The episode begins with interviews with American veterans of World War II, which lets the viewer know that the following program is as close to the true story as a reenactment can be. Like Saving Private Ryan, it opens with a graphic, disturbing scene as the US paratroopers prepare to jump into Normandy. Planes burst into flames, men are shot. The cinematography is beautiful, which helps immerse the viewer, who feels the same fear as the soldiers themselves. The cast is mostly character actors, with few familiar names, even to a film buff like me. This is good, as it prevents the viewer from having any preconceptions about the characters. The set pieces are masterfully designed, noting the cows chewing cud in the background while soldiers are talking. It doesn't look like a Hollywood film set; it looks like a once-inhabited village. This is the first episode of Band of Brothers I have seen. I will most definitely watch all the other episodes.
Review of Day of Days
