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So Sad to Fall in Battle: An Account of War Based on General Tadamichi Kuribayashi's Letters from Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima has been memorialized innumerable times as the subject of countless books and motion pictures, most recently Clint Eastwood’s films Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima, and no wartime photo is more famous than Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning image of Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi. Yet most Americans know only one side of this pivotal and bloody battle. First published in Japan to great acclaim, becoming a bestseller and a prize-winner, So Sad to Fall in Battle shows us the struggle, through the eyes of Japanese commander Tadamichi Kuribayashi, one of the most fascinating and least-known figures of World War II.
As author Kumiko Kakehashi demonstrates, Kuribayashi was far from the stereotypical fanatic Japanese warrior. Unique among his country’s officers, he refused to risk his men’s lives in suicidal banzai attacks, instead creating a defensive, insurgent style of combat that eventually became the Japanese standard. On Iwo Jima, he eschewed the special treatment due to him as an officer, enduring the same difficult conditions as his men, and personally walked every inch of the island to plan the positions of thousands of underground bunkers and tunnels. The very flagpole used in the renowned photograph was a pipe from a complex water collection system the general himself engineered.
Exclusive interviews with survivors reveal that as the tide turned against him, Kuribayashi displayed his true Though offered a safer post on another island, he chose to stay with his men, fighting alongside them in a final, fearless, and ultimately hopeless three-hour siege.
After thirty-six cataclysmic days on Iwo Jima, Kurbiayashi’s troops were responsible for the deaths of a third of all U.S. Marines killed during the entire four-year Pacific conflict, making him, in the end, America’s most feared–and respected–foe. Ironically, it was Kuribayashi’ s own memories of his military training in America in the 1920s, and his admiration for this country’s rich, gregarious, and self-reliant people, that made him fear ever facing them in combat–a feeling that some suspect prompted his superiors to send him to Iwo Jima, where he met his fate.
Along with the words of his son and daughter, which offer unique insight into the private man, Kuribayashi’s own letters cited extensively in this book paint a stirring portrait of the circumstances that shaped him. So Sad to Fall in Battle tells a fascinating, never-before-told story and introduces America, as if for the first time, to one of its most worthy adversaries.
As author Kumiko Kakehashi demonstrates, Kuribayashi was far from the stereotypical fanatic Japanese warrior. Unique among his country’s officers, he refused to risk his men’s lives in suicidal banzai attacks, instead creating a defensive, insurgent style of combat that eventually became the Japanese standard. On Iwo Jima, he eschewed the special treatment due to him as an officer, enduring the same difficult conditions as his men, and personally walked every inch of the island to plan the positions of thousands of underground bunkers and tunnels. The very flagpole used in the renowned photograph was a pipe from a complex water collection system the general himself engineered.
Exclusive interviews with survivors reveal that as the tide turned against him, Kuribayashi displayed his true Though offered a safer post on another island, he chose to stay with his men, fighting alongside them in a final, fearless, and ultimately hopeless three-hour siege.
After thirty-six cataclysmic days on Iwo Jima, Kurbiayashi’s troops were responsible for the deaths of a third of all U.S. Marines killed during the entire four-year Pacific conflict, making him, in the end, America’s most feared–and respected–foe. Ironically, it was Kuribayashi’ s own memories of his military training in America in the 1920s, and his admiration for this country’s rich, gregarious, and self-reliant people, that made him fear ever facing them in combat–a feeling that some suspect prompted his superiors to send him to Iwo Jima, where he met his fate.
Along with the words of his son and daughter, which offer unique insight into the private man, Kuribayashi’s own letters cited extensively in this book paint a stirring portrait of the circumstances that shaped him. So Sad to Fall in Battle tells a fascinating, never-before-told story and introduces America, as if for the first time, to one of its most worthy adversaries.
249 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 20, 2019
Books like these are always hard to comment on. This is a true story based on their very real letters. As I said before, I have a respect for the Japanese. Especially for the Japanese soldiers in WWII. Even though both of my grandfathers fought in WWII, I still can't help but respect and honor these men. I especially have a high respect for every man who fought in the Battle for Iwo Jima. It was one of the bloodiest battles out of the whole war.
The book only made me tear up a couple of times, mostly when she would share a 'final message' letter that the soldiers would write to their families. At a certain point in time they stopped delivering letters from the island, so they were mostly isolated. The only form of communication was to Head Quarters, I guess. I found this terrible. The men knew that they were more than likely never to return home. Which the high majority didn't. Whole units were wiped out. Out of about 23000, only 216 were taken prisoner alive.
I really liked this book. I couldn't put it down. The book is like a car-crash, you can't help but read, even though it's terribly depressing. I loved how the author included bits and pieces of actual letters, not just summarizing what the man said to his family. I loved reading General Kuribayashi's letters to his wife and kids, I'm so glad that his family decided to share these letters.
The only thing I didn't like was how she jumped all over the place! One minute you'd be on the island with Kuribayashi, then the next moment you're in present day at a memorial . I wished she made it more in chronological order. It was just annoying sometimes, but I sort of understand why she did that.
Like earlier stated, it's hard to judge a book like this. All of this is real. Every letter was real. Every soldier was real.
