What ensues is memorable and moving, a testament to America's fighting men that doesn't oversentimentalize its subject or resort to jingoistic messages. "Saving Private Ryan" may not be an easy film to watch, but is ultimately rewarding for those who does so.

It also shows Spielberg's technical skills at their best, with stunning wide-angle photography (courtesy of cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, from "Schindler's List") that looks like it could have been shot during the war itself. And who can quibble with the film's pacing? There isn't an excess moment in its almost three-hour running time.

The story, by screenwriter Robert Rodat ("I'll Fly Away"), is nicely structured as well. (Some uncredited dialogue assists from ace scripters Scott Frank and Frank Darabont certainly don't hurt.)

On the performance side, it's sometimes easy to overlook Hanks when he's playing a "normal guy" role, but don't be surprised if he wins another Oscar for his work here.

Other standouts in the cast are Burns and Sizemore, who are surprisingly good given the uneven quality of some of their previous work, and Davies ("Spanking the Monkey"), who serves as the movie's wide-eyed innocent and its conscience.

"Saving Private Ryan" is rated R for disturbingly graphic wartime violence and gore, use of profane language and vulgar jokes and slang.