Sunday, March 14th is the premiere of the new HBO mini-series “The Pacific.”
Again, as with “Band Of Brothers,” this series is produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
Band Of Brothers, from the excellent Stephen E Ambrose book of the same name, was the quintessential example of film-making excellence regarding WWII. The series should be mandatory viewing for all students in high schools across the nation, as the bulk of children have no concept whatsoever of history, courage, sacrifice, honor.
The Pacific, will, I expect, offer the same quality and insight as Brothers. However, instead of one primary book, The Pacific sources from three:
– The Pacific, by Hugh Ambrose (son of historian Stephen E Ambrose!)
– Helmet For My Pillow, by Robert Leckie
– With The Old Breed, by Eugene Sledge
If you happen to be a Costco member I noted, this past weekend, that Helmet For My Pillow is offered in their book section at a remarkably discounted price, in trade paperback (larger than standard paperback) size.
At the conclusion of the series I forecast I’ll be purchasing the entire set on DVD.
BZ
P.S.
Each side during WWII had its own propaganda and posters. The Japanese had theirs as well, delineated in this article. And as illustrated in this photograph:
Also of note on DVD: The War by Ken Burns!
I encourage you to read “Eagle against the Sun” and “The Pacific war” ( the latter by Frank Costello). These two books cover pretty much everything regarding the war with Japan. They even go back to the 19th century rise of Japan and the conflict with the economic rise of China as well. Both great reads (the latter, however is as thick as a dictionary and even though very interesting, takes some time to complete).
I am a huge fan of Band of Brothers and of course can’t wait to see the new show.
Did you ever read Sgt. Rock with the exceptional artwork of Joe Kubert?
Tim: funny you should mention that. In the 80s I applied and was accepted to the Joe Kubert School of Art in New York. Then I got a divorce. There went my tuition.
I’ll be starting Ambrose’s book “The Pacific” tonight. Thanks for the recommendation.
BZ
This will be an interesting movie, sad to say it ONLY follows the Marines, but time constraints prevented a bigger scope, per se… Basilone is one of the featured ‘performers’
I’m in the mood for a good mini-series. The book Band of Brothers was so good. I haven’t seen the mini-series but plan too.
Thanks BZ.
Great write-up as always. I am looking forward to this.
Will you welcome back to blogging?
The Hill Chronicles, Returns…
http://thehillchroniclesreturns.blogspot.com
NFO: I’d like to see the team of Spielberg/Hanks/HBO also feature a mini-series on the US Navy in WWII and the 8th AF in WWII.
Maggie: if you have Amazon or a Costco or Sam’s Club, you can find Band of Brothers DVD sets for a great price, no commercials!
Layla: hey, welcome back.
BZ
My hubby can’t wait to see this. He is currently watching the HBO series with new WWII film and images in high def, I can’t remember the name of it.
About two years ago HBO contacted me and probably many other bloggers, asking me to solicit any pictures, film, writings from readers that could be used in this special. I know at least two readers responded and contributed.
Good stuff.
Debbie
Right Truth
http://www.righttruth.typepad.com
I haven’t seen The Band of Brothers mini-series but hope to soon. I have only heard good things about it. The Pacific sounds good but will have to wait to see it until it comes out on dvd.
Debbie: I know the series you’re talking about. I recorded it with a DishNetwork DVR. I only recently got into the 20th century with one of those, and plan to record “The Pacific” on the hard drive as well, because I won’t be around to watch them as they appear.
Teresa: thanks for visiting and commenting. You will be literally moved to tear in portions of “Band of Brothers.”
BZ
BZ, hubby reminds me that we’ve had the DVD set for quite a long time LOL. Can’t believe I didn’t know that!
Let’s see some artwork BZ. I actually met Joe Kubert in 1973. I think he is the best comics/graphic novel artist ever. Better than Neal Adams, Frank Frazetta, or even Burne Hogarth or Hal Foster. His Tarzan is amazing!
He has two sons, Adam and Andy, who are also excellent artists in their own right and are (of Course) graduates of his art school.
The must have for the Pacific War is one that reviews what was done before the war: War Plan Orange.
The military Color Plans were the expected types of conflicts the US could get involved in and Orange dealt with Japan. It was an evolving set of plans, but by the 1920’s the basic was a sneak attack to go after the US Pacific Fleet and then a campaign by the US to build up forces, confront the Imperial Fleet and capture islands as bases. While it was not updated in the 1930’s to include aircraft carriers, the salient points and geographic necessities of Japan are covered well before the first bomb was dropped.
It is chilling to think of the devotion to the Emperor by the military and the people, as seen during the war. If Hirohito had not surrendered, the US was already shifting forces to the Pacific Theater for an invasion… and minted 6 million Purple Hearts for it. We are still handing those WWII medals out to this day and have not exhausted them.
WPO lets you see into the minds of the military before WWII, often far before it, and understand why this conflict unfolded as it did. Once started it would run its course… chilling reading.