A SHOCHIKU FILM
THE HUMAN CONDITION
Presented by BUNGEI PRODUCTION and NINJIN CLUB
Produced by SHIGERU WAKATSUKI and MASAKI KOBAYASHI
Based on the Novel by JUNPEI GOMIKAWA
Screenplay by ZENZO MATSUYAMA, KOICHI INAGAKI and MASAKI KOBAYASHI
Director of Photography YOSHIO MIYAJIMA
Production Design KAZUE HIRATAKA Music CHUJI KINOSHITA
Sound Recording HIDEO NISHIZAKI Lighting AKIRA AOMATSU
Editing KEIICHI URAOKA Assistant Producer TOSHIO SHIMIZU
Production Manager ZENPEI MORIYAMA 1st Assistant Director KOICHI INAGAKI
Assistant Directors TAKESHI YOSHIDA / KANYA OTSU
Assistant Camera SHUROKU UTSUMI
Set Design TAKAMASA KOBAYASHI
Set Decoration TETSUJI YAMAZAKI
Starring
TATSUYA NAKADAI as Kaji
MICHIYO ARATAMA as Michiko
TAMAO NAKAMURA as Refugee YUSUKE KAWAZU as Terada
CHISHU RYU as Old Man in Refugee Camp
TAKETOSHI NAITO as Tange REIKO HITOMI as Umeko / KYOKO KISHIDA as Tatsuko
KEIJIRO MOROZUMI as Hironaka KOJI KIYOMURA as Hikita / NOBUO KANEKO as Kirihara
FUJIO SUGA / KAZUO KITAMURA TATSUYA ISHIGURO
TOSHIO TAKAHARA / AKIRA YAMANOUCHI HIROSHI NIHONYANAGI
ED KEENE as Russian Officer RONALD SELF as Chapayev
HIDEKO TAKAMINE as Woman in Refugee Camp
Directed by MASAKI KOBAYASHI
PART 5
Right smack in enemy territory. What do we do now?
One of two things:
We could run for it...
Through those headlights?
What's the other choice?
If we could distract him for just 30 seconds,
we could cut across here.
Kaji, can't you shoot him from here?
While you run for it?
Nice idea, but what happens to me?
What else can we do?
You're the bayonet expert. Sneak up and stab him.
What do we do?
What are you going to do?
If they catch me, just start running.
Sir, look! Blood!
Fighting those Soviet troops...
I was responsible only for isolated shots
amid countless millions of rounds fired.
But this morning...
Michiko...
I'm a murderer.
These hands that once caressed you
killed a man in cold blood.
Just to cross the road to safety!
Was it justified?
Or was it wanton murder?
Michiko...
will you decide for me?
Sir.
Sir, tell me how you did it.
Don't ask useless questions!
It got us across that road.
Concentrate on what lies ahead instead.
Where are you headed?
We hope to get to Mutankiang.
It's that way.
But you're wasting your time.
The enemy got there first.
Really?
What about yourself?
I'm headed for Korea.
Closer to home than Manchuria.
And your unit?
I had one until yesterday.
Watch out for the Korean-Manchurian border.
It's controlled by Kim Il Sung.
Is that right?
Then I'll just be another Red.
What's "comrade" in Chinese and Korean?
It's tongzhi in Chinese. In Korean I think it's tongmu.
Tongzhi and tongmu, eh?
Thanks. That's all I'll need.
See ya.
Tongzhi and tongmu, eh?
You look strong and healthy, my tongzhi!
A real crackpot.
Probably a deserter, the rat!
Should've got his name and rank.
What for?
To report him later.
Fool.
You calling me a fool?
I only let you take charge because you know this area.
I'm still a NCO. I won't be insulted!
As long as you're with me, I give the orders.
Forget about rank.
While we're at it, let's get something else clear.
You listen too, Terada.
I didn't expect Mutankiang to fall so soon.
The Kwangtung Army must essentially be wiped out...
so I'm no longer concerned about rejoining them.
Then what do we do?
We go back to our former lives.
South Manchuria lies in that direction.
My former life awaits me there.
And I'll do my best
to get you back to your former lives.
If you don't agree, we can part ways now.
We decide right here. How about it?
We'll run into friendly forces somewhere.
Whoever wants to can join them.
Not “whoever wants to" - it's our duty!
You can't just ignore the soldier's code.
What we need now is the defeated man's code.
If you want to go on soldiering, take Terada and go.
I'm going this way.
Kaji, will we ever get out of here?
We walk and walk, but it's all the same.
It's been two days.
Which direction?
- We have no map or compass. - We've followed you...
We'll get nowhere unless we keep walking... I know that.
We're out of my territory.
It must be a river!
A river!
You're our saviours.
It's like meeting Buddha in hell.
Thank goodness. My breasts will be full of milk tonight.
Soldier, we've hardly eaten in five days.
Divide this among yourselves.
What do you think? Do we take them along?
I'm considering it. We can't very well leave them.
This is all the food we have left.
I'll keep that from now on.
- I'm not taking it all! - I wouldn't put it beyond you!
The soldiers didn't say it was just for you.
You didn't bring any rations when you joined us.
Can't you behave? Coming on to the soldiers!
We shared with you at the cost of our babies' milk.
Whores!
So what if we are?
We'll let the soldiers decide.
They won't share with us because we're prostitutes.
What's wrong with them?
They've scrounged off us ever since we escaped.
You ran to us when the Russians were going to rape your women.
Enough!
We'll all share.
If you want to argue, we leave you behind.
Oh, for a dumpling the size of a woman's rear end!
I'd settle for a bellyful of cold rice and miso soup.
Soldiers, please don't go on about food anymore.
You're right. It just makes us hungrier.
Kaji, aren't these edible?
They're snails.
Mmm, it's good!
It may not be beef, ma'am,
but it's fine once you swallow.
He's right.
Let's try a little.
If only the Kwangtung Army had done its job.
They were all so tough until the fighting started.
We fought!
We're the only three left out of 160 men.
Fine, but couldn't they have evacuated the women and children?
We went out of our way to cooperate with the army.
And made a tidy profit, eh?
Speak for yourself!
Please, can't you keep that baby quiet?
Get some sleep. Arguing won't get us any food.
Mummy!
You can't eat those!
Your next nap will be your last.
You soldiers are lucky. You don't have children.
We can't keep up with you.
Soldiers, no matter how far we go, we'll never find our paradise.
