Flags of our Fathers

MysticCat · #1 10-20-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

I heard on the news this morning that one of the men was from Arizona. They (the news station) won't actually be talking about it until this evening, so I'll have to watch the 5 o'clock news. I guess the man actually lost a battle to alcohol (shrugging my shoulders since that is what the news said). They mentioned his name very briefly but I didn't catch it.

That would be Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian from the Gila River Indian Community. He did suffer from survivor guilt, depression and alcoholism after the war.

A song about him, The Ballad of Ira Hayes, was recorded by Johnny Cash in 1964.

ASUADPi · #2 10-20-2006, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

That would be Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian from the Gila River Indian Community. He did suffer from survivor guilt, depression and alcoholism after the war.

A song about him, The Ballad of Ira Hayes, was recorded by Johnny Cash in 1964.

Thanks

SydneyK · #3 10-20-2006, 02:57 PM

I've heard that the monument in DC depicting this scene has 13 hands (two of each of the six men (obviously), plus the hand of God). Has anyone else heard this? Is it true or just a myth?

MysticCat · #4 10-20-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SydneyK

I've heard that the monument in DC depicting this scene has 13 hands (two of each of the six men (obviously), plus the hand of God). Has anyone else heard this? Is it true or just a myth?

Some people say that if you look at the monument from exactly the right angle, you can see a 13th hand, but it's urban legend.

LaneSig · #5 10-20-2006, 03:59 PM

There is a great back story about the man who is closest to the ground. But, I don't want to ruin it for those of you who haven't read the book or plan to see the movie. But, it's really a great story.

RACooper · #6 10-20-2006, 09:20 PM

Well, just got back from seeing it... and I gotta say that it wasn't the movie I was expecting at all. The film was great, but don't go expecting a gung-ho or yeah America picture - the film deals more with the personal story of those who raised the flag.

Anyways Eastwood did a very interesting job of examining the meaning of "hero" as well as the use of propaganda and heroes - and the impact this has on some "unfortunate" enough to be a hero.

The most memorable scene for me and others watching the film (without spoiling anything for anyone) would be the "cake scene"... I hope you all understand when you see it.

Finally one of the generals mentioned that Eastwood was planning/hoping to do a follow-up to the film dealing with the Japanese side "Letters from Iwo Jima" - I hope he goes through with it.

Drolefille · #7 10-21-2006, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACooper

Well, just got back from seeing it... and I gotta say that it wasn't the movie I was expecting at all. The film was great, but don't go expecting a gung-ho or yeah America picture - the film deals more with the personal story of those who raised the flag.

Anyways Eastwood did a very interesting job of examining the meaning of "hero" as well as the use of propaganda and heroes - and the impact this has on some "unfortunate" enough to be a hero.

The most memorable scene for me and others watching the film (without spoiling anything for anyone) would be the "cake scene"... I hope you all understand when you see it.

Finally one of the generals mentioned that Eastwood was planning/hoping to do a follow-up to the film dealing with the Japanese side "Letters from Iwo Jima" - I hope he goes through with it.

Letters from Iwo Jima is opening in Japan (not sure of the date) but will eventually be in the US w/ subtitles.

#8 10-20-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaneSig

There is a great back story about the man who is closest to the ground. But, I don't want to ruin it for those of you who haven't read the book or plan to see the movie. But, it's really a great story.

I was able to finish the book during the earthquake/power outage. I must say that all the men had interesting backgrounds leading up to the flag raising, and I can't wait to see the movie. I'm particularly interested in seeing the portrayal of their Sgt. Mike Strank.