Letters From Iwo Jima is a terrific film, better than Flags of Our Fathers. Clint Eastwood continues to improve and impress into his seventies. The strength of Letters... is that it does not take a political position, per se, though there are some correlations to the current conflict in Iraq. Eastwood sympathizes with the powerless soldier on the ground, the regular guy on the front lines who takes all the orders, does all the work, and is caught up in something far bigger than and with no regard for, him.

The toned-down color helps create the bleak atmosphere that matches the hunk on which thousands died. I felt emotionally drawn in to these characters and their situations, especially during a powerful moment in front of the radio towards the end of the film. Excellent acting allows one to fully believe in who these men are.

It is difficult to match Eastwood the director with Eastwood the star of spaghetti westerns, but the man has many layers. I hope he keeps making films for years to come.

Incidentally, see both films. Invest yourself in each, not just one. To only see one will not do the full presentation justice.