That's not my fault.
PFC Kaji's got a bit of paradise left in his pouch.
- What happened to the others? - Who cares?
Damn it! They just keep holding us back.
Kaji, let's cook the rest of the rice.
No, not until we know we can find our way out
or we're ready to lie down and die.
You all right? Don't give up.
You waited for us?
You're tougher than I expected.
Well, if you men desert us, we're finished.
Come on, just a little further.
I won't let you die by yourself.
I'm sorry we're so slow.
Age is such a burden.
We'll just walk until we can't anymore.
I'll always be at your side.
Who's that?
You're not the only one starving.
If I don't eat, my baby will die. And my husband!
Just like the rest of us!
Just a little
for my baby and husband.
I won't take any for myself.
No.
If you're so hungry, eat the grass!
My baby will die.
My baby...
will die!
I don't know who among us will survive...
but this rice is for them, not for the dying.
You going to eat it alone?
If we don't find our way out tomorrow, we'll all be dead anyway.
Stay alive if you want to eat. Now shut up and sleep.
Somebody help!
My baby!
What'll I do?
My baby's dead!
Someone help me!
Call a doctor!
Shut up!
We're all dying. How about your husband?
Somebody do something! It's driving me crazy!
Let her cry it out.
Let's push on or we'll all die!
Come on, get up! Get up!
We have to go on!
Shut up!
Well, no yakitori for dinner.
Some marksman.
Sorry. My eyes are failing.
Where are the others?
The teacher...
told us to go on ahead.
And the merchant's family?
They suddenly doubled up in pain
and vomited what looked like blood.
Toadstools?
If you want to kill yourselves, take my gun.
Anyone else eat that stuff?
Sure. It looked good.
They ate some.
We don't need any more help from you.
We'll live or die as we please.
Let me bury the child.
Carrying it around won't bring it back to life.
You killed this child!
They died like flies today.
Where's your family?
What's it to you?
Nothing. Just asking.
I put 'em out of their misery.
Seems we weren't the only ones lost in here.
I won't give up!
Can we make it out?
We'll know tomorrow.
We caught them. We're entitled to keep one.
No, we share equally.
You couldn't even hit that bird, so don't play squad leader.
We're eating one.
Just try it.
I missed the bird, but I won't miss you.
You're not the only one who can use a rifle!
Stop it!
Stop acting like children.
You're right.
What's got into us?
Kaji, we'll share the snake if you'll ration out the rice.
Wait till tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow...
will we make it out of here?
I don't know.
But here's how I look at it:
When my unit was wiped out,
shells burst right in front of me, but I survived.
So I don't think I'll die in this forest.
So if I stick with you, I won't die either.
I'd like you to think so.
Wherever you go, I will always be with you.
Always!
We'll have to walk long and hard tomorrow.
I wonder how things are in South Manchuria.
I have a sister there. My only living kin.
She's not like me.
Is that where you're going?
Will you take me there?
I hope South Manchuria is still safe.
It has to be.
This is the last of it.
I'm breaking out of this forest today come what may.
I won't stop until I reach homes or farmland.
Stick with me if you don't want to die.
Shit!
He's a fast walker!
I'd keep up with him if I weren't injured.
Kaji, you called me a fool once.
I won't forget that!
You also saved me from those tanks.
I won't forget that either.
What kind of guy are you anyway?
Shit!
The bastard!
Where does that dog get all that energy anyway?
Damn! If we find friendly forces, I'll be disgraced!
A full corporal taking orders from a private!
I should've died a hero's death in action.
I'd be in a fancy coffin at Yasukuni Shrine.
Fools!
We'll never make it out of these woods.
Help will come when it comes.
To hell with this. I give up!
What do you think, boss?
I think he's taking us in the wrong direction.
He's heading for Vladivostok.
I couldn't care less.
I'm giving up...
We'll be left behind.
Ume-chan, get up!
Let me be...
Can I keep walking?
Where am I headed anyway?
All this walking...
is it just a waste of time?
Has South Manchuria become
just another mass grave for the Japanese?
Maybe there's nowhere left for the Japanese to go.
Wait! Don't kill her!
I'm coming back to face charges.
Michiko...
are you still alive?
Do you realise that I'm walking like this
to return to your side?
Will we reach farmland today?
Terada!
What's that?
What do you think it is?
A house?
Other human beings!
A house - it has to be!
Wait, it's too soon to rejoice.
We'll wait here for the others.
- Ushijima Unit from Seiundai? - Yes, sir.
The Doi work party?
Yes, sir.
Ushijima Battalion was wiped out.
What happened to Lieutenant Doi?
Killed in action, sir.
Then why are you still alive?
Why didn't you press on in a final attack?
Your commanders are dead, yet you dare live on?
You must be deserters.
And bringing a woman along - such indiscretion! Explain yourself!
I offer no explanation. You deny our request for food?
I do!
My unit's to make a final stand at the Korean-Manchurian border.
We have no supplies for cowards.
Now get out of here!
Loiter here and we'll hang you all.
Captain Nagata, was it?
Keep your food and your damned lectures.
I'll blow your head off! Nobody move!
Terada and Hikita, shoot anyone who moves.
Look at these idiots in full battle dress! What “final stand"?
If you don't want to give us food, just say so!
Our men were wiped out so you could run! I'll blow you to bits!
Kaji, while we were scaring those filthy rats,
we should've filched some supplies.
To hell with supplies! That bastard!
Corporal Hironaka,
those are the friendly forces you wanted to join.
And that slob was a captain!
Someone's coming.
Nice work, Kaji. Remember me?
Tange!
That's right. It's Tange.
You scared the hell out of me, firing at us like that.
Look at that beard.
You've sure changed.
When it's kill or be killed, you change.
Well, we can talk later.
Eat some of this.
It's not over yet, is it?
It must be.
If it does end, what will be the outcome?
Like Germany: unconditional surrender.
That's probably true,
but I mean after that.
What about guys like us?
I mean, what happens to the people?
That's the big question.
If we lose, wouldn't our country be wiped out?
Our country? What's that?
The country you were taught to know will be dead...
and that's how it should be.
We've been struggling to survive...
to see if a country can take its place where men are free.
That's the big question.
I hope democratic forces
will unite to cope with this defeat.
“Democratic forces" - is there such a thing in Japan?
Japan's full of helpless creatures like myself... or worse.
They can do nothing.
