Band of Brothers

Once in a great while, Hollywood get's it right. The mini series "Band of Brothers" is one if these instances. This history channel has been airing it this week. I have previously been a little suspicious of this series thinking that it was Spielberg and Hanks trying to capitalize on the success of "Saving Private Ryan". But this series based on the book by Stephen Ambrose is a real tribute the men of the 101st Airborne division's Easy Company. Interspersed with interviews with the real men who where there this for me was truly compelling.

What struck me most so far is that these men really weren't fighting for politics, or ideaology, or nationalism, they where fighting for each other, they were fighting for thier families. It's hard to look back and imagine what the world was like in the 40's but there was the reality that we were locked in a real battle of good versus evil. America wasn't an empire at that time. We as a nation really didn't want to get involved in this conflict and only after being directly attacked realized that there was no longer any way not to be involved. Unfortunatly I think we as a nation have lost our way since then, but that is another discussion.

I was really moved by these men's sacrifice, by thier love for each other. At the same time this movie was heartbreaking, you could feel the anguish the these men felt when they lost a companion in combat. There are numerous examples in this film of what real compassion and leadership are all about.

This film is at times tough to watch, it is not uneccesarily graphic but it is very realistic. If you are able to deal with that then watch this if you get a chance it is very much worth it.