Watch Last Flag Flying

Last Flag Flying is a 2017 drama film directed by Richard Linklater and stars Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, and Steve Carell in leading roles. The movie is about three old friends - Sal, Doc, and Mueller - who served together in the Vietnam War, but have since drifted apart. When Doc's son is killed in the Iraq War, he turns to his former comrades for help in burying him. As they set out on a road trip to collect the body and take it back to his hometown, they confront their memories of war and the changes that have taken place in their lives since then.

Set in 2003, the movie begins with Doc (Carell), a former Navy Corpsman, visiting Sal (Cranston), a loudmouth and bar owner in Virginia. Sal is surprised to see Doc after so many years, and even more surprised to hear about his son's death. When Doc asks Sal to help him bury his son, Sal is initially hesitant. He feels that Vietnam and Iraq are two different wars, and that he has no obligation to help out. However, after some persuasion from Doc, Sal agrees to join him on his mission.

They soon travel to Mueller's (Fishburne) church in New York, where he is now a pastor. Mueller, who was a wild and reckless Marine during the Vietnam War, has changed a lot since then, having found religion and settled down with a family. Like Sal, he is reluctant to accompany them at first, but eventually agrees.

As they journey together, the three men discuss their past experiences in Vietnam, and their thoughts on the current state of America. They also try to come to grips with their own mortality and the choices they have made in life. The movie is not an action-packed war movie, but rather a deeply moving and introspective drama about brotherhood, grief, and loss.

The performances of the three lead actors are exceptional, each bringing their own unique style and personality to their roles. Cranston is excellent as the foul-mouthed Sal, who uses humor to cope with his pain. Carell gives a powerful and restrained performance as the grieving father, who is trying to hold it together despite the tragedy. Fishburne is equally excellent as the reformed Mueller, who is haunted by his past and trying to make amends.

The movie does a great job of capturing the era of the early 2000s, with references to the Iraq War, the invasion of Afghanistan, and the changes that were taking place in the country at the time. It also offers a poignant commentary on the camaraderie that exists between soldiers, and the bonds that are formed in the face of war.

In terms of direction, Linklater does a fantastic job of balancing humor and drama throughout the film. He keeps the tone grounded and authentic, never resorting to melodrama or over-the-top scenes. The pacing may be slow at times, but it allows the characters to breathe and the emotions to sink in.

In conclusion, Last Flag Flying is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that tackles serious subject matter with sensitivity and grace. It is a road movie that explores the complexities of friendship, the trauma of war, and the importance of family. If you're looking for a mature and meaningful drama that will move you and make you think, then Last Flag Flying is definitely worth checking out.

Last Flag Flying is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 65.