Impressive narrative, cohesive in treating the subject (tanks). The most likeable part is that it gives a brief picture of tank's evolution over the entire series, without getting lost. Neither is the series too technical nor too naive which is desirable to attract more viewers. They also have short interview clips about tank personnel of WW-II. They also mention about the notable commanders, tank designers, major events and tank manufacturing sites.
28 Reviews
Interesting but flawed
tazmatt17 December 2020
This sweeping series starts with the creation of the tank as an powerful innovation which helped to overcome the grinding deadlock of WW1 and follows tank use and design through to modern day questions about whether tanks may be obsolete. I am not a 'tank expert', and from my point of view this documentary contained some new and fascinating insights that I had not come across before, often via interesting interviews. In particular, Russian and French experiences with tank development and tank tactics stand out. However, the series also inexplicably leaves a huge amount of widely available and important information out. The almost complete absence of commentary on US and Commonwealth tanks from WW2 was particularly conspicuous (apart from a short part on the US Sherman tank). It's commentary on the geopolitical contexts of the events being described also sometimes seemed to be lop-sided at times.
If you want a different perspective on tanks and tank warfare, you may enjoy this series. However, be aware that it skims over or completely omits significant events and details, and conveys a number of interpretations and opinions as though they were facts.
If you want a different perspective on tanks and tank warfare, you may enjoy this series. However, be aware that it skims over or completely omits significant events and details, and conveys a number of interpretations and opinions as though they were facts.
History first, tanks second
kretos26 March 2022
The main misunderstanding with this mini serial is that it's not really about tanks, but about events in our history, when tanks played important role.
So, if you're just looking for technical informations about tanks, or want to know the exact evolution and models produced - than this is not for you.
But on the other hand - if you're interested in history, and want to see some great materials from the past - than this is a wonderful source of knowledge.
From 1. World War, through second, Hungary and Czechoslovakia, Kuwait and Iraq, the story goes to last model produced in Russia. At each point of time there are tanks presented - models that took significant role in conflicts. It's just four short episodes - don't expect that all tanks' models around the world will be mentioned. But the interviews with people, who actually took place in those events, archival footages - this is the real value of this serial.
It's definitely worth to watch.
So, if you're just looking for technical informations about tanks, or want to know the exact evolution and models produced - than this is not for you.
But on the other hand - if you're interested in history, and want to see some great materials from the past - than this is a wonderful source of knowledge.
From 1. World War, through second, Hungary and Czechoslovakia, Kuwait and Iraq, the story goes to last model produced in Russia. At each point of time there are tanks presented - models that took significant role in conflicts. It's just four short episodes - don't expect that all tanks' models around the world will be mentioned. But the interviews with people, who actually took place in those events, archival footages - this is the real value of this serial.
It's definitely worth to watch.
Interesting with a few errors and mild bias.
lexbarron14 March 2023
Overall it was a decent basic overview of the history of the tank with contextualizing narrative to explain the reasoning behind the changes over time. I found it to be a good approach to the subject and would like to see similar series about fighters, bombers, and helicopters. The narration and score were engaging, but not excessively dramatized the way that American documentaries tend to be.
There seems to be a pretty mild bias in favor of French and Russian tanks throughout, although nothing major until the end. The other reviews complaining of extreme bias one way or another seem silly and unfounded to me. The very ending turning into a bit of Russian propaganda about the fictional T-14 is pretty bad though. The bit about 2300 to be delivered by 2020 was good for a chuckle.
There seems to be a pretty mild bias in favor of French and Russian tanks throughout, although nothing major until the end. The other reviews complaining of extreme bias one way or another seem silly and unfounded to me. The very ending turning into a bit of Russian propaganda about the fictional T-14 is pretty bad though. The bit about 2300 to be delivered by 2020 was good for a chuckle.
The Best Tank Documentary Ever
yilmazdalkiran14 November 2018
I'm 32 years old and I've watched almost all tank documentaries in all my experience. I mean all History Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Viasat History HD and even independent ones. But this one is far and away the best.
This doc has 4 episodes and first one starts with the first tank British "Mark I" from 1916 and the last episode ends with the last modern tank Russian T-14 Armata which was started to produce in 2015. In all 4 episodes we witness the development of main battle tanks from World War I until today.
