CPT EUNICE R KASAWALI PN(M)

NCSC 91
31 March 2021
Movie Review Nr 3

LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA

At the starting point of Clint Eastwood's "Letters from Iwo Jima,") you may imagine
that you are looking overhead at a field of stars. You are gazing directly down into the
ground, at rushes of dark sand on the volcanic island where, all through the range of five
weeks in February and March 1945, an assault force of Americans struggled Japanese
foot soldiers. The initial snapshots of "Letters" have an astronomical zoom-like impact,
taking us from the ageless and dynamic (stars/sand) into a particular spot and time: "Iwo
Jima 2005," as a title means. It was on this fruitless minimal sulfuric spec in the Pacific
Ocean, just around five miles from one finish to the next, that such countless individuals
battled and kicked the bucket 60 years ago. Iwo Jima (now known as Iwo To) is a volcanic
island, site for several airfields that hindered the US bombing missions to Tokyo and
suspected to be used as the base for an invasion on the Japanese mainland. The story
evolves on how the Japanese infantrymen possess strength, honor, and courage in
service for their country.

On one flip of a hand, the movie-film are realistic, the speaking language and the
performances themselves varied on the Japanese side. The film also revealed in-depth
memories and meanings unconsciously embedded in each characters' experiences that
they played. Accordingly, my point of view is that the film and the story run through without
depicting some form of intense "victory" but instead uplift the sense of success amid all
odds with inevitable defeat. Indeed, every soldier's main job is not just to fight and
embrace their position but to possess a brave characteristic of embracing death for the
sake of the country's victory. It is not just a war but a film full of gratefulness and honor to
the soldier in World War II. The film's focus doesn't precisely point out to Iwo Jima. It
postulates all soldiers' essence combined as one full strength with the common intention
of serving millions of people looking forward to them. Iwo Jima's battle, being one of the
bloodiest and suspense battles in the history of all time between the U.S. Marine Corps,
was stated to acquire a hundred percent historical accuracy. It doesn't only showcase the
situation but also raises honor to the Japanese military's willingness to fight even at their
last breath as the last man on the island. In line with the current setting in the Philippine
Navy organization, this could be related to how we should defend the West Philippine
Sea from invasion against China. A strategic plan must be developed for the worst to
happen, which is the Province of Palawan becomes defenseless. As protectors of the
country's sovereignty, one must never forget its purpose in the organization. It should not
be because of financial stability but dedication to duty. As Gen. Patton quoted, "I want
you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. You won it by
making the other poor dumb die for the country." The kind of leadership that LtGen.
Tadamichi Kuribayashi was something that every officer should look up to. Do not just
focus or stick with the old traditional tactics defending an area. Loiter around and think
like an enemy. Analyze what possible strategies that will lead to success in countering
the enemy. Moreover, leading the troops and ensuring that an officer will always be in
the front line ahead of his men was encouraging and boosting his men's morale by giving
assurance that they will stick together every step of the way.

Indeed, there should be a one strong man in times of trouble who will stand still for
the benefit of the whole population, ready to sacrifice even his breath to achieve freedom.
The movie is full of countless skills, abilities, and characteristics that every human being
must do. Imagine a family-oriented soldier in one sacrifice his happiness even his family
for the whole country's essence surviving amid War. Nonetheless, as more audiences
watched the movie, their eyes are being opened to the truth that World War II is not just
a story but a historical symbolization of blood, sweat, and sacrifice. The masterpiece is
trying to catch our precious minds to explore potentialities, use our voice, raise concerns,
and fight for our country wholeheartedly. The same goes with our national hymn's last
line, "Ang mamatay ng Dahil Sayo."