The Human Condition (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

A harrowing view of war and its corruption of morals. It is an amazing slice of cinema.

One of the most important films of all time, this is an essential piece of world cinema from the Japanese master Kobayashi. Morally complex, deeply passionate, and gutwrenching, this WWII anti-war drama is an exhausting yet immensely rewarding watch. The remastered blu-ray looks stunning and does the film justice. It's a well put together with some great bonus features.

But what a vehicle it is. Nearly ten hours in length, I was quite relieved when it was all over. Be aware that the movie comes in two forms, both in Japanese with English subtitles. The Japanese version is split into six parts, with two 90-100 minute parts on each disc, but the second part (or fourth or sixth) does not automatically play after the first (or third or fifth). You have to select it in the menu. However, if you play the international version, it is split into three parts, so each disc will play a three-hour plus movie all the way through. Strictly speaking, this is a five-star film all day long, but it is just so bloody painful to watch - a bit like reading Solzhenitsyn, Dostoevsky and Shalamov, one after the other for an entire weekend - that I am deducting a star! Highly recommended, and a great deal of film for £15, but be warned. Kobayashi later directed Harakiri (1962) and Kwaiden(1964), both of which are ✰✰✰✰✰ movies, and far more entertaining.

An excellent movie following a Japanese soldiers journey from civvy street to civil service in the occupied territories to conscription, combat and life as a POW. The complete film is almost 10 hours long based on the six-volume novel written in the late 1950s and filmed soon after. This means it was written and made while much of WW2 was still fresh in the collective memory in Japan and it is narrated by the main character. The film is divided into a trilogy following the life of Kaji, a Japanese pacifist and socialist, as he tries to survive in the totalitarian and oppressive world of World War II-era Japan. An interesting film for people interested in the Asian theatre of WW2.

I'm not going to write a Barry Normal type review here. Many others have already given their synopsis of this outstanding collection of 3 films. They are long length feature films with excellent English subtitles and both black & white images and sound are fully intact and very enjoyable. The actors & actresses in the films are extremely dedicated to their craft and pleasure to watch their performances. Seriously a must watch for anyone seeking some background into Japanese society during the war years. Well packed and presented..

In my view, this is one of the greatest films ever made. Kobayashi may not have been as prolific as some of his counterparts, but the sheer quality of his films (HaraKiri, Kwaidan, Samurai Rebellion), elevates him to the highest level.

This Blue ray disk did not work with my LG player here in the UK. Nothing was mentioned on the product description that it is limited to US use only (unlike the DVD) where it was send from. Which is a shame because the movie it-self is brilliant!

Excellent service ,good information on the films ,Our family found this totally riveting ,well made films ,good story, characterisation and acting ,unusual story partly set in Manchuria during the Japanese invasion ,love story ,very tender, mild violence ,not to be missed.- unlikely you have seen anything similar

Honestly one of the most breathtaking films I have ever watched in my life. Nothing to come out recently is anywhere near the level of this films story. Beautiful message, amazing acting, must watch for any war film enthusiast. Rest in piece Tatsuya Nakadai.

C'est long, c'est lent, c'est violent. Une lente descente aux Enfers pour le héros, un homme simple et droit. Inoubliable, avec un transfert de qualité. Amateurs de films bling-bling ou Bang-bang, passez votre chemin...

Excellent Japanese WWII movie series, unfortunately with a tragic ending.

物語のは梶と三千子の夜の街中でのやりとりから始まる。そこで梶は三千子の愛を受け入れず、別れを切り出してしまう。 しかし労務管理官として満州にある中国人捕虜の強制労働施設への配属に当たり、梶は三千子と結婚して連れて行くことを決意する。 三千子は梶に愛を与え続ける存在であり、常に梶の身を案じ、時には拗ねたり甘えたり、二人の幸福な生活を夢見続ける。しかし梶はそんな三千子の想いに応える余裕がない程の厳しい現実を日々突きつけられる。どんな境遇に置かれても変わらぬ三千子の想いは梶の心をほぐし、いつしか難局を乗り越える力の源泉となってゆく。 正直者が馬鹿を見るのはいつの時代も変わらないのかもしれないが、梶も御多分に洩れず不遇な扱いを受け始め、やがて厄介払いのように戦地への召集がかかる。 地位も家族からも切り離された梶をこれでもかと苦難が襲う。もはや正気を保つことすら難しいと思うような状況の中で、梶は三千子への想いを募らせていく。 これは戦争を通して描かれた壮大な愛の抒情詩だと思う。物語の冒頭とはまるで違う、最後の最後まで三千子を求めてひたすらに彷徨い続ける梶の姿がただただ胸を打つ。 物語は最後まで梶を中心として描かれ、最後の最後まで救いはないバッドエンドな映画だ。 しかし梶は不幸だろうか？本当の愛を知ることもなく、上手く世の中を渡っていく人間の方が本当に幸せだろうか？人間の條件とは何か？何のために私たちは生まれてきたのか？ あなたはこのどうしようもない世界の群像劇で、一体誰に共感したのか？戦争を通して普遍的なテーマを投げかける世紀の傑作。 小林正樹がこの後撮った「切腹」も合わせて観てほしい。仲代達矢は本当に素晴らしい俳優さんです。あと、いつも悲劇の石濱朗も。

A masterpiece of cinema. You need to make an effort. Younger viewers may also need to take a look in a history book. If you make the effort you will be richly rewarded. Japanese cinema at its very best.