Wouldn't go so high. Maybe 80%. The one big mistake is at the end of Ep3, but there's been quite a few tweaks here and there for tv's sake. Still a terrific show nonetheless, easily top 3 overall.
At the time this was made, it was the most expensive television production EVER. It had a total budget of $120 million for the 10 episodes. It's important to remember, as well done, and, accurate as "Saving Private Ryan" was, it was still fictional. These men, and, their stories were all real. In fact, the last surviving Easy Company veteran, Bradford C. Freeman, passed away at the age of 97 on July 3, 2022.
The entire series focuses on Easy Company of the 506th regiment of the 101st Airborne. This unit exists to this day, fought in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and is a legend for its deeds in the Second World War
A company consists of 100-150 men, generally. There are 9 companies in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), A-I, of the 101st Airborne Division.
This show doesn't ever really explain the different levels of organization, so it can get a little confusing. The smallest level is the Squad, which is twelve men. Next is the Platoon, consisting of three squads and a six man mortar team. Then comes the Company level (Easy Company), which has three platoons and a headquarters section for a total of around a hundred fifty men. Next come the Battalion (2nd Battalion), Regiment (506th Parachute Infantry Regiment), and Division (101st Airborne) levels.
The series is all about Easy Company as remembered by the survivors, some of whom you will see at the beginning of each episode. It's pretty close to historical fact but certain events have been moved about in time or adjusted to fit in. For example, Bill Guarniere's brother WAS killed at Monte Cassino, but Bill found out about it slightly earlier than shown.
I don't know anything about the Sobel's character but he seemed to be a pretty good training officer who had no tactical field abilities. It seems that the best training officer is often not the best combat officer. During the US Civil War The Union General McClellan turned the Army of the Potomac into an excellent fighting force but did not deploy them effectively. General US Grant wasn't very good at training troops but was a very successful combat leader. Glad to see you reacting to this series. I think you will enjoy it.
In your outro you asked if military training is rough like this movie, and like Full Metal Jacket. Yes, mostly. The #1 goal of the people who train soldiers is to break them down, utterly destroy their individual identity and give them a new one as a soldier who is part of the bigger army. Instead of having thousands of individuals doing whatever they want on the battlefield, you want one army, all working together and following orders without question. This saves lives. So the military first breaks them (emotionally) and then rebuilds them into something stronger. This has been how things are done since the days of the Roman Legions, and maybe even before that. That said, some instructors might go too far while others don't go quite far enough, but the general idea is the same for all of them.
The reaction to seeing Schwimmer for the first time in BoB is absolutely one of my favourite reactor moments haha. The facial expressions alone are hilarious.
I'm really looking forward to each of the upcoming episodes. Aria's perspective and attitude seems unique to most reactors and I'm anxious to get her thoughts on both the show and the history it portrays.
16:28 "How many men are there in Easy Company? That's not all of them?" 139 men. Those men were Sergeants who each wrote a letter resigning their rank and requesting a transfer to other companies.
You're gonna like it--there's logical reasons why it is such an acclaimed series. Great acting, writing, authenticity, and an amazing cast some of whom you'll recognize.
I know Sobel seemed to be cruel during the jump training part and he wasn't a good tactical leader which was shown in the field training parts however there was a reason behind a lot of what he did in the first part. For example things like getting gigged for loose string on Lipton's uniform were still in practice when I went to basic 50 years later and are still in practice today because it forces you to pay attention to even the smallest details which are extremely important in the field. Also, without giving anything away you will see throughout the next episodes exactly why having them run right after eating is an important part of training and if you decide to watch the Pacific the whole water thing will be explained. They no longer forbid the drinking of water because it's just too dangerous for training but it did have a purpose and while many of the men in EZ Company didn't like Sobel they did credit him for the training that helped get them through the war.
7:18 "Are you mad because that guy was given the metal things that I don't know what they are?" No. He's not even angry. He's strict. Maybe too strict, maybe even a little sadistic. Funny thing is, after the war, the men of Easy Company who trained under Sobel gave him a lot of the credit for their survival. All this running and fitness and working overtime ended up keeping a lot of them alive. As for the metal things, those are Lieutenant bars - the symbol of being a Lieutenant. He was a 2nd Lieutenant but just got promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Officers wear the symbol of their rank on their collars so people can know what rank they are. Enlisted men have their ranks on their shoulders instead.
