“MASTERPIECE APPRECIATION SERIES” SPECIAL SELECTION
GRANDSCOPE
A SHOCHIKU FILM
THE HUMAN CONDITION
Developed by BUNGEI PRODUCTION and NINJIN CLUB
Produced by SHIGERU WAKATSUKI
Based on the Novel by JUNPEI GOMIKAWA
Screenplay by ZENZO MATSUYAMA and MASAKI KOBAYASHI
Director of Photography YOSHIO MIYAJIMA
Production Design KAZUE HIRATAKA Sound Recording HIDEO NISHIZAKI
Music CHUJI KINOSHITA
Lighting TAKASHI KATO Editing KEIICHI URAOKA
First Assistant Director YUGORO IMAI
Assistant Director KOICHI INAGAKI Assistant Camera TOSHITADA NAGUMO
Assistant Production Design JUSHO TODA Set Decoration KYOJI SASAKI
Set Design YOJI MURO
Production Manager TATSUO OSAWA
Starring
TATSUYA NAKADAI as Kaji
MICHIYO ARATAMA as Michiko
CHIKAGE AWASHIMA as Jin Tung Fu INEKO ARIMA as Yang Chun Lan
KEIJI SADA as Kageyama
SO YAMAMURA as Okishima AKIRA ISHIHAMA as Chen
SHINJI NANBARA as Kao
SEIJI MIYAGUCHI as Wang Heng Li TORU ABE as Sergeant Watai
MASAO MISHIMA as Kuroki EITARO OZAWA as Okazaki
KOJI MITSUI as Furuya AKITAKE KONO as Captain Kono
NOBUO NAKAMURA as Head Office Chief KYU SAZANKA as Cho Meisan
Directed by MASAKI KOBAYASHI
SOUTHERN GATE OF PEACE
This isn't like you.
- Why? - You're running away.
Don't you want me?
Of course I do.
And I want you too. Yet we can't marry -
How many times must I explain?
Because you might be called up?
I wouldn't care if it was the day after.
Of course I'd cry.
I'd cry bitterly.
But happiness only lies in marrying the one you love.
All right.
I'll take you back to my dormitory.
You'll stay with me tonight.
All right?
Yes... I'll go.
No, you'd better go back to your own dormitory.
I can't take you to mine.
You were just testing me. You shouldn't have done that.
You're a coward and a weakling!
Now I see that!
SOUTH MANCHURIA STEEL COMPANY
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
Hey.
Well, what a surprise.
I came to say goodbye, as sentimental as that may sound.
You got called up?
- When do you leave? - Tomorrow morning.
The papers came five days ago. I've been drinking ever since.
Oh, and I ran into Michiko last night.
Aren't you going to marry her?
It's you today. Tomorrow it could be me.
Being called up isn't a death sentence.
I'm a born optimist.
Unlike you, I've had my share of earthly pleasures.
My only regret
is not having left the seed of life in the womb of a woman I love.
I'll probably regret it too,
but I can't be as optimistic as you.
The manager wants me. Wait for me inside.
No, I'll see you tonight.
Tonight? All right.
Kaji looked a bit angry.
Is anything wrong?
Are you going to be platonic friends forever?
You had the courage to come out hereto Manchuria alone.
Throw yourself at him!
I did.
He rejected you?
Nos. 12 and 13, stop your chatter...
or I'll report you.
THE SUPERVISION OF COLONIAL LABOUR
I read it twice.
Very interesting,
though it does smell of leftist tendencies.
What are you trying to say?
That men should be treated as men - I suppose that's the gist.
- But in colonial territories it's... - A challenge?
Yes, sir.
We profit by exploiting Chinese labour. Isn't that the idea?
That's right.
And that goes against your thesis.
Yes, it does.
- Mind if I take a cigarette? - Help yourself.
So how about it?
Without that contradiction, there'd be nothing to write about.
So it contradicts your thesis,
but there are still ways to improve performance,
is that it?
Yes, perhaps there are.
Listen, I want you to take over at the Loh Hu Liong mines.
Any objections to being sent off to the hinterlands?
I'm not trying to force you.
You've analysed the local situation quite well on paper.
Would you want it to end up only on paper?
No.
When you're ready to put your theories into practice,
I'll help you get a fair chance
at exemption from military service.
An exemption from military service?
You're not the only one to get an exemption.
There are dozens of others.
But it's the idea of accepting an exemption
in exchange for the Loh Hu Liong job.
You always complicate things. It's a bad habit.
The war is escalating, and there's only one way to oppose it:
a life sentence in prison.
Neither you nor I have the courage for that. Am I right?
Yes... you're right.
I humbly accept your kind gift.
Not even the commander of the Kwangtung Army ever dared slap me.
Take Michiko and go to Loh Hu Liong.
Michiko... his sweetheart? Is she pretty?
The most beautiful girl in the world.
But you're the most beautiful girl in my world.
Listen.
So you think you'd just be a shepherd's dog.
What's wrong with that?
A good dog can lead the sheep to greener pastures
and earn their gratitude.
If such things are possible.
As for me, I'll take this one.
My little Manon, your hair smells like dried grass.
Michiko-san!
Kageyama-san, take care.
Michiko-san, go with Kaji to Loh Hu Liong.
Let this damn war go to the dogs.
If you let happiness slip through your fingers...
He may never return.
I won't be called up.
Loh Hu Liong is a tiny Manchurian village.
All we'll find there are iron ore and labour camps.
Would you go with me to a place like that?
I'd follow you anywhere.
This will affect your whole life.
Think it over carefully.
Even if you were called up...
I'd still want to have your child.
Is that crazy?
What a honeymoon!
What did you say?
It's all this wind and dust.
I don't care! It's wonderful!
It feels like gravel in my mouth.
LOH HU LIONG
Step up.
All right.
Bastard!
Why, you! Think I'm blind?
Trick me into giving you special rations?
Oh no you don't!
Come here.
- Kaji from the head office? - Yes.
I'm Okishima. We'll be working together.
We can dispense with the formalities.
Whatever made you come out to the boonies?
Following Kaji-san through thick and thin?
Nice to meet you.
This way.
Hey, take their bags to their new quarters.
I read your report on the supervision of colonial labour.
Lots of fancy words.
Please, ma'am.
The men here are plain speakers. You'll be fundamentally incompatible.
- Thanks for the advice. - What's so funny?
Sorry, but your own fancy words sound out of place.
Anyway, it's very well-written. Touches the core of the matter.
Touches... but doesn't quite grasp it.
Why?
If I knew, I'd write it myself.
I'll show your wife around. You go and see the boss.
Furuya, show him the way.
I know this is nothing new, sir,
but our first shift requested 2,500 men.
Only 1,500 turned up this morning.
We can never meet our production goal that way.
We're at war, Okazaki. We must expect such shortages.
You can't do your work unless all conditions are perfect?
I didn't mean that, but if Labour would do something -
MEETING IN PROGRESS
I'm Kaji. I just arrived.
So you're Kaji?
I'll introduce you.
Mr Higuchi, supervisor of Pit No. 2.
His foreman, Mr Kawashima.
Mr Koike, supervisor of Pit No. 1.
And his foreman, Mr Okazaki.
The head office sent Mr Kaji here as Labour Supervisor.
Pleased to meet you.
You're just in time. Please sit down.
We're discussing labour problems. Any good ideas?
I'd like to speak with Mr Okishima first...
and find out how many men are available.
If labour conditions are improved,
all available men will report for work.
And in more concrete terms?
Our employment system must be radically revised.
The labour boss must be replaced by a direct employment system.
Ridiculous! You'd be throttling the mines.
Right, Kawashima?
Why is that?
Because...
Kaji's the name, right? Think about it.
We have 200 labour groups here.
You think a single one has no system of skimming
or doesn't cheat on food rations?
I doubt it,
but the matter under discussion
is how to improve the work attendance rate.
Labourers lose the desire to work
because labour conditions are basically no good.
