Hiroshi Watanabe

Letters from Iwo Jima -- Clint Eastwood directs the untold story of Japanese soldiers defending their homeland against invading American forces during World War II.

The Last Samurai -- A colonial officer arrives in Japan to train the emperor's troops, but as the country systematically wipes out the samurai, he witnesses the contradictions of the legendary warriors.

Nominated for 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Clint Eastwood's Letters from Iwo Jima tells the untold story of the Japanese soldiers who defended their homeland against invading American forces during World War II. With little defense other than sheer will and the volcanic rock of Iwo Jima itself, the unprecedented tactics of General Tadamichi Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai) and his men transform what was predicted to be a swift defeat into nearly 40 days of heroic and resourceful combat. Their sacrifices, struggles, courage and compassion live on in the taut, gripping film Rolling Stone calls "unique and unforgettable." It is the powerful companion piece to Flags of Our Fathers.

After showing the story of American soldiers who fought in the battle of Iwo Jima in his film (Flags of Our Fathers}, Clint Eastwood offers an equally thoughtful portrait of the Japanese forces who held the island for 36 days in this military drama.