Rating: Summary: A sweeping war saga of courage and brotherhood Review: "I wasn't a hero but I fought with a lot of men who were." So says one of this heroic brand of brothers, the men of Easy Company. This best captures the ethos of this work. And it is an excellent experience and vivid history.This epic runs from July 1942 to shortly after the end of the war in Europe. Starting with the company''s initial bonding experience, under the hot, miserable, days of training under an abusive, "chickens--t" first leader, the brothers came together. They learned to hate their leader perhaps as much as the looming Germans; later, this mode of training earned begrudging respect from some of the men. But not before a revolt in their ranks prior to being shipped out to Europe. D-Day offered an early, hard test of their training and teamwork. Their success at knocking out a field battery, I have heard, remains a training example today. Following the own, self-assessment that, if there was a dirty job that needed to be done, Easy Company would be assigned to do it, the brother fight through Holland, the Ardennes, and, finally, Germany. The details of the production fully reveal the $120 million invested. The sepia tones create a wonderful sense of time and place. The large, ensemble cast is magnificent, including David Schwimmer in an unlikely and unlikeable role as the much-despised training camp leader. Damien Lewis, a fine English actor, captures the respect of his men as the focal point Cpt Winter. Each man has something to say, something to contribute. They really are a team, linked by mutual respect and a hard-edged sense of purpose. Watching the men train, struggle, fight and die, I could help but feel frustrated, sympathetic, impressed and sad along with them. I cried more times than I care to recall. This is a fitting, perfect extension of "Saving Private Ryan." As Colonel Chamberlain says in "Gettysburg", "What it comes down to, in the end, is that we're fighting for is each other."
Rating: Summary: The Best WW2 Movie/Series Ever? Review: Quite possibly. And maybe the best movie about war ever. Its an expensive set to be sure but for many fans its hard to put a price tag on this level of quality seldom seen on TV or on the Big Screen. The first 5 or so episodes are a bit hard to get into because there are so many characters and it doesn't focus on just a few to build up tension in a standard dramatic fashion. But by the time you get to Episode 10 and watch the excellent documentary "We Stand Alone Together" you'll want to watch the series all over again. I did, and again and again. Upon repeat viewings you get a deeper appreciation for all stories and details you didn't pick up before. Every expression more touching and every words of caution, humour, friendship, and frustration more meaningful. They did a fabulous job of bringing big movie quality to the small screen. Its no wonder HBO has built such a solid reputation by commiting to projects like this. This series isn't merely entertainment but a fitting monument to the men of Easy Company and moreover all the men and women who triumphed against a World War. Minor details were changed from the book by Stephen Ambrose but nothing to detract from the overall integrity of the project. Or perhaps they were factual corrections Ambrose made after the fact? Regardless, the stories of people like Maj Winters, Nixon, Lipton, Speirs, Guarnere, Liebgott, "Bull" Randallman, Webster, and others have touched me deeply in the year 2002.
Rating: Summary: THIS IS GREAT! Review: I recorded this whole series on HBO, and I have to say, I have watched all 11 hours of it at least 7 times. This is the greatest World War..wait..WAR movie of all times. Split into diffenerent episodes so you can see a viewpoint from different soldiers, you begin the bond with the mean of Easy Company from episode one. This has very gory scenes in some parts, but the thing that makes it so realistic is how the actors react. I love the actors in this movie. They act like they were in the real war. Believe me, I though Saving Private Ryan was the best war movie ever, but, nevermind that. This movie makes Saving Private Ryan look like a power rangers episode. Mark my word, if you buy this and do not like this show, I will do anything for you. I love Band of Brothers and the story behind it, Im sure you will too!
Rating: Summary: A must have set, well worth the price. Review: This HBO series based on the Ambrose novel is an engrossing tale of the men of Easy Company during the second world war, told with cinematic perfection. The action scenes are astounding, and the acting is superb. This series really goes above and beyond any war movie or series ever made. The realism, drama, and action in Band of Brothers is truly amazing. It should stand for years to come as one of the most impressive achievements in war filmmaking along with Saving Private Ryan. The DVD set is awesome. Great tin container with holographic cover and fold out DVD holders inside, and the bonus materials in the set are excellent. Flawless in every way, this set is a must have for anyone who enjoys great filmmaking.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Movie Describing the Life of WW2 Soldiers. Review: The Band of Brothers is a TV miniseries following the lives of the 101st Airborne's Easy Company during World War Two. There are depictions of D-Day, Normandy, Market Garden, Battle of the Bulge(Bastogne), and many more. Not only do they show the fighting and all the action of those times, the main focus was centred in on the emotions on the soldiers. Whether it is a loss of a friend, a cold winter morning in the 'foxholes', trench foot, brutal amputations and surgeries, the guilty conscience after a victory, or shortages of food supplies, medical supplies(bandages, morphine, plasma), or other utensils, each emotion is displayed powerfully and realitically so that it dominates the entire show... Definately is the best WW2 depiction of all time and is a must see for war movie watchers...(Warning: Contains intense violence, blood and gore, and occaisional strong language)
Rating: Summary: Tribute Review: This HBO miniseries portrayal of Easy Company, 506th regiment, 101st Airborne, pays the hightest tribute to the men who served from the Normandy invasion to Hitler's Eagle's Nest. These elite paratroopers were among the best that the United States was coerced into using in order to stop Hitler's war machine. This DVD collection will allow you to traverse with them through the great trials that these men faced on their journey to becoming heroes. This collection is quite simply the greatest war epic ever.
Rating: Summary: Speilburg and Hanks have done it again! Review: What can I say? Speilburg and Hanks have once again showed us a very realistic perspective on WWII, the men who were there and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. When I saw this epic series, I was astounded on how well it was put together. This is, in my opinion, HBO's greatest mini-series to date. I highly recommend this DVD which tell the compelling story of Easy Company. From D-day to Hitlers eagle nest, this mini-series has shown me the horrors, spoils and consequences of war. Once again, I give this mini-series 5 stars and recommend it to anyone, especially the WWII buff.
Rating: Summary: AN ABSOLUTLY GREAT EXPERIENCE Review: Band of Brothers can easily qualify as a classic example of great cinematic achievement. The beauty of the story is that it is true. One can identify with the emotions that the characters undergo. The casting of relatively unknown faces was a novel idea, as one does not relate the actors to any of their previous works. The DVD quality is great and loaded with information, as well as interviews and behind the scenes footage. I would recommend Band of Brothers to all history buffs. A great buy.
Rating: Summary: Hanks & Spielberg Do It Again Review: Band of Brothers is simply awesome! From the opening credits to the final scene on the ball field, you'll be held spell bound as the story of these heroes unfolds. Mr. Hanks and Mr. Spielberg have created a truly spectacular work. The relatively new cast is incredible, the soundtrack simply beautiful, and the story awe inspiring. The scenery in a few of the episodes is stunning. The DVD transfer is very well done and the DTS soundtrack is great! This is a must see movie for all Americans! Do yourself a favor and add it to your collection. You won't regret it!
Rating: Summary: Historical honesty Review: As a history teacher who, by the way, does NOT enjoy violent war movies as a rule, I can only say that this series is mesmorizing. It is the best movie I have ever seen, and I have been waiting and hoping that the powers that be would choose to release it on video. I used segments of the film in my AP US History class last year and my students were equally enthralled by it. It's not only compelling in it's own right, but it tells a very important story about what civilized society asks of its soldiers. If you don't purchase it, please make a concerted effort to view it at some point. It's EXCELLENT.
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