Flags of our Fathers
Leave it to Clint Eastwood to make a tear-jerker. First with "Million Dollar Baby" and now with "Flags of our Fathers," Eastwood has learned the art of tugging at the heart strings. He's also learned how to win some big-time awards, including an Oscar.,”
Leave it to Clint Eastwood to make a tear-jerker. First with "Million Dollar Baby" and now with "Flags of our Fathers," Eastwood has learned the art of tugging at the heartstrings.
He's also learned how to win some big-time awards, including the Best Picture Oscar in 2004 for "Million Dollar Baby." Eastwood's companion film to "Flags of Our Fathers," "Iwo Jima," is nominated for an Academy Award this year.
One of the most gruesome battles of World War II occurred on the tiny island of Iwo Jima. Thousands of American Marines attack thousands of Japanese, and the slaughter and loss on both sides is horrendous. Early in the battle, an American flag was raised on top the highest point, Mount Suribachi. The photograph snapped of the men raising the flag has become the celebratory symbol of patriotism and U.S. pride.
The photo became an inspiration and a symbol of the Allied cause. The three surviving flag raisers, Rene Gagnon (Jesse Bradford), John Bradley (Ryan Phillippe) and Ira Hayes (Adam Beach), are taken back to the states to help raise funds for the war effort.
But the praises at home are not enough for the men to forget the realities of war. Each knows the real heroes lie dead on Iwo Jima.
"Flags of our Fathers" plays at the Varsity Friday at 9 p.m., but it's aready sold out, so if you don't have a ticket it looks like you'll need to go to Blockbuster.
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