The Pacific

This mini-series by Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg (who also created Band of Brothers) is absolutely amazing. I have to say I wish these types of resources were around when I was in high school... although I can't say that I even remember the war fought in the Pacific was even covered when we studied WW11?!?

After doing a little research, I found out that the series is based on two books, the authors of which are the two main characters followed on the show.

1. Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie
2. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge

Finally after a few episodes I placed the character who plays Sledge, it is the the kid who played the brother in Jurassic Park. He did a wonderful job and I would have to say that his Alabama accent wasn't even that bad! I still can't imagine being alive when a war of that magnitude was taking place (hope I never will).

Check out the official trailer:



Also I have to give amazing credit (as usual) to Hans Zimmer for the soundtrack which truly captures every emotion of the series and could tell the story completely on it's own. The opening sequence (found below) I have found myself listening to a lot. I don't think I have been as enlightened about a historical event since the first time I watched the PBS documentary The Civil War by Ken Burns. I will have to say I thank my parents so much for watching that one with me!

The Pacific Opening Sequence:



Only one episode of The Pacific left. It comes on HBO on Sunday's at 8 p.m. Also, all of the episodes are available on HBO On Demand.