Search - The Perilous Fight - America's World War II in Color on DVD

Different Perspective, Hardly Anti-American

Bridget | Plymouth, Mongolia | 10/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Toss the tiresome cry from the right in the previous review aside. This video is about World War II through an American lens. It provides an interesting, FACTUAL, balanced perspective of World War II as it was viewed by Americans on the home front at the time, largely through letters and film of life at home and for soldiers in the field. Contrary to popular belief, not all Americans were supportive of the war throughout the entirety of their country's involvement in it. People got tired of losing their sons, husbands, and fathers, as well as the many sacrifices they had to make to support the war effort. That fatigue is reflected here, as well as Americans' biting the bullet about these things because they knew this was a war that had to be won. This is not a 'this happened in this battle and that happened at that battle' kind of set. If you want that kind of a a comprehensive DVD set about WWII, you are better off with the excellent but pricey "World at War" set. If you want a lot of jingoism and unquestioning flag-waving, this is not the set for you, either. This DVD is highly recommended."

One of the best overviews

Lynn R. Fairbanks | Diamond Bar, California United States | 02/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I usually don't respond to reviews (negative or positive) but some of the perspectives offered on THE PERILIOUS FIGHT really trouble me. I teach Advanced Placement U.S. History at a Southern California high school and I can tell you that I see virtually NO inaccuracies in this program. Some may indicate it's anti-American (and I'm not sure what that means)or that it glosses over certain elements of WWII. The film isn't revisionist, and "anti-war" activist Martin Sheen does a fine job of narration (if you're not anti ANY-war, something's wrong). Of course, these are only my viewpoints but if someone says a documentary or book is historically inaccurate, please make sure you can cite facts. I think many of these reviewers are like a fellow I once met who said he would be a great history teacher because he loves to watch the History Channel and is "really into" WWII. THE PERILOUS FIGHT is somewhat of a rarity--a literate interpretation of the war, much like two of the better books on the conflict: WARTIME (Paul Fussell) and CHOICES UNDER FIRE (Michael Bess). I encourage viewing of this program as it's compelling, multi-dimensional and non-biased."

WWII through the eyes of a modern progressive

poolboy | podunk, usa | 07/02/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This was not what I had expected. The content is concentrated on social issues rather than events of the war or strategies. While the footage and letters used are obviously valid and interesting glimpses of the times, it appears that the selection of material and editing was done with respect to a modern progressive mindset.

There were a lot of gruesome deaths in the war and many minorities were treated unfairly. If these are the aspects of the war that you wish to learn about, then this is the documentary for you. Otherwise, you *will* find some interesting information with regard to the war itself, but you will have to endure the former to get to it."