Saving Private Ryan is a landmark World War II drama directed by Steven Spielberg, praised for its raw intensity, historical authenticity, and emotional power. Set in 1944, during the Allied invasion of Europe, the film follows a mission born out of both tragedy and compassion.

After three of the four Ryan brothers are killed in combat, the U.S. military learns that the fourth, Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), is missing in action somewhere in Normandy. In an effort to ease a grieving mother’s loss, the Army issues a rare and risky order: bring her surviving son home.

Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) is chosen to lead a squad of eight soldiers on the dangerous task of locating and rescuing Ryan. Their journey across the devastated French countryside becomes a brutal odyssey, filled with combat, sacrifice, and philosophical questions about the value of one man’s life weighed against many.

As the team suffers loss and conflict, Miller’s leadership and quiet humanity anchor the story. When they finally find Ryan, he refuses to abandon his post — forcing a final stand that will test the squad’s courage and resolve.