Flags of Our Fathers

Flags of Our Fathers

Flags of Our Fathers is a war movie that focuses mainly on the friendships and camaraderie formed while at war rather than the battles and the action in most war movies. The soldiers in this movie became heroes because of a simple picture that was taken of six men putting an American flag up on Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima. Of the six men only three remained alive, Ira Hayes, John “Doc” Bradley and Rene Gagnon. These three men returned to the United States and held conventions that tried to raise money and bonds in support of the war. All three men were affected differently by the war and it becomes apparent once they are back on the United States soil.

This movie is considered a war movie but it really has more emotion than excitement. Ira Hayes was a Pima Indian who adopted the nickname chief in the movie. He was one of the actors that really showed the emotional affects that war can have on an individual. He was a very honest individual and gets very upset when Rene lies about the individuals whom were in the picture. Ira becomes an alcoholic and drinks constantly trying to remember his fallen soldiers and friends. He really doesn’t want to be recognized as a hero but wants the soldiers who died in the battle to be recognized for their effort. This is something that really affects him and starts to destroy him inside. At one convention he is shown hugging one of his friends and fallen soldiers mother. He can’t help but breakdown and cries his eyes out because of how much he wishes that he could be standing next to his buddy. This was a scene that really showed the true friendships that are created at war even though it can be such a devastating time. Ira Hayes really has a tough time getting over the fact that the right people were no represented in the photograph. Eventually at the end of the movie he is shown walking to one of the soldier’s parent’s home just to inform them that indeed it was their son in the...