Paddy Corry’s Movie Reviews recently reviewed Flags of our Fathers. All in all, it wasn’t a particularly positive review, with criticisms of the long-winded, slow-moving and somewhat confusing manner in which the story was told.

They are undoubtedly valid criticisms, and the film could certainly have done with shedding a few minutes in the editing room. However, despite that, Flags of Our Fathers stands as one of the most unique, freshest war films in years. This was certainly not war-porn: the battle scenes, while visceral, were more harrowing than adrenaline-pumping, popcorn-munching enjoyable. But nor did it veer too much in the opposite direction - the depiction of war was not overly sentimental and didn’t seek to pull on the heart strings with every scene.

Indeed, it’s not the scenes on the island that have the most emotional impact. Rather it’s the scenes in America that stir feelings in the viewer. The soldiers being manipulated into accepting the accolades for what they saw as a trivial event (and which some were not even a part of), and being turned into nothing more than marketing tools by the Army was frankly much more disgusting than seeing yet another soldier with his intestines dribbling onto his lap. Over-exposure has weakened the effects on the viewer of actual warfare, and this was a worthwhile attempt by Eastwood to re-engage the audience in the topic by focusing on a rather different aspect. It’s not perfect, but it’s a definite breath of fresh air in the genre nonetheless.

Letters From Iwo Jima

However, of the two Owi Jima films, Letters From Iwo Jima deserves the praise. Originally conceived as little more than an afterthought, it too offered a new take on a stale genre.

Told from the eyes of the entrenched Japanese soldiers on the island, we are presented with a very human portrayal of the Japanese. Too often in war movies are ‘the enemy’ presented as little more than two-dimensional evil-doers, in stark contrast to the whiter-than-white allied forces. As such, Letters From… should be commended for breaking the norm. Indeed, not only does it do this, but in some scenes even paints the American forces in a barborous, mal-educated negative light. This was a particularly brave decision, considering the political climate and public sentiment in America.

At times it sails too close to racial stereotypes, and certain scenes do seem out of place and at odds with the tone of the film as a whole. However, much like Flags…, this film chooses to take the path less trodden, and is all the better for it.