Steven Spielberg broke new dramatic ground when he created the iconic movie, Saving Private Ryan, back in 1998. This epic historical action piece told the story of an army unit sent in to locate and exfiltrate a heroic young soldier played by Matt Damon, whose brothers were slain in the line of duty, to send him home. Simple in premise, the film was immeasurably deep, tackling the horrors of war and its effects on those who fight in it.
It's also a story about nobility, courage in the face of death, and uplifting messages of hope and unity in times of darkness, with many inspirational quotes scattered throughout.
Updated on July 7th, 2021 by Colin McCormick: Though Saving Private Ryan is just a movie, it does a remarkable job capturing the spirit of those who fought in the Second World War and tells an inspiring story filled with so many lines that are impossible to forget. They are the kind of motivational quotes that can really impact the audience beyond what they are seeing on screen.
"And Then That Big Boat Home."
One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is how it portrays fighting in this war as a job being done by ordinary people. When Captain Miller meets up with Captain Hamill, they discuss the strategy of winning the war in such a matter-of-fact way. But Miller clearly never loses sight of his own end goal.
As they reason the process of one victory leading to another, Miller is reminded where it all leads. He sees each day of battle as a set of goals that need to be accomplished so that he can get back home to his wife and it's hard not to feel motivated by his sense of purpose also.
"No, I Mean It. Find Him. Get Him Home."
The mission these men are faced with is not only dangerous but foolish in many of their eyes. Even Miller seems to find it ridiculous that they are putting aside their role in the war in order to save one man. However, not everyone sees it that way.
Captain Hamill admits that he could use all the help he could get but tells Miller that he understands the importance of the mission and getting Ryan home. It is quite moving and inspiring that this man is looking beyond his own situation and just hoping someone he never met can be saved from all this.
"Why Do I Deserve To Go? Why Not Any Of These Guys? They All Fought Just As Hard."
The most inspiring aspect of this movie is how, in the midst of the life-and-death atmosphere of war, many of these characters are willing to put their lives on the line to help their fellow soldiers.
It is hard to imagine the terror these individuals faced and one would assume they would want nothing more than to escape it all. But when that very option is given to Ryan, his first thought is that he is undeserving. Leaving the war would mean leaving behind his men, who deserve to go home as much as he does.
"I'll See You On The Beach."
Certainly, the most iconic scene in the movie is the astonishing opening D-Day sequence. While the violence that erupts is shocking, the foreboding moments leading up to it let the audience know this is going to be hard to watch.
As the terrified soldiers ride their boats towards the battle, Captain Miller gives them last-minute instructions and does what he can to offer some motivational words. Though simply, his promise that he will be right with them on the beach in the midst of the battle is at least some small assurance.
"That Boy Is Alive. We Are Gonna' Send Somebody To Find Him. And We Are Gonna' Get Him The Hell ... Outta' There!"
Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, was shocked to learn that three brothers from the Ryan family had been killed in the line of duty, but that was nothing compared to the horror he felt upon learning that their mother received telegram notifications of their deaths all on the same day. The realization inspired the determination to go in and bring out the last of the Ryan brothers so he could be sent home and this quote can motivate any fan of the movie.
The story of Saving Private Ryan is actually based on a true account regarding the Niland brothers who served in World War II. Though liberties were taken with the characters and story, the overall premise of three brothers dying in combat, while the fourth was exfiltrated home, is true to real life.
"If Going To Ramelle, And Finding Him So He Can Go Home ... If That Earns Me The Right To Get Back To My Wife, Well Then, That's My Mission."
Things got bad in the middle act of the film when a side mission went horribly wrong, causing the painful death of Medic Irwin Wade. They captured one of the Reich soldiers responsible, which led to infighting as to whether they should execute him on the spot, or take him prisoner as per standing orders.
After things spiraled out of control, Captain Miller casually sauntered into the conversation by revealing the man he was before the war. He then went on to simplify things by referencing his only wish – to return home to his beloved wife. It was a poignant and inspirational moment that put the reality of the war into a simple context.
"Tell Her That When You Found Me, I Was Here, And I Was With The Only Brothers That I Have Left. And That There's No Way I Was Gonna' Desert Them."
When Miller and his company finally found Private Ryan holding a bridge at Ramelle, they immediately tell him about his brothers before telling him to pack up for the return trip home. Though overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, Private Ryan doesn't flinch when he's told that he's being exfiltrated.
Rather, he immediately objects and vows to stand his ground alongside his men. Miller does his best to persuade Ryan that his brokenhearted mother will only suffer more, but Ryan's dedication to his company shines through. It's an incredible inspirational act of valor on his part.
"Someday We Might Look Back On This And Decide That Saving Private Ryan Was The One Decent Thing We Were Able To Pull Out Of This Whole Godawful, S***** Mess."
When it became clear that Private Ryan was not going to abandon his post for anything, Miller and his team were forced to decide whether to head back to the front or boost the defenses of Ramelle in preparation for a German attack. The key target was a bridge – a valuable strategic landmark that could reinforce the German line.
It all boiled down to personal feelings and philosophy for the company, with each man having to decide whether it was worth it to stay or go. Sergeant Horvath uttered some words of wisdom with this inspirational quote about the triumph of the human spirit during the worst of conflicts.
"James ... Earn This. Earn It!"
Captain Miller knew that if the Germans took the bridge in Ramelle, it would mean more fighting, more destruction, and the deaths of more soldiers down the road. It was part of his decision to join up with Private Ryan and his company to fight back the impending German advance.
Though massively outnumbered, the American forces inspiringly managed to hold their own against the German war machine advancing into Ramelle. After nearly being overwhelmed by German forces, the soldiers were given aid in the form of P-51s who helped break the artillery line. James Ryan knelt over a wounded Captain Miller, who in turn muttered these words to Ryan before dying. The ultimately motivational quote perfectly captures the stirring feelings at the heart of the movie and the sense of duty that drove many of the main characters.
"Every Day I Think About What You Said To Me That Day On The Bridge, And I've Tried To Live My Life The Best I Could. I Hope That Was Enough."
Audiences first glimpsed James Ryan as an old man at the beginning of Saving Private Ryan when he visits the Normandy Cemetery and breaks down crying. This straightforward opener sets the tone for the entire story of the film, before switching back to him at the end.
There, he addresses the grave of Captain Miller with this quote, vowing to remember what he told him on the bridge that fateful day in Ramelle. When his wife approached, he begged her, "Tell me I'm a good man" to which his wife immediately replied, "You are." To see that Ryan truly lived his life according to Miller's last words is both heartbreaking and inspirational.