I'm going to enjoy watching this series. Some background information that might be useful: The interviews at the beginning are veterans of Easy company, they don't show you their names so you don't know who survived. Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, is the largest naval invasion in human history (in fact WW2 as a whole is packed with actions on a scale never seen before or after in human warfare). From what I gathered over the Internet, the airborne component of Overlord had two Divisions, the 82nd Airborne Division (All Americans, 6418 men) and the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles, 6638 men), with 1500 to 2000 aircraft to carry them. The 101st Airborne was composed of 4 infantry Régiment, 327th GIR (Glider Infantry Regiment), 501st PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment), 502nd PIR and 506th PIR, plus a number of smaller support units: a Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, two Glider Field Artillery Battalion, an Engineer Battalion and a medical company (NB I may be missing a few, not all sources agree with each other). Each regiment had an insignia on their helmet: 327th Clubs, 501st Diamonds, 502nd Hearts and 506th Spades. Each regiment was composed of 9 fighting company of around 150 men, named A (Able) to I (Item), grouped into 3 battalions of 3 company. Easy company was part of 2nd battalion, 506th PIR. The 506th was commanded by Colonel Robert Sink, he's the one giving the speech after they get their jump wings, and dressing down the NCOs after their mutiny. The 2nd battalion of the 506th was commanded by Lt Colonel Robert Strayer, he's standing at the right side of Sink during the speech, and he's the one dressing down Sobel after the fence incident. The 101st Airborne Division was commanded by Major General Maxwell Taylor, he's mentioned in the show but I don't think he's ever on screen. Also, Major Oliver Horton (that Luz is imitating during the fence incident) was 2/506PIR (2nd battalion 506th PIR) Executive Officer, basically second in command. He's mentioned a few times in the show but never seen on screen. Hope that was useful information and context.
@@FUBAR956 It's not a spoiler, nobody is named. And it's pretty obvious they are the surviving veterans, based on what they explain at the beginning of each episode.
When you make peace with God and phyic yourself out to kill or be killed and your made to stand down it's like unwinding a spring just to do it all over again at any moment. Then you can see why in the movie they looked like that. Good reaction...
I'm very thrilled that you are watching this mini-series, Aria. As you've been told already, it is amazing. I'm sure you know by now that you have watched the "easiest" episode of this series. It becomes very intense from here on out. The acting, writing and story telling is top notch. You will come away loving this series.
You've chosen a good one. Not only should Band of Brothers likely get you more views, you will probably come away glad you watched the series. Again great choice.
As an fyi private Ryan was a member of the 506th. I don't remember if he was supposed to be in Easy Company or not but kind of makes sense that he would be. The interviews at the beginning are the remaining members of Easy Company. You'll find out who they are at the end of the series.
They ain't down because they can't attack. It's not the desire to attack most times. It's the waiting that drives you a little crazy. Sometimes a lot crazy. "Hurry up and wait" as we say.
I was very, very ill and out of work for a long time. My neighbor loaned me the box set of this series and "The Pacific" so I watched them back to back. Saved my sanity. 100 percent would do again, lol.
So you're telling me these guys were getting paid the equivalent of $4,000 a month as enlisted men? Man, the modern army sucks 😂 Modern jump pay is an extra $150/mo. So about 13% of what they were getting.
16:30 a company size unit is around 150 men, for this series you also need to understand that a battalion is around 600 men and a division is around 10.000 men.
The 101st airborne was represented by Matt Damon in Saving Private Ryan, and Easy Company is a specific group of soldiers within the 101st that all 10 are about. Tom Hanks and the gang represented the invasion at the beach. All of it was what they called "The Great Crusade" mission mentioned at the end.
I did enjoy watching this with you... it is nice to hear a different perspective, especially one that you can tell is sincere and seeing that moment when the "hook" is set. I also hope that you do not read any more comments for any episodes until after you have completed the series. There is always someone who will throw spoilers and that ALWAYS sucks.
If you saw "Saving Private Ryan" you may remember that Pvt. Ryan (Matt Damon) said he was part of Easy Company. So Ryan was on one of those planes flying at the end.
Private Ryan was in the 101st Airborne Division, so he would indeed have been in one of those planes, but I don't think he was in Easy Company, or at least not the Easy Company we follow in Band of Brothers. When we first meet him in the movie, he says "Ryan. First of the 506th". Easy Company was in the second battalion of the 506th. No big deal. Most important is that he would indeed have been part of that same operation, and would have had a very similar experience during the flight, jump and first days in France (if he were real instead of fictional).
I'm glad you are watching the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks produced companion piece to "Saving Private Ryan." This particular miniseries, along with the sequel called "The Pacific," is based on actual soldier accounts of events in World War 2. Keep up the great work, Aria. Your perspectives are interesting to listen to. 🙂👍
“Band of Brothers,” is in no way, shape, or form a companion piece to “Saving Private Ryan.” It is a stand alone story of the brave men of E Company. On the same note, “The Pacific,” is not a sequel to “Band of Brothers.” They are based on the true stories of the heroes who survived the war. “Saving Private Ryan,” is fiction based very loosely on actual events.
@@FUBAR956 In terms of Spielberg/Hanks World War 2 based film productions they are all connected. Yes, I am aware SPR is a fictional story, but it is inspired by actual WW2 rescue missions that took place behind enemy lines.
This is not a fictional formula war story. Expect shocks and surprises. Any foreshadowing in should be discarded as coincidental. All these men have all ready been through basic training and have volunteered for paratroops. The officers and NCOs are all ready serving in the army. They can quit or be washed out and returned to the regular army at any time up yntil they are deployed. Out of 5400 volunteers, they only need 1800. It is up to Sobel and others to make sure only the best make it.
