Fun fact, they hired amputees as extras for the scenes with limbs blown off. Yes, there was special effects, but actually using actors missing limbs to add realism was very effective.
And Spielberg was likely paying tribute to Japanese director Akira Kurosawa and a scene from his film "Ran" wherein a soldier picks up his severed arm and wanders away in the midst of a battle.
@@stevemoppett2759 My wording may be incorrect. 'Interesting fact'. I was just commenting on the production. I could never imagine what these men, and even boys went through.
Crazy how a movie can get you emotional. People forget that crying out for their mother or not having them courage to fight back happened all the time. This movie was as realistic as it gets.
It's not crazy at all, it's really normal that a story based on reality which includes war, suffering, death, pain an so on, triggers emotions in us. Try watching Schindler's list and not cry, for instance, it's simply not possible.
You see crazy gore and brutality in horror movies and then think “oh well, the person who thought this up just had a really wild imagination.” Then you watch this movie and realize, this wasn’t made up in someone’s head; this really happened, and the brutal scenes we see are the most accurate depictions of what was seen and experienced by real men on that beach that day. Absolutely horrifying
As an American Veteran, I was so happy to hear you two ladies say, 'we all need to live better.' That is precisely the point of this film. Each of us should try to be worthy of the incredible gift we are given by the efforts of the young men and women who stand between us and evil tyranny, hold up their weapon and shout...not on my watch!
Yeah but what does 'live better' mean? Does it mean you should contribute more to society? If so, what does THAT mean? Does it mean you should you be more tolerant of others? Does it mean you should you spend more time defending your values? Does it mean you should be having more children? Maybe less children? Does it mean you should be building a massive ebony obelisk to commemorate all the people who have come before you? Does it mean you should be planting trees everywhere you go so that you can help the people who come after you? What if those trees lead to overpopulation because too many people are able to thrive off them? What if that giant obelisk ends up blocking the flight path of some piece of transport in the future? 'Live better' is worse than useless if there's nothing else to give it context.
@@CopiousDoinksLLCEveryone knows what areas they need to live better in. It's not a propagandized statement telling you HOW to live better. YOU know how YOU need to live better, and if not, then self reflection is past due.
Hey Meathead, politicians have the responsibility to stand up to tyranny. I made many Iraqi friends during the 2nd Gulf "war", and helped them emigrate to the USA. I'm a proud Canadian veteran who made a real difference in peoples lives. What did you do "Killjoy", step on peoples necks? Go kiss your weapon!
"ma ma, ma ma, ma ma....(fades)" I totally die inside every time Wade says it. I think its the most emotional scene honestly. And the one at the end where Ryan asks his wife if he has lived a good life.
There is a German account on the Eastern front of a German soldier crying for Mother after getting hit in the head with shrapnel. War is every shade of ugly and pain is international.
Lia's comment, about everyone living "Better" because of the soldiers (and what they sacrificed) speaks well, about HER heart, and understanding. Love her for that!
For the beach assault, the plan included a number of things that went wrong on the day. Firstly, the defences were supposed to be largely knocked out by allied bombing, but the bombing missed, leaving them mostly intact. Secondly, the infantry were supposed to be supported by specially modified tanks that could 'swim' to the shore, but the tanks were dropped too far out in seas that were too rough, and they all sank before they got there. The movie took a major slice of artistic licence with the time. In the movie, the beach assault lasts about 20 minutes: in real life it took over 5 hours...
Everything you said is right, but they did the test in England for the tanks. The water was generally calm, they didn't expect the water to be so rough at Normandy. 2ndly paratroopers were deployed during the night behind enemy lines. Whole fields were flooded by the Germans knowing this would happen. The man who knew where the Allies would assault Western Europe was Erwin Rommel(The Desert Fox, led the Afrika Korps), who got where they would assault based on the invasion of Sicily. Erwin Rommel was the one that built all the main defenses across Normandy ,but obviously didnt finish them. During the Invasion Operation Fortitude was launched a decoy invasion of the city of Calais. George S Patton was the decoy of the invasion. When High command were alerted of this they sent the reserves that were supporting Normandy to Calais. A very big KEY note was Erwin Rommel went home to Germany for his wife's birthday right before the invasion, so he wasnt in command during the invasion. If Erwin stayed in France, Dday would of more likely been a failure. Rommel would of been too smart to fall for the decoy. This isn't a critique but a continuation of what Harold Smith typed.
@@christopherstarr8050 Rommel wasnt there to begin with, a whole panzer division was waiting in reserve at Normandy. Also he wasnt the only one. Many other top generals also believed Calais would of been attacked
@@kylargilliam6927 I am talking weeks after the invasion . Hitler would still not release the reserves from Calais . He still thought a bigger invasion would land at Calais
@@christopherstarr8050 Ahh, yes and due to that, it allowed the allies to gain a complete foothold in Normandy and the rest is history. And even if he did send the reserves from Calais I still think it wouldnt matter. The Canadians and Brits advanced very far Day 1 of landing. Granted the Canadians got smacked by the 12th SS panzer division(made up of mostly young adults and teenagers from hitler youth)but the 12th SS got beaten overall soundly by the british(just by battle exp). The only way for the Germans to win that battle was not having that initial panzer reserve and taking more men off Normandy beach defense to win. Thats where i talk heavily about Erwin Rommel, Rommel was notorious for going with his gut even against high command(Hitler). Invasion of France as key example(ghost division) and his retreat in Africa.
The death of Wayde (the medic) is one of the most gut wrenching and painful things I have ever seen on film. Many of the American soldiers in WWII were just kids, barely 18 years old, and were forced to serve through the military draft. Many of them were not fit for fighting in a war. Also, a lot of people say how much they hate the character Upham and that he was a coward. But the reality is that he was a translator and not a combat soldier. Again, another harsh reality that war is a nightmare for most people and few can handle the horrible atrocities that come with it as a result.
@@randallthomas5207 no. Not true. It is not required. But it is a trap some people fall into. If you stay focused, mission oriented, and properly trained, you always keep your humanity. Trust me. I’ve been there.
Simply a luxury you can't afford under some circumstances. As you can see with most combat vets they are still peaceful, caring people once they are back in a safe environment; even though they don't forget how to employ violence if they must.
One of the most powerful and emotional scenes in the film is when the car approaches the Ryans' house, when the priest gets out and the mother only manages to fall sitting on the porch. I think it's a heartbreaking scene.
I agree ,the whole movie pounds your emotions ,but mom knowing and falling down to sit ,gets me everytime,hard,while soldiers pay the price so do the mothers
As an American I'm glad you guys took the time to watch this movie. You guys are more insightful and appreciative than a lot of Americans. Love the channel and keep it up
Lia got to it immediately - yes, the best most you could give back to all of those who sacrificed is to live 'better'. First time I've heard that immediate reaction.
When people go in to shock before they are about to die, many will call out for their mother. Its an instinct. We call out for the first person who took care of us as babies before we can remember anything.
The SS guy who stabbed Mellish is not the soldier “Steamboat Willie” that they let go. Steamboat Willie wasn’t in the SS, but he is the one who shot Captain Miller.
True different uniforms and played by different actors. Steam boat Willie is played by Joerg Stadler and SS man who killed Mellish is played by Mac Steinmeier.
@@Jagerus Steamboat Willie is wearing a different uniform. The guy who killed Melllish was an SS unit. He just saw Upum as someone who isn't worth killing. But steamboat shot Miller while Miller was trying to get the detonator.
This movie got the beach scene almost 100%. Several vets who were there that day walked out of theaters when this came out in the ‘90s because of how realistic it is. One vet who drove a landing craft said he had something like 20+ men in his boat and, when he dropped the ramp, 14 were instantly cut down and several more didn’t make it off the beach - and that was a common occurrence
Yup. The guy had 32 men on his boat. And only 3 made it off, including him. Forgot what his name was, but the thing was it took him 70 years to open up about what happened that day.
the dude that killed tom hanks, steamboat willie, was indeed the same guy they let go. but the guy on the stairs is a different soldier. the soldier on the stairs was wearing an ss uniform, steamboat willie was wearing a regular wehrmacht uniform.
