America is notorious for our war
and action films. Flags of our Fathers
is one of the best representations of American war history you can find. One
scene that sticks out to me is the literal raising of the second flag at the
top of the mountain. It is not necessarily the climax of the film; however, it
is what the entire film is based around. Director Clint Eastwood does a
wonderful job of making the viewer feel like you are watching the literal
raising of the flag as if you are there. There is so much work and effort put
into a simple minute long scene. From camera angles to timing and background,
the scene is perfect in every way. It is
no wonder that it influenced me so severely. The mood is serious and profound,
with little time for thought because the action continues with more war scenes.
It leaves the viewer to digest the scene and the back of your mind. For me, the
freeze frames of the actual shots were the most impactful parts of the scene. It
sent shivers down my spine. It was as if I were the photographer taking the
famous pictures and fueling the moral of America with one single image. Even though
the men who raised the flag were considered heroes, the true heroes were the
men who gave their life to protect America. Throughout the film, the raisers of
the second flag deny being a hero because they feel the same way. Seeing all of
their friends die and then they get sent back for raising a flag. They are
ashamed and do not feel like heroes at all.
