Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Ryan Phillippe | ... | John "Doc" Bradley | |
Jesse Bradford | ... | Rene Gagnon | |
Adam Beach | ... | Ira Hayes | |
John Benjamin Hickey | ... | Keyes Beech | |
John Slattery | ... | Bud Gerber | |
Barry Pepper | ... | Mike Strank | |
Jamie Bell | ... | Ralph "Iggy" Ignatowski | |
Paul Walker | ... | Hank Hansen | |
Robert Patrick | ... | Colonel Chandler Johnson | |
Neal McDonough | ... | Captain Severance | |
Melanie Lynskey | ... | Pauline Harnois | |
Tom McCarthy | ... | James Bradley | |
Chris Bauer | ... | Commandant Vandegrift | |
Judith Ivey | ... | Belle Block | |
Myra Turley | ... | Madeline Evelley |
In 1945, the Marines attack twelve thousand Japaneses protecting the twenty square kilometers of the sacred Iwo Jima island in a very violent battle. When they reach the Mount Suribachi and five Marines and one Navy Corpsman raise their flag on the top, the picture becomes a symbol in a post Great Depression America. The government brings the three survivors to America to raise funds for war, bringing hope to desolate people, and making the three men heroes of the war. However, the traumatized trio has difficulty dealing with the image built by their superiors, sharing the heroism with their mates. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of Clint's and Spiel's best. But maybe 'cause it's personal. Old faded medals and photos of from the Philippines campaign in the attic found after dad died. He never spoke much of it, just a warning before I joined the Army in 1974: "Don't." Funny they don't do War Bonds anymore. They just raise taxes and raid savings accounts if u don't pay. I guess that's more direct, and does not require the manufacture and then parade of Heroes that don't want to be named so. Like dad. Faded brown photos of brown people on an island, buddies in arms, smiling on the outside, wounded inside. Bit's of metal, faded ribbon - shrapnel tied up in a flag.
For generations we have been sons of war, and our sons will be fathers of sons of war. Will it end? Perhaps not. Will there be stories like this one told in film or whatever media is next for all generations yet to come, just as there has been for all past? It's a very sad testament to the human condition, but I'll be paying my respect the next time I am in DC with a better understanding of the statue in question.