Out of five stars, I'm granting this book 5 stars *****. I do recommend that everyone should read this sometime in their life if they have any interest in WWII or Japanese history. Or if you're just a history buff you should read it
The book only made me tear up a couple of times, mostly when she would share a 'final message' letter that the soldiers would write to their families. At a certain point in time they stopped delivering letters from the island, so they were mostly isolated. The only form of communication was to Head Quarters, I guess. I found this terrible. The men knew that they were more than likely never to return home. Which the high majority didn't. Whole units were wiped out. Out of about 23000, only 216 were taken prisoner alive.
I really liked this book. I couldn't put it down. The book is like a car-crash, you can't help but read, even though it's terribly depressing. I loved how the author included bits and pieces of actual letters, not just summarizing what the man said to his family. I loved reading General Kuribayashi's letters to his wife and kids, I'm so glad that his family decided to share these letters.
The only thing I didn't like was how she jumped all over the place! One minute you'd be on the island with Kuribayashi, then the next moment you're in present day at a memorial . I wished she made it more in chronological order. It was just annoying sometimes, but I sort of understand why she did that.
Like earlier stated, it's hard to judge a book like this. All of this is real. Every letter was real. Every soldier was real.
Out of five stars, I'm granting this book 5 stars *****. I do recommend that everyone should read this sometime in their life if they have any interest in WWII or Japanese history. Or if you're just a history buff you should read it
Want to read
April 23, 2020This was an unusual experiment by director Clint Eastwood,two films depicting the battle of Iwo Jima from opposing sides,shot back to back.
Flags of our Fathers was the story of the American soldiers at the island,while Letters from Iowa Jima tells the story from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers.
It is an excellent film and deservedly received a lot of critical acclaim.A masterful depiction of the desperate situation faced by the Japanese soldiers on the island.No big stars,just a very good story.Another feather in Clint Eastwood' cap.
4.5 stars for the film.
Flags of our Fathers was the story of the American soldiers at the island,while Letters from Iowa Jima tells the story from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers.
It is an excellent film and deservedly received a lot of critical acclaim.A masterful depiction of the desperate situation faced by the Japanese soldiers on the island.No big stars,just a very good story.Another feather in Clint Eastwood' cap.
4.5 stars for the film.
June 30, 2010
No matter how many times the writter tried to make Kuribayashi a maverick, genius general, I just found myself disagreeing even more. He divides his time in Iwo Jima between constructing a vast cemetary of tunnels to fight a guerilla war -which he was bound to lose- and writting numerous letters instructing his family in minutae on how to proceed with their lives. The number of letters he writes is really what's astonishing; and on totally irrelevant subjects. He writes a number of letters from Iwo Jima, about a draft in the kitchen back home with instructions on how to fix it and numerous others on dreams he had.
Kuribayashi had instructed his men to live a life more agonizing than death; ordered them to wring the very last drop out of their lives. But in a battle where neither victory nor a safe return home could be hoped for, he also would not allow his men to die heroic deaths. There is a point at which resistance is absolutely futile, honour has to be suspended in order to secure life. There is nothing honorable about fighting in a war that is already lost.
I'm comparing Kuribayashi to Mao/Ho Chi Minh and he doesn't fare well, despite the writters insistence he is no genius, he reacts to the American superior war machine by simply postponing the death of his soldiers and even then only by a few days. In the end he is only a general who followed orders and he was ordered to his death. That should tell you how much he was appreciated by the emperor.
The writting in the book is substandard and jumps back and forth instead of reading chronologically. It sounded to me like a high school graduate who wants to belive in a heroic, caring general but ends up providing evidence that contradicts this belief.
I only read this because it was a Christmas present and I can't bear an unread book on my shelf. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone over the age of 15.
Kuribayashi had instructed his men to live a life more agonizing than death; ordered them to wring the very last drop out of their lives. But in a battle where neither victory nor a safe return home could be hoped for, he also would not allow his men to die heroic deaths. There is a point at which resistance is absolutely futile, honour has to be suspended in order to secure life. There is nothing honorable about fighting in a war that is already lost.
I'm comparing Kuribayashi to Mao/Ho Chi Minh and he doesn't fare well, despite the writters insistence he is no genius, he reacts to the American superior war machine by simply postponing the death of his soldiers and even then only by a few days. In the end he is only a general who followed orders and he was ordered to his death. That should tell you how much he was appreciated by the emperor.
The writting in the book is substandard and jumps back and forth instead of reading chronologically. It sounded to me like a high school graduate who wants to belive in a heroic, caring general but ends up providing evidence that contradicts this belief.
I only read this because it was a Christmas present and I can't bear an unread book on my shelf. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone over the age of 15.
November 19, 2015
How must you live your life?
You can live normally for a while then lose it horrifically for a cause, like your country’s war, then after many years be remembered and turned into a film by Clint Eastwood or some such Hollywood guy looking for some nice stories they can recreate on screen and win Academy awards for.
Before the war, Lt. General Kuribayashi Tadamichi stayed in the US for about two years and had seen with his own eyes how nice, normal and likeable the average Americans are and how far advanced the country is, economically, than his own Japan. Fast forward a few more years and he’s now the overall commander of the Japanese forces at the small island called Iwo Jima—a crucial and strategic jumping point for a mainland invasion of his beloved country where he has a wife and several young children.
