Today’s quick review: Letters from Iwo Jima. In 1944, the Japanese military prepares for an American attack on the island of Iwo Jima, one of the last between American forces and the Japanese mainland. General Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe) arrives on the island to coordinate its defenses according to his own unorthodox tactics. Meanwhile, Saigo (Kazunari Ninomiya) wrestles with his obligations as a soldier and his own desire to return home to his wife.
Letters from Iwo Jima is a historical war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. Letters from Iwo Jima depicts one of the bloodiest battles of World War II from the Japanese perspective. Robbed of air support and denied reinforcements, the soldiers of Iwo Jima face overwhelming odds in a fight to the death. The movie chronicles the Battle of Iwo Jima from several perspectives, offering an intimate look at the price of war in lives, toil, and humanity.
Letters from Iwo Jima uses two main characters, a general and a private, to capture the full breadth of the situation. General Kuribayashi’s perspective depicts the battle at a high level, a contest of troops, tactics, and logistics. Saigo’s complementary perspective shows what life is like on the front line, a medley of fear, danger, and hollow patriotism. They are backed by a wide supporting cast encompassing a variety of ranks and attitudes.
Letters from Iwo Jima explores the line between heroism and cowardice. The strict ethos of the Japanese military demands that its soldiers lay down their lives for their country, even when there is little to be gained from it. Kuribayashi struggles against this ideal for practical reasons: he needs his troops alive. Saigo’s concerns with it are more personal: surviving an already deadly battle amidst an army that seems determined to die.
Letters from Iwo Jima has the craftsmanship to match its ambition. The performances are strong all around, the themes are resonant, and the tone captures both the noble and the barbaric aspects of war. Letters from Iwo Jima is a mature movie that pays close attention to its characters and how they react to the trying situations they find themselves in. The movie accomplishes what it sets out to do; the only open variable is the viewer’s taste.
Letters from Iwo Jima is a must-see for fans of the war genre and a solid pick for anyone else. Its high quality and unique perspective make it one of the better films in a crowded genre. Steer clear if you’re looking for a less tragic war movie, or one from the American perspective. For a similarly personal, horrifying depiction of World War II, try Dunkirk. For a war movie about a Soviet sniper at the Battle of Stalingrad, try Enemy at the Gates.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for a meaningful story and top-notch quality.