At first glance, Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” and Ireland don’t seem to have much in common. Yet this cinematic masterpiece and the Emerald Isle share an unexpected connection worth exploring. Are you curious? We tell you all about Ireland’s role in this anthology film!
Released in 1998, Saving Private Ryan is an American war film directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks.
This film stands out for its realistic and brutal depiction of the Normandy landings during the Second World War.
The story follows Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad, sent on a mission to find Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers have been killed in action.
A breathtaking, emotionally charged film!
The film was praised for its direction, acting and the historical veracity of its battle scenes.
The film “Saving Private Ryan” was shot in Ireland
That’s all very well, you might say… But there’s still no question of Ireland in this film…
At first glance, you’re right!
Except that many of the scenes were filmed in Ireland! Although the film is mainly set in France, the scenes of the landings on Omaha Beach were shot in Ireland, on Ballinesker beach near Curracloe, County Wexford.
Indeed, the production chose this Irish beach for its striking resemblance to the Normandy coast.
The choice of Ireland as the filming location was motivated by several factors.
The logistics of shooting in France were complicated, and Ireland offered not only suitable scenery but also a more controlled environment for Spielberg and his crew.
What’s more, Ireland has advantageous tax structures for film productions, which helped reduce production costs for this big-budget film.
So, for two months, this quiet region of Ireland was transformed into an intense battlefield, with thousands of local extras playing the role of soldiers.
The local Wexford community played a large part in the success of these memorable scenes.
It is estimated that hundreds of Irish extras were recruited to portray the American and German soldiers, while local services assisted the production with logistics and support.
This collaboration left an indelible mark on the region, with many locals still remembering the period with nostalgia!
The link between Ireland and “Saving Private Ryan” is a perfect example of how unexpected places can play a crucial role in the creation of cinematic masterpieces.
By choosing Ireland to recreate one of the most important moments in modern history, Spielberg has not only succeeded in producing an incredibly realistic landing sequence.
It’s not the first time the Emerald Isle has been selected to host American blockbusters! Among the most famous are “Game of Thrones”, “Vikings” and “Dungeons and Dragons”.
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