I think it’s the best war movie ever made. I think it’s a technical marvel, and the greatest scene on the effect of war in family is expressed by the collapsing mother in the doorway holding the letter.

The greatest combat scene ever filmed, and maybe will ever be filmed is the first 20 minutes of that movie.

That said, I have a very hard time sitting and watching it for enjoyment. It’s great, but it’s not necessarily entertainment (to me) in the strictest sense. I think that was (maybe) Spielberg’s point.