Paramount+ recently added an amazing Dollars Trilogy. From there, he originated other iconic roles in projects like Dirty Harry. Later, he gained recognition for directing his own films, such as Gran Torino and Million Dollar Baby.

Although Clintwood is often recognized for his Western projects, he has also had a solid streak in the war genre. As an actor, Eastwood appeared in war movies such as Where Eagles Dare, Kelly's Heroes, and In the Line of Fire. Meanwhile, as a director, Clintwood has directed war dramas such as Heartbreak Ridge, Letters to Iwo Jima, and American Sniper. Ultimately, Eastwood's war movies are not just reflections of his interest in the genre, but are some of his best movies to date. Therefore, Paramount+'s new addition is definitely worth checking out.

Flags Of Our Fathers Is A Very Good Clint Eastwood War Movie

What Critics Have Said About Flags Of Our Fathers

Starting April 1, 2025, Paramount+ is streaming Eastwood's 2006 war movie, Flags of Our Fathers. The film is set during the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima, and in particular, focuses on the men in the iconic wartime picture of soldiers raising the American flag on Iwo Jima. Based on a book of the same name, Flags of Our Fathers explores the efforts of these men and their futures after this photographic moment, whether they lived to see themselves become heroes or faced tragic fates before the war's end. Eastwood directed, while the movie stars Ryan Phillippe and Paul Walker.

Though Flags of Our Fathers certainly frames these men as heroes, the movie also doesn't shy away from portraying them as humans whose stories did not always have happy endings.

Flags of Our Fathers is a very good war movie. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a Certified Fresh 76% critics score. Reviewers praised Eastwood for his unflinching look at this moment in American history. Though Flags of Our Fathers certainly frames these men as heroes, the movie also doesn't shy away from portraying them as humans whose stories did not always have happy endings. In this way, Flags of Our Fathers tells a difficult and important story about war and the tragedy that often befalls men fighting for their country.

Flags Of Our Fathers Is A Companion To Another Clint Eastwood War Movie

What Letters From Iwo Jima Is About

Flags of Our Fathers is a great watch for those interested in World War II and war movies, but it is also a particularly unique watch because it comes with a companion movie. Just a couple of months after releasing Flags of Our Fathers, Eastwood premiered a companion piece called Letters to Iwo Jima. The movies were filmed back-to-back, and though they don't have to be watched together, audiences will likely have a fuller experience by watching them together. Like Flags of Our Fathers, Letters to Iwo Jima was positively received, with a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

While Flags of Our Fathers follows the American perspective on the Battle of Iwo Jima, Letters from Iwo Jima depicts the Japanese viewpoint. The movie delves into the lives of certain Japanese soldiers who put up a strong defense, despite knowing that their efforts would be futile. Letters from Iwo Jima does not set out to contradict Flags of Our Fathers, but instead, complicates the narrative by showing the humanity of both sides. With these movies, Eastwood is not trying to depict a hero and a villain, but two groups of men who are far more similar than they realize.

Which Clint Eastwood War Movie Is Better?

Why Flags Of Our Fathers & Letters From Iwo Jima Are Eastwood's Best

In comparing the two movies, many would likely say that Letters from Iwo Jima is better than Flags of Our Fathers. Mainly, this is because Letters of Iwo Jima is a more complex and impressive film. It is one thing for an American director to make a movie about Americans in World War II, but to make a film depicting the "enemy" viewpoint, almost entirely in their own language, is far more irable. Eastwood brings empathy and complexity to both narratives, but Letters from Iwo Jima stands out more among the pair.

Regardless, both Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima are fantastic Eastwood movies. Arguably, they are two of his best war movies to date. Eastwood is known for his rugged, bleak atmospheres and his morally ambiguous topics, and these war movies achieve both of these things at the highest level. Beyond that, they tackle themes and events that are incredibly important, even 20 years later. Now that both movies are on Paramount+, it is a perfect opportunity for audiences to get a taste of some of Clint Eastwood's best films.