From the very beginning he was against battling with the USA and had believed Japan can’t possibly win against the Americans with the latter’s superior military might. He knew Iwo Jima will also be ultimately overrun by the invading American forces. He was a realist, but he has a theory: if he can inflict as much losses as possible against the Americans, or delay their victory in the island for as long as he can, it may be possible that public opinion against the war may grow strong enough to halt it (him knowing that the Americans do not like their soldiers dying) or at least he can buy more time for his country’s leaders to find a more acceptable solution which could prevent the inevitable invasion of the Japanese mainland where his family was.
With almost zero air and naval support he prepared his small island for a tenacious defence, digging down tunnels where his soldiers of around twenty thousand men (many of them young teenage boys actually, and middle-aged fathers like him—this was at the point of the war where the Japanese military was running out of men to conscript and feed into its war machine) could shelter themselves from the inevitable shelling and bombing and this was proven to be very effective. They were able to take around seven thousand American fathers, brothers, teenage boys and husbands like them who had also written letters home like them while killing and getting killed.
Great General Kuribayashi. The Americans were indeed shocked by the sheer number of caskets going home draped with their flag that they got the idea of dropping two atomic bombs instead of doing a similar land invasion where they could meet more Kuribayashis with their suicidal troops and lose more men.
General Kuribayashi’s family survived the war. His widow managed to raise their children all by herself, selling squids (among other odd jobs she took) and, except for his older daughter who died of diphtheria while a young adult, they all grew old and kept his letters from Iwo Jima like sacred relics.
Fast forward more years and there are yearly reunions of old veterans of both sides and their families and they shake hands and greet each other as friends and these warriors of old reminisce about how stupid they all were butchering each other just a few decades ago. Now Japan and the USA are allies and they may go to war as comrades against the Chinese over some stupid islands in the China Sea which go underwater during high tide.
If I am going to put up a library I’d place this book in the HUMOR shelf. LOL.
You can live normally for a while then lose it horrifically for a cause, like your country’s war, then after many years be remembered and turned into a film by Clint Eastwood or some such Hollywood guy looking for some nice stories they can recreate on screen and win Academy awards for.
Before the war, Lt. General Kuribayashi Tadamichi stayed in the US for about two years and had seen with his own eyes how nice, normal and likeable the average Americans are and how far advanced the country is, economically, than his own Japan. Fast forward a few more years and he’s now the overall commander of the Japanese forces at the small island called Iwo Jima—a crucial and strategic jumping point for a mainland invasion of his beloved country where he has a wife and several young children.
From the very beginning he was against battling with the USA and had believed Japan can’t possibly win against the Americans with the latter’s superior military might. He knew Iwo Jima will also be ultimately overrun by the invading American forces. He was a realist, but he has a theory: if he can inflict as much losses as possible against the Americans, or delay their victory in the island for as long as he can, it may be possible that public opinion against the war may grow strong enough to halt it (him knowing that the Americans do not like their soldiers dying) or at least he can buy more time for his country’s leaders to find a more acceptable solution which could prevent the inevitable invasion of the Japanese mainland where his family was.
With almost zero air and naval support he prepared his small island for a tenacious defence, digging down tunnels where his soldiers of around twenty thousand men (many of them young teenage boys actually, and middle-aged fathers like him—this was at the point of the war where the Japanese military was running out of men to conscript and feed into its war machine) could shelter themselves from the inevitable shelling and bombing and this was proven to be very effective. They were able to take around seven thousand American fathers, brothers, teenage boys and husbands like them who had also written letters home like them while killing and getting killed.
Great General Kuribayashi. The Americans were indeed shocked by the sheer number of caskets going home draped with their flag that they got the idea of dropping two atomic bombs instead of doing a similar land invasion where they could meet more Kuribayashis with their suicidal troops and lose more men.
General Kuribayashi’s family survived the war. His widow managed to raise their children all by herself, selling squids (among other odd jobs she took) and, except for his older daughter who died of diphtheria while a young adult, they all grew old and kept his letters from Iwo Jima like sacred relics.
Fast forward more years and there are yearly reunions of old veterans of both sides and their families and they shake hands and greet each other as friends and these warriors of old reminisce about how stupid they all were butchering each other just a few decades ago. Now Japan and the USA are allies and they may go to war as comrades against the Chinese over some stupid islands in the China Sea which go underwater during high tide.
If I am going to put up a library I’d place this book in the HUMOR shelf. LOL.
October 28, 2011
All I have to keep me company is my packet of Doritos *Tangy cheese flavour, hehehe*, and Strawberry flavoured water *which I must admit is pretty good*. Hey, what can I say. I'm experimenting :P
I just finished watching FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS *which is told from the Americans perspective*. I thought it was an ok movie. But I'm half an hour into this movie and I'm already loving it more! Sure, Ken Watanabe *gorgeous man* softened me up to the idea of giving it a go, but I was also very curious to see things from the Japanese side. I love how so many of the characters are so charming. I love their little inside jokes and obvious bond. Something that I felt was missing from the other movie.
Oh and can I just say Saigo played by Kazunari Ninomiya is just adorable! Such a cutie. And when he speaks Japanese with his awesome self, I must admit, I swoon :D
Update: I just finished watching it. It was wonderful - if you can call a movie such as this that. It's so touching and sad throughout but I am amazed at how they always found time for laughter. It shows us that, sure, there will always be some rotten eggs within groups, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you cast out the whole lot of them as evil. I saw those that had their own agenda, who royally fucked things up, but there were so many others who had so much heart and showed mercy. Let's not forget, these men were brave and all about honour - even if it was misplaced at times.
