Synopsis:

The island of Iwo Jima stands between the American military force and the home islands of Japan. Therefore the Imperial Japanese Army is desperate to prevent it from falling into American hands and providing a launching point for an invasion of Japan. General Tadamichi Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe) is given command of the forces on the island and sets out to prepare for the imminent attack. Kuribayashi, however, does not favor the rigid traditional approach recommended by his subordinates, and resentment and resistance fester among his staff. In the lower echelons, a young soldier, Saigo (kazunari Ninomiya), a poor baker in civilian life, strives with his friends to survive the harsh regime of the Japanese army itself, all the while knowing that a fierce battle looms. When the American invasion begins, both Kuribayashi and Saigo find strength, honor, courage, and horrors beyond imagination.

The Freak's Rating: A : As the second part of Clint Eastwood's chronicle of the battle of Iwo Jima, Letters is far and away the better of the two.  Flags of our Fathers was the first, showcasing the American side of the battle, whereas Letters focuses on the Japanese side.  Flags, though done in a similar docudrama style, didn't have near the heart of Letters.  Your heart breaks with Saigo, as his personal journey seems one we can all relate to.  Respect is earned for the Japanese military and their perseverance, especially that of General Kuribayashi.

The intensity of the Japanese army is admirable.  Though I am, of course, pleased with the outcome of the battle, you have to respect the loyalty and pride within each and every Japanese soldier.  Some scenes in this film are heartbreaking with their authenticity.

Letters is subtitled, but as with most subtitled films I've review, it is very worth a shot from those whom subtitles annoy.  Jen & I drove an hour and a half to find a theater that was showing Letters during its theatrical run.  Counting the running time, a total investment of more than 5 hours was spent.  It was worth every second.

Sebastian's Rating: A- : yes i didnt particularly like flags of our fathers, as an australian i think that american patriot stuff is lame and pathetic

but i was glad to see clint make a movie on the oppisite side (from america) and thats what made me sit down and watch it, because i know it wouldnt be something u see everyday... itll be better... and it was

Angie's Rating: A : I am giving this an A.  The acting is superb, (I haven't been disappointed with Ken Watanabe yet), the story is told from a new viewpoint, and it was done well enough to feel more like you were seeing a documentary made of the battle.  I do agree with Brian about the editing, but feel that overall the movie covered many characters and included the amount of time on each to serve as a more accurate telling of the diverse Japanese attitudes of the war. Each solider struggling to honor the old way of thinking and living and for some the guilt of self preservation.  It's not a "top ten" film, but I recognize it as an important milestone in american film making for the viewpoint alone.  
 

Jen's Rating: A- : Am I actually reviewing this to review it or because I'm competing with Brian to be the top reviewer on this site?  Don't know but both valid reasons to review nonetheless. 

This is a powerful movie and I agree with Brian, it takes you to the "enemy" side which is something that feels weird at times (who do you root for here?) but helps you understand this war much better.  This movie is better than Flags from our Fathers (the American side).  Wonderful directing here and acting.  I think Clint won best director or at least was nominated.  Well-deserved.
 

Brian's Rating: A- : This was a very good movie.  Clint Eastwood sure has gotten better at directing.  At first when I saw it on our queue, I was groaning to see another Iwo Jima movie.  Flag of our Fathers was mediocre at best, and so I had some residual resistance.

However, this movie surprised me.  It was told from the Japanese viewpoint.  It is a perspective I never really considered.  Anything you see on the history channel, or any other documentary of film always just depicts the Japanese as "the enemy".  This is an amorphous concept that shielded me from seeing the simple fact that each soldier has an individual life.  This movie is excellent because it forces you to see the humanity of "the enemy".

The acting was excellent except for the few lines given in English.  The movie was entirely subtitled, a fact that I am glad for.  Foreign culture movies are so much more engaging when spoken and acted in the native tongue.  The subtitles quickly phase out from recognition when you get wrapped up in the presentation.

My criticism is that there needed to be more time spent on the editing room floor.  The movie goes about 30 minutes too long and feels like it drags a little bit.

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