The 1998 Hollywood film Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg, may be a fictional film, however the events therein and storyline are based on actual historical events. Historical events are evident from the onset of the movie. The movie begins with the portrayal of the June 6, 1944 Omaha Beach invasion by American Forces. It is at this early stage in the movie that the realism and horrors of war are depicted in the most gruesome way. The audience has their first taste at what real combat is like. Another historical event illustrated in the movie is the rescue of Private Ryan. While the characters and the story of Private Ryan that the movie follows may not be accurate, it is based on the authentic story of Fritz Niland, who was serving with the 101st Airborne Division during that time. …
