A "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
1st Ass't Director YUGORO IMAI
Ass't. Director KOICHI INAGAKI Ass't Camera TOSHITADA NAGUMO
Ass't 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 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 CO.
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
Hey.
Well, what a surprise.
I came to say good-bye, 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, yes. 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 spunk to come out here to Manchuria alone.
Throw yourself at him!
I did.
He rejected you?
No. 12 and 13, stop your chatter...
or I'll report you.
THE SUPERVISION OF COLONIAL LABOR
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 labor - 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 analyzed 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 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 labor 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.
What ever 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 labor.
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 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 Labor 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 labor supervisor.
Pleased to meet you.
You're just in time. Please sit down.
We're discussing labor problems. Any good ideas?
I'd like to speak with Mr. Okishima first...
and find out how many men are available.
If labor conditions are improved,
all available men will report for work.
And in more concrete terms?
Our employment system must be radically revised.
The labor 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 labor 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.
Laborers lose the desire to work
because labor 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 moldy.
Kaji's been scraping away the mold until I'm practically raw.
Mr. Supervisor, it's the poor living quarters
and poor food that make our men sickly.
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 laborers
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.
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 Labor.
- 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!
But you needn't come back tomorrow.
Stay by the cozy 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 labor?
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 laborers,
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 laborers to achieve our goals.
Special laborers?
War prisoners from North China. All you need do is keep them fed.
With the labor 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 laborers must not mingle with ordinary laborers.
Second: Their quarters must be enclosed by barbed wire...
electrified barbed wire.
Understand?
You'll handle matters of food and labor,
but they must not escape!
What voltage can you supply for the fence?
About 3,000 volts.
Good enough.
The laborers 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?
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 sympathizer.
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 laborers 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 laborers 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 balks, 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 laborers.
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 was 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 laborers 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.