To pick up on your various points, I've not read The Key to Rebecca. I've read some of Ken Follett's other work (including The Pillars of the Earth) but not that one. And obviously, I don't agree with you re: The English Patient.

Regarding Saving Private Ryan (a fine film, but nothing matches the astonishing opening), it's interesting that you should mention the score. It actually features the least amount of score in any Spielberg film, because he and John Williams wisely opted not to score the battle scenes. But what music there is is brilliant, especially Hymn for the Fallen, the piece on the end credits. :)