Flags of Our Fathers is a 2006 war drama film, directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the book of the same name by James Bradley and Ron Powers. The movie follows the lives of three American servicemen who are hailed as heroes after a photograph of them raising the American flag is taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
The film explores the impact of patriotism, heroism, and sacrifice on both the servicemen and their families back home through flashbacks and interviews. John 'Doc' Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes struggle to adjust to their newfound celebrity status and deal with the trauma of war and the guilt of leaving behind their fallen comrades.
The movie also sheds light on the controversy surrounding the flag-raising photograph, as it was later revealed that it was not the first flag-raising on the island and was staged for propaganda purposes.
Overall, Flags of Our Fathers is a powerful and moving portrayal of the sacrifices made by American servicemen during World War II and the impact it had on their lives both during and after the war.