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.
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 laborers.
The Labor 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 unfavorably 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 cackled so loud I thought a dog had gotten 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,
putter 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'll 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.
Laborers?
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 buddy 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.
Get in 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...
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 labor.
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 laborers 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 laborers' 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 laborers,
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 labor.
- 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