It's a French documentary and there is English dub and subtitle option on Netflix. The best thing of this documentary is "objectivity". First and foremost it's not a nationalist production. It's based on the real historic events from WWI, WWII, Korean War, Cold War, Yom Kippur War, First Chechen War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In all events, the importance of tanks is explained very well. In some parts, progress of tanks and anti-tank systems are explained but clarification of which one is better is not enough. Also I expected to learn about Korean K2 Black Panther, Chinese Type 99 A2, Israeli Merkava Mk IV, Japan Type 10, Russian T-90MS, British Challenger 2, French Leclerc with the AZUR urban protection kit, German Leopard 2A7+ and the most importantly German Leopard 2 Revolution and Turkish Altay main battle tanks. These tanks are enough to represent the future of main battle tanks as fifth episode. Despite all, this production is the best of all main battle tank docs with its fulfilling, realistic, historical and unbiased characteristics. A masterpiece documentary.
This doc has 4 episodes and first one starts with the first tank British "Mark I" from 1916 and the last episode ends with the last modern tank Russian T-14 Armata which was started to produce in 2015. In all 4 episodes we witness the development of main battle tanks from World War I until today.
It's a French documentary and there is English dub and subtitle option on Netflix. The best thing of this documentary is "objectivity". First and foremost it's not a nationalist production. It's based on the real historic events from WWI, WWII, Korean War, Cold War, Yom Kippur War, First Chechen War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In all events, the importance of tanks is explained very well. In some parts, progress of tanks and anti-tank systems are explained but clarification of which one is better is not enough. Also I expected to learn about Korean K2 Black Panther, Chinese Type 99 A2, Israeli Merkava Mk IV, Japan Type 10, Russian T-90MS, British Challenger 2, French Leclerc with the AZUR urban protection kit, German Leopard 2A7+ and the most importantly German Leopard 2 Revolution and Turkish Altay main battle tanks. These tanks are enough to represent the future of main battle tanks as fifth episode. Despite all, this production is the best of all main battle tank docs with its fulfilling, realistic, historical and unbiased characteristics. A masterpiece documentary.
Exceptionally well made.
planktonrules25 April 2021
It does seem odd that tons of documentaries about war have been made, tons more about aircraft...but very few about the tank. Now I'd seen one or two shows here or there about tanks....but cannot remember a single series dedicated just to tanks and tank warfare. Because of this, you can't help but admire the French series "Age of Tanks". But the shows are more than just shows about tanks...they were amazingly well made from start to finish. And, if you don't want to see a show in subtitles, the English language version is excellent as well. Well made, filled with lots of interesting interviews and a show like none others...this is one worth your time.
By the way, do not expect the show to talk about every tank. Many tanks, such as the Japanese tanks of WWII, more modern tanks like the Swedish S and many others are not discussed. I don't think this is a weakness of the show...after all, the series only consists of four episodes. Based on that time constraint, the producers did a great job.
By the way, do not expect the show to talk about every tank. Many tanks, such as the Japanese tanks of WWII, more modern tanks like the Swedish S and many others are not discussed. I don't think this is a weakness of the show...after all, the series only consists of four episodes. Based on that time constraint, the producers did a great job.
Rich Documentary About the History of Tanks (Watched Whole Season 1)
JabbaTheHans14 November 2018
Age of Tanks is a series composed of 4 episodes (about 50 minutes each). It delves into the early history of tanks, their impact on various major wars, political conflicts, and their possible role in an emerging era of more advanced warfare. It is very informative, appears to be minimally biased towards Americans, and tries its best to include other nations in the conversation (Iraq, Israel, Russia, Germany, etc).
However, the documentary features more of events that occurred in Europe, and some inclusion of Israel, Iraq, and Korea. It also failed to include tanks developed by other nations and tended to focus more on U.S., Russian, German, and French technology. Despite these limitations, it was still very enjoyable and informative.
If you love military and war history, this is a highly recommended series.
However, the documentary features more of events that occurred in Europe, and some inclusion of Israel, Iraq, and Korea. It also failed to include tanks developed by other nations and tended to focus more on U.S., Russian, German, and French technology. Despite these limitations, it was still very enjoyable and informative.
If you love military and war history, this is a highly recommended series.
