I found this a touching movie which really makes you think. I like how it shows the war from the perspective of the people who fought it, and explores the personal battles they had between their duty and their will to stay alive. It also shows that what they perceived as a cruel, faceless enemy is actually made of people just like them, with hopes, fears, family and friends.
I enjoyed watching two movies that deal with the exact same conflict but from opposing sides. This movie and “Flags of Our Fathers” are really two sides of the same coin and one benefits from watching them both. Although I definitely liked this one best, you’ll be missing out if you see one but not the other.
Both this and "Flags of Our Fathers" had a kind of gritty, greyish look that I really liked. Also, great cinematography, very dramatic. I especially liked the use of side and backlighting to achieve the silhouette look.
I also liked the fact that they used the true language instead of just using Japanese actors speaking English with a accent. The actors all did an amazing job, but Ken Watanabe’s performance is particularly touching.
In short, I recommend watching both movies, which together make a very interesting and thought-provoking reflection on war.