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Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg may be up for some big Oscars this year thanks to his astounding West Side Story, so it’s time to revisit some of the revered director’s fellow award-winning works. One of those titles is Saving Private Ryan, which released in theaters nearly 25 years ago and earned a whopping 11 nominations at the Academy Awards, thanks to realistic set designs and performances. So realistic, in fact, that you might be wondering if Saving Private Ryan happens to be based on a true story.
The beloved war film follows Tom Hanks as Captain Miller, who leads a group of U.S. soldiers on a mission to go beyond enemy lines and rescue a man whose brothers have been killed in action. Taking place after the Normandy Landings, the drama film stars big names like Matt Damon, Vin Diesel, Tom Sizemore, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about the true story behind Saving Private Ryan.
Is Saving Private Ryan based on a true story?
No. While the events of WWII portrayed in Saving Private Ryan are real, the characters are all fictitious. Now, that’s not to say Saving Private Ryan was completely uninspired by real events.
Is Saving Private Ryan based on a book? What is Saving Private Ryan based on?
Saving Private Ryan was slightly based on a book. Screenwriter Robert Rodat came to pen Saving Private Ryan after reading D-Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II. He went on to study the true story of Sergeant Frederick “Fritz” Niland, whose brothers had enlisted for service alongside him. When both of his brothers passed away, the U.S. Army commissioned him to be rescued and sent home.
So, no, Captain Miller’s risky rescue mission wasn’t real. But true events did inspire the film, in a way.
Is Saving Private Ryan on Netflix?
Nope, sorry. You won’t be able to find this war movie on Netflix.
Where is Saving Private Ryan streaming? How to watch Saving Private Ryan:
Saving Private Ryan is currently streaming on Prime Video with a subscription to Amazon Prime. If not there, you can buy or rent the film on most VOD platforms.
