There is inter-service rivalries like what the Third Reich had to contend with (Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS and the Luftwaffe). Then there is the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy where it may as well have been locking two rival Klingon factions together in the same room with a single knife.
That's why till today there is debates. Most famous is general Yamashita war crime trial in the Philippines.. It was the IJN that committed the atrocities in Manila.. The IJA pulled out because through reasonable understanding they cannot hold the city and cause unessary suffering to the civilian... Unfortunately the IJN didn't felt that way.. And once tge IJA pulled out they filled the hole Thus the massacre of Manila
@@richardtaylor1652 ive been looking into this the last couple weeks and found some interesting anecdotes. On Guadalcanal, IJN would push supplies over into the water instead of on land. During Okinawa, IJA had planes but no gas and IJN had no planes but gas so neither flew. Same T/M/S planes but in different "factories", like a wall splitting Army production from Navy production (left twix right twix IRL). At one point a Uboat tied up mostly at a navy pier but had ropes attached to one pillar on the army side. Army came out and threw the ropes in the water allowing that end to float away since the Uboat was there to visit the navy.
Most, if not all of the lower-rank-and-file soldiers are fictional, but General Tadamichi Kuribayashi and Baron Nishi were real people as portrayed in the film. Very few Japanese soldiers survived Iwo Jima and even fewer can historically verify the true fate of Kuribayashi, whose remains were never discovered nor how exactly he died. Kuribayashi's son believes that his father was killed by artillery in the last battle and was immediately buried by soldiers nearby tasked to do that exactly. The US Marines couldn't identify his body from the rest as all officer's insignia were removed beforehand. His grandson is currently in politics. *Not-so fun fact:* The last Japanese soldier to officially surrender on Iwo Jima was in _1949_ . To put that into perspective, the Chinese Civil War finally ended and the Korean War would kick off next year.
there's a few stories about Japanese soldiers not hearing that the war was over and not surrendering for many years. I think the most infamous one was Hiroo Onoda, whom didn't surrender for *29 years* after the war ended.
@@jasonchao343 Its not that, it the subtitles. For whatever reason people do not like watching movies in the theatre with subtitles. When I saw this at least 5 people (2 groups) walked out when they realized it was subtitled.
@@WillMuny I think this is a uniquely american thing, because i watch movies with subtitles all the time, with subtitles in english, despite not even being my first language.
Iwo Jima is still an active Japanese military base to this day and access is limited to once a year for the public but you can indeed still take tours of the island on the days that the Japanese government allow
Kempeitai were like the military police of the Japanese Army. Kind of like the Gestapo. That's why they thought he was a undercover plant in their unit at first.
Kempeitai were in some ways worse than the Gestapo. Not just secret police but also 'taking care' of POW's, anti-insurgency activities, 'enforcing' conscription. Maintaining army discipline (as they fell under the purview of the IJA). They also conducted various duties usually done by Military Police. They also 'suppressed' anti-Japanese sentiment and spread pro-Japanese propaganda. And it didn't stop just there either. Essentially they combined the worst parts of the Gestapo, SS and NKVD.
Only Veterans of the battle from both sides and active Marines are allowed on the island for the most part. Special quests are allowed from time to time. Not sure if descendants of Veterans are allowed now that most are gone
I saw “not sure if it’s still this way” there’s only one day a year when non military people can be on the island, and there has to be a good reason why. Documentaries and so on. I’m not sure how the handful of UA-camrs got permission, but they are extremely lucky. I wish I could go there and pay my respects to both sides.
@@ryanbuckley5529 To my knowledge, the entire island is designated hallowed ground - essentially a graveyard which no one should simply walk around freely unless they were paying their respects
33:35 According to the ancient Samurai code of Bushido, an warrior (in this case a Imperial Japanese officer) cannot surrender. To surrender in Japanese culture was the highest dishonor and disgrace. It was drilled into all of them that surrender is not an option, unless directly ordered so by the Emperor. If you surrender, then you become virtually a non-person in Japanese society and your family would be shunned by their neighbors for "raising a coward" unless they "atone for their dishonor" by committing suicide. This would also help the "dishonored soul" to find Heaven rather than linger in disgrace in the afterlife. When faced with the prospect of surrender, a Japanese officer would have his second behead him with a Samurai sword after he disemboweled himself with a short sword. Whenever that was impractical, they just pulled their pistols and shot themselves.
