Flags of our Fathers
Ryan Phillipe, Jamie Bell, Barry Pepper, Paul Walker, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, John Slattery.
Volume 48, No. 22, November 30, 2006

4 Stars

A PICTURE says a thousand words, and as any military PR person would tell you, can make or break public perception of a conflict.

Flags of our Fathers is the story behind the famous flag raising on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The picture is used to sway public opinion on the high casualty rates and raise money for the war effort. The soldiers in the picture try to explain their flag wasn’t the first raised that day, just the first photographed. They aren’t comfortable with their popularity or being used as pawns to raise money while their corpsmen are still fighting and being killed. It disgusts them that the families of the first flag raisers aren’t recognised or remembered.

This film, typical of Clint Eastwood’s direction, is unassuming and brilliant. There are no over-the-top US-style heroic battle scenes, just guys getting on with the job. If there’s one military film to see this year, this is it.

– Lt Simone Heyer

A Good Life
Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Albert Finney, Freddie Highmore, Abbie Cornish.

4 Stars

IT’S unusual to see Russell Crowe in a romantic comedy role – with a rather stilted Pommy accent. That’s not to say he’s no good at it. Versatility is the key to good acting, and despite negative publicity, Russ is a good actor.

A Good Life is Russ trying a new role. He plays a ridiculously wealthy stockbroker, Max Skinner, living the high life – until his dear uncle dies. There’s no will, so Max as the only relative will inherit the chateau and vineyards in Provence, all he has to do is sign some papers.

Once back at the chateau, Max has grand memories of his childhood holidays come flooding back. Playing tennis with his uncle, making special friends, and learning how to be a good man, remind him there’s more to the old house than a few million euro.

Director Ridley Scott turns his hand from action to comedy in a beautifully set and composed film. You can’t go wrong with Provence as a backdrop. The light, sunny area Max relates to happiness makes a distinct difference from his busy life in dreary London.

Russ isn’t too bad as a romantic lead – it’s just a role we’re not used to seeing him play.

– Lt Simone Heyer