I think much of the credit for this being as good a film as it is goes to John Wayne. His performance as the "tough-as-nails" sergeant with a heart of gold down deep is pretty realistic and a little more well-rounded than some war characters. Plus, he is ably supported by a good cast of men. In particular, look for the very young Richard Jaeckel as well as Martin Milner--boy do they look young. I think the first half of the movie is better than when they actually land on Iwo Jima, though, as much of the latter part of the film consists of old newsreel footage. I guess I could understand them not wanting to up the costs to astronomical levels, but at times it was too obvious a cost-cutting device and detracted from my enjoyment. Plus, I didn't like the very end--I wanted EVERYONE to make it through the conflict alive!

This is a flag-waging and patriotic tribute to US marines .Very decent war scenes along with documentary footage that convey us the assault troops establish on the Pacific islands, but like the navy, the US army fought its way from island to island in the Pacific. Striker(Wayne) and his squad(Forrest Tucker, John Agar,James Brown,Richard Jaeckel,James Brown,Richard Webb, among others) are responsible for the capture of the Pacific islands. And, of course, the picture brings to life one of the most famous images of the Second World war- Joe Rosenthal's photograph of US marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima, on the morning of February 23, 1945 and with special appearance of the three living survivors of the historic flag raising of Mount Suribachi. John Wayne is top-notch as valiant but deranged sergeant Striker training rebellious recruits and soldiers in this believable war film . Wayne won his only Oscar nomination, before his obtaining in ¨True grit¨. Supporting cast is frankly magnificent. The motion picture is well directed by Allan Dawn.

The film is based correctly on Iwo Jima battle in a hard-fought US operation, one of the most difficult campaigns of the Pacific theater . US capture of Japanese-held island in the Bonin group , about 1450 km south of Tokyo after intense fighting Feb-March 1945. Fortified by the Japanese, it held two airfields, with a third under construction, and was a valuable strategic target for US forces as it would provide a base for land-based bombers to raid the mainland of Japan. It was assaulted by US Marines 19 Feb 1945 after a prolonged air and naval bombardment. The 22000 Japanese troops put up a fanatical resistance but the island was finally secured 16 March. US casualties came to 6891 killed and 18700 wounded, while only 212 of the Japanese garrison survived.The film is dedicated to the United States Marine Corps whose exploits and valor have left a lasting impression on the world and in the hearts of their countrymen . Appreciation is gratefully acknowledged for their assistance and participation which made this picture possible.

In The Dukes top three movies along with "The Searchers" and "The Quiet Man". John Wayne was one of Hollywood's finest actors. He made the role one you could identify with. In "Sands of Iwo Jima" Sgt. Striker is a MARINE! He makes men out of boys. The Oscar should have been his. He is a man haunted by his past but it doesn't affect his duty to his men. Some may hate him but in the end they all come to respect him.