Post by Paul Dudbridge on Jan 13, 2007 15:50:07 GMT
Clint delivers a *** 1/2...
Flags tells the story of the "heroes" of Iwo Jima in Feb 1945. After landing on the beaches to take the island the men raise the American flag on top of the island only to have it taken down to be given to an American general. When the soldiers replace the flag a photographer takes a picture of them doing it and the US media turn these men into heroes, when in reality they weren't the original men who raised the flag and guilt follows.
As expected Clint does his usual thing. It's slow burning and evenly paced. Flashing back and forth from the island invasion to the aftermath when the army and the media are displaying the "heroes" all over the country to raise money for the war effort.
The visual effects are spot on, with the planes flying and the battle ships docking on the beaches. What I was worried about most and was somehow so reassured was by the beach invasion. With the film produced by Spielberg comparisons to Saving Private Ryan are inevitable. However, Clint manages to make his images his own not falling into the trap of an excellent reproduction of Ryan.
Clint also demonstrates the skill of not having to show things. The way we might know a solider has been killed at the hands of the enemy but that doesn't mean we have to see it. Not just in the gore side either.
A nice iconic display is when the heroes are treated to dinner and with the dessert being ice cream models of the famous statue of the men raising the flag, only for the waiter to ask is they wouldn't like chocolate or strawberry sauce. With the red sauce dripping over the china white soldiers, we see the reaction of the solider and we're out. No dialogue or over acting required...
The follow up "Letters from Iwo Jima" showing the other side of the battle is out later this year.
Flags tells the story of the "heroes" of Iwo Jima in Feb 1945. After landing on the beaches to take the island the men raise the American flag on top of the island only to have it taken down to be given to an American general. When the soldiers replace the flag a photographer takes a picture of them doing it and the US media turn these men into heroes, when in reality they weren't the original men who raised the flag and guilt follows.
As expected Clint does his usual thing. It's slow burning and evenly paced. Flashing back and forth from the island invasion to the aftermath when the army and the media are displaying the "heroes" all over the country to raise money for the war effort.
The visual effects are spot on, with the planes flying and the battle ships docking on the beaches. What I was worried about most and was somehow so reassured was by the beach invasion. With the film produced by Spielberg comparisons to Saving Private Ryan are inevitable. However, Clint manages to make his images his own not falling into the trap of an excellent reproduction of Ryan.
Clint also demonstrates the skill of not having to show things. The way we might know a solider has been killed at the hands of the enemy but that doesn't mean we have to see it. Not just in the gore side either.
A nice iconic display is when the heroes are treated to dinner and with the dessert being ice cream models of the famous statue of the men raising the flag, only for the waiter to ask is they wouldn't like chocolate or strawberry sauce. With the red sauce dripping over the china white soldiers, we see the reaction of the solider and we're out. No dialogue or over acting required...
The follow up "Letters from Iwo Jima" showing the other side of the battle is out later this year.