User reviews

Most of the negative reviews have mistakenly thought something as complex as world war 2 can be covered in 6 episodes. They seem to compare this to The World at War which is detailed and 26 episodes long. This is 6. It's emotive with the interviews of people who experienced the war and the black and white footage restored with color adds to that emotion. Some complain of the narration. It's no Laurence Olivier. I would say to those who have marked it low, manage your expectations of what can be showed and explored in 6 episodes of a Netflix documentary for a war spanning years. I don't think the intention was to condense the accuracy of The World at War into 6 episodes.

I have watched a great many documentary series on WW2 & also read a great deal on the subject. Far from being an expert on the matter I do however enjoy watching new material so thought I'd give this long awaited series a try.

The colourisation is pretty well done. It does look a bit off sometimes but generally it holds up nicely. Much of the footage you may well have seen before but it's all knitted together extremely well and while not exactly on the epic scale of World At War it does cover the basics quite well. That being said there are a few historical inaccuracys that don't detract from the overall retelling of such a monumental period in our history.

This isn't a "deep dive" into the causes and consequences of the war - it's far too short to do that. It is a good overview of some of the key moments of the war retold by some of the people who were there. Some of these survivors stories are utterly heartbreaking, particularly the young Jewish girl who survived a Nazi labour camp.

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room!!! You may well have read a number of reviews on here criticising the choice and style of the narrator. In my opinion John Boyega does a fine job with his succinct and matter of fact style. Ok so it's not Sir Lawrence Olivier but then who is? The script is straight forward and his delivery is perfectly ok. It certainly doesn't spoil it for me and some reviewers would do better to examine their own shortcomings based upon some of their comments.

If you like WW2 documentaries that aren't too "deep" and tell the tale that needed telling then give this a watch. If you want to know every tiny historic detail then watch the World At War. 👍

I binged this series. What I enjoyed the most was the ability to show every country's suffering, in spite of what we may have been told or read growing up; it reminds you that suffering came from all over the world and that many didn't want to fight, but had a duty. Watching the footage and knowing this was actual footage, and actual accounts by those enduring the war was what touched me the most. It is important that documentaries like these are continued to be made so that we remember how people suffer , and continue to suffer in this world. Other reviewers have mentioned that there are historical inaccuracies in the series, I cannot attest to this, but it definitely leaves the viewer with a lot of questions. But again, if you want to learn more or verify, you have the ability to do that , this series was a good way to get witnesses' accounts of the war.

The colorisation of archived footage is really done well. Similar things have been done before, but not quite on this level.

Yes, the narrative is very basic / introductory, but for some audiences (eg school students) this will be perfect. It doesn't need to be advanced to be a good documentary.

For me, the real attraction and power of this series is the way it brings the war to life. It must have taken a lot of work to optimise the footage in terms of speed, colour and frame rate. The outcome is better than any remastering I've seen before. The overall flow of the documentary is good, and the way the story is interspersed with commentary from veterans or civilians works well.

If you feel that this series insults your intelligence, maybe you are not the target audience. This series is an engaging way to familiarize students and non-WWII buffs with some of the events and emotions of one of the most influential eras in modern history - without making it feel like ancient history. If you are somehow offended by its simplicity, or the fact that there is nothing you didn't already know, or that the narrator doesn't sound like all of the other WWII documentary narrators you've heard, maybe reframe your expectations and try watching it through a different lens - or don't watch it at all. I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know.

Six horrific years packed into six episodes of a documentary. Of course there are things missing and some debatable statements. Not all sequences are entirely in order.

However:

• More than 60 million are dead.

Those who have lived through this conflict will carry the scars forever.

It will fall to those who come after to learn its lessons. -

This closing statement today rings more important than ever.

In color, these disturbing images from the history books remind us of the cost of war. And that the blokes who break them lose usually suffer the least. Democracy requires requires constant effort. Be wary of those who tell you otherwise and those who blame -them- instead.

If this shortened version of WW2 helps younger generations to understand that this may never repeat, I'm all for it.

Great work to everyone involved, thank you so much.

