Review of Flags of Our Fathers (2006) by Mark K — 29 Aug 2010

One of the best anti-war films made that still honors the men who fought. This film isn't for people looking for action for the sake of action -- that's far from its premise. It strives to give us an understanding of symbolism, propaganda, and heroism. It's a carefully crafted film that strives for the authenticity of what honor is, and what happens to men at war, even when the cause is just.

Eastwood has captured the tedium, the confusion, and the brutality of the Pacific island campaign through the eyes of its protagonists -- all of them very different men. He's also successful at capturing the need for heroes back home, and the 'machine' that fed that need has only improved with time in our modern day world. If the film lacks anything, its more of the desperate camaraderie of the men who fought on Iwo Jima. Even so, it exactly captures the power of one image, made in a mundane moment. We understand the pain the men went through to reach that point, and to go beyond.

It's also an ambitious project that spawned the twin film, which is even better, in many ways.

Technically, the film is flawless, and the performances are excellent. It may not be the best Eastwood film or the best film of its type, but its still a film to see.