This film authentically recreates the setting and the horror of D-Day in Normandy. The story centers on the mission to recover one soldier - Private Ryan (Damon). Dropped behind enemy lines, his survival is crucial since three of his brothers have already died in previous battles. An eight-man team, led by Captain John Miller (Hanks) must conquer their individual fears and rescue a soldier who is after all, just a name to them. Hanks stars as the woeful veteran whose only real goal is to return home to his wife.