Then there are times when doubt comes into mind. It seeps into your thoughts and makes you contemplate things which you would rather not. These moments are captured beautifully. After all, many of these soldiers are merely boys. Some who have been forced but do it for their families, their country. They regret, they feel guilt but gosh they're so scared. And I really don't know how they do it. Go into a battle knowing they stand no chance. Basically committing suicide but going forward because they feel it could benefit their people. Now that's bravery.
For some reason, I wasn't charmed by FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS in the same way.
I think Clint Eastwood captured their side of this war with such sensitivity and understanding. I was genuinely touched by these people, their courage, loyalty and determination.
I just finished watching FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS *which is told from the Americans perspective*. I thought it was an ok movie. But I'm half an hour into this movie and I'm already loving it more! Sure, Ken Watanabe *gorgeous man* softened me up to the idea of giving it a go, but I was also very curious to see things from the Japanese side. I love how so many of the characters are so charming. I love their little inside jokes and obvious bond. Something that I felt was missing from the other movie.
Oh and can I just say Saigo played by Kazunari Ninomiya is just adorable! Such a cutie. And when he speaks Japanese with his awesome self, I must admit, I swoon :D
Update: I just finished watching it. It was wonderful - if you can call a movie such as this that. It's so touching and sad throughout but I am amazed at how they always found time for laughter. It shows us that, sure, there will always be some rotten eggs within groups, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you cast out the whole lot of them as evil. I saw those that had their own agenda, who royally fucked things up, but there were so many others who had so much heart and showed mercy. Let's not forget, these men were brave and all about honour - even if it was misplaced at times.
Then there are times when doubt comes into mind. It seeps into your thoughts and makes you contemplate things which you would rather not. These moments are captured beautifully. After all, many of these soldiers are merely boys. Some who have been forced but do it for their families, their country. They regret, they feel guilt but gosh they're so scared. And I really don't know how they do it. Go into a battle knowing they stand no chance. Basically committing suicide but going forward because they feel it could benefit their people. Now that's bravery.
For some reason, I wasn't charmed by FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS in the same way.
I think Clint Eastwood captured their side of this war with such sensitivity and understanding. I was genuinely touched by these people, their courage, loyalty and determination.
February 17, 2010
203 pages which could have been whittled down to about a third of the amount. It's an interesting read but very repetitive. The author would have benefited from a good editor pointing out some of the clunky repeats of information. At the end of it I acknowledge the author's adoration of the subject, a Japanese colonel who fought the Americans at Iwo Jima, but I don't feel I really understand the colonel or his motivation. The fact that he knew they were beaten but still moved his men towards a gruesome ending doesn't fit with the "facts" laid out by the writer and a bit of cod psychology thrown in does the colonel little justice I would imagine. This could have been a good book but has too much of the feel of an over-extended Sunday supplement piece.
February 2, 2021
《Se l'isola su cui mi trovo sarà catturata, la terra giapponese sarà bombardata giorno e notte》 ~ scrive Kuribayashi.
Questo libro mi ha permesso di conoscere l'isola di Iwo Jima e la tremenda guerra che si è svolta sulla sua superficie.
L'autrice attraverso testimonianze, lettere, articoli, scarsa documentazione, ricostruisce gli ultimi mesi di vita di questi uomini, raccontando la storia di oltre ventimila soldati attraverso il loro generale Kuribayashi.
Raccontando una storia di coraggio e resistenza per il bene delle proprie famiglie.
Va letto, secondo me, per conoscere un altro lato e pezzo di storia.
Questo libro mi ha permesso di conoscere l'isola di Iwo Jima e la tremenda guerra che si è svolta sulla sua superficie.
L'autrice attraverso testimonianze, lettere, articoli, scarsa documentazione, ricostruisce gli ultimi mesi di vita di questi uomini, raccontando la storia di oltre ventimila soldati attraverso il loro generale Kuribayashi.
Raccontando una storia di coraggio e resistenza per il bene delle proprie famiglie.
Va letto, secondo me, per conoscere un altro lato e pezzo di storia.
August 9, 2025
It was alright overall. Interesting to see some of Kuribayashi’s letters home but overall the text was more suited to someone just learning about the subject - which is fine, just not what I expected going in.
Some aspects or ideas, complete with specific expressions, were put forward by the author 2 or 3 times which was odd. The book did not contain all of General Kuribayashi’s letters in full text. This may be due to his family’s unwillingness to have more personal parts put into text, which would be understandable, but the reason is not mentioned in the book.
Some aspects or ideas, complete with specific expressions, were put forward by the author 2 or 3 times which was odd. The book did not contain all of General Kuribayashi’s letters in full text. This may be due to his family’s unwillingness to have more personal parts put into text, which would be understandable, but the reason is not mentioned in the book.
October 2, 2017
La battaglia di Iwo Jima vista nel racconto degli ultimi mesi di vita del generale giapponese che comandava la guarnigione della terrificante isola del Pacifico. Senso del dovere senza fanatismo, serenità davanti alla morte, la tristezza là dove un'occidentale avrebbe messo la rabbia. Commovente e a tratti terribile.
