Letters From Iwo Jima

USA 2006, 141 minutes
Dir. Clint Eastwood
In Japanese, English with English subtitles
Genres: Drama / War

Topics: Period 1940s.

Aroview: Reading from the letters of fallen comrades, Clint Eastwood crosses enemy lines in the second part of his Pacific War twofer, encapsulating the austere and solemn determination of Japanese soldiers defending the island of Iwo Jima during WWII.

Through wisdom and empathy, Eastwood’s companion piece to FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS resonates more so as a humanist drama than a combat-oriented depiction of war, and its intimate portraits of young men huddled within the cave systems of the island’s rocky topography memorializing a real sense of history, sacrifice, the Japanese ethos, and the commonality of soldiers. War, above all, comes across as resoundingly tragic, if pointless, but Eastwood stops short of any outright anti-sentiment, insistent on honoring those who gave their lives first and foremost.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-4 of 4 member reviews.

I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
4 stars (Very Good) Eastwood's Japanese take on WWII is a far superior outing to 'Flags of our Fathers', portrayed less as a political drama than a human drama about the futility of war. ~Tom H
I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
5 stars (Exceptional) Fabulous depiction of Japanese angst and contradiction during the Second World War. A completely different animal to its companion piece, 'Flags of our Fathers', which is absolute drivel. ~Weekend Warrior
I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
4 stars (Very Good) A very affecting, human war film, with great scenery and a top-notch cast. ~Wizzums
I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
2 stars (Good Try) It is good that the script is in Japanese and although it is over two hours, which is typical of the director, it is never boring. ~Tubbs