Band Of Brothers (Tin) > Reviews > United in War

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Disliked it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Not applicable

Advantages:	Reminds us how important it is not to start war
Disadvantages:	Teaches us the perils of war

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Here, I will be reviewing Band of Brothers...

This is based on a Bestseller by Stephen E Ambrose. This is a true story put onto the small screen by the collaboration of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.
This critically acclaimed, award winning mini-series follows the epic heart rending story of the mission of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S Army. Set in World War Two, and one of its early Platoon leaders, Richard Winters. The Bestseller is based on Ambrose's research and recorded interviews with easy Company veterans. Some of the episodes have had some literary licence which obviously highlights differences with the history and the film version, but never the less is a cracking series. All the characters in the mini-series are portrayed on actual members of Easy Company. There is a nice little touch at the end of the last episode where some of them can be seen in pre-recorded interviews and they just tell you of some of the moments of courage and togetherness that grew between these 'Brothers' during there time together facing death and the enemy.

Experiences drawn from the survivors of easy company as well as soldier's journals and letters home, Band of Brothers chronicles the experiences of these men who knew extraordinary bravery and fear.

The cast

The cast of the mini-series are as follows: Kirk Acevedo, Eion Bailey, Dale Dye, Scott Grimes and David Schwimmer (of 'Friends' fame).This has been recreated with stunning special effects, and the second collaboration between Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg (after Saving Private Ryan), the series is both a profound and captivating look at the reality of war. it reminds me in so many ways of saving Private Ryan ( which I loved ).In both its format and the special effects, which to be brutally honest always makes me wonder how any of those young men returned alive at all!

The main characters are played by Damian Lewis and Donnie Wahlberg .This was also the winner of 6 Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

I will give you the titles of each episode, and give you a brief run-down of its content.

The opening Episode

'We stand alone together.' Currahee

The remarkable telling of the true story by Easy Company survivors, in there own words and the basis for the whole epic ten-part series. This episode explores their training and you are introduced to captain Sobel ( David Schwimmer ).He plays a tyrant very well in this series, and as you later find out it comes back to haunt him!

Days of Days

The day Easy Company parachute into occupied France on D-Day, thrown into disarray when their Commander is unaccounted for, it is up to Lt Winters (Damian Lewis) to lead them into their first combat situation and victory.

Carentan

The harsh reality hits home and they are advised by Lt Winters to accept that 'you're already dead'. The uncomfortable truth rings true when they are faced with the Germans and their own fears.

Replacements

Easy Company along with new fresh faced replacements due to casualty lose, parachute into the Netherlands and fight in the town of Nuenen.This is after the liberation of Eindhoven.

Crossroads

Winters writes a report on the unexpected resistance to a German attack which really challenges easy Company's resolve. Winters is haunted by his conscience after shooting a teenage German soldier.

Bastogne

This is the episode highlighting the Battle of the Bulge, and Easy Company have to hold ground in the forests through sub-zero temperatures and a severe lack of supplies.

The Breaking Point

Easy Company battle near Foy, Belgium, and the actions of their new commander, Carwood Lipton are questioned.

The Last Patrol

Easy Company carries out a dangerous mission, and Captain Winters is promoted to Major.

Why We Fight.

This episode they come across a concentration camp, near Landsberg.This is a really heart rending episode which really portrays the horrors of war.

Points

The Company capture the Eagles Nest, which was Hitler's home and the end of the war is announced. The title of the episode is based on the points' that each man earned as he went into mission. The more he built up the more he stood a chance of going home.

Summary

The 10 part series runs for 705 mins, which isn't as long as it appears, as each episode is approx an hour long.

The box set can come either in a presentation tin, or in a card board box and both are not bulky like some box sets and are easy to handle. I think the tin is more appealing look for a gift idea for Christmas.

The series is formatted in English, German, and French. It is all in colour, and the sound mix is in Dolby Digital.

Prices

The cost of the box set run between £20 and £ 60 dependant on where you shop around, but I will say it is very much worth even paying the top end price for this 10 part series as it is a riveting series and if you enjoyed 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Schindlers List', this is a must for fans.

I really could go into detail of how /what i thought of the series,but i do feel that if i done this i would reveal far too much of both the story line and the characters portrayed.
This is something which really requires the viewer to interprit themselves ,and you fall in love with each and every charactor in the series.

Each charactor goes through horrors and mental battles with their conscience .So i really feel if i went into too much detail i would spoil it for the viewer.
Many thanks for reading