I didnt like Saving Private Ryan for the same reason many others didn't- it overlooked the equally heroic actions of the British and Canadians who fought on the beaches and in the fields of Northern France. Respect is due to the Americans who fought but there were three other beach landings (Sword, Gold and Juno) and hundreds of engagements involving the troops of the other Allied nations. Letters from Iwo Jima, Flags of our Fathers, Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, fine these were American only wars (apart from the Australians and Kiwis in 'Nam) but the key issue there is that it wasnt just the Americans who won WWII no matter how much films and games and books try to tell us. It was the work of many nations united against a common enemy. Not acknowledging that fact is what reduced Shaving Ryan's Privates to junk in my eyes.
Lecture over, class dismissed, quiz next Thursday
Lecture over, class dismissed, quiz next Thursday