BAND OF BROTHERS [2001]

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”

Like Roots, Shogun and I, Cladius before it, HBO's Band Of Brothers is essential viewing when it comes to television mini-series events.  Telling the historical events recorded in Stephen Ambrose's biographical World War II novel of the same name, this 10-part mini-series is an experience not easily forgotten. 

The series follows "Easy Company": the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, from their paratrooper training in Georgia, U.S.A. right up to the taking of The Eagle's Nest in the mountains of Berchtesgaden, Germany.

While in most war films you really get a small idea of the different emotions a soldier will go through, BoB gives the viewer a more in-depth look over the 10-plus hours.  This allows for a more poignant experience than usual, that may or may not be welcome, depending on how emotionally drained you're prepared to be by the final moments.  Each episode mainly focuses on one particular soldier and unfolds like a short film in itself.  Evenly distributing out the history, military strategies, character development and intricate battle scenes gives a little something for everybody to be drawn into.  There might be a few historical inaccuracies, both intentional for dramatic purposes and some unintentional but as a whole you get the bigger picture that's intended with such subject matter.

Complimented with mind-blowing sound design, beautiful photography (both dreary and colorful), a career defining musical score from the late Michael Kamen, rich character development and an impressive ensemble cast of mostly unknowns (however keep an eye out for Simon Pegg, Jimmy Fallon, Michael Fassbender, James MacAvoy and Colin Hanks), Band Of Brothers is truly an unforgettable experience.

10 Episodes.  Roughly 60 minutes each.

Plus a 90 minute documentary follow-up.

Buyer’s Guide:

Available in both DVD and Blu-Ray sets on it’s own and packaged with it’s companion series The Pacific.

5 Stars out of 5