Tom Hanks’ Greyhound Rivals Saving Private Ryan (Seriously)

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He’s considered one of the best actors working today, known for bringing complex and fascinating characters to life in unusual situations. Though perhaps not as iconic as some of his earlier roles like Woody or Forrest Gump, he’s become particularly well-regarded for his work in war movies. Saving Private Ryan was a major turning point in his career, and now Greyhound is similarly boosting his profile.

Claiming any of Tom Hanks’ war movies could compete with Saving Private Ryan is a strong statement. However, Greyhound is a remarkable film and clearly a passion project for Hanks. It’s a well-made, respectful adaptation of its source material, and it offers a nuanced understanding of war that surpasses many similar films. Ultimately, the movie focuses intensely on a single character – a man burdened with immense responsibility.

Greyhound Is A Standout Adaptation

Published in 1955, The Good Shepherd by C.S. Forester is a gripping novel set during World War II. The book meticulously follows a U.S. naval commander over 52 hours as he leads an escort fleet, detailing every decision he faces. It’s a realistic portrayal of wartime logistics and the immense pressure, exhaustion, and psychological toll experienced when preparing for battle against overwhelming odds. Forester offers a slice-of-life look at the realities of war, focusing on the practical challenges and mental strain of command.

This novel has been adapted into a film, and viewers familiar with both will notice strong similarities. The filmmakers clearly prioritized accuracy, carefully recreating details and events from the book to portray the commander’s life. However, bringing this story to the screen wasn’t as simple as it appears.

Originally, the film Greyhound was set for a traditional movie theater release in 2020 after securing a distribution deal with Sony. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the film industry, and Greyhound‘s release was postponed and ultimately canceled. Fortunately, Apple TV+ acquired the exclusive rights to the film, giving it a new home on their streaming service.

What truly sets Greyhound apart is its strong focus on the main character. The film closely follows the novel, prioritizing Commander Ernst Krause and his crucial decisions, which determine the fate of his crew. This dedication to a single storyline created a streamlined script and a brisk pace. At just 90 minutes long – unusually short for a war movie – Greyhound is remarkably efficient and avoids unnecessary scenes, making for a perfectly paced and compelling experience.

The Film Features Tom Hanks At His Best

Surprisingly, the film’s effective pacing is largely due to Tom Hanks. He actually wrote the screenplay for Greyhound, which is notable because he’s not typically known as a writer. Hanks approached this as a passion project, and his knowledge of the genre, along with his appreciation for the source novel, helped him create a script that truly captures the story’s essence.

This could be some of Tom Hanks’ finest acting. He deeply understands the role and confidently lets the scenes unfold naturally. While the film has some strong dialogue, much of the story is conveyed through Hanks’ subtle expressions – his worried frown and intense gaze speak volumes. Unlike many war movies that focus on grand themes or emotional moments, this film centers on the everyday realities of war. Hanks portrays a soldier simply trying to fulfill his duty, even when facing overwhelming challenges.

While Tom Hanks leads the film with his skill, he’s supported by a remarkably talented cast who all enhance the story. Stephen Graham, for example, is captivating in every scene, bringing a genuine quality to his role. Elisabeth Shue and Rob Morgan deliver equally strong performances, and actors like Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Josh Wiggins add valuable depth to the ensemble. This cast is perfectly suited for this film, filled with performers who truly embody their characters and bring the story to life.

Though Tom Hanks starred in and helped write the movie, Aaron Schneider was the director. He truly understood the original book and worked closely with Hanks to bring that vision to life. Schneider was a somewhat unexpected choice for the job, as he hadn’t directed a major film in a while and his previous work included films like Dead Girls, Kiss The Girl, and Simon Burch. Ultimately, it was Schneider’s dedication to the source material, combined with his adaptable skills and meticulous approach, that made Greyhound a success.

Saving Private Ryan Shaped The Genre — Greyhound Mastered It

The argument being presented is that Greyhound actually had a bigger impact on Tom Hanks’ career than Saving Private Ryan. However, it’s important to acknowledge that Saving Private Ryan was a groundbreaking film. It modernized war movies, using innovative storytelling to powerfully convey the horrors of war to audiences who might typically expect simple action. The film focused on a character enduring unimaginable suffering, a character anyone in the audience could relate to.

While both films depict war, Greyhound stands out for its consistent focus on a single character and a more realistic portrayal of conflict. Saving Private Ryan remains a grand, spectacular cinematic experience, deeply exploring the emotional impact of war and the harsh realities of combat. Greyhound, however, offers a different approach – it’s less about dramatic storytelling and more about immersing the viewer in authentic naval strategy and tactics.

It’s understandable that some people might disagree with the idea that Greyhound is better than Saving Private Ryan, especially since Greyhound didn’t receive as much recognition or win as many awards. Saving Private Ryan remains a classic, while Greyhound hasn’t quite reached that status yet. However, the comparison depends on what you’re looking for. Greyhound arguably offers a more realistic and grounded portrayal of what it was like to be involved in the naval conflict, focusing on practical details rather than dramatic filmmaking.

Similar to a ship with broken radios, as seen in the film Greyhound, the movie itself suffered because of how it was released. Greyhound doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, not only because it’s compared to Tom Hanks’ other famous roles, but also because it wasn’t well-promoted and few people saw it. This prevented it from having the same effect as other war films. However, if you focus on the films themselves, disregarding outside factors, Greyhound is actually the stronger of the two.

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2026-02-01 06:13