The US returned Iwo Jima to Japan a long time ago. All US soldiers and Marines buried on Iwo Jima were exhumed and returned to the US for reburial before the turnover. Iwo Jima is now a military reservation of the Japanese Self Defense Force and is closed to the public.
It helps to know the in depth history of this battle, in order to really understand what was going on scene by scene. It was a beautiful film, about a gruesome subject. Thank you for showing it, allowing me to see it again.
Thank you for reacting to this movie!! This movie hits me as hard as Saving Private Ryan. It took me some days to process it. I hope more people watch this.
more on the pacific theater: "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970) *True Story* "The Great Raid" (2005) *True Story* "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) "In Harm's Way" (1965) *fictionalized based on real people and events* "Windtalkers" (2002)
If you want to explore the Japanese perspective on the war… watch these… The Emperor in August (2015) Eternal Zero (2013) Onoda, 10000 nights in the jungle (2021) Yamato (2005) Isoroku (2011) The Human Condition (1959-1961)
Great review Toni and David as always. This one is a great movie to watch as it fills in so much more about the Japanese version of the war. Up until this movie, Japanese were often betrayed as monsters and villains. But when Eastwood produced it he wanted a film that could also be something for the Japanese people to look to understand the war from their point of view. The militant Japanese army leaders had controlled Japan for so long their culture rarely put a value of being humans, part culture as well as a way to demonstrate strength. So it is a really good film trying to help the Japanese people come to terms with the war and that part of their history. I thought I read that this was all fictionalized and the letters as well as the soldier in the end did not exist, but were means to help Japanese society view the war. If I may suggest two follow up movies- when you have a chance watch Midway either the 70s version or the 2019 version is very good. The 2019 version is very very good. It can help understand the war in the Pacific very well, personally I would have suggested that before you watched the Pacific, but it very good to watch as a movie. Then the Emperor is an outstanding movie about the end of the war, it fills in so much of how both countries started the path of healing after WW2. Always looking forward to more!!!😊
It's ironic that WWII Imperial Japan specifically targetted medics when one of the country's more notable contributions during WWI was sending squads of Red Cross to Europe.
The young private who survives is the Japanese actor/singer Kazunari Ninomiya. He is most famous for being a member of the boy band Arashi. He has won numerous acting awards in Japan. This was his only foreign movie. He got very favourable reviews, and as this was an American movie, he should have got a best supporting actor Oscar nomination, but didn't.
"For dramatic effect". I said the SAME thing, just before you did. As for, which one is better. I can't say. That's like two sides of the same coin. I loved that the Japanese were not just cardboard cutouts.
I always wanted to learn about the Japanese perspective of the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. I have full respect for Japanese General Tadamichi Kuribayashi and everyone else who fought beside him! 🫡❤️🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
Wow, what a very Interesting Story indeed!🥲Great Reaction and Great Editing too👏Thank You 'Both' again for this one tonight💝it's always a Privilege and a Pleasure to hang-out with My Friends!👍
Just a reminder because I don’t think I’ve seen it mentioned on either of this pair of movies but this is also the battle in which John Basilone died towards the end of the Pacific series
I've only sailed by Iwo Jima while I was in the Marines in 82. It is a very lonely place. Only a few Islands near by. It is within Tokyos prefect. Making the Island within the Tokyo city limits. There is no tourism on Iwo Jima. Special events, ceremonies have to be cleared with tht Japanese Self Defense Forces and Government. If you want to understand the reasons why the Japanese military was the way it was. I would suggest that you see some UA-cam viedos about the Samurais.
It is so surprising that Americans to this day cannot understand why a Japanese soldier or Japanese civilian would choose to kill themselves rather than surrender. It is their samurai tradition. They submit to a higher power. I know it's hard to understand, but their tradition is hundreds of years old - today it's different. Thank God. And we Germans also fought against the Americans. But we are influenced by the West. And have always been soldiers. Prussian generals trained the US Army in the War of 1776, in George Washington's army against the British. And of course you fight to the end, but giving up doesn't mean losing honor. For us it's also about knightly honor - we expect the same from our opponents. Maybe that's why we understand the Japanese a little better than the Americans. Honor is deeply rooted.
