Letters From Iwo Jima Review

Clint Eastwood shot Flags Of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima back-to-back, the aim to show one of the key battles of WW2 from both sides. While the first film was dominated by reflections on the nature of heroism, this is a much subtler work and an altogether more resonant anti-war statement.

The Japanese island stronghold was taken by US troops in early 1945, after more than a month of intense fighting and thousands of deaths. The Americans had anticipated a five-day confrontation: the Japanese held on for 35, despite being heavily outnumbered. Rather than present their stand as a feat of gung-ho heroics, Eastwood portrays it for what it was - a combination of great guile on the part of the Japanese commander, General Kuribayashi (Watanabe), with the sort of "heroism" that is instinctive, patriotic and accidental.

Eastwood and his cinematographer Tom Stern adopt an even more desaturated look than in Flags, one which heightens the debilitating effect on the Japanese soldiers of the long stay on - and below - the grey volcanic earth of the island. The film opens with their preparations for the American invasion, digging miles of tunnels in which they will hide and surprise the attacking soldiers. Not all of these men fit the stereotype of the Japanese soldier. Unlike the Americans, they know for certain that they won't be going home, and their reactions include resignation, fear and anger. "Damn this island," says one. "The Americans can have it."