Something always bothered me about the end of Saving Private Ryan, and last night after watching a rental, I realized what it was: I had seen it before. In the end of the comedy Volunteers, a stricken Tom Hanks staggers over to a detonator to blow up a bridge while bad guys on the other shore are all shooting at him (it was a spoof of Bridge on the River Kwai). Was Spielberg aware of this?
Volunteers is actually a pretty funny movie, especially the John Candy indoctrination scenes.
I have a question....what is it that Tom Hanks says into Private Ryan's ear at the end of the film? Is it James earnest? Is it James earn this? I could never understand what he was trying to say and why he said it.
>> have a question....what is it that Tom Hanks says into Private Ryan's ear at the end of the film?<<
earn this
I took as it as the fact that hanks and his team selflessly, as it was their duty, did their job to rescue private Ryan (although in the end he didn't want to be rescued..he wanted to be with his "brothers"). Some of them gave up their lives for Ryan to live..I think hanks wanted him to really appreciate that fact by living his life the way they would be proud..to appreciate life and freedom and sacrifice. Perhaps in the end all those years later he wondered if he had lived a life worthy of theirs being lost for it. It may also be a blanket statement towards civilian americans who live in the freedom we often take for granted.
Thanks for the info Susan....I thought that was what he said and the whole meaning behind it but I was never sure. It's been awhile since I've seen it. I think I'll pop it in and watch it!