Fascinating
gawiem18 November 2018
I'm always deeply interested in 20th century history particularly the world wars and the cold war. This documentary tells 20th century history from a whole new angle - tanks. It is a fascinating journey of following the primitive tanks from the Great War, through WW2 to the modern age
Dumbed-downed, basic and superficial
grantss13 January 2019
The history of the powerful weapon on land, the tank. Covers its entire history, from paper designs of the early-1900s to the beasts of the present day.
Quite basic. Anyone with a decent knowledge of tanks and their history will find this pretty weak, even inaccurate. The main problem is that the content is dumbed-downed for ignorant audiences. Every major war and battle in history is looked at only from a tank perspective, massively over-simplifying and misrepresenting warfare. Some of the claims are laughably bad, e.g. the US only managed to stop the North Korean advance in the Korean War because of the introduction of the Patton tank!
Also not very comprehensive. By spending so much time convincing us that events like the Hungarian and Czechoslovakian revolutions were major turning points in tank development we miss out on many interesting developments and tank models. For example, with regard to WW2 we only get to hear about the T-34, Tiger (and Tiger II) and Sherman. There were plenty of other designs and innovations, including things like tank destroyers, which aren't mentioned at all.
There are some interesting, lesser-known facts, but these are few and far between. There are also some interesting interviews, but many of the interviews also seemed dumbed-down and superficial.
Avoid, especially if you already have at least the merest of knowledge about tanks.
Quite basic. Anyone with a decent knowledge of tanks and their history will find this pretty weak, even inaccurate. The main problem is that the content is dumbed-downed for ignorant audiences. Every major war and battle in history is looked at only from a tank perspective, massively over-simplifying and misrepresenting warfare. Some of the claims are laughably bad, e.g. the US only managed to stop the North Korean advance in the Korean War because of the introduction of the Patton tank!
Also not very comprehensive. By spending so much time convincing us that events like the Hungarian and Czechoslovakian revolutions were major turning points in tank development we miss out on many interesting developments and tank models. For example, with regard to WW2 we only get to hear about the T-34, Tiger (and Tiger II) and Sherman. There were plenty of other designs and innovations, including things like tank destroyers, which aren't mentioned at all.
There are some interesting, lesser-known facts, but these are few and far between. There are also some interesting interviews, but many of the interviews also seemed dumbed-down and superficial.
Avoid, especially if you already have at least the merest of knowledge about tanks.
Good 4 episodes with big holes in the last episode's armor
bigbundy6931 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The first 3 episodes were very good and descried the selected times/battles very well. I liked how they've constructed the.
The main problem through the whole series is the translation- the Eng audio and the subtitles don't match which can be very confusing. Since i know Russian and Hebrew i saw many mistakes in the translation that was given from these languages as well.
The biggest miss is the last episode. They keep telling how the tank has no role concentrating on some small (or ill prepared) examples- Baghdad in 2002 & Grozny in 1999 but completely ignore the Israeli experience that is continuedly fighting with their tanks almost daily. Also in the end when they say how the Russians have invented a system that shoots at an incoming threat in 2015 when the Israeli army has already incorporated a system that does the same function back in 2011 (operational, not just on the Russian paper).
From the neglect of the Israeli experience from the last 30 years which is the most prevalent currently & the incorrect name of the holyday that they've told about the Yom Kippur war i do tend to think that like most French the creators of this documentary are anti-Semitic in their nature, which is a shame but this kind of thing is everywhere (even in 'enlightened EU).
The main problem through the whole series is the translation- the Eng audio and the subtitles don't match which can be very confusing. Since i know Russian and Hebrew i saw many mistakes in the translation that was given from these languages as well.
The biggest miss is the last episode. They keep telling how the tank has no role concentrating on some small (or ill prepared) examples- Baghdad in 2002 & Grozny in 1999 but completely ignore the Israeli experience that is continuedly fighting with their tanks almost daily. Also in the end when they say how the Russians have invented a system that shoots at an incoming threat in 2015 when the Israeli army has already incorporated a system that does the same function back in 2011 (operational, not just on the Russian paper).
From the neglect of the Israeli experience from the last 30 years which is the most prevalent currently & the incorrect name of the holyday that they've told about the Yom Kippur war i do tend to think that like most French the creators of this documentary are anti-Semitic in their nature, which is a shame but this kind of thing is everywhere (even in 'enlightened EU).
