Reviewing Movies

Some movies are so good they demand to be watched over and over and for me Band of Brothers despite a combined length of over 10 hours is one of these. Documenting the founding of the Airborne Regiment in the US during World War II it rises above Hoo Haw mentality to matter of factly delve into the lives of the people it portraits, downplays jingoistic nationalism, and gives us a soldier’s view of war without romanticizing, glorifying, or vilifying it. For added verity we get to meet the actual veterans whose lives are portrayed onscreen.

These men get “Dear John” letters, grouse about conditions, collect “souvenirs”, get the clap, complain about the chow, suffer battle fatigue, and get blown to bits. The shelling scenes in the Ardennes are among the most realistic and terrifying I’ve ever seen. There are few “big name” actors here and just as the name of the series suggests the actors in this series seem to have performed as an ensemble. Though having a father who was an Executive Producer couldn’t have hurt Colin Hanks casting chances.

Although there is never any doubt that Dick Winters is in charge; he is universally honoured by his superiors and his men; the story is told from many points of view and depending on the scene various characters take turns narrating the storyline. One of the highlights of the series is the close relationship that develops between Winters, a teetotaller; and his intelligence officer the alcoholic Lewis Nixon who stores his illicit hooch in Winters’ footlocker. A source of comic relief is the consummate mimic George Luz who seems to have a bottomless repertoire of catch-phrases: “Remember troops, flies cause disease, keep yours closed.” His lasting buddy, buddy relationship with Frank Paconte is one of the running gags of the series

In a unit that sustained nearly a 200% casualty rate the reticence of men who had survived since basic training to befriend ‘replacements’ can be understood; but the bonds that existed among the Toccoa Men ran deep. The fact that these savvy veterans managed to survive despite the odds says loads about their training and their smarts. We also see our share of “empty uniforms” including their original Captain, Sobel—who gets lost in the field; Private Albert Blithe, who freezes in battle; and Lieutenant Norman Dike—a West-Pointer with no battle smarts. Everyone but Winters has a nickname by which he is referred to by everyone but Doc Roe who has treated so many injured and dying men that he has trouble getting close to anyone—even the French Nurse who befriends him is blown up with her entire Red Cross Centre.

One of the more distinguishing characteristics of this series is the fact that no matter how harrowing or devastating the action on screen has been the background music is always serene—the notable exception being the scenes in the Death Camp. Having read Stephen Ambrose’s original of the same name upon which this series was based I can truthfully say it follows it faithfully. Along with Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings this series stands among the great motion picture accomplishments of all time. I will be watching it again and again as years pass.