The bulk of this post (2-3 paragraphs) should compare and contrast the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan to the Frank Capra "Why We Fight" and finally to the invasion scenes of "The Longest Day"
Here is some commentary to help you:
When we watch Saving Private Ryan, we see a filmmaker that wants to show war at its most utterly realistic: loud, violent, bloody, horrifying, grim, almost unthinkable. When we watch Frank Capra's propagandistic documentary, we see war as the necessary and noble task.
But when we watch the Longest Day (Capra from the 40s, Longest Day from the 60s, and SPR from the late 90s) we see the invasion as violent, but somehow different. SPR is gut wrenching (CAUTION: it is VERY violent and can be upsetting...should be upsetting)
So, comment on how these films are similar and different and how the difference might be explained: context, history, etc.
Here is the link to the "Why We Fight" video from youtube
WATCH: Why We Fight (Youtube, Frank Capra, PT I WWII) Saving Private Ryan (first 30 minutes) The Longest Day .