Favorite Movies Countdown — No. 14

14. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Starring: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Ed Burns, Tom Sizemore, and Jeremy Davies

Synopsis: Few films have as big a cultural impact as "Saving Private Ryan." The film — which begins with the D-Day invasion — captured audiences of all ages, particularly veterans. Steven Spielberg has directed a number of films, but in my opinion this might be his greatest cinematic achievement. Sure, some would argue that "Schindler's List" was the top of his films, but I think this film has more relatable themes and a much broader appeal. The fact that it lost out on Best Picture remains one of the biggest gaffs in Hollywood history — a testament to the enduring appeal of this film.

Hanks delivers a beautiful performance in the lead role, and a number of character actors that compose the core group also do a nice job. This is really a beautiful portrait of men, and the toll that combat takes on them. It's also one of the finest war films made, including some gritty cinematography that Spielberg carried to later productions — including "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific."

This is the first of three Spielberg films to make this list, and I think this represents the zenith of his work. After making passion projects like "Schindler's List" and "Private Ryan" in the 1990s he's turned to other kinds of films over the last dozen years, none with the resonance of those films.

The human story of this film is dramatic on its own, but it's bookended with two incredible battle sequences — the D-Day landing and the final battle on the bridge — that bring the whole thing together. This is what you're looking for from a war film, faithful dedication to the details of the battle sequences and the details of character that draw you in.