Saving Private Ryan vs Saving Ryan's Privates

Perspective is sometimes not what it seems to be. Strange title to this blog, but it is kind of fitting when in regards to what this blog is about. I'm going to spoil a little of this movie, so if you read, you have been warned.

SPOILER:

Tom Hank's character dies along with a majority of his squad in order to 'Save Private Ryan' . The whole premise is interesting as the story focus' on the Ryan family who lose all of their son's but one in WWII. The top brass for whatever reason had sympathy for this family; and wanted to bring this one last son back before the Ryan clan disappears forever. Now at a certain point you we fail to realize why Ryan IS so important, as the beginning scene begins with the major battle and slaughter at Normany.

In any case, Tom Hank's loses a couple of soldiers along the way; including the beloved medic. Losing two squad members gets the other members of the squad upset that they are even on this mission to begin with. We then as the viewer realize that perhaps it's not just the soldiers, but parts of us questioning as well. Of course near the end Ryan is found, and then told that his brothers have died. Private Ryan now has a chance to save his own.. and that he has a free ticket home. Taking the high road, Ryan refuses to leave his post which is vital for the war effort. He even said he wouldn't abandon his other 'brothers'.

Heart rendering for sure, but I am sure there would be members of a squad who would gladly hop on a ride home. In the end, we need not let go of the notion that whatever post they held could have virtually save thousands if not tens-of-thousands. The last scene has Private Ryan (now an old man) visiting the grave of Tom Hank's character with his family in the background. With a tear jerking goodbye he prays he lived to be a good man, and weeps.

Still a great movie even though some reasoning doesn't make sense but it probably makes sense in the big picture of things. Even from our life's perspective, where does it truly begin and for that matter end?

Original review is by @bearbear613