August 17, 2024
Such a moving book that depicts the dedication and hardship the Japanese went through defending Iwo Jima. It also provides a fascinating insight to the life of Lieutenant General Tadamichi Kuribayashi (posthumous promoted to General) He was truly a different type of officer within the Japanese Army. It was nice to see the respect he earned from his adversaries. I am thankful this book was translated from its native Japanese language and was also significant contribution to the movie Letters from Iwo Jima.
December 5, 2017
Very interesting to learn of the Japanese side of the battle for Iwo Jima. This book should be read along with "Flags of Our Fathers".
March 18, 2022
Excellent little memoir/history of the WWII battle for the island of Iwo Jima based on the surviving letters of the defending Japanese general, Kuribayashi by Kumiko Kakehashi.
February 26, 2018
"For our homeland. Until the very last man. Our duty is to stop the enemy right here. Do not expect to return home alive.''
The story of the battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and Imperial Japan during World War II, as told from the perspective of the Japanese who fought it.
Ken Watanabe: General Kuribayashi
(Review of film, which was similar to the book, although obviously more detail provided...)
A film with powerful, historical significance. Told from the side of the Japanese as they prepare to protect Iwo Jima from American invasion.
Some scenes especially the suicide deaths are quite graphic, and the action in it has a gritty, tense, war-drenched realism to it.
Fantastic diverse range of Japanese actors; Ken Watanabe always impresses. Watched this numerous times and always find something new; very powerful, very emotional, very relevant and historical. Lets all take note of our past for the future.
In the second half of Letters from Iwo Jima a group of Japanese soldiers find an American who has been badly wounded and take him into their cave. Their general speaks English, so he begins talking to this soldier, whose name we later find out is Sam. Although the two men should be sworn to kill each other, they are able to have a connection in the one conversation they have. A while later, the general comes back into the room only to discover that Sam's wounds have killed him. He searches him for a while and discovers a letter written by his mother. The letter is full of words that truly come from the heart of this kid's mother, and by the time the general finishes reading the letter, every soldier in that cave has realized that Americans aren't these savages; these hate-driven murderers. No, they all realize that Americans are exactly like they are, and that they don't want to be there and want to return home safely just like their enemies. I believe the point that Clint Eastwood is making with his Iwo Jima saga is just this: these two enemies were far more alike than they had imagined and they were both fighting only in hopes of returning home safely to their family.
''I don't know anything about the enemy. I thought all Americans were cowards. I was taught they were savages.''
As for the specific film itself. In just about every way imaginable, this absolutely masterwork is a step up from Flags of our Fathers (which is not something I say easily, as Flags is a good film). From the acting of the incredible ensemble cast, to the film's delicate but powerful script, to the beautiful imagery of the film (the colour distortion could not be any more brilliant), to Clint Eastwood's absolutely perfect knowledge of film and what works in a film like this.
The score written by Kyle Eastwood Clint's son(Original Music by Kyle Eastwood, Michael Stevens)captures the feel of the movie better than any score written for this year. It is very quiet, poignant music, but listening to it makes you think about all the people that die as a result of war.
The acting is truly phenomenal. All of the actors do incredible, extraordinary work; although I must single out two actors in particular who really blew me away. The first is Ken Watanabe. I haven't seen any of his native work, but I can safely say based upon his American studio work (The Last Samurai, Memoirs of a Geisha. and of course this film)that the man is a force to be reckoned with. I simply hope that he is not reduced to roles in vain of Chow Yun-Fat or Jet Li in their Western cinema roles.
He adds such an atmosphere of wisdom, intelligence and determination – quite the opposite of how the Japanese enemy is usually portrayed in WWII films. His character is entirely human and not reduced to a suicidal, angry General type, which is probably what many people would expect. The second is Kazunari Ninomiya, who plays Saigo. What a heartbreaking performance this actor provides. He is small, scrawny, not built for war. He has trouble fitting in. His expression is that of constant exhaustion. But his determination to live and to honour his general over himself is touching and fascinating to watch. His delivery and performance in general is absolutely stunning.
''We can die here, or we can continue fighting. Which would better serve the emperor?''
In terms of themes, the most intricate and important aspect of the film is its examination of the psyche of the warfare itself. In Flags of our Fathers; like in his earlier films such as Unforgiven, Eastwood portrays an examination and dissection of heroism and what it meant both for those who are labeled heroes and those who did the labeling.
With Letters from Iwo Jima, Eastwood studies the exact opposite of the spectrum; Glory. It's almost as if Eastwood is more fascinated with the Japanese comprehension of heroism than the American one. The Japanese soldiers in the film don't have such a thing as heroism to begin with. What they do have is glory and honour. They accept their clear and present defeat with humbleness and modesty, perhaps too much so as they would rather take their own lives than fall into the hands of the enemy. If Flags of our Fathers was a criticism of wartime splendor and heroism, Letters from Iwo Jima is a modest glorification of these elements.
In all, with Letters from Iwo Jima, Eastwood creates a new kind of war film that stands quite apart from its counterparts both because it portrays the side of the enemy but also and especially because it takes extra special care in emphasizing the human aspect of the soldiers it depicts, humanizing and characterizing them to endless extent. As a psychological study of warfare and as a history lesson; Eastwood has crafted a truly masterful and meaningful piece that's riveting and fascinating as it is intricate and complex. One of the best films of the year.