@@porflepopnecker4376 Yeah when I first watched it I thought it was the same guy. But looking at them afterwards, they are totally different people. I was shocked at myself for thinking it was the same person! Just their collar insignia should've told me straight away these two men had probably never even met 🙂
@@Pazuzu82 lol well the only thing that was similar was no hat. That scene when he says his name before he gets shot was the first time they saw each other again.
Every time I see that guy on the beach with his intestines hanging out while he screams for his mother makes me shudder with chills. He may have only had 5 seconds of screen time but he stays with you. His acting was terrific. His screams were frighteningly realistic.
Not sure if that’s a good idea. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to explain to people who don’t take a few minutes to do some basic research about Operation Neptune and why the situation at Omaha became so bad. They all jump to the conclusion that the invasion was poorly planned and those who planned it should be shot or put on trial for treason.
I was playing online with a German guy a few hours ago he was a lovely guy...it's ironic that 70 years ago we was killing each other and now we're playing game's together, sometimes things change for the better 🇬🇧💗🇩🇪
I’m British. My dad was in the Army so he was based in Germany. I spent the first 6 years of my life living in Germany. When I turned 16, I joined the Army myself. I volunteered to go back to Germany for another 3 years! I *_LOVE_* Germany and I have all the time in the world for Germans. I’d go back there in a heartbeat.
@@realburglazofficial2613 I lived near Freiburg for two year's they're the happiest memories I have...a beautiful country and warm friendly and surprisingly light hearted people.
@@alanhilton3611 Paderborn for 3 years. Osnabruck for 3 years, Munster for 3 years. I used to spend a lot of time in Sennelager and Bad Lippspringe too. Berlin is my favourite city in the world
Same for Americans. During WWII black people were treated like shit and segregation was still a thing. I always found it rather ironic that US soldier fought for “freedom” and “equality” while accepting africans be treated as subhumans. because war isnt for freedom, its political. but I dont blame americans its the german, american and other countries leaders that are to be blamed
I had to go to my daughter's house and tell her that her twin brother had been killed in Afghanistan. I did 35 years in the Army and that was the hardest thing I ever did. 7 years ago and she still won't talk to me.
Many of the men who really lived through that war have said that the scenes in this film are the closest to what the real experience was...& for that reason alone, it should be seen by people to understand how truly horrible war is.
That was war at it's absolute worst. Most engagements aren't anything close to being that bad. Not that any of them are easy or pleasant, but there's definitely levels to war in terms of intensity.
@@realburglazofficial2613 same man. I was there in summer of 2010 (1st Recon battalion) and as crazy as that seemed, it was nothing compared to those wars
“Earn this…” In my opinion, Tom Hanks’s best and most emotional line in a movie, as well as in any war movie I’ve ever watched. Really shows how much was sacrificed to get where we are.
My grandfather and i watched this movie together and he cried through the whole movie. He was there when they invaded that beach and he told me "that was exactly the the way it happened ". and he said "I lost a lot of friends that day."
We had a relatives remains returned home just this year from this war. They found a mass grave and used DNA to confirm the bodies as there was no remaining effects buried with them. Over 70 years later he is buried on a mountain with a view he loved as a young man.
1. Many WWII vets left the theaters because the D-Day battle scenes were so realistic. 2. Those communications devices are UHF transvers. 3. The story Ryan tells the Captain is made up. The director told him just to say something that might work. 4. The German Captain Miller was talked into letting go is the same one that killed him. Upham finally killed him. I also thought the stabber was the same guy but he wasn't. They just look similar. (Super race and all that) 5. The story Ryan tells Miller about his brothers the last time together Damon was told to make something up. 6. Lia needs to watch Private Jackson/ Barry Pepper and Tom Hanks in Stephen King's GOAT "The Green Mile". I don't care if she does it with you Ellie. I just want to watch her reaction. It's always great to watch you as well😍😍
The sacrifice, courage, and sheer bravery of all soldiers on D-Day is unparrelled in wartime history, particularly the first and second waves on Omaha Beach!
Thank you for sharing such honest reactions to what is probably one of the most difficult movies to watch. I'm privileged to work in the VA serving veterans for the last 23 years, and I've been honored to meet a few combat vets who served in the European theater. They are truly the greatest generation. It's good to get to know you folks through these movies, and I agree, our freedoms have come at a terrible price. We should live in a way that honors that sacrifice.
I know its hard to watch especially the landing scene but when assaulting a fortified position the standard is you need 4 times the men compared to the defenders. A sea assault is much worse. They lost 2600 men that first day. The Brits and Canadians also lost large numbers. This was viewed as the least fortified and easiest beach to hit. If you want truly scary numbers look at the estimates of what the landings on Kyushu in Japan would have been as it was hugely larger than the D-Day landings.
And it could have failed entirely. Had Hitler released the panzer reserves he was holding on to, as his Generals requested, the landing troops would have been destroyed on the beach and driven back into the sea.
D-Day was the largest seaborne invasion in history, Omaha beach was a blood bath due to horrible execution and planning. For starters planes dropped 13,000 bombs just prior to the invasion to eliminate a large number of the Germans and they missed all of the targets, not to mention the amphibious tanks they were counting on for support never made it to the beach because they all sank in minutes, they never tested them properly. Many soldiers were dropped off miles away half drowned and soaked without a clue where they even were. The one’s on the beach had to survive the chaos by improvising.
Also, because of how fanatical the Japanese were during WW2, Allied estimates for defenders of the Japanese mainland included the _entire_ population of able-bodied men, women and children in Japan. It would have been impossible to take Japan through sheer weight of numbers.
The look of shock and horror when they landed is appropriate. I’m a soldier. An opposed amphibious landing is one of the worst tactical actions you can try, and only done when there's no other choice. It means sending men and equipment into the kill zone until you win or lose. Unfortunately, someone has to go first, and they aren't coming back.
Well said. The unfortunate thing about the SPR Omaha beach landing scene is that it gives many people the wrong impression about the planning that went into Operation Neptune. They don’t know about the preparatory aerial and naval bombardments that unfortunately were largely ineffective. Nor do they know about the deception plans that convinced the enemy that Calais would be the location for the main invasion but be proceeded by a diversionary invasion. You wouldn’t believe how many comments I’ve seen over the years claiming whomever planned this should be put on trial for treason or that they were idiots.
@@mako88sb True. To make an amphibious assualt work you need as much support as possible. You need at least air and sea supremacy, preferably dominance. A metric shit-tonne of offensive support, and suprise if you can get it. The allies had all of this, resulting in a successful landing with casualties far lighter than expected. This is just what winning looks like with this tactical action.
Fact - The German soldier who was captured, then let go at the radar site and later shot by Corporal Uppam is not the same German soldier who kills Mellish in hand-to-hand combat and walks by Uppam in the stairwell. They look very, very similar, but they are not the same man.
i have only two problems with this movie. 1) why the heck did Spielberg cast someone who looked so similar...especially since the guy who killed Mellish was SS...it would've been easy and accurate to cast some blonde-haired blue eyed "Aryan" in that role and avoided the confusion and 2) I LOATHE that two second scene where Pvt Ryan (Damon) is clutching his knees and screaming like a child. It is completely out of character and a glaring departure from the steadfast soldier he had portrayed thus far. There was zero need for it and it detracts from that scene terribly.
I first saw this film just as it first came out - in Germany. Words can't describe what it was like in that theater. Sitting among German's watching that movie was soul-wrenching. The looks on the faces of my German friends was something I will never forget. Ever.
Band of Brothers and the Pacific are AMAZING! Historically accurate, well acted, directed, and filmed. Great books too! Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company (2nd Battalion, 506 Paratroopers) on the Western front, and The Pacific tells the story of the Eastern front of WW2.
Big hearts & sincere deeply felt thoughts, about the high price paid to gain a final victory, came through from the Homies on this reaction. Well done, Lia & Ellie.
I was born in 1956. The war was long over by that time. But watching you 2 young ladies having such visceral reactions to Private Ryan and Fury...I sincerely wanted to just hug you both and tell you everything's OK. 🤗
I had a great uncle who served in the 101st Airborne during WWII. He was the sole survivor of his squad on two separate occasions during the Battle of Bastogne (The Bulge). He was never the same again. They really didn't know much about PTSD during that era. Rest in peace, Howard.
