I
finally saw the HBO miniseries Band of
Brothers which debuted in 2001 on the heels of Saving Private Ryan. Producers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks
reunited behind the scenes to chronicle the World War II European exploits of Easy Company of the 101
Airborne Division culling the personal recollections of reports, interviews
with veterans, and based on the best seller by Stephen E. Ambrose.
Damian
Lewis (pre Homeland) portrays real
life hero Major Richard Winters who leads his men through major events
including D-Day in Normandy, Operation Market Garden, The Battle of the Bulge,
and the liberation of concentration camps. Although some characters are
composites and certain events were tweaked for the screen, it is compelling in the earnest performances and its intimate stories of
strangers who form a bond in the most adverse conditions. Part of the fun
is recognizing supporting actors who have gone on to stardom including Tom
Hardy, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, and even Jimmy Fallon in a bit role!
The series’ ten
episodes are a labor of love, and its details of the historic battles and combat
strategy are a refreshing change from clichéd and stereotypical war films. I got so caught up in the narrative that I
almost wished it would not end, hence an early series worthy to binge. It seems fitting with the lauded release of Dunkirk that Band of Brothers was on my radar (thanks to a friend’s generosity).
Lavishly produced, it won multiple Emmy Awards including Outstanding Miniseries and
garnered widespread acclaim. Now I
understand why. It’s a landmark in television programming and
presentation.
****
of **** stars
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