Saving Private Ryan Dethroned: A New Contender For Best War Film?

Chloe Fitzgerald

6 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

4.0

Share

The Rise of 1917: A Fresh Perspective on War

Sam Mendes's 2019 film, 1917, offers a radically different, yet equally compelling, perspective on the horrors of war. Unlike Saving Private Ryan's episodic structure, 1917 unfolds as a single, unbroken shot (though technically comprised of expertly concealed edits), creating a visceral sense of immediacy and immersion rarely seen in war cinema.

• Unique Cinematic Techniques: 1917's most striking feature is its innovative use of long takes, creating a sense of unbroken tension and placing the viewer directly in the boots of the soldiers. This contrasts sharply with Saving Private Ryan's more traditionally structured approach.
• Focus on a Different Aspect of War: While Saving Private Ryan focuses on a specific mission behind enemy lines, 1917 presents a broader view of the relentless, exhausting slog of trench warfare during World War I, emphasizing the sheer scale and brutal, unrelenting nature of the conflict.
• Historical Accuracy: Both films strive for historical accuracy, though their approaches differ. Saving Private Ryan meticulously recreates the chaos of the D-Day landings, while 1917 focuses on the psychological and physical realities of life in the trenches, capturing the claustrophobia and constant threat of death. Both films, however, take some creative liberties for narrative purposes.
• Reception and Critical Acclaim: 1917 received widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous awards, including several Oscars, for its technical achievements and emotional impact, proving its status as a major force in the war film genre.

Comparing Cinematic Techniques: Realism vs. Innovation

Saving Private Ryan revolutionized war films with its groundbreaking use of handheld cameras, shaky camerawork, and visceral sound design. This created a sense of chaotic realism, immersing the audience in the brutality and unpredictability of combat. The film's opening sequence, in particular, remains a cinematic landmark for its intensity and unflinching depiction of violence.

• Spielberg's Style: Spielberg's style in Saving Private Ryan is characterized by its intensity, its immediacy, and its unflinching portrayal of violence. The handheld camera work adds to the sense of realism and chaos.
• Mendes's Innovative Approach: 1917, in contrast, utilizes long takes to create a feeling of continuous engagement, drawing the viewer into the relentless journey of the two protagonists. This technique fosters a unique intimacy and suspense.
• Impact on the Viewer: Both films achieve emotional impact through drastically different means. Saving Private Ryan's chaotic realism delivers shock and awe, while 1917's unbroken shot creates a sense of continuous tension and empathy.
• Portrayal of Violence: Both films depict violence with unflinching realism, though Saving Private Ryan presents a greater volume of explicit violence, while 1917 emphasizes psychological dread and the cumulative impact of sustained warfare.

The Emotional Core: Exploring the Human Cost of War

Both Saving Private Ryan and 1917 delve into the profound emotional toll of war on soldiers and civilians.

• Character Development: Both films feature memorable characters with compelling emotional arcs, though the scale and intimacy differ. Saving Private Ryan has a larger ensemble cast allowing for more diverse character development and exploring the complexities of brotherhood and duty under extreme pressure. 1917, with its singular focus on two soldiers, gives a more intimate look at the bond between them and the psychological burden they carry.
• Camaraderie, Fear, and Trauma: Both films vividly portray camaraderie, fear, and the lasting psychological trauma of war. Saving Private Ryan emphasizes the emotional bonds formed under fire, while 1917 highlights the constant fear and unrelenting strain of constant exposure to mortal danger.
• Moral Dilemmas: Both films present moral dilemmas faced by soldiers grappling with the realities of combat. Saving Private Ryan wrestles with the justification of risking lives to save one man, while 1917 focuses on the broader moral cost of war and the sacrifices demanded of ordinary soldiers.

Audience Reception and Critical Consensus: A Shifting Landscape

Saving Private Ryan was a phenomenal box office success and earned critical acclaim, including numerous awards. Its impact on the war film genre is undeniable. 1917, while not reaching the same box office heights, also gained significant critical recognition and several Academy Awards, notably for its technical achievements.

• Box Office and Critical Reception: Both films were commercially and critically successful, though Saving Private Ryan had a broader impact and enjoyed a longer cultural lifespan.
• Awards and Accolades: Both films earned significant awards and accolades, highlighting their quality and impact on audiences and critics.
• Cultural Impact: Both films have had a lasting cultural impact, shaping conversations about war and its effects on individuals and society. Saving Private Ryan defined a generation's understanding of World War II combat, while 1917 offered a fresh, impactful perspective on World War I.

Beyond the Battlefield: The Legacy of War Films

War films play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of conflict and its consequences, influencing how we remember and interpret history.

• Shaping Perceptions: Both Saving Private Ryan and 1917 powerfully shape our perceptions of war, emphasizing the human cost and the psychological impact on soldiers.
• Role in Historical Memory: They serve as important contributions to historical memory, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the lasting effects of conflict.
• Ethical Considerations: The ethical considerations of depicting war on screen are complex. Both films engage with these considerations, albeit in different ways, prompting reflection on the responsibility of filmmakers in portraying violence and suffering.

Conclusion

Saving Private Ryan remains a landmark achievement in war cinema, setting a high bar for realism and emotional impact. However, 1917, with its innovative cinematic techniques and intimate portrayal of the human cost of war, presents a compelling argument as a worthy contender for the title of best war film. Both films offer powerful and unforgettable portrayals of warfare, pushing the boundaries of the genre and challenging our understanding of conflict. They remind us that the "best" war film is a matter of personal preference, shaped by individual experiences and expectations.

Have you seen both Saving Private Ryan and 1917? Share your thoughts on which film you believe deserves the title of best war film in the comments below. Let's discuss the best war films and what makes them so impactful! Let the debate on the best war film continue!