryan and the emotional aftermath, as the soldiers fight to complete their mission while grappling with the personal costs of their sacrifice.
In the end, the film is not just about the mission to save Private Ryan but about the emotional weight of the choices made during wartime, the bonds forged in the crucible of battle, and the moral responsibility soldiers carry when their lives—and the lives of others—hang in the balance. The aftermath of Captain Miller’s death and Ryan’s reflection on his life encapsulates the deep sense of loss and guilt that permeates the film. Ryan’s life, lived in the shadow of his comrades’ sacrifices, becomes a tribute to the fallen, ensuring that their actions were never in vain.
Though Saving Private Ryan is an old classic, we decided to review it again because it left a lasting impression on us during our college days. Even now, it remains one of the best films ever made.
It’s streaming on Netflix.