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Poster of The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity

The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity (1959)

“First Sequel of an Anti-War Masterpiece.”

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Plot

In the compelling second chapter of an arresting trilogy, we follow Kaji, a man of principle turned reluctant soldier, thrust into the tumultuous vortex of the Second World War. Branded with the scornful label 'Red' by the Japanese military, Kaji becomes an object of relentless mistreatment, a crucible that serves only to fortify his spirit. As he navigates his precarious assignment, Kaji becomes a silent spectator to the army's chilling cruelties and corrosive corruption. He witnesses the tragic spiral of the young recruit Obara, driven to the edge of despair and beyond by incessant abuse. In an act of defiant rebellion, Kaji attempts to intervene, but his efforts, though valiant, are tragically in vain. In the midst of this bleak landscape, Kaji's friend, Shinjô Ittôhei, courageously defects to the Russian border, his flight igniting a spark of temptation in Kaji's heart. Yet, bound by a profound sense of duty and a moral compass that refuses to waver, Kaji resists the urge to follow. Nevertheless, he remains a beacon of hope amidst the rampant despair, striving to offer guidance and solace to the men under his reluctant command. Despite his fervent opposition to the horrors of war, he shoulders his responsibility with unwavering resolve, even as the specter of defeat looms in the face of relentless Russian armored divisions. Thus, the 'Road to Eternity' unfurls, a grim path where Kaji must grapple with the harsh realities of war and the human condition itself, his journey a poignant testament to strength, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.

Where to watch The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity?

The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity is a drama movie featuring Tatsuya Nakadai.

The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.