Band of Brothers

Amazingly shot series with the best take on the WWII that you can see. From the moment I met the cast of characters in Episode 1, I cared about all of them, and it stayed that way until the end. And on top of that a wonderful soundtrack, set design, effects, sound. This is how you properly use a generous budget. (03/01/2012)

A masterpiece! Even twenty years later. When the series premiered, "Medal of Honor" and "Call of Duty" were being played daily by players. But two decades have passed, and over time you gain some experience, learn a few things, and thanks to media coverage, the war is actually online on our phones, and suddenly we perceive the ten-hour colossus is completely differently. That senseless massacre in the Ardennes is no longer as cool, and neither are the torn bodies. Suddenly, there are ten mini-stories about one huge bit of determination, about real "ordinary men" who did "extraordinary things," which stands precisely on the edge of a celebratory ode and simple military pathos, never sliding into kitsch or pleasing flattery. HBO spent an extravagant budget for its time, which the creators pumped into the magnificent set design and huge cast, where mud and snow get under their nails. These small outbursts of humanity (particularly the medic's ordeal) only confirm the power of the storytelling. A genre benchmark and a series standard that continues to dominate in many aspects and leaves most competitors far behind. (01/30/2024)

A Saving Private Ryan movie stretched over ten hours? Nope. Because Brotherhood is better than Ryan. It goes into more depth (which makes sense given that it has so much time and characters to do so), is more believable, and especially after I read the book, it became unbeatable for me. The Tom Hanks-directed episode is clearly the best. (05/05/2009)

Some of the episodes are “only” brilliant and some are downright masterpieces, especially episodes six, seven and nine: Bastogne, The Breaking Point, and Why We Fight, the last one of which took my breath away. By the way, the fifth episode, Crossroads, was directed by Tom Hanks himself and with his use of interesting cuts between two time planes and unusual camera angles he proves that he is not only a great actor but also a great director. Overall, I bow in deep respect to the people behind this ten-part work of genius, for the impeccable filmmaking, for the absence of annoying jingoism, and for the deep humanity that permeates all the episodes. Ladies and gentlemen, 5 stars is not enough in this case! (07/01/2003)

A true masterpiece that describes with great veracity and naturalism every aspect of the lives of "brothers in arms" in the face of their enemies. The battle scenes are without exception visually and aurally breathtaking, while all the scenes where the rifles remain lowered are absolutely stunning in their emotional authenticity and their naturalness, which is downright chilling. I have always shuddered at the thought of war, how I would die a painful death amidst the filth and blood; after watching this series, I fear I will survive it in physical, but not mental health. This is the true face of war. 100% (12/24/2014)