DVD Review: Flags of Our Fathers

By Patrick Luce Feb 6, 2007, 14:23 GMT

The movie examines not only the story of one of the most recognizable images in American history, but the story of the men behind that image.

Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers tells the story of the men responsible for the Pulitzer prize-winning photograph of five US Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the US flag on Iwo Jima, and how the three surviving men were forced to hold up under the pressure of being called “heroes.” The movie is a dark tale of one of the country’s brightest moments of World War II, and could possibly be one of the best war movies ever made.

Based on the non-fiction book by James Bradley (with Ron Powers), Flags of Our Fathers was adapted by screenwriter Paul Haggis (William Broyles Jr. also had a hand in the screenplay), directed by Eastwood, and stars Ryan Phillippe as John "Doc" Bradley, Jesse Bradford as Rene Gagnon, and Adam Beach as Ira Hayes. Although the movie has solid performances from a very large cast, these three men make up the main characters, and much of the film’s emotion rest on their shoulders. I will say up front that I have not read the book (which I was told goes into more detail about the three men), but was told that the film does a good job of staying true to its source.

The “heroes”

For the film, Eastwood uses the Iwo Jima battle as a backdrop for his story of how this one incident would forever change the lives of these three men. Eastwood places the main Iwo Jima battle throughout the film with sharp cuts and flashbacks. These flashbacks are seen through the eyes of the main characters at various key parts of the movie.

This technique really works and keeps the audience remembering how horrific the fighting was, and how it affected these three men. The audience is never able to calm down from the gore and horror of the “big battle” because it continues to play throughout the movie. It also helps the audience identify more with the three main characters and what they are going through on the screen.

In February, 1945, one of the fiercest battles of the Pacific theater of World War II occurred on the tiny island of Iwo Jima. Thousands of Marines attacked the stronghold maintained by thousands of Japanese, and the slaughter on both sides was horrific. Early in the battle, an American flag was raised atop the high point of Mount Suribachi, and a photograph of that raising has become an American iconic image.

At the time the photograph was taken, it was seen as a powerful inspiration to the American people who were beginning to grow tired of a war with no clear end in site. The photograph was believed to be a way to get the public back behind the Allied cause, and more importantly get them buying bonds to help fund the war. To help sale the idea, the government arranged for the three surviving flag raisers (Rene Gagnon, John Bradley, and Ira Hayes) to come back to the United States and do a promotional tour. They were greeted as heroes everywhere they went, and were treated like kings by the public.

However, the term “heroes” and all the cheers quickly begin to tear on the three survivors – who are still dealing with what happened on the island, and what they were forced to do there. Throughout the movie, each of the three men are forced to deal with the grief they feel for their lost friends, and with the fact people call them hero simply for being in a photograph.

All three of the actors are excellent in their roles, and really help carry the emotions of the movie. Adam Beach makes the audience identify with Ira Hayes and the grief he is going through for simply surviving the battle. His story is probably the darkest of the film, and Beach brings all the emotion and torment to his performance. Hayes hates being called a hero and wants no part of the tour. He didn’t even want to be identified in the picture. The success and tour drive him further into despair, and seems to ruin his life.

Phillippe also does a good job in the film and helps the audience see the war through a sort of “everyman” view. He is easy to identify with and Phillippe seems to approach the role as just a common soldier. He too isn’t comfortable with being called a hero, but is willing to do the tour simply because he is under orders and it will help with the war.

Bradford’s Rene Gagnon seems the most comfortable with being called a hero, and all the accolades that come with the term. While his character does go through a journey in the film, it doesn’t seem as emotional as the other two men. His character is eager to achieve glory in the war, and use that glory to help set him up for the rest of his life. He sees the tour as a way to achieve that easy path, but begins to face his own demons from the battle as the film continues. At times, he is the complete opposite of Hayes, and not very likeable. Bradford does a good job with the character, and making him a contrast from what the other actors are doing on the screen.

If I have any complaints, they are with the DVD which is totally void of any special features. With this type of movie, it is clear that there should be a wealth of bonus material to go along with the DVD release, and the lack of features screams that a double dip “special edition” is going to be on the way. While the film is good enough to warrant another purchase, the lack of any features makes this version really not worth buying.

Meeting the President of the United States

Flags of Our Fathers is a great movie, and one that deserves to be seen – even if you don’t like war films. The movie examines not only the story of one of the most recognizable images in American history, but the story of the men behind that image. Eastwood gives the film a unique look, and keeps you locked into what is happening on the screen. The actors all do a solid job in their roles and bringing the emotion behind their characters to life. I would highly recommend taking the time to see Flags of Our Fathers.

Flags of Our Fathers is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.