It’s
said that a picture can say a thousand words. What would those words
be if they were audible? It would certainly be the truth of matters.
In the epic tale, Flags of Our Fathers, we find that when looking
at a picture, we often find it easier to make up our own version of
the story rather than the actual truth.
This WWII drama is directed by cinema icon, Clint Eastwood. It is
based on the story of three soldiers: John “Doc” Bradley
(Ryan Phillipe), Rene Gagnon (Jesse Bradford) and Ira Hayes (Adam
Beach), turned heroes in the public eye for a task which they took
little or no part in. Before a most gruesome battle at Iwo Jima, six
men raised an American flag at the top of a mountain in the island
signifying American victory. Photographs of the flag raising hit the
papers and the soldiers soon became war heroes. As the soldiers get
immense recognition from their many enthusiasts, they begin to feel
guilt for receiving respect they did not deserve.
The story also tells us a little about their lives after the war and
what they thought about the confusion of the picture at Iwo Jima.
I believe that Clint Eastwood did a fine job with this film, of inciting
his audience about what our soldiers go through fighting for this
country. The film is geared towards more of a mature audience and
several who may enjoy history and drama.
I would definitely not recommend this picture to a younger audience,
due to its serious content. I personally enjoyed the film in an educational
aspect. One thing I did not enjoy was the intense gore from battle
scenes.
Eastwood did a fine job in bringing back the memory of these soldiers
who were soon forgotten after the war. Overall it was pretty good
film.
