Letters From Iwo Jima

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Writing, but it won only for Best Sound Editing. But, then again, when was the last time a foreign language film won any of the other Oscars? Clint Eastwood did a magnificent job of telling one story from two totally different points of view (despite what Spike Lee says).

If you have not see this or it's companion piece "Flags of Our Fathers", I highly recommend it. Yes, they are classic WWII films. But, they are done so well, and told is a very different way, that film-lovers everywhere should see these movies. If for no other reason than their unique spin on the story.

It is always good to see some of one's traditional history from someone else's traditional point-of-view. This half of the duo will make you laugh and cry. It will give you insights into Japanese culture and history. Please keep an open mind. Are the soldiers of our country really so different from the young soldiers of other countries? To quote of the of main characters of this story: "Son, have you ever met one?"

Ken Watanabe does another masterful job of making his kinsmen proud of their heritage. Unless you are a huge fan of Japanese cinema, I doubt you will recognize many other names or faces however.

Watch this movie with someone who appreciates a good story well-told, especially retelling of such a hugely historic story as this one.