A New Challenger To Saving Private Ryan's War Film Throne

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

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The Rising Contender: 1917

Sam Mendes's 1917 is a 2019 British war film that immediately captivated audiences and critics alike. Unlike many war films that focus on large-scale battles, 1917 adopts a unique perspective, following two young British soldiers, Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake, on a seemingly impossible mission during World War I. The film's innovative storytelling, achieved through incredibly long, unbroken takes, creates a visceral and immersive experience unlike any other war movie.

• Specific historical accuracy or unique perspective: 1917 meticulously recreates the brutal realities of trench warfare on the Western Front, offering a unique perspective on the daily struggles and relentless psychological toll of WWI. It's not just about grand battles but the quiet desperation and individual sacrifices within the larger conflict.
• Strong performances and character development: George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman deliver powerful performances, portraying the soldiers' fear, determination, and the deep bond of brotherhood forged under unimaginable pressure. Supporting characters, though often fleeting, are equally well-developed and impactful.
• Innovative cinematography and visual effects: Roger Deakins' masterful cinematography is a defining feature. The seemingly continuous shots create a feeling of immediacy and suspense, pulling the viewer directly into the heart of the action. The visual effects are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the realism without ever overshadowing the performances.
• Emotional impact and storytelling: The film's emotional core lies in the relentless journey of Schofield and Blake, their desperate fight for survival, and the profound human cost of war. It's a story of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of human connection in the face of unimaginable horror.

Comparing Cinematic Techniques: A Head-to-Head Analysis

Both Saving Private Ryan and 1917 utilize innovative cinematic techniques to enhance their realism and emotional impact, but they do so in distinctly different ways.

• Use of handheld cameras and shaky footage to create realism: Saving Private Ryan famously employed handheld cameras and shaky footage to simulate the chaotic and disorienting nature of combat. 1917, while less shaky, achieves realism through its immersive, unbroken shots, giving a sense of constant movement and immediacy within the battlefield.

• Sound design and its contribution to the overall atmosphere: Both films utilize immersive sound design, creating an oppressive and realistic soundscape. Saving Private Ryan's intense soundscape enhances the chaotic reality of D-Day. 1917's more subtle but consistent soundscape creates a constant sense of tension and vulnerability.

• Use of slow-motion and close-ups to heighten emotional impact: Saving Private Ryan masterfully uses slow-motion and close-ups to emphasize the brutality of war and the emotional toll on its characters. 1917 uses these techniques more sparingly, preferring to build tension and emotion through its long takes and immersive perspective.

• Narrative structure and pacing: Saving Private Ryan employs a more traditional narrative structure, while 1917's continuous shots create a unique, almost real-time narrative experience. The pacing in Saving Private Ryan shifts dramatically between intense action and quieter, character-driven moments. 1917 maintains a consistently high level of suspense.

• Specific examples: The Omaha Beach landing sequence in Saving Private Ryan is a masterclass in chaotic filmmaking. In contrast, the sequence where Schofield navigates a destroyed landscape in 1917 creates a different kind of tension through its unbroken shot and relentless forward momentum.

Thematic Resonance: Exploring Shared and Divergent Themes

Both Saving Private Ryan and 1917 grapple with core themes of war, exploring brotherhood, sacrifice, the horrors of conflict, and the profound human cost of war.

• Specific examples of thematic resonance: The bonds of brotherhood are central to both films, showcasing the strength and vulnerability of camaraderie in the face of death. Both films powerfully depict the devastating psychological impact of war on soldiers.
• Analysis of the unique perspectives each film offers: Saving Private Ryan focuses on the brutality of a specific battle and its impact on individual soldiers. 1917 offers a broader view, showcasing the unending nature of the war and the relentless struggle for survival.
• Discussion of how the films engage with contemporary audiences: Both films resonate with contemporary audiences through their timeless exploration of themes such as courage, sacrifice, and the importance of human connection. The immersive nature of 1917 offers a particularly visceral and unforgettable viewing experience.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Both Saving Private Ryan and 1917 have received widespread critical acclaim. Saving Private Ryan is widely considered a cinematic masterpiece, while 1917 has garnered significant praise for its innovative filmmaking and emotional power.

• Key critical reviews and their arguments: Reviews of Saving Private Ryan lauded its realism, emotional depth, and its impact on the war film genre. Critics of 1917 praised its innovative storytelling, stunning visuals, and intense emotional impact.
• Audience ratings and feedback from various platforms: Both films boast high ratings and positive reviews on major platforms such as IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing strong audience approval.
• Box office numbers and their significance: Both films performed strongly at the box office, indicative of their popularity and critical success.

Conclusion

Saving Private Ryan set a high bar for war films, but 1917, with its innovative cinematic techniques, immersive storytelling, and powerful emotional resonance, presents a compelling case as a worthy challenger to its throne. While Saving Private Ryan delivers a visceral portrayal of the D-Day landings, 1917 offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on the relentless struggle of WWI. Both films masterfully explore the shared themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the enduring human cost of war, but each approaches these themes through a distinct lens.

Who deserves to sit on the war film throne? Watch both Saving Private Ryan and 1917 and decide for yourself. You can find 1917 to stream or rent on [insert streaming links here]. Join the debate – what are your favorite war movies and why? What makes a truly great war film? Let us know in the comments!