A new 20-episode documentary series narrated by Tom Hanks, 'World War II with Tom Hanks', has been met with criticism for failing to capture the epic scale of the conflict despite its vast archive footage. The series, which Hanks calls 'the largest event in human history', compares to ITV's 1973 classic 'The World at War', but a review suggests it lacks the same impact.
The review notes that the series struggles to elevate and move viewers, partly because 20 episodes are insufficient to cover the subject. Events such as Hitler's rise, the German invasion of France via the Ardennes, and the Dunkirk evacuation are covered too quickly. More fundamentally, the documentary relies heavily on talking heads – academics and popular historians – rather than first-hand witnesses, who are now deceased. These contributors often repeat or colour information already presented, creating a monotonous rhythm of clip, narration, and talking head.
Despite these shortcomings, the archive film is praised as tremendous, with some footage newly discovered. The series effectively cycles through contemporary propaganda from all sides, offering a rounded snapshot. However, it does not overturn settled mainstream opinions or provide deep analysis, making it unsuitable for impressing history enthusiasts at a dinner party.