That "Earn this" to Ryan at the end, not was for him, was for all of us. All the people that now has the chance to live in a free world thanks to the sacrifices of American, British, Russian, Polish, French (and a big etc.) soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice in the battlefield.
well except that when the war ended black americans were still treated like subhuman dirt. its always interesting how american war movies glorify their soldiers fighting oppression of jews when they oppressed africans during and after WWII
@@alphaclam hey, man. dont blame me if you are a mindless drone spoon fed by propaganda. I respect soldiers. they are just following orders, the puppets of their government. but its ridiculous to even think for a second that we live in a “free world”. according to you the US is bombing 7 countries the past 20 years for freedom too I guess. my point is that the US did help win WWII which was the lesser of two evils compared to the Axis forces. but its undeniably ironic that US media depicts these soldiers as heroes fighting for justice and the end of oppression while back home black folks were oppressed to no end and treated like subhumans very similar to how the germans treated the jews early stage of nazi party reign. its absolutely noteworthy. denial wont change facts.
@@alphaclam were afro americans oppressed and mistreated in america during WWII while at the same time american soldiers overseas fought for the oppressed in europe? I read history books. but unlike you I also read sources outside my native source. because every country’s source is biased and history is written by the winners. to find truth you gotta look beyond the local. something you seemingly havent done once in your life.
The opening battle scene on Omaha Beach is actually an extremely accurate portrayal of the actual events according to the actual veterans. God bless those men
@PompousBreadRolls beast of omaha was there a germam machine gunner fired his machine to 6 hourse it was bloody dead bodies filled the beach the water turns to red
It was interesting that you said that they didn't expect the enemy to be attacking so strongly during the beach landing. The truth is that they were expecting much worse. The casualties were less than was expected.
I LOVE ❤️ you two. Thank you for having such goodness in your heart and souls. ❤️ I’m a veteran of Operation: Enduring Freedom And…. I’m with you on all wishing us a better life. Thank you for being so gracious, ladies.
My Dad was at Omaha. His engineering battalion blew the hole in the sea wall. Every year, June 6th in my household was referred to as D-day. Dad was very pensive on that day, thousands of miles and years away. He never missed "The Longest Day." He passed away in 79 so never saw this movie. He was pretty tough but I can't imagine this movie might have caused PTSD.
You young ladies are excellent reactors. For a first and second time watching this great movie you both showed wonderful reactions, your emotions were so honest and real. Thanks for bravely sharing with us. The realism of war in this movie can make it hard to watch.
I cried along with you. I am a veteran and of late i have started to watch young people react to movies like this. Never forget no matter who you are or where your from, if enough of us remember
Those metal things they where searching thru are called dog tags. Every soldier gets one when they enter basic training. They identify who the soldier is and what type of blood they have if they are wounded or killed in action. I still have mine. The scene of landing on Omaha beach is historically accurate. Many soldiers where shot and killed before they a ever got off the Higgins boats or drowned after getting off the boat and shot. The water was red with blood with so many being killed or wounded as told by veterans who survived that hell. There are not many of these men left and why they are called the greatest generation...
Thank you for your reaction. This movie depicts why those kids were called the Greatest Generation. They sent more men than the enemy could kill to overwhelm the German army. We suffered massive casualties to be victorious. I lost a second cousin who landed in advance of D-day. His name was Thomas Rodgers and was a Pathfinder killed by a sniper in an apple orchard.
I served as an Army Infantry (Grunt) Sergeant. As a 19-year-old, African American Grunt Private, during the period December 1983-December 1984. I earned my Combat Infantryman Badge for my service inside the Korean DMZ. Essentially, there's no place to run or to hide while engaged in a combat mission. So, you fight to win. We (Grunts) never quit on our brothers, and we never leave our brothers behind. Your emotions and commentary touched my heart. I often wonder if my experiences and service made a difference. South Korea remains free, so I'm thankful. Unfortunately, very nice guys are hurt and are lost to war. This movie demonstrates how brutal and senseless war has always been. I would do it all again and make the same sacrifices.
That speech at the end that the elder Ryan gives....to Captain Miller AND to his wife, absolutely slays me EVERY time. Never fails to bring me to tears. My parents were part of this so I had heard stories my whole life. I can't imagine what those men who went through this felt afterwards.
We had a soldier in our squad who could sleep anywhere, anytime too. I remember riding in an APC one night as it banged its way along a rocky wash with the diesel screaming just feet away and he was leaning back against his pack flopping back and forth sound asleep. Bizarre. We all got crazy tired in the field but there is no way for normal people to fall sound asleep under those conditions. Once you are tired enough you can kind of half sleep, but not fall sound asleep.
I can imagine what you suffered when watching this movie to react to it. Very few Nations can understand the hell of a war. My country was in one, the Malvinas/Falklands, and I have a lot of respect for veterans. Years ago I was able to visit Normandy and the Cemetery. I prayed for all the boys who died. They fought for EVERYONE, not just for USA to stop Nazism. Thank you for making this reaction, I appreciate the effort and suffering that you endured. Thanks from Argentina.🇦🇷!
Lia - “and all of his brothers are gone again.” Wow after watching this movie countless times I never put that together. Next up for The Homies is Band of Brothers. Amazing miniseries based off of the 101st. Thanks again for this reaction.
When I saw this in the theater people were completely stunned by the emotional impact. Most people didn't move as the credits rolled and there were lots of people wiping away tears. It still hits me hard every time I see it. Thank you Mr. Spielberg.
sad how America is mocked and lied about today. these men died defending it and anyone mocking this country spits in the face of the young men who died defending it. great video. im proud to be an American.
As these veterans of WW II pass away what they went through, what they did goes through the transition from real to " history "!!! This movie actually portrays what they went through, not the old black and white movies with no blood, no pain!! It was my parents generation that went through this. They should forever be remembered as " The greatest generation"!!
I still thank God today that both my grandfathers survived the Omaha beach landing in real life that was shown at the start of this movie. And they told me before they died, when they saw that battle in the theater, all that was missing was the smell.
There are tons of stories about vets who were at Normandy and how strong the memories were. Some who could even smell the jeep fuel the memories it brought back were so strong. My granddad was at Omaha Beach. I asked him if he wanted to see it with me. He told me that he had lived through it once and still remembers it. He doesn't need to see it again.
I’ve seen this movie countless times, and it’s still by far the most accurate in depicting the reality of WW2 when we stormed that beach. The producers actually made a hotline for WW2 vets to call, because they were actually getting flashbacks, due to how a accurate this movie was in terms of violence and casualty.
do a reaction to hacksaw ridge 🔥🔥🔥 the story talk about a Soldier his name is desmond doss ( Starring Andrew Garfield ) Who fought in hacksaw battle without a single weapon. how he was suffering from his dilemma of religion and kill The opposite ( based on a true story ) - Directed by Mel Gibson - won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing - won the Academy Award for Best Sound - evryone i know sayed it's the best war movie ever The true story of Desmond T. Doss, the conscientious objector who, at the Battle of Okinawa, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery and regard for his fellow soldiers. We see his upbringing and how this shaped his views, especially his religious view and anti-killing stance. We see Doss's trials and tribulations after enlisting in the US Army and trying to become a medic. Finally, we see the hell on Earth that was Hacksaw Ridge. ((just watch the trailer and then decide ))
There’s so many people in society that still don’t have an understanding of what happened that day on those beaches. I think these movies humble you and how there are many people nowadays that would not be able to do what these brave men accomplished. Kids lied about their age. Kids as young as 16 years old died on that beach. Veterans deserve more appreciation and should be humbled that we are here today because of these groups of individuals. We do not have this level of bravery and honor in society today.
There are so many great reactions to this move, I would really like to see someone reacting to portrayals of the other side. Everbody knows the Downfall memes, but there are no reactors who watched it. Or Das Boot, Stalingrad 1993, Generation War etc. Brilliant made movies. Downfall was even nominated for an Oscar.
I watched this movie back in 1998, it was a vhs copy and a crappy old tv. I had a lot of feelings back then, but you bet I never thought 23 years later I would be checking a 43 minute video about 2 beautiful girls watching this movie, crying and sobbing in a 4k screen. Its amazing how things change.
