Customer Reviews

Heroes of Iwo Jima

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This extraordinary documentary reviews the two famous flagraisings on Iwo Jima in context with the heroic deeds of the United States Marines in their struggle to capture the island in February and March, 1945.

Producers were extremely fortunate that the Marines signal corps filmed the invasion of Iwo Jima in color, leaving a wealth of footage to edit with interviews conducted at the turn of the century, as well as, key interviews filmed in the 1980s.

One important feature that places this documentary above many that are aired on cable television are snapshot/photo inserts. During the narration, interviews, battle scenes, etc., the filmmaker inserts recognizable photos of the key historic personalities (flagraisers) as they're being discussed and/or quoted.

Viewers who have read James Bradley's bestseller, "Flags of Our Fathers," have the opportunity to see a couple of comments by author's father, filmed in 1985. Of course, Joe Rosenthal who snapped the famous flagraising, actually the second of what was two famous flagraisings that occurred atop Mt. Suribachi during the fifth day of the battle.

Highly recommended for any and all documentary and World War II DVD collections.

I have just finished viewing Heroes Of Iwo Jima and was deeply moved by
such an outstanding documentary . I live in Sydney Australia ,down under,
and have always shown a great interest in American Service Men with their
campaign's during the second world war . This would have to be one of the
best scripted and visual viewing I have ever seen . I thoroughly give it
five stars (it deserves more ) and every American and Australian home should purchase a copy , for the suffering and misery these men had to
endure . I mention Australian homes as we were comrades in arms at earlier
Pacific Locations . Please everbody , acquire a copy of this , it is very
compelling viewing . What more can I say , except , God Bless America

This movie is wonderful, intense, and emotional.
I had read the book "Flags of Our Fathers" and felt James Bradley had done a exceptional job with keeping the un-educated reader interested in the true element of war. I then decided to purchase this movie, so I could have the faces with the history. For many who may not understand the couragious acts of these men, Gene Hackman, keeps the natoration, easy to follow,and with the utt-most repect. I can appreciate the actual footage, along with the veterans stories of that give a honest, tearful, and emotional journey into the past. A must have, for any History collector. Even one, which the school room should make part of their history agendas. Harsh but reality.

If you doubt that statement just view this "Heroes of Iwo Jima" DVD. Hosted by Gene Hackman, a former Marine, it gives you actual color footage of the actual battle. It is like you are there! The second flag raising on Mt. Suribachi has left an indelible imprint on me since I was a child. I never knew there were actually two flag raisings. The first was celebrated by the entire island and the ships offshore, rallying the troops to carry on. The second, was not even noticed, except by Joe Rosenthal and Hank Hansen. Rosenthal shot the actual picture and Hansen shot the motion picture of the event. Rosenthal's picture became the image we all know today. Lou Lowery shot pictures of the first flag raising, but his pictures were squashed by the Marine Corp when Rosenthal's picture was published first. The DVD gives you insight in to the men who rose the flags and tells their story. Survivors who actualy knew them and fought on Iwo Jima tell very interesting stories of the battle. One note I want to inject here about the flag raisers here is the fact that initially, due to mass confusion of battle, some of the flag raisers were mis-identified. For example, Harlon Block, the man at the base of the second flag raising was initially identified as Hansen, who took the motion picture of the event! Also, now that the first flag raising photo has surfaced, Raymond Jacobs, was mis-identified, and to this day has not gotten proper credit for his part in the first flag raising. He is the radioman and you can go to iwojima.com to read his story. This DVD shows that war IS Hell and stands as a tribute to the men who fought that 23rd day of February, 1945. All of us today owe a great deal to what they endured almost 60 years ago, fighting for our freedom. I for one, shall forever be indebted to them!

If you read the book, "Flags Of Our Fathers" or saw the movie version, this is a must have video to add to your collection. In fact, I wish everyone could have and view this video. I have shown it to family and friends and everyone that I've shown it to wants their own copies to send to others as well!

I purchased this documentary after reading Flags of Our Fathers, and it was a great follow-up for the book. It was very interesting, and I highly recommend it! The whole family enjoyed watching it.

I'm not sure why a documentary for Joe Rosenthal's photograph of Iwo Jima is so boring but its blatant commericialism is a sign. The show is basically a long running infomercial for Flags of Our Fathers. I find the History Channel and A & E does this a lot. Thank god we have PBS for the American Experience.

Excellent detail to a time in our history when our young Marines gave their all to preserve our freedom. This shows why it was said "Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue".This deseves 5 stars and not the 2 showing.