I thought it was funny when I saw that Pearl Harbor gets visited by many, many Japanese tourists. Stands to reason, I guess, that Americans would visit Iwo Jima.
This movie, and Isoroku (about Yamamoto) are the best portrayals of Japanese in WWII). January 6, 1949 was when the last Japanese soldier surrendered on Iwo.
What a strange choice at this time. Doesn't really flow with your recent picks and during a "Halloween" themed month. Nothing like a good, bloody, sad, war film to keep the festive energy going. 🤔🙃
I wasn't "complaining". If I didn't appreciate Dave and Toni, I wouldnt subscribe and tune in. I was, and still am, curious. The point of doing these "reactions" is to drive "likes", " views" and "new subscribers ". I would imagine a li/le better strategy might make this channel more prominent. ✌️@pradasquirtle6548
Why must you watch War Movies? I hate Cheese, all that power he had, and he picked ANOTHER war movie! We saw The Pacific series and other war movies. Stop with them, please. We see war on the news!!
@@Gurp2 I watch this channel all the time. I've sent them 30 DVDs, give in "Superchats", plus I have "2 slots" on their monthly wheel as a subscriber, so I have a right to say something. I'm not criticizing Toni and David, I am talking about people selected who choose depressing war movies. There are wars all over the world RIGHT NOW. And these movies only give Toni grief. We need to watch more comedies, thrillers and adventures instead, films that are not necessarily real, but provide temporary excitement...
@@matthewprince9705 people like what they like just like you like what you like. who are you to judge someone’s taste just bc you don’t share the same interests as them.
@@matthewprince9705 That's really harsh, what you said about Cheese. He was picked fairly, and it's his choice to pick the movie for David and Toni. Just because you've done this or that doesn't make you any better than anyone else. I know they are absolutely grateful for what you've done for them, but don't take it to a level that it's not. We're all equal here. If anyone has the power, it's David and Toni, this is their channel.
I'm glad you guys reacted to this because many people haven't! Now you guys have to watch Flags of our Fathers which I would've recommended doing first if you already haven't! Edit: looks like you have 😂
32:06 The real translation is "We will meet again at Yasukuni Shrine."
Nobody hated the Imperial Japanese Army like the Imperial Japanese Navy and vice versa.
There is inter-service rivalries like what the Third Reich had to contend with (Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS and the Luftwaffe). Then there is the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy where it may as well have been locking two rival Klingon factions together in the same room with a single knife.
The greatest enemies of Japanese Imperial Army:
1) Japanese Imperial Navy
2) Chinese army
3) Americans
precisely in this order
That's why till today there is debates. Most famous is general Yamashita war crime trial in the Philippines.. It was the IJN that committed the atrocities in Manila.. The IJA pulled out because through reasonable understanding they cannot hold the city and cause unessary suffering to the civilian... Unfortunately the IJN didn't felt that way.. And once tge IJA pulled out they filled the hole
Thus the massacre of Manila
@@richardtaylor1652 ive been looking into this the last couple weeks and found some interesting anecdotes. On Guadalcanal, IJN would push supplies over into the water instead of on land. During Okinawa, IJA had planes but no gas and IJN had no planes but gas so neither flew. Same T/M/S planes but in different "factories", like a wall splitting Army production from Navy production (left twix right twix IRL). At one point a Uboat tied up mostly at a navy pier but had ropes attached to one pillar on the army side. Army came out and threw the ropes in the water allowing that end to float away since the Uboat was there to visit the navy.
And the Okinawans, until there were problems with American servicemen started assaulting young women on Okinawa.
Props to you guys for watching this one. It's really under-represented in reactions despite being such an excellent movie.
Most, if not all of the lower-rank-and-file soldiers are fictional, but General Tadamichi Kuribayashi and Baron Nishi were real people as portrayed in the film.
