Sands of Iwo Jima
Seen it?1950 | 100 min | War, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Longest Day or Patton, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1950: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Haunted by personal demons, Marine Sgt. John Stryker is hated and feared by his men, who see him as a cold-hearted sadist. But when their boots hit the beaches, they begin to understand the reason for Stryker's rigid form of discipline.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 4 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$8 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 54K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Longest Day
Friday Night FlickAlso stars John Wayne, in another military war drama, and a Friday Night Flick.
Patton Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed military war drama.
The Caine Mutiny
Saturday SpecialAnother war drama, and a Saturday Special.
Pearl Harbor Sunday Safe BetAnother war drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Johnny Got His Gun
Weeknight WatchAnother war drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Allan Dwan
- John WayneSgt. John M. Stryker
- John AgarPFC Peter T. 'Pete' Conway
- Adele MaraAllison Bromley
- Forrest TuckerPFC Al J. Thomas
- Wally CassellPFC Benny A. Regazzi
- James BrownPFC Charlie Bass
- Richard WebbPFC Dan 'Handsome' Shipley
- Arthur FranzCpl. Robert C. Dunne / Narrator
- Julie BishopMary
- James HoldenPFC 'Farmer' Soames