When I first watched "Unforgiven" I hated it. Granted, I snuck into the theater with my girlfriend and we sat on the floor, but beside that I didn't like the slow movie. Well, I've seen the movie countless times since then and I now consider it one of my favorites. Like you, Jack, I consider him an outstanding director. He understands character and human emotion and lets those two factors drive movies forward, not relying on plot to mindlessly control the players.
Yes, there is something workmanlike to his acting that hovers around B-movie grade, but I feel there is a level of understanding to all his actions that make up for that shortcoming.
I have yet to see "Letters from Iwo Jima" but hope to pick it up soon.