To sum it all up; Letters from Iwo Jima is one of the greatest war films ever made, and is easily does the best job of depicting war as something that harms all involved that I have ever seen. Clint Eastwood has, with this achievement, engraved his name as one of the greatest American directors in film history.
''A day will come when they will weep and pray for your souls.''
The story of the battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and Imperial Japan during World War II, as told from the perspective of the Japanese who fought it.
Ken Watanabe: General Kuribayashi
(Review of film, which was similar to the book, although obviously more detail provided...)
A film with powerful, historical significance. Told from the side of the Japanese as they prepare to protect Iwo Jima from American invasion.
Some scenes especially the suicide deaths are quite graphic, and the action in it has a gritty, tense, war-drenched realism to it.
Fantastic diverse range of Japanese actors; Ken Watanabe always impresses. Watched this numerous times and always find something new; very powerful, very emotional, very relevant and historical. Lets all take note of our past for the future.
In the second half of Letters from Iwo Jima a group of Japanese soldiers find an American who has been badly wounded and take him into their cave. Their general speaks English, so he begins talking to this soldier, whose name we later find out is Sam. Although the two men should be sworn to kill each other, they are able to have a connection in the one conversation they have. A while later, the general comes back into the room only to discover that Sam's wounds have killed him. He searches him for a while and discovers a letter written by his mother. The letter is full of words that truly come from the heart of this kid's mother, and by the time the general finishes reading the letter, every soldier in that cave has realized that Americans aren't these savages; these hate-driven murderers. No, they all realize that Americans are exactly like they are, and that they don't want to be there and want to return home safely just like their enemies. I believe the point that Clint Eastwood is making with his Iwo Jima saga is just this: these two enemies were far more alike than they had imagined and they were both fighting only in hopes of returning home safely to their family.
''I don't know anything about the enemy. I thought all Americans were cowards. I was taught they were savages.''
As for the specific film itself. In just about every way imaginable, this absolutely masterwork is a step up from Flags of our Fathers (which is not something I say easily, as Flags is a good film). From the acting of the incredible ensemble cast, to the film's delicate but powerful script, to the beautiful imagery of the film (the colour distortion could not be any more brilliant), to Clint Eastwood's absolutely perfect knowledge of film and what works in a film like this.
The score written by Kyle Eastwood Clint's son(Original Music by Kyle Eastwood, Michael Stevens)captures the feel of the movie better than any score written for this year. It is very quiet, poignant music, but listening to it makes you think about all the people that die as a result of war.
The acting is truly phenomenal. All of the actors do incredible, extraordinary work; although I must single out two actors in particular who really blew me away. The first is Ken Watanabe. I haven't seen any of his native work, but I can safely say based upon his American studio work (The Last Samurai, Memoirs of a Geisha. and of course this film)that the man is a force to be reckoned with. I simply hope that he is not reduced to roles in vain of Chow Yun-Fat or Jet Li in their Western cinema roles.
He adds such an atmosphere of wisdom, intelligence and determination – quite the opposite of how the Japanese enemy is usually portrayed in WWII films. His character is entirely human and not reduced to a suicidal, angry General type, which is probably what many people would expect. The second is Kazunari Ninomiya, who plays Saigo. What a heartbreaking performance this actor provides. He is small, scrawny, not built for war. He has trouble fitting in. His expression is that of constant exhaustion. But his determination to live and to honour his general over himself is touching and fascinating to watch. His delivery and performance in general is absolutely stunning.
''We can die here, or we can continue fighting. Which would better serve the emperor?''
In terms of themes, the most intricate and important aspect of the film is its examination of the psyche of the warfare itself. In Flags of our Fathers; like in his earlier films such as Unforgiven, Eastwood portrays an examination and dissection of heroism and what it meant both for those who are labeled heroes and those who did the labeling.
With Letters from Iwo Jima, Eastwood studies the exact opposite of the spectrum; Glory. It's almost as if Eastwood is more fascinated with the Japanese comprehension of heroism than the American one. The Japanese soldiers in the film don't have such a thing as heroism to begin with. What they do have is glory and honour. They accept their clear and present defeat with humbleness and modesty, perhaps too much so as they would rather take their own lives than fall into the hands of the enemy. If Flags of our Fathers was a criticism of wartime splendor and heroism, Letters from Iwo Jima is a modest glorification of these elements.
In all, with Letters from Iwo Jima, Eastwood creates a new kind of war film that stands quite apart from its counterparts both because it portrays the side of the enemy but also and especially because it takes extra special care in emphasizing the human aspect of the soldiers it depicts, humanizing and characterizing them to endless extent. As a psychological study of warfare and as a history lesson; Eastwood has crafted a truly masterful and meaningful piece that's riveting and fascinating as it is intricate and complex. One of the best films of the year.
To sum it all up; Letters from Iwo Jima is one of the greatest war films ever made, and is easily does the best job of depicting war as something that harms all involved that I have ever seen. Clint Eastwood has, with this achievement, engraved his name as one of the greatest American directors in film history.
''A day will come when they will weep and pray for your souls.''
December 30, 2009
...but it isn't the letters. It is Kakehashi's analysis of the battle, with extracts of some letters. With her analysis, the language is rather colloquial. There's tautology and lots of "When you read this letter, you can really feel etc ...". Can I? It's probably the translation. I also felt that it requires more than translation for non-Japanese readers. All the stuff about digging up the bones needs some context. Otherwise it just seems unnecessarily morbid.
