'Last Flag Flying' by Richard Linklater Review: A deeply human story on loss, patriotism, and connection

in Movies & TV Showslast year

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I have been watching a few comedies lately, mostly from the early 2000s with a unique style that just isn't present within modern filmmaking. Relaxed, not so serious, with a wide range of interesting characters that add to the laughs in their own ways. To continue with this trend, I browsed through the comedies category on Amazon Prime Video in search of something similar to watch tonight. Something easy to relax to, with a light-hearted nature. I came across Last Flag Flying within this category and noticed the interesting cast immediately. Pulling me in and having me curious as to how this aged group of talented individuals would function together. Laurence Fishburne, Steve Carell, and Bryan Cranston are the leads here. On their own they have quite the careers, impressive performances but much variety in them. I have to say, I really didn't expect to stumble across this little gem. It was the first time I had heard of it, and a wonderful surprise.

Last Flag Flying is definitely not a comedy. In fact it is a tragedy. A film that explores various themes in such a balanced, human manner that actually left me feeling empty after it finished. Sitting there just as the clock hit 3AM, my mind roaming over the idea as to whether I should finally get some sleep or write about this film that I have so many thoughts to share over. Last Flag Flying hits fast and hard, setting itself up as something that seems comedic, opening up with a few laughs and a tone that seems quite abstract. But it quickly takes a turn, pulling on your emotions as it glides from one place to another. Something that symbolises the many themes it tackles with a slow, heartfelt style. I can already recommend this film if you're looking for something a bit serious. Something that will leave you thinking and feeling. I haven't seen a film quite like this in a while!

Last Flag Flying

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Last Flag Flying introduces its aged cast with tragedy. A group of Vietnam veterans coming together once again after one of their sons, following in their steps, dies in the middle east while serving for the Marines. Inviting his old veteran friends to the funeral, the three of them come together in a trip to pick up the body and take it to its resting place. Though the film goes beyond just a physical travel for the characters. Instead it is a long travel through time itself for these veterans. As they come together, now in their later parts of life, they recollect as old men. Reminiscing the fight they had, and the hardships faces during the war. With old age comes wisdom, however. And they question their actions and morals. The film explores the idea of patriotism, and what it means to give your life for your nation. Are you dying for the benefit of others? Or causing more harm under the facade of distributing safety and peace? What's the purpose of these conflicts that lead young men to their deaths? While these rather deep questions roam throughout the film's relatively long runtime, it never really gives us an answer. It strays far from trying to tell us its own thoughts on the matter.

Patriotism is a difficult thing to consider, after all. Especially in the eyes of an old man, or a parent. Is there pride in any of this? Or have lives been wasted? The film takes upon itself the deeply emotional concept of the cost of human life. And it does this with television clips of Sadam Hussein, the characters discuss the odd nature of how either sides of a conflict live through parenthood and displays many elements of basic humanity. Neither side being void of empathy, just distributing it towards others in different manners. It's a strange feeling to think of the human side of what we would consider a bloodthirsty warlord. But also ignorant to believe this man didn't have a family he cared for. And it's often enough, especially in today's society, that we fail to recognise these things. Where we rarely see each other as people and instead just random objects roaming through the same spaces. It almost makes to feel sick to consider this, the idea that men kill men, return as heroes. Again there is no commentary on either side being good or bad, but we see the absurd nature of it all as our veteran characters recollect. To add to this is the idea of how far that patriotism extends. The dead are considered heroes but are quickly forgotten. The veterans themselves are also forgotten in time.

With these characters coming together again at last, after all these years and having shared such difficult times together within their youth, there's this idea of growth and rejection of the past. Much of this is handled through the dialogue of the characters that attempt to talk to each other about their thoughts, ambitions, hardships, and growth that has taken place as a result of it all. There's the idea that these characters don't really have anyone else to talk to about these things, as nobody else can understand it all. To add to this is the aforementioned humanity that comes with connection, and it extends into the idea of family yet again. We all have people we care for. The film relies on a really beautiful score to portray all these emotions and ideas, and it adds to a really slow, almost poetic film that shows characters roaming through life. Full of regret but plenty of growth. While the film has its areas of comedy, a few lines here and there as a result of the more erratic performance by Bryan Cranston.

While feeling slow, the film is actually in constant motion. These characters are moving from one place to another as they deal with the difficulties of government regulations and the military they no now struggle to accept and believe. Respecting those who fight and dedicate their lives to their nation, but question why we accept it due to the very human cost it has. The directing is also very dreamlike, with cinematography that follows the characters around in some handheld manner, or is idle and sits and watches these characters talk and engage with each other. Some of the conditions show these characters in close spaces, kept together but away from the rest of the world. It really pulls you into their discussions and shows their isolation. It makes it hard to look away, and not listen to their thoughts. In a way it seems like you're part of it all, just listening to regular conversations on yesteryear. I don't think I've seen a film quite like this in a while, unique in a many ways despite its simplicity. It is most definitely very dialogue and character driven with a very indie feel to it all. And I feel it does it all extremely well.

Absolutely carried by these performances of aging actors that are in fact mostly known for their more comedic roles. Seeing them so serious, all full of grey hairs and wrinkles, it makes it all feel much more real. Almost documentary like.

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