At the end of the movie, when James is standing in Arlington National Cemetery, you can tell he's never actually told his family anything about the war or what he went through. His wife read Captain Miller's headstone with zero emotional connection. It was just another name to her. She had absolutely no idea the significance of the name or anything. Up until that point, none of his family knew
21:34 Leah, your right.... in times of war, one has to become inhuman in order to survive.... That is why it is SOOOOOOO important to honor these guys bravery and sacrifice for OUR freedoms.... Not just for American freedoms but World Wide Freedoms....
You see this is why I don't like those people that say all men should die and that they don't need men. Our brother fought and died and faced unthinkable situation just so we could live the way we do today. My hat goes off to all those young men who sacrificed all for there countries.
I knew a man who was off the first boat at D-Day landings, one of the few who survived. Was always invited by the Queen to all-sorts, and I remember at the open golf championship at birkdale he wore a certain medal....the reaction some of the players was incredible as they knew what it was. Brave man but very quite and humble, can't image what he saw that day
I've noticed that in this and other women's reactions watching this film, that the scene that hits them very hard is learning that a mother has lost 3 sons ..... Especially when the official car drives up and the mother falls to her knees on the porch. I'm not saying that men don't feel the emotion and loss in the scene, but the women are or could be mothers of sons one day and the emotional toll is much stronger .
My grandfather was in the first landing party on the beaches in Anzio Italy. He was a Seabee. I received his scrapbook after he died, but he never ever talked about it. He’s my hero.
5:56 "How many people died just for one try? Just like that." German casualties on D-Day have been estimated at 4,000 to 9,000 men. Allied casualties were documented for at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead.
My uncle was a paratrooper in the 509 parachute infantry regiment and when they were talking about the kid that walked on his hands and peed a V on everyone's jacket was at Anzio and that is where my uncle was killed in action. I am a combat veteran as well and 2 parts of war can not be translated by film and that's the incredible amount of noise...and the horrible stench that accompanies combat.
Thank you for enduring the horrors of this film which so many people avoid because it's too uncomfortable for them to watch. It's so sad that today the actions of these ordinary but brave men who sacrificed their lives in this war are now being hounded and attacked by the very people they saved from totalitarian regimes. This film should be compulsory viewing for the people who want to silence free speech and cancel people.
Captain Miller’s prop headstone cross was actually put directly in front of a real soldier named Richard Miller who was from Pennsylvania which is the same as Tom Hanks character. He was from the 83rd division. The wild part is it wasn’t planned to be that way. You can see Spielbergs reaction in the behind the scenes edition. It was literally like this movie was meant to be legendary and life changing.
The medic dying is the saddest part of the movie for me; guy did nothing but show empathy. Unfortunately, it was the right choice to take the bunker. I was in the US Army, you can’t just pass the buck to the next unit. Its gotta be done, unfortunately it fell on you; deal with the problem at hand.
I still don't know why the Medic wasn't in the rear with the Terp, but 100% on needing to take it, you can't just leave it, who knows how many troops they'd kill.
@Evan The medic is basically the last one you let go. If my commander fell, we had a sergeant major, if he fell, we had a XO, if he fell, we had an attached psy ops captain, if she fell, we had a master sergeant, if he fell we had a warrant officer, if he fell we had a SFC. We had exactly one medic.
I am a Veteran. I have been thru a war. I wanted to crawl thru the TV and hug these two women. That is what war is. Is was sad to see them both watch this movie. But now they understand better what the price of Freedom is. As long as there are men like Hitler and Stalin and Hiro Hito and Putin there will be wars. Greed and ego are the bain of this world. Thank you for putting this together. The pain etched in these ladies faces tells it all. God bless them for having the courage to sit thru this.
Enjoyed watching a condensed version of the movie with both of you. Still tough to watch, but proud to have served in the 101st Airborne and able to retire from the Army and continue to serve by supporting our military, veterans, and their families.
To see the reactions of people removed from the military was very intriguing and instructive. There reactions were very different from my own. The scene where Wade dies fills me with seething anger at the Wehrmacht; whereas their reaction is sadness. Fantastic video I’d reckon.
My father was there. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, the worst place in the world and the worst time to be there. By heaven’s grace he survived and fought the war to the end. He has been gone many years now but he is still my hero.
One of you asked - Over 3000 American soldiers died on Omaha Beach on D Day (the invasion scene). Thousands more of allied forces died or were injured on the other 4 beaches (Utah, Gold, Sward and Juno), and yet thousands more (paratroopers) behind enemy lines. All together allied forces suffered over 4100 confirmed dead, along with 12,000 injured.
Fun fact, they hired amputees as extras for the scenes with limbs blown off. Yes, there was special effects, but actually using actors missing limbs to add realism was very effective.
There are actually a number of stunt people who are missing limbs that specialise in doing scenes where people lose limbs.
@@douglascampbell9809 that’s so cool lmao
And Spielberg was likely paying tribute to Japanese director Akira Kurosawa and a scene from his film "Ran" wherein a soldier picks up his severed arm and wanders away in the midst of a battle.
How is that 'fun'?
@@stevemoppett2759 My wording may be incorrect. 'Interesting fact'. I was just commenting on the production. I could never imagine what these men, and even boys went through.
‘Maybe in war, sometimes you forget you’re human’ bloody brilliant, what a phrase.
Crazy how a movie can get you emotional. People forget that crying out for their mother or not having them courage to fight back happened all the time. This movie was as realistic as it gets.
It's not crazy at all, it's really normal that a story based on reality which includes war, suffering, death, pain an so on, triggers emotions in us.
Try watching Schindler's list and not cry, for instance, it's simply not possible.
@@OriginalPuro no its def possible
You see crazy gore and brutality in horror movies and then think “oh well, the person who thought this up just had a really wild imagination.”
Then you watch this movie and realize, this wasn’t made up in someone’s head; this really happened, and the brutal scenes we see are the most accurate depictions of what was seen and experienced by real men on that beach that day. Absolutely horrifying
@@OriginalPuro Is it that good? I have it in my library.
@@theodorvalentinghita1779 Schindler’s list is a amazing movie
As an American Veteran, I was so happy to hear you two ladies say, 'we all need to live better.' That is precisely the point of this film. Each of us should try to be worthy of the incredible gift we are given by the efforts of the young men and women who stand between us and evil tyranny, hold up their weapon and shout...not on my watch!
Yeah but what does 'live better' mean? Does it mean you should contribute more to society? If so, what does THAT mean? Does it mean you should you be more tolerant of others? Does it mean you should you spend more time defending your values? Does it mean you should be having more children? Maybe less children? Does it mean you should be building a massive ebony obelisk to commemorate all the people who have come before you? Does it mean you should be planting trees everywhere you go so that you can help the people who come after you? What if those trees lead to overpopulation because too many people are able to thrive off them? What if that giant obelisk ends up blocking the flight path of some piece of transport in the future?
'Live better' is worse than useless if there's nothing else to give it context.
Thank you for your service.
@@CopiousDoinksLLCEveryone knows what areas they need to live better in. It's not a propagandized statement telling you HOW to live better. YOU know how YOU need to live better, and if not, then self reflection is past due.
Hey Meathead, politicians have the responsibility to stand up to tyranny. I made many Iraqi friends during the 2nd Gulf "war", and helped them emigrate to the USA. I'm a proud Canadian veteran who made a real difference in peoples lives. What did you do "Killjoy", step on peoples necks? Go kiss your weapon!
"ma ma, ma ma, ma ma....(fades)" I totally die inside every time Wade says it. I think its the most emotional scene honestly. And the one at the end where Ryan asks his wife if he has lived a good life.
Same. Cant imagine how draining filming that scene must have been.
There is a German account on the Eastern front of a German soldier crying for Mother after getting hit in the head with shrapnel. War is every shade of ugly and pain is international.
And to think…Shakespeare in Love won Best Picture at the Oscars over this film
"Tell me I'm a good man" gets me every time.
Don't remind us
Lia's comment, about everyone living "Better" because of the soldiers (and what they sacrificed) speaks well, about HER heart, and understanding. Love her for that!
