Deadly yet invisible, they spent days and nights in sauna-like stipulations, with meals and water provides operating out speedy, killing as many enemies as they can prior to, in lots of situations, blowing themselves up. No ask yourself the marines considered their enemies as rats who needed to be burned out in their holes with flamethrowers. Many americans on Iwo Jima had the phrases “Rodent Exterminator” stenciled on their helmets. 2 you understand that Eastwood has made a hugely strange warfare motion picture correct from the start of Flags of Our Fathers, while the united states military steams towards Iwo Jima in complete strength. now not but figuring out rather what’s in shop for them, the younger squaddies nonetheless have time to cheer the bombers streaking overhead, as if they're at a soccer game—just because the viewers is invited to do in additional traditional photos. One guy, in his pleasure, falls overboard. The good-natured laughter of his associates all of sudden freezes once they detect that no send goes to prevent for one person marine thrashing approximately within the ocean. The warfare desktop rolls on. “So a lot for leaving no guy behind,” mutters document (Ryan Phillippe) less than his breath. a lot is made within the movie of the truth that those infantrymen didn't consider themselves as heroes. They have been traditional younger males despatched right into a hellish position, from which all vibrant colour has been tired within the movie, as if the sulfurous panorama itself is useless. All you may do, within the phrases of Hayes, was once to “try and prevent getting shot. ” even supposing the tale is headquartered round document, the main fascinating personality within the movie is Hayes, fantastically acted by means of Adam seashore, who grew up on an Indian reservation himself. Of the 3, Hayes was once the main committed soldier. army provider provided an break out from poverty and degradation. the united states Marine Corps was once the 1st and merely American establishment the place he felt accredited. Nicknamed leader Falling Cloud, he was once well-liked by his fellow squaddies, and he repaid them along with his loyalty. this is often proven within the motion picture in quite a few methods. Hayes by no means desired to go away his unit to hitch the promotional hoopla within the US. he's the person who cracks up at an reputable functionality whilst he meets the mum of Sergeant Strank (Barry Pepper), one of many flag-raisers who used to be killed quickly in a while. “Mike, Mike,” he sobs, “he used to be a hero. most sensible marine I ever met. ” That Hayes survived, simply to be paraded round soccer stadiums and reception halls to be able to promote conflict bonds, fills him with disgrace. There are moments within the movie while the phoniness triggers frightening visions for the survivors. Firecrackers and roaring crowds sound like mortars and gunfire, and thoughts come flooding again of pals left at the back of screaming. At an professional dinner party, the place “the heroes” are served a dessert within the form of Mount Suribachi with the flag raised on best, the soaring waiter whispers “Chocolate or strawberry? ” prior to protecting the sugary scene with blood-red sauce. That a few bars nonetheless refuse to serve Hayes, as an Indian, provides to his experience of displacement and humiliation. inebriated and brawling, he's referred to as a “disgrace to his uniform” by way of one of many army promoters, and eventually he will get despatched again to the conflict entrance, the one position he felt revered, and in a roundabout way, might be, at domestic.