Regardless of how things are "basically",
workers aren't what you make them out to be in theory.
They squander any surplus in idleness or gambling
or pour it into women's crotches.
We have a difference of opinion.
Mistreating the men won't yield good results.
You know, Kaji,
theory may be correct and yet not always apply in reality.
Then either the theory was wrong
or it was incorrectly applied.
Never mind. Do what you think is right.
I respect revolutionary ideas.
Now, your work here won't just be a desk job.
It will cover all aspects of the men's lives.
Rationing food, disposing of excrement from 10,000 men,
handling menstrual cases among the women.
The women?
We have comfort quarters for our men.
Okishima will show you. There are about 60 Manchu women.
Starting today, you're their boss.
I'm relieved you're not a bachelor.
Go home now and do your duty by your wife -
but don't overdo it, eh?
But why must our group be disbanded?
Poor yields. You've been raking off too much.
Are you kidding? What's this all about?
Shall I show you the evidence?
Why should the company make trouble over our contracts with the men?
The company's money is meant for the workers.
But Mr Okazaki says our men work very hard.
Yes, but your rolls have been padded.
But Mr Okazaki...
I'm not Mr Okazaki!
Mr Okishima, put in a good word for us.
We've been associates a long time.
And it's made me mouldy.
Kaji's been scraping away the mould until I'm practically raw.
Mr Supervisor, it's the poor living quarters
and poor food that make our men sick.
I know.
Bad quarters, poor food. Men can't work on beans alone.
But there's a still greater evil.
You know what that is?
You men.
Now get this: I give the men my word.
The food situation will definitely improve.
Better quarters will be considered.
But it's no use as long as you exploit them.
You lend money to transient labourers
to bind them for life.
And that's not the worst.
You try to squeeze even more from your investment.
You hire slave-drivers to practically murder those who try to escape.
I won't allow such methods.
Allow them? What do you mean?
You're just an employee yourself! You have no right!
Won't allow it, eh? Try and stop us!
Hey!
Any more threats and I'll kick your nuts in!
The gentlemen seem to be having a bad day.
We'll come back.
Mr Muta.
I'm returning this.
Your other gifts have been returned to your home.
The sons of bitches left too peacefully.
They must be up to something.
Making a tour of inspection?
Much obliged.
Mr Okishima, please see that we get the men we need.
I have to face the old man.
You'll get 'em. Just don't kill 'em off too fast!
Son of a bitch!
What's going on?
The dog refused to work!
Beating him won't help. They're not horses.
Get up, scum!
Beating them only lowers productivity.
I take orders from Okazaki...
not you.
What goes on here doesn't concern Labour.
- So you'll keep beating them? - That's right!
Fine. Then tomorrow you'll have no men to beat.
What? You're in the pit now.
You can't pull rank down here.
You men don't want to work?
Then don't!
You needn't come back tomorrow.
Stay by the cosy fireplace in your barracks.
But remember: you'll get no food!
Just getting home?
You want something?
Just one question.
Did you threaten to shut off our supply of labour?
Well? Say something.
Can we talk about work in the morning?
In the morning? I can see why you'd prefer that.
Can't have your loving wife seeing your weaknesses.
- Do I have any? - Answer my question!
What have you got to be so proud of?
You may brutally beat your labourers,
but it doesn't mean others will be intimidated.
I just warned your assistant.
Mr Kaji, you know how important that ore is to us.
What's wrong with slapping a cheek or two
if it keeps the ore coming out and helps the war effort?
What's more important: the ore or the workers?
I don't think in those terms.
It's ridiculous to compare men with ore.
Take care of your men and the ore will come out.
Let me make it very clear
that Okazaki of Loh Hu Liong won't be changed
by any of your half-baked theories.
I'll stick to my own ways. Remember that.
I will. And I'll stick to my ways too.
Son of a...
KENPEITAI - MILITARY POLICE
These gentlemen from the Kenpeitai
are offering us 600 special labourers to achieve our goals.
Special labourers?
War prisoners from North China. All you need do is keep them fed.
With the labour shortages, it's a heaven-sent blessing.
A stroke of good fortune.
Yes! Our head office will certainly be pleased.
Kaji, discuss the matter with Okishima.
Discuss what exactly?
I'll tell you what.
I never repeat my instructions. Got that?
First: Special labourers must not mingle with ordinary labourers.
Second: Their quarters must be enclosed by barbed wire...
electrified barbed wire.
Understand?
You'll handle matters of food and labour,
but they must not escape!
What voltage can you supply for the fence?
About 3,000 volts.
Good enough.
The labourers will be delivered one week from today.
The exact time will be specified later. Understand?
We may not be ready in a week.
What?
You don't seem terribly grateful.
Kaji!
Why should civilians take over POWs?
Make preparations immediately!
Wait!
I haven't heard your answer.
We understand. We'll be ready.
It could take an armed platoon to return safely with these men.
I want to be neither aggressive nor defensive with them.
You go on if you want.
Don't waste your heroism on me.
Someday you'll appreciate me.
Chen, how's your mother?
She says she's sick. She lies in bed all day.
Sick, huh?
Take good care of her.
Mr Kaji, I have a request.
May I have some flour from the storeroom?
- For your mother? - Yes.
I wish I could help, but I can't make any exceptions.
Here they come.
Chen, how do you feel about all this?
These are your fellow countrymen who lived in anti-Japanese areas.
Your mother's from Shantung. Her friends might be among them.
My mother raised me
not to be anti-Japanese.
In a battle zone, you'd be killed as a sympathiser.
The key!
We don't have it yet.
- You in charge from Loh Hu Liong? - Yes.
- Your name? - Kaji.
Oh, right. I never forget a name.
Very well. I hereby transfer the special labourers to you.
Never forget that these men are prisoners of war.
You must deal with them like a soldier.
Civilian negligence will not be tolerated. You understand?
I do.
No, you don't!
You think your seven men can handle 600 prisoners?
What if they try to escape?
We received no special instructions about the transfer,
so we anticipated no special danger.
You're a bold one. How old are you?
I'm 28.
You married?
May I please have the key?
You don't back down. I like that.
Will you witness the transfer?
Don't be ridiculous. I'm now on leave.
You seem to believe that the army can make mistakes.
Don't worry. When the army says 604, it's 604.
Submit a transfer receipt immediately.
Let those who die, die, but they must not escape!
Filthy bastard!
Get up!
What a mess to unload on us!
Open the other cars!
Out! Everyone out!
Hurry up! Everyone out!
Everyone out!
Line up! Double file!
Mr Kaji!
This is bad.
What is it?
Hurry!
Line up quickly!
They baked to death.
Help!
Don't let them eat all of a sudden!
Stop them!
If you gorge yourselves now, you'll die!
Kaji!
Get back!
Don't eat that!
Get back!
You'll all die!
Throw me the whip!
Kaji, the whip!
The special labourers are unfit for work.
Please give them a month's rest. They're half dead.
These anti-Japanese elements should be fed without working?
If you'd witnessed the scene, I'm sure you'd agree, sir.
Twelve of them were allowed to bake to death.
If you want to kill them, stuff them with raw beans - they'll die for sure!
Listen here.
Be careful what you say.
What you're saying amounts to denouncing the military.
I'll defer to your opinion one last time.
- One last time? - That's right.
One last time.
May I ask why?
You really want to know?
You're a man of strong convictions,
but I just got a report from Furuya.
150 men under your supervision were just snatched away.
But I'll overlook the matter this once.
Everyone up!
I give you all warning.
I know you all want to escape.
But you cannot.
If you even try...
you'll meet the same fate as this dog.
Chen, show them.
Tomorrow begins a month of still higher production goals.
The directors have even discussed replacing all the top men here.
I'll accept this disgrace if we cannot increase production.
However, we have not yet done our utmost.
Until we attain the 20% increase demanded of us,
I will extend the higher production goal every month.
If there are dissenting opinions, air them now.
