Letters from Iwo Jima
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: December 20, 2006
8.2
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 365 Ratings
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Positive:
309
Mixed:
32
Negative:
24
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6
peterf28Jan 13, 2017
this is maximum 6.5/10 ... is boring, and the end is chaotic, clint had problems finishing this movie i think ... but ok it is interesting to see how it could have been from the **** side of view ...
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0
jmjokerOct 16, 2014
They edited out the scene where Japanese soldiers ripped open pregnant women and tore their fetuses out from their wombs... And they forgot the scene where Japanese soldiers where Japanese soldiers gang-raped ten year old girls to death andThey edited out the scene where Japanese soldiers ripped open pregnant women and tore their fetuses out from their wombs... And they forgot the scene where Japanese soldiers where Japanese soldiers gang-raped ten year old girls to death and then stuffed bamboo poles up their vaginas...

Well, I suppose those women and girls are not important enough for this film...

This is the most morally reprehensible and disgusting film of all-time... It shamelessly warps historical truth. It attempts to portray the most brutal, sadistic, cruel, and inhuman monsters of all-time as tragic heroes who are somehow worthy of our sympathy and admiration...

As a sequel to this film, Mr. Eastwood ought to make a film that depicts how wonderful and nice Nazi SS soldiers are...

The only good part of this movie is where the stupid Japanese soldiers blew themselves up with grenades for their rat-faced devil coward emperor... That was a laugher lol... They died for nothing, they died for a diabolical regime of mass murder, rape and torture... And it is quite entertaining to know that they now burn in hell for their crimes...… Expand
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10
emlugo123Feb 22, 2015
Probably the best movie directed from Clint Eastwood. The perspective of the war from the Japanese side was really compelling and their motives for the war were not that really different from ours.
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10
homer4presidentMar 11, 2015
For once its good to hear about the enemy's side of the story. That they are not as evil as they were made out to be. Just a bunch of soldiers prepared to defend their homeland with no possibility of surrender. I have watched many war moviesFor once its good to hear about the enemy's side of the story. That they are not as evil as they were made out to be. Just a bunch of soldiers prepared to defend their homeland with no possibility of surrender. I have watched many war movies and I have to say this is in my top 3 favorite movies. The movie is a great war story and I always find myself wanting to watch this move over and over again.… Expand
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10
JP32Nov 16, 2022
It starts out at a high level of drama—the glories and tragedies of war being inherently affecting—and simply keeps turning the screws tighter and tighter. We think we know the sad trajectory of these men, and yet at each turn, the filmIt starts out at a high level of drama—the glories and tragedies of war being inherently affecting—and simply keeps turning the screws tighter and tighter. We think we know the sad trajectory of these men, and yet at each turn, the film becomes more and more tragic. It’s an emotional steamroller, crushing you flat by the end with an onslaught of feeling.… Expand
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10
alejandro970Nov 20, 2016
Outstanding WW2 drama about Iwo JIma in the point of view of defeated. Narrated solemnly, honestly and without prejudice. One of best jobs of Eastwood.
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8
VirgonoShakaMay 27, 2017
In comparison to its companion, Flag of our fathers, I have to say that Letters from Iwo Jima es the superior movie. With a better structured story, and characters that actually change in remarkable ways through the movie, it gives you andIn comparison to its companion, Flag of our fathers, I have to say that Letters from Iwo Jima es the superior movie. With a better structured story, and characters that actually change in remarkable ways through the movie, it gives you and emotional and deep retelling of the gruesome and terrible aspects of war, and while I would never condone the terrible acts commited in the name of empires and glory, in a sort of way it shows the true human aspect that most wars in history have that in the end is the decision of the few in charge, and the rest following those orders trying to survive. A very good war movie that presents to us a little bit of the taste of what a battle means from both sides. Definitely recommended if you like historical or war movies, and even to someone that is not into that, I would still recommend it as an interesting look to history and a first opportunity to delve more into what war represents.… Expand
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5
BroyaxJan 19, 2018
Un film très intéressant sur la mentalité japonaise pendant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale, a fortiori lorsqu’il s’agit du début de la fin pour l’Armée Impériale et qu’à Iwo Jima (cet infâme caillou volcanique), le reste des troupes japonaisesUn film très intéressant sur la mentalité japonaise pendant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale, a fortiori lorsqu’il s’agit du début de la fin pour l’Armée Impériale et qu’à Iwo Jima (cet infâme caillou volcanique), le reste des troupes japonaises démunies va se battre jusqu’à la mort pour l’Empereur et la Mère-Patrie face à l’inarrêtable rouleau compresseur américain…