Why so bitter? The test is yet to come.
That's not the point.
We became soldiers...
and fought in battle.
We were wiped out, and now we plod along.
We killed, and we deserted our buddies.
“Cope with defeat," you say.
How many of us are even capable or worthy of that?
That's enough.
Even your ideals seem starved.
I found a cornfield!
He's fast asleep.
He seems greatly relieved ever since you joined us.
Seems he had it rough.
But I'm amazed at how you've kept up with him.
- You've got guts. - It's not guts. It's desperation.
I can't tell you how often I felt like giving up.
But though he acts so cold, this man's been very kind to me.
I must keep on to learn how my sister is doing.
- Where is she? - Taishihkiao.
That's near Kaji's place.
Yes, that's why I'm sticking with him.
Now our only worry is overeating, not starving.
Dog!
Stop that! What are you doing?
Stand up!
We mean you no harm.
We just wish to ask our way.
Have any Russians come this way?
The bastard's pretending he's deaf.
We just want to return home.
Which way is Jinpohu?
Good. Thank you.
Damn! We were tricked!
That dog! I should've shot him.
They hate us because our troops raid their fields.
It's strange. How come they're armed?
It can't just be guns from our stragglers.
Maybe they formed their own peasant militia.
Let's get out of here.
No, we'd be surrounded.
Watch for a chance to make a dash for it.
You came just in time.
Our scouts blundered, and things have got nasty.
Front-line unit?
More like “wiped-out unit."
You fought hard then!
What do you think of this plan?
They're searching over there.
You cover us from here
while we make a run for those woods.
Then we'll cover you from there.
Sounds good...
but not for us.
Why not?
Where are your scouts?
See those four or five men? That's where they got them.
Shut up!
You didn't go to help them?
With these few men?
I'd hate to find you couldn't help us either once you got across.
I'll stay here with your men to provide cover.
Tange and the others will go first and then cover us.
We'll cooperate on those terms.
Meaning you don't trust us?
Wait a minute. Why not wait till dark?
Impossible.
They've already spotted us. We can't lose this chance.
You may be right.
Tighten your laces!
Let's go!
Fire at random just to pin 'em down!
It's our turn. Let's go!
Come on!
- Does it hurt? - Not too bad.
Damn! I'm dead tired!
That damned Ujiie finally got his!
They got him?
Those bastards are having a field day!
Their militia seems to indicate that the war must be over.
If so, they'd announce it and urge us to surrender.
Would they just come after us?
Would you surrender?
No.
Of course not!
Being POWs would cramp our style.
We may be paying dearly for our worthless freedom.
Damn, it's freezing!
If you'd listened to me,
we'd be by a fireplace dreaming about dames right now.
He gets scared every time we get near civilians.
We don't have to be so afraid of a few Chinks with guns.
You OK?
Yes, except for the shivering.
Does your leg hurt?
It's only pain.
Now I appreciate the value of a roof overhead.
I never realised it before, but now I understand.
Know what I'm talking about?
It's so nice to have a home to protect you from wind and rain.
Michiko...
our happiness was an illusion.
For the joys we shared at the cost of Chinese sacrifices,
I am now paying dearly.
What's more, I must kill and steal
to fight my way back to you.
Michiko...
will you and I ever get a chance to start anew?
No village in sight.
Strange.
Shall we rest here?
Those pigs look good.
Doesn't seem unoccupied.
There's probably no danger.
We sleep under a roof at last!
We'll stop here to rest.
Great! I'll get a pig.
The aroma of steaming fat reminds me of that Russian place, eh, Fukumoto?
What a joint!
It was great!
They had honey, and all the meat you wanted.
White female flesh too.
What a jackass!
The gal spreads her legs wide, and he stands there shaking!
You lucky dogs!
Just about then we were eating snails in the woods.
Cut out the bragging.
Touch a woman while you're with me and I'll shoot you.
Who gives a shit about white or Chink dames anyway?
They're raping our women.
It's war. An eye for an eye.
These guys don't realise who they're talking to.
I can guess.
Then stop being such a wet blanket.
You have to enjoy the moment.
That's an awful wound!
It's healed now.
Kaji cauterised it with gunpowder during the battle.
He did, did he?
Hey, sister, want me to scrub you down?
- Nice arse! - Cut it out!
That arse must be itching by now.
It's a bit baffling,
this oasis for rejects from the outside world like us.
Let's go outside. It's depressing in here.
Let's call the men and get out of here.
It's dangerous wherever we go.
Why not relax the reins a bit?
Am I too hard on them?
You're not satisfied until you've dragged everyone else
up to your own level.
Of course...
that's probably why you're alive today.
We're moving on.
Hurry up and get out.
- I'm undressing. - Don't mind me.
Never seen a naked woman?
You've gone a long time without it too. What do you say?
Who'd want to do it with you?
I can't pay, but you're not worth that much anyway, so come on.
Come on! How about it?
Touch me and I'll scream!
What are you doing undressing here? It's dangerous!
Why don't you mind your own business?
Go back and get ready to leave.
You can complain later.
Stop teasing the men.
I wasn't teasing them.
The tension eases and you ladies are back to your old tricks.
“You ladies"?
Stop acting so big.
I happen to prefer his type.
I don't care who you prefer. There's danger everywhere.
One wrong move could mean trouble for us all.
Then I won't trouble you anymore.
You'll see.
That's enough!
The dog! He was spying on us.
Maybe he lives here. Maybe we ate his pig.
That's quite a coup for you.
Lucky I was having a crap out there
or we'd be in hot water now.
Is this your house?
Yes.
I'm sorry we killed your pig.
The hell you are! What is it with you two?
Son of a bitch!
Break through that wall!
Over here!
They're moving in.
Hurry up!
All right.
Let's go!
Will PFC Kaji be all right?
What'll we do if something happens to him?
We'll manage. The man's not God.
It's not like we don't know east from west.
From here on...
I stop running and start fighting.
They can kill you and me if they want.
But why civilians? And a woman?
They're on edge just like us.
You think that's an excuse?
That kind of thinking justifies anything.
He was still alive with his guts hanging out.
I put him out of his misery.
Bastards! What a horrible way to die.
Where are the others?
Out there somewhere. Go find them, would you?
I'll bury the girl.
- I'll take care of the others. - Manchus?
Any objections?
If you can bury the girl,
you can bury the Manchus too.
But I'll do it for you.
I hope we can make it to that cornfield.
