23. Upham’s German at the end of the film
Subtitles are a choice made by the director. It’s usually a decision as to whether the audience needs to know what’s being said or not.
Upham was a translator
Throughout Saving Private Ryan, there are a mixture of languages spoken: English, French, German, Czech…
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Some moments have subtitles, and some don’t. One particular moment where there are no subtitles is at the very end of the Battle of Ramelle, when Upham confronts some German soldiers.
Upham confronts the Germans
This happens after Steamboat Willie has mortally shot Captain Miller. Seeing his friends killed and wounded, Upham makes a grave decision.
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He shoots Steamboat Willie with a rifle, killing him. But there is an intense discussion that happens in German before this goes down.
It’s the only time Upham uses a gun
Upham repeats several times: “Hands up! Lay down your weapons!” Steamboat Willie then says, “I know this soldier. I know this man.” Upham says, “Hold your snout!” The German soldier replies, “Upham.” Then, after shooting Steamboat Willie, Upham says (to the remaining German soldiers), “Scram! Vanish!” – But we didn’t really need it all translated to get the message. Still, interesting to know.
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