I think I'd rather have just read the letters (with footnotes), or a straight history of the battle.
I think I'd rather have just read the letters (with footnotes), or a straight history of the battle.
November 5, 2011
It was OK as a rating was a bit harsh as this had some every interesting moments but it read almost as several essays pieced together though maybe that was the Japanese translation.
November 28, 2023
A very focused look at a specific aspect of an incredibly complex situation, Letters From Iwo Jima focuses primary on the letters and person of General Tadamichi Kuriyabashi, the man in charge of the defence of the island of Iwo Jima against American forces in WWII. There is ample information about the context and wider situation, but the book focuses much more sharply on the personal aspects, profiling Kuriyabashi and his family, and occasionally touching on the stories and fates of others. It's deeply interesting and does a good job of balancing the two – even somebody with very little knowledge of the tactical aspects could read this and get plenty of it.
My only issue was that the writing was very juvenile. Some of this is undoubtedly due to translation: the original text was written in Japanese, intended for a Japanese audience. Certain ways of wording things, therefore, as well as the repetition that occurs frequently, I have put down to a matter of translation. However, it doesn't change the fact that the book did read like a high schooler's essay in a lot of places, which made it just a little too weak for me.
As this is a translation, I mention this strictly because I am also reviewing it as a translation. I cannot speak for how the book comes across in Japanese, except to say that it will obviously be vastly different and likely flow much better. Despite the clunkiness, however, this book is well-researched and deeply interesting, as well as very touching. The fact that it was written for a Japanese audience also makes for some unexpected insights, too, such as the way that dog tags and US Marines have to be explained – Western readers will likely know what these are, and it's interesting to see what aspects of Western culture are singled out for explanation.
My only issue was that the writing was very juvenile. Some of this is undoubtedly due to translation: the original text was written in Japanese, intended for a Japanese audience. Certain ways of wording things, therefore, as well as the repetition that occurs frequently, I have put down to a matter of translation. However, it doesn't change the fact that the book did read like a high schooler's essay in a lot of places, which made it just a little too weak for me.
As this is a translation, I mention this strictly because I am also reviewing it as a translation. I cannot speak for how the book comes across in Japanese, except to say that it will obviously be vastly different and likely flow much better. Despite the clunkiness, however, this book is well-researched and deeply interesting, as well as very touching. The fact that it was written for a Japanese audience also makes for some unexpected insights, too, such as the way that dog tags and US Marines have to be explained – Western readers will likely know what these are, and it's interesting to see what aspects of Western culture are singled out for explanation.
February 12, 2019
Received this book in a box sent to me by my Stepmother. She had been collecting some of my Dad's belongings in boxes to send me since his death in August 2015. When she fills a box, she sends it on.
This time it was filled with books, including this one. My father wasn't an avid book reader, so for him to have bought this book (inside the cover he wrote where he bought it and when) and read it cover to cover, is an important clue to how much he enjoyed the subject matter.
I have recollections of him and I having conversations about this book, the characters and the Clint Eastwood directed movie based on this book (Letters from Iwo Jima).
So, needless to say, I had an emotional response when reading this book, for more than just the dramatic/traumatic/horrific content contained within the text.
Enough background, the book is a translation and suffers at times from what feels like some redundancies inherent to linguistic subtleties.
Practice patience and enjoy the written human drama, all while thanking your maker that you were spared the experience of fighting on Iwo Jima.
The author is utterly and sometimes painfully respectful of the American Marines and the US military forces in general.
Time to watch the dvd and cry again.
This time it was filled with books, including this one. My father wasn't an avid book reader, so for him to have bought this book (inside the cover he wrote where he bought it and when) and read it cover to cover, is an important clue to how much he enjoyed the subject matter.
I have recollections of him and I having conversations about this book, the characters and the Clint Eastwood directed movie based on this book (Letters from Iwo Jima).
So, needless to say, I had an emotional response when reading this book, for more than just the dramatic/traumatic/horrific content contained within the text.
Enough background, the book is a translation and suffers at times from what feels like some redundancies inherent to linguistic subtleties.
Practice patience and enjoy the written human drama, all while thanking your maker that you were spared the experience of fighting on Iwo Jima.
The author is utterly and sometimes painfully respectful of the American Marines and the US military forces in general.
Time to watch the dvd and cry again.
July 1, 2021
I'd seen the film which was based on this collection of letters and was interested in the complete picture of background and detail of the letters written by Kuribayashi to his family during his time on Iwo Jima and while he was in command of the Japanese forces there. The book combines portions of Kuribayash's letters with a detailed military history of what took place on Iwo Jima. It's a well-done chronicle, and the "so sad to fall" theme is powerfully-explained. It's almost totally impossible for us readers (those who have never served in war) to imagine the terrifying and excruciating conditions under which the 20,000 Japanese soldiers lived, and much of the book is hard to read. The author does a very good job in pulling these pieces together, and I'd highly recommend the book to anyone interested in military history. A little more editing should have been done (some dates are obviously incorrect, as some passages of letters from the General are listed as December 1945 rather than 1944; some comments are repeated too often), but overall, a captivating and heart-wrenching history.