If we're trapped in here, we've had it.
Here they come.
- Sir! - Calm down. They're still far off.
Seems we're not the only Japanese stragglers. What do we do?
Can't let our goose be cooked with theirs.
In any case, let's keep moving.
They pillaged this place well. The Chinese are out for revenge.
We can't get caught up in this mess.
Damn! Now we're really in trouble.
What do we do? We'll never get out of here.
We'll never make it.
- We're doomed! - We didn't do anything!
Oh, we didn't?
Smoke from the rear, sir!
Let's run for it this way!
It's no use.
They'll get us as we come out. No one will get out alive.
Looks like the end of the road, boys.
Let's surrender.
Fool!
Because they smoked us out?
They didn't ask us to surrender.
They mean to smoke us out and kill us!
Team up!
We're going through the fire line.
Can't be many guns past that.
Terada! Come on!
Terada, come on!
That was a close one!
We'll lie low here until dark.
We made it...
but I don't approve of your methods.
And we lost another man.
Hironaka?
I'm not blaming you.
I understand.
At the railway we'll find out what's happened.
Every man can choose for himself. We'll part there.
Looks like Japanese refugees.
Mostly women, judging from their clothes.
Should we call to them?
No, let's watch a bit longer.
What happened?
Don't look!
I can't believe it.
The Red Army wouldn't mistreat civilians.
Not any civilians - just Japanese women.
And the Manchus squeal on us to the Russians.
The prison convoys are a sickening sight.
Any woman will do.
Nothing's more pitiful than the women of a defeated nation.
Of course there must be scoundrels in the Red Army too.
A handful among the millions.
A few dozen or a few hundred like that
don't undermine the theory of the Red - no - the People's Army.
A flaw of the transition period
that will surely be corrected.
The Red Army should be different from the Japanese or the Nazis.
Fundamentally different even from the American army.
Minor incidents from a historical standpoint
can be of vital importance to the individual.
For those who've seen such failings, the scars never heal.
The blood of hatred will continue to ooze from the wounds,
forming a breeding ground for distrust that can't be wiped out.
A trivial event perhaps, but also a stain on humanity.
How can you defend such a thing?
The Reds further south were probably like that too.
I still have faith.
Soldiers...
are you headed for South Manchuria?
We were visiting our uncle when hostilities broke out.
Where are your parents?
I don't know.
You two are making your way to Korea?
No, back to Peihutow,
though we're not sure what we'll find.
Will you take us with you?
Even Nanhutow would be good enough.
How old are you?
Eighteen.
We move fast.
We can keep up. We have this far.
You had no trouble on the way?
We had some tough geisha with us. They sacrificed themselves for us.
And where are they now?
They were taken away.
They say the kid went mad when the Russians pointed a gun at him
and he saw them raping his sister.
Shut up!
I'm sorry you have to rest so often for our sake.
Why do you make your sister do everything?
He'll perk up when we get home.
I can't let anything happen to him
before we get back to our parents.
If feels great. You should try it.
I don't usually look like this.
Much better. Very pretty.
Is Jinpohu very far off?
No, not far.
Go straight and you'll reach Nanhutow.
Where are you headed?
Back to Korea.
How are things in Peihutow?
My village is only 12 miles from there,
but I really couldn't say.
I don't think there are still people there.
All the Japanese farmers have already left the area.
You follow this lakeshore to Hutow, right?
Yes. It's about 24 miles.
Can you two make it on your own?
Yes, I think we'll be all right.
I've been thinking about what that Korean peasant told us.
Even if you go back,
you may find your father and mother gone.
It may not be wise to press on.
If you have no place to go,
why not come with me?
I don't know what's left where I'm headed either...
but you could continue searching from there or return to Japan.
Wouldn't that be wiser?
I'd rather try my own home first.
If my parents are gone, we still have Chinese friends there.
I have to see for myself.
I'll take them. How about it, Fukumoto?
If her parents are there, we can relax there a while.
What do you say, sister?
I'm sick of walking.
We'll rest a while and then plan our next step.
What if there are no Japanese there?
Then maybe we'll join the guerrillas
and make her our leader.
They're sure walking fast.
They're in a hurry to get home.
If her home is gone, this detour may be for nothing.
Leave it to me. I'll figure out something.
Damn, she has a nice arse!
It's strange.
They come after us with fire and antitank guns,
yet they overlook spots like this.
A paradise for the defeated.
Oi, mate! What unit?
Remnants of the border unit.
Damn! We really lost?
We were all dragged into this by a slip of paper.
The big brass should figure out how to get us out.
You may be right,
but by now they're all prisoners or have flown the coop to Japan.
But even Japan must be...
So the Americans take Japan and the Russians take Manchuria?
The Soviets wouldn't do that. They'll return it to the Chinese.
To Chiang Kai-shek?
I don't know, but to the Chinese, in any case.
The Soviet Union doesn't need more territory.
Their sole aim has always been the liberation of China.
So they're happy to do all the work for nothing?
Tange.
This liberation...
how will it take place?
The Communist Chinese will take over.
All conditions for revolution are in place.
That means civil war.
Are you guys Reds?
Why not run to the Russians with your tails wagging?
We have no tails to wag.
So you're fake commies?
- Glad you're not the real thing. - Who goes there?
- Friends! - Proceed!
It's stinkin' cold out there! Like winter!
Were we happy when we saw these lights from the woods!
Not a bad place to make a final stand, eh?
Plenty of supplies. What's the plan?
Hikita, where'd you leave that girl and her brother?
How far did you get?
We took her to a hill overlooking her village.
She was a smart one. She said that was far enough.
Stop lying!
You walked 50 miles more than we did today?
So what if he's lying?
What's it to you?
If you were so worried, why didn't you escort them yourself?
You didn't get your chance because I offered first.
You were trying to impress her.
She'd already been worked over by the Reds.
Why should she deserve special treatment?
And just what treatment did you give her?
I gave her the appropriate treatment.
Meaning?
You want to know? I wiped the Russian filth off her.
Now talk!
What did you bastards do to her and her brother?
Get out of here!
I'm confiscating your weapons.
Terada, take their rifles.
You bastards can crawl on all fours from now on.
PART 6
Who goes there?
Who's there? Show yourself!
Take cover!
Get out of sight or they'll spot you below.
You can't go down there.
Why not?
The Chinese are mopping up Japanese stragglers.
