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

Fantastic four disc edition of one of the greatest pieces of Japanese and world cinema films ever made. It is about the Japanese occupation of Manchuria during world war 2.It is a masterpiece. I first saw this on British television in the 1980's and considered it one of the greatest films I had ever seen on TV. I have been looking for it for over 25 years so really glad to have find it in such a well presented and packaged collection. I am really looking forward to watching it. It was originally released in Japan as 3 separate films in the 1960's and is spread over 4 discs in the Criterion collection.It is by the great Japanese Film Director Masaki Kobayshi and is considered a mammoth and moving humanist drama and tells the story of a naïve young Japanese man who journeys from labour camp supervisor to Imperial Army soldier to Soviet POW in World War 2 Japanese occupied Manchuria. It is an anti war and humanist tale of a corrupt and brutal system and an indictment of Japans wartime cruelty, mentality and atrocities and his struggle to survive and retain his morality amidst the tragedy of war. In my view it is one of the most staggering achievements in world cinema and a masterpiece of cinema at its greatest. If you have not seen it and are interested in Japanese cinema the and the War in th Far East then buy it and enjoy. It is worth the cost and the effort

I have always been a great fan of Japanese film and Nakadai . This film is so overwhelming. Along with the Burmese Harp and 24 Eyes they show the devastation to lives caused by war. I can't imagine how many lives were devastated by WWII. Europe, Japan and Russia were severely hit. I feel fortunate to live in America every time I see these films and it really wrenches my heart to think of others who are not as fortunate. Nakadai is truly great in this film as are others that are in it. I highly recommend it.

My wife and I have not finished watching these features, because we can handle the stark realism of the brutality of Japan's WWII military in measured doses. Nevertheless, the acting is excellent, and the perspective on the Manchrian theater of the war is fascinating.

Always fast, reliable, high quality products, top of the Amazon Food Chain. Will return!

great!

As my header says, this is an amazing and powerful film. Directed by a master filmmaker and talented cast makes this is a must-see for fans of foreign cinema. Criterion's transfer is top notch as usual

The cinematic of the Japanese colossal war film managed to make me feel at home watching for hours. Filmmakers deserve international awards

Another example of the greatness of Japanese film making

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.

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..

Probably the best and most humane film I have ever seen. Would have been good if all world leaders watched this film and be influenced by it - we might have lived in a better world. Naive, I know, but then what's wrong with it ? :)

All three films, on blu ray, one disk per film, with excellent picture quality,No booklet, no frills, but again, an incredible bargain, even for North Americans, if they have invested in a player that is international....

Super fast shipping, brand new, as it said on the description, I’ m very satisfied with this purchase.