On the evening of Sunday, June 1, 2025, audiences across the UK have the opportunity to revisit one of cinema’s most revered war films, Saving Private Ryan, airing on BBC Two and available on the BBC iPlayer at 10:30 pm. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, this 1998 classic continues to captivate viewers with its gripping portrayal of World War II’s harrowing moments, particularly the brutal 1944 Normandy invasion.
Set against the backdrop of war-torn France, the film follows Captain John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, as he leads a squad of soldiers on a perilous mission to locate Private James Francis Ryan, portrayed by Matt Damon. Ryan’s three brothers have been killed in action, and the mission’s goal is to bring him home safely. This narrative, inspired by Stephen E. Ambrose’s writings and real-life accounts of families enduring multiple losses during the war, lends the film a deeply emotional core that resonates with audiences even decades later.
From the opening sequence depicting the Omaha Beach assault—a scene so realistic that the cast underwent a grueling week-long boot camp to authentically embody soldiers’ experiences—to the film’s intricate character dynamics, Saving Private Ryan redefined the war movie genre. Its raw depiction of combat and the heavy toll of war earned it critical acclaim and a lasting legacy. The film’s impact is underscored by its commercial success, grossing an impressive $481.8 million worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 1998.
Critics have lauded the film’s unflinching realism, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding it a 94% score. Its accolades at the 71st Academy Awards further cemented its status, taking home five Oscars: Best Director for Spielberg, Best Cinematography for Janusz Kamiński, Best Film Editing for Michael Kahn, Best Sound awarded to Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, and Ronald Judkins, and Best Sound Effects Editing for Rydstrom and Richard Hymns. Despite losing Best Picture to Shakespeare in Love and Tom Hanks narrowly missing Best Actor to Roberto Benigni in Life Is Beautiful, Saving Private Ryan remains the film that continues to be celebrated and discussed today.
The ensemble cast features not only Hanks and Damon but also Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore, Jeremy Davies, Vin Diesel, Adam Goldberg, Ted Danson, and Bryan Cranston, all delivering powerful performances that contribute to the film’s authenticity and emotional weight. This strong cast, combined with Spielberg’s masterful direction, created a cinematic experience that transports viewers into the chaos and camaraderie of war.
Over 48,000 voters on Ranker recently named Saving Private Ryan the greatest war film of all time, a testament to its enduring appeal and influence. It was followed closely by Vietnam War classics like Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and Oliver Stone’s Platoon. Other notable films in the top ten include Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, Black Hawk Down, Fury, and Hacksaw Ridge. These selections highlight the ongoing fascination with war narratives that combine historical authenticity with compelling storytelling.
Tom Hanks, whose career spans a remarkable range of roles—from the whimsical charm of Big and Forrest Gump to the intense drama of Philadelphia and Catch Me If You Can—is often celebrated for his versatility. Yet, for many, his portrayal of Captain Miller stands out as a defining moment, blending leadership, vulnerability, and moral complexity. This film, one of several collaborations between Hanks and Spielberg, showcases the actor at a pivotal point in his career and remains a favorite among fans and critics alike.
As viewers tune in tonight, they will witness not just a war movie but a cinematic milestone that continues to shape how audiences understand the sacrifices and heroism of World War II. The film’s powerful storytelling, combined with historical detail and unforgettable performances, ensures that Saving Private Ryan remains a benchmark against which all war films are measured.
Whether you are revisiting the film for its emotional depth and thrilling sequences or experiencing it for the first time, tonight’s broadcast offers a chance to engage with a piece of cinematic history that has left an indelible mark on both film and cultural memory.
