Originally Posted by
Lerxst
I am also wary of the Hollywood portrayal of things. But the film did inspire me years ago to investigate the whole thing. I cycled once down through Holland attempting to get to Omaha beach to see it for myself (Jeez, 11 years ago now). I ran out of money before I got there but went to Ipres/Ieper instead - where part of stalemate of the First World War played out. The sheer scale and number of the war graveyards there (of all nationalities) are jaw-dropping and I never got used to yet another 20-year old's name engraved on a stone.
You're right about the guys in the front-line drawing the short straws (which reminds me, lunch is now over..). I suppose the guys at Omaha beach couldn't really turn round - it would be dereliction of duty.
It must be like a game of Risk for some people at the top. I need to see a film like that every now and again (even a Hollywood half-fantasy) to keep things in perspective.