There's a logging road down in those woods.
Our territory ends there.
What are you doing here?
We're dug in here.
Go and see our commander.
He'll brief you, and you can decide what to do next.
It's impossible to bomb us here.
Our troops are the very best,
armed with machine guns and mortars.
We have supplies to last until next spring.
After next spring, then what?
I'm getting to that.
Do you men realise what's happening to Japan?
What about Manchuria?
You think Russia will return it to China?
They will. They must.
To whom? Chiang Kai-shek?
No, not Chiang Kai-shek.
Wouldn't he want it?
He'll try to take it with America's backing.
You think the Chinese will fight back?
Yes.
Good.
We seem to agree there.
The US will back Chiang Kai-shek
in driving all communist influence out of Manchuria.
Just wait. There'll be a civil war...
and in the very near future.
That's when we go into action.
With your 50 men?
Strength of numbers means nothing.
What matters is the significance of our action.
When the Nationalists go into action, we too make our move...
You'll be crushed.
You seem intent on throwing away your men's lives.
What about you?
You'd let your men meet a dog's death in dangerous territory.
It's not a dog's death.
They're all sick of war, sick of the army.
They keep walking only to get home.
Why should they risk their lives for the Americans or Chiang Kai-shek?
Then go on! Keep moving!
Don't speak out of place.
We have supplies to last the winter.
If any of you wish to join us, speak up.
Each man must decide for himself.
We'll camp nearby and leave early tomorrow.
I talked to the NCOs over there.
We could never break through.
Their scouting party was wiped out
by a Russian cleanup unit.
Does that prove it's safer to remain entrenched here?
Those who wish to can stay.
Winter's coming.
We have to hurry.
It's a long way yet.
With their cleanup units, can we break through?
There are so many of us now. They'll spot us for sure.
It's a big forest. Stop worrying.
Tange says we should surrender.
Where's PFC Kaji?
Over there.
PFC Kaji.
Over here.
Mind if we join you?
We don't care to get involved in another war.
It's your decision.
If you can't tell your commander, I'll do it for you.
No, please don't.
We'd be punished as deserters.
Then how will you get away?
We'll make our way to the woods down there. Pick us up there.
As long as we get out of this place,
we can eke out a living... right?
We vowed to live and die together.
That means to advance or retreat as one.
You have no authority to punish them.
The army's been disbanded. Army regulations no longer apply.
Don't meddle in our affairs!
The fact these two broke their vow
is a minor matter,
but it could affect others.
We're convinced that the best way forward
is to await our chance to go into action.
Sir, don't waste your breath.
PFC Kaji!
Stop your meddling and get off this hill.
Our men are raring to go.
Let them try.
We'll see how disciplined they are.
Guerrillas! You're a band of mountain bandits!
And in good bandit fashion, I'll lop your head off!
Wait.
Call your leader. I suspect he conspired with these men.
I wouldn't advise that.
He's as bad-tempered as me, with a shorter fuse!
If you mean me, I'm right here.
Tange, get back!
Commander, I'll make you a deal.
Some of my men want to join you.
I'll swap them for those two.
Newcomers will not be rejected,
but deserters and traitors will not be tolerated!
Kitago, execute them!
Bastard!
Tange, the rifle!
Commander, you'd better let us go without any trouble.
You'll all be wiped out or taken prisoner before winter.
But not us! We're pushing on!
- What's that on their backs? - Flamethrowers.
Easy-going bastards - no rear or advance guards!
They're a pushover from the rear.
You can try it alone.
Let's go.
I'm surrendering.
You are?
After you guys are gone...
I'm going over to them.
Call out from a distance first
with your arms in the air.
Will we meet again?
If we both survive.
Maybe what you're doing is right
and I'm wrong.
Who knows?
No one can say.
It's a Woodpecker.
Don't worry so much.
It's as still as death.
It'd be nice to have a roof overhead tonight.
We'll split up to be safe.
This is getting to my back.
I've about had it.
That was close!
If you hadn't split us up, we'd be dead.
When this thing started rattling, I went cold!
- Now it's my turn to try it. - Leave their weapons.
Why? With these we could...
They may not help. If we're caught with them,
we'll be executed.
They'll think some Japanese soldiers were just mowed down.
Shoot off all the ammo. Then we're moving on.
Doesn't look like a Manchu village.
Some kind of settlement?
Looks like it.
What do we do?
Let's have a look.
According to that commander,
there are no Japanese stragglers in this area.
This might be the border with civilised society.
Split into four groups.
Keep 400 yards between you.
My group will go first.
If anything happens to us,
you decide whether to run or give yourselves up.
By today or tomorrow,
our fate will be decided.
Where are you gentlemen headed?
Across the railway tracks to South Manchuria.
- Just the three of you? - No.
There are 15 men behind us.
You may not know this,
but the railway is about six miles from here.
Just beyond that is a POW camp.
Have any of our soldiers passed through here?
Some have passed through once in a while.
And they brought nothing but trouble.
They stagger in half starved.
We've used up all the supplies we brought,
and our fields have been constantly plundered.
We don't know what we'll do now.
What happened to those soldiers?
They would change direction when they left here,
but we'd always hear the distant rattling of those automatic guns.
It's doubtful any of them survived.
Do enemy troops come and make trouble?
At first we feared and hated them,
but they're actually better than our own men.
They bring us bread.
They're huge, but they're naive as babies.
If we're nice to them, they leave peacefully.
Not like our troops, who are just freeloaders.
You intend to stay here overnight?
Since even the Russians seem more popular than us,
I won't insist.
We can camp out.
You're a man of character. May I ask one favour?
The Soviets are supposed to look after us,
but that solves none of our immediate problems.
I know it's asking quite a lot...
What is it?
They're growing corn and potatoes
about two miles from here.
So we steal some?
It's an evil thing we ask,
but the women will carry it all.
Please just protect them from any harm.
I understand. We'll be your villains.
Come partway and wait for us there.
It's better if you don't enter the fields.
It's cold out here, even with a fire.
Why don't you men come inside?
I've kept a spot for you.
No need to keep watch?
I'll stay up a while longer.
Someone can relieve me later.
That young man's in for a surprise.
Why?
They're all rolling around together in the dark in there.
And there's more women than men.
Soldier, are you angry with me
for what I said about the Russians?
No.
But you think I'm immoral.
Is that it?
No.
Are the women here... I mean, are you married?
Yes.
