Saving Private Ryanis one of the greatest war films ever made.Steven Spielberg’s uncompromising depiction of a brave mission during the climax of World War II is renowned for its gripping first sequence, which depicts the grizzly storming of Omaha Beach by Allied forces. While detractors would argue the film never tops its standout opening, the larger story poses fascinating questions on the value of individual life within a conflict that claims countless. It’s a nuanced take on heroism and patriotism from the generally sentimental Spielberg. The film has since found a new life on streaming services, reaching new audiences who may wonder if the movie is based on real-life events.
The story follows U.S. Army Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) as he’s assigned to venture deep within Nazi territory to locate Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon). Ryan’s three brothers also served, but were all killed during the Normandy Invasion, so the Army has decided to send him home to his family. Miller has reservations about the mission but travels alongside his squad Mike Horvath (Tom Sizemore), Richard Reiben (Edward Burns), Daniel Jackson (Barry Pepper), Stanley Mellish (Adam Goldberg), Adrian Caparzo (Vin Diesel), Irwin Wade (Giovanni Ribisi), and Timothy Upham (Jeremy Davies) on the treacherous journey. Spielberg had explored the World War II era previously in1941,Empire of the Sun,Schindler’s List, and theIndiana Jonesfranchise, but wanted to depict the plight of combat as a tribute to his father’s,Arnold Spielberg, service in the war. When Spielberg won the Academy Award for Best Director, he dedicated it to his father’s heroism.
Saving Private Ryan
Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
Is ‘Saving Private Ryan’ Based on a True Story?
While the characters are fictitious, many of its events are inspired by actual historical records. ScreenwriterRobert Rodatwas first inspired to craft the narrative upon readingStephen Ambrose’s nonfiction retrospectiveD-Day: August 20, 2025: The Climactic Battle of World War II. Rodat was fascinated by an honorary memorial dedicated to families who had lost multiple sons in the war. Rodat began writingSaving Private Ryanafterstudying the true story of Sergeant Frederick “Fritz” Niland. Fritz Niland’s brothers, Preston and Robert, had enlisted for service, and his brother Edward had volunteered. In May 1944, Edward was shot down over Burma and presumed dead. In June, Robert was killed on D-Day and Preston was killed on Omaha Beach. Frederick had gone missing during the Normandy Invasion, and the U.S. Army commissioned him to be rescued and sent home.
An army unit under chaplain Fr. Francis Sampson identified Frederick’s location and sent him back to his parents, Michael and Augusta Niland. Frederick’s brother Edward was also discovered to be alive and was rescued from a Burmese POW camp and also returned home safely. The rescues were the result of the U.S. War Department’s “sole survivor” policy, which at the time, was to ensure the last surviving son of a family with multiple children who died in the line of duty made it back home. It was adopted in 1942 after the five Sullivan brothers who served in the U.S. Navy had all been killed during the sinking of theUSS Juneauduring the Battle of Guadalcanal. So, whileSaving Private Ryanis unquestionably inspired by true events,the film’s story of Captain Miller’s risky mission to save one man is entirely fictional.
What Was Steven Spielberg’s Connection to World War II?
As a child,Spielberg had an interest in World War II that stemmed from his father’s service in combat.He called it “the most significant event of the last 100 years,” and cataloged elements of the war in his films1941, Empire of the Sun,and theIndiana Jonesfranchise. The HBO original documentary filmSpielbergshows some of the director’s early childhood short films, many of which were inspired by World War II combat newsreels. Spielberg’s semi-biographical passion projectThe Fabelmanssheds a spotlight on his relationship with his father; in the film, the stand-in character for his father is played byPaul Dano.
Spielberg had searched for a World War II story that represented his father’s journey, and upon reading Rodat’s script, he knew that he had found it. Spielberg made a transition in his career early in the 1990s with his World War II historical epicSchindler’s List. Spielberg’s research into the Holocaust during the production ofSchindler’s Listgave him even more respect for America’s veterans;he even rejectedGeorge Lucas’ original concept for a fourthIndiana Jonesmoviefeaturing resurrected Nazis that he felt wouldn’t be respectful to veterans.
Steven Spielberg Made His First Film for a Merit Badge
One of our most legendary filmmakers made his first film in 1959 at the age of 13. Scout’s honor.
Saving Private Ryanwasn’t the last time that Spielberg and Hanks worked together on a World War II-centric project. They produced the game-changing HBO miniseriesBand of Brothers, which depicted the exploits of “Easy Company” throughout the war. Although this was produced during a period when television shows were rarely granted the same budgets as feature films,Band of Brothersfeatured a nearly cinematic depiction of combat. Similar toSaving Private Ryan,Band of Brotherswas praised by veterans for its realism.
The success ofBand of Brothersinspired the follow-up seriesThe Pacific, which followed the stories of the men serving in the “Pacific Theater” during the end of the war. BothBand of BrothersandThe Pacificspeak to similar themes asSaving Private Ryan, focusing on the loss of humanity during combat and the ramifications of PTSD.
How Accurate Is ‘Saving Private Ryan’?
Steven Spielberg went out of his way to ensure thatSaving Private Ryanwas as accurate as possible; a near replica of Omaha Beach was constructedfor the opening sequence, and the film’s cast went through boot camp training to prepare them for the rigors of combat. Reflecting on the filming of the “D-Day” sequence, Hanks stated thathe wasn’t prepared for how tactile the environment would beand how emotionally grueling the film was. While Spielberg recreated some latent details, including the “ping” of actual gunfire,Saving Private Ryanis not completely accurate. Some events, such as the Battle of Ramelle, are fictitious, and there are some tactical errors made by both American and German soldiers during the final sequence that was included for dramatic effect.
Saving Private Ryanearned Steven Spielberg his second Academy Award for Best Director, but it shockingly lost the Best Picture trophy toShakespeare in Love. The upset is considered to be one of the biggest disappointments in Oscar history.Saving Private Ryanhas been cited as an influence by other great directors who have told World War II-centric stories.Quentin Tarantinopraised the filmduring the making ofInglorious Basterds, andChristopher NolancitedSaving Private Ryanas a favoritewhile makingDunkirk.
Saving Private Ryanis available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
