Review of Flags of Our Fathers (2006) by Scott W — 06 Jul 2011

5 years ago, Clint Eastwood was 76 years old and he was still making awesome movies. Of course, this isn't all action. This is a genuinely touching, beautiful work of art, but but its flaws remain quite notable. The film suffers from some lack of development, some abrupt scene changes and inconsistent narrative usage. I also had a problem with how the performances faulted on occasion. The performances are otherwise excellent, - as we'll discuss later - but there are offputting moments in the acting. Of course, that's not the only faulty element in the film.

Most of the visual effects are rock solid. However, there are major points - particularly during the battle sequences - where the visual effects are offputting and actually take you out of the film. Perhaps the visual effects were unconvincing because they didn't fit into the cinematography, which is so vivid and distinctive. Still, that's just one flaw in the cinematography. Outside of that, this is a truly stunningly handsome film, but lord knows that that's not the film's only strength. The film is supported by good dialogue, excellent production designs, mostly good effects, good action sequences, mostly solid acting and a fine ending. Still, it all falls back to the absolutely stunning cinematography.

The most outstanding thing in this has to be the cinematography, which is boderline groundbreaking. I say "borderline" because it's not that much different from the cinematography in "Saving Private Ryan". However, the lighting in here is moderately, but still notably brighter. This allows the film to still retain the dark, grittiness of war, but still keep the film more hopeful. This sharply simulates the mood of the battlefield in a very impacting, but still respectful way. Still, whether you're focusing on the story the cinematography tells or not, there's no denying that that this a truly beautiful film.

Man, what a forced deep review, but at least it's not redundnat. But that's beside the point. Overall, "Flags of Our Fathers" certainly has its flaws, but through it all, it is ultimately a fascinating, handsome and generally touching portrait on what it means to be a hero.