The film The Sands of Iwo Jima was made in 1949 by Allan Dwan. The film was made to tell the story of the Marines in the Japanese islands and show the brutality of the war and its losses. The storming of Iwo Jima is marked as the bloodiest episode of military action in the Pacific. It starred John Wayne, nominated for an Oscar upon the film’s release. Dwan filmed a believable critical moment in the clash between the American and Japanese armies, showing the bravery and courage of the rank-and-file soldiers.
The story covers the journey of American soldiers from training camps to the actual battle for a strategic point. The film shows how a marine sergeant, John Stryker, imposes strict discipline on young soldiers (Caltrider, 2021). Personal demons haunt him, and subordinates only fuel the fire. One of the great scenes in which Stryker gets credit is the invasion of Tarawa. It is a documentary episode that shows three days of a fierce battle. Stryker’s subordinates begin to appreciate the methods of discipline and are grateful for the lives saved.
Stryker’s real strength is revealed in the battle for Iwo Jima, where he skillfully leads his men. He leads the men, trying to help them survive and taking risks himself. Due to his courage, the Marines reach the top and plant the flag, but Stryker cannot see it: he is shot by a sniper. It is a dramatic scene in which the soldiers read the letter and see their commander’s identity under his thick skin.
The leading role in the film is played by John Wayne, who plays a stern but fair Marine commander. Wayne’s performance is of a high level, and it allows the viewer to experience the rigors of military discipline. The film is generally consistent with reality, depicting the enormous losses and soldiers’ fears (Caltrider, 2021). However, it narrows events considerably and concretizes them in two scenes, with little attention to detail.
Dwan’s work is a memorable picture of inner demons against the brutality of war. Stryker’s drama is a red thread through the film, showing real feelings under a rough shell. The battles of Tarawa and Iwo Jima showed losses soldiers faced during the war. Dwan took the work responsibly, only slightly changing several events. It makes the film a demonstration of reasons why wars must end.
Reference
Caltrider, M. (2021). John Wayne and ‘Sands of Iwo Jima’: 5 things you probably didn’t know. Coffee or Die Magazine. Web.