Review of Flags of Our Fathers (2006) by Daniel P — 23 Sep 2012

Clint makes it look so easy. Flags of Our Fathers is another siimple, sombre film that feels again like old Hollywood, and one that (like an increasing percentage of his oeuvre) should not be missed.

The film's only flaw may be that it's a little close to the bone. Adapted from a memoir as it is, there are pieces that are personally important to the author and to his rendered character that the viewer may be able to do without. But this is a small criticism: the film brilliantly details the PR charade that followed Iwo Jima and its famous flag-raisers. In typical Eastwood style, the characters are realistic and say little, yet convey so much. Less is always more with Eastwood, and no one does the big-hearted ending quite like he does. Beautiful film that, though it's not perfect, is yet another quality work from a man who will go down in history as an American master.