In the name of final victory,
I refuse to listen to any excuses hereafter.
Mr Koike, tell him we'll see it through.
I, Okazaki, vow that Pit No. 1 will achieve the new goal.
I'm sure you'll permit me to use any means necessary.
Use all means available.
Increased production is the main thing.
Listen here.
Lash them on with all you've got.
If any Chinaman baulks, kill the scum!
Push them! Whip them! We need that extra 20%.
Those of you who top your quota will be amply rewarded.
Remember: we're at war here.
If anyone feels he can't do this, let him step forward!
Good. I have your word.
I'll assume all responsibility. Don't worry... and do your best!
You will start work tomorrow.
Your rations will be sorghum wine and soy pulp,
same as the regular labourers.
You don't smoke?
I used to.
You stopped?
When we run out of tobacco,
we suffer again.
The Japanese won't keep us supplied.
We restored your health,
yet you still hate us?
We are not soldiers.
We have the right to be released.
I don't have the authority to release you,
only to detain you.
Master, when we be free?
We all not soldier. We don't fight.
Japan soldiers come... do bad things to Chinese women.
Take away all men... bring here.
Nothing to eat... many die.
Not die... killed.
I can't set you free, but I can promise
that you will not be killed.
The Japanese say pretty words...
and write pretty words...
but never keep their promises!
Your name's Kao?
Remember this.
You've been placed under our supervision.
Whether that barbed wire stays up or not depends on you.
Faster!
Move it!
Step along there!
Come on!
Move!
You'll be in trouble if any men escape, won't you?
Why should they escape?
They used to work in their own villages.
Why would they want to work here?
Here they have no mother, no wife, no children.
Kaji, why are so many special labourers left in camp?
They're the sick ones.
Make sure they're not just malingerers.
I didn't come to find fault. I'd like to see their camp.
Certainly.
No danger of escape?
I don't think so.
We must give them some incentive to work.
I think so too.
What does a man in a cage dream of most?
Freedom, I suppose.
Freedom? You must be a poet!
It's women.
Men dream of women. Women dream of men.
What did you dream of as a bachelor?
The ways of the Empire? I doubt it.
The way to make caged men work
is to satisfy 70% of their bodily lust.
With what women?
It's very simple.
You're in charge of the comfort women. Send them in here.
Is that necessary?
Do you want a woman?
See that?
Just the word brings joy to their hearts.
What is a man? Not poetry or morality.
He's a mass of lust and greed that absorbs and excretes.
I'll ask their leaders' opinion.
Who gives you orders? POWs or me?
I'm more concerned about escapes than you are.
Carry out my orders.
Stop loafing!
Hurry up!
Son of a bitch!
Get up!
You dog!
Master!
This man sick! He maybe die.
Have mercy... he sick man!
Save your whining for Kaji.
I don't care if I kill a few of you dogs.
Here he comes!
Ah, Kaji-san!
No want to see?
Sister Jin!
Mr Kaji... welcome!
Mr Kaji, wanna have some fun? I won't charge you.
I'm sorry...
but I need 30 girls for the special labourers.
The Labour Office will pay.
They go inside barbed wire?
Just like dogs... sleep together... everybody watch?
If you don't wish to, just say so.
You don't, do you?
We no have choice. It's our job.
I send 30 girls tomorrow.
Don't be crazy!
We can't work with everyone watching.
Know how many men are in that compound?
If you don't wish to go, then don't.
Even if the others go, I refuse.
Think you can get out of working?
What do you mean? I was speaking for all of you.
You talk real big.
If you want to go, then go.
Don't act so big!
What about you?
Stop arguing. You don't make the decisions here.
I'll decide what to do.
Thirty girls will go tonight.
All right?
Yes, please do that.
- What happened? - The foreman let him have it.
- Where? - Pit No. 3.
Okazaki!
Get him to first aid quickly.
If this is ignored, supervision will be impossible!
I'll charge Okazaki with manslaughter.
Come now! Relax!
It wasn't wise to use force,
but he was only following orders to increase production.
So he actually acted out of patriotism.
Listen here.
Okazaki may be a brute,
but his brutality lets him run that large pit.
We need him just like we need you and Okishima
to keep our 10,000 men in line.
Understand?
We're at war.
To achieve the greater goal, we must overlook the small mistakes.
Small mistakes?
A human being was murdered!
Kaji, I'll tell you just once more: Calm down!
Think it over. I'm sure you'll see.
Can we exchange a good, hard-working Japanese man
for the life of one mere prisoner?
That's not the point.
If you insist on pressing charges, include me as an accomplice.
I'll see that the suit goes unfavourably for you.
I can do it, you know.
You'd dare distort the truth?
Sir, will you see that this never happens again?
How should we report it?
As an accidental death.
Say he fell off a ledge. It does happen, you know.
Sir!
You think I'll falsify the report?
What else can we do?
- Well, I won't! - Yes, you will!
Then I become Okazaki's accomplice.
What will you do?
I'll get Okazaki!
You fool! Why play the hero?
Fight so hard and you'll just run out of steam.
You're a fool to ruin your future with his.
Mr Kaji.
One of our men was mistreated. What became of him?
He died.
I assume the culprit was arrested.
- He's still working. - Will there be no trial?
I suppose not.
If that's why you're here, come inside and explain to all of us.
No, I came to wait for some women.
You promised not to kill! You're like all the other Japanese!
If you treat me like a murderer just because I'm Japanese,
you'll be losing the only friend you have.
Friend?
You don't have to believe me!
Wait.
Does this man's death mean others may also die?
I won't allow it.
Women!
Open the gate. Let the women in.
Ten girls to a barrack. Have them out by 10:00.
Look! Women!
I'm coming!
Women!
We're here, just like I promised.
Why do you send us women?
Think as you please. I'm just obeying orders.
You send whores
to sleep with us like dogs so we'll work harder?
Is that it?
What's that about whores?
I wouldn't talk so big!
You wouldn't understand!
Oh, I understand. You're no better off than us.
Look at your friends over there.
Have you no shame?
You think I like coming here?
I told him I refused!
Aren't you the same, beaten down by the Japanese every day?
Then why so cocky? You love it here so much?
I'm sorry.
We all suffer the same misfortune.
Welcome home!
You must be tired.
Look at this!
Isn't it wonderful? Her first egg!
She clucked so loudly I thought a dog had got inside.
But right there was this great big egg!
What is it?
Are you in a bad mood?
No, it's nothing.
It's like you hate coming home.
Is something wrong?
Why won't you tell me about it?
Would you want a husband who runs a whorehouse?
What does that mean?
You'd vomit if I told you!
What happens to 30 women in a camp of 600 men?
And now I'm an accomplice to murder too.
That can't be.
The workers don't believe a word I say.
With time you'll gain their trust.
Could you just be quiet for a while?
It's a shame.
What is?
Since those prisoners came, you seem so far away.
I guess I do.
I hate feeling like I'm fighting a lone battle.
You leave early every morning
and return late at night.
During that time, you work.
Meanwhile, I clean the house,
potter around the kitchen, and do the shopping...
but it's like doing nothing.
Still I try to convince myself that the little things I do
help keep you going.
Otherwise, there's no difference between a housewife and a housekeeper.
I'm sorry. Forgive me.
I'm letting my work get the best of me.
Let's stop worrying about it...
just for now.
It was nice talking to you.
Locked up in here,
we lose touch with the outside world.
Thank you.
Don't you want to have a good time? I came here for business.
I'm sorry to take your time.
I just wanted to talk.
You plan to escape, don't you?
It's impossible with all that barbed wire.
It's charged with electricity, that's all.
It's men who run the electricity through it.
Don't talk like that. Human beings are weak creatures.
Go where you're told to go.
Do what you're told to do.
That's the only way to survive.
You're wrong.
Man can become as strong as he wishes.
He need only find the cause of his unhappiness.
Want to make some easy money?
