Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

The American war drama film, Flags of Our Fathers (2006), was directed, co-produced, and scored by Clint Eastwood and written by William Broyles Jr. and Paul Haggis. It is based on the book of the same name written by James Bradley and Ron Powers about the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. The story follows the five Marines and one Navy corpsman involved in raising the flag on Iwo Jima and explores the impact it had on their lives. While Eastwood also directed its companion film, Letters from Iwo Jima, which provides a Japanese perspective on the battle, Flags of Our Fathers focuses on the American point of view. Despite a budget of $90 million, the film only grossed $65.9 million at the box office, but received positive reviews from critics.

As three US servicemen – Marine Private First Class Ira Hayes, Private First Class Rene Gagnon, and Navy Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class John ‘Doc’ Bradley – are hailed as heroes during a war bond campaign, they reflect on their experiences through flashbacks. Following training at Camp Tarawa in Hawaii, the 28th Marine Regiment 5th Marine Division sets sail to invade Iwo Jima. The Navy carries out three days of bombardment on suspected Japanese positions. Sergeant Mike Strank is placed in charge of Second Platoon. On February 19, 1945, the Marines land on Iwo Jima utilizing Higgins boats and LVTs. The shores are eerily quiet and Private First Class Ralph ‘Iggy’ Ignatowski questions if the enemies have all perished before Japanese heavy artillery and machine guns suddenly unleash an onslaught on the advancing troops and naval ships.