So we married women should just starve?
Bite our tongues off and just die?
Who said anything like that?
Even if we get home alive,
how many of us can return to our former lives?
Women and soldiers who spend fleeting nights together
always talk about returning home together.
When flesh meets flesh, it really seems possible.
But at dawn, the soldiers are strangers again.
They get restless and anxious
and grab their weapons and sneak off.
Soldier, are you listening?
I hear you.
Women waste no tears.
They just wait patiently for the soldier who'll come
and take them away.
We'll never get home.
We'll never see our loved ones again.
We don't even know how long we'll live.
We all share the same fate. We're all ruined!
We eat only to keep our strength from failing.
We'll never get home!
We'll never see our loved ones again!
We all share the same fate! We're ruined!
We all share the same fate.
We'll never get home.
We'll never see our loved ones again.
Never get home...
never see our loved ones again...
Let's go inside.
It's safe here at night.
No Russians or Manchus will come.
You go on.
I'll find somewhere to sleep later.
A paragon of virtue, eh?
Rare for a soldier.
Too good to be dallying with my kind.
So I was buying a woman by stealing that food?
Michiko...
I'm still alive.
I'm still walking towards you.
If you weren't waiting...
I doubt I could continue another day.
There's trouble brewing inside.
Some want to marry the women and stay here.
Others want to take them along.
What about you?
I felt like having fun last night.
Hadn't had a chance to work out the kinks in a while.
But what about you? You're acting like some Zen priest.
- Weren't any girls interested? - Who the hell cares?
I'm thinking of disbanding our unit here.
Last night I really learned to appreciate a woman's tenderness.
What do you say
we discard our weapons and join them as refugees?
Weak-kneed women? We'd never get anywhere.
We'd have to discard them somewhere.
Not necessarily. With just men, it's kill or be killed.
With women, they might go easy on us.
Even some of the soldiers want to come along with us.
We have to act now while they're here.
This may be our last chance!
And if you run into Russians or Manchus on the road?
The soldiers have weapons. They might get away.
We could be stripped naked and who knows what else.
That young man's really afraid of you.
Why?
You have a way of intimidating people.
It was me who seduced him, you know.
How's that my business?
It is your business.
I hear you saved his life.
He claims he'll follow you wherever you go.
So I'm coming too. You don't mind, do you?
This is no time to be playing house.
The past few weeks have made a man out of Terada.
If casual love turns into the real thing, fine.
I'll leave him behind. You two can do as you wish.
You were probably his first woman.
Any man might do for you,
but the boy's still naive.
If he fell in love overnight, you're partly responsible.
I just want you to stay clear of me.
After all, I'm human too.
The women insist on relying upon you
and going wherever you go.
Won't you become a refugee and go south with us?
At least wait till dusk and take us as far as the railway.
Please?
There we can decide whether to go north or south.
That'll only take till dawn. Let's do it.
Is that asking too much?
I've heard various opinions
from my men and the women.
I myself don't know would what be best.
So those who feel the same way should go on together.
Each person can decide which group they'll join.
What are you going to do?
I'm crossing the railway and continuing on.
And your rifle?
I'm taking it.
Are you sure you'll make it?
No... but I'm going to try.
I'm leaving right now.
Terada, you'd better stay here.
You can pass as a young refugee.
Bury your rifle and bayonet.
I won't stay behind.
I'm going.
What about her?
She's depending on you.
Didn't you want someone to depend on you?
She means nothing to me. It's only 'cause you rejected her that she...
Stop pretending to understand things you don't.
She doesn't want you or me.
She just wants male protection.
Stay behind and give her that.
Keep trotting along behind me and you'll never become a man.
Run for it!
Enemy troops!
Take cover!
Women out of sight and don't come out!
How many?
About 20. Soviets and Chinese peasant militia.
Fire when you hear my first shot.
Toss your grenades and attack immediately.
Aim for the automatics first!
Wait till I fire!
Stop!
What will happen to us if you start a battle?
Please!
Soldiers...
please don't!
Soldiers!
Drop your weapons, all of you!
We're surrendering.
Terada, don't come out! Stay with the women!
Son of a bitch!
Stop crying!
It's not over yet.
It's only just beginning.
Forward!
Get in line!
Let's go.
Move it!
Get going!
You there! Move it!
You there! Move!
Get back in line!
Back in line!
Stand up.
Move along!
Stay in line!
Bastard!
Get up!
Terada, get up!
Halt!
Get up!
Get up, quick!
No sitting down!
Get up! No sitting down!
Interpreter!
Who called this halt?
Who gave the unauthorised order to halt?
It came from the rear.
Who was it?
Step forward or everyone will be punished!
The commander's angry.
If the culprit isn't found,
you'll all get three days' hard labour without food.
Who was it? Step forward!
Who did it?
It was you. Step forward.
Go on!
It was me.
Fool! Why'd you do such a thing?
I didn't mean to.
I didn't think they'd halt, but I was hoping they would.
He says the prisoners need a rest.
That's for the commander to decide.
Are you resisting my authority?
You're just a prisoner.
Just do as you're told.
Explain what I'm saying.
The commander doesn't realise conditions at the rear.
The men are hit by diarrhoea.
Some have even been kicked by the guards.
Maybe I went too far,
but he has to understand the conditions back here.
He says many men in the rear have diarrhoea.
The guard kicked one of these men.
He wants the case investigated.
He claims one of you kicked a prisoner. ls this true?
Physical force against prisoners is not allowed!
However, if a prisoner violates military discipline again,
he'll be punished!
Fascist samurai!
He'll let you off this time, but don't do it again.
And he called you a fascist samurai.
Forward!
Filthy dog! Go to hell!
Get up!
I'm sorry.
It's OK. Forget it.
- Fascist samurai? That's a good one. - Shut up!
Starting today,
I, Noge, assume command of this work detail
by order of the Red Army.
The fortunes of war have turned against us,
and we've tasted the bitterness of defeat.
But our fatherland still remains.
Someday we shall again tread the soil of our fatherland.
The Japanese are a race that respects authority.
To show the Soviets what an extraordinary race we are,
we must meet our labour quotas.
I will then be able to negotiate with the Russian officers
to win improvements in your work conditions.
You must endeavor to maintain good health,
bear these bitter trials,
and await the rebuilding of our fatherland.
That's all.
They eat officer rations and do nothing. Easy for them to say.
International law allows for special treatment for officers.
