- The Human Condition II -
THIRD PART
All's well sir!
Salute!
All is well, sir.
Salute!
Jan. 23rd, 20:00 hrs. Temperature: 32 degrees below Zero.
Here he comes!
Recruits feigning sleep, eh?
There is no sleep until I do my rounds.
Seems to be in order.
Recruits... out of bed!
Turn on the light.
Get ready for what's coming!
Fools!
Well... did it hurt?
Not at all!
What brought that on?
Well... how about it?
Don't know!
What?
I don't know Sir!
You don't know? Well, I'll show you.
That's why!
Since do you use this watertank as an ash tray? Speak up!
The duty officer ordered all tanks...
to be kept full with clean water.
We are aware of that.
Who was on duty today? Step forward!
Remove your glasses.
Get up!
Obara did refill the tank
I removed the ash trays after "Taps".
You're insinuating that...
one of your superiors smoked after "Taps"?
Kaji!
Are you trying to place the blame on your superiors?
No!
I only said that Obara was not at fault.
Watch your language!
Obara admits his neglect.
Of course! Why didn't you say so?
It was my fault.
I'll be more careful.
It's too late for that!
Owaku...going somewhere?
To change the water.
Don't! That's not up to you.
Kaji! You dare upset Superior Pvt. Bannai?
- I didn't upset him. - We demand discipline!
Who taught you insubordination?
Your friend, Shinjo, perhaps?
College logic or reason won't help
You get along in this army.
Any more arguments?
Superior Pvt. Bannai...Iet me handle this.
Sure!
You'll report me later.
Are you blind? See that target?
I can see it.
You lack concentration.
Take careful aim.
Pretend it's an enemy.
What's wrong with Obara? Can't he see straight?
Draw the bead carefully onto the target
below center.
Stop breathing!
Apply pressure on the trigger
and now...squeeze.
Idiot!
No luck! We'll never get to eat at this rate.
Always his fault, too!
Shut up, you hick!
Stay out of this.
What's going on there?
Stop acting like starved mongrels.
Kaji!
Come here and show Obara.
Hit the target with eyes closed.
eyes closed?
That's right! You should be able to at least hit the target.
Objective... the target! Position... prone!
Obara! Watch how he aims and squeezes the trigger.
You see. Obara... bad eye-sight is no excuse. Try it again.
Obara, try to relax.
Don't jerk the trigger.
Squeeze down on it. Don't try to rush it calmly!
You're better off dead! A disgrace
to the whole Kwangtung Army.
Listen carefully, Obara
The army demands men of responsibility.
Because you missed your shot,
a grenade could wipe out your squad.
Consider the disgrace!
The target on the double!
Kaji, you go with him.
Bayonet attack
Charge!
Down!
Obara, stop sniffling!
Forward!
"At the time, Kaji was trying to save
the lives of innocent Chinese.
This earned him the hatred of the KEMPEITAI.
They arrested and grilled him without mercy.
Then he was released 20 days later
if my husband had been guilty, would they have released him?
I fervently hope that this unfortunate incident
will not compromise his position
as a member of your unit.
As the wife of a private, 2nd. cl., I address this appeal to you.
A recruit's life is strenuous enough
without this added disadvantage".
Orderly!
Where's the orderly?
Entering!
Orderly, sir!
Call Warrant Officer Hino.
Salute the W.O.! Eyes center!
Front!
Sup. Pvt. Yamazaki now relieved of guard duty, sir.
Thank you for a job well done.
Don't worry about me.
Mind your own chores.
Thank you. We're very grateful.
Can I wash anything for you?
A willing worker, eh?
I preferred a beating to washing.
Let's say, I have very little choice.
You're not a Pvt. ad infinitum like me.
You're top among the recruits.
But you're still being watched.
I realize that.
They can't tolerate a Red leading the pack. They'll break you yet.
Can't even talk without being watched.
Any new reports on Pvt. 2nd Cl. Kaji?
You have information, sir?
I asked if you had.
None, sir, but I have him under surveillance.
How does Sgt. Hashitani feel?
He's giving Kaji sniper training, sir.
- He's a goods marksman? - An unerring eye, sir.
And his barrack routine?
Nothing to report.
Friendly with Shinjo?
They seem intimate, but...
They seem? You don't know?
They're both black listed by the KEMPEITAI.
They have no time to do any plotting.
Why not?
I've kept Shinjo on guard duty straight through.
Keep an eye on them.
They'll show their true color, soon.
Might even turn into a good soldier.
Salute!
At ease!
Afternoon training program is cancelled.
Arms inspection will take place.
Make sureyour arms are spotless.
After dark there will be sentry duty training.
Followed by dawn attack training.
I know you'll pleased to know that.
Owaku, a letter for you.
Kaji.
Obara.
Nothing but inspections!
Kaji, your wife again?
Read it out loud.
I like to hold off as long as I can.
You know...
you have a good wife.
Compared to the bitch I got!
Obara!
Will things ever become easier for us?
It won't be much longer.
I'm tired of this whole mess.
Well, don't start getting ideas.
It's all beyond me.
Some bad news from home?
My mother and wife are still fighting.
My wife is threatening to leave home.
But she's not leaving you.
You wouldn't understand
you've been lucky.
If she walks out,
it would mean my aging mother will be alone.
Back bone, it's your choice.
Can't have it both ways.
You're doing it wrong, remove it.
You've broken it, you dumb cluck!
You fool!
You broke mine!
You fool. I'm not taking the rap for you.
That's enough, Kubo. It won't help any.
You stay out of this!
What's it to you anyway?
Everybody here knows you're a filthy Red.
So what?
Nobody wants anything to do with you.
Hit me! Do what you want with me.
Start distributing.
Start now!
Pvt. 1st Cl. Shinjo!
He's here, alone.
Pvt. 1st Cl. Shinjo together with two recruits
will clean out the latrines. Good luck!
Under whose orders?
By orders of Sgt. Soga.
All the dirty work for me?
Shut up, Shinjo!
Is a three-year man too good to clean latrines?
