Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

I have to confess, before Million Dollar Baby, I wouldnt have guessed that Clint Eastwood could direct. After this movie, I guess I have to sit down and watch both mystic river and (how did I miss this one!) unforgiven. Letters from Iwo Jima is a beautifully crafted movie.

I am more attracted to the Japanese angle of the war, which I think is always rich with a very different sent of emotions to represent. It was great to be treated to this view from the baker (saigo) and the General in this movie. The sheer pressure of war forcing you to want to bring it to and end, even if it means to surrender; to have in you the willingness and pride to kill yourself rather than die at the hands of the enemy and still break down the image of the face of the enemy - emotions worth capturing in a war movie. Sam's (the American prisoner) moms letter and the conversations showing that one should Do what is right because it's right leaves you with enough philosophy.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, another great movie indeed!