Oh? Discrimination in the land of the Reds?
WORK STATION #1
Terada, I just had an idea.
Starting tomorrow, pretend you're sick and stay behind.
After we leave for work,
rummage through their rubbish heaps.
Potato peels, scraps of carrot -
salvage anything edible.
We'll add it to our rations.
Otherwise we'll starve...
and I refuse to die like this!
FIGHT ON FOR COMMUNISM!
Back to work! On your feet!
We can't work unless they feed us.
Stop your grumbling!
Come on, boys! Our presence is requested!
What are you doing?
Making clothes out of these sacks.
What if the Russians catch you?
With that nice uniform, you don't need these,
but we fought in these same clothes last summer.
Just shut up and put them back.
It's just gunnysacks, but it's still their property,
and it's a disgrace to the Japanese people!
Leave me alone.
The waters will be freezing soon.
I'm wearing these gunnysacks...
unless someone provides winter clothing.
I know rummaging for rubbish must be rough.
Only washing the stuff, now that the water's so cold.
But then I feel better, knowing we'll all live another day.
When you hear them singing,
you get the feeling they're good men.
They must have something to sing for.
Outside the army, I mean.
When I joined up, I was so ignorant.
You once said to me,
"You're a fool"
and “Dying in battle is a dog's death."
Remember?
It was true.
We walked a long way.
I didn't expect to end up like this.
But it's all right.
I see now how important it is to go on living.
My life is just beginning.
There's no sinking any lower.
We can only go up from here.
Idiots on kitchen duty usually go on about women.
You don't hear much philosophising.
Then you can stay behind and I'll go on work detail!
Ignore him.
He has the bad habit of sneering at anyone
who talks about anything serious.
I was hoping we'd meet again.
I can't say the same.
Are thieving rapists allowed to run around free in here?
I was taken prisoner after that incident, thanks to you.
But I used my brains.
I'm one of the “active elements" here.
Me, old Kirihara!
Where are Hikita and Fukumoto?
Shipped out to Siberia.
I'll be keeping my eyes open around here.
Can't allow any violations, you know.
Kaji...
it's my turn now.
I have to survive
to see that bastard unmasked.
If I talked down to you before, I'll correct that.
It had become a habit.
But the world's going “democratic" now, and I have to adapt.
You're a good worker,
but is it true you've planted a saboteur among us?
He's not a saboteur. He's sick.
And it wasn't intentional, but inevitable.
Well, I can't allow it.
The Red officers are angry.
Not that the other groups are all copying you,
but they're planting saboteurs too.
That's how the Reds see it.
If this easy work detail produces saboteurs,
they threaten to send us to north Siberia,
and no one ever returns from there.
That's how it is. What do you think?
I don't think anything. Why exactly was I called here?
We want you to stop the sabotage.
You can live well on your officer rations,
but we have no alternative but to protect ourselves.
For now the Soviets grant you the privileges of military rank.
If you'll see to it that we can work without fear or concern,
I'll gladly change my ideas.
I'm a prisoner myself.
You enjoy defying your former officers. Those gunnysacks, for example.
It's not enjoyment. It's necessity.
Then you refuse to stop this sabotage, even if I ask?
I must refuse.
It may not be right, but I cannot stop it.
This insubordination will not be tolerated!
Major objectives sometimes call for minor sacrifices.
I may be forced to hand you over to the Reds.
Do what you will, Noge-san.
I have faith in the future of socialism,
and in my countrymen.
I will continue to work,
but I must also preserve the strength of those around me.
That's how it is.
That kind of element will bring trouble in the future.
We must deal with him now.
How'd your talk with Noge go?
Keep pushing it and they'll take us off this light work detail.
You never do any work anyway.
It's guys like you who undermine my argument with Noge.
Finally showing signs of wear and tear, eh?
You're a good fellow, but stupid.
Living right doesn't necessarily mean living seriously.
Chaotic times call for chaotic living.
Your naiveté brings tears to my eyes.
They say even a thief has his reasons.
Son of a bitch!
I'll show you what real labour means!
Son of a bitch!
Constant loafing has made you soft.
Stop that!
Stop it!
Enough!
Whatever this man did, that's going too far!
How can you stand there laughing?
Such brutality will not be tolerated again!
Rest quietly, or you'll end up like that too.
I won't die.
Not after making it this far.
We've been through worse than this.
Be quiet and rest.
Get a fire going in here.
Minagawa!
Is Minagawa the interpreter around?
Sorry, but one of my men needs a sickbed.
They're all taken.
They're even discharging patients who are still sick.
Then can you get him some aspirin?
That's only for inpatients.
Then I'll go ask myself. Will you interpret?
Listen, I'm busy.
I can't be running around for one patient.
You know, you'd better start showing up for work.
I can't stick up for you much longer.
I'm suspected of something again?
It's not just you.
The Soviet officers are angry.
They're cracking down on reactionary elements.
“Private first class, 21 months of service.
Previous employment: Labour Supervisor."
So you helped exploit workers, eh?
Yes...
it seems so.
What did he say?
It doesn't concern this interrogation.
This is not a court. I will not pronounce sentence.
But we cannot allow resistance and sabotage by prisoners.
You will be assigned to a detail pulling up railway tracks.
There are no camps nor fenced enclosures...
but you cannot escape or resist.
If you try, you will starve to death.
You're getting hard labour as punishment for sabotage.
If you resist or attempt escape,
you will starve to death.
That's ridiculous!
I don't mind hard labour, but can't we talk like human beings?
Let me tell my side.
Tell him that.
What's he saying?
He says
that what you say is ridiculous...
and stupid.
Son of a bitch!
Fascist Jap!
What did he say?
Ah, it's you!
Wait a minute.
I've seen you somewhere before.
Yes, it's you! The samurai scoundrel!
I'd expect something like this from you!
Nazi dogs are the worst scum in the world...
and then come Japanese like you!
Forgive my delay. It was a lengthy meeting.
What's wrong, Captain Sverdlov? You look angry.
I've never seen such a notorious fascist!
This saboteur takes us for fools, Comrade Chapayev!
- He called us stupid, Comrade Chapayev. - No!
This one he addresses as “comrade”
must be a true party member.
If only I could speak their language!
That fool Minagawa!
There's so much to tell you.
It would take me all night.
But...
I wonder if you'd understand.
Explain your reasons for the sabotage.
And leave out all the fancy talk!
