June 23, 2004

CONVICTION

I started watching Band of Brothers this week. I watched Parts I and II, and the thing that stuck with me most was the interview with the veterans at the beginning of each episode, especially the veteran who said that four young men from his hometown committed suicide when they were declared 4-F. They committed suicide because they weren't allowed to serve their country. Would that I had an ounce of their conviction...

Posted by Sarah at June 23, 2004 11:50 AM
Comments

Suicide takes conviction? Finally Dr. Kevorkian has a right-winger who will support his work.

Posted by: Crake at June 23, 2004 12:33 PM

I have that box set.

It is one of the best series ever made by far.

The veterans speaking at the beginning really chokes me up sometimes.

I really like the episode that focuses on the medic. Very touching.

Posted by: athena at June 23, 2004 01:03 PM

I did a Band of Brothers marathon this Sunday, about 6 episodes I think. The medic one was great, I agree.

Another excellent series that I wish would be shown over and over is the one PBS did years ago, "I'll Fly Away" with Sam Waterston (sp?) and Regina Taylor. Every episode made me cry (with emotion, not necessarily sadness).

Posted by: MargeinMI at June 23, 2004 02:07 PM

Isn't this a false dichotomy? WWII America wasn't ancient Sparta: surely they had other options other than combat or suicide? Just because the army decided they could not fight for the country because of whatever physical or mental limitations they had, wouldn't there have been other options available to them?

I suppose taking one's own life requires conviction, but I don't think I can come to quite the same conclusion that you do. Heroics don't only occur on the battlefield. Wouldn't it have been better for them to find a way to help those at war or the families they left behind? At least then they'd have some purpose.

Posted by: Can't win at June 23, 2004 03:04 PM

Wouldn't it have been better for them to find a way to help those at war or the families they left behind? At least then they'd have some purpose.

Isn't that the tragedy of it Sarah is citing? Despair does different things to different people. Apparently some felt their lives meant nothing if they couldn't go fight the war. That doesn't make it right, but it certainly evokes a sense of commitment common in the country at the time.

Posted by: Mike at June 23, 2004 03:37 PM

Sarah - be sure to watch the bonus disc for the Actors Video Diary. It's great and I guarantee you will enjoy it.

Posted by: Toni at June 23, 2004 03:55 PM

First I read the book then watched as a marathon one saturday, all 10+ hours of it. Now I have seen it twice since on the History Channel, the last time I got my wife to watch it. Well done series. Unfortunately they do not cover one of the funniest things that these guys did when they found Hitler's limo at "Eagles Nest", they would ride around on it as if it was taxi. IF you get choked up now -- wait til Parts 9 and 10. David Schwimmer plays Captain Sobel exactly as I had portrayed in my head when reading the book. THe actor who plays Dick Winters is a British actor with a very thick english accent. As I said earlier a Great series.

Posted by: Tim Carroll at June 23, 2004 04:07 PM