Release of Flags of Our Fathers

Flags of Our Fathers is a poignant war drama film released in 2006, directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the bestselling book by James Bradley and Ron Powers. The film chronicles the story behind the iconic photograph of six U.S. Marines raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Rather than focusing solely on combat, Eastwood shifts the lens to the aftermath of war and the emotional toll on the soldiers hailed as heroes. It’s a reflective examination of identity, sacrifice, and the often painful truth behind national symbols and public recognition. Through its powerful storytelling and gritty realism, Flags of Our Fathers challenges the glorified image of war and delves into the inner lives of the surviving flag-raisers. The film juxtaposes brutal battlefield sequences with the disorienting world of post-war propaganda and public appearances, revealing how deeply these young men struggled with fame and trauma. Eastwood’s direction is thoughtful and grounded, bringing both human vulnerability and historical depth to a story that honors the unsung struggles of veterans who carry invisible wounds.