Tell sergeant or W.O. Hino, if you prefer,
that I'll do it myself. I'm not taking any recruits.
Shinjo, why not take them along?
Carting the crap won't be easy.
You recruits go with him.
Kaji, aren't you going with him?
You're two of a kind.
Kubo, you come with us.
You can't order me.
That's it... fight! The liquor will be here soon.
Come on, one more! Get moving.
Kaji to latrine duty!
Tanoue to latrine duty!
That's a nice old boy!
They're making things tough for us.
The other night, I suddenly realized how haggard you looked.
On duty straight through.
I envy your stamina, Kaji.
I can't move much more of this.
They're waiting to get rid of me the easy way.
Salute!
- We are on duty. - Good.
Hatching any new plots?
A few stinking propositions.
Honorable Duty Noncommissioned Officer, has the Commanding Officer approved our assignments?
I wouldn't know! Ask WO Hino.
I'll do that.
One more question.
What happens if I refuse to go on duty?
When such duty assignments are unfair, of course.
I suggest you read the Army Penal Code.
That's asking for trouble.
Kaji,
I don't care about going home
but I do want to get out of here.
What do you mean?
I'm not quite sure myself.
I just want to get away
to some unknown place,
and start all over again.
Is there such a place?
Desertion means
immediate recapture
There's only one way.
Is the border far off?
Not very far.
It's just beyond the swamplands.
The swamp could mean death.
Which would you choose?
The land where people are promised freedom
or the land where your wife awaits you?
I promised her that we'd start out on life anew.
You expect to get out alive?
I don't know.
But I hope to.
A personnel move.
Another transfer?
They can't move me after four years here.
It's already decided.
Who is it?
Kaji, lend me your Penal Code.
Don't let them bother you.
Why the Penal Code?
Kaji.
What did you just say to Shinjo?
Nothing.
You didn't? You mean he spoke to you and you didn't reply?
Hon. Sup. Pvt., have I done anything wrong?
You'd like to know?
What did you say?
Be careful! A beating is no way
to celebrate this festive day.
I told him not to read as he seemed tired.
Hear that?
Telling a three-year man what to do!
So dear Shinjo is tired, eh?
Hey, Shinjo!
I know you must be fatigued,
but may I aska question?
He didn't hear me.
I'll clean out his ear.
A fight means trouble for us both.
I was instructed to read this Code by Sgt. Soga.
To learn how to refuse an order
without be insubordinate.
At ease!
What happened?
Pvt. 1st Cl. Shinjo, sir!
He was taken suddenly ill.
Does that account for the broken China?
Clean it up!
Salute!
It was rash of you to come out here.
There's no place for you to stay.
What will you do?
If I am able to meet him,
I have no other concern.
The next train leaves tomorrow.
Will you sleep outdoors?
Or do you plan to walk all night?
If you let me see him, I'm willing to walk home.
Tanoue, leaving to polish boots!
Is Kaji here?
Step into the office.
You have a visitor.
- A visitor? - Who is it?
A dame, no less!
Damn!
Come, Kaji, hurry up or someone might swipe her.
Why worry about us?
Go ahead! I'll wipe off your rifle.
Kaji, to the office.
Damn!
Coming all the way out here to see him.
Entering!
Kaji reporting!
You want something?
What did you want?
Kaji leaving!
Wait there!
A disgrace to military discipline!
Don't let your wife make you homesick.
You are authorized
to pass the night with your wife
within the limits of the company storeroom.
I finally had to come.
How did you ever make it?
I've changed, haven't I?
It's that trying?
I'm used to it now.
The cold makes it worse.
We went hunting today.
I'll get some fresh meat for us later.
You've lost no weight
I'm relieved.
There's so little I can offer you.
I'm only a private.
Look at me.
I am.
You don't need to worry.
I'll fight my way through this.
How much time did they give us?
Until morning.
That's worse than when I left home.
Then it is all right?
Entering!
Sasa with our Hon. Leader's meal!
Madam.
This meat is fresh bagged by Kaji.
Dine hearty and enjoy yourself.
Thanks. My husband is much indebted to you.
We're all in the same boat here.
An unbelievable place, the army!
But Kaji, he's a fortunate rascal.
No other woman would think of coming this far to see her man.
I mustn't tarry. I hope you don't think I'm asking too much but...
...would you write to my wife
and tell her to get smart like you,
and come out to see me?
All she thinks about is eating and sleeping; nothing else.
Tell her things are rough out here
and would she butter up my superiors?
Good luck
Sasa leaving!
Come, let's eat.
A rookie allowed to spend the night with his wife!
The army is no more!
It's not nice, Kaji, to monopolize the pleasures.
Please.
Want blankets?
Stick to her in the clinches. That'll keep you warm.
All right! I'll make do.
In each other's arms, eh?
Curse the blasted luck!
As long as we're alive,
we'll be able to meet again.
I came here confident that I would get to see you.
Since you left,
Sgt. Watai has been pestering me to let him read through your letters.
Nasty fellow!
He thinks you're planning to desert
Well, what if I do?
Where to?
Across the border.
There's a man in my squad named Shinjo.
He's still a Pvt. 1st Class.
His brother was arrested for Communistic leanings
and his girlfriend left him.
He insists...
...there's a better world beyond that border.
A better world?
It's a world where mean are treated like human beings.
And you...
...you intend to escape there all by yourself?
You wouldn't!
Not while you still have me.
The WO said you were a good soldier.
But they're watching your every move.
I won't run away...
...never!
I'll fight my way out.
You mustn't run away!
Come back to me.
Guard post, all is well!
You are relieved.
I duly take over.
Forward!
March!
Breakstep!
Don't forget your promise.
You're coming back to me alive!
I won't
Aren't you sleepy?
Not a bit.
There's nothing more you wished to say to me?
Nothing...
I could never express it in words.
I had so many things I intended
to say to you.
I did, too.
Thanks for coming to see me.
Why shouldn't I?
It was a wonderful night.
Forgive me, there was so little I could do for you.
Michiko, let's hope we never see
another wretched night like this.
I wonder...
