The Pacific (2010)

This review is a work in progress.

I've now watched nine of the 10 episodes of this HBO mini-series.

The Pacific is not easy viewing. The battle scenes are gripping and repeated attention is paid to the stress combat has on American marines fighting the Japanese enemy on islands such as Peleliu and Pavuvu. Soldiers commit suicide and go insane.

With just a half an episode to watch, the bottom line is this. The Pacific is difficult viewing, but essential watching. To its credit, this series repeatedly focuses on the mental toll the war takes on young Americans. Even veteran Marines crack.

Rami Malek is creepy good as Private Merriell 'Snafu' Shelton, whose initial wariness of new recruit Eugene Sledge (Joseph Mazzello) transforms into a friendship.

The Pacific earned a Golden Globe nomination for best mini-series or movie made for television.

I wouldn't recommend this series for younger audiences because of the graphic violence and some sexuality.

FUN FACTS: Jeremy Podeswa and Timothy Van Patten each directed three episodes of The Pacific. Podeswa is a Canadian, born in Toronto in 1962.

Older viewers may remember Timothy Van Patten acting in television's The White Shadow - Season 1.

Joseph Mazzello, who appears as Private Eugene Sledge, was Tim Murphy in Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Carl Franklin directed one episode, Peleliu Landing. He's worked with Denzel Washington on features Devil in a Blue Dress and Out of Time. Franklin also appeared in an episode of The White Shadow.