You mean selling my girls elsewhere?
I don't go for that kind of deal.
This isn't about women.
Labourers?
I have something else in mind this time.
You mean behind the barbed wire?
Too dangerous.
If anything goes wrong, it's my neck.
It's not like the others. Escaped prisoners mean big profit.
Help make arrangements and I'll split it with you.
It's easy money.
What kind of arrangements?
The easiest way... is like this.
You just flick off the electric switch.
Did someone put you up to this?
My mate Muta, the Japanese assistant who was just fired.
How sad, selling men like that.
Don't expect any sympathy from me.
I'm just a Korean. The Japanese and Chinese both look down on me.
Hurry it up!
Mr Wang!
I just heard the Japanese say that the Italians have surrendered.
Defeat for Germany can't be far off.
Our time is coming.
When?
Six months, maybe a year.
We must be patient.
What's going on there?
You scum!
Thank you.
This'll really invigorate my man and the young folk.
If Okazaki gets any more invigorated, ma'am,
you'll be in trouble.
Didn't you know?
We women prefer our men that way.
Ma'am, I'm sure you've seen to everything,
but it might be wise to send some of that flour to Kaji's wife.
A very good idea! I'll do just that.
Your food.
Good day, sir.
Ah, it's you.
You want dumplings?
Can you loan me a bag of white flour?
I'd like to make my mother happy. She hasn't long to live.
One bag?
Why don't you go get some yourself?
The Japanese steal the flour they ration to us...
and eat their fill.
I can't do that.
But Mr Kaji trusts you.
This flour was stolen from the warehouse
by the warehouse guard with the big mole.
It's stolen property.
You still want to buy some of it?
Let him have half a bag.
No, I won't.
Young man, don't forget you were born of a Chinese mother,
of Chinese seed.
Go ask the man with the big mole!
Try not to be so obvious.
About what?
Okazaki's wife just left here with a big sack.
I hate to interfere, but you're making a mistake.
People around here appreciate my mistakes.
It's an old custom.
Well, it's one that should be abolished.
Unpleasant as it may seem, that's my job.
If it happens again, I'll have to order an inventory.
Mr Kaji...
the men in the pits wonder if you're one of us
or just a puppet of the Chinese.
And?
That's all.
But I do think your acute sense of justice is inflamed by the fact
that you can't take some extra flour to your own wife.
Take your filthy feet off your desk when speaking to me!
Or do you need my help?
You fool! They'll see your light!
Go easy tonight.
Hurry! It's the night watchman!
What's taking so long?
Get going!
I like you a lot.
You did very well for your first time.
You'll do it for me, won't you, Chen?
Talk to Sai at the power station.
Just have him shut off the current for three minutes.
I'll see that you're well-rewarded.
Then you can buy all the flour you want
without playing the thief.
Still can't make up your mind?
Hey, Big Mole!
Well, Chen, how'd it go?
Did you get a good price?
Or did you eat it yourself?
Free white flour must taste good.
What's going on, Matsuda?
What indeed.
Seems even saints have thieves for underlings.
Flour thieves.
Mr Kaji...
I'm willing to overlook it this time.
But just for future reference, I'd like to see how you handle this.
Chen, stand up.
Look at me.
You didn't do it, did you?
I did.
Alone?
Matsuda, I hope you're satisfied now.
Now get out before I expose all your dirty doings!
Chen, what's the matter?
I stole something...
and Mr Kaji struck me.
Kaji struck you?
But no matter.
Mr Kaji is Japanese, and I'm Chinese.
It's that simple!
Sister Jin is busy now.
I think he's Korean.
Korean?
Hi, cutie.
Got into a fight?
Yang, let me use your room awhile.
What's wrong?
I don't understand it myself.
Foolish girl,
acting like an amateur in love for the first time.
I can't seem to forget Kao.
Love at first sight... with a man behind barbed wire.
Why not use your room?
It's such a mess.
Why do you ask?
The Japanese are all the same. They don't consider us human beings.
Chen...
go to the power station
and work it out with your friend.
I'm not Korean.
I won't betray my friend for money.
I know that.
You're a good man.
But those men in there are prisoners.
The Japanese will exploit them and then kill them.
Can they really be saved?
Of course.
But the only one who can do it...
is you.
This can wait, Chen.
First go do as I ask.
I understand.
I'm Chinese too.
I'm ready to do my part.
At exactly 1:00 a.m.
when the siren sounds, I'll cut the current.
But only for two minutes. That's the best I can do.
Two minutes?
Watch out!
That's 3,300 volts!
Be careful. Don't let them see you.
Sai!
Go now, and don't let them see you.
My regards to our brothers behind barbed wire.
They're in love. This isn't business.
In that case, we don't pay.
Stop kidding around.
A prisoner and a prostitute in love - it's like a novel.
But what will come of it?
Nothing can come of it while there's a war going on.
They have their love today. That's all.
Can't you let them marry?
I would if I could.
I'm sure you'd want to help them.
I do, but it ends right there.
Have some. They're delicious.
What are they?
A rare treat. They were given to us.
By Whom?
Try and guess.
Mrs. Okazaki.
Send them back!
But...
I can't send them back now.
Return them! Tell her I was furious.
But why?
Why?
Why do you glare at me like that?
She wanted to make up for earlier.
The murderer stole that flour! It's time you showed more sense.
Can't you understand my position
and what I'm trying to do at this mine?
No, I can't.
How could I, when you never tell me anything?
Of course, even I can guess where the flour and sugar came from.
But women can't always live by unbending rules.
I didn't accept them for myself.
So you accepted them for me?
I don't need that kind of thoughtfulness.
Because it was the Okazakis?
What if it had been Mrs. Okishima?
I'd still refuse.
Yes, you're just the kind who would!
You struck Chen, didn't you?
I know you didn't want to, yet you did.
Why?
Because he did something wrong?
That's not why.
You could have forgiven him for such a minor matter.
It was because you lost face in front of others.
For a man who aspires to great things, you have a small mind!
You wouldn't understand.
But I do!
I know what people think of you. It's reached my ears too.
What do they think?
That you try to look better than everyone else.
I didn't believe them.
I thought it was just spite, but now...
- Think what you want! - Where are you going?
I've kept 30 women waiting.
Marriage?
Impossible!
We can marry after the war is over.
Is the war going to end?
It won't be much longer.
But they'll take you away again.
No, Chun Lan.
It will end in victory for China.
We'll be free.
I can only hope that things stay as they are.
Why, Chun Lan?
When that day comes, I'll never see you again.
But I'm asking you to marry me.
There are plans to escape from here,
but I will not run away as long as you're here.
You won't run away? You promise?
I'm sorry. I went too far.
You brute!
I'm thinking of letting those two get married.
Hello.
What? Escaped?
- I'll be right there! - How many?
Eleven men!
I won't bother asking for information.
We'll soon know who planned the break.
I won't ask for details.
But you must understand one thing.
We've tried our best to help you.
If you cannot trust us,
and if you continue to try to escape,
those who remain behind will face reprisals
and even more hard labour.
And I will not raise a finger to protect you.
You think we can't bring you before a firing squad.
But if Kaji and I decide to,
we can always pack you into those freight cars
and send you back to the army!
They acted on their own.
We only serve as liaisons for the prisoners.
We couldn't stop them even if we knew of their plot.
I see through your lies!
What if I said that Wang Heng Li plotted this break?
It no lie... we don't know.
I no run away.
You fools!
You think we'd take your word for it?
Why don't you all run off somewhere!
I will not run.
I'll walk out of here with dignity.
And just where will you go?
Don't think all Japanese are as forgiving as me.
If you want to die, just try to escape.
Wang, the safety of your men depends on all of you.
I'm the one who has to answer to the Kenpeitai -
not you!
Investigate the situation and take adequate measures.
Oh, and think up a good story for the Kenpeitai.
Where's Kaji?
You stood by while those men escaped?
We didn't stand by.