December 11, 2018
In our modern era, it's good to read a book about a true hero, even if he fought for the enemy, the Japanese, in World War II. The word 'hero' in our modern culture has been so loosely applied that it's about equivalent to 'friend' on Facebook. This is a breath of fresh air about a real hero, who did the hard things he had to do but was also a considerable person when not fulfilling his military duty.
This book is written by a Japanese journalist, yet is elegant in expression while being well researched. It deals with what can be done, and interestingly, to me what was altered--General Kuribayashi's last letter was changed by Japanese media as being 'sad' was not permitted--apparently being 'mortified' was permitted. Sometimes great people are simply on the wrong side based on their geographical birthplace. This is a fairly short book but it shared the General's personal letters throughout his life, from his years in the United States prior to WWII to his now famous Letters from Iwo Jima.
This book is written by a Japanese journalist, yet is elegant in expression while being well researched. It deals with what can be done, and interestingly, to me what was altered--General Kuribayashi's last letter was changed by Japanese media as being 'sad' was not permitted--apparently being 'mortified' was permitted. Sometimes great people are simply on the wrong side based on their geographical birthplace. This is a fairly short book but it shared the General's personal letters throughout his life, from his years in the United States prior to WWII to his now famous Letters from Iwo Jima.
December 12, 2023
As a person that loves non-fiction, and especially WW II literature, this book provided me with another view of WW II, this time from the Japanese viewpoint. As expected, the writer, and the letters, painted a picture of hardship and challenges resulting from the war and particularly, the last stand on Iwo Jima. It was not unexpected, and it wasn't much different from what civilians in this country might experience if the war had been brought home to our doorstep. All that said, I still couldn't feel sorry for the hardship that the soldiers and their leaders were going through, based on Pearl Harbor alone. That attack on military targets AND civilians, was Japan's idea, and initiated a war that the Japanese were destined to lose. There are many lessons here, but sympathy for Imperialist Japan was not one of them.
March 18, 2025
A book I have looked at for ages, but not picked up thinking it wasn't for me, but was I wrong. I found this book very interesting as it was taken from the others idea of a part of WW11. War is never an easy thing to deal with and do we really learn from it, to me the answer is never yes. War usually starts with a person's greed and lack if respect for others lives. During this part of the war we have to look at the loss of life in more detail and why, both sides were wrong by throwing precious lives away, on one small island it equated to over 500, 000 needless losses. The letters show love and thoughtlessness. It's a very moving book that shows that nobody really wins through War.
April 19, 2023
So sad in battle is a book that covers the pacific war, specifically the conflict on the Japanese island Iwo Jima and the attack on mainland Japan in 1944-45. We are shown private letters sent by soilders to thier families 2000 km away on mainland Japan. We also see letters and family pictures of perhaps the battles biggest hero, General Kuribayashi. We also learn about his military strategy and life philosphy. I have read the book and watched the HBO series and enjoyed both equally as much.
July 4, 2025
The powerful account of the commander in chief of the Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, General Kuribayashi, and the closest thing to a true biography I’ve read in a long time. The inspiration for the film Letters from Iwo Jima, which I think is up there with the greatest war films ever made. The author’s first book, and though it’s overall well done you can tell she’s not a well practiced writer of history. Interesting history of the battle and the man.
November 2, 2019
“Unable to complete this heavy task for our country,
Arrows and bullets all spent, so sad we fall”
An amazingly researched book, sheds light on the horrific battle for Iwo Jima from the Japanese side.
Very much worth reading for anyone interested in the Pacific war.
Arrows and bullets all spent, so sad we fall”
An amazingly researched book, sheds light on the horrific battle for Iwo Jima from the Japanese side.
Very much worth reading for anyone interested in the Pacific war.
April 12, 2020
Very well written and a great companion to Flags of Our Fathers. It is always interesting to view any point in history through dissenting eyes in order to get a complete picture. This does that job very well.
July 6, 2020
Interesting account of General Kuribayashi and several other Japanese soldiers defending Iwo Jima. The book is significant in that it humanizes the soldiers who would defend their island to the death.
November 22, 2017
I loved this book. It gave me a new perspective on WWII and it was about a wonderful man of great character.
February 9, 2018
"The are two sides to every story" goes the old adage.
Books like this are there to remind us that there are actually several.
The letters of Lt. General Kuribayashi are not included in there entirety but rather quoted as inserts into the main text as it tells it's story. Alongside interviews with survivors and family members, these add to a well researched book about a very singular, a-typical Japanese officer and a "quality human being" to boot, and therein lies the authors' aim.
Obviously written in order to break a stereotype; that of the widely accepted American perception of the Japanese soldier in World War 2.
Books like this are there to remind us that there are actually several.
The letters of Lt. General Kuribayashi are not included in there entirety but rather quoted as inserts into the main text as it tells it's story. Alongside interviews with survivors and family members, these add to a well researched book about a very singular, a-typical Japanese officer and a "quality human being" to boot, and therein lies the authors' aim.
Obviously written in order to break a stereotype; that of the widely accepted American perception of the Japanese soldier in World War 2.
November 10, 2019
Much more moved and gave me lots of thoughts by reading this book, than watching two movies "Letters from Iwo Jima" and "Flags of Our Fathers."
November 8, 2020
The writing (translation) is a bit choppy and sometimes repetitive but the book is worth reading.
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