365+ movies in 365 days: Day 30 - Sands Of Iwo Jima

Today I watched the classic war film the Sands Of Iwo Jima. This type of Hollywood film making has gone out of style. Modern war movies either feature an anti-hero or commentary on the futility or immorality of war. Many of the war films turned out by Hollywood during and directly after the WWII were almost propaganda films for the U.S. Armed Forces. The Sands Of Iwo Jima is definitely a pro-American film, but it has something else that sets it above the rest.

That something else is John Wayne. People forget that he was one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. Remembered more for his larger than life personality, he became almost a caricature towards the end of his career. He fell out of favor with later generations because of his pro-Vietnam views of the 60's and the fact that his style of movie making was considered old-fashioned. People have forgotten what a great actor he was. He is remembered for his style of speech and walk, but few people remember that he could communicate so much with just a look. In the middle of the film there is a scene where one of his men is crying for help and he can't go rescue him. The camera is on Wayne in a full close-up for 30 seconds (a life time in film) and everything going on with the character is portrayed without a word.
He is not just and American icon, but also a great actor and future generations will rediscover him someday.

The movie itself is exceptionally well made. Republic Pictures had the full cooperation of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Marine Corps, so the director was able to authentically recreate battle scenes splicing in actual footage from the war in the Pacific. Each cast member makes his character their own so when some fall in battle you recognize who they are. Actual Marines who fought on Iwo Jima made cameo appearance in the film just before the recreation of the flag raising.
At The Movie House rating **** stars