A couple of comments about the movie:

1. Media reports said it was an older crowd going to see the movie. They were right. When they said older, they weren't kidding. Many in the theater were in their 60s, 70s, even 80s!

2. Should win best picture at the Oscars, but that's my opinion.

3. In the movie, when they raised the flag and the guy said something like "that will be the Marines for the next 500 years" was a great moment. You could tell who the Marines (former Marines) were in the theater at that moment. Some were visibly stirred.

4. Don't leave until the credits are finished. Many were leaving after the movie was over, but then Eastwood showed photos of the real Marines. Everyone froze in the aisles to watch the credits.

It was an excellent movie without a doubt. We had many people that old plus people in their 50s.

Only one person left before the credits ended and he came back and stood watching.

I may just see it again.

One more thing, the movie should be required viewing for all Marines and all Marine wannabes. The flag-raising is the most hallowed/legendary/storied/recognized aspect of the Marines, and it was good to see the event portrayed onscreen.

Eastwood previewed the film to a retired Marine General who was a Captain when he made the landing and he complimented Clint on his blending of archival footage with new film. Clint said that it was the best complement that he could have received because all of the film was new.

I havent seen the movie because i am reading the book for now.

Anyone seen Eastwood's ' companion piece/bookend ' to the flags of Our fathers film? The same story told from the Japanese side of the battle? Stars Ken Watanabe and is said to be actually even better than the first/American side of the story [ told from old letters and memoirs of Japanese soldiers who fought there ] lots of buzz that it could be an Oscar contender.. Eastwood vs Eastwood with both films being nominated!!

that's a coup and a powerful testimonial to Clint's work.

It appears that sub-titles do not sell well in American. This may have to wait for DVD release.

I stumbled across this forum and browsed through its pages and read a good many of the discussion posts including the one concerning The Flag of Our Fathers.

I saw The Flag of Our Fathers and read the book as well and yes, I am in my 50's.

To the marines who are reading this (in or out of the corps), I just want to say thank you for your service to your country. Each of you are flag raisers and when I see and read about what you marines are doing in Iraq and in Afghanastan, I regard you as heroes. I am just one of millions who believe this.

I finaly saw this movie I thought it was pretty good.I saw a Black& White movie many years ago simlar to this one but the other one focused more on Ira Hayes's battle with not being able to except the Hero part and also the lies and turned to alcolism can't say I didn't like the Movie but at the present time we have the same support problem with our Congress.

...and don't forget, one of the flag raisers was a Corpsman!

Saw the movie recently as well, my wife bought the DVD. I read the book years ago, so I was well acquainted with the story.....

The movie was very good...I always think the books are better. But, at least the movie stayed faithful to the book for the most part.

Thanks for the kind words Anton. I retired a little over a year ago from the USMC.

Patoloco, I think of the sacrifice, the courage, the love of country, the willingness to lay down ones life to preserve and defend the things that we take for granted in this country and it fills me with an emotion I cannot put into words. It is you and your brothers and sisters who serve with you that are to be thanked for your service to your country. I wish there were better words than that to say to you.

I truly believe that though you today stand retired from active service, a small but vital part of you will help mold the insignia of your corps long after you and I are no more.