Saving Private Ryan
This war movie made in 1998 by renowned director Steven Spielberg is widely considered one of the greatest ever made.
It was widely praised by critics for its realistic portrayal of the brutality of the European theatre of World War II, notably its opening scene: the Normandy Landings on Omaha Beach.
This 27 minute “prologue” was supposed to provide the backdrop for the rest of the plot and show “where it all started”. Unfortunately, it did its job a bit too well.
After the film was released, former veterans of the real Normandy landings and even some Vietnam vets flocked to the theaters to see the work.
But a significant number of them had to leave because that particular scene was just too real.
The buzzing German machine guns, the troops getting mowed down as they stepped out of the landing craft, the crashing waves, resulted in scary flashbacks for many of these real life heroes.
Post traumatic stress counselors were hired in large numbers after the film was released to deal with this demand. Even the Department of Veteran’s Affairs set up a hotline where help could be sought.
Two weeks in, 170 calls had already been placed.
War is just so cruel. Even after so many years, it just stays and haunts you.
Respect to all those vets out there. Thanks for your service.