Haven't seen Flags of our Fathers, but I appreciate what Clint was trying to do with this two-sided-double-feature-thingy. Wasn't a huge fan of the very very faded colour used, but I guess it helped add to the gloom and bleakness of the film. Despite one or two out of place looking CGI'd wide shots the action was elegantly crafted and distributed in good quantity. Jumping from present to 1945 and back at the beginning and end of the film was a nice touch, done effectively (unlike, for instance, the somewhat over-sentimental scenes that bookend Saving Private Ryan...).

Way better than the American side of the story.. Just by being exotic.. But the characters and cinematography are also better

Yes this is Eastwood at his absolute best. Stunning picture.