Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood directs the untold story of Japanese soldiers defending their homeland against invading American forces during World War 2. With little defense beyond sheer will and the volcanic rock of Iwo Jima itself, the tactics of General Tadamichi Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe of The Last Samurai) and his men transform what might have been swift defeat into nearly 40 days of heroic, resourceful combat. Their sacrifices, struggles, courage and compassion live on in this taut, gripping film.