The Human Condition Trilogy (Blu-ray)

The Human Condition TrilogyGenre: ForeignLabel: Arrow AcademyDescription: One of the towering masterpieces of Japanese and world cinema this three-part war epic has rarely been seen in the UK at least partly because of its dauntingly gargantuan nine hour length. Director Masaki Kobayashi (Harakiri) was attracted to Junpei Gomikawa s source novel because he recognised himself in the character of the protagonist Kaji an ardent pacifist who came of age during the aggressively militaristic 1930s and 40s.In part one No Greater Love Kaji is relocated to a mine-supervising job in Manchuria where he is horrified by the use of forced labour. Part two Road to Eternity sees him conscripted into the Japanese army and forced to fight in the name of an aggressively imperialist cause. Part three A Soldier s Prayer deals with the consequences of Japan s defeat not least for Kaji himself.Throughout Kobayashi unflinchingly examines the psychological toll of appallingly complex decisions where being morally right risks outcomes ranging from ostracism to savage beating to death. As Kaji Tatsuya Nakadai (Sanjuro) is in virtually every scene providing a rock-solid emotional anchor and a necessary one in Japan where the film was hugely controversial for being openly critical of the nation s conduct during WWII. But it s this willingness to confront national taboos head-on that makes it such a lastingly powerful experience.SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS: * High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation * Original Japanese mono soundtrack * Optional English subtitles * Introduction to the film by critic Philip Kemp * Selected-scene commentary by Philip Kemp * Theatrical trailers * Reversible sleeve featuring two choices of artwork by maarko phntm

The Human Condition Trilogy (Blu-ray) would be an ideal fit for fans of literary fiction seeking a unique and meaningful cinematic experience.