This immensely earnest series draws from the same emotional well as 'Saving Private Ryan' - the 1998 film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, and it's no coincidence that these two backed 'Band of Brothers'.It follows the trials and tribulations of E Company as they prepare to participate in the battle against the Nazis in Europe. Eschewing the noisy and macho heroics often associated with depictions of war, it taps into a more human understanding of conflict. (less)1 Series / 10 Episodes - 49 mins.(more)
Although it's pleasing to witness an account of World War II heroics which eschews the usual glamorisation of violence, 'Band of Brothers' is weighed down instead by its own portentousness.The quiet determination of the US soldiers arriving in Europe to 'save the day' is no less galling to the Europeans they 'rescued' than other less realistic accounts. Every opportunity is taken to amplify the seriousness of this account, and it has a very US-centric viewpoint. (less)1 Series / 10 Episodes - 49 mins.(more)
This immensely earnest series draws from the same emotional well as 'Saving Private Ryan' - the 1998 film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, and it's no coincidence that these two backed 'Band of Brothers'.
Although it's pleasing to witness an account of World War II heroics which eschews the usual glamorisation of violence, 'Band of Brothers' is weighed down instead by its own portentousness.
It follows the trials and tribulations of E Company as they prepare to participate in the battle against the Nazis in Europe. Eschewing the noisy and macho heroics often associated with depictions of war, it taps into a more human understanding of conflict.
The quiet determination of the US soldiers arriving in Europe to 'save the day' is no less galling to the Europeans they 'rescued' than other less realistic accounts. Every opportunity is taken to amplify the seriousness of this account, and it has a very US-centric viewpoint.
