Coward Corner

Jamie's back just in time for the 4th of July holiday.
War Corner
I have been watching the military channel and it put me in the mood
to watch some war movies I had not seen and refresh my memories of
others.

Band of Brothers

Most people have heard of this miniseries, but still a few have not seen it. 10 hours long I can understand why some people would not have the time to invest. It's good to know your history about the battles before you go into this. We follow the 101st airborne division Easy company as they have apart of every major battle in the European theater. From Normandy to Holland to Germany, you're with this group of guys as they brave the battles. Since you're by their side you feel close to them and are unnerved when they are killed. It is very historicaly accurate and one of the best miniseries ever made. Many young people these days have no idea what it was like and that freedom is not free. Take a day off and watch the entire series and come back changed.

The Great Raid

Now we switch to the Japanese side of the war. When General MacArthur returned to the Philippines after 3 years, Japan knew they were doomed and would soon lose the islands. They had a policy of killing all POWs. One camp they burned alive 150 of them, few escaped and told the story. Well the army heard of a POW camp of 500 near the city of Cabanatuan and knew they would be killed before they got there. They sent the 6th Ranger battalion, 120 in all to march 30 miles in silence to rescue these guys before they were killed. They find out the Japanese were reinforced and had around 8,000 men in the area. With the help of Filipino underground and guerrilla fighters they rescued the POWs with only losing 2 guys. This was the greatest rescue raid ever in American history. Some reason this story was forgotten and many people do not know about it. Here you can see a realistic movie of this famous event. I also recommend the book Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides which is what this movie is based on. Next time you meet a war veteran or even a POW please give them respect and thank them. Freedom is not free.

Downfall

Now we switch to the Germany side and relive the last days of Hitler. Berlin is surrounded by the Russians, Hitler and his inner circle are held up in there underground bunker. This is based on a book by Traudl Jung, Hitler's secretary who escaped Berlin after it fell. This movie gives us a human side to Hitler and his followers.

A full German cast with Bruno Ganz as the Hitler, this is a refreshing story that needed to be told. Hitler is in denial that they have lost even though his commanders knew it was over. You also see his family and followers what they would do and the lengths they would go for him, Unlike a American movie were they would probably cast Americans and give them a German accent these actors fit the part and you really believe you are a fly in Hitler's bunker. As the Russians close in things get worse as Hitler realizes all is lost and decides to kill himself, his wife and dog. This is a must see movie and one particular scene will haunt you for days.