So you took all precautionary measures?
Let me remind you once more:
Those prisoners are spoils of war, obtained at great sacrifice.
You allowed them to damage the prestige of our Imperial Forces.
- I demand an explanation. - I have none.
The only explanation is their desire to escape.
Why did you stand by and let them? Answer me!
I can hear you. You don't have to shout.
We have 10,000 other labourers here,
but these special prisoners have taken all our attention.
No matter what, they'll manage to escape. What are we supposed to do?
One question!
Go ahead.
We reported the truth.
I could have reported them dead and avoided trouble.
Does the Kenpeitai not want the truth?
I acknowledge your honesty.
But shortage of personnel is not an acceptable excuse.
Though your negligence is inexcusable,
I shall overlook it just this once.
No more men must escape.
Tell them that if they do, I will personally kill their leader.
Understand?
I understand.
How about it? Want me to scare them a little?
That won't be necessary.
You must be quite sure of yourself to refuse aid from the military.
Very well.
I'll hold you personally responsible from now on.
- I never go back on my word. - I understand.
And you?
Do you understand?
I understand.
That will be all.
No! Wait!
Wait!
Let me go!
- Don't take it out on the men. - What about you?
You lost your temper and struck Chen, and now you lecture me?
Don't pull your humanism on me.
I struck Chen, and I regret it. But should you do the same?
Don't let your feelings ruin my work.
Your work?
Yes, my work.
You've kept in step so far, but now you're going your own way.
Can't you see?
Force has meaning only when overcoming tyranny.
I know that. I've had enough of your lectures.
You intend to let them do as they wish?
I'll talk to them.
I won't mince words.
I don't want your men trying to escape.
As far as you men are concerned,
I am your friendliest enemy.
I pride myself on supervising you without hostility.
Despite the conflicts of interest
that result from our being at war,
I've tried to protect your interests.
What you say is difficult.
I see.
Eat your fill. We can talk at our leisure.
When one of your comrades was killed,
we didn't take adequate measures to protect you.
Therefore you no longer trust us.
That's only natural.
However...
I shall do my utmost to correct this mistake.
It may take time...
but I hope you'll trust me and be patient.
No one wants to risk the danger of escaping.
Let me speak for my friend Kaji.
Since he arrived here,
the regular labourers' conditions have greatly improved.
This also applies to you.
However, if there's another escape,
I cannot say what the Kenpeitai might do.
I don't know how Kaji feels,
but the only way to save my own neck
is to send you back to the Kenpeitai.
It's true what he says.
We can reach an understanding by talking.
How about you, Kao?
If you can marry Yang Chun Lan,
will you stay until the war ends?
I don't like propositions that start...
with the word “if."
Can't you understand?
We're talking things over.
Bootlicker!
It's the same old Japanese trick.
They always promise to do this and do that...
but they never keep their word.
Stand up!
You dog! You wouldn't understand what men say.
Go to Yang Chun Lan and learn the ways of human beings!
By the way, Wang, if I...
There's the “if” again.
If I gain the freedom for you enjoyed by the regular labourers,
will you trust me?
To wait seems to be the only safe liberty.
You promise?
Wang, you must trust me.
I wonder if they trust me.
You want to believe they do, don't you?
I want to believe Wang when he says he'll wait.
You plan to continue sending the women inside. Why?
Just a hunch.
I also plan to take 50 of them for outside labour.
- Under armed guard? - No, just by myself.
These strange hunches aren't like you.
- Why not be honest? - About what?
You'd let them escape if you could.
That's nonsense.
When that happens, I stand to lose my neck.
Remember that.
On days they come out here, they seem happy.
Is your mother still ill?
I suppose she still longs for some white flour.
She's given up hope.
I'm sorry I struck you that day.
I'm hardheaded in some ways, I know.
It's all right.
Is Sai at the power station a friend of yours?
Somebody shut off the current.
Sai was on duty that night.
If he did it, tell him not to do it again.
Well, back to work.
They could escape whenever they want.
Maybe they're starting to trust you.
No, they're just wary of a trap.
Then you'll stop taking them out?
No, I'll keep doing it.
Isn't it dangerous? They might kill you and escape.
I doubt that.
This bath feels good.
Why don't you come in?
I think I will.
If the workers settle down, let's go into town on vacation.
Let's do it!
How many days can you take off?
Three at the most.
That would be wonderful!
Well, if they really settle down...
Someday you'll be a great supervisor,
but by then our youth will have vanished.
That's not for me.
I'll take that vacation. You're probably right.
Please do, all right?
I will.
See to it, Cho. We need a break in that barbed wire.
Kaji will be off on a three-day leave.
Okishima will be busy. We'll do it then.
Releasing prisoners is more profitable, but more dangerous too.
With things going smoothly, Kaji has let down his guard...
but watch out for Okishima.
The timing is ideal.
Let's pull another fast one and then make ourselves scarce.
That's right. Getting away clean is the important thing.
Is Jin Tung Fu in?
She's in bed with the cute boy.
How about you?
There's a problem. Chen won't help anymore.
Won't help?
Once is as bad as 100 times.
He doesn't want that risk with you and me.
But he'll risk sleeping with you.
He wants me to break away too.
Has that dog squealed on us?
- He'd never do that. - You never know.
Don't let him spend the night. Send him home.
Jin Tung Fu is some woman, eh? How was it?
I hear Kaji will be away starting Saturday.
Have the power cut off while he's gone.
Sai isn't on duty those nights.
Then when is he?
Friday night.
Then make it Friday night.
He can't! They already suspect him!
Who does?
Mr Kaji.
What can he do without evidence?
Listen carefully, punk.
Play it straight and I'll fix it so Jin Tung Fu will be yours alone.
You little scum!
You'll do it, won't you? Be a good boy.
If you refuse, you and Sai will die.
END OF PART 1
THE HUMAN CONDITION
Developed by BUNGEI PRODUCTION and NINJIN CLUB
Presented by KABUKI PRODUCTION
Produced by SHIGERU WAKATSUKI
Based on the Novel by JUNPEI GOMIKAWA
Screenplay by ZENZO MATSUYAMA and MASAKI KOBAYASHI
Director of Photography YOSHIO MIYAJIMA
Production Design KAZUE HIRATAKA Sound Recording HIDEO NISHIZAKI
Music CHUJI KINOSHITA
Lighting TAKASHI KATO Editing KEIICHI URAOKA
First Assistant Director YUGORO IMAI
Assistant Director KOICHI INAGAKI Assistant Camera TOSHITADA NAGUMO
Assistant Production Design JUSHO TODA Set Decoration KYOJI SASAKI
Set Design YOJI MURO
Production Manager TATSUO OSAWA
Starring
TATSUYA NAKADAI as Kaji
MICHIYO ARATAMA as Michiko
CHIKAGE AWASHIMA as Jin Tung Fu INEKO ARIMA as Yang Chun Lan
SO YAMAMURA as Okishima AKIRA ISHIHAMA as Chen
SHINJI NANBARA as Kao
SEIJI MIYAGUCHI as Wang Heng Li TORU ABE as Sergeant Watai
MASAO MISHIMA as Kuroki EITARO OZAWA as Okazaki
KOJI MITSUI as Furuya AKITAKE KONO as Captain Kono
NOBUO NAKAMURA as Head Office Chief KYU SAZANKA as Cho Meisan
Directed by MASAKI KOBAYASHI
GRANDSCOPE
A SHOCHIKU FILM
PART 2
I feel wonderful!
We arrived in a whirl of dust, but it's so nice today.
- Worried about work? - No.
Just wondering why I didn't do this before.
- Really? - I mean it.
I'll phone Yasuko first thing and tell her to take the day off.
Would you mind?
And then what?
We'll have lunch together and then go to the apple orchard.
It's so wonderful! I feel as light as a balloon!
Allow me just one thing.
What?
Let me go for just one hour?
What for?
With our increased production, I'd like to talk to the main office
about treating the special labourers like the ordinary labourers.
