The U.S. Marines fight a never-ending battle against the Japanese in their attempt to place their flag on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima during the now-legendary events depicted in this episode...As we reach the final throes of battle in the Pacific war against Japan, we are once again reminded of the price of lives lost that comes before true victory can be achieved. We also, however, are treated to how our men relax by playing sports and eating and dancing and having a good time just before they fulfill their duties. Kudos, as always, to Leonard Graves' narration and Richard Rodgers' music for stirring us to the climatic battles and flag-raising conclusion that made this documentary series the classic that it is. So, as always, this was another highly recommended episode of Victory at Sea.
2 Reviews
"However bad any given island may have been, the next was sure to be worse".
classicsoncall30 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
In the spring of 1945, American B-29's were bringing war to the makers of war. From Guam, Tiniat and Saipan in the Marianas Islands, Allied bombers were targeting major Japanese cities, foremost among them Tokyo, the capital. For Japan, Iwo Jima was the indispensable island, occupied by the Imperial Power and strategically located in the Pacific.
Allied ships, led by the United States began converging on Iwo Jima from all over the Pacific in February 1945. On February 19th, the most concentrated bombardment of World War II was directed at the island, a solid mass of underground fortifications that could only be taken by force.
Knowing a bit of history regarding Iwo Jima, I was somewhat disappointed by this episode in the series. There was an inordinate amount of time spent on the recreational activities of sailors on the island, along with what might have been the creepiest footage up to this point - sailors dancing with each other in a way early preview of 'Don't ask, don't tell'. Maybe it's just me, but I was somewhat put off by the way this episode handled one of the most ferocious campaigns of the war. It was mentioned that five thousand Marines died during the conflict on Iwo Jima, but no mention of Japanese casualties. From other sources, I'm able to state that twenty two thousand Japanese defenders on the island perished, with a little over two hundred taken prisoner.
For a better graphic representation of the history of Iwo Jima, I would direct you to a chapter in another WW II film series, "Crusade in the Pacific". The segment on 'Bloody Iwo' does a much better job of detailing the thirty six day battle made famous by the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. This single battle in the Pacific Theater is one that's almost impossible to comprehend.
Another excellent treatment is Clint Eastwood's 2006 film, "Letters From Iwo Jima". Historically, Eastwood did his homework, and the scenes of the lava beaches and underground bunkers bear a strong resemblance to archival footage from the actual campaign. With the other sources I've mentioned available for one's consideration, I'd have to give thumbs down to this episode of the series. I didn't think it had the focus it should have.
Allied ships, led by the United States began converging on Iwo Jima from all over the Pacific in February 1945. On February 19th, the most concentrated bombardment of World War II was directed at the island, a solid mass of underground fortifications that could only be taken by force.
Knowing a bit of history regarding Iwo Jima, I was somewhat disappointed by this episode in the series. There was an inordinate amount of time spent on the recreational activities of sailors on the island, along with what might have been the creepiest footage up to this point - sailors dancing with each other in a way early preview of 'Don't ask, don't tell'. Maybe it's just me, but I was somewhat put off by the way this episode handled one of the most ferocious campaigns of the war. It was mentioned that five thousand Marines died during the conflict on Iwo Jima, but no mention of Japanese casualties. From other sources, I'm able to state that twenty two thousand Japanese defenders on the island perished, with a little over two hundred taken prisoner.
For a better graphic representation of the history of Iwo Jima, I would direct you to a chapter in another WW II film series, "Crusade in the Pacific". The segment on 'Bloody Iwo' does a much better job of detailing the thirty six day battle made famous by the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. This single battle in the Pacific Theater is one that's almost impossible to comprehend.
Another excellent treatment is Clint Eastwood's 2006 film, "Letters From Iwo Jima". Historically, Eastwood did his homework, and the scenes of the lava beaches and underground bunkers bear a strong resemblance to archival footage from the actual campaign. With the other sources I've mentioned available for one's consideration, I'd have to give thumbs down to this episode of the series. I didn't think it had the focus it should have.
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