You're going to the front?
Why?
I have a strange feeling
that's why they let me see you.
No, please, you must come back to me!
You promise?
Michiko, forgive me if I beg one last favor of you.
Ask me anything!
After all, I came here for your sake.
I realize it's cold but...
...I want you to strip off your clothes
and stand by the window.
One last look as you really are.
That's how I want to remember you.
I have nothing to offer you, nothing!
What's wrong, Kaji... tired?
Come, Kaji, I'll work you over.
I'm not as easy to poke as your wife.
I'm ready.
Enough!
Quite a boy, Kaji.
Sup. Pvt. Yoshida you let this recruit shame you?
I'll take over. Ready?
I'm ready!
Don't retreat, Kaji!
To attack is to win!
Now! Press the attack.
What happened?
I can't see you off.
We're leaving on maneuvers.
Take care of yourself.
Time to part again?
Thanks for coming to see me.
Please, go!
I can't bear it.
We won't say "good bye", right?
A soldier's will should convey his resolution to his family.
To inspire them to carry on in a fitting way.
What is the resolution of a soldier?
It means to lay down one's life
for one's country.
You recite the words well.
How about your letter?
Driving you crazy, eh?
"My concern is so great, I could never face death".
Was that it?
You coward!
The worst I've seen in 10 years of service.
It was my mistake.
Such effeminate ideas are more harmful than communism.
Even a Red can be brave, under fire.
But men like you know only surrender.
WO Hino, see that he writes.
Let him reaffirm his resolution.
"Tomie,
your attitude is completely wrong.
It is your duty as a soldier's wife
to look after my aging mother.
Your endless whining interferes with the performance of my duties.
I am a busy man.
Your bickering with my mother
has handicapped me in my training.
It is my desire that you look after my mother,
but if you feels this to be impossible,
I must ask you to depart from my house".
Obara! Don't give up.
Breathe!
If you fail now, shame will be on us.
Don't forget that!
Obara, keep going! Come on!
Somebody help him with his pack.
No one wants to aid a comrade?
All right! I'll help him.
You have no objections?
You stand by and let me carry his pack?
Hon. Lance Corporal,
I'll help him!
Good! Help your comrade.
If he drops out, leave him be.
Give me your blanket, pick and shovel.
You can take the rest?
Thanks, Kaji; forgive me.
Hurry up!
Let me rest awhile.
Your pack is 10 kgs lighter.
You don't need a rest.
Go on ahead.
I don't want you dropping out because of me.
Shut up and walk!
Quit now and all your misery will have been in vain.
We're almost there. Show some guts for a change!
Obara, get up!
Get up, Obara!
It's no use! Leave me, I can't go on.
You let me lug your load for nothing?
Think of the beating you'll get later. You fool!
I can't go on.
To hell with you!
Be a quitter!
I'm going on!
Hate me all you want.
You're nothing but a quitter.
But I won't quit!
I'm going, all right?
You are fatigued, Hon. recruits?
You arrive back early.
We expected this disgraceful curs!
All you think about is food!
Get up!
Idiots!
Give 'em a shower!
No man worth his salt would ride home.
Have you nothing between your thighs?
If not, we can use you, Obara.
Keep both hands rigid!
Get the gun rack.
Drum up some business.
Hi, come in and have fun! You with the glasses.
- Hurry up! -Yes, put on the act.
Get started!
Hi, mister, come in and have fun.
Absolutely no sex appeal!
I say, just a minute, Handsome!
That's it! But don't forget to beckon.
Say, handsome, come on inside!
- Is someone interested? - I'm not convinced.
Here's a customer.
Come on, keep it up!
You want my company?
Wouldn't mine one myself.
It's been so long...
Is this guy really up for sale?
Yes indeed.
What a pervert!
Listen Obara,
in the infantry, we don't ride home like a bunch of whores.
We walk, you understand?
When I was a rookie, it was even tougher.
You should be grateful!
Bastard!
Go kill yourself!
The book I borrowed, thanks!
Get up!
You mind if I go to the latrine?
Don't be a fool! You're on duty.
You're gone if they catch you.
Say I'm patrolling outside.
Do as you please!
We all have to die
sooner or later.
An omen, warning me against it.
Yes! After all, one can die anytime.
That's something to think about!
On your feet!
Attention!
Your morals are putrid!
A bunch of stinking women!
The fact that one of you was a quitter and committed suicide
is the responsibility of all.
You are all spoiled.
Did I teach you to quit?
If you feel that I didn't train you right, speak up!
Good. Dismissed!
Do you want to stand guard over the corpse?
He's dead, he deserves respect.
The bum... a jinx to the very end!
Let's hear you say that again!
What's wrong? Why the temper?
Will you back me?
Don't do it. They'll all upset
by the suicide. It's too late!
Why did you stop me?
Would you have stood a chance after intervening?
You can keep your nose clean. I'll go myself!
I demand that Sup. Pvt. Yoshida be punished!
Demand?
That's no way to address your superiors.
Are you aware
of the shameful actions committed by him on Obara's person?
I am not.
Although a superior private,
he's not authorized to inflict private punishment.
His doings yesterday...
Wait! Only dogs inform against others.
I am not informing.
I am demanding punishment.
Suicide is contrary to discipline.
There can be no excuse.
And Yoshida's action is above reproach?
Forcing helpless recruits to mimic a command harlot?
Silence!
Regardless of what Yoshida did,
he is not to blame for Obara's death.
It's not all his fault.
But the final disgrace blow was...
Listen carefully!
A false move now could ruin your whole life.
I'm not worried about myself.
What will you do?
If you fail
to adopt appropriate measures, I shall...
Go on.
There can be no other way.
I'll see justice done personally.
Plan to make trouble? Private feuds could mean prison term.
I won't be there alone!
You may warn Sup. Pvt. Yoshida
that Kaji is out after his hide.
Your are saying
I indirectly caused his death?
I couldn't honestly deny that.
I understand
If only I hadn't written that letter...
It's sounds cruel, but it's true.
I'm responsible, too.
I let him drop out...
during routine march.