For the beach assault, the plan included a number of things that went wrong on the day. Firstly, the defences were supposed to be largely knocked out by allied bombing, but the bombing missed, leaving them mostly intact. Secondly, the infantry were supposed to be supported by specially modified tanks that could 'swim' to the shore, but the tanks were dropped too far out in seas that were too rough, and they all sank before they got there. The movie took a major slice of artistic licence with the time. In the movie, the beach assault lasts about 20 minutes: in real life it took over 5 hours...
Everything you said is right, but they did the test in England for the tanks. The water was generally calm, they didn't expect the water to be so rough at Normandy. 2ndly paratroopers were deployed during the night behind enemy lines. Whole fields were flooded by the Germans knowing this would happen. The man who knew where the Allies would assault Western Europe was Erwin Rommel(The Desert Fox, led the Afrika Korps), who got where they would assault based on the invasion of Sicily. Erwin Rommel was the one that built all the main defenses across Normandy ,but obviously didnt finish them. During the Invasion Operation Fortitude was launched a decoy invasion of the city of Calais. George S Patton was the decoy of the invasion. When High command were alerted of this they sent the reserves that were supporting Normandy to Calais. A very big KEY note was Erwin Rommel went home to Germany for his wife's birthday right before the invasion, so he wasnt in command during the invasion. If Erwin stayed in France, Dday would of more likely been a failure. Rommel would of been too smart to fall for the decoy. This isn't a critique but a continuation of what Harold Smith typed.
@@kylargilliam6927 well it was Hitler that would not release the troops form Calais . Thank God he was so stupid and would not listen to rommel .
@@christopherstarr8050 Rommel wasnt there to begin with, a whole panzer division was waiting in reserve at Normandy. Also he wasnt the only one. Many other top generals also believed Calais would of been attacked
@@kylargilliam6927 I am talking weeks after the invasion . Hitler would still not release the reserves from Calais . He still thought a bigger invasion would land at Calais
@@christopherstarr8050 Ahh, yes and due to that, it allowed the allies to gain a complete foothold in Normandy and the rest is history. And even if he did send the reserves from Calais I still think it wouldnt matter. The Canadians and Brits advanced very far Day 1 of landing. Granted the Canadians got smacked by the 12th SS panzer division(made up of mostly young adults and teenagers from hitler youth)but the 12th SS got beaten overall soundly by the british(just by battle exp). The only way for the Germans to win that battle was not having that initial panzer reserve and taking more men off Normandy beach defense to win. Thats where i talk heavily about Erwin Rommel, Rommel was notorious for going with his gut even against high command(Hitler). Invasion of France as key example(ghost division) and his retreat in Africa.
The death of Wayde (the medic) is one of the most gut wrenching and painful things I have ever seen on film. Many of the American soldiers in WWII were just kids, barely 18 years old, and were forced to serve through the military draft. Many of them were not fit for fighting in a war.
Also, a lot of people say how much they hate the character Upham and that he was a coward. But the reality is that he was a translator and not a combat soldier. Again, another harsh reality that war is a nightmare for most people and few can handle the horrible atrocities that come with it as a result.
Yeah most people would be like upham, me included.
People are not all the same. The term "paralyzed with fear" is not just a saying. The translator literally couldn't help. He couldn't move.
“ Maybe in war sometimes you forget that you are human.” Most profound quote from a civilian I’ve ever heard. Love you.
In war you must forget you are human. Only a sociopath could do what is needed without suppressing their humanity.
@@randallthomas5207 no. Not true. It is not required. But it is a trap some people fall into. If you stay focused, mission oriented, and properly trained, you always keep your humanity. Trust me. I’ve been there.
Simply a luxury you can't afford under some circumstances. As you can see with most combat vets they are still peaceful, caring people once they are back in a safe environment; even though they don't forget how to employ violence if they must.
@@randallthomas5207Human beings are not purely pacifistic. Fighting and killing is also a part of human nature.
The thing is war is very very human.
One of the most powerful and emotional scenes in the film is when the car approaches the Ryans' house, when the priest gets out and the mother only manages to fall sitting on the porch. I think it's a heartbreaking scene.
And she didn’t yet know that she had lost THREE of her sons….I cannot imagine. 😢
I agree ,the whole movie pounds your emotions ,but mom knowing and falling down to sit ,gets me everytime,hard,while soldiers pay the price so do the mothers
Leah, you hit the nail on the head. We all need to live better lives and earn what others have already givien us. “”Earn this!”
*"Live for nothing, or *DIE* for *SOMETHIN."* John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone)
As an American I'm glad you guys took the time to watch this movie. You guys are more insightful and appreciative than a lot of Americans. Love the channel and keep it up
Lia got to it immediately - yes, the best most you could give back to all of those who sacrificed is to live 'better'. First time I've heard that immediate reaction.
yup, she understood the "earn it" message right away. it's for all of us today. many fought and lost their lives for us.
When people go in to shock before they are about to die, many will call out for their mother. Its an instinct. We call out for the first person who took care of us as babies before we can remember anything.
Not to mention the fact that for most of those men that was probably their first time away from home
The SS guy who stabbed Mellish is not the soldier “Steamboat Willie” that they let go. Steamboat Willie wasn’t in the SS, but he is the one who shot Captain Miller.
Yes. You do see him on the bridge though. He’s the one who shoots Cpt Miller 🙁
@@Bulbman123 its not the same one I thought that too when I watched it the first few times but they look really identical
But if “Steamboat Willie" isn't there, then another German soldier will shoot Miller. It doesn't matter that he was released.
True different uniforms and played by different actors. Steam boat Willie is played by Joerg Stadler and SS man who killed Mellish is played by Mac Steinmeier.
@@Jagerus Steamboat Willie is wearing a different uniform. The guy who killed Melllish was an SS unit. He just saw Upum as someone who isn't worth killing.
But steamboat shot Miller while Miller was trying to get the detonator.
This movie got the beach scene almost 100%. Several vets who were there that day walked out of theaters when this came out in the ‘90s because of how realistic it is. One vet who drove a landing craft said he had something like 20+ men in his boat and, when he dropped the ramp, 14 were instantly cut down and several more didn’t make it off the beach - and that was a common occurrence
Yup. The guy had 32 men on his boat. And only 3 made it off, including him. Forgot what his name was, but the thing was it took him 70 years to open up about what happened that day.
the dude that killed tom hanks, steamboat willie, was indeed the same guy they let go.
but the guy on the stairs is a different soldier.
the soldier on the stairs was wearing an ss uniform, steamboat willie was wearing a regular wehrmacht uniform.
Spot on. A lot of people make this mistake, me included the first few times I watched it
And he was an entirely different person. It amazes me that people get the two of them confused.
@@porflepopnecker4376 Yeah when I first watched it I thought it was the same guy. But looking at them afterwards, they are totally different people. I was shocked at myself for thinking it was the same person! Just their collar insignia should've told me straight away these two men had probably never even met 🙂
A wonder if that was meant by Spielberg to have them both looking very similar just to fuck with us😂
@@Pazuzu82 lol well the only thing that was similar was no hat. That scene when he says his name before he gets shot was the first time they saw each other again.
Every time I see that guy on the beach with his intestines hanging out while he screams for his mother makes me shudder with chills. He may have only had 5 seconds of screen time but he stays with you. His acting was terrific. His screams were frighteningly realistic.
Actors could work their entire careers and never pull off a death scene like Giovanni Ribisi!
Greatest death scene ever committed to film.
I’ve been so impressed by his acting from the first time I saw him in an X-Files episode
They should show the first 20 minutes of this film in every school and college throughout the "free" world.
Along with Band Of Brothers......
Not sure if that’s a good idea. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to explain to people who don’t take a few minutes to do some basic research about Operation Neptune and why the situation at Omaha became so bad. They all jump to the conclusion that the invasion was poorly planned and those who planned it should be shot or put on trial for treason.
@@mako88sb One can only hope. An equally valid lesson in life.
People would rather call us baby killers
Yeah, No point showing to the unfree world. Just watched a video of one of them eating human flesh from a person involved in a gas explosion.
I was playing online with a German guy a few hours ago he was a lovely guy...it's ironic that 70 years ago we was killing each other and now we're playing game's together, sometimes things change for the better 🇬🇧💗🇩🇪
I’m British. My dad was in the Army so he was based in Germany. I spent the first 6 years of my life living in Germany. When I turned 16, I joined the Army myself. I volunteered to go back to Germany for another 3 years!