Just one hour?
- The rest of my time is all yours. - All right.
I'll give you two hours, but not a minute more.
Mr Kaji!
- They broke out again. - What?
- Where's Okishima? - At their camp.
All right. I'll be right there.
I don't want you to go.
I have no choice.
You go and have a good time with Yasuko.
Yasuko isn't you.
- But this is my job... - I don't care!
You're officially on holiday. They can't make you go back.
Leave it to Okishima. I'll wait till after lunch, OK?
I'll never finish by then.
You just don't want to go.
Don't be foolish!
Your work's important,
but don't you see how important this is for us?
I'll make up for it next time.
You needn't bother!
Why so angry over such a small thing?
Such a small thing?
You don't seem to care how I feel.
At any rate, I can't just leave now.
I see.
Then I'll go on alone.
Stop it!
From now on, I do things my way!
- And ruin everything? - They'll understand my fist!
Hitting them won't bring back the others!
Do you realise how many got away?
Eighteen men, led by Hwang and Sung!
Still think words will help?
- I'll assume all responsibility. - You fool!
If you don't like my methods, you can quit.
You won't be dragged before the Kenpeitai.
Fine!
Wang!
Stand up!
I've given up on all of you. You said you'd wait.
You might think I'm a fool, but even a fool has limits!
Another escape and you'll all go without food for three days.
I'll turn your men against you and break your authority in this camp!
You Japanese are all the same!
Fine!
Then I'll act accordingly. All promises are hereby retracted.
Now I realise there can be no trust between us.
Mr Okishima!
How will you report this to the Kenpeitai?
They won't let us off easy this time.
- I won't report the incident. - What?
If it leaks out, I'll assume all responsibility.
I don't think it was all your responsibility.
You think someone shut off the power?
I couldn't say.
Shall I put only Japanese on night duty there?
You can't do that without evidence.
Shall I increase the night watch around the fence?
I'd have to check that they're at their posts.
Eighteen men... that's a big loss!
I've achieved the 20% increase in production.
I don't want trouble now over something like this.
I forgot: Okishima is hereby relieved
of all responsibility for the special prisoners.
I don't know!
Damned Chinaman!
Son of a bitch!
Tell me!
Who paid you?
Okishima favours drastic measures, but Kaji always stops him.
Meaning he gives tacit consent to the runaways?
I wouldn't say that,
but it does all seem rather suspicious.
There is one way to teach them a lesson.
How?
We let them plan another break and then foil them.
With your permission, I'd like to try.
Sounds intriguing.
I'll try anything that brings results.
Give it a try.
Boss's orders.
We're distributing flour and oil. Only to the Japanese, of course.
I'm sure you don't approve.
I do not.
Unfortunately, you're not the manager.
I'm sure you're happy I'm not.
Mr Kaji, it's Mr Okishima!
Filthy scum!
Son of a bitch!
Kill the rat!
Let him have it!
Mr Okishima, let us handle that Korean dog!
Stay out of this! Filthy dog!
Swipe men from under my nose, eh?
Bastard!
Not stopping me today?
You want me to?
Don't look so disapproving.
Should I go easy on the regular workers too?
Your clumsy humanism kills good men and lets scoundrels run wild.
Chen, take him to the medical ward.
Do no such thing! His boss will pick him up.
Take him!
Go and call Furuya.
Don't worry, young one. I won't talk.
Chen, it seems I know more about you than you do about me.
Go back and tell Kaji his wounds aren't serious.
It's better if Kaji doesn't come around here.
Well? How is he?
He seems all right.
Mr Furuya is with him.
Furuya?
Furuya, send a telegram to Muta.
That rat Okishima!
He says he's going to sue Okishima.
Help him arrange it. You two seem friendly enough.
Don't bother explaining! Think I'm that stupid?
Was it the money? Or just to make trouble for me?
Don't worry. I won't tell the boss.
See that your buddy is hospitalised.
But you're paying for him - not Labour!
You probably made plenty.
Where you been hidin'?
What's wrong with you?
Drunk, I see.
Think I got drunk and came to make trouble?
I had a drink with the boss, but I'm not drunk.
I have some hot news.
They're issuing commendations for the increased production.
Okazaki will surely be included.
I told the boss you were the only one in Labour
who deserved a commendation.
The boss felt the same way,
but he feared that this old-timer might feel slighted.
You don't think I'd feel slighted, do you?
Why have you suddenly turned to brute force?
The boss asked the same thing.
I was born a brute... Good enough?
How long do you plan to keep on like this?
Meaning what?
Straddling a fundamental contradiction and trying to justify it.
I'm out of breath.
If I'm being a nuisance, just say so and I'll back off.
Kao!
Chun Lan!
I was afraid you might have escaped.
That's all I could buy today.
Thank you.
Thank you!
We can't meet for the time being.
We can't come here.
If you run off by yourself...
I'll kill myself.
I'll take you with me when I escape.
When?
After I learn how the others have fared.
I can't take any chances if I take you along.
Stay here.
They might let us marry.
Don't believe them!
Wang says the war will end soon.
Japan will be defeated.
Now that I have you...
I'm willing to bear anything.
Kao!
I wish we could meet like this every night.
But if they start suspecting us...
then it's all over.
This cursed wire!
Careful!
Why do the gods torment us like this?
Chun Lan...
I love you!
And I love you!
Can't you sleep?
Kaji would have been happier married to a girl like you.
You're too much the wife, Michi.
You're forgetting to be a woman.
What do you mean?
Being a wife is a kind of profession,
but it's the woman that men love.
When you typed Kaji's reports, you studied them like one possessed.
I never understood a word.
And now? Do you ask him about his work?
He doesn't like me asking questions.
If I were you, I'd pester him until he told me everything.
Then I'd ask even more questions.
What's wrong? Did I go too far?
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I failed as a wife and as a woman.
I couldn't sleep.
This is your home.
You can sleep soundly here.
Promise you'll share both your joys and sorrows with me.
Sorrow for one is enough.
It's not!
I'm walking down the same path you are.
It's OK if I lose my way.
Just tell me we might get lost and take me along.
I'll follow you...
and do my best to keep up.
I understand.
If I don't walk fast enough,
will you wait just a tiny bit for me?
Just a very tiny bit?
Of course.
I'll never ask you the same question twice.
“Through fitting leadership in the pit,
you have helped achieve a 20% increase in ore production.
At this hour of dire national emergency,
you've rendered a valuable service to our armed forces
and set a fitting example for other employees.
You are hereby officially commended.
September 23, 1943.
Chairman of the board Jushiro Kitada.
Read in proxy by Junichi Kuroki."
Looks like we'll have rain.
Rainy nights are ideal for escape attempts.
When you deliver their dinner,
tell them arrangements have been made. They can break out tonight.
Tonight?
Then go to the power station
and tell them Kaji says to cut the power.
But Mr Kaji would never...
I'm acting under direct orders from the boss.
You want me to tell the Kenpeitai about you?
About how you and Jin Tung Fu aided the plotters,
and how Kaji knew but pretended not to see?
It's the only way to save your neck.
As ships at sea part the great white waves
So do I part my loved one's thighs
Mr Kaji, I look forward to your continued favour.
You're young, but you're quite a fellow!
No, a great fellow!
The day you arrived it was snowing...
No, it was windy.
Really? Windy?
That day I thought
a young squirt like you could never handle this mine.
But things really did work out as you said.
You're really something!
But Mr Kaji...
I've been watching.
You haven't been drinking.
Give me a hand?
If you want to try, tonight is your last chance.
Why the sudden rush?
If the timing's no good, just forget it.
But my friend's being moved to the day shift tomorrow.
You sure about this?
On behalf of the men in the pit
and in the spirit of friendship,
I challenge Mr Kaji to a friendly drinking bout.
Hear! Hear!
I concede defeat.
No, you can't!
We haven't even started yet!
No, I really do.