I was forced to do so to save myself.
If I had quit with him...
the army recognizes no such reason for shirking one's duty.
When one fails by the wayside, what happens to him?
Ask the Warrant Officer.
Quitters are outcasts of the military.
A disgrace!
And Obara's suicide has doubled his shame?
One can consider it so.
Are there punishments for men who drop out?
They are not punished.
However, their promotions will be delayed.
I can't believe it!
My husband was not one to do such a thing.
There must be a reason!
Tell me the truth!
A demoralized home-front
is poor soil to raise good fighting men.
I wouldn't dig too deep.
Look at it this way.
A part of Obara died...
due to your feuding with your mother-in-law.
The remainder died when I deserted him.
That was it!
Enough! You may go.
Kaji leaving!
You complete revenge on a superior for a personal reasons?
Speak up!
I have committed no crime, yet.
Sup. Pvt. Yoshida has!
It is unfair to question me first.
Hold your filthy tongue!
Let him talk.
He caused Obara's death by inflicting
unauthorized personal punishment.
Why is he not punished, sir?
- Your marching ability was A-class? - Yes.
How were you treated?
Very well, sir.
- Did Yoshida pester you? - No.
Would he have if you had dropped out?
I believe so, sir.
Was Obara the only man thus punished?
All three, sir.
- All by Yoshida? - No.
Did all three commit suicide?
No.
- Only Obara then? - That's correct.
Why did you single out Yoshida?
Because one man died!
But I am willing to press charges against the others.
Enough!
It is evident
that you seek only to satisfy a personal grudge.
Obara's death is merely an excuse.
By attempting to blame a superior for the suicide.
You undermine our finest traditions.
I don't blame Sup. Pvt. Yoshida alone.
I demanded punishment for him
as representing the absurd conditions
which this incident has revealed.
Obara's death was not due to domestic worries.
Then what did cause it?
You're a glib one. Don't tell me you're afraid to speak up.
Answer me!
The fault
lies with the military.
You'd make a good man if you'd shut up!
Hashanti! Teach him a lesson.
That's enough!
Kaji,
I'm warning you! Private feuds
will be recognized as insubordination.
Good! You may leave.
Kaji leaving!
That man has guts!
Men like him make good solders.
WO Hino, see that he is put up for promotion.
Him? For promotion, sir?
Make sure he is up on the promotion list. He'll see things differently.
Men are like springs.
Pressure only makes them snap back
it is better not to drive his kind too hard.
Put him on duty with the vets.
We're headed for the border anyway.
Salutations.
You just arrive?
Yeas, replacement squad.
You're staying out here?
Nothing but patrol duty.
It's just like WO Hino.
An effective method, too. I'm worn out.
It's the damned heat!
Be careful.
They can't wear me down.
What's Yoshida doing?
Watch your step.
They're waiting for an excuse to send you to prison.
So this is the border, eh?
You're crossing?
Are you coming?
To the land of promise?
What'll they do over there?
That's up to them.
You're convinced that true freedom can be found over there?
Well, comparatively speaking, yes!
What use have they for a desert?
You'd be a mere tool.
A minor tool of a big promise.
You doubt that men are equal?
I'm not as convinced as you are.
What has Japan done?
Deserting the ranks of the invader
doesn't prove your innocence.
You're only a deserter!
What's on your mind?
Prettier flowers on the other side
don't justify desertion.
I could never do that.
WO Hino!
You hear me?
Send Kaji back immediately.
We need him for the inter-unit rifle match the day after tomorrow.
What?
Good! Over!
The danger of desertion does definitely exist.
Shino and Kaji were seen together again last night.
Obara's death is enough shame for us.
Arrange to have Shino transferred to some other unit.
A signal flare!
It's close by!
It's pretty far out.
It's not!
I could use a little extra glory. Come on!
I don't see anything.
You notice anything?
Must have been over there.
Damn!
Who goes there?
Stop or I'll shoot!
Fishing?
He was afraid and ran off?
Doesn't that prove he's innocent?
You rascal!
You shot the flare! Confess!
I beg forgiveness!
He was only casting for fish.
Shinjo, quit stalling! Take him to the guard post.
But what if he's innocent?
Fool!
We'll prove he's the culprit.
Ridiculous!
Do as I order you!
Forgive him! Spare him!
What are you doing?
No, no! You mustn't!
Hi! Have a rough time?
Mail from home!
You've lost weight!
I'm going out next week
Was it really rough?
It's not as bad as all that.
Three letters in three weeks!
Also Obara's widow sent a letter to the squad thanking us.
What did she write?
Begging our forgiveness, etc.
She also says the dead have no tongue
And she cannot find out why Obara died.
What's Yoshida doing?
Give men for work duty!
At the store room. 1, 2, 3, 4. Still one short!
Kaji?
Obarawould have made it 5, Hon. Superior Private!
Yoshida!
Shinjo is on the carpet for letting a prisoner escape.
He's wanted by WO Hino.
It's you, Kaji? Did you know
your buddy is going to prison?
A disgrace to the Imperial Army!
Bannai shot the culprit
but it's the guard house for you!
I knew you'd end up there someday.
Fire call!
Prairie fire!
Hurry!
Go ahead!
Retreat! Retreat!
Where you are! From the fire lines here!
Who's that?
Cut off the weed!
It's Shinjo!
A deserter!
Hon. Warrant Officer, a deserter!
It's Shingo, sir!
Cut those weeds!
Wait, Kaji!
It's too dangerous, stop!
Shinjo!
Shinjo, run, run for it!
Help me, Kaji!
Wait!
Yoshida, will you make me a promise?
Can you hear me?
Admit to the CO
that you caused Obara's death. Hey, can you hear me?
You're a lucky man.
You don't recall? We've shot you full of camphor.
The other man... I'm sorry but he was already beyond help.
fever and blood loss.
You call out in your sleep
for Shinjo and a Michiko.
Your sweetheart? Or your wife?
She's both.
Who's been caring for me all this time?
Don't worry about that.
Just get a good rest.
- Pvt. 1st Cl. Ishi? - Yes.