I *_LOVE_* Germany and I have all the time in the world for Germans.
I’d go back there in a heartbeat.
@@realburglazofficial2613 I lived near Freiburg for two year's they're the happiest memories I have...a beautiful country and warm friendly and surprisingly light hearted people.
@@alanhilton3611 Paderborn for 3 years. Osnabruck for 3 years, Munster for 3 years.
I used to spend a lot of time in Sennelager and Bad Lippspringe too.
Berlin is my favourite city in the world
Just goes to show that it's not usually a people that really are the problem, it's an ideology, culture, or leader.
Same for Americans.
During WWII black people were treated like shit and segregation was still a thing. I always found it rather ironic that US soldier fought for “freedom” and “equality” while accepting africans be treated as subhumans. because war isnt for freedom, its political. but I dont blame americans its the german, american and other countries leaders that are to be blamed
I had to go to my daughter's house and tell her that her twin brother had been killed in Afghanistan. I did 35 years in the Army and that was the hardest thing I ever did. 7 years ago and she still won't talk to me.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Many of the men who really lived through that war have said that the scenes in this film are the closest to what the real experience was...& for that reason alone, it should be seen by people to understand how truly horrible war is.
That was war at it's absolute worst. Most engagements aren't anything close to being that bad. Not that any of them are easy or pleasant, but there's definitely levels to war in terms of intensity.
@@joeberger3441 I’d do Afghanistan 5 times over again before I’d do a week in WW2.
Or a day in the Trenches of WW1
@@realburglazofficial2613 same man. I was there in summer of 2010 (1st Recon battalion) and as crazy as that seemed, it was nothing compared to those wars
@@realburglazofficial2613 thank you Sir.....
@@joeberger3441 Iraq 2007-2008 Afghanistan 2009-2010
“Earn this…”
In my opinion, Tom Hanks’s best and most emotional line in a movie, as well as in any war movie I’ve ever watched.
Really shows how much was sacrificed to get where we are.
My grandfather and i watched this movie together and he cried through the whole movie. He was there when they invaded that beach and he told me "that was exactly the the way it happened ". and he said "I lost a lot of friends that day."
That’s insane man I feel for him
God bless your grandfather and thank you for his service
It didnt happend like that at all! American Propaganda FIlm ;)
@@davidjones-bh5xg Then you are calling her grandfather a liar. You can't get any lower.
@@davidjones-bh5xg im curious on ur interpretation
We had a relatives remains returned home just this year from this war. They found a mass grave and used DNA to confirm the bodies as there was no remaining effects buried with them. Over 70 years later he is buried on a mountain with a view he loved as a young man.
1. Many WWII vets left the theaters because the D-Day battle scenes were so realistic.
2. Those communications devices are UHF transvers.
3. The story Ryan tells the Captain is made up. The director told him just to say something that might work.
4. The German Captain Miller was talked into letting go is the same one that killed him. Upham finally killed him.
I also thought the stabber was the same guy but he wasn't. They just look similar. (Super race and all that)
5. The story Ryan tells Miller about his brothers the last time together Damon was told to make something up.
6. Lia needs to watch Private Jackson/ Barry Pepper and Tom Hanks in Stephen King's GOAT "The Green Mile".
I don't care if she does it with you Ellie. I just want to watch her reaction. It's always great to watch you as well😍😍
The sacrifice, courage, and sheer bravery of all soldiers on D-Day is unparrelled in wartime history, particularly the first and second waves on Omaha Beach!
Thank you for sharing such honest reactions to what is probably one of the most difficult movies to watch. I'm privileged to work in the VA serving veterans for the last 23 years, and I've been honored to meet a few combat vets who served in the European theater. They are truly the greatest generation. It's good to get to know you folks through these movies, and I agree, our freedoms have come at a terrible price. We should live in a way that honors that sacrifice.
Dont forget about the german and japanese vets, all soldiers deserve respect
Wade dying is the most realistic and sad death in all of movie history
I know its hard to watch especially the landing scene but when assaulting a fortified position the standard is you need 4 times the men compared to the defenders. A sea assault is much worse. They lost 2600 men that first day. The Brits and Canadians also lost large numbers. This was viewed as the least fortified and easiest beach to hit. If you want truly scary numbers look at the estimates of what the landings on Kyushu in Japan would have been as it was hugely larger than the D-Day landings.
I think people in general have a hard time envisioning the scale and scope of these missions. One of the benefits we get to reap today
And it could have failed entirely. Had Hitler released the panzer reserves he was holding on to, as his Generals requested, the landing troops would have been destroyed on the beach and driven back into the sea.
Battle of the Somme lost 60k men the first day.
D-Day was the largest seaborne invasion in history, Omaha beach was a blood bath due to horrible execution and planning. For starters planes dropped 13,000 bombs just prior to the invasion to eliminate a large number of the Germans and they missed all of the targets, not to mention the amphibious tanks they were counting on for support never made it to the beach because they all sank in minutes, they never tested them properly. Many soldiers were dropped off miles away half drowned and soaked without a clue where they even were. The one’s on the beach had to survive the chaos by improvising.
Also, because of how fanatical the Japanese were during WW2, Allied estimates for defenders of the Japanese mainland included the _entire_ population of able-bodied men, women and children in Japan.
It would have been impossible to take Japan through sheer weight of numbers.
The look of shock and horror when they landed is appropriate. I’m a soldier. An opposed amphibious landing is one of the worst tactical actions you can try, and only done when there's no other choice. It means sending men and equipment into the kill zone until you win or lose. Unfortunately, someone has to go first, and they aren't coming back.
Well said. The unfortunate thing about the SPR Omaha beach landing scene is that it gives many people the wrong impression about the planning that went into Operation Neptune. They don’t know about the preparatory aerial and naval bombardments that unfortunately were largely ineffective. Nor do they know about the deception plans that convinced the enemy that Calais would be the location for the main invasion but be proceeded by a diversionary invasion. You wouldn’t believe how many comments I’ve seen over the years claiming whomever planned this should be put on trial for treason or that they were idiots.
@@mako88sb True. To make an amphibious assualt work you need as much support as possible. You need at least air and sea supremacy, preferably dominance. A metric shit-tonne of offensive support, and suprise if you can get it. The allies had all of this, resulting in a successful landing with casualties far lighter than expected. This is just what winning looks like with this tactical action.
Fact - The German soldier who was captured, then let go at the radar site and later shot by Corporal Uppam is not the same German soldier who kills Mellish in hand-to-hand combat and walks by Uppam in the stairwell.
They look very, very similar, but they are not the same man.
Slightly odd casting choice, given the obvious confusion it would cause.
i have only two problems with this movie.
1) why the heck did Spielberg cast someone who looked so similar...especially since the guy who killed Mellish was SS...it would've been easy and accurate to cast some blonde-haired blue eyed "Aryan" in that role and avoided the confusion
and
2) I LOATHE that two second scene where Pvt Ryan (Damon) is clutching his knees and screaming like a child. It is completely out of character and a glaring departure from the steadfast soldier he had portrayed thus far. There was zero need for it and it detracts from that scene terribly.
I first saw this film just as it first came out - in Germany. Words can't describe what it was like in that theater. Sitting among German's watching that movie was soul-wrenching. The looks on the faces of my German friends was something I will never forget. Ever.
Wow, I can't even imagine
Elaborate, please.
Band of Brothers and the Pacific are AMAZING! Historically accurate, well acted, directed, and filmed. Great books too! Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company (2nd Battalion, 506 Paratroopers) on the Western front, and The Pacific tells the story of the Eastern front of WW2.
You mean the Pacific Front. The Eastern Front was in the Soviet Union.
@@M1GarandMan3005 Thank you for the correction. My mistake.
This film never gets old, because it tells a story based on and around the carnage that was D-Day. Thank you, for your heartfelt reaction, ladies.
Big hearts & sincere deeply felt thoughts, about the high price paid to gain a final victory, came through from the Homies on this reaction. Well done, Lia & Ellie.
If these two ladies are actors, they are doing a great job. If they are for real, their empathy is over the top.
And everyone of those crosses has a story to tell.
And Stars of David.