Mr Kaji...
do you only show spirit when you're snarling at me?
Come on. Be a man!
All right! I'm ready!
Use this.
Get drunk and letdown your guard for once.
That's right!
OK, let's begin.
Show 'em, Mr Kaji!
- That's the way! - More!
Those boys in Labour are used to being wined and dined by the bosses.
They get the women too!
They run the whorehouse and have their pick.
So we're wined and dined, eh?
And the whores are ours for the taking?
Fine! Bring on your wine and women! I'll take 'em on!
Chen.
All done delivering their meals?
This is a special ration ticket for Japanese only.
You're welcome to mine.
- But your wife... - She's given up hope.
Mr Kaji.
No, nothing.
I just wanted to say thank you.
It's me who should thank you.
I was afraid you wouldn't accept it now.
There's a nice arse!
Hey, lady-killer!
Tops in Japan!
Back off! Still in heat at your age?
What if I am?
Go and sow your seed in your own rice paddies!
I wouldn't act so big, Okishima.
If you and Kaji would mind your own business,
I could have topped our production goal long ago.
And you'd have 10 murders on your record now.
You'd be having dinner in jail!
Bastard!
If you want trouble, come on.
Chen, what's the matter?
What should I do?
I won't be able to see you again.
I've fallen into a trap!
Go to the station and have him cut off the power.
If I do that...
and the men are captured...
they'll kill me!
This is a Japanese plot.
No matter what happens, you won't be killed.
You speak as if this didn't concern you.
If I'm caught, I might confess everything.
Don't threaten me.
You dragged me into this!
- Where are you going? - To warn them.
You'll never get word to them.
I can try.
Wait! I have a better idea.
Chun Lan.
Kao is breaking out tonight.
Kao is breaking out?
Go and tell him it's too dangerous.
I won't let him escape alone!
Drink. It'll relax you.
I couldn't contact him. Are you sure he plans to escape?
You met no one?
With this downpour, I couldn't see a thing.
Not a soul?
Is he really breaking out?
What'll we do now?
If he runs off by himself...
I'll kill myself!
The power must be cut off! We mustn't anger the Japanese.
What should we do?
The best way is to confess the whole thing to Mr Kaji.
No! He's the worst of them all!
Where are you going?
Go to the power station!
You little punk!
I expected as much.
Did you do as I told you?
Yes.
You didn't mention the matter to Kaji, did you?
No.
We'll find out in a moment...
whether you did as ordered.
If you betrayed us, it's a bullet in your head.
We'll report that we caught you helping the men escape.
It'll even mean a reward.
They're coming!
Mr Furuya.
The power... I didn't...
What?
Son of a bitch!
Bastard! You want to die?
I never dreamt that Chen might plot something like this.
I've been blind.
Furuya!
Blind because I never thought you capable of such a diabolical plot!
Go and boast to the boss of your brave deed!
Wang!
You're not always right either.
Your failed leadership caused this.
You refused to trust us.
The result is charred human flesh. It serves you right!
Kao!
Why did you do it?
It was so foolish!
Kao!
You're alive!
Chun Lan!
Look at the man whose mistake killed his own friends!
Okishima came to tell me about it.
Why didn't Chen come to me?
He was probably afraid to.
Because I hit him?
Okishima told me
you'd take it really hard.
It's not my fault that I'm Japanese...
yet it's my worst crime that I am!
Chen was kind to you even though I struck him.
He understood how I felt.
Yet look what happened.
That son a bitch Furuya!
The boss put him up to this.
They'll never meddle in Labour affairs again!
Let's go home.
Some nice hot soup will help you feel better.
Yes, let's.
Let's go home.
I wish you'd ask the main office about getting the Kenpeitai
to let us treat these prisoners like ordinary labourers.
But I know I asked you to stay out of my affairs.
Don't worry. I'll do it.
My trip will cool us both off. It'll be my present to you.
Seems the boss considers Okazaki more indispensable than me.
I'm boarding this run-down truck,
but you're trying to catch the train of humanism before it's too late.
I won't stop you.
You seem willing to pay the fare, no matter how high.
Am I making trouble by coming here?
I already offered my apologies.
Leave us alone.
From now on, we'll have to escape from the work areas.
Wang wants us to lie low for a while.
And there's been no news from the others.
What's going on here?
Run!
Bastards! You dare resist?
Get back here!
Come back!
Escape attempt!
How about it?
They're offering us 500 more prisoners.
We lack accommodations.
Accommodations?
Don't you mean supervision?
We just caught seven prisoners trying to escape!
You caught them? Good work!
- Did they resist? - The bastards almost got away.
- From the pit? - The ore dump.
That's strange.
You were eating Chinese food here. How would you know?
How could they escape in broad daylight?
Look at this. Only desperate men would throw ore at me.
That makes it a break?
I'm not the only witness. It took 15 men to capture them.
Inside the compound? Running inside the compound is a break?
- Why do you defend the chinks? - I'll investigate this.
You needn't bother!
- Where are they? - The guard house.
Good.
Captain, what are your instructions?
Well, let's see.
Shall we try the method you've been suggesting?
He's a master swordsman.
How many men did you slay in China?
Wait! How can you be sure it was a break?
Silence! We have a witness. Any more objections?
Yes! An impassioned witness can't be trusted.
All those men want to escape. Would you execute them all?
- Why you... - Enough!
Whether it was or wasn't an escape attempt isn't the point.
All that matters is that we say it was!
Arguments will not be tolerated. Sergeant!
They're to be executed tomorrow. You decide how.
They will be executed tomorrow, sir!
I assume you approve.
You shall officially witness the execution!
You'll save seven men's lives
if you testify they weren't trying to escape.
They were trying to escape. They ran.
They should have stayed and taken their beating.
What's going to happen to us?
If injuring Okazaki was a crime, why not just investigate me?
Listen to me.
You're all guilty of attempted escape.
- Lies! - You're wronging the innocent!
Quiet!
Dog!
An investigation will reveal the truth.
Investigate it!
Immediately!
The investigation is over.
But I don't believe you tried to escape.
You're turning us over to the Kenpeitai?
I don't intend to.
But you never had faith in me before.
Perhaps it's best to doubt me now as well.
Those men have all the power!
I have none!
I'll do everything I can until tomorrow evening.
Sir, if you ask them, the Kenpeitai will listen to reason.
This is an object lesson, Kaji.
Personally I don't approve,
but the head office says to leave it to the Kenpeitai.
Why?
Must there be a reason?
Please wait! You're about to chop off men's heads!
If the company protested strongly...
This is wartime. Peacetime reasoning doesn't apply.
That's no reason!
You may not think so, but I do. You're wasting your breath.
If you're not satisfied, speak to the head office.
I Will!
There's no answer. He's in a conference.
Shouting like a madman!
Hello? One moment, please.
Someone else will take your call.
Okishima? We're in real trouble.
You've heard?
Hello? Hello?
I can't hear you!
Speak louder!
I can't hear you at all.
What's that?
Give up?
That's ridiculous!
Okishima, please talk to them again.
Please try again. I'll be waiting.
I'll be honest. There's only one chance in a hundred.
This does not concern us alone.
Just as my companions stand between life and death,
so do you now stand at an important crossroads.
You're right.
If you fail now, no one will ever trust you again,
and you too will lose faith in yourself.
It's true.
Yet you would do nothing?
What can I do?
Must a man outside this barbed wire ask me such a question?
Not all the Japanese working here are murderous devils.
Their combined opinion objecting to this execution
will be more effective than one individual alone.
If I'd always acted as you wanted me to,
there'd be no Kaji here today.
I'd like to see what you'd do in my position.
You and I will both make minor mistakes.
Such things can be forgiven.
But an error made at a crucial moment is an unforgivable crime.
Your life has been a series of errors
stemming from the conflict between your work and yourself.
Such errors can possibly be corrected.
But this one cannot.
Meaning?
