Review of Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) by Danny R — 20 Feb 2012

Clint Eastwood's astonishing companion piece to 'Flags of Our Fathers' depicts the battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective using only Japanese dialogue with English subtitles. General Kuribayashi, played by Ken Watanabe who is a tower of quiet strength in a magnificent performance of great dignity is sent to the desolate island to shore up defense for the incoming American forces, but the general discovers that his soldiers are serious under-trained as well as hopelessly outmatched by the Americans.

Stupendous direction by Eastwood who gives humanity to the Japanese soldiers, showing us their fears, frustrations, homesickness and their sense of impending doom in the shadow of war and death. There are shocking scenes of the suicidal warrior's code, rather then be captured by the American forces young soldiers must kill themselves with live grenades or be shoot down by their commanding Lieutenant.

Brutal battle sequences which are brilliantly realized, with phenomenal cinematography by Tom Stern in desaturated colors that lend elegance to the historic events. Eastwood also wrote the film's impressive score.

A superior motion picture. Highly Recommended.