War is often described as hell on earth and perhaps no modern conflict is as synonymous with the hellish horror of war as the Second World War. The 2020 series World on Fire follows an eclectic cast of characters as they cope with the brutal reality of life in wartime Europe. Through its diverse array of interweaving stories the series lends a panoramic view of the devastation that was World War II Europe, while paying homage to the everyday heroes who did not make it into the history books. For an explosively engaging glimpse into the lives of ordinary people navigating extraordinary times tune in to World on Fire.
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| It's still the same old story, a fight for love and glory... |
The story begins in 1939 Manchester, England with star-crossed teens Lois and Harry arrested after protesting a fascist rally. The pair are quickly released, but the incident leads Lois' working class veteran father and Harry's wealthy mother to intervene. The series then shifts to Poland as Harry takes a translator job in Warsaw and begins a relationship with local waitress Kasia. When Poland is invaded by the Nazis the couple are separated and Kasia becomes determined to combat the oppressive regime, even as she and her family struggle to stay alive. Meanwhile, Harry's colleague, American broadcast reporter Nancy, witnesses the atrocities of the Third Reich while stationed in Berlin. The series follows these characters and many more as they each embark upon their own harrowing journey through a world on fire.
World on Fire masterfully balances between the epic tide of history and the ordinary lives caught within its grasp. The series unflinchingly portrays such milestones as the evacuation of Dunkirk and the invasion of Poland in a way that highlights both their historical significance and their personal impact. Similarly, the series' emphasis upon individual efforts on both the home front and the battle field aptly demonstrates the ways in which personal actions impact the sweep of history. Through its ability to deftly alternate between the personal and the political the series captures the full scope of war at its most harrowing. Perhaps the series' greatest strength lies in its ability to transcend expectations by finding new stories to tell within the context of its historical setting. For example, rather than strictly focusing upon the horrors inflicted upon Jews during the Holocaust, the series also sheds light upon the Nazis' persecution of homosexuals, Catholics, and the disabled. Similarly, the depiction of occupied Poland also highlights a chapter of history that is all too often ignored in film. In this way, the series travels between countries, events, and characters without a single misstep. Through its multi-faceted approach World on Fire successfully wages a war on many fronts that is guaranteed to leave viewers eagerly awaiting its next skirmish.
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| When you're going through hell, keep going |
The series transports viewers to the heart of World War II Europe thanks to the uniformly superb work of its cast. Helen Hunt makes a welcome return to the screen in a performance worthy of Rosalind Russell as equal parts wit and grit Nancy. Lesley Manville is a British battle-axe to rival Maggie Smith as Harry's sharp tongued mother, Robina. Sean Bean turns in a mesmerizing performance as Lois' tormented veteran father, Douglas. Julia Brown blends girl next door charm with steely resolve as aspiring singer Lois. Jonah Hauer-King is a modern matinee idol as he portrays Harry's journey from carefree playboy to hardened officer. Zofia Wichlacz lends a break-out performance and personifies the toll of war as soft-spoken but steely Kasia. There is neither a false note in the performances nor a missed opportunity in the rich characterizations of the series' ample ensemble cast.
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| Watch out Berlin, she has a microphone and she's not afraid to use it! |
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