Heroes of Iwo Jima

Rating:
Summary: Image that will last forever...
Review: This extraordinary documentary reviews the two famous flagraisings on Iwo Jima in context with the heroic deeds of the United States Marines in their struggle to capture the island in February and March, 1945.

Producers were extremely fortunate that the Marines signal corps filmed the invasion of Iwo Jima in color, leaving a wealth of footage to edit with interviews conducted at the turn of the century, as well as, key interviews filmed in the 1980s.

One important feature that places this documentary above many that are aired on cable television are snapshot/photo inserts. During the narration, interviews, battle scenes, etc., the filmmaker inserts recognizable photos of the key historic personalities (flagraisers) as they're being discussed and/or quoted.

Viewers who have read James Bradley's bestseller, "Flags of Our Fathers," have the opportunity to see a couple of comments by author's father, filmed in 1985. Of course, Joe Rosenthal who snapped the famous flagraising, actually the second of what was two famous flagraisings that occurred atop Mt. Suribachi during the fifth day of the battle.

Highly recommended for any and all documentary and World War II DVD collections.

Rating:
Summary: Heroes of Iwo Jima
Review: This movie is wonderful, intense, and emotional.
I had read the book "Flags of Our Fathers" and felt James Bradley had done a exceptional job with keeping the un-educated reader interested in the true element of war. I then decided to purchase this movie, so I could have the faces with the history. For many who may not understand the couragious acts of these men, Gene Hackman, keeps the natoration, easy to follow,and with the utt-most repect. I can appreciate the actual footage, along with the veterans stories of that give a honest, tearful, and emotional journey into the past. A must have, for any History collector. Even one, which the school room should make part of their history agendas. Harsh but reality.