Fascinating is the word for the story behind Windtalkers, a movie about Navajo Americans brought into WW II to assist the military with a language (code talk) the Japanese could not decipher. "Sounds like they are speaking English under water," says one character in the film.

Director John Woo, noted for his explosions in films such as Broken Arrow and Face Off, once again engages the audience with his brilliance in the special effects arena. Ear-numbing blasts, gory fight scenes, and bloody battlefield encounters abound in Windtalkers. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Lead actor Nicolas Cage, who plays Marine Joe Enders, expressed enthusiasm about working with Woo again. "John is the ultimate auteur … He likes to work in extremes – his vision is extreme and so is mine," said Cage.

Adam Beach and Roger Willie portray Ben Yahzee and Charlie Whitehorse, respectively, the only two code talkers seen in the film for more than a few minutes. Cage and Christian Slater are the Marines assigned to protect them – or at least the code – should they fall into enemy hands. But this assignment becomes an awesome burden almost too inconceivable to carry out.

Beach offers a mellow but engaging performance as Ben, one of the key code talkers. Moving from the peace and beauty of a reservation to the war-torn Japanese islands where men bludgeon each other to death, his character must deal with his comrades’ disfavor over the color of his skin. Taking it in stride, Ben carries out his duty to the best of his ability.

Making his screen debut as code talker Charlie, Willie is also impressive. Slater delivers one of his finest performances as Ox Anderson, a man staying true to his duty, but finding mutual regard for the code talker he’s assigned to protect. And Cage, in an exceptional performance, comes across as a truly dejected character.

"Enders is shell-shocked, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder," said Cage. "He’s been through horrible experiences in battle. He’s probably the most unhappy character I’ve ever played."

Several other actors appear in token parts – Noah Emmerich, the superficial racist; Frances O’Connor, a girl for Joe (who adds nothing to the plot); and San Diegan Mark Ruffalo, compelling as Pappas, a strong leader in his squad.

Excellent as Cage is in this movie (he may even win an Oscar nomination for his performance), a Marine in shell shock should not be the focus of this important story. Because the Navajo code was considered the key ingredient in helping the US win World War II, Windtalkers should be about those 400 Marine code talkers. I wanted to see more about this subject. Can you believe the United States government waited until 2001 to award Congressional Gold Medals to 29 Navajos who developed the code? What a travesty!

On a positive note – viewers who can ignore the numerous explosions and blasts of Windtalkers should be thrilled by James Horner’s stirring score.

(Released by MGM Pictures and rated "R" for pervasive graphic war violence and language.)