Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)

Letters From Iwo Jima

5 word summary

Japanese perspective on legendary battle

Whether its from Flags of Our Fathers, or Sands of Iwo Jima or even from a history class, we’ve all seen or heard the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima, or have we? All the stories up till now had been missing the Japanese view of the battle, and to understand the battle better its an important view to know.

Unlike the Americans who were fighting for an island to help with their strategies against Japan, the Japanese were fighting to protect their land and their honor.

The story follows Japanese soldiers preparing Iwo Jima for the fight they would soon face. We see a young scared husband who is writing to his wife, sharing his fears. We see a General who uses his experience to change the way the Japanese officers control their men and prepare for battle. we see a ruthless Lieutenant who’s will do anything to protect the honor of himself, his men and his country.

It’s a strange new look, Interesting but strange. I knew that the Japanese were big into honor, and dying for their country but this shows it a lot different than I would have imagined. Its also strange to see the Americans as the “bad guys”, not that they were shown in an unfairly evil way as the Japanese are shown in some films, but they were definitely shown in a different light, and that’s very important to understand a war.

The film was great. Not my favorite Eastwood film but it was near the top for sure. I personally prefer it to Flags of Our Fathers, and would say it’s my favorite war film of the 00s even over the Hurt Locker. The acting and directing were fantastic. And cinematography was absolutely gorgeous. Didn’t have the greatest effects in my opinion but it didn’t take away too much.

If you enjoy war films and enjoy Clint Eastwood films this is a must… let me rephrase, if you enjoy films than this is a must

10/10