- How many years? - Three.
Even that's not going to help.
Is that any way to treat a patient?
How many years?
Third, but simple Pvt.
Don't try to pull rank on me.
He borrowed sputum from a TB patient.
Throw the book at him.
We're sick men. We don't like people shouting in here.
Pvt. 1st Cl. Tange, eh?
I'll teach you a lesson.
Don't exert yourself.
Stay in bed or they'll put you to work.
Nothing to be gained.
They make patients work?
You're a rookie?
Well, sit down.
Where were you, Hon. Veteran?
Forget the "Hon. Veteran,"
I was a lathe-man and a good one!
Weren't you exempted from service?
It's safer to keep some fellows in the army.
I see.
You there! Who gave you permission to walk?
No one does anything without authorization.
Limbering my legs, nurse.
Hon. Head Nurse!
Sorry, Hon. Head Nurse! I was trying to walk.
What's so funny?
Lance Cpl. Minakami! These men need discipline.
They're not on vacation. Tighten the reins!
Try that again and you've had it!
Roosevelt is in Russia talking to Stalin, they say.
If Germans surrender, only Japan remains.
Yes, the end is drawing near.
But if the Russians...
Pvt.1st Cl. Kaji!
Tange is being sent back to his unit.
- When will it be? - Tomorrow.
That's hard on him.
It is bad news.
Return to duty!
No one can foretell what will happen tomorrow.
Your original unit has been mobilized.
You'll probably be stationed here on hospital duty.
Really?
Even in here, there's always more bad news than good.
There was so much I wanted to talk over with you.
We'll meet again, if we try hard enough.
Someone once told me that real men
would never lack for true comrades.
Your presence proved it.
Don't be too sure.
But I appreciate your words.
Excuse me.
Writing to your wife?
Yes, but I don't dare write the truth.
Because of censors?
Partly. And no matter what I write, it ends up as a half-truth.
I want to tell her how lonely I am
but I don't want to worry her.
What's more... I detest army life.
I always thought of going home, yet, I actually want to remain here.
You really like it here?
Here I have things I never had before.
For instance?
For instance, talking to you.
Stand back! The steam is hot.
You shouldn't be here.
I realize that.
Nurse Tokunaga, why have you left your post?
Disgraceful!
In broad daylight... and while still on duty!
Forgive me for debating the point but we've committed no wrong.
I asked Nurse Tokugana to assist me.
A patient issues orders to a nurse?
That's as bad as a clandestine meeting.
Hon. Head Nurse, I am to blame.
Make no excuses! Return to your post.
As you are outside my authority,
I shall report to your superiors.
It seems I have repaid your favors with injury.
Sent up front because of me!
It's all right! We had to part sooner or later.
We may even meet again somewhere.
I have faith! Anything is possible with faith.
Part IV
Wooden guns along the front line! Must be Operation SCARECROW.
It's disgusting! 5 years of shooting training,
but we don't have guns for fighting.
Let's go complain to the general.
Salute!
Pvt. 1st Cl. Kaji in this squad?
Yes, sir!
Hello, Kaji. Nice to find you still alive.
At ease!
I am 2nd Lt. Kageyama. I have come to take over duties
with this company.
Who goes there?
Firefly!
Snow!
Sound of guns tractors or tanks. Otherwise, all is well, sir!
Thank you.
What is that?
Festival probably. They shot fireworks.
Doesn't sound possible.
War must have ended in Europe.
Germany must have surrendered.
A new batch of recruits arrives soon.
Will you be my assistant?
How can I help?
The new men range from 20 to 44 years.
From the active list and reserves.
Artillery men are a rough enough bunch. They'd tear these men to shreds.
Basic is the same way in any outfit.
That's why I need your help.
Stop kidding me! I should guard the army's sheep?
I've reported you as my assistant in the rifle squad.
You'll make superior private.
Should that influence my decision?
I'm sure it wouldn't.
But I could spare them a lot of grief.
Need I say more?
I accept your proposal under one condition.
Which is?
That their quarters be isolated.
Separating the rookies
that's what you decided?
That's it.
If you agree with that,
the officer will agree, too.
You fear to be mixed with vets?
That's not it.
Many of the new recruits are in their forties.
Basic training will be wasted on them
if they are faced with rough treatment.
One such man killed himself during our basic.
It is our job to prevent such unfortunate incidents.
Training alone isn't enough.
I'll lash them during training.
But I would show them kindness in the barracks.
What could you know about it?
You have to beat into them
the fact that army life is the way.
Sup. Pvt. Kaji, the new assistant?
That is correct.
What will you teach?
Just as I have been taught.
What were you taught?
Seeing as you're the assistant, you must know almost everything.
However, here's something new.
Masui,
teach it to him.
What could a private 1st class
teach the Hon. Sup. Pvt. Kaji?
Don't try pulling your rank on me.
How long have you served?
Here's how the ARMY trains men!
Wow! Loaded and ready, sir!
Kaji,
after all, you needn't take the beating.
You outrank him, you know.
We'd get in the way of your men, eh?
Want to lord over them all alone?
You won't let anyone lay a finger on your darling recruits, eh?
Isn't that right?
You've had this coming!
Open your mouth, wider!
Now, listen carefully!
Your ears are still open.
Should be able to hear.
A crying pheasant dies.
Well, this one won't cry for awhile.
This is what you get for slighting the veterans.
Teach that to your rookies and forget about the codes and manuals.
Who'll save their hides under fire?
Not your codes or manuals... the vets!
The vets who fondle you so endearingly now.
Remember that!
The lieutenant!
What's going on?
Remove that slipper.
Remove it!
I shall ignore the whole matter this time, but
such action will not be tolerated any more.
The young squirt!
Thanks you.
- Get your men settled down? - Yes.
Vets are not joyful.
You won your point at the price of eating that slipper.
I want men who will die with me.
How many do we get?
Forty... 20 light guns 20 mortars.
Well... are you tired?
Is the border near the enemy?
The enemy?
Yes, very near.
Then this is the front line!
I must write father about that.
