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Two decades prior to taking on the leading role in The Rookie, Nathan Fillion made a significant impact with a brief yet powerful moment in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed WWII film, Saving Private Ryan. This film, which has earned five Academy Awards, is notable for its quick appearances from prominent actors and skilled character performers. Few, however, deliver the raw emotion that Fillion showcases alongside Tom Hanks.
Ranked #24 on IMDb’s list of the Top 250 Movies, Saving Private Ryan presents a harrowing exploration of World War II, commencing with the tragic D-Day invasion of Normandy. As the chaos subsides, Captain Miller (Hanks) receives orders to extract Private James Ryan from the combat zone after the deaths of his three brothers. This perilous mission demands that Miller and his team journey deeply into enemy territory, where the odds of survival diminish sharply. With Season 7 of The Rookie on a break in May, revisiting Fillion’s remarkable moment in Saving Private Ryan feels timely.
‘Saving Private Ryan’ Is One of the Best WWII Movies Ever Made
Considered one of the most captivating war films ever made, Saving Private Ryan thrusts viewers into the intense action of D-Day in 1944. Following this brutal invasion, Captain John Miller (Hanks), who grapples with PTSD, leads a diverse group of soldiers behind enemy lines.
Miller’s challenging task is to find a missing soldier from the 101st Airborne Division, James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) from Iowa, and safeguard him after his brothers are killed in the line of duty. The mission quickly escalates in danger as the squad delves deeper into hostile territory.
The team comprises several notable characters: second-in-command Horvath (Tom Sizemore), hardened soldier Caparzo (Vin Diesel), sharp-shooting sniper Jackson (Barry Pepper), comic-relief combatant Mellish (Adam Goldberg), medic Wade (Giovanni Ribisi), timid corporal Upham (Jeremy Davies), and skeptical Reiben (Edward Burns). These men forge a familial bond throughout the harrowing journey, coming to understand the profound losses that Ryan has endured.
Nathan Fillion Delivers an Unforgettable One-Scene Performance
After gathering his squad, Miller receives a lead on Ryan’s location in France, directing his men to the town of Neuville-au-Plain. Here, Caparzo attempts to rescue a young girl left alone on the street, only to be shot by a German sniper, decimating the squad’s morale.
As Miller mourns this loss and supports his team, they catch a glimpse of hope when learning a Private Ryan is near. Upon arriving, they meet 101st Airborne Division Captain Fred Hamill (Ted Danson), who commands, “Lieutenant, redeploy that bazooka to the right side of the road. And get Ryan up here.”
A soldier appears in the distance — it’s Nathan Fillion in a pivotal role. His performance captures the soldier’s anxiety and uncertainty without uttering a word. Tripping over a rock subtly illustrates his disorientation in this traumatic environment before he asserts, “Sir, Private Ryan reporting as ordered,” revealing a youthful vulnerability that deeply resonates with Miller.
Miller quickly delivers devastating news: “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just say it. Your brothers are dead.” Ryan’s shocked expression reflects the anguish felt by the audience, a heart-wrenching touchstone of grief.
Struggling to comprehend the tragedy, Ryan quietly implores, “Oh my god, my brothers are dead,” collapsing into Hamill’s arms for support.
Why Nathan Fillion’s ‘Saving Private Ryan’ Scene Holds Up
In a masterful direction, Spielberg alternates shots of each squad member, immersing viewers into Ryan’s emotional turmoil. Their empathy highlights the sacrifices made throughout the mission, compelling audiences to feel the weight of Ryan’s loss with palpable compassion, even from the more cynical characters like Reiben and Mellish.
After the emotional revelation, Ryan wrestles with his grief, asking, “How did they die?” complicating the scenario further. Miller’s terse response of “They were killed in action” meets with Ryan’s disbelief, stating, “That can’t be. My brothers are still in grammar school.” When identified as James Ryan, he clarifies, “James Frederick Ryan from Minnesota,” triggering confusion about their search.
Suspense builds as the narrative flows from Fillion’s shifting expressions, alternating between anxiety and dawning relief, while frustrations grow among the squad. “What, does that mean my brothers are okay?” Ryan’s plea underscores the desperation embedded in the conflict. Miller’s reassurances ring hollow amid the reality of their mission, stirring mixed emotions within the group.
Fillion’s performance encapsulates Ryan’s turmoil with a genuine intensity. His portrayal deftly weaves innocence and vulnerability into an intricate emotional tableau that allows audiences to connect deeply with his character. As viewers experience relief for the younger brothers remaining safe, the solemn understanding that Miller and his men must continue their perilous mission to find James Francis Ryan looms over the moment.
Ultimately, the depth of emotion is amplified by the contrast of hope and despair, a constant reminder of the harsh realities inherent in warfare. While the younger Ryan may find solace in the misunderstanding, Miller and his team face unending challenges ahead. The complexities of their journey further emphasize the chaos of war and its lasting impacts. Saving Private Ryan can be streamed on Paramount+.
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movieweb.com