The movie tells about the battle beween the U.S. and Imperial Japan in Iwo Jima island during World War II. General Tadamichi Kuribayashi is in command of the forces on the island and draws plan to prepare for the attack, but is not supported by his subordinates. Saigo is a young soldier along with his friends tries to survive with the harsh regime of the army. Both of them find power and courage, honor when the U.S. force begins to invade.