Perhaps Eastwood at his most accomplished on a topic in which contemporary audiences may be surprised to find an understanding of human bravery and foibles. It grows in stature upon repeated screenings.

A compelling, astonishing film, much better than the very good Flags of Our Fathers. 

Letters from Iwo Jima is a great movie that didn't get a lot of mainstream recognition. I think most people who saw it would probably be in agreement that it was a great film. However, the idea of a war film through the enemy's eyes doesn't seem to go over well with American audiences. I enjoyed how it didn't portray the Japanese or Americans as either good or evil, but mostly just how they were. The idea of sacrificing one's life for the good of society is something that is a lot stronger of a concept in Japan than in the US. Clint Eastwood seemed to question the benefit to humanity of that concept, and in so doing, appeared to make a subliminal argument against nationalism over individualism when it comes to war. This is a very Americna concept, and I'm sure the Japanese audiences probably viewed the film differently than American's did. Altogether though it was a great work of art, which you can't say about most films made today.

Did this film make any money? Did anyone see it in the theater? Eastwood's depiction of the Pacific conflict through the lens of the Japanese was very riveting. He approached the subject matter with much respect and skill. I found it one of the most unappreciated films in Eastwood's canon.