What does he do?
He's an officer, a major.
Worried about your kid?
I'm not the only father here.
I'll be all right.
Chief,
can we hang on to our old photographs?
What kind of photo?
Of a woman.
Man or woman, just keep it the same.
You see.
But it's a picture of a naked woman!
- A good luckcharm? - In a way...
It'll never pass inspection. Better sew it into your loin cloth.
Don't forget your military speech when speaking to the veterans.
If they catch you using civilian terms,
you'll really get it.
You understand?
Come here!
You don't need that button.
You scum never seem to learn.
I'll be careful please, return it.
If you want it back, you can come for it later.
The button somehow worked itself loose.
Face up to your punishment like a man.
Go get it back! It's your own fault.
Koizumi, get back his button!
What's that? Your button?
It was my fault.
Tashiro did it! He pushed me.
Bastard!
Is this mess fit to serve the veterans?
Don't tell me you scooped it up off the ground.
With your dirty hands!
Why this short ration?
Why blame me for the whole mess?
To save your hide?
Who's the coward?
Stop it!
Cut it out! No sense in arguing now.
What should I do?
What to do?
Hon. Lance Cpl., any good ideas?
You could go get us another helping.
No worry... we'll wait.
I understand.
Dump all the food back!
When your through, Azumi, take it to the vets!
We'll eat the rice alone.
It's better than nothing.
Did Kaji teach you that way?
I'm sorry, it was all my own mistake.
You'll polish your boots standing up!
What's up Enji?
The Honorable ASSISTANT!
Kaji! How'd you teach your men to shine boots?
It was all my fault!
Shut up!
How about it, Kaji?
No special instructions, as yet.
What?
He did teach us, it was all my fault!
You keep quiet!
Please, forgive him. I'll see that they learn.
Good!
I'll stand by and watch how you teach him.
Strike him!
I understand you're opposed to beating your men.
I can't do it.
Shall I show you how?
This is the way!
Hon. Sup. Pvt., hit me!
You're through here. Go!
Bastard!
Not because they struck me.
I want orders forbidding all personal punishment.
I'd go along with you if you were stationed further back
But not at the front!
Those vets are men
capable of operating independently.
If they deserted me under fire, who could save me?
I'll place my recruits at your command.
In battle, you'd be worth...
only half what those vets are to me.
What's more, those 5-year vets
would ignore a green lieutenant!
I understand, sir!
Just a minute!
Michiko wrote me.
I told her you were here with me.
Although things must be better for you,
she complains that you rarely write.
Better? I wonder!
Want to read it?
Just tell me what she says.
That you must be having it easy with me here.
She has much to learn.
She told me to look after you,
that you should have self-respect.
Don't misunderstand the letter.
Fool!
She's hoping that we live
through this situation.
She repeated that two, three times.
I'm sorry.
You can write
because you're an officer.
Kaji won't die.
If you're going to write her,
Please, tell her so.
Officer Kageyama.
If we lose Okinawa,
we still have the main island defended by The 25,000 solders
The time for hope has passed.
Our strategy aims at final victory!
We all like to think so.
Yet, our men are being wiped out
despite the faith of our people.
That is the true picture!
Meaning they died in vain?
A matter of opinion.
Calm down!
Save your heroism for the soldiers.
He who shouts loudest is not always the bravest.
- 2nd Lt. Kageyama! - Yes.
Aren't you making a mistake?
Japan is not as feeble as you think
The Aleutians to Australia... From Tarawa to India,
covering tens of thousands of kilometers.
An army which has once held this vast area
cannot be belittled.
I admit that our lines have been shortened.
That we lost Okinawa.
However, this is all part of our basic strategy.
The enemy does not yet dare attack our main island.
Their supply lines grow daily longer,
as our home awaits their attack
The pacific theater is but a side-show compared to that operation.
Can't you understand?
- I understand. - What do you understand?
That I'll probably die here.
2nd Lt. Nonaka...
that goes for you, too.
What will happens to us here?
If Japan looses the war...
Nonsense! Japan will never lose.
To doubt is sacrilege!
Sacrilege?
It's only natural that we think about ourselves.
The fall of Okinawa is not the end.
You're a bunch of faint-hearted curs!
All because that Sup. Pvt. Kaji pampers you! I have a feeling, he...
He... what?
Afraid to say it to me?
You have ignored the fall of Okinawa altogether.
We need a morale builder and faith in our ultimate victory.
Ultimate victory is your favorite line.
Personally I've more faith in my wife than in your victory.
You say that's effeminate.
However, when bullets fly,
you'll be looking to me for guidance.
Hey! Why don'tyou salute?
Wait! Call that a salute?
It was my fault! Let me punished alone.
Save your breath!
Teaching them a lesson?
Mind taking over for me?
Hon. Leader, spare the others!
Shut up and keep it up!
- Leader! - Shut up.
Naruto, shut up!
I'm taking it, too.
Keep it up until he says you can stop.
You'll stop under no one else's orders, do you understand?
You scum!
Get up or I'll whack you one!
Who is it?
Enji?
I'm sorry, Hon Sup. Private!
When we were rookies, we kept this up for a hour.
Naruto!
Drinking after hours and raising hell! Damned NCOs!
Scum! You dare defy us?
Dog we'll murder you!
Just try it! You're in for quite a surprise.
I've been in and out of worse places.
Nuts to your guard house.
Naruto, stop it! You'll be convicted.
What have they to brag about?
They've never earned an honest meal in their life.
Hon. Leader, don't make itworse!
I'll assume custody of him.
It's insubordination and insulting a superior.
How about it?
Can you get him out of this?
If the CO decides a conviction will disgrace the company,
try to convince him.
Salute the Duty Officer!
Cpl. Takeda and command of 8 men
have duly transferred guard duties to Cpl. Fujimoto and command.
Come on out!
Was it tough?
Not too bad... it was only 3 days.
They're waiting.
Naruto's coming back!
Go on inside.
Naruto, was it bad?
How was it?
Sup. Pvt. Kaji, step inside!
What've been teaching the recruits?
