BAND OF BROTHERS

Band Of Brothers

There have been a lot of movies set during World War II but television hasn't paid much attention to it. This was put right when Steven Spielberg co-produced the ten part mini series, Band of Brothers. It was a hit with audiences and won six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. The story followed the trials of Easy Company, based on a true life parachute regiment within the 101st Airborne Division, as they made their way through occupied France.

Tom Hanks was also involved in the project, as co-producer and he directed an episode and scripted another one. The striking feature of Band of Brothers is its feel for reality. These are not men in the John Wayne mould, but ordinary guys faced with danger miles away from home. The audience gets to know the characters and cares about them. The authenticity of their daily lives is no accident. The series is based on the novel by Stephen Ambrose, an historian who interviewed the real life Easy Company men. Each main character on the series is taken from life and some of the actual veterans appear on the program, being interviewed. Spielberg achieved the same reality that he had mastered in his movie, Saving Private Ryan.

It was excellently cast throughout, with actors chosen for their similarity to their real counterparts. Platoon leader Major Winters was played by Damian Lewis, a man who cared deeply about the welfare of his men. Another main part in Band of Brothers was taken by Donnie Wahlberg, older brother to movie star, Mark Wahlberg. Tom Hanks had a cameo and his son, Colin took a small part. David Schwimmer, of Friends fame, was impressive as Captain Sobel. His was an interesting character as the officer his men love to hate. He's incredibly tough on the guys he's trying to train, in the hope that this might save their lives one day. When he goes out with the others on a parachute jump, we see that he is crippled with fear.

The cinematography was excellent and set the right mood for the scenes. Michael Kamen, famous for his film scores and his collaboration with rock artists, was responsible for the music. By the end of the series, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. At last the war is over and the men who have bonded together can go home to their loved ones. There is talk of another Band of Brothers type series, this time in the Pacific theatre. Fans wait for more news of this on the edge of their seats.