I was born in 1956. The war was long over by that time. But watching you 2 young ladies having such visceral reactions to Private Ryan and Fury...I sincerely wanted to just hug you both and tell you everything's OK. 🤗
I had a great uncle who served in the 101st Airborne during WWII. He was the sole survivor of his squad on two separate occasions during the Battle of Bastogne (The Bulge). He was never the same again. They really didn't know much about PTSD during that era. Rest in peace, Howard.
What company was he in? Is he 1-506 IN?
That "Earn this" to Ryan at the end, not was for him, was for all of us. All the people that now has the chance to live in a free world thanks to the sacrifices of American, British, Russian, Polish, French (and a big etc.) soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice in the battlefield.
well except that when the war ended black americans were still treated like subhuman dirt. its always interesting how american war movies glorify their soldiers fighting oppression of jews when they oppressed africans during and after WWII
@@lightup6751 Congratulations, this is one of the dumbest takes of all time.
@@alphaclam hey, man. dont blame me if you are a mindless drone spoon fed by propaganda. I respect soldiers. they are just following orders, the puppets of their government. but its ridiculous to even think for a second that we live in a “free world”. according to you the US is bombing 7 countries the past 20 years for freedom too I guess. my point is that the US did help win WWII which was the lesser of two evils compared to the Axis forces. but its undeniably ironic that US media depicts these soldiers as heroes fighting for justice and the end of oppression while back home black folks were oppressed to no end and treated like subhumans very similar to how the germans treated the jews early stage of nazi party reign. its absolutely noteworthy. denial wont change facts.
@@lightup6751 Your thinking is warped. Go look up the definition of "false equivalency" and then read a history book for once.
@@alphaclam were afro americans oppressed and mistreated in america during WWII while at the same time american soldiers overseas fought for the oppressed in europe?
I read history books. but unlike you I also read sources outside my native source. because every country’s source is biased and history is written by the winners. to find truth you gotta look beyond the local. something you seemingly havent done once in your life.
The opening battle scene on Omaha Beach is actually an extremely accurate portrayal of the actual events according to the actual veterans. God bless those men
I heard the real thing was worse.
@PompousBreadRolls beast of omaha was there a germam machine gunner fired his machine to 6 hourse it was bloody dead bodies filled the beach the water turns to red
It was interesting that you said that they didn't expect the enemy to be attacking so strongly during the beach landing. The truth is that they were expecting much worse. The casualties were less than was expected.
The realism was so extreme that actual veterans walked out of the theaters for triggering memories of the carnage
The internet will believe anything…
I LOVE ❤️ you two.
Thank you for having such goodness in your heart and souls. ❤️
I’m a veteran of Operation: Enduring Freedom
And…. I’m with you on all wishing us a better life.
Thank you for being so gracious, ladies.
Ellie, you are a good friend to watch this with Lia. Thanks to both of you for the reaction.
My Dad was at Omaha. His engineering battalion blew the hole in the sea wall. Every year, June 6th in my household was referred to as D-day. Dad was very pensive on that day, thousands of miles and years away. He never missed "The Longest Day." He passed away in 79 so never saw this movie. He was pretty tough but I can't imagine this movie might have caused PTSD.
You young ladies are excellent reactors. For a first and second time watching this great movie you both showed wonderful reactions, your emotions were so honest and real. Thanks for bravely sharing with us. The realism of war in this movie can make it hard to watch.
I cried along with you. I am a veteran and of late i have started to watch young people react to movies like this. Never forget no matter who you are or where your from, if enough of us remember
Thank you for serving.
My grandpa died in italy, in the battle of monte castello
Those metal things they where searching thru are called dog tags. Every soldier gets one when they enter basic training. They identify who the soldier is and what type of blood they have if they are wounded or killed in action. I still have mine. The scene of landing on Omaha beach is historically accurate. Many soldiers where shot and killed before they a ever got off the Higgins boats or drowned after getting off the boat and shot. The water was red with blood with so many being killed or wounded as told by veterans who survived that hell. There are not many of these men left and why they are called the greatest generation...
"How can they make it to the other side [of the beach]? Its impossible."
No, they did it. God bless them, they did it.
I believe its called the killing ground which means the only way out is to take that beach or die
Thank you for your reaction. This movie depicts why those kids were called the Greatest Generation. They sent more men than the enemy could kill to overwhelm the German army. We suffered massive casualties to be victorious. I lost a second cousin who landed in advance of D-day. His name was Thomas Rodgers and was a Pathfinder killed by a sniper in an apple orchard.
I served as an Army Infantry
(Grunt) Sergeant. As a 19-year-old, African American Grunt Private, during the period December 1983-December 1984. I earned my Combat Infantryman Badge for my service inside the Korean DMZ. Essentially, there's no place to run or to hide while engaged in a combat mission. So, you fight to win. We (Grunts) never quit on our brothers, and we never leave our brothers behind. Your emotions and commentary touched my heart. I often wonder if my experiences and service made a difference. South Korea remains free, so I'm thankful. Unfortunately, very nice guys are hurt and are lost to war. This movie demonstrates how brutal and senseless war has always been. I would do it all again and make the same sacrifices.
The Normandy landing was the largest sea to land invasion in world history.
No it was the largest at that point in time. Google the Okinawa invasion later in the pacific for the largest.
@@genebaker6964 and that was planned to be dwarfed by a proposed landing on mainland Japan but the Atom bombs were dropped and avoided that operation.
@@scottb3034 And thank God for that. I'm no fan of nuking people, but to do otherwise would have left millions dead on both sides.
@@scottb3034 Yep, Dan Carlin has a podcast on the Pacific theater and discusses the dilemma.
That speech at the end that the elder Ryan gives....to Captain Miller AND to his wife, absolutely slays me EVERY time. Never fails to bring me to tears.
My parents were part of this so I had heard stories my whole life. I can't imagine what those men who went through this felt afterwards.
We had a soldier in our squad who could sleep anywhere, anytime too. I remember riding in an APC one night as it banged its way along a rocky wash with the diesel screaming just feet away and he was leaning back against his pack flopping back and forth sound asleep. Bizarre. We all got crazy tired in the field but there is no way for normal people to fall sound asleep under those conditions. Once you are tired enough you can kind of half sleep, but not fall sound asleep.
This has been the best reaction video of any I have watched on RUclips. Truly genuine emotions.
Both of your reactions were so touching. One of the best in this series.
I can imagine what you suffered when watching this movie to react to it. Very few Nations can understand the hell of a war. My country was in one, the Malvinas/Falklands, and I have a lot of respect for veterans.
Years ago I was able to visit Normandy and the Cemetery.
I prayed for all the boys who died. They fought for EVERYONE, not just for USA to stop Nazism. Thank you for making this reaction, I appreciate the effort and suffering that you endured. Thanks from Argentina.🇦🇷!
Lia - “and all of his brothers are gone again.”
Wow after watching this movie countless times I never put that together.
Next up for The Homies is Band of Brothers. Amazing miniseries based off of the 101st.
Thanks again for this reaction.
they already did that
@@gerardovelazquez724 not Lia.
@@alberto7514 that is true
When I saw this in the theater people were completely stunned by the emotional impact. Most people didn't move as the credits rolled and there were lots of people wiping away tears. It still hits me hard every time I see it. Thank you Mr. Spielberg.
sad how America is mocked and lied about today. these men died defending it and anyone mocking this country spits in the face of the young men who died defending it. great video. im proud to be an American.
As these veterans of WW II pass away what they went through, what they did goes through the transition from real to " history "!!! This movie actually portrays what they went through, not the old black and white movies with no blood, no pain!! It was my parents generation that went through this. They should forever be remembered as " The greatest generation"!!
Most of the soldiers would have been teenagers, or early 20's. We've fallen a long, long way. Now we have Instagram keyboard warriors.
I guarantee none of the guys storming the beaches argued about ‘preferred pronouns’
@@realburglazofficial2613 oh they didn't have time to.... They were to busy trying to live through bullets wizzing pass their ears.
@@realburglazofficial2613 Amen to that..it makes you just shake your head at all the nonsense young ppl argue over today.
It's what happens when things get easy enough for long enough, people start to forget what true hardship is really like.
@@SunwardRanger83 👆this!