Very few Japanese soldiers survived Iwo Jima and even fewer can historically verify the true fate of Kuribayashi, whose remains were never discovered nor how exactly he died. Kuribayashi's son believes that his father was killed by artillery in the last battle and was immediately buried by soldiers nearby tasked to do that exactly. The US Marines couldn't identify his body from the rest as all officer's insignia were removed beforehand. His grandson is currently in politics.
*Not-so fun fact:* The last Japanese soldier to officially surrender on Iwo Jima was in _1949_ . To put that into perspective, the Chinese Civil War finally ended and the Korean War would kick off next year.
there's a few stories about Japanese soldiers not hearing that the war was over and not surrendering for many years. I think the most infamous one was Hiroo Onoda, whom didn't surrender for *29 years* after the war ended.
I always liked this film, and thought it didn't get the attention it deserves. This is the first time I've seen anyone react to it.
No one likes to watch a war film from enemy point of view. Deals with it.
@@jasonchao343 yeah people absolutely hated Downfall, or Quiet in the Western Front
@@jasonchao343 Its not that, it the subtitles. For whatever reason people do not like watching movies in the theatre with subtitles. When I saw this at least 5 people (2 groups) walked out when they realized it was subtitled.
Group of Iwo Jima vets lived long enough to watch both films and said they hated Flags of Our Fathers, but loved Letters.
@@WillMuny I think this is a uniquely american thing, because i watch movies with subtitles all the time, with subtitles in english, despite not even being my first language.
Iwo Jima is still an active Japanese military base to this day and access is limited to once a year for the public but you can indeed still take tours of the island on the days that the Japanese government allow
Kempeitai were like the military police of the Japanese Army. Kind of like the Gestapo. That's why they thought he was a undercover plant in their unit at first.
Kempeitai were in some ways worse than the Gestapo. Not just secret police but also 'taking care' of POW's, anti-insurgency activities, 'enforcing' conscription. Maintaining army discipline (as they fell under the purview of the IJA). They also conducted various duties usually done by Military Police. They also 'suppressed' anti-Japanese sentiment and spread pro-Japanese propaganda. And it didn't stop just there either.
Essentially they combined the worst parts of the Gestapo, SS and NKVD.
The sand is black because it was burnt by the lava from the nearby volcano of Mount Surabachi.
It was great to see Iwo Jima from the Japanese point of view. Kudos to Clint Eastwood for giving us both sides of the story and the war.
Clint Eastwood is phenomenal.
Only Veterans of the battle from both sides and active Marines are allowed on the island for the most part. Special quests are allowed from time to time. Not sure if descendants of Veterans are allowed now that most are gone
I saw “not sure if it’s still this way” there’s only one day a year when non military people can be on the island, and there has to be a good reason why. Documentaries and so on. I’m not sure how the handful of UA-camrs got permission, but they are extremely lucky. I wish I could go there and pay my respects to both sides.
@@ryanbuckley5529 To my knowledge, the entire island is designated hallowed ground - essentially a graveyard which no one should simply walk around freely unless they were paying their respects
@@SSgtJ0hns0n I know they are not allowed to enter any tunnels or keep any souvenirs like bullet shell casings
33:35 According to the ancient Samurai code of Bushido, an warrior (in this case a Imperial Japanese officer) cannot surrender. To surrender in Japanese culture was the highest dishonor and disgrace. It was drilled into all of them that surrender is not an option, unless directly ordered so by the Emperor. If you surrender, then you become virtually a non-person in Japanese society and your family would be shunned by their neighbors for "raising a coward" unless they "atone for their dishonor" by committing suicide. This would also help the "dishonored soul" to find Heaven rather than linger in disgrace in the afterlife.
When faced with the prospect of surrender, a Japanese officer would have his second behead him with a Samurai sword after he disemboweled himself with a short sword. Whenever that was impractical, they just pulled their pistols and shot themselves.
The US returned Iwo Jima to Japan a long time ago. All US soldiers and Marines buried on Iwo Jima were exhumed and returned to the US for reburial before the turnover.
Iwo Jima is now a military reservation of the Japanese Self Defense Force and is closed to the public.
correct however, opened once a year in February for the U.S. Marines and Japanese Army to pay tribute.
