The problem I have with most war movies is that they usually get involved with too many side stories dealing with personal relationships, romance, or issues not related to the battle or conflict of the title. That would be the case for "Sands of Iwo Jima" as well, as John Wayne's hard boiled performance as Sergeant John Stryker is tested along the way by Privates Al Thomas (Forrest Tucker) and Peter Conway (John Agar). Granted, the scenarios allow us a glimpse into the mind and temperament of Stryker, and the reason for his attempts at solace in a bottle of whiskey. Stryker's one track mind does not allow for slip ups, because in battle, a slip up can cost lives. That point is demonstrated when Thomas delays bringing back ammo for his buddies during the Battle of Tarawa; his buddies wind up dead.
On the plus side, the battle scenes of the movie are interspersed with actual war footage, and though not seamless, they are effective. In particular, the flame throwing battle tanks are particularly impressive. There are some hand to hand combat scenes, brief but realistic, that give meaning to a Marine's definition of battle - "That's war boy, tradin' real estate for men". Put in that context, the futility of war as a means to an end seems especially true.
I always thought the term "Lock and Load!" was an overworked cliché in modern films, but here it is in a movie made in 1949. John Wayne does the honors, not once, but twice before the story is over. As for the march of time putting things into perspective, I got a chuckle out of a line uttered by the bar fly Mary (Julie Bishop) attempting to cozy up to Stryker - "Sixty five cents for a drink, too much!"
With one of the more famous outcomes in World War II history, I was looking forward to the climactic action of the U.S. flag being raised over Surabachi. That moment was recreated for the film while honoring three surviving members of the original battle who appear in the film with Wayne, in a patriotic scene enhanced by the strains of the Marine hymn in the background. Unfortunately, Stryker doesn't live to see victory. With new found admiration for his commanding officer, Private Conway offers his men encouragement to continue the fight when he shouts out - "Saddle Up!"
On the plus side, the battle scenes of the movie are interspersed with actual war footage, and though not seamless, they are effective. In particular, the flame throwing battle tanks are particularly impressive. There are some hand to hand combat scenes, brief but realistic, that give meaning to a Marine's definition of battle - "That's war boy, tradin' real estate for men". Put in that context, the futility of war as a means to an end seems especially true.
I always thought the term "Lock and Load!" was an overworked cliché in modern films, but here it is in a movie made in 1949. John Wayne does the honors, not once, but twice before the story is over. As for the march of time putting things into perspective, I got a chuckle out of a line uttered by the bar fly Mary (Julie Bishop) attempting to cozy up to Stryker - "Sixty five cents for a drink, too much!"
With one of the more famous outcomes in World War II history, I was looking forward to the climactic action of the U.S. flag being raised over Surabachi. That moment was recreated for the film while honoring three surviving members of the original battle who appear in the film with Wayne, in a patriotic scene enhanced by the strains of the Marine hymn in the background. Unfortunately, Stryker doesn't live to see victory. With new found admiration for his commanding officer, Private Conway offers his men encouragement to continue the fight when he shouts out - "Saddle Up!"