Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)

World War II Drama -humanistic- The Battle of Iwo Jima (seen from a Japanese point of view). Awesomely realistic depiction of the horrific 5 week battle ending in 27,000 deaths. Unlike many Island battles, here the commanding Japanese General had the troops surrender the immediate beaches while digging trenches and tunnels deep into the mountainous hills allowing them to fight until the bitter end. Many (most) of the Japanese died in defence of the Island, or committed suicide. Though the U.S. declared it "secured" some sources say several thousand Japanese troops remained on the Island refusing to surrender. Excellent performances (Ken Watanabe as the General), superb direction by Clint Eastwood. 2 hrs.21 min.