You'll either be revealed as a murderer wearing the mask of humanism
or as one worthy of the beautiful name... "man".
I know that.
You have less faith in man than you try to believe.
Regardless of how you might feel,
true men will always find kindred spirits!
What will happen to Kao?
I wish I knew myself.
When will you release him?
You won't kill Kao, will you?
You won't, will you?
Hello? Okishima? What's the decision?
Calm down and listen.
The manager is no help, the old fool.
Wait until morning. I'll talk to the chairman.
The chairman?
Yes, the chairman! I'll make him listen to me.
Please go away.
I want to be alone.
Mr Kaji!
Please save him.
Save him.
He wouldn't try to escape.
We planned to be married after the war ended.
You won't kill him, will you? You're a good man.
You won't kill him, will you?
Go to sleep and stop worrying.
I won't do anything.
There's nothing I can do.
Can I really set my mind at ease?
Really?
Go to sleep and don't worry.
I'll try to sleep too.
Where are you going?
To free those men.
You can't! Think what might happen to you!
I don't care!
You did everything you could.
Don't you care what happens to you?
Well, I do!
Michiko, don't torment me!
I'll call for help! I won't let you do it.
You always go your own way, and perhaps you're right.
But if you free those men, they'll kill you for sure!
Please don't go!
I'll follow you! I'll shout for help!
Michiko, if I don't, I'm no longer a human being!
How can you ignore me like some stray dog?
Even you don't want to give up this life, do you?
Remember! You promised!
I'm sorry.
Go and do as you see fit.
Perhaps it's me who's wrong.
I can't have you feeling I stood in your way.
I don't want you hating me, not loving me anymore.
There's no hope for me!
- All ready! - Good work.
Spare us!
It's best to wet the blade. Keeps off the fat.
Kaji!
Stay right there.
Thanks for being my witness.
Get up!
On your knees!
Kaji...
you can tell them all later:
If they want to die, they can run all they like.
Next!
Spare me!
Want to try?
Next!
I don't want it!
I demand an explanation!
Why are we being executed?
Son of a bitch!
Japanese devils!
Stand up!
I'll go by myself!
Inhuman wretch!
This is your true form!
The face of a man...
but the heart of a beast!
Good! You show some grit.
Stay calm! Slash him!
The Chinese nation...
will live forever!
Don't think of it as a human head.
Take a rest and try again.
Next!
Spare my life!
Wait!
No more!
What?
Please stop!
Stay out of this or I'll kill you too!
I'm not afraid any longer. Kill me if you dare!
I'll be happy to oblige.
Enemy sympathisers deserve to be killed.
We won't let them kill our countrymen!
Stop them!
You're killing innocent men!
Murderers! Murderers!
Private!
Very well. The execution is called off.
Go back and join the others, quickly!
Take them back!
Kaji!
We're taking you to headquarters.
Pvt. Tanaka, take special care of our honored guest.
I'll return later. Go.
Kaji won't be coming home today.
Did something happen?
He refused to let me behead those enemy dogs.
He may not be back for a while. It all depends.
Did he hide anything?
No.
No wonder. Books by damn Westerners.
Open the desk drawers.
Place everything on top of the desk.
Son of a bitch!
How about it?
Wouldn't it be smarter to confess everything?
I only regret that I let you behead the first three.
You don't say!
You're a hopeless case.
Pvt. Tanaka...
you should show our guest more courtesy.
Kaji, don't you miss your wife?
She was crying. She'll have no one to ride her at night.
What have I done?
I'm no monster.
I'd like to put you back on top of your wife tonight,
but for that I'd need more cooperation from you.
What's so funny?
I don't pick pockets. I don't steal. I have nothing to confess.
Very interesting.
Then don't confess until I make you.
Show off your bravado while you can.
You let 18 POWs escape and failed to report it, didn't you?
Is it so funny you can't even answer?
I didn't report it, but I never let them escape.
You used that chink Chen to contact the prisoners.
Show me evidence. Or will you lose face if you can't prove it?
Son of a bitch!
Did you want something?
No.
I just didn't expect things to come to this.
Quarrels over work are one thing.
I didn't intend for others to do my fighting for me.
So I came to...
I understand.
I never thought Kaji would do such a thing.
Do what?
Oh... nothing.
I don't know what other people think,
but I know that whatever Kaji did, he alone could do.
I see. If that's how you feel, you can do as you please.
I just dropped by to see if I could help in any way.
I won't be asking for your help.
What you can do
is admit that those men were not trying to escape.
Admit it! You and Wang Heng Li plotted their escape.
Didn't you?
Why don't you answer?
Wang Heng Li was arrested. He confessed everything.
Wang was arrested?
Only his execution remains.
When will it be?
Worried? He was your friend, wasn't he?
He instigated the uprising at your suggestion, didn't he?
When is he to die?
Why don't you answer?
Very well.
Today I'll make you weep like a woman.
That'll be something for your wife to hear!
WANG HENG Ll In Memoriam
Wang...
in the end you died without seeing the dawn.
But your countrymen...
will surely bury you by the light of the newborn day.
Get outta here.
Come on.
Go inside.
Kiss her. Don't let me stop you.
Michiko, you mustn't come here.
Don't worry. Go home.
I brought some sushi. May I give it to him?
Go ahead.
Won't you have some?
Michiko...
if you ever need help, talk to Okishima.
Okishima, I'm counting on you.
Mr Okishima...
is being transferred.
I came to say goodbye.
I see.
I'm sorry I wasn't any help on the phone.
I argued with the manager. I'm being shipped out to a smaller mine.
So that's how it is.
I'd have liked to stick around and fight with you some more.
Furuya's taking over my spot.
We're back to square one.
Is there anything you'd like?
Nothing.
So... I won't be seeing you again?
I learned so much from you.
No, it's me who learned from you.
Though you've paid a bitter price,
you finally caught the humanism train.
Oh, yes. Wang Heng Li...
No unauthorised conversation!
Your time is up.
Private!
Michiko!
You're hereby released by special permission.
But don't think you're out of the woods.
Remember: I'll always be watching you.
Wherever you go, I'll be there first.
Reporting back, sir.
It arrived, Kaji.
EMERGENCY SUMMONS TO MILITARY SERVICE
I knew something was up.
So you use me up and then throw me out.
I can't afford to lose you,
but there's nothing I can do.
Forget the smooth talk!
Nice way to get rid of those you don't want.
There's nothing I can do. Now I see the light.
I should have trusted the whores instead of the managers here!
I know you're tired, but turn your duties over to Furuya.
He needs to find a new leader among the special labourers.
Since Wang Heng Li escaped, no one wants to lead them.
Escaped?
Wang Heng Li escaped?
Thirty of them got away.
So he made it after all!
Good for you, Wang!
I hope they all get away!
Sir, please inform Furuya
that he's been spared a thorough beating thanks to Wang's escape.
I was going over there to thrash him, not hand over my duties.
But I've suddenly changed my mind.
I guess a man finds kindred spirits after all.
Japanese devil!
Kill me... like you murdered Kao!
Why don't you kill me, Japanese devil?
He murdered an innocent man!
Mr Kaji.
Don't be angry.
I know you have a good heart...
but you weren't able to save Kao's life.
Michiko, you'll fall!
Welcome back!
I heard you'd come back in terrible shape.
But it's not true. You look well.
I'm so happy!
So very happy!
What's this?
They wouldn't!
No, it's not fair!
They promised you an exemption.
This is a dirty trick!
This is too much.
It's not fair.
Nothing can be done now.
What did you do to deserve this?
Nothing.
But I'd hoped to accomplish things with you when I returned.
Why must these terrible things happen to you?
What have you done to deserve this?
You're so thin,
so covered with scars.
And now they're dragging you off to war.
You mustn't die.
We must live again.
When will we meet again?
You'll come back. I know you will.
Japanese devil!
I hope you die!
Michiko, let's go home.
We still have 24 hours together.
Japanese devil!