Review of Flags of Our Fathers (2006) by Mike J — 14 Jul 2011

Heroes. The word heroes is often characterized with a positive meaning. For the heroes of Iwo Jima it could only mean the opposite. Flags of our Fathers shows the bitter side to the flag raising of Iwo Jima on top of Mount Suribachi.

The movie shows in great detail what it really means to be a hero, what your life will be like afterwards, and how unfortunate some people ended up. The film accurately shows how common men are transformed in a time of war, and how after the war is over how they will re-adapt to regular civilian life.

Clint Eastwood beautifully made a masterpiece film with the combination of the storyline, realistic settings and Japanese tactics. Other than the not so glorious story behind the flag raising, the heroes were in my opinion used to people to buy war bonds to help out the military.

Ira Hayes(Adam Beach) however, didn't want anything to do with the "hero" life, all he wanted was to fight for his country, nothing more and nothing less. The movie ended with a brief summary of each of the flag raisers' lives.

All in all, Clint Eastwood directed a terrific movie, although some things could have been added, and a couple could have been left out, as a whole this movie was wonderful and a great watch in my opinion.