Thanks for reacting to this movie, not many did on youtube
It helps to know the in depth history of this battle, in order to really understand what was going on scene by scene. It was a beautiful film, about a gruesome subject. Thank you for showing it, allowing me to see it again.
Thank you for reacting to this movie!! This movie hits me as hard as Saving Private Ryan. It took me some days to process it. I hope more people watch this.
Letters from Iwo Jim... nice 😍❤️
Thank you for watching.
From a Japanese person.
more on the pacific theater:
"Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970) *True Story*
"The Great Raid" (2005) *True Story*
"The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957)
"In Harm's Way" (1965) *fictionalized based on real people and events*
"Windtalkers" (2002)
If you want to explore the Japanese perspective on the war… watch these…
The Emperor in August (2015)
Eternal Zero (2013)
Onoda, 10000 nights in the jungle (2021)
Yamato (2005)
Isoroku (2011)
The Human Condition (1959-1961)
I recommended
1The Eternal Zero
2For Those we Love
Honorable mention : *"Grave Of The Fireflies"* (anime, 1988)
Great review Toni and David as always. This one is a great movie to watch as it fills in so much more about the Japanese version of the war. Up until this movie, Japanese were often betrayed as monsters and villains. But when Eastwood produced it he wanted a film that could also be something for the Japanese people to look to understand the war from their point of view. The militant Japanese army leaders had controlled Japan for so long their culture rarely put a value of being humans, part culture as well as a way to demonstrate strength. So it is a really good film trying to help the Japanese people come to terms with the war and that part of their history. I thought I read that this was all fictionalized and the letters as well as the soldier in the end did not exist, but were means to help Japanese society view the war.
If I may suggest two follow up movies- when you have a chance watch Midway either the 70s version or the 2019 version is very good. The 2019 version is very very good. It can help understand the war in the Pacific very well, personally I would have suggested that before you watched the Pacific, but it very good to watch as a movie. Then the Emperor is an outstanding movie about the end of the war, it fills in so much of how both countries started the path of healing after WW2.
Always looking forward to more!!!😊
It's ironic that WWII Imperial Japan specifically targetted medics when one of the country's more notable contributions during WWI was sending squads of Red Cross to Europe.
Since the military coup Japan was quite a different country.
The young private who survives is the Japanese actor/singer Kazunari Ninomiya. He is most famous for being a member of the boy band Arashi. He has won numerous acting awards in Japan. This was his only foreign movie. He got very favourable reviews, and as this was an American movie, he should have got a best supporting actor Oscar nomination, but didn't.
The US suffered higher casualties in this battle than in Normandy, the battle famous for Saving Private Ryan. That's how fierce the battle was.
"For dramatic effect". I said the SAME thing, just before you did.
As for, which one is better. I can't say. That's like two sides of the same coin.
I loved that the Japanese were not just cardboard cutouts.
I always wanted to learn about the Japanese perspective of the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945.
I have full respect for Japanese General Tadamichi Kuribayashi and everyone else who fought beside him! 🫡❤️🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
Never seen it looking forward to seeing your reactions 🎉❤
amen
🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
Thank you again for reacting to this. Like y'alls content!
Looking forward to this, almost no one reacts to it.
Wow, what a very Interesting Story indeed!🥲Great Reaction and Great Editing too👏Thank You 'Both' again for this one tonight💝it's always a Privilege and a Pleasure to hang-out with My Friends!👍
Just a reminder because I don’t think I’ve seen it mentioned on either of this pair of movies but this is also the battle in which John Basilone died towards the end of the Pacific series
Toni will be a crying wreck in this one.
Iwo Jima is a very small island, only 26 square kilometers. Compare that to Basco island in the northernmost Philippines, which is 49 km2.
correct however, opened once a year in February for the U.S. Marines and Japanese Army to pay tribute.
The only reactor that watched this movie
I've only sailed by Iwo Jima while I was in the Marines in 82. It is a very lonely place. Only a few Islands near by. It is within Tokyos prefect. Making the Island within the Tokyo city limits.
