Flags of our Fathers

SydneyK · #1 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 · #2 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 · #3 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 · #4 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 · #5 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.

texas*princess · #6 10-21-2006, 02:02 PM

Normally, I try not to watch war-type movies (mainly because of some of the things that happen in the fighting scenes), but this movie was really good. I expected the movie to have a larger audience, but the theatre I was in was not even 1/4 full.

It was a great movie though. I liked the way they explained how it was the second flag, their personal stories, and as someone already mentioned, the "cake scene" was very symbolic as well.

jon1856 · #7 10-21-2006, 10:13 PM

I agree with most of the posters here.
I took in a 12:30 PM show and there may have been 15 people in the seats; some of "a certain generation".
I had read in my local paper ( the books' author lives near by) about the movie so was aware that the story line and time line shifts. I found knowing that helps. Also helpful that I had read the book first. But while not needed to enjoy the movie, if one sees the movie, I would suggest getting the book for a more detailed, fuller understanding of not only the battle but the people involved.

The movie shows heros, what they were and what they are. As shown in movie/book, the term is some times put on someone. As my Uncle told me ( was put up for a Silver Star, awarded the Bronze) he never thought of himself as a hero as all he did was try to stay alive and keep others alive while doing his job, his duty. The hero's were, and are still on the beach, in the fields or the forest. And this is something he just started to talk about in the past few years; a year in his life starting on June 6th.

For those who still can, if you have a father, grandfather or uncle of that generation or mine, sit down with them while you can. That is something I am sorry I can not do now.

And if you go to the move, stay for the credits. Worth the time.

As is reading the authors second book "Fly Boys".

#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.