The Rosie the Reviewer Podcast

Episodes

Find all Rosie the Reviewer episodes here.

Rosie the reviewer the pacific episode 77

Ep 77 – The Pacific – Closing Out the Best War Show of All Time (Part Three)

In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we wrap up our three-part discussion of The Pacific (2010) with episodes 7-10. Brace yourself for the brutal fighting on Peleliu and Okinawa to John and Lena Basilone, his final chapter and the long road home for Eugene Sledge and Robert Leckie. Alongside our returning guest George, we talk about leadership, disillusionment, the role of civilians, and the way grief and memory follow these men long after the war ends.

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03/10/2025
Rosie the Reviewer their finest title card

Ep 74 – Their Finest – Wartime Propaganda with The Donut Dollies

In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we’re joined by Winnie and Gabby from the Donut Dollies podcast to discuss Their Finest (2016), Lone Scherfig’s adaptation of Lissa Evans’ novel Their Finest Hour and a Half. Together we unpack the film’s blend of romance, tragedy, and wartime propaganda, as well as how it compares to the book. Surprisingly much debate about Sam Claflin’s casting, the power of women in the Ministry of Information, and why Bill Nighy steals every scene as Ambrose Hilliard. Plus, the real history of women in Britain’s propaganda machine.

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11/09/2025
Hemingway & Gellhorn

Ep 73 – Hemingway & Gellhorn – Who is the Better War Correspondent?

This week on Rosie the Reviewer, we’re diving into the 2012 HBO film Hemingway & Gellhorn. It’s all about the messy relationship between war reporter Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway. We get into the Spanish Civil War (and yes, the movie really drags its feet before getting to WWII), and honestly, we’re not sure either of them is all that likable. Plus, we talk about Caroline Moorehead’s biography Gellhorn: A Twentieth-Century Life, Martha’s own novel Point of No Return, and her travel memoir, Travels with Myself and Another.

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04/09/2025
Grave of the Fireflies

Ep 71 – Grave of the Fireflies – Studio Ghibli’s Animated WWII Film You Should Only Watch Once

In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we discuss Grave of the Fireflies (1988), the harrowing Studio Ghibli animation that left us emotionally wrecked. We follow the story of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings trying to survive in Kobe, Japan during the final months of World War II. We discuss the film’s gut-wrenching portrayal of innocence lost and being forgotten, and why this is possibly the greatest movie you’ll never want to watch again.

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22/08/2025
Rosie the Reviewer episode 70. Walking with the Enemy

Ep 70 – Walking with the Enemy – Hungarian WWII History Unpacked (with our friend Katie!)

In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we review Walking with the Enemy (2013), exploring its depiction of WWII Hungary, the life of Elek Cohen (loosely based on Pinchas Rosenbaum), and the country’s political shifts during the war. We discuss standout performances, the film’s narrative choices, and are joined by our friend Katie, who shares insights into Hungary during WWII.

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15/08/2025

Ep 69 – Masters of the Air – Tuskegee Airmen, POW Marches and Closing Thoughts (Part Three)

In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we’re wrapping up our three-part journey through Masters of the Air with a look at episodes 7-9.  We’re once again joined by George! From the marches out of Stalag Luft III to Rosie Rosenthal’s decision to fly more missions and Croz sleeping through D-Day. We get into the show’s depiction of the Tuskegee Airmen and see where everybody ends up. Safe flight, Masters!

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08/08/2025

Ep 68 – Masters of the Air – Rosie Rosenthal, Black Week and the Hundredth’s Losses (Part Two)

In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we continue our Masters of the Air series with episodes 4 through 6. George is back again to help us cover everything from Quinn and Bailey’s escape routes to Black Week, and welcome Rosie Rosenthal. We break down new character arcs, major missions, and quiet emotional … uh, breakdowns, including Bucky’s slow downward spiral, Crosby’s grief, and Rosie finding his rhythm (with some help from Artie Shaw).

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01/08/2025