The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity (1959)

Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Stars: Tatsuya Nakadai, Michiyo Aratama, Kokinji Katsura
Runtime: 181 minutes

Synopsis: As a conscript in war-time Japan's military, a pacifist struggles to maintain his determination to keep his ideals.

Verdict: Since "Road to Eternity" is a direct continuation of "No Greater Love", there will be spoilers for its predecessor in this piece, so I advise you to click away if you still haven't seen it.

Following the events of the first chapter in the "Human Condition" trilogy, Kaji, a pacifist whose ideals are tested during the final years of the Second World War, finds himself in the place he was most dreading: a training camp where he has to undergo his military service. His wife isn't there to comfort him, and he's treated miserably due to his sympathy towards Chinese prisoners, but that doesn't keep him from maintaining his anti-war philosophy alive.

There, his biggest fears are materialized as he witnesses the psychological brainwashing one has to undergo to prevail in times of conflict. Humanity is stripped away from soldiers to turn them into mechanical killing machines. The only form of communication is hatred, humiliation, and hostility, all disguised under the term "discipline". Kaji, after witnessing the treatment of the so-called enemy in labor camps, realizes that his compatriots aren't provided with much more freedom in their own ranks. Despite his strong will to remain faithful to his ideals, the psychological and physical torture he and many others undergo finally start taking a toll on him as the movie progresses.

"Road to Eternity" shares many similarities with Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket", to the point where it's impossible to deny that the latter wasn't heavily inspired by it. The difference, however, is that it's only one-third of the protagonist's heartbreaking yet eye-opening journey so perfectly executed by Masaki Kobayashi. I truly can't wait to witness the final installment of this truly overlooked trilogy.

FINAL GRADE: 9/10