It’s a story told by grandparents, learned briefly in school, occasionally discussed in banter; it is a dark period in history that will likely haunt the world forever: World War II. It is said all too often, that those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. The chance to learn about this particular history has never been easier as Netflix has released Greatest Events of WWII in Colour. Though it is certainly not usually a cheerful topic of conversation, many would argue that it’s still important to know the facts, and this limited series offers a plethora of such.
World War II is exactly what its name implies, but a vast majority of people consider it ‘Germany, against the rest of the world’. This isn’t that far from the truth, however the series does remind audiences that Germany’s rise was not without their own allied support. This being that Japan’s participation in the war to end all wars is also highly exploited in the series, as well as quite a few historical speculations as to why they got involved in the first place. Narrated by esteemed actor Derek Jacobi, the series begins with outlining Germany’s rise within the Europe. The historians featured in the show plot out how Germany quickly and apparently almost effortlessly began to occupy their surrounding countries, first in an effort to regain territory they felt they’d lost from the previous world war. From there they spread like a plague, tactfully and strategically expanding outward in the hopes to solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
Greatest Events of WWII in Colour will give audiences worldwide a first-hand look at the war and the atrocities committed with actual footage of the battles and events discussed in the series.
Almost nothing seems to be left out. Notably and most popularly discussed are obviously that of Pearl Harbour, D-Day, and of course the deadly conclusion of Hiroshima. The less talked about although, is also discussed in detail such as the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Midway, and highly regarded as one of the bloodiest battles ever fought in that of the Siege of Stalingrad which is also thought to have turned the tide of the war. Through these events viewers will learn of all the roles played in this war including British Prime Winston Churchill and his relentless resolve, to United States and how they entered the war when Japan finally forced their hand, and even the Soviet Union’s involvement which proves to have made the war a true dog fight.
To tell this story the production provides the audience a number of WWII experts from different corners of the world, some with very different educational disciplines. These include authors, professors, historians, and even a few soldiers who experienced this first hand. Just to name a few – Professor of Military History Saul David takes great part in adding crucial commentary in explaining the battles that take place. Author of The War in the West James Holland also adds his two cents about Hitler and his mind set throughout the war. Veteran appearances include Joe Cattini and Denys Hunter who were both present for D-Day and have lived to tell about it. All involved lend their expertise, insight, and even their opinions about a war that’s etched into the pages of history, and hoped to never be repeated again.
WWII has been over now for almost a century, yet it still seems as fresh a topic as any. Greatest Events of WWII in Colour will give audiences worldwide a first-hand look at the war and the atrocities committed with actual footage of the battles and events discussed in the series. In addition all can expect to see the true evil of Adolf Hitler unleashed, and do be advised. Some of it may be difficult to watch, as this footage is real. This, was not a movie.
