Did you know that the Band of Brothers is a 2001 ten part television World War II miniseries based on the book of the same title written by historian and biographer Stephen Ambrose? It was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks after their collaboration on the World War II film, “Saving Private Ryan,” in 1998. The first episode was aired in 2001 on HBO and are still running frequently on various TV networks around the world. A story about a true and incredible odyssey of Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Screaming Eagles Airborne Division, U.S. Army from their formation in Georgia 1942 to Berlin and the end of the war in Europe 1945. The demand for, and on, elite paratroopers was unending and they were deployed as the tip of the spear of every major allied offensive the Western Front. Jumping behind enemy lines, often without critical equipment and supplies or lacking enough rest and under terrible conditions, they saw more than their share of hard combat and E Company itself.There are so many reasons why the series became a hit. For one, as mentioned, it is based on a true story. One of the famous figures in the story was Major Richard Winters, a young lieutenant, Winters volunteered for the fledgling 506th PIR, which was later absorbed into the 101st. He served as a platoon leader and company executive officer in Easy Company during its formative period at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, and later as it prepared for war in North Carolina and England. When Easy's company commander was killed on D-Day, Winters took over and led the company during the Normandy and Market Garden campaigns. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions against a German artillery battery on D-Day and was promoted to captain. Beloved by his men and respected by his superiors, Winters is considered by many to have been World War II's best company commander.
The series received numerous recognitions and awards. The series was nominated for nineteen Emmy Awards, and won six, including "Outstanding miniseries," "Outstanding Casting for a miniseries, Movie, or a Special," and "Outstanding Directing for a miniseries, Movie, or a Dramatic Special." It also won a Golden Globe for "Best miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television," an American Film Institute award, and was selected for a Peabody Award. The premiere of Band of Brothers on 9 September 2001, drew 10 million viewers. However, two days later the September 11, 2001, attacks occurred and HBO immediately ceased its marketing campaign. The second episode nonetheless drew 7.3 million viewers.
So what makes Band of the Brothers different from other war films? Some of the greatest films of all time depict the glory and horrors of combat. In the story of Band of Brothers, the leaders invested in their long term team players and trust them implicitly. In the case of EZ Co. and the US Army, it was the NCO’s, or non-commissioned officers. These were basically middle management and the key to maintaining morale and focus with the troops. Another lesson in the story, the leaders lead the way. They make the right decisions, and even if it is not the right decision, they are always decisive. And lastly, the leaders seek to understand and have empathy for the people who follow them.
Whether you are familiar with this story or not, I recommend this mini-series highly enough! So grab this amazing DVD collection not only for you to entertain but gives you the knowledge about the sacrifices of American soldiers who gave their lives to protect mankind.
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