On July 24th, 1998, the film "Saving Private Ryan" was released in the United States. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, the movie is widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made.

The film opens with a brutally realistic and intense 27-minute sequence depicting the Normandy landings on D-Day during World War II. This scene, known for its graphic violence and harrowing portrayal of the chaos and horror of war, set a new standard for war movies and is considered one of the most iconic and influential sequences in cinema history.

The story follows Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad of U.S. Army Rangers, who are tasked with finding and bringing home Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers have all been killed in action. The mission takes the squad deep behind enemy lines, testing their physical and emotional limits as they face the harsh realities of war.

"Saving Private Ryan" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $481 million worldwide and receiving widespread acclaim for its performances, direction, cinematography, and realistic portrayal of war. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Director for Spielberg and Best Cinematography for Janusz Kamiński.

The film's impact on the war movie genre and popular culture is significant, influencing countless films that followed and setting a new benchmark for realistic and emotionally powerful depictions of combat. Its release on July 24th, 1998, marked a momentous occasion in film history, cementing its status as a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.