Best episodes (my personal preference) ..... #1 - Currahee, #7 - The Breaking Point, #9 - Why We Fight, and #10 - Points. My father served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. (USAAC) during WWII, and after it changed to the USAF in 1947. I followed in his footsteps in 1977, when I served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. I retired in 1997. Yet, I'd do it all over again, if it were possible.
While there was a draft and anyone, health permitting, between 18 and 25 (I believe, but I could be wrong about the upper age) were subject to it, a good number of men/women also volunteered in WWII. Like one of the veterans was relating in the pre-episode interviews, three men in his town killed themselves because they were 4-F (medically disqualified from serving) and couldn't go. My grandmother said that a young man down the street from her killed himself for the same reason - they felt that they were letting their country down by not going to fight.
Nice reaction and assessment. I believe I'll stick with you. Watched many reactors to this series. Keep it up and keep in mind almost all of this happened. Try to guess what actors are playing some of those talking heads in the beginning.
Just came across your channel due to this amazing series. Like your commentary & think I’ll stick around to see how you react to this phenomenal story.
Thank you for reacting and welcome to the world of Band of Brothers. Episode 1 shows the difference between true leadership and chickenshit. Lt. Winters is a leader. Capt. Sobel is a great trainer, but he is incapable of leading men into combat successfully. Col. Sink saw that and moved Sobel to the training facility at Chilton Foliat.
For the most part the majority of the actors had a very close resemblance to the people they play. David Schwimmer as Herbert Sobel was a great pick IMHO.
If you're going all the way with this...be prepared to grow, laugh, learn and suffer with these characters. The first episode is in some ways my favorite, if only for the innocence and the fact that I know what lies ahead for these men. This was when their biggest threats were "Army noodles with ketchup." I love the power move Winters makes by literally grabbing the pen out of Sobel's hand while he was abusing his power...it's brilliant, and a true story. Hard to call this a TV show honestly, it's a 12 hour Saving Private Ryan in quality...CURRAHEE! ♠
If sobel hadn't initiated that bogus court martial of winters..he may have stayed with easy..I think that's what made sink make up his mind to get rid of him
Some people have trouble taking Schwimmer seriously, but I didn't because I've never watched Friends. I was going to check it out one time, but then Captain Sobel canceled my weekend pass :/
So when easy company invaded Normandy it was on June 6th 1944 After this series U should watch the pacific because America was already at war with Japan For December 7th 1941(Pearl Harbor) So December 8th 1941 Was the battle of wake island it was the start of the war with America and Japan
Good reaction! Sobel was good at training, but not so good on the field. And one of the reasons why Sobel was so hateful was to give the men a reason to bond together - i.e., something (or someone) in common to dislike.
If you want to watch something different. Try watching Superman the Movie (1978) and Superman II (1981). Also some 1950's SF classic movies. The Thing (1951), The Day the Earth stood still (1951) THEM! (1954) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and Forbidden Planet (1956).
It's a mix of documentary and retelling. It's almost entirely coming from a couple of books featuring interviews with a handful of people. And the views of those people influenced how characters are interpreted. Like Sobel. I would, and do, view this as using an unreliable narrator.
Just believe that you have the freedom you have today because of these and other men, from all countries. Please don’t waste or squander what they gave for you.
06:22 _...because fifteen doesn't make any sense._ Precisely. It's fifty. Wouldn't be humanly possible for even the best runner in recorded history to run 6 miles on flat ground with light running gear, much less a combat uniform, a pack, canteen, rifle, etc. up and down a 240 meter high slope in 15 minutes. I don't know why they didn't just change the script to "fifty one minutes" to prevent confusion, as that trips a lot of people up watching the first time.
This is just my opinion, but I think you should have a separate channel where you react only to TV shows. I love your channel and get excited when I see that you have a new reaction video. But then I feel disappointed when it's a TV show. I'm sure you don't really care how I feel, but I only wanted to say that I'm sorry.
Hey sorry for your discomfort but I can’t make another channel for it because I don’t do that many tv shows, last I did was 7 months ago. But I totally understand how you feel and I’m really sorry, I’m trying to upload movies more regularly so hopefully that would make up for that:)
"Good luck, god bless you, see you in the assembly area." The air crew and the Brits watching the planes take off, knowing what they are flying into, the respect on their faces. You seem to grasp things pretty well Aria. Things are very different now just in the last couple of years because the military has gone so woke thanks to Biden and the liberals. Standards are constantly lowered for women, gays, transvestite, political correctness, etc. The competence level is waaay down and is starting to show. The top brass are all politicians and are more worried about upsetting someone instead of what the military is supposed to do, break stuff and kill people. WWIII has already started, an the U.S. is unprepared and broke and in debt. Stolen elections have catastrophic consequences.
15:27 "What does this guy want?" Who? Captain Sobel? This time he was angry and he's taking it out on Lt. Winters. He expected Winters to just accept punishment and was surprised when he requested an official trial. Lt. Winters? He refused personal punishment and chose a trial because he knows that the Court Martial will find that Captain Sobel is being unreasonable and cruel.