Biased, inaccurate, sensationalist, propagandistic
hypersonic899927 July 2019
This was a pain to watch. Half the information is very basic, and the other half is very inaccurate, and sometimes even false. There's a very clear bias of the creators towards France/USA/UK (in that order). At certain points the series will diss the Soviet Union in a very out of place way, which makes me question the motives behind this whole project. They are emphasizing only very basic and famous tank designs (mostly main battle tanks and light tanks), while failing to delve into the more experimental side of things, as well as missing out on whole categories such as self-propelled artillery guns, tank destroyers and armored carriers.
Very basic, spotty and at several times very inaccurate
davidatlane12 October 2019
I was in armor for 21 years and as such have learned read and studied it's history and tactics immensely. For an un-knowledgable person this will give you a timeline of armor and events. Don't pay alot of attention to how this documentary promotes the success or failure of certain tanks, design and development credit. I would assume whoever was in charge of this was probably French. On a final thought in the absurdity of this documentary hinting that armor may have no place on the battlefield is one of the most ridiculous statements ever mad. It will most definitely evolve, but you can't win a war without soldiers on the ground. But if I am correct at my assumption this was done by a French person, then obviosly their thinking is still as archaic as their thought process was in building the Maginot line, instead of building a few thousand more tanks in world war 2.
Inaccurate dialogue
jeremiewhite28 February 2019
Not even finished with the first episode and the narrator says ww1 was going on in January 1919...the war ended November 1918. Small details like this make history buffs or military veterans like myself dislike military films.
Really shouldn't be called a documentary
richiek330 January 2019
This is honestly one of the most factually inaccurate and biast "documentorys" ive ever seen.. obviously written by a French guy with a distinct dislike of the UK.
He actually manages to try and claim the first french tank (widely regarded as by far the worst tank of ww1) was somehow responsible for ending the first world war.
I vomited a little.
He actually manages to try and claim the first french tank (widely regarded as by far the worst tank of ww1) was somehow responsible for ending the first world war.
I vomited a little.
Had to stop watching after 3 episodes.
ricky-16222 January 2019
Apart from the fact this is dubbed it's pretty obvious early on that this is a French production due to the heavy French bias. Apparently the tank was a French idea. Apparently the French liberated Paris but we're mistaken for Americans because of their uniforms and tanks. Eh?
And what about WW2 tanks battles in North Africa? What about the Sherman Firefly which was a US M4 Sherman modified by the British and the only allied tank capable of knocking out a Tiger?
I can understand there are elements of French WW2 history (Vichy) that the French may not wish to talk about, but at least give credit where it is due. It verges on anti-British. Why am I not surprised.
And what about WW2 tanks battles in North Africa? What about the Sherman Firefly which was a US M4 Sherman modified by the British and the only allied tank capable of knocking out a Tiger?
I can understand there are elements of French WW2 history (Vichy) that the French may not wish to talk about, but at least give credit where it is due. It verges on anti-British. Why am I not surprised.
Not a Triumph . . .
Tankmanc5 December 2019
My area is WWI and its immediate aftermath, so I can only speak with any authority on Episode 1. It takes a different approach from that with which English-speakers are familiar, but manages to convey the broad sweep of the story. To begin with the Austrian Gunther Burstyn's Motorgeschütz is unusual but an argument can be made for it. On the other hand, there's nothing to support the implication that Burstyn's vehicle in any way influenced the French or that the French had even heard of it.
French bias? Well, all three writer/producers are German and live in Germany, but the production companies are, I think, French. It should be remembered that French and British tank development took place at the same time, so to begin with the French story is perfectly justifiable, if unusual in the English-speaking world.
The Episode's biggest problem is that is littered with historical errors large and small and makes some dubious and debatable assertions. Soldiers described as Austrian are actually Italian, and supposed Germans are Austrian. The British tanks are shown in a completely random chronology, but that's quite usual in such documentaries. On the other hand, a lengthy reference to the French Renault FT is accompanied by film of the American Ford Three Ton tank, and what we are asked to believe is film of a battle on the Western Front is actually footage of manoeuvres in the USA in the 1920s featuring tanks that didn't take part in the War. Producers of films on this subject often have to make do with such material as is available, but one gets the impression that this one contains howlers that the makers just haven't spotted.
