LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (2006)

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""Everything comes in threes.""

The powerful and emotionally gripping must see counterpart to "Flags of Our Fathers" as directed by western movie star turned film-maker Clint Eastwood.

The script was written by Paul Haggis and Iris Yamashita on a simple suggestion by Clint Eastwood, which would ultimately turn out to be the best film of 2006. The story however was based on a book entitled "Picture letters from Commander in Chief" written by Tadamichi Kurybayashi that documents his peace promoting trip to the U.S. in 1929, of which one scene in the film depicts.

The story is an ensemble that centers around General Tadamichi Kurybayashi (as phenomenally portrayed by Ken Watanabe) who is the second choice to defend the island of Iwo Jima, which is to be the first piece of Japanese soil attacked by the Americans in WWII. The General is kind hearted, and uses his brain instead of his discipline to determine how to best defend the island, despite knowing that the battle will be lost. His commands fall on deaf ears by admirals on the island however who would prefer to stick to tradition when the island is near falling rather than fight to the last man. He writes letters to his wife and son, telling them not to worry of his well being, and that all is well.

The second character is Lieutenant Colonel Baron Nishi, who was a former Olympic Champion Horseback Rider in the 1932 Los Angeles games, that is also a friend of actor Douglas Fairbanks. He is proud to serve the country, and remains loyal to Kurybayashi throughout.

The third character is Saigo, a Japanese soldier that continually writes letters home to his wife, telling her that he hates life on the island, and that he cares less what becomes of it. Throughout the film, viewers not only feel sympathy for Saigo, but empathy as well. It is he who makes the journey across the island over the course of a month to assist in the battle, and adhere to commands by Kurybayashi that he overhears on the radio.

The fourth character is a former member of the secret military police known as the Kempatai, who is demoted to the rank of soldier for unknown reasons, and is automatically under scrutiny by his fellow soldiers for his affiliation with them. Although he's not as tough as his disciplinary training makes him appear, and is very much more down to earth like Saigo. He writes letters to his mother, and accompanies Saigo on the near month long journey across the island.

This film had another spectacular musical score that fits it just as perfectly as its' counterpart. Great directing and on the dot accuracy by director Clint Eastwood, who cast all Japanese actors in the film for a foreign language film as well. Spectacular vistas of Iwo Jima, and amazing battle sequences! Brilliant in it's own right, and one of the best war movies I've ever seen!!!

The must see war film of the 21st Century!!! Cannot be missed!!!!!!!