Band of Brothers, the ten part mini-series depicting the war as seen through the eyes of the men of Easy Company, debuted in 2001, quickly gaining commercial success and critical acclaim. Attached to big named producers like Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the series brought the European theater of WWII to life. Eleven years later, many of its small role actors have gone on to become major stars, including James McAvoy (Wanted), Michael Fassbender (X-Men First Class), Damien Lewis (Homeland), and Tom Hardy (Bane in The Dark Knight Rises) to name a few. The Pacific, a 2010 HBO mini-series, was created to show the Pacific theater in the tradition of Band of Brothers. While still very good, it did not have the same resonance as Band of Brothers. I have found that people are often surprised that women love the Band of Brothers, but don't understand why. The show depicts humanity in the best and worst of lights with heart and soul. I defy anyone who doesn't respect the steady bravery and humility of Major Winter's (Damien Lewis) leadership or cry as the soldiers stumble upon an abandoned concentration camp. When the openings song and images plays, I am always somberly reminded of the sacrifices the military make and how much they deserve our respect and support. If anything, Band of Brothers shined a light on their service. You don't have to be a guy to love a good story, and Band of Brothers is one of the best. Even though I own it on dvd, I still find myself watching it when it replays on History Channel, and shocker, I am a girl.
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