So this just about keeps pace with historical fact, and it might be that the layman would not be troubled by many of the inaccuracies. Good use is made of the diaries of tank designers and commanders (a few odd translations notwithstanding) and the Curator of the British Tank Museum gives a good performance as in-vision commentator.
On the whole, this is let down by some poor research and careless production. I wouldn't recommend that anyone use it as a serious reference. A missed opportunity.
French bias? Well, all three writer/producers are German and live in Germany, but the production companies are, I think, French. It should be remembered that French and British tank development took place at the same time, so to begin with the French story is perfectly justifiable, if unusual in the English-speaking world.
The Episode's biggest problem is that is littered with historical errors large and small and makes some dubious and debatable assertions. Soldiers described as Austrian are actually Italian, and supposed Germans are Austrian. The British tanks are shown in a completely random chronology, but that's quite usual in such documentaries. On the other hand, a lengthy reference to the French Renault FT is accompanied by film of the American Ford Three Ton tank, and what we are asked to believe is film of a battle on the Western Front is actually footage of manoeuvres in the USA in the 1920s featuring tanks that didn't take part in the War. Producers of films on this subject often have to make do with such material as is available, but one gets the impression that this one contains howlers that the makers just haven't spotted.
So this just about keeps pace with historical fact, and it might be that the layman would not be troubled by many of the inaccuracies. Good use is made of the diaries of tank designers and commanders (a few odd translations notwithstanding) and the Curator of the British Tank Museum gives a good performance as in-vision commentator.
On the whole, this is let down by some poor research and careless production. I wouldn't recommend that anyone use it as a serious reference. A missed opportunity.
So bias
georgestuart-6933930 May 2020
Fictional end to WWII in Europe
largough1 January 2019
Ok but a number of errors
mjhughes-2515317 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Episode 1 has a classic error..."In January 1919 Germany's tank constructor..." not much point calling in your tank constructor in 1919 to talk about tanks for you 1918 offensive...sloppy writing and a somewhat biased point of view spoil what it could have been..It did touch on some of the early origins of tanks from Austrian designers that got no support in Austria or Germany before becoming completely French and a just a little British focused the amount of French focus shows the target Audience is patriotic French dreaming of past days of imperial glory but hey who ever fund's the documentary should be able to say what they like about how patriotic French businesses were like Renault and how for the glory of France they only made profits off the US with their tank designs. .
Ok as added source of information
tifbsc16 November 2018
First episode was generally informative then became pretty heavy on the mostly French contribution to future tank development. I liked how emphasis was placed on how the good citizens of Glasgow raised millions of dollars to produce tanks for world war I only to have the tanks used againt them to supress worker strikes. Good setup for justifing the brutal russian crackdown on Hungary after WWII. Episodes 2 and three were mostly setting up for then extolling the awesome contributions and skills of the soviet union to tank development to defeat the German panzers with slight nods to other countries.
Basic biased documentary but has good footage and I do like the interviews.
Basic biased documentary but has good footage and I do like the interviews.
"English tanks"?
emale0001 March 2019
And that's as far as I got, about five minutes into the first episode. "England" has never had tanks, there's been a 'British' military since the early 1700's. It's as ridiculous as saying England last won the Eurovision Song contest in 1997. England has never entered. I blame the education system 😒
First Episode has Basic Mistakes: not a Good Start.
tyronevortex5 February 2022
Could not believe the lady doing the commentary mentioned 1919 referring to a battle. The war finished in November 11th 1918. I thought Everyone knows that. But no, not everyone. Not this lady. Or many viewers watching who expect it to be trustworthy. And they will go away quoting the commentary speaking about the huge tank battles that occurred in 1919. Lovely movie film of early tanks, crap commentary which can't be trusted.
Mmmmm
aawilson-7961423 November 2018
Interesting, but inaccurate
hawiianbat5 August 2020
Nice brief over history but many details were left out
kiki4008 June 2020
Typical to French production to make it dubbed - major black point of the year of making (2017).
Many missing details - the turret development, anti-tanks weapons and re-active armor.
But! above all - was missing so many small scale but sophisticated tanks - such as the Israeli Merkava (i know i'm not objective), Korean black panther and many more!
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