Film Fetish: "Flags Of Our Fathers"

Flags Of Our Fathers (2006)
- directed by Clint Eastwood

Based on the best-selling nonfiction book of the same name, Flags Of Our Fathers takes place during World War II and follows the story of three soldiers whose lives are forever changed as a result of being "photographed" during the famous flag raising on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima.

Although I've only seen a few of Clint Eastwood's films, I'd definitely say I'm a fan of his work. I'm somewhat ambivalent toward this film however. It had all the great makings for a movie that I would enjoy: it's directed by Eastwood, it's based upon true events, it takes place during WWII, it's about war and humanity in the face of it, its focus is on the Pacific Theater, it has a great cast, beautiful cinematography, etc. The list could go on.

While I don't think the movie is in anyway bad, it did manage to fall flat for me. I had great hopes and expectations for the movie, which ultimately might be why I was disappointed. Certainly you would think that's the reason, but I still contend that there's nothing terribly gripping or engaging about the emotional story behind the film. It hit some perfect notes, but only briefly. There wasn't anything particularly profound about its meditation on heroism. And on a technical level, I found the editing/storytelling very annoying and at times frustrating. So much so that I was pulled out of the story at moments to ponder the reasoning behind these editing decisions. It all seemed nonsensical and intrusive. I know it sounds like I'm being harsh, but I really didn't hate the movie. Although, I wasn't in love with it either. Just sorta lukewarm about the entire experience. I suppose I'd ultimately recommend the film to anyone with a passing interest in WWII films, and certainly to those with a love for gripping action sequences.

6.5/10 Despite some misfired approaches toward the actual storytelling and editing of the film, it's certainly worth a viewing for anyone with a modest interest in WWII, The Pacific Theater, and wartime action sequences.

DS333, lukewarm.