I survived the battle and tried to escape.
I hoped to find proof here that I was wrong to run.
But now I see that it was an idealistic miscalculation.
Russia's needs and its historical mission
lead it to destroy human lives and then justify doing so.
Just or not, the sacrificed individuals suffer.
They must protect themselves, but it looks like resistance.
What other way is there?
After the war ended,
did you ever harm any of our men?
I did.
Did you also harm any Chinese?
I did.
That is sufficient to declare you a war criminal.
I could have denied it. You have no evidence!
Meanwhile you deny that your own troops
committed rape and pillage against the Japanese...
even though it would not harm the prestige of the Red Army.
I at least admit my faults so that I may point out yours.
I don't know whether Kirihara or Noge turned me in,
and it doesn't matter.
What matters is that you use such men to censure me
for saving my men's lives by sifting through your rubbish heap.
In your urgency, supervision grows slack.
You stick to inflexible rules.
Good intentions are suppressed, and evil is tolerated.
The fact that socialism is better than fascism
is not enough to keep us alive!
Stand up.
You're very excited and worked up.
Things don't always run smoothly here.
Your main complaint
is that we organise our work here
without considering your position, correct?
Given more time,
a democratic movement will develop among you
and all will progress smoothly.
You must wait and not resort to your own methods.
You admit to sabotage.
We cannot openly condone such acts.
The commander has decided to send you and your accomplices
to work on the forest railway.
It's only for one week. You must submit.
Anything else to say?
If possible, I'd like some aspirin or something.
He wants medicine.
He says his friend is sick.
We'll have something for you tomorrow.
You'll come back, won't you?
Didn't you say your life was just beginning?
If you're not well when I get back,
you're just a weakling.
Look after Terada, OK?
Going away, eh?
Will you do something for me?
What?
It's Terada.
You wanted revenge on me.
You got it.
Terada's sleeping now. See that he gets food.
That should be no problem for “Comrade Kirihara...
Trying to butter me up, eh?
You squealed on Noge and me in your interrogation,
but they took no notice, eh?
That's all right.
Now you'll be sleeping out in the cold.
Think about the price you're paying for driving me out once.
Here, take some.
Don't think you've won!
Kaji!
Is that you?
Tange!
It was a mistake to escape and walk all that way,
and another mistake to get caught.
I'm considering making one further mistake.
Sure you can pull it off?
Not really.
You'll be captured or killed, or you'll freeze to death.
It's not like you to trust in luck.
It's strange you should fear Siberia.
If you can't survive it, no one can.
They can send us to Siberia and work us to death.
But take down the "peace" and "liberation" signs. Listen to me.
Exploit our labour and then try to re-educate us -
that shouldn't be the Soviet way.
I'm not complaining about too much work.
I can even understand the short rations.
Their guards even sleep on the ground like us.
What I'm saying...
is that most POWs are not enemies in the class struggle.
How they treat the men seems lacking in some ways,
excessive in others.
Excessive in what way?
Maybe I'm wrong...
but they seem smug and selfish to me.
That can't be helped.
The present stage calls for a Soviet-first policy.
Really?
It can't be helped?
Is that the universal solution to human dilemmas: “It can't be helped"?
History will correct that...
not you or me.
Well, I'm fed up!
If they ship me to Siberia, I'll stake my life on stressing that point.
Terada!
Wake up!
I warned him repeatedly,
but his fever was down and he got out of bed.
He insisted on going out for more scraps.
His luck ran out when Kirihara caught him.
He was beaten severely and given latrine duty.
We carried him, limp and covered with shit,
to the infirmary...
but it was too late.
I heard he died repeating your name.
You may not believe me, but I took the case to Noge.
The bastard wouldn't listen.
Do the guards know?
Yes, but they say it wasn't a crime.
No direct evidence.
Tange...
I've changed my mind.
I'm breaking out tonight. Don't try to stop me.
I know it's a mistake, but I'm going.
Chapayev wants to see you about me.
At this hour?
I requested that we have it out.
Afraid?
Don't be stupid!
We'll need Minagawa.
No need. One of them can understand us.
You coming?
Or will you apologise?
You're a pest.
Good riddance, shipping you off to Siberia.
This way.
Son of a bitch!
Get up!
I'll let you have it until you do!
Stop it, please!
Please! I apologise!
That's what I've been waiting to hear!
Bastard!
Die! Worthless scum like you deserve to die!
It takes too long to do away with bastards like you!
Meanwhile, good men suffer and die!
Die!
Come on!
Step up!
Keep moving!
All right.
What's wrong, you stinky devil?
Kaji-san!
Terada, is that you?
Are you still following me?
Don't, Terada.
If you keep dogging my heels,
you'll never become a man.
No... you're already a fine young man.
You can go anywhere.
I'm still walking on.
If I lose my way, please guide me.
You're a man now Please guide me.
I'm not mistaken, am I?
No, I'm not!
Tange is now off to Siberia.
That rascal...
probably both despises and envies me.
Michiko.
Let them laugh. Let them try to stop me.
I'm coming back to you.
I'm still walking on.
I'll beg for food at that village
and then continue on to you.
Get lost, beggar!
Are you deaf?
Get out of here!
Thieving dog! I'll kill you!
Thief!
This one's Japanese!
Look, a Japanese devil!
Michiko, forgive me.
I've come as far as I can.
Michiko, look I've come this far.
I'm going to save this for you.
I'm bringing this dumpling to you.
It's my only gift-
After over 700 days away from you,
it's all I have to bring you.
I had to kill many men...
to continue my journey back to you.
I killed many men.
Don't hate me for it!
I'm coming home to you.
Even now I keep walking towards you.
Michiko, do you still await my return?
I'm so happy!
No matter what they said, I knew you'd return.
Your beard's tickling me!
You must shave it off...
and take a bath.
No, you can eat after that.
I never stopped believing.
I knew you'd come back.
I was positive you'd return.
In your arms...
I seem to melt away.
Wait for me, Michiko! It won't be long now!
I've come this far. It won't be much longer.
I faced so many trials along the way,
but that's all over now.
Tonight I'll see your face,
hear your voice, touch your hands,
and my memories will bring back all that we've lost.
It's not far now.
Let me rest just five minutes.
Then I'll continue on to you, no matter what.
In the end we never had to say farewell.
Tonight our life together will begin anew.
Michiko, I'm home at last!
I'm with you at last!
THE END