[Cavtanker]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Returning to the subject of this thread, I've seen several installments of "The War" and am wondering if Burns plans to do personal stories of Germans or Japanese who fought against us in WWII. I thought that this "both sides" approach was rather effective in his work on the Civil War. Does anyone know?

I'm not sure about getting the other sides, but providing stories from the other side would be interesting. This series really provoked an unexpected twinge of emotion from me. This is most likely because the stories are so personal.

[DADoser]

Originally Posted by Cavtanker

...This series really provoked an unexpected twinge of emotion from me. This is most likely because the stories are so personal.

Agreed - more than a "twinge" from me.. Especially last night's final episode.

Throughout the series, I found the P-47 pilot's (I wish I could remember his name) very insightful. The thought, wisdom, and reflection in his commentary was just....phenominal!

I think it was in last night's episode - but I was amazed when he made the statement that HE could never put his experience into the right words to communicate it to others. How humbling. His elegance, word choice, insights, self-reflection, etc. were just amazing (to me anyway).

EVERYONE they spoke to was so sharp - mentally. Especially for the age those folks are at. I hope I'm half that sharp when I'm in my 80's (if I even make it there )



Did anyone take an "anti-war" or "pro-war" message (or any bias) from this series?

My take was that it presented an authentic view of war from those who participated in it. I didn't pick up either perspective, overall - but could see how pieces/segments could be used to bolster either perspective. I walked away with the idea that those interviewed saw WWII (specifically) as a necessary war - as well as the concept of war (in general) is a very brutal, life-changing (-ending), serious experience.

[Cavtanker]

I believe the P-47 pilot's name was Quentin Aacheson (sp?).

Yes, war does profoundly change people.

[KG_Jag]

Originally Posted by Cavtanker

I believe the P-47 pilot's name was Quentin Aacheson (sp?).

Yes, war does profoundly change people.

His name is Quinten Aanenson--from MN you know.

On another forum, a discussion on the series is so far mostly a conversation between yours truly (the old man Baby Boomer) and a thoughtful young man looking at 20. As it might be of interest to some, here's the link:

http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70372

[tank nut]

Seeing those poor jews at then end, my heart just sinks every time I see someting like that. How can any one do such a thing just blows me away. Seeing that woman and that fighter pilot getting married was nice and that they are still alive together unlike some poor souls that married men during the war only to lose them. Lets us hope that a war of this scale never happens again.

[timbo]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Returning to the subject of this thread, I've seen several installments of "The War" and am wondering if Burns plans to do personal stories of Germans or Japanese who fought against us in WWII. I thought that this "both sides" approach was rather effective in his work on the Civil War. Does anyone know?

I doubt it. Big difference with the Civil war was that both sides were American. There weren't even any interviews with solders from other Allies in it. Ken Burns specializes in "American stories", and does that very effectively.

[timbo]

Originally Posted by DADoser

Did anyone take an "anti-war" or "pro-war" message (or any bias) from this series?

My take was that it presented an authentic view of war from those who participated in it. I didn't pick up either perspective, overall - but could see how pieces/segments could be used to bolster either perspective. I walked away with the idea that those interviewed saw WWII (specifically) as a necessary war - as well as the concept of war (in general) is a very brutal, life-changing (-ending), serious experience.

I think the title of the first episode pretty much summed this up "A Necessary War" Also last night I was very struck bu one of the guy's who commented on Eisenhower's "Great Crusade" statement before D-Day. When give he said, he though what baloney, but it really struck home to him when he got to the Death camps, and relay saw the true nature of what he was fighting.

The message I picked up on was "War is bad, but sometimes the stakes are just so high, you just got to do it".

[MoMo]

" History is bunk ! " ( Ford ) " Ford is history ! " ( Toyota )

Is Skunky in Skunk Jail again ? I haven't heard him submit his 2.5 cents worth ( inflation ! )

Do " Neocons " run America ? This seems to be the prevailing view in the U.K. It doesn't matter what Liberals say ( they say ), the Neocons will still prevail.

Has this affected/infected the historical take on WW2 as far as Ken Burns is concerned ? I can't wait to see the new series to see if there is any hint of revisionism.

What ? It only starts in 1942.....surely some mistake here !

MoMo

[TopHat]

Originally Posted by MoMo

" History is bunk ! " ( Ford ) " Ford is history ! " ( Toyota )

Is Skunky in Skunk Jail again ? I haven't heard him submit his 2.5 cents worth ( inflation ! )

Do " Neocons " run America ? This seems to be the prevailing view in the U.K. It doesn't matter what Liberals say ( they say ), the Neocons will still prevail.

Has this affected/infected the historical take on WW2 as far as Ken Burns is concerned ? I can't wait to see the new series to see if there is any hint of revisionism.

What ? It only starts in 1942.....surely some mistake here !

MoMo

Neocon? Does that mean neo-Conservative? Isn't that an oxymoron...?


...and Skunky's walkin' the picket line...

[tank nut]

If shunky is walking the picket line how long can he hold out alone?