War films. I thought I had watched them all. I was wrong. The Letters from Iwo Jima is more than just a story of the Battle of Iwo Jima told from the Japanese's perspective. It tells the story of fighting a battle when knowing that losing is imminent. Besides following closely to the events of this battle, it intimately portrays the many different characters of the Japanese soldiers. It touched on issues of leadership, compassion, humanity, the dark sides of human, and loyalty (in both intelligent and foolish ways).
Superb acting. Realistic effects. I find two scenes particularly memorable. One, where the MG gunner had his arm blown off. Two, where the men committed suicide by individually blowing themselves to death with grenades in the caves.
I think what the movie may be trying to convey is that in a battle, no matter one is Japanese or American, he is following his conviction to protect his family by following the orders of his country's leader to go to war. In one scene, Baron Takeichi Nishi told his men, "Do what is right because it's right." When the end is near, each man has to decide for himself what is the right thing to do. Ironically, he was quoting from the letter which the American POW had with him, a letter from the American soldier's mum. He treated the POW with respect and gave him medical treatment. He showed his men that Japanese soldiers were not that different from the Americans, and merely on different sides of the war.
And why "Letters"? I shall leave you to find out from the show.
A five star performance! One of the best war film I have watched since Saving Private Ryan!
Superb acting. Realistic effects. I find two scenes particularly memorable. One, where the MG gunner had his arm blown off. Two, where the men committed suicide by individually blowing themselves to death with grenades in the caves.
I think what the movie may be trying to convey is that in a battle, no matter one is Japanese or American, he is following his conviction to protect his family by following the orders of his country's leader to go to war. In one scene, Baron Takeichi Nishi told his men, "Do what is right because it's right." When the end is near, each man has to decide for himself what is the right thing to do. Ironically, he was quoting from the letter which the American POW had with him, a letter from the American soldier's mum. He treated the POW with respect and gave him medical treatment. He showed his men that Japanese soldiers were not that different from the Americans, and merely on different sides of the war.
And why "Letters"? I shall leave you to find out from the show.
A five star performance! One of the best war film I have watched since Saving Private Ryan!
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