The ten part miniseries, which just concluded its sixth episode on Sunday night, follows the experiences of three marines, as they try to survive the bloodiest battles of the pacific theater of World War II. Private Eugene B. Sledge(Joseph Mazzello), private first class Robert Leckie(James Badge Dale) and Sgt. John Basilone (Jon Seda), intertwing stories are told through the eyes and words of Leckie form letters he wrote to a friend back home.
“I have seen a lot of war films and series in the past, but this is by far the most realistic and intense I have ever seen.”James Caruso, sophomore communication major, said. “Your drawn into every scene, it’s hard to look away.”
The Pacific is as sensitive and realistic picture of American conflict in the pacific; from the brutal battles against the “invisible enemy” to the physical, mental and emotional obstacles that the soldiers face every day. The harrowing conditions and flat out unlivable habitats, you finally get to see what life was really like for a soldier. Nothing seemed to be held back, realism is taken to another level.
“I knew when I started watching that it would be an intense show, but some of the images of battle scenes are really graphic, you feel like you’re actually watching what happened,” Connor Martin, sophomore business major, said.
Like Spilbergs and Hanks last mini series, “The Band of Brothers” each episode of The Pacific is filled with personal triumph, doubt and the ongoing question of the character’s sanity. Episode one through six shifts focus from character to character, giving the audience a sense of randomness and forces concentration on every word.
“The show goes beyond battle and blood, and goes into the minds of the characters, they touch on issues that other movies and shows never go to,” Joe Arrel, sophomore business major, said.
Private Leckie’s perspective shows his trials and tribulations early on in the series gives a astonishing and sometimes disturbing look into everyday issues that face soldier. Private Sledge, is held out of the core early on because of a heart murmur and has to watch his best friend go over seas. Basoline who is featured in the second and third episodes, show him displaying incredible acts of bravery, turning him into a celebrity back home, and eventually is sent home to sell war bonds.
The approach the producers and supporting cast took in making the pacific does not glorify war, or the causes for it. It delves right into the heart and mind of a solider, bringing an honest aw inspiring novel of a series. One that will pull you in for the duration of the show, and leave you speechless afterward.
From jarring explosions and teeth clenching firefights, to gut wrenchingly sad exchanges with loved ones. “The Pacific” is roller coaster ride of a series. One that will leave you with a new found respect for men who served and a new perspective to what war might really be like.
Epic, astonishing, brutal, jaw dropping, watch the Pacific you won’t be disappointed.
