Watch Island at War
- 2004
- 1 Season
-
7.6 (1,842)
Island at War is a British television drama series set during the Second Woârld War, which aired on ITV in 2004. Produced by HTV, âthe series is set in the Channel Islands, a British protectorate that was occupied by Nazi Germany during the war. The six-episode series explores the lives of the citizens of the island during the occupation and the challenges they faced under Nazi rule.
At the heart of the story is the relationship between the British governor, Major-General James M. 'Jim' Starling, played by James Wilby, and his German counterpart, Oberst von Rheingarten, portrayed by Philip Glenister. The two men command their respective forces and carry out their orders from afar, but they begin to form an unlikely friendship and mutual respect as the tensions of war escalate on the island.
The series paints a vivid picture of life under occupation, with the island's inhabitants dealing with curfews, food shortages, and constant surveillance from the occupying forces. The German soldiers are on edge as they prepare for a potential invasion by the Allied forces, while the islanders are forced to adapt to life under Nazi rule.
The main characters of the show are the local people, who must navigate the dangers of living in an occupied territory. Their stories are interwoven throughout the series, providing a range of perspectives on the war and its effects on daily life. Among the islanders are farmers, smugglers, and resistance fighters, each with their own experiences and motivations.
One of the key themes of the show is the conflict between collaboration and resistance. Some of the islanders are willing to work with the Germans in order to secure their own safety and that of their families, while others refuse to cooperate with the occupiers and risk their lives to fight back against the Nazis. The show explores the moral complexities of these choices and the difficult decisions that people had to make during a time of war.
Another important aspect of the series is the relationships between the characters. There are romances, friendships, and rivalries that develop over the course of the show, adding depth and nuance to the story. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with their own flaws and strengths that make them feel like real people.
Overall, Island at War is a compelling and well-crafted historical drama that captures the complexities of life during wartime. It offers an intimate look at the lives of people caught up in the conflict, showing their struggles and their resilience in the face of adversity. The performances are strong and the writing is excellent, making it a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and war stories.
Island at War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between July 11, 2004 and on ITV