'One of the greatest war films ever made' is on TV tonight

Film Saving Private Ryan
starring Tom Hanks in scene
-Credit:Channel 5


A film dubbed as 'one of the best war films ever made' is on TV for free tonight. The epic Second World War film is set to air on BBC Two at 10pm on Sunday, January 12.

Saving Private Ryan is set in 1944 in Normandy, France and focuses on a group of soldiers on a mission to find Private James Francis Ryan after his three brothers were killed in action. As Private James Ryan is the fourth and only-surviving brother, The United States Army Chief of Staff, George C. Marshall is given the opportunity to save their mum from further grief by bringing her only son back home.

The group of eight men, led by Captain John Miller who is played by Tom Hanks, face the horror and brutality of war as they embark on their search. The cast includes Matt Damon, Vin Diesel, Tom Sizemore and Adam Goldberg.

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The film went on to receive critical acclaim and scored an average of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Steven Spielberg directed film went on to win several Oscars including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing.

On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer said: "Saving Private Ryan is a masterpiece of humanity's search for purpose in war. The battle scenes are bluntly, horrifyingly realistic. The characters are fleshed out, and their reactions to the situations are unpredictable in a purely human way. Direction, script, acting, and effects are impeccable. Saving Private Ryan has a golden soul in its tale of purpose and tragedy that is undeniably pure."

A second viewer said: "An astonishing achievement, even after watching several times the cinematography is spectacular. This may sound controversial but, with parents permission, should be optional viewing for teens to show the outright horrors of war."

A third viewer added: "Saving Private Ryan is often considered one of the greatest war films ever made, combining technical prowess, strong performances, and profound thematic depth. It remains a significant cinematic achievement and a poignant tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War II."