Review of Flags of Our Fathers (2006) by Robert R — 27 Aug 2011

Clint Eastwood's "Flags Of Our Fathers" is a retelling of the events surrounding the iconic flag-raising photo taken on Iwo Jima's mount Suribachi during WWII. The movie follows the lives of three of the six men in the photo and the trials and tribulations that they face after the picture was taken.

For me, I felt that there were a multitude of aspects that made this film truly enjoyable and unique. The cinematography, for one, I felt was really incredibly well executed. I found it interesting how nearly every scene that featured combat was seemingly grayscaled, giving the scenes a very surreal and oneiric feel.

Another really strong aspect of the film was the fact that the movie had a non-linear narrative. For example, after the film started in media res, it then jumped from the present to the flashbacks of the soldiers' experiences in the war and so on.

This technique really helped to make the film feel dynamic and alive. Another aspect that I felt was noteworthy (and rather unsung to be honest) was the acting. I found that Adam Beach's turn as tormented veteran, Ira Hayes, to be the most powerful performance in the film for me.

In addition, Clint Eastwood's masterful direction skill clearly shines through this movie's near seamless presentation. Overall, I felt that "Flags Of Our Fathers" was a really interesting story that delved into themes involving reluctant heroism, and the price of war.

The film really helps make you realize just who the real heroes are in our world; those or armed forces - living or fallen.