"All of his brothers are gone again." How have I never had that thought here. It's so true!
I still thank God today that both my grandfathers survived the Omaha beach landing in real life that was shown at the start of this movie. And they told me before they died, when they saw that battle in the theater, all that was missing was the smell.
There are tons of stories about vets who were at Normandy and how strong the memories were. Some who could even smell the jeep fuel the memories it brought back were so strong. My granddad was at Omaha Beach. I asked him if he wanted to see it with me. He told me that he had lived through it once and still remembers it. He doesn't need to see it again.
That was the Atlantic wall. They knew exactly how bad it was gonna be.
They keep watching the same movies....wtf???
Pick some new movies like SIN CITY 2005 or something. This is weird.
Love your comments, freedom is worth fighting for and should be remembered.
I’ve seen this movie countless times, and it’s still by far the most accurate in depicting the reality of WW2 when we stormed that beach. The producers actually made a hotline for WW2 vets to call, because they were actually getting flashbacks, due to how a accurate this movie was in terms of violence and casualty.
That medic scence is so heart breaking. No matter how many times watched it
I've seen many Saving Private Ryan reactions. You two were by far the best. Thank you
do a reaction to hacksaw ridge 🔥🔥🔥
the story talk about a Soldier his name is desmond doss ( Starring Andrew Garfield ) Who fought in hacksaw battle without a single weapon. how he was suffering from his dilemma of religion and kill The opposite ( based on a true story )
- Directed by Mel Gibson
- won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing
- won the Academy Award for Best Sound
- evryone i know sayed it's the best war movie ever
The true story of Desmond T. Doss, the conscientious objector who, at the Battle of Okinawa, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery and regard for his fellow soldiers. We see his upbringing and how this shaped his views, especially his religious view and anti-killing stance. We see Doss's trials and tribulations after enlisting in the US Army and trying to become a medic. Finally, we see the hell on Earth that was Hacksaw Ridge.
((just watch the trailer and then decide ))
That is a great film and tells a story I had not heard until I saw it.
@@dallassukerkin6878 same
There’s so many people in society that still don’t have an understanding of what happened that day on those beaches. I think these movies humble you and how there are many people nowadays that would not be able to do what these brave men accomplished. Kids lied about their age. Kids as young as 16 years old died on that beach. Veterans deserve more appreciation and should be humbled that we are here today because of these groups of individuals. We do not have this level of bravery and honor in society today.
There are so many great reactions to this move, I would really like to see someone reacting to portrayals of the other side. Everbody knows the Downfall memes, but there are no reactors who watched it. Or Das Boot, Stalingrad 1993, Generation War etc. Brilliant made movies. Downfall was even nominated for an Oscar.
I watched this movie back in 1998, it was a vhs copy and a crappy old tv.
I had a lot of feelings back then, but you bet I never thought 23 years later I would be checking a 43 minute video about 2 beautiful girls watching this movie, crying and sobbing in a 4k screen.
Its amazing how things change.
“…It’s impossible.” No, it’s necessary. The greatest generation.
At the end of the movie, when James is standing in Arlington National Cemetery, you can tell he's never actually told his family anything about the war or what he went through. His wife read Captain Miller's headstone with zero emotional connection. It was just another name to her. She had absolutely no idea the significance of the name or anything. Up until that point, none of his family knew
21:34 Leah, your right.... in times of war, one has to become inhuman in order to survive.... That is why it is SOOOOOOO important to honor these guys bravery and sacrifice for OUR freedoms.... Not just for American freedoms but World Wide Freedoms....
You see this is why I don't like those people that say all men should die and that they don't need men. Our brother fought and died and faced unthinkable situation just so we could live the way we do today. My hat goes off to all those young men who sacrificed all for there countries.
*TO ALL OF MY MILITARY 🪖 VETS........ THANK YOU SO MUCH!*
I knew a man who was off the first boat at D-Day landings, one of the few who survived. Was always invited by the Queen to all-sorts, and I remember at the open golf championship at birkdale he wore a certain medal....the reaction some of the players was incredible as they knew what it was. Brave man but very quite and humble, can't image what he saw that day
I've noticed that in this and other women's reactions watching this film, that the scene that hits them very hard is learning that a mother has lost 3 sons .....
Especially when the official car drives up and the mother falls to her knees on the porch.
I'm not saying that men don't feel the emotion and loss in the scene, but the women are or could be mothers of sons one day and the emotional toll is much stronger .
My grandfather was in the first landing party on the beaches in Anzio Italy. He was a Seabee. I received his scrapbook after he died, but he never ever talked about it. He’s my hero.
5:56 "How many people died just for one try? Just like that."
German casualties on D-Day have been estimated at 4,000 to 9,000 men. Allied casualties were documented for at least 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead.
My uncle was a paratrooper in the 509 parachute infantry regiment and when they were talking about the kid that walked on his hands and peed a V on everyone's jacket was at Anzio and that is where my uncle was killed in action. I am a combat veteran as well and 2 parts of war can not be translated by film and that's the incredible amount of noise...and the horrible stench that accompanies combat.
Thank you for enduring the horrors of this film which so many people avoid because it's too uncomfortable for them to watch.
It's so sad that today the actions of these ordinary but brave men who sacrificed their lives in this war are now being hounded and attacked by the very people they saved from totalitarian regimes.
This film should be compulsory viewing for the people who want to silence free speech and cancel people.
Captain Miller’s prop headstone cross was actually put directly in front of a real soldier named Richard Miller who was from Pennsylvania which is the same as Tom Hanks character. He was from the 83rd division.
The wild part is it wasn’t planned to be that way. You can see Spielbergs reaction in the behind the scenes edition. It was literally like this movie was meant to be legendary and life changing.
The medic dying is the saddest part of the movie for me; guy did nothing but show empathy. Unfortunately, it was the right choice to take the bunker.
I was in the US Army, you can’t just pass the buck to the next unit. Its gotta be done, unfortunately it fell on you; deal with the problem at hand.
I still don't know why the Medic wasn't in the rear with the Terp, but 100% on needing to take it, you can't just leave it, who knows how many troops they'd kill.
@Evan The medic is basically the last one you let go. If my commander fell, we had a sergeant major, if he fell, we had a XO, if he fell, we had an attached psy ops captain, if she fell, we had a master sergeant, if he fell we had a warrant officer, if he fell we had a SFC.
We had exactly one medic.
@@nwj03a Yup, we never would have put a medic up front anywhere. I was a damn supply guy and I was gonna be called up WAY before the medic
I am a Veteran. I have been thru a war. I wanted to crawl thru the TV and hug these two women. That is what war is. Is was sad to see them both watch this movie. But now they understand better what the price of Freedom is. As long as there are men like Hitler and Stalin and Hiro Hito and Putin there will be wars. Greed and ego are the bain of this world. Thank you for putting this together. The pain etched in these ladies faces tells it all. God bless them for having the courage to sit thru this.
PRACTICAL EFFECTS BEFORE CGI
That's my motto
Enjoyed watching a condensed version of the movie with both of you. Still tough to watch, but proud to have served in the 101st Airborne and able to retire from the Army and continue to serve by supporting our military, veterans, and their families.
thank you for your service
Lia you should make your own channel!!! We love you girl!!! 🥰🥰🥰
To see the reactions of people removed from the military was very intriguing and instructive. There reactions were very different from my own. The scene where Wade dies fills me with seething anger at the Wehrmacht; whereas their reaction is sadness. Fantastic video I’d reckon.
The fact you felt compelled to bring your friend and watch and react to this masterpiece AGAIN shows you really enjoy this movie. Same.
You guys should react to Black Hawk Down next
My father was there. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, the worst place in the world
and the worst time to be there. By heaven’s grace he survived and fought the war to the end.
He has been gone many years now but he is still my hero.
It's the dark side of war !😭 Glad your friend enjoyed the movie she lasted longer than I thought 🍿 greatest war movie I've ever watched 😉
One of you asked - Over 3000 American soldiers died on Omaha Beach on D Day (the invasion scene). Thousands more of allied forces died or were injured on the other 4 beaches (Utah, Gold, Sward and Juno), and yet thousands more (paratroopers) behind enemy lines.
All together allied forces suffered over 4100 confirmed dead, along with 12,000 injured.