The HBO miniseries of Band of Brothers was fantastic. To be honest, I was not all that hyped up about war films when we started out in class, but when I watched the first episode, I could not stop watching the rest. It deeply portrays the cruelty of war and but also brings out people who have leadership potential in the film, especially Major Richard Winters. I have actually bought the whole series, and I think I have already watched it twice over. Amongst all the shooting and the running and the bombing, valuable lessons can be learnt and I would like to share my thoughts about certain quotes in the show.

Firstly, there was a soldier, named Albert Blithe, who was deeply traumatised during his land on Normandy beach, and was afraid to face the enemy. His commander, lieutenant Speirs, told him that in order for him to be a good soldier, he had to have the "hope that he was already dead", then he would fight selflessly against the enemy "without compassion, without mercy, ...". I believe that during war, people are forced to lose their identity as a compassionate person, and would have to carry the burder of fighting their own human kind. I feel pity for Albert Blithe, but I believe that soldiers really have to prepare themselves mentally for warfare.

Secondly, Major Richard Winters, who is known as a hero of war, rejected the praises of others when they called him a hero. Instead, he humbly recalled an incident where his grandson asked him, "Grandpa, were you a hero of war?" Major Winters replied," No, but I served in a company of heroes". I admire his attitude and how he credits the effort of others for the success of the European Campaign. In fact, the soldiers in war would be heroes for fighting for their country.

Now, it is time for me to watch Saving Private Ryan