DVD Review: Letters from Iwo Jima

Letters from Iwo Jima is simply indescribable in terms of filmmaking. It succeeds on every possible front, even eliciting guilt from its audience for sympathizing with the lead characters from Flags of our Fathers. This is an absolute masterpiece, and the best film of the decade thus far.

Rarely content with showing epic action, Jima is focused on a few wonderfully crafted Japanese soldiers. The war happens around them, and barely ever are they part of the combat. The cast here is mesmerizing, led by Ken Watanabe, eliciting immeasurable amounts of emotion in every scene.

Eastwood creates unforgettable moments throughout, the highlight of the film is a conversation between Japanese Baron Nishi (Tsuyoshi Ihara) and a captured, wounded American solider. In their brief time together, they become friends, shaking hands and laughing with each other as other troops off screen are dying. It’s a brilliant scene, creating a depressing, powerful statement of war.

Flashbacks are minimal, used as needed and appropriately. Even these become emotional, pushing the drama further. Foreshadowing is flawless, and the fate of the Japanese soldiers is known before the first gun is fired. First time screenwriter Iris Yamashita skims the problems the Japanese will face without forcing it on the audience. First and foremost are their honor, pride, and stern dedication. Their desperation in terms of defending the island is always secondary.

The few large scale battles scenes are stunning accomplishments for a $15 million film. Shots of planes taking camps apart are spectacular. Offshore bombardments also become pyrotechnic powerhouses.

What Iwo Jima accomplishes however isn’t visual splendor. Yes, the film is beautifully photographed with a muted color tone nearly placing the film in black and white. However, it’s always the human side that takes precedent. Personal conflicts seem meaningless in the end as the soldiers perform their duties for their countries as needed. Eastwood captures this in engrossing fashion, ensuring the troops are presented as strong-willed even as they walk to their death.

Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

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