The Human Condition (Criterion Collection)

The Human Condition, Part 1 (1959)

A Japanese pacifist strives to preserve his beliefs during World War II in the first part of Masaki Kobayashi's thoughtful trilogy. Tatsuya Nakadai stars as Kaji, an administrator who enrages his superiors by dealing humanely with striking mine workers and P.O.W.s. Michiyo Aratama, Chikage Awashima also star. AKA: "No Greater Love." 200 min. In Japanese with English subtitles. BW/Rtg: NR

The Human Condition, Part 2 (1960)

The second episode of Masaki Kobayashi's critical appraisal of Japanese conduct during World War II follows the plight of protagonist Kaji (Tatsuya Nakadai) as he serves punishment duty in Manchuria, enduring wild accusations and beatings from sadistic officers for the sake of his humanism. Michiyo Aratama, Kokinji Katsura also star. AKA: "The Road to Eternity." 181 min. In Japanese with English subtitles. BW/Rtg: NR

The Human Condition, Part 3 (1961)

In the final installment of Masaki Kobayashi's bleak anti-war trilogy, Kaji (Tatsuya Nakadai) achieves freedom from his cruel Japanese commander and permits himself to be captured by Russian troops, hoping for better treatment as a P.O.W. Michiyo Aratama, Tamao Nakamura also star. AKA: "A Soldier's Prayer." 190 min. In Japanese with English subtitles. BW/Rtg: NR

Widescreen; Soundtrack: Japanese; Subtitles: English; featurettes; theatrical trailers.