Members of the US Airborne Easy Company go through infantry training.
This is an excellent opening episode with fantastic production values and performances.
To an non-military viewer, Currahee does an informative job portraying men being prepared for the physical demands and discipline associated with soldiering. It also contrasts different attitudes of leadership and how important it must be to identify leaders with the best interests of the soldiers at heart.
David Schwimmer gives a memorable performance as Lieutenant Herbert Sobel, the unpopular commander and drill instructor. He has a number of compelling scenes, but the standout moment for me involves a new order he is given by Colonel Sink. Schwimmer's reaction here is a superb example of how to convey emotion whilst saying very little.
Damien Lewis and the episode writers effectively portrays Lieutenant Richard Winters as a devoted leader who is the polar opposite of Sobel and this cleverly establishes him as a lead character for the show.
Aside from the above, the character focus is quite loose, with many others having less screen time and functioning (in this episode) to service the arcs of Sobel and Winters. There are however decent introductions to the likes of Lieutenant Lewis Nixon and Sergeant William Guarnere.
I was not around in the 1940s, but the set design and period detail made me feel like I had been transported to that era. It all seems to match descriptions and first hand accounts I have heard from family members who were alive and in military service at the time.
The cinematography, editing, colour grading is all top drawer. Plus the visual effects (for a mini-series) are at cinema standard. What enhances everything is Michael Kamen's iconic score that stirs the emotions.
Band of Brothers tells an important story that hopefully generates enough interest in the subject matter to make those unfamiliar with the details find out more.
This is an excellent opening episode with fantastic production values and performances.
To an non-military viewer, Currahee does an informative job portraying men being prepared for the physical demands and discipline associated with soldiering. It also contrasts different attitudes of leadership and how important it must be to identify leaders with the best interests of the soldiers at heart.
David Schwimmer gives a memorable performance as Lieutenant Herbert Sobel, the unpopular commander and drill instructor. He has a number of compelling scenes, but the standout moment for me involves a new order he is given by Colonel Sink. Schwimmer's reaction here is a superb example of how to convey emotion whilst saying very little.
Damien Lewis and the episode writers effectively portrays Lieutenant Richard Winters as a devoted leader who is the polar opposite of Sobel and this cleverly establishes him as a lead character for the show.
Aside from the above, the character focus is quite loose, with many others having less screen time and functioning (in this episode) to service the arcs of Sobel and Winters. There are however decent introductions to the likes of Lieutenant Lewis Nixon and Sergeant William Guarnere.
I was not around in the 1940s, but the set design and period detail made me feel like I had been transported to that era. It all seems to match descriptions and first hand accounts I have heard from family members who were alive and in military service at the time.
The cinematography, editing, colour grading is all top drawer. Plus the visual effects (for a mini-series) are at cinema standard. What enhances everything is Michael Kamen's iconic score that stirs the emotions.
Band of Brothers tells an important story that hopefully generates enough interest in the subject matter to make those unfamiliar with the details find out more.