Wow, so many negative reviews from the 'history experts of WWII'. Historical inaccuracies, so many things left out, subtleties missed, and on & on. How is it these brilliant minds seem to not recognize the whole point of this documentary: to restore and colorize archival film from the war to put together a reasonable (if simplistic) and engaging review of the war and to bring it to life again ( perhaps in a way it hasn't been done before except in fiction). That there may not be archival footage for many of the events left out or many of the subtleties should not be surprising. And what's up with the narration complaints? I honestly have no clue what these people are really talking about. I think that the average person with an interest in a more realistic view of the war will enjoy this. Post- grad history majors, perhaps not so much.

An amazing watch. Footage I've not seen before (my only criticism is being Gen X, I'm used to black and white and found the colourisation a little jarring) Also please ignore the negative reviews, they are either due to, 1) never actually watching it, 2) offended by people of colour being acknowledged, 3) fascist leanings. Shocking at times, so please be aware you'll see real footage of bodies and people being injured and killed. But as we are vast approaching an age of having no one alive with living memory of these events, all their stories need to be told and documented. There is no excuse for anyone not being aware of this war.

I didn't know what to expect when I started watching this. Now that I have finished, I can say that the video has been beautifully restored and colorized. This is perhaps some of the best WW2 video I've ever seen. That's probably my favorite part of the series.

John Boyega does a good job with the narration, but unfortunately there were a lot of inaccuracies in the storytelling itself. I wouldn't watch this series in a classroom setting.

One thing that really bothered me is how the entire series glosses over Japanese atrocities, especially in China and Korea. I don't recall anything being mentioned. The Japanese killed far more people than the Germans, but a huge segment of the video covers the genocide of the Jews, which is important, but nothing about the rape of Nanking.

I give this a six out of 10.

I have only one word that I can think of in review of this series. Brilliant. All the way, BRILLIANT. I watch everything on World War II, especially with archival footage. But to put together an entire linear narrative with nary an actor in sight is a whole different ballgame. The restoration of film is SO impressive, and the emotional response of the viewer to knowing these are the actual people who lived the script...well, it's a whole different dimension. I felt it was as fair as possible to both sides in a situation that was truly an example of a war between good and evil. A good tool for the younger generation, who don't really know the history. Bravo! Well done!!

Basic and inaccurate Netflix series, which hides historical facts of great importance. Its greatest merit is the sound and colorization of scenes. There is a vast amount of filmed material presented here and, therefore, it was worth watching this series. In historical terms, there is a minimalism in information that is very uncomfortable. Little is said (or not even said at all) about the infamous agreement between Stalin and Hitler, the non-aggression pact. There is no mention of the siege of Leningrad. Another inaccurate fact is the terrible situation in which Great Britain found itself at a certain point, alone fighting against Hitler. It is unacceptable not to highlight this fact and this great courage to continue fighting. The definitive documentary of the Second World War already exists. It's French and called Apocalypse and was produced in 2009.

I never believed that such a documentary series could be so misleading and inaccurate. From the 1st episode, the narrative of an invasion of Italy in Greece (and the use of a map which shows weak Greek resistance) proves that the documentary has no accuracy and historical relevance.

In reality the Italian invasion in Greece failed and it was the first message to the Axis that Allies are resisting. The Italians encountered unexpectedly tenacious resistance by the Hellenic Army which stopped the Italian invasion by mid-November 1940 and pushed back the Italians back into Albania. As a result, Hitler decided on 6th of April 1941 to invade Greece (Operation Marita).

This huge mistake proves that they didn't have historical background check.

This documentary was brilliantly made. The footage is so raw and captivating. The narration and interviews were stellar - so linear and illustrative. And the imagery was jaw dropping. It had me in tears nearly the entire time. What an amazing glimpse into the past during such a monumental phase in history. This is a must watch for history buffs and for those with an open mind and a fascination to learn. There was so much tragedy, but through it a new world formed on the other end. We had to pass through the dark tunnel in order to find a new guiding light for humanity as a whole. It is almost as if we reached a new stage of being and collective consciousness following this horrific event that launched us into modernity, giving us a renewed global mindset. I was so moved and captivated the entire way. My jaw was literally on the floor at certain moments. I highly recommend.

