About a week ago I ordered the entire ten-part series of Band of Brothers, the HBO original series that ran in 2001. The story starts with Easy Company (of the US Army’s 101st Airborne through the eyes of the soldiers) being put through the rigors of “basic training” in the first episode “Currahee” - given its name from the hill the troops had to run in full combat gear as part of their fitness training.

The entire series is beautifully shot, sharply written, and splendidly presented and directed by a fine list of pros - Tom Hanks himself stepping in to direct Part 5, Crossroads.

Executive Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, Band of Brothers is a true viewing spectacle bringing WWII and the long battle for Easy Company.