Our men have just come off guard duty?
What're your men doing?
I'm sorry! I happened to be out.
That's no excuse.
You better teach them right.
We'll show you how it's done.
Kaji, get ready for what's coming!
How do you like it? A willing sacrifice for your darling boys?
That's enough, Akaboshi.
Let's see you do that again, Akaboshi.
Come on, I'll rip you wide open!
Think I'm afraid to do it?
I'm decided. Come on!
Don't do it!
Filthy braggarts! Don't tell me you're afraid of one man.
Come on! I'll swipe you my life for yours.
Wait, Kaji!
Afraid to fight man to man?
Naruto, let me go.
Let go of me!
Don't forget it! I'll get even with you for this someday.
Hon Sup. Private, next time let me give you a little help.
Tashiro will help, too.
Thanks, but it won't do.
Why not?
It would be considered mutiny.
We'll fight it in court.
When we do that, we're licked.
Naruto... right now, there's no chance on our side.
We could beat the hell out of those vets.
But they're not the real enemy.
It's here the military.
Prepare for roll call!
Hon. Sup. Pvt., stay in bed.
I want Lt. Kageyama
to have a good lookat my swollen face.
Roll call!
Attention!
First Squad; Total 36;Absentees 4; Present 32. Count off!
Unnumbered 1; Sick Room 4. All accounted for.
Emergency orders for this squad.
Sup. Pvt. Kaji and 28 recruits
depart at 17:00 hrs. tomorrow to engage in trench-digging duties.
To maintain secrecy, marching will be at night.
You will join Cpl. Hironaka's command.
You will dig trenches.
Workshift: approximately 1 month.
A dirty trick! Sending me out with a work party
to avoid friction with the vets.
One way of looking at it.
You may think your rid of me,
but I'll return in one month to make more trouble.
I don't think so.
When you return, I'm sending you out for special training.
Sending the prodigal son out to see the world, eh?
To South Manchuria.
Possibly close to Michiko.
Why remain here at the border if one can manage to get away?
You agree?
There are matters requiring settlement between us.
You avoid the issue...
I pushed the matter a little too hard.
We both failed to do anything.
Picking the military
as the testing ground for your gripes
was not very smart.
Don't be stubborn! Play it safe.
Will you do this fool a favor?
I'm leaving behind half my men.
It causes me much concern.
My absence may make it easier for you to handle the vets.
Can I depend on you?
Stop worrying! Worry more about your wife if you have to.
You're short aren't you?
Take them.
Hon. Sup. Pvt., we'll be waiting.
It'll only be for a month.
Somehow, I have the feeling I'm being stranded.
Two of us together get into their hair.
Neither of us is very even tempered.
Naruto...
watch the temper.
Take your troubles to Lt. Kageyama.
Work party... fall in!
Attention!
Salute the lieutenant! Eyes center!
Front!
Sup. Pvt. Kaji and party now departing.
Right face!
March!
Here comes our water!
Hon. Sup. Private.
How does this look?
Fine! Well done.
Feels like I'm building my own house.
If given a choice, I suppose you want to fight here.
I would at least have a fighting chance in here.
I see.
Hon. Sup. Private!
This guy wants to live here with his girl.
Idiot.
Watch out for your mother. Might get jealous.
Engaged to a girl?
When you get married, have Naruto build you a house.
He's a carpenter, he'll be glad to.
Nakai, you look after his mother.
I'd rather look after the bride.
You've never told us about your wife.
She's a good wife.
I'll introduce you all, after the war.
How tall is she?
Medium build: about five-two, 105 Ibs.
That's just my size!
Idiot!
Work party, fall in!
An important announcement.
At dawn today,
our Seiundai fortifications were attacked
by strong Soviet military forces.
The battalion commander and his men
have died a glorious death.
The enemy continues their advance
into Manchuria alone the border line.
You will return immediately to barracks
to await restationing.
You will construct new fortifications along a new line of defense
where we shall meet and crush the advancing enemy.
Disperse!
Hug the ground!
Reconnaissance plane!
Men without rifles will lash bayonets to staff of birch.
We'll use them on close combat.
Don't we get any rifles?
Birch lances won't do us much good.
Is it my fault the birch is all we can find?
We're moving on!
Breakcamp! Prepare to depart in 10 minutes.
Volunteers to go pick up our weapons!
Tashiro, to the supply depot for weapons!
Yes, be careful.
Ready to move! Breakcamp! We depart in an hour.
Hon. Leader,
what's up?
These conflicting orders confuse and demoralize our troops.
Do your griping to the CO! This is war!
Where's the Doi Company?
Here, over here!
Where's the Hironaka squad?
Over here!
- What happened? - We're worn out.
From Seiundai?
There weren't any survivors there.
Only Ondera... he sneaked away.
I didn't! I was carrying a message.
Sure, all right! Why so toughly?
Hey recruits! Bring us some food.
What happened at Seiundai?
Wiped out! Including all your darling recruits.
Russian shells suddenly came whizzing over!
And Lt. Kageyama?
Killed in action.
Aircraft! Approaching from the north.
Platoon, halt!
Fall out!
Nothing good to eat.
Where's the senior officer?
Now I wonder. You know where he is?
Probably out giving his girl a final work-over.
Sergeant, will you issue orders for weapons?
Sorry, sir, I'm not authorized to issue orders.
You'll need HQ orders.
Right. I'll phone Headquarters.
There's the phone.
It's out of order!
The bombings... they've cut us off.
Hon. Sergeant, let's liberate more candy.
Yep, good idea.
Don't move, you traitors!
I'll slay you all!
I'll take the rifles on my authority.
300 men cannot dig 3 km
of anti-tanktrenches in 48 hours. Impossible!
Would that justify you're not trying?
Anti-tanks trenches should be...
concentrated in the valleys
and fortifications on the hillside strengthened.
When you're the staff officer, do it your way.
You were Area C, I believe?
Unfortunately,
for reasons of strategic nature,
your area will suffer heavy casualties.
This is not the point! Strategy or not... it can't be done!
Even if I order you?
