Yeah, yeah, yeah, Normandy slaps and all that, really thrilling stuff. But let’s complicate my generous 4 stars and talk about the politics. A Spielberg war film that opens and closes with a billowing American flag is subject to strict scrutiny.
I can square that a purported anti-war film can still advocate for the justness of its war. I can even accept the symbol-making of Private Ryan, of how men in war seek absolution, or even justification, for their actions.…
