Big difference from the days of Guadalcanal Diary and Sands of Iwo Jima comes this HBO series based on Eugene Sledge's book, With the Old Breed. It follows the life of several characters during WWII in the Pacific and at home. One thing the series does well is depict the living and dying conditions in the Pacific theater of operations. The series is accurate to Sledge's book which he later wrote after compliling his notes while serving in a mortar unit with the First Marine Division. Not your Band of Brothers tightness of comradship due to the drudgery and insanity of war, it pretty accurately shows little glory in victory and the burden of war experience. Would recommend for all boys who want to prove their courage.
The Pacific is not for everyone. It is a very gritty, bloody and graphic look at these world war 2 battles. For world war 2 buffs it is great! The credits say that the material was taken from 3 different books written by the actual veterans, the material seems to overlap and make a good account of the first marine division.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Engaging & historical. Found it to be educational, entertaining and illuminating. Much more than many DVD presentations, Reinforces the knowledge that many GAVE THEIR ALL TO SUPPORT OUR COUNTRY and provided me the opportunity to watch this fine DVD in a free country. I would not wish to experience this subject first hand but I would hope to perform as well as those depicted if called to perform. While we can never repay the debt owed these young men, we can honor their memory & this DVD helps to bring the mind set which enables this honoring. I would recommend this presentation to anyone looking to better understand the horror of war and the valiant efforts of good men called to support their country.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A great piece of history that should never be forgotten. This is my second purchase of The Pacific series. I purchased the first as a present, but upon being invited to watch the series, decided I needed it for my collection. Tom Hanks directed this series,along with directing the Band of Brothers. I can honestly say that both series were done to perfection. You will not regret adding both to your collection. My purchase was listed as "used", but I must add, when received was in immaculate condition. If you are a bit of a history buff, you will appreciate the workmanship, acting and time well spent viewing this work of art.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Better than average WW2 flick. Characters are fleshed out somewhat and battles highlighted are relatively accurate. Does not have the same impact vociferously as the ETO epic. Band of Brothers. A good watch for the arm chair WW2 buff.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Although the positive reviews far outweigh the negatives, I've want to address the negative reviews that may be hindering others from viewing this series. After studying the Second World War for 33 yrs, my opinion of this is that it is an excellent portrayal of the brutality of war. I have read the memoirs of veterans who were portrayed in this movie: R.V. Burgin, Eugene Sledge and Robert Leckie. Except for minor cases where for lack of time the producers had to combine some experiences and minor cases such as Burgin taking the train home with 2 of the other characters when he actually flew home, this movie is spot on. Also read the interview by Sidney Phillips, another of the Marines portrayed in the series, in which he praises the series. Many have complained that this is immoral (read some of the comments beneath the videos in youtube, for example); war is immoral. Many say it makes the USMC look bad due to their heartlessness. On the contrary, after going through the hell these guys went through, who among you wouldn't crack? Who among you wouldn't harbor immense hatred after seeing your buddies die, especially needlessly when the enemy is in a situation he cannot win, and after knowing the brutality of the Imperial Japanese Army? (The Japanese Navy's behavior was much more respectable; the sneak attack on Pearl wasn't meant to be undertaken before the declaration of war so this can't be held against the IJN). These guys often didn't even get a nice R&R; many troops in WWII, when on leave, got to go relax in civilization, date the local women. . .these men often only got to go to another hot, wet, insect infested island for their break. War is not fair, glamorous, moral, nice and glorious and this portrays this excellently.Read full review
I have not watched it as of yet but I'm sure that it will be very good I have the box set on band of brothers and I love it. I learned at lot from that one. I hate the war's and what our veteran had to go through but I love history and that is out greatest generation and I thank all our veterans then and now because freedom is not free thank you the DVD and I'm looking forward to the next one I think it is on the Marines stay safe Deb
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
My Dad was at Pelieu with the First Marines. He didn’t say much about it but one thing that stuck with me was the use of the familar Semper Fi greeting us Marines use. During the campaign meant you’re here and you are screwed but in grunt jargon. I was impressed to see this little fact used correctly in the series. A good mix of back story, side story and drudgery combat story.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A great depiction of a few of the Marines Pacific War campaigns against Japan. As a follow up series to Band of Brothers - I had very high expectations and they did not disappoint with this one. I hope HBO considers doing more of these WWII features.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This HBO series is what I call The American War and Peace. Absolutely stunning in realism and excellence of story telling. The Pacific is one of top five movies ever made in the history of movie making, IMHO. I cannot recommend this movie highly enough.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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