Blood squirts and limbs fly across the screen in Clint Eastwood’s latest project (based on the book by James Bradley and produced by Stephen Spielberg), a harshly honest film depicting the fight for control of the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The movie delves into the postwar lives of the six flag raisers in the famous photo taken atop Mount Suribachi, while managing to stay away from the “Pearl Harbor” and “Saving Private Ryan” war-movie stereotype by maintaining a shockingly neutral position on the necessity of war.
With a handsome cast of Hollywood heartthrobs including Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford and Paul Walker, “Flags of Our Fathers” promises to attract a diverse audience including both die-hard action lovers and boy-crazy teens. Much to the latter’s disappointment, however, this film was not made for those with weak stomachs. Beheaded soldiers and dirt-filled wounds don’t exactly go well with buttery popcorn. Despite the incredible cinematography, a good portion of the movie focuses on the gruesome, cringe-inducing violence that takes place on the battlefield — the fight over Iwo Jima was one of the most devastating in history, and the last thing Eastwood (known for his gritty, no-tears style) tries to do is sugarcoat it.
Luckily for those of us who can only enjoy blood and guts for so long, the movie then puts a unique focus on the idea of postwar life. It sheds light on the government’s ulterior motives and PR manipulation, the result of instant fame for the flag raisers and the ultimate disappointment that results from giving people hope in times of despair. For a cast made up of teen poster boys and bad-action-movie vets, the film is exploding with raw, realistic performances.
“Flags of Our Fathers” demands that our country question its definition of a hero, as well as what defines honor and loyalty. The actors’ monologues send chills down the spine and put us directly into the soldiers’ shoes, a thought-provoking experience that makes 2006’s token war movie stand out as an admirably successful representation of reality.
