Saving Private Ryan is possibly the single greatest war movie of all time.  While not as intent at exploring the themes of war, this film simultaneously explores deep themes with its characters while showing incredible action and visuals.  The emotional character moments and great action and visuals go great together, showing the life of a soldier, and asking how much a human life is worth.  By the time this movie is over, the emotions and action go together to deliver a masterpiece in almost every way.