film, flags and only minor flaws ~

[lookingland]

watched eastwood's Flags of our Fathers and liked it. good story, nicely put together, and a nicely anonymous cast for the most part, though barry pepper in fatigues is starting to get to be a bit much for me (not that there's anything wrong with him, i just don't think i have ever seen him wearing anything else, ever). i'm really looking forward to seeing Letters from Iwo Jima when it comes out in may (which i have heard is even better).

i think the ending on this one drags on a little bit (and is a tad redundant) ~ eastwood prolly could have shaved off enough of it to bring it in closer to the 2-hour mark. but i will say this: that scene where they go into the cave to see what the Japanese have done to Iggy seals in my mind that clint eastwood really knows what he's doing as a filmmaker and is easily up there among the other greats. it's an amazing moment ~ best in the whole movie and certainly one of the most powerful shots i've seen in a film.

so, thumbs up in spite of a bit of drag. very anxious to see the sequel ~

Comments

[bachsoprano.livejournal.com]

I went to school with Barry Pepper (my one and only claim to fame). He starred in an excellent Canadian indie film a couple of years ago called "The Snow Walker", sans fatigues. I imagine you might have trouble finding it, but I highly recommend it. It has Inuits, but no were-seals....:)

[seraphimsigrist.livejournal.com]

I hope it is essentially proAmerican?
The publicity rather played up the
cheapness and mendacity of the use of
the heros but the event was honorable
and necessary...
+S

[cathellisen.livejournal.com]

You know, I'm scared every time I see Mr Eastwood on the telly - he looks so frail. I keep thinking he's going to drop dead right there. It makes me realise how quickly the years are going, The Dirty Harry stuff doesn't seem *that* long ago, and yet thye are.

[java-fiend.livejournal.com]

I had been wanting to see this one... thanks for the review. :-)