Human Condition, The (Discs 1 & 2)
Human Condition, The (Discs 1 & 2)
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Synopsis

Masaki Kobayashi's epic trilogy about Japan during World War II. Adapted from a tome by Junpei Gomikawa, The Human Condition (Ningen No Joken) tells of the hardships faced by once-innocent Kaji (Tatsuya Nakadai). In the first film, released in 1959, the production at mining camps has come to a standstill. Japan is desperate, so Kaji, who believes that war can be won through the hearts and minds of labor, is given authority. In the second film, Kaji is tortured by the military police for having mistreated the Chinese. Allowed one memorable night with his wife, he is ordered to the front. His records brand him as a "red," and his superiors mistreat him. In part three, ravaged by hunger and thirst, Kaji awakens to a world gone mad. Surrendering to avoid needless slaughter, Kaji is force marched to Siberia, where he finds his worst enemy is now a collaborator who brands him a war criminal. Escaping into the wastelands of Siberia, he continues his desperate journey into the ultimate reality of war. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Masaki Kobayashi---Japan---1959-1961---574 mins

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   | jrderr#1

In terms of its breadth and depth, it is really hard to think of another movie that even comes close to this one. Despite the fact that this runs nine and a half hours, it is hard to argue that there is a wasted minute in the whole film (except perhaps near the end). Although this is not the most pleasant film to watch, it has enough sex, violence and general action to keep things chuggng along. It is definitely an experience that will stick with you for a long time. Like Wadja's "Katyn" this shows World War II from a point of view that most Americans are not used to seeing.

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