Chapter 17

"Alright, Christmas."

Mark Damon was not being modest, "I have some doubts about the script's setup, where eight sons of mothers are exchanged for one son of a mother, eight lives for one life. I wonder if this is worth it and might cause controversy."

Tom Hanks also said, "That's a good question. I'd like to hear the screenwriter's explanation too."

Chen Tiandu was well-prepared, with a look that said, "I knew someone would ask this," and said, "In fact, I've discussed this issue many times with the director. Why do we have to send eight of us to save one person?"

"Yes, why should we risk our lives to save Ryan's life? Don't we have mothers and siblings? Other soldiers are also fighting hard on the battlefield. Why should Ryan have this privilege?" Edward Burns seemed very indignant.

He played Private Richard Reiben.

His character was the most qualified to ask this question, as he had once considered withdrawing from the mission but ultimately persisted and survived. He was skeptical and dissatisfied with the mission from the beginning, but as a soldier, he could only obey. In the final battle, he fought alongside his comrades and successfully defended the bridge.

Chen Tiandu smiled, "Mr. Burns, you read the script very smoothly. That's your line, right?"

Edward Burns, caught in the act, sheepishly spread his hands, "Yes, that's my line. I was just performing. I think it's one of the key points of conflict in the plot, and I should be more aggressive."

Tom Hanks nodded in encouragement, "You did a good job."

"Thanks, idol." Edward Burns grinned.

Unconsciously, the term "idol" had become almost a nickname for Tom Hanks.

Seeing everyone's attention, Chen Tiandu continued, "This is the dilemma faced by the eight-man team in 'Saving Private Ryan.' Understanding this makes everything else easier."

"Amidst a battlefield where countless lives are lost in an instant, they must risk their lives to save a stranger. Such Promethean sacrifices are common in life, and war is a perfect example. It always loyally accompanies all human achievements and glories, then meticulously turns them to ashes."

"But think about it, is it just one life that eight people are saving?"

"In fact, they are using their lives to uphold a law: to return a mother's only son to her. Generations have sent their children to war, trusting in this law. Over time, the law became a tradition, tradition became a belief, and belief is the pillar of a nation's strength and resilience. These are things that no amount of money, resources, or lives can buy. Imagine if today, this unit decided that eight lives for one life was not worth it and let a mother lose her only son. Tomorrow, another mother would lose her child for the same reason. In the long run, the solid tradition and belief would become an empty promise. Who would feel safe sending their loved ones to war?"

"Ryan is just a symbol to me."

"Idol, do you remember a line from the script? 'Our mission is to win the war!'" Chen Tiandu suddenly asked.

Tom Hanks was taken aback, flipping through the script in his hand, "Yes, there is such a line. Our mission is to win the war... I think I understand: the rescue team learns the value of family and life by helping Ryan; and Ryan, through Captain Miller and the rescue team, realizes the importance of using his life to protect and care for others who need saving and help. War is something no one can choose or control, but helping others is a choice we can make... That's a great setup. Your explanation makes it much clearer."

"Thanks for the compliment, idol."

Chen Tiandu smiled modestly, "Comparing the value of lives irresponsibly is meaningless. The instinct for survival doesn't give people time to weigh the pros and cons. I think this explanation should work."

"Very good!"

Tom Hanks smiled, "Come on, let's give a round of applause for Christmas, who brought us all together."

The group clapped enthusiastically, and Chen Tiandu's expression became even more "modest."

Next, they practiced their lines, and Chen Tiandu saw the effort behind a legendary actor's success. Tom Hanks was incredibly serious, even during line readings, he performed with intensity. This inspired the others to be even more focused.

At the broken bridge in Ramelle, Sergeant Horvath, facing Captain Miller, his gentle eyes melting in the sunset, said, "One day, when we look back, we'll feel that saving Private Ryan was a masterpiece of our time in this war-torn era."

...

On the march through the fields, medic Wade, with a touch of sadness, muttered, "Think about that poor guy's mother!"

...

On Omaha Beach, a young soldier, bloodied and mangled, cried out for his mother.

...

Again, it was Wade, dying at the radar station, his last words heart-wrenching: "Mom, mom, take me home..." The actor playing Wade, Giovanni Ribisi, was moved, "I haven't been home to see my mother in a long time. Maybe I should go home after filming this movie."

Vin Diesel patted his shoulder, "You should have done that a long time ago, buddy."

Chen Tiandu smiled, the atmosphere was good. Looking up, he suddenly noticed Tom Hanks observing him, which made him puzzled. He looked at himself, but there was nothing wrong.

At the end of the day, everyone had learned a lot. Tom Hanks clapped his hands and took a cigarette, "Before we wrap up today, Christmas, do you have any advice or encouragement for us during the filming process?"

"Wow~~"

Chen Tiandu exclaimed, "Idol, you're putting me on the spot."

After some thought, he said, "I think everyone will experience an adrenaline rush like never before. Once filming starts, the set will be chaotic. People will be falling all around you, bullets will be whizzing by, and bombs will be exploding nearby. You can imagine soldiers falling in droves amidst the gunfire. You're all professional actors, so talking about acting is not my job; that's the director's. But when you perform, adding a bit more fear in your eyes will make it more realistic."

"OK, very sincere advice. How about we all go for a drink? My treat."

"Yea! Of course, if the idol is buying, we're going." Everyone agreed, the atmosphere was lively.

In just one day, they had developed a strong rapport. This was the power of a legendary actor, not only being great himself but also bringing out the best in the other actors. No wonder Spielberg and Tom Hanks became long-time collaborators.

However, Chen Tiandu spoiled the mood, "Idol, I'm sorry, but I might not be able to go. I have an appointment with my landlord to move today. I've been staying in a hotel since I came to America, and it's quite expensive."

Vin Diesel put his arm around his neck, "Then let's help you move first, and then go drinking together."

"Great idea, let's do it, brothers." Captain Tom Hanks gave the order.

"Yes, sir!" Everyone shouted.

"No, no, that's too much," Chen Tiandu was genuinely surprised.

"Come on, Christmas, you Chinese are too modest. Having the idol help you move is a huge honor. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You should seize it," Vin Diesel, being very friendly, pushed Chen out the door.

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