Easy Company goes through training under the leadership of a captain who relentlessly pushes them to their limits but may be limited as a leader in the field.Easy Company goes through training under the leadership of a captain who relentlessly pushes them to their limits but may be limited as a leader in the field.Easy Company goes through training under the leadership of a captain who relentlessly pushes them to their limits but may be limited as a leader in the field.
- Wayne A. (Skinny) Sisk
- (as Philip Barrantini)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDavid Schwimmer was isolated from most of the other cast members during boot camp, to help generate a feeling of resentment among the men. Schwimmer joked that his only friend on set was Simon Pegg--who played Sobel's right-hand man Evans.
- GoofsDuring "Curahee" in the scene where Easy Co. is receiving a lecture, there are various German weapons on the wall. One of them is an Stg 44, not used in combat until 1944. Thus, it is impossible that the Americans had captured one in 1942-43.
- Quotes
George Luz: [reading aloud Col. Sink's announcement of the impending jump into Normandy] "Soldiers of the Regiment! Tonight is the night of nights. Today, as you read this, you are en route to the great adventure for which you have trained for over two years."
Bill Guarnere: So that's why they gave us ice cream.
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.
- snoozejonc
- Jan 31, 2022