Tale of 2 Countries

Ok, its my 3rd off day and I'm still feeling like shit. Apparently the so-called "feeling-better" last night as a false positive. Woke up today sneezing, wheezing and like head's been rolled over by a 4x4. Though, I guess the day was not entirely wasted.

Managed to get my hands of 2 of Clint Eastwood's latest movies; Flags Of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima. These 2 movies are directed by Clint Eastwood himself and of course, produced by Steven Spielberg. I was expecting many battle scenes ala Saving Private Ryan with much dramatic fanfare. However, I was pleasantly surprised otherwise.

These 2 movies depicts the one of the last few battles of World War 2. The story takes place entirely on the island of Iwo Jima, the last standing island between the US before they bombarded Hiroshima with the A-bomb. Still, the ingenious part of about bringing this story from history books to the silver screen is telling it from 2 different perspective. Hence, Flags Of Our Fathers is told from an American perspective; while Letters From Iwo Jima told it from a Japanese perspective.

Its really surreal to watch these 2 movies back to back. And somehow you cant help but to feel empathetic for the soldiers fighting from each side. Though, you might also be wondering what's so special about this particular battle of Iwo Jima? Well, to the world; thats where the iconic "shot" was taken. 5 American soldiers hoisting up a pole with the American flag - albeit there was some confusion over the identities of the actual soldiers involved.

In essence, in the end there no who's right or wrong; who's more patriotic. In the end, its about humanity. No doubt countries have their differences. But because when you have assholes at the top making a jackass's decision......everyone's going to hell.

I suggest watching Flags Of Our Father's first. Then move on to Letters From Iwo Jima. Somehow the latter feels more humane and paints a better picture of what the soldiers have to deal with during man's darkest hours.

ummmm...then again, if you're no history buff or fan of mar movies...there's always Ken Watanabe's stellar performance =)