DVD Review: “Flags of Our Fathers”

This is now seen as the first half of a two-parter: World War II’s famous battle of Iwo Jima from the American standpoint, with Letters From Iwo Jima (also Eastwood’s project, still in theaters) looking at the conflict from the Japanese side. Iwo Jima, which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, is now considered to be the better of the two. Co-produced by Steven Spielberg, Flags is competently made and acted (with Beach particularly memorable), but it’s an uneven experience: stunning visuals and moments in battle can’t quite overcome sketchy characterizations. Eastwood also wrote the music, which prompts me to suggest that he hire a professional composer for future projects. No extras on the disc.