Reviewers that criticize the documentary for its lack of analysis I think miss the point of "from the front lines" - it's a matter of experience. I enjoyed this film and nobody has to rely on it for analysis. It's still a fascinating compilation of footage that shows peoples' first hand experience of the war from all sides (including the colonized nations), and helps the viewer to imagine what it would have been like to live through that (something that seems so foreign, yet so threatening to us now). Living through it you do not have the distance or perspective required for historical analysis. Everyone simply thinks they are in the right, and the world seems to go mad. There is no need for the narrative to tell the whole story of the war to everyone's satisfaction and I think its fine that they gloss over a lot of historical details. It's enough that they do a decent job of telling a story with the actual footage they have which is compelling in its simple reality.

Lots of bad reviews saying how inaccurate this was. So and so didn't give up, we didn't surrender . The fact of the matter is that none of this should happen ever. Not one country comes out looking good, just varying levels of barbarism. Do I have a favourite (spoiler alert yes!)Who you end up supporting is probably closest to where you were born.

Restoration was amazing though I do fear there were some cutaways that were filmed for this, but hey that's a little fear given the subject matter..I think Netflix were fairly upfront that they were cutting different bits together so no concern there.

Nicely done Netflix. But I would have loved it more if we knew how Adolf Hitler got his financing. At that time, the Deutsche Mark was worth less than toilet paper and the United Kingdom was debtor Nation. Who put up the funding? That part of context is missing and required to really understand how these conflicts get started and by whom.

None of these conflicts happen in a Vaccum. Also, why did it take Pearl Harbor to happen before the United States of America would finally enter this conflict? The action is good, but next series let's dig a little bit deeper and the why and the how Netflix.

"WWII From the Front Lines" is a stunning documentary that offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant events in human history. By utilizing colorization techniques, the film brings to life the raw emotions and gritty reality experienced by soldiers on the front lines during World War II.

The use of colorization adds a new layer of depth and immediacy to the footage, making it feel more relatable and relevant to modern audiences. It allows us to see the vibrant landscapes, vivid uniforms, and blood-soaked battlefields in a way that black-and-white footage simply cannot convey. This technique helps bridge the gap between past and present, reminding us that these were real people who lived through unimaginable hardships.

The documentary effectively combines original footage with interviews from veterans who provide firsthand accounts of their experiences. Their stories are powerful and moving, offering insights into not only the physical challenges they faced but also the emotional toll war took on them. The juxtaposition of colorful visuals with these personal narratives creates a compelling narrative thread throughout the film.

Furthermore, "WWII From the Front Lines" does an excellent job of presenting a balanced view of both sides involved in the conflict. It showcases not only Allied forces but also German and Japanese perspectives, giving viewers a more comprehensive understanding of how different nations experienced World War II.

One minor criticism is that at times, certain scenes may appear slightly artificial due to limitations in colorization technology or inconsistencies in image quality. However, this does not detract significantly from overall viewing experience as it still succeeds in bringing history to life.

In conclusion, "WWII From the Front Lines" is an exceptional documentary that breathes new life into World War II footage through skillful colorization techniques. It offers a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in history while honoring those who fought and sacrificed for freedom. This film is highly recommended for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of WWII from those who witnessed it firsthand.

Amazing restored footage and personal interviews but misses the mark on accurate history. Went out of the way to show the actions of the Allies that cast them in a bad light. Makes no mention that Germany targeted civilians first in the Battle over Britain. Made no attempt to explain the loss lives in the invasions of the smaller islands that led the US to estimate the millions that would have died in fighting for the main islands of Japan. Italy did not conquer Greece either. Jon Boyega's narration was terrible. You would think English was not his native tongue. I would say it's worth watching for the interviews and restored frontline film. Take the history as slanted and in some cases just wrong.

Yes, it is basic and some key details about WW2 and strategic choices are left out. But as someone who has watched a lot of WW2 movies, series and documentaries, i gotta say that the footage looks great. Because the footage is so well restored you get the feeling that you are right there. Usually WW2 footage is in black and white or you can see that it is really old. Here the footage sometimes looks like it is from a war not so long ago. Therefore I think this is a great documentary to show in schools. Children usually see WW2 as something old and really long ago and can't connect to it because it looks so old. Now, with this restored and colorised footage the children will feel some kind of connection and similarities with the people that are shown in this documentary.

