Band of Brothers

What’s it about?

The series dramatizes the history of "Easy Company," a Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. It begins with their strict training and follows their pivotal role in World War II. Based on the work of historian Stephen E. Ambrose, the series draws from his extensive interviews with Easy Company veterans.

The facts

• Created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg
• English language
• Runtime: 10 episodes that are between 50-70 minutes each
• Based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's 1992 non-fiction book of the same name.

Why did it get this rating?

This miniseries was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Violence and war scenes

The series features realistic and graphic war scenes, showing the brutal realities of combat. We see intense violence and injuries resulting from bombings, grenades, gunfire, and stabbings. Scenes showing dead bodies, including those found in concentration camps, are tough to watch. Beloved characters are suddenly killed or severely injured, emphasizing the harshness of war. Injuries are shown in graphic detail, including scenes of characters losing limbs and medics performing urgent procedures to internal organs with blood spurting out. Characters are shown in intense pain, screaming and panicking at the sight of their own and others' injuries. Examples of the violence and injuries include:

• Two men have their legs blown off during a bombing.
• A man is shot in the neck, revealing his exposed windpipe, and slowly bleeds out as others attempt to save him.
• A man is left behind, unable to be rescued due to enemy fire, and slowly bleeds out from his wounds while screaming for help.
• After entering the concentration camp, the company witnesses the distressing conditions and severely malnourished prisoners, a scene that can be deeply upsetting for viewers despite not seeing visible injuries.

Offensive language

There is regular use of coarse and offensive language including, “sh*t”, “b*tch” and “f*ck”. This includes vulgar and colourful military songs and men talking in certain ways about sex and women.

Sex scenes

This series contains minimal sexual content. However, in Episode 9, there is a scene where a soldier engages in consensual sex with a German woman under a blanket. This scene includes brief nudity, showing the woman's breasts and the soldier's bare rear.

Helplines:

We all have lines and it's okay to reach out if something you have watched that isn't sitting right. Get in touch with any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Master of the Air – Content break down