The Human Condition (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

One of the most important films of all time, this is an essential piece of world cinema from the Japanese master Kobayashi. Morally complex, deeply passionate, and gutwrenching, this WWII anti-war drama is an exhausting yet immensely rewarding watch.The remastered blu-ray looks stunning and does the film justice. It's a well put together with some great bonus features.

In my view, this is one of the greatest films ever made. Kobayashi may not have been as prolific as some of his counterparts, but the sheer quality of his films (HaraKiri, Kwaidan, Samurai Rebellion), elevates him to the highest level.

An excellent movie following a Japanese soldiers journey from civvy street to civil service in the occupied territories to conscription, combat and life as a POW. The complete film is almost 10 hours long based on the six-volume novel written in the late 1950s and filmed soon after. This means it was written and made while much of WW2 was still fresh in the collective memory in Japan and it is narrated by the main character. The film is divided into a trilogy following the life of Kaji, a Japanese pacifist and socialist, as he tries to survive in the totalitarian and oppressive world of World War II-era Japan. An interesting film for people interested in the Asian theatre of WW2.

But what a vehicle it is. Nearly ten hours in length, I was quite relieved when it was all over. Be aware that the movie comes in two forms, both in Japanese with English subtitles. The Japanese version is split into six parts, with two 90-100 minute parts on each disc, but the second part (or fourth or sixth) does not automatically play after the first (or third or fifth). You have to select it in the menu. However, if you play the international version, it is split into three parts, so each disc will play a three-hour plus movie all the way through. Strictly speaking, this is a five-star film all day long, but it is just so bloody painful to watch - a bit like reading Solzhenitsyn, Dostoevsky and Shalamov, one after the other for an entire weekend - that I am deducting a star! Highly recommended, and a great deal of film for £15, but be warned.Kobayashi later directed Harakiri (1962) and Kwaiden(1964), both of which are ✰✰✰✰✰ movies, and far more entertaining.

I'm not going to write a Barry Normal type review here. Many others have already given their synopsis of this outstanding collection of 3 films.They are long length feature films with excellent English subtitles and both black & white images and sound are fully intact and very enjoyable.The actors & actresses in the films are extremely dedicated to their craft and pleasure to watch their performances.Seriously a must watch for anyone seeking some background into Japanese society during the war years.Well packed and presented..

This is a marvelous blu-ray editon of the trilogy. Both sound and image are excellent (you can see the grain of the pellicule) in glorious wide screen. It comes in a well made carbon box, with 3x2 discs (blu-ray and dvd), and a very nice 50 plus booklet with background info about the film and the production. Episode 1 and 2 are mono, while episode 3 is stereo.

Unfortunately I've been sent a US region disc that will not play on my UK PS5. Frustrating. Was looking forward to this film. The rating does not reflect my view of the film but the fact I can't play it.

Totalling at over 9 hours of run time, The Human Condition trilogy really is the summit of all filmmaking. It's period setting of World War 2 ensures that it doesn't necessarily age in its aesthetic design, and the issues tackled throughout, such as pacifism and the effectiveness of socialism, are still relevant today. Tatsuya Nakadai gives the performance of a lifetime as Kaji.Buy it and see for yourself.