"World War 2, From the Front Lines" offers a comprehensive and gripping portrayal of historical events, leaving little room for criticism except for the narration. The decision to allow the narrator to drop 't's, engaging in T-glottalization, is questionable. While the content remains commendable, this linguistic deviation affects the documentary's overall quality. Historical documentaries play a crucial role in preserving and conveying the past accurately. Maintaining high standards in narration is essential to uphold the credibility and seriousness of the subject matter.

When narrators drop 't's, it may lead to a loss of clarity and compromise the professionalism expected in historical documentaries. Proper enunciation ensures that crucial details are conveyed accurately, preventing any potential misunderstanding or distortion of historical facts. Consistency in linguistic standards helps the audience fully comprehend the gravity of events, fostering a deeper connection with the subject matter.

In the context of a documentary on World War II, an event of immense historical significance, precision and accuracy are paramount. T-glottalization may undermine the seriousness and respect due to the subject matter. It reflects a departure from the expected linguistic norms, potentially distracting viewers from the gravity of the narrative.

In summary, while "World War 2, From the Front Lines" impresses with its content, the issue of T-glottalization in narration raises concerns about maintaining standards in historical documentaries. Upholding linguistic excellence is not just a matter of aesthetics; it is fundamental to ensuring the accurate and impactful transmission of historical knowledge to future generations.

Historically inaccurate. Just to set the record straight. Italy TRIED to invade Greece but was unsuccessful forcing Hitler to invade as Germany instead. In the so called "documentary" they claim that Italy invaded Greece successfully and that's just NOT TRUE.

Google Greco-Italian War.

Here's the reality taken from Wikipedia (until Netflix decides to change all historical references):

Italy's invasion of Greece, launched with the divisions of the Royal Army based in Italian-controlled Albania, badly armed and poorly commanded, resulted in a setback: the Italians encountered unexpectedly tenacious resistance by the Hellenic Army and had to contend with the mountainous and muddy terrain on the Albanian-Greek border. With British air and material support, the Greeks stopped the Italian invasion just inside Greek territory by mid-November and subsequently counter-attacked with the bulk of their mobilized army to push the Italians back into Albania - an advance which culminated in the Capture of Klisura Pass in January 1941, a few dozen kilometers inside the Albanian border. The defeat of the Italian invasion and the Greek counter-offensive of 1940 have been called the "first Axis setback of the entire war" by Mark Mazower, the Greeks "surprising everyone with the tenacity of their resistance".

Conclusion: No, Italy did NOT successfully invade Greece... Sorry Mussolini....

The film has been colorized, stabilized and enhanced, and all the audio cleaned up. No historians pontificating here. You see and hear only the combatants from all sides, their families and civilians who survived. Close ups make you feel you are there. Moving and astonishing. The scenes of kamakazi pilots taking their last sips of sake, and the film from the liberation of Dachau death camp are indescribably moving. It is difficult to imagine the research required to assemble and edit the films then enhance their sound and visual quality. I think Netflix and Rob Coldstream, the producer, have not only produced a gripping series, but done a service to the world by presenting World War II to those who, as I, had not lived through such a titanic era.

They skip largely the Axis invasion of the Denmark, Norway, Balkans and omit Operation Market Garden and Husky. Also the Winter war is not mentioned with Finland or the southern push into Ukraine by the Axis. Still, many items of footage I had never seen and in 4k for many shots. If you like World War 2, it is a good one. Definitely geared to Gen y and z as it simplifys the war greatly and shows the highlights and not really explaining why and what was chosen as a strategy.

The Warsaw Uprising and the French Axis collaboration footage was strong and profound. For Warsaw, it really shows the most I have ever seen about the subject and was indeed sad.

Nothing can beat Netflix when it comes to documentary. I randomly started watching this docu series without any expectations but it turned out to be one of the best things I ever saw in my life.

Never thought or imagined about WWII like this but the visuals and story telling is magic.

Felt empty after the series was over.

It was so carefully edited and delivered that you cannot keep your eyes and mind away. You will be always curious about what is going to happen next.

But I felt there is somewhat historically inaccurate so it will harm 1 ranking otherwise this series is a 10/10 I am giving it a 9 very happily.