I’m not naturally inclined to watch war dramas as they can be quite depressing and require a certain “mood”. Naturally, Letters from Iwo Jima is one of those movies that I was hesitant to watch. Flipping through Movies on Demand I saw the title and figured, what the heck. We had just ordered sushi and the kids were asleep for the evening, what better time to watch the film?
Two hours and change later, we sat back in the bed - quiet - thinking about what we just saw. Letters from Iwo Jima is a beautiful, historically accurate (minus one character) film that documents the struggle of the 22,000 Japanese soldiers sent to defend the volcanic island from the invading American army. I use the term “defend” lightly. By all accounts, the “defensive” was merely a giant “honorable suicide” mission. Japan knew that holding Iwo Jima with so few men was impossible, but strict adherence to Bushido (the samurai code of honor) meant fighting to the death in a hopeless battle to protect Japan and more importantly, the emperor’s honor. When the futility of the situation becomes all to clear, many commit suicide - another honorable act - for “disgracing” Japan.
The actors were perfectly cast as the performances from everyone was top notch. The class structure and old aspects of feudal Japan that compounded the mounting frustrations for General Tadamichi Kuribayashi was portrayed exceptionally well. While trying to build up what moral was left within his command, he tried to make it clear that, dying for your country was one thing, walking into a slaughter was another. Kuribayashi did everything he could to strategically level the odds and moreover, extend his mens chances of enduring just a bit longer (the massive underground tunnels is a great example).
Visually I had imagined the movie would try to play on the Saving Private Ryan/Band of Brothers cinematic style. Thankfully, while the lighting, music and sound effects are all somewhat gritty, there is a certain polished, vintage feel to the cinematography.
Letters from Iwo Jima should be on your weekend list of movies to watch.