Human Condition 2

The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity finds Kaji inducted into the army and stationed in a particularly desolate region of Manchuria. A surprise visit from Michiko helps him cope with the abuse regularly dished out by the officers and some of his fellow soldiers. When one of his fellow outcasts (Kumie Tanaka) cracks from the pressure, Kaji demands that action be taken against his immediate superior. Incredibly, this seemingly suicidal act results in a promotion! The tide has clearly begun to turn against Japan in the war and Kaji agrees to accept the new rank on the condition that he be allowed to supervise the new recruits (largely made up of men in their 40s) to ensure that they receive humane treatment. However, while Kaji's methods protect his men, the rank structure is beginning to break down and veterans take out their anger and frustration on him. With no recourse at his disposal (his commander fears that the veterans will desert him under fire, if he acts against them), Kaji endures frequent beatings and humiliation. Finally, he and his men are sent to the front in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to stop the advancing Russian forces.