The “Experts” will first discuss their individual movie and its importance to history.

Randomly pick a group of students be “experts” for each of the films. Be able to discuss both sides of the battle. Research the Battle of Iwo Jima using primary sources/evidence. How is this movie different? Why do you think director, Clint Eastwood produced both movies? What do these movies tell us about war? Tadamichi Kuibayashi and Kumiko Kakeshashi about the battle of Iwo Jima. View the movie, Letters from Iwo Jima, based on two books by Japanese authors, Gen. Statue commemorating the second raising of the flag: Does the movie follow the book? Does it take liberties? If so, what are they? Why do you think the screenwriters did so? If the movie follows the book closely, is there any information that was left out that should have been in the movie? Why? How are womenportrayed in this movie? How does their portrayal reflect the thinking of society in the 1940’s? Answer the question, “Why did James Bradley write this story?”Ĭompare and contrast the story and the movie. and Paul Haggis, which is based on the book (same name) by James Bradley and Ron Powers.

Where did Japanese soldiers hide during the battle?Īssignment: Watch the movie, Flags of Our Fathers by screenwriters, William Broyles, Jr.

When did the Battle of Iwo Jima occur in relationship to the end of the war?.

Who did the Japanese military members believe led them?.

Why did Japanese military members commit suicide?.

What do you know about the Japanese during WWII?.

Where do the flag raisers go after the raising and why is this significant?īefore viewing Letters from Iwo Jima, consider these questions:.

What is the outcome of the second raising?.

Who was Ira Hayes and why is he significant to the story?.

Pre-viewing: Students are given a list of questions to consider before watching Flags of Our Fathers. Objective: Teach students to look critically at the media, as well as understand how the altering of media informed peoples' beliefs throughout history. Flags of Our Fathers/Letters from Iwo Jima

The following is an example of one such lesson plan. Teachers can develop the questions ahead of time to ask specific questions for the students to research. Giving students a list of questions before the movie is viewed will help in this regard. Viewers must be able to weed out what is real from what is “Hollywood.” However, they can give viewers an idea of what happened. Movies about historic events are sensationalized to sell tickets at the box office. Before beginning any history lesson plan in which movies are viewed, it is important to point out to students that Hollywood does not cling to historic accuracy when filming.

Letters from iwo jima movie worksheet