Le film excelle ainsi à nous montrer et nous dépeindre ce qui se passe dans la tête de ces guerriers : du troufion de base aux officiers aguerris, tous ont gardé un indéfectible esprit « samouraï », résultat de décennies (et même davantage) de lavages de cerveaux et de propagande nationaliste. Tous ?.. sans doute pas, car certains ont tenté de se rendre mais certains seulement…

La majorité des gars s’est fait hara-kiri à la grenade (c’est très impressionnant), d’autres se sont rués sous les balles ennemies, et d’autres se sont tirés une balle dans la tête ou dans le coeur : il en fallait du courage ou du désespoir (?) pour en arriver là. Ou simplement une idée très précise de l’honneur, l’Honneur avec un grand H.

Les acteurs japonais sont excellents et par petites touches qui sont autant de fugaces souvenirs (ainsi que de ces fameuses lettres), Papy Clint nous raconte la vie d’avant la guerre, humanisant chaque soldat japonais, chaque gradé japonais, chaque personne en somme entre deux combats et deux assauts.

Puis, malheureusement (!), Papy Clint décide de s’engouffrer dans le mélo typiquement hollywoodien, c’est-à-dire pleurnichard et violoneux (même si la trompette geignarde remplace ici les violons, c’est normal, car la trompette, c’est pour les militaires). L’épisode du clébard par exemple est ridicule : on s’en branle du clebs, putain ; ou bien la question posée à Watanabe, la question à 2 dollars : et si les USA et le Japon entraient en guerre, qui gagnerait gnagnagna…) : vraiment grotesque…

C’est dommage d’en rajouter comme ça, car les faits parlent d’eux-mêmes, Môssieur Bois de l’Est ! garde ta guimauve pas fraîche pour la ménagère de moins de 50 ans, putain.

A part ça, la réalisation est très correcte et malgré sa longueur, on ne s’ennuie pas. On déplore cependant cette désaturation exagérée des couleurs, une sale manie initiée par cet abruti de Spielberg et copiée-collée par la suite par nombre de films de guerre : c’est vraiment énervant.

Tout cela est un peu dommage, voire carrément regrettable, car Lettres d’Iwo Jima est un bon film dans le fond qui offre une belle neutralité… de façade. Pourquoi s’est-il mis à nous pondre du gnangnan plaintif à tire-larigot décolorisé ? et cette trompette, faites-lui un sort, nom de nom !… Expand
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6
amheretojudgeMay 23, 2019
If the world is at war then so is Eastwood, the experience shared isn't exactly observed in here.

Letters From Iwo Jima Eastwood is a good pretender. Usually, he makes things look easy. And this time, the director, Clint Eastwood, may notIf the world is at war then so is Eastwood, the experience shared isn't exactly observed in here.

Letters From Iwo Jima

Eastwood is a good pretender. Usually, he makes things look easy. And this time, the director, Clint Eastwood, may not have things served up front on the table. And even though he has to reach out for it, stretching his hand with enormous effort, he has still got that cowboy-ish smug on his face. As much as fascinating or innovative the idea is, the shift in perspective had to only make it familiar. And aware of this very fine window, Eastwood narrows down the behavior of these men calculatively similar; language changes but not the nature.

Jolting that very fear of being alone in a forsaken land along with fellow companionship who too are equally scared, his version of war may not be crowded or exhilarating as Steven Spielberg's in Saving Private Ryan, but it surely is an homage to those 50s The Bridge On The River Kwai- alike projects. Addition to it, it also has the vocab of that one man army script, as in, amidst all the broken political schemes applied left and right, it is inspiring to see this brutal battlefield, turn into mano-y-mano gritty action that is tailed with the obvious, survival spirit.