There is no tourism on Iwo Jima. Special events, ceremonies have to be cleared with tht Japanese Self Defense Forces and Government.
If you want to understand the reasons why the Japanese military was the way it was. I would suggest that you see some UA-cam viedos about the Samurais.
Yes❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I missed most of the premier. I've seen "Flags", but not "Letters". Might rewatch.
If you haven’t seen Van Helsing or Underworld I would recommend those for Halloween
You should do older war movies. "Patton", "The Battle of Britain", "Where Eagles Dare, "The Big Red One"
Shoot.. I was hoping to see your reaction to "radio song scene" ☹️
It is so surprising that Americans to this day cannot understand why a Japanese soldier or Japanese civilian would choose to kill themselves rather than surrender. It is their samurai tradition. They submit to a higher power. I know it's hard to understand, but their tradition is hundreds of years old - today it's different. Thank God. And we Germans also fought against the Americans. But we are influenced by the West. And have always been soldiers. Prussian generals trained the US Army in the War of 1776, in George Washington's army against the British. And of course you fight to the end, but giving up doesn't mean losing honor. For us it's also about knightly honor - we expect the same from our opponents. Maybe that's why we understand the Japanese a little better than the Americans. Honor is deeply rooted.
I thought it was funny when I saw that Pearl Harbor gets visited by many, many Japanese tourists. Stands to reason, I guess, that Americans would visit Iwo Jima.
🌹
If the two soldiers hadn't shot both of the Japanese prisoners they would have been dead.
This movie, and Isoroku (about Yamamoto) are the best portrayals of Japanese in WWII). January 6, 1949 was when the last Japanese soldier surrendered on Iwo.
Don’t forget The Emperor in August (2015).
Also, Hiroo Onoda surrendered in 1974.
I'm japanese please travel to Japan someday
nice reaction vid. just 2 ppl watching a video saying nothing, blank faced.
Why not try braindead movie
react to my way
What a strange choice at this time. Doesn't really flow with your recent picks and during a "Halloween" themed month. Nothing like a good, bloody, sad, war film to keep the festive energy going. 🤔🙃
i believe it was a september pick of the month so the reaction most likely came out later than planned
Then it could have waited until November, on or near the 11th, to commemorate Veteran's Day or something. Makes no sense.
@@lorioday8528it makes no sense why you’re complaining about it when you don’t have to watch it lol
@@lorioday8528you could’ve just ignored this video and kept watching the other halloween themed movies that they’ve been reacting to
I wasn't "complaining". If I didn't appreciate Dave and Toni, I wouldnt subscribe and tune in. I was, and still am, curious. The point of doing these "reactions" is to drive "likes", " views" and "new subscribers ". I would imagine a li/le better strategy might make this channel more prominent. ✌️@pradasquirtle6548
Why must you watch War Movies? I hate Cheese, all that power he had, and he picked ANOTHER war movie! We saw The Pacific series and other war movies. Stop with them, please. We see war on the news!!
then don’t watch it lol
Their channel, their choice.
Don't like it, move on to another video of *'your'* choice.
@@Gurp2 I watch this channel all the time. I've sent them 30 DVDs, give in "Superchats", plus I have "2 slots" on their monthly wheel as a subscriber, so I have a right to say something. I'm not criticizing Toni and David, I am talking about people selected who choose depressing war movies. There are wars all over the world RIGHT NOW. And these movies only give Toni grief. We need to watch more comedies, thrillers and adventures instead, films that are not necessarily real, but provide temporary excitement...
@@matthewprince9705 people like what they like just like you like what you like. who are you to judge someone’s taste just bc you don’t share the same interests as them.
@@matthewprince9705 That's really harsh, what you said about Cheese. He was picked fairly, and it's his choice to pick the movie for David and Toni. Just because you've done this or that doesn't make you any better than anyone else. I know they are absolutely grateful for what you've done for them, but don't take it to a level that it's not. We're all equal here. If anyone has the power, it's David and Toni, this is their channel.
I'm glad you guys reacted to this because many people haven't! Now you guys have to watch Flags of our Fathers which I would've recommended doing first if you already haven't!
Edit: looks like you have 😂