Band of Brothers (2001)

Created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. (705min)
This HBO miniseries is based on the 1992 book by Stephen A. Ambrose, with additional research and memoirs used for the series. It is focused on E (Easy) Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. The series follows them from initial training in the US through to preparation for battle in England and then their first combat jump into Europe as part of Operation Overlord, through Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of the war. It is primarily a story of camaraderie and brotherhood under fire. Ambrose based his narrative on the recollections of a few core members of the Company, specifically Major Richard ‘Dick’ Winters, and so many of the personal relationships and characterisations are based on these more subjective accounts. Nevertheless, it is a powerful series, eminently deserving of the high regard with which it is still held over two decades after its release.