If you base your movie selection on the number of awards it has won, then you should probably see “Letters from Iwo Jima” (2006), which was nominated for countless awards, including several best picture titles. Directed by Clint Eastwood, this film portrays the life of Japanese soldiers during World War II in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The film is noted for its anti-war stance in its depiction of the horrifying details of World War II. The film did better in Japan in part because of its claim to be portraying the Japanese “side” of events. It is important to note “Letters from Iwo Jima” was also filmed in Japanese and is subtitled, which adds to the perspective that this is a Japanese representation.

The film was shot in sepia tones in order to capture the general darkness of the portrayal. “Letters from Iwo Jima” is contrasted with “Flags of Our Fathers” (2006) which is also directed by Clint Eastwood and from the perspective of the American soldiers. “Letters from Iwo Jima” was critically acclaimed when it came out, as it was described as one of the best war films of all time as well as the better of the two Eastwood films.