http://www.opendemocracy.net/arts-Film/
iwo_jima_4381.jsp
Letters to the past: Iwo Jima and Japanese memory
Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney
23 – 2 – 2007
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Clint Eastwood’s film “Letters from Iwo Jima” finds the humanity behind the brutality of war, thus honouring the past and opening hearts in the present, says Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, author of “Kamikaze Diaries”.
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Only a vet understands that brutal fear.
Even if you were a “biloxi blues” type (i.e., sent home from boot camp because the war has ended) of vet, you’re a vet. In the quiet time of boot camp, you’ve recognized that the training might even kill you.
(Humorously, I had an uncle who in WW1 was assigned to supply at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. The family would always tease him when he would wear his campaign hat on Vet’s Day. He only held a rifle twice in his military career. Once, during boot camp. And, once to march in the NYC ticker tape parade for V-E day. But, he was a vet. I can still hear him saying to my grandmother “but, Sister, I could have been killed.” Then, when he wasn’t around, they’d have little jests about “killed by a falling pile of blankets”. But, they did always admit he was a vet. I thought the parade part was funny because there was a “shortage” of returning vets for the politicians to praise and a plethora of parades scheduled for politicians to get up in front of their constituents and “run for reelection” by praising the troops and the citizen support. So he had to do more marching in V-E parades than he ever did before. The powers that be stripped places of anyone with two legs and a uniform to march. Many times. Reminds me of today in some respects.)
Only a vet who felt the cool breeze of death understands. Only a vet who’s been under fire really understands. Only a vet who has killed an enemy really understands. Only a vet who’s been on the receiving end of injury or close to harm’s way really understands.
I thought that this was an excellent review. And, one of the comments really struck home.
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It was not called the “Rape” of Nanking for nothing, you know.
While America and the world rightly is horrified by incidents like the My Lai murders, are we now supposed to just ignore and thus condone government-sponsored murder, rape, theft, and arson? I refuse to “un-demonize” the brutal, sociopathic Japanese soldier (of any rank).
Little Boy and Fat Man. Wish we’d had them on December 8, 1941.
J W Ritter
USAF (Retired)
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He ignores the facts of Wilson getting us into WW1, WW1 sets up WW2, and FDR steers us into WW2.
It’s really an indictment of the politicians. Who were not blessed enough, smart enough, or honest enough to steer us around these ghastly wars.
It’s really an indictment of the people who are not blessed enough, smart enough, or honest enough to say, to these supposed leaders, “no”.
Politely, firmly, unequivocally “no”.
So now we should be saying: No more “fresh young meat” to satisfy your needs! Bring all the troops home from all around the world. Now! It’s easy. Everybody gets on a plane, boat, or starts walking home. All travel order only go one way — home! Now!
Dona nobis pacem.
Note: Fixed some typos.
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