It was a photograph that touched a nation in the midst of war. Six men raised the American flag over Iwo Jima, the island fortress of Japan, in the last days of World War II. The photograph re-kindled the American spirit to fight even as the Allied forces suffered terrible losses. But the real circumstances behind the photo were less inspiring. Three of the six men would be killed in the weeks following Iwo Jima. The other three were reassigned to the war publicity machine in an effort to find funding for the military. Rene Gagnon (played by Jesse Bradford) was happy to be off the front lines and living in comfort. John "Doc" Bradley (Ryan Phillippe) was plagued by the memories of his dead comrades. Ira Hayes (Adam Beach) was a hero of Iwo Jima but he still had to face prejudice for being an American Indian. All three experienced the brutality of war and each had to deal with their own demons.
Flags of Our Fathers is not for the weak of stomach, as scenes can be very graphic. It is a realistic view of the impact of war, frame by bloody frame. It is, however, ultimately about the emotional struggles soldiers had to deal with. Certain sequences are told in flashback juxtaposed with scenes from the "present", which can create some confusion with viewers. Adam Beach has the most demanding role of all. His character descends into depression fueled by generous amounts of alcohol while dealing with his guilt of being away from his brothers in arms. It is a role he performs competently, if not brilliantly.
Stars Ryan Philippe, Jesse Bradford, and Adam Beach. Directed by Clint Eastwood.
Opens in Philippine theaters November 29