Lt. Doi, startwork immediately!
Yes, sir!
But Hon. Staff Officer must remember that we cannot finish.
And that unfinished sector could be the fatal flaw in his plans.
To hell with your family! The fate of Japan is at stake.
If we lose, we'll have no home!
That's because you have no family.
Even if we lose, if I'm alive my wife has a future.
And my kids will have a chance.
The truth is your afraid to die!
Cut it, Terada!
Stop arguing with everybody.
All they think about is themselves.
You're ready to die?
At any time.
I see! I'm not ready yet.
I thought you'd say so.
You mind if I have my say now?
Not at all. Go ahead!
You hate me because my father is a major.
That can't be helped.
But you defend those cowards
because you're critical of this war.
It's all right! Let him talk.
Yes. I am critical.
I sold my soul for an army exemption.
I cannot approve of the kind of education your father gave you.
Meaning that you disavow this war completely?
I mean I should have disavowed it.
A split personality and a coward!
You've been blunt enough with me. Now, let me!
You're just a fool!
A fool who can't understand why your mother
should shed tears over your death.
Dying here is a dog's death.
If you live, you'll see what I mean.
Here come our rifles!
HQ Squad, Cpl. Hironaka.
Light MGSquad, Sup. Pvt. Iwabuchi.
Rifle Squad, Sup Pvt. Kaji.
Anti-TankSquad, Sup. Pvt. Akaboshi.
At ease!
Attention!
Lt. Nonaka will command Platoon III.
Enemy attack will presumably commence at dawn.
Each man will dig a fox hole at the spot designated
and resist the advance of the enemy.
Sup. Pvt. Kaji!
You will push forward with an advance scouting party
and report the location of the enemy.
You will rejoin this main party before sundown.
Takasugi, Terada... step forward!
Ready ammunition!
Nuts! After five years of service,
they want me crawling undertanks!
I don't suppose your recruits want to die either.
Don't look at me for help. You're on your own!
Your reports conflicts with previous reports.
Are you positive?
I am positive, sir.
Can your men confirm the 15 tanks, too?
I left them behind, sir.
For what reason?
We were ordered to remain behind until called.
You didn't call them?
- No. - And why not?
Because recruits are untrained in scouting tactics.
Likely story!
You weren't close enough to confirm the presence of those tanks.
You coward!
I'm scared silly!
This waiting gets on my nerves.
The Fates have already decided...
...which of us will survive and who will die.
Only a few hours until dawn!
Like a criminal sentenced to death.
I found cloth in my fox hole! It must be a grave.
There's no grave here.
It must be a grave!
It must be filled with crumbling bones.
You imagine things.
You're no kid anymore!
Please, let me change places!
Hon. Sup. Pvt., I'll swap him.
No!
Soon we'll be hiding behind the dead. Why worry about a grave?
Terada! You join Cpl. Hironaka as a messenger.
Well...that is it.
Orders may not be heard above the din of battle.
You must think for yourself.
Two things I wish to impress on you.
Don't be a coward.
Like it or not, what comes will come.
And one more, never give up!
Not over victory for yourselves!
If things get too hot, take cover and think about your girl.
That's what I'm doing.
Nakai, your girl in your loin cloth?
Of course!
Keep it close.
They are coming!
Shoot the signal flare!
Lt. Nonaka prepare for action!
Nonka Platoon! Every man to his station.
Hold your fire! Let 'em close in.
Distance... 800! Fire!
Blast 'em! Wipe them all out!
Wait! Save your ammunition.
To your right, 400! fire!
Wipe out those tanks!
Rifle Squad., when the big guns open up, stay under cover!
Hon. Sup. Private!
What?
Tanks closing in on our rear! Where's the CO?
Over there!
- I'm going! - Wait!
It's still dangerous.
I'll be okay.
Fire!
Keep your heads down!
Hon. Sup. Private!
Our only alternative is to attack! Send a report to the CO!
Terada... take the message!
Terada...to rely a message!
Out of ammunition!
Azumi, any ammunition left? Let me have a clip.
No! I'm short, too.
You're not firing!
All right, keep it!
Hon. Sup. Pvt., no ammunition!
I warned against wasting any. Here!
Wait, stay here!
We'll shoot together.
Hon. Commander!
Where's the messenger?
Enemy troops to our rear!
I feel safe here with you.
I'll send you home to Mama.
Enji!
Hon. Sup. Pvt.! No ammunition!
I'll take him some.
You'll go?
Ammunition! I need ammunition!
I'll be right back
If you go, don't come back!
Make every bullet count! Okay?
Get ready to go! I'll cover you.
Go!
Nakai, stay down!
Lieutenant! Should we retreat?
The Japanese Empire... BANZAI!
You fool, come back!
Where's the tank?
It's gone.
Does it hurt?
They'll come back for us again.
The major's son has been brave.
Yes...it's possible that you might live through this.
I'll sear your wound.
Close your eyes!
Rifle Squad!
Rifle Squad, show your head!
I refuse to die!
- What to do? - One final attack!
Attack?
Watch out, Kaji!
Onodera!
Are we safe?
Coming? Will they see us?
- You have a grenade? - No.
We attack, if we must.
Please, save me!
Are they gone?
Be quite! They're still nearby.
I'll fix them!
Stop him! He'll get us killed.
Don't shoot!
I hit him in the leg!
The battle is over.
It's not! We can attack!
Go ahead, if you want to die.
What'll we do?
We were lucky enough to come out alive. Let's stay that way.
I got it!
We know how tough you are.
Stop trying to show off! We'll show you yet!
Raving mad!
Pin him down, Kaji!
Come on, you bloody Russians! I'll chop you up!
Throw this!
Calm down!
Be quiet, or you'll get killed.
Be quiet, please.
What happened?
He's dead.
I won't say I put him out of his misery.
I killed him!
Why'd you have to kill him?
You're trying to blame me? Are you?
I am a monster!
But I will stay alive!
Anyone there?
Isn't anyone left alive?
Answer me!
Anyone alive?
Translation by unknown. Italic, grammar and syntax check by Dan.