We were planning to see The Prestige, but when we arrived at the theatre, the line-up was bizarrely lengthy, so we had to change our plans.
Main Man wanted to see Flags of our Fathers, and, although I had absolutely no interest, I wanted him to be happy, so I agreed to it.
It was a great movie - on a massive level, it was a movie to be seen - truly fine cinema. (For a genuinely intelligent and thought-provoking review of the movie, see what Main Man has to say about it.)
Still, I spent a major part of this fine film with my hands in front of my eyes.
Saturday night was the first time I watched a war movie through a mother's eyes. I think #1 was three or four years old when I saw Saving Private Ryan, probably the last war movie I saw. I watched it through a wife's eyes. Who thinks of their son going off to war when he's a pre-schooler?
#1 is now taller than I am, though, and is seriously discussing which college he plans to attend. I could see him as one of those boys in the movie. There were times when I felt physical pain as I watched those young men face the horrors of war.
For those of you unfamiliar with the general plot, Flags of our Fathers is the story of the young men who were photographed planting the American flag on Iwo Jima. Only three of them made it home alive.
I should have known the movie would be difficult for me when I was moved by a short scene near the beginning. A simple country woman picks up her newspaper and announces to her son that his brother's picture is on the front page. The teenage boy replies, "You can't even see his face; how do you know that's Harlan?"
The mother replies, "I powdered and diapered that bottom for years. I know that's your brother!"
I'm sure the scene was meant as a bit of comedy relief, but I found the scene rather poignant.
Each one of the young men, when they came home - no matter how they came home - came home to their mothers. None of them were married yet. These really were boys.
On another topic, this movie presents a fascinating look at the subject of heroes. The boys who return home are serenaded by brass bands, adorably harmonizing babettes, and the shouts of fawning admirers. These boys are considered heroes; they are lauded for being the special young men who raised that very famous flag. For one of them, this is just too much. He is horrified by his memories of battle, and considers himself anything but a hero.
Upon considering my thoughts of heroism, I realize that this movie has helped them gel. In my mind, in order to be a hero, one must not feel like a hero. The moment one begins to believe the hype and hoop-la, one immediately stops being a hero.
Tomorrow, our school will be holding its annual Remembrance Day Assembly. It will be a solemn time for the students to take time to think about war, and about how lucky we are to live in peace here at home. Every year, I walk that fine line between trying to help the students understand the horrors of war and making sure I don't scare them. Yesterday, I spoke to them about this movie and about heroes. I hope I helped them understand a bit better what this movie helped me understand a bit better.
8 comments:
I like Clint Eastwood...probably because he's conservative/libertarian. I'll try and watch the movie.
The movie sounds interesting..
What amazes me is what Clint continues to do at his age. He directs, produces and even write the soundtrack for his films - any one of those is a huge challenge. All three is beyond belief.
LM, about the only thing I miss from our days in Mentokville is our movie nights. We haven't been able to replicate that here in Grumpsland, even though we have 15 screens 5 minutes away.
Next year it may change with one of our major activites possibly gone. It'd be cool and we have a perfect family situation. Grumpspouse and BabyGrumps like the same kind of movies while me and GrumpsJr have similar tastes.
Hippo - I think you would like it, although, as I wrote, it is difficult to watch.
Happy - It is interesting, and I'm sure it will be up for some Academy Awards, so well worth seeing (but still difficult).
Grumps - I didn't realize Clint Eastwood's age until I looked it up after you mentioned it. You're right.
I miss our movie nights too. What major activity are you possibly losing?
I think my husband will want to see that movie.
I've heard good things about it.
Good review. I don't see too many movies, but I agree that Clint is still very productive and innovative.
I don't know if I could watch it, but those kind of films make you think afterwards, and also humanise war for people who forget that real lives are affected. That has to be a good thing.
LM - The main activity that BabyGrumps does could be no more. We're committed to ending the year but she's wanting to follow other interests after that. We had a wicked snow yesterday and all stayed home in the evening - we all remarked how relaxing it was to just spend a night at home for a change.
Pissy - I think it is more of a guy's movie, but it is very well done.
Karen - You're right with the "heart torn out" comment. That's exactly how I felt.
Anne-Marie - Movies are one of my passions. I like your comment about movies like these humanising war for people. I have found this Remembrance Day season far more emotional than previous ones, and I think it's because of Flags of Our Fathers.
Grumps - Wow - you will have time on your hands! I heard about the snow in Grumpsville. We've managed to avoid it so far, but it may be heading our way.
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