Personally, I feel there was a lot to accomplish in here, especially the aftermath of this heroic event. Yes, with an emotionally driven final act, it is quite a full stop Eastwood concludes on, but the film is more about the ongoing action rather than the consequences of it. Partly sinister and partly hopeful, he makes sure that you are at the brisk off your emotions when things break down to either side of the coin; and yes it mostly lands on the losing side, I mean it is about war, for not even the Letter From Iwo Jima could take that away and neither can Eastwood.… Expand
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9
FilipeNetoFeb 23, 2018
This film recreates the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of Japanese soldiers who fought there. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film has screenplay by Iris **** and the participation of Ken Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Ihara and KazunariThis film recreates the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of Japanese soldiers who fought there. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film has screenplay by Iris **** and the participation of Ken Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Ihara and Kazunari Ninomiya.

This film follows another, "Flags of our Fathers", and isn't just another war film focused on World War II. This film shows the crudeness of war, especially in its psychological and human aspect. It seeks to show that, in war, there are no winners or losers because everyone loses, there are no good guys or bad guys, but survivors. Japan, during this historical period, had a mentality focused on patriotism, honor and worship to victory. For them, losing was less dishonorable than escape, in a militaristic code very similar to what was adopted by the Spartans before. Another point raised by the film, although in a more subtle way, is the wartime advertising: for the Japanese, the enemy was always demonized for instigating soldiers to fight to the end, following the precepts of their militarist philosophy and honor code.

The actors were up to the challenge, particularly Ken Watanabe, whose character, General Kuribayashi, represents the contradictions of war: after studying and living in the United States before the war, he was now fighting the Americans and taking advantage of his knowledge of their military tactics to anticipate their movements. The use of Japanese language in the film really helped to make it more genuine and also sounds nice. The photograph, heavy and gray, fits well in a film like this and there are certain scenes when it contributes greatly to its beauty. The costumes and weapons are historically accurate and the special, visual and sound effects have enormous quality. The sound is really good and gives great impact to combat scenes. The soundtrack, written by Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens, is very interesting, especially the main theme, with a slightly oriental sounding, like a melancholic wail.

I usually don't like a lot of Clint Eastwood movies, but I must say I was impressed with this. It deserves to be seen by all who like a good war movie, action or a movie linked to historical events. If it's true that all those who don't remember History are doomed to repeat it, this movie might help that this never happens again.… Expand
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8
r96skFeb 9, 2022
I was hoping it would entertain me as much as 'Flags of Our Fathers' had - and I'm pleased to say it did!

I'd say that aforementioned release pips this companion piece, but the difference in quality is virtually indistinguishable - both areI was hoping it would entertain me as much as 'Flags of Our Fathers' had - and I'm pleased to say it did!

I'd say that aforementioned release pips this companion piece, but the difference in quality is virtually indistinguishable - both are very good films. Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya and Ryo Kase all give excellent performances, I enjoyed that trio throughout 'Letters from Iwo Jima'.

It's really cool to see the Japanese point of view of the Battle of Iwo Jima, having previously seen the American view last time out. It's also pleasing that the film portrays this side of the story correctly and tells the tale in Japanese, despite being an all-American production. The film reportedly did well in Japan, which I guess confirms that it did a respectable job.… Expand
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7
NickTheCritickApr 12, 2022
I found this film to be better shot than its brother "Flags of our father". Great direction by Eastwood even if I confess that I don't really like war films and I also don't like that aura of sentimentality with which the good Clint oftenI found this film to be better shot than its brother "Flags of our father". Great direction by Eastwood even if I confess that I don't really like war films and I also don't like that aura of sentimentality with which the good Clint often seasons them.… Expand
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6
AgentLviJul 7, 2023
not bad movie, but not good either. The story is really miss & match, visual is decent, and the voice is also decent
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6
mmeinhart23Apr 19, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. High-minded and generous, but lacking in real passion and flair. Eastwood was essentially so tied up in trying to humanize Japanese soldier's that he also rewrote history in the process. Worth a watch, but once is definitely enough with this one.… Expand
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