Original subtitles

Harbin, Manchuria, South-West China, year 1904.

Two Japanese, Sedi Yokogawa and Tezi Ioki

are sentenced to death by hanging.

For infiltrating the territory of our troops and conducting a diversion

pursuant to paragraph 281 in the 2nd article of the Military Code.

But thanks to the generosity of His Imperial Highness,

the gallows will be replaced by a firing squad. Any last wish?

I have 1000 rubles in my pocket.

Please hand these over to your country's red cross.

Okay. On behalf of the Russian people, I thank you.

What is your wish?

I want to drink some vodka before I die.

Here you have vodka.

I have a warning for you, Russian soldiers.

Manchuria and Korea are part of Asia.

They will never be ruled by Europeans.

The Japanese will not spare their own blood

and will expel the Russian army from Manchuria.

Go home, if your life is dear to you.

You - monkey! Monkey!

We are also soldiers and we, too, swore to the Tsar.

Boys! Aim directly for the heart so they will die immediately and won't suffer.

This is also a duty of the Russian soldiers.

Aim!

Long live the Great Japan!

Fire!

PORT ARTHUR (THE 203 METER HILL)

At the end of the 19th century, many poor and underdeveloped

Asian countries became colonies of the Western powers.

England conquered Hong Kong and Weihaiwei,

France - Indo-China and Hangzhou,

Germany - Shandong Peninsula,

America - The Philippines,

and finally, Russia - the mouth of the Amur River and the surrounding area.

As well as the East China Railway, Port Arthur and Dairen.

All these countries were competing to expand their influence

in these areas.

The newly established Meiji government

at the time of conquest, set their sights on colonizing

the Korean Peninsula,

which in case of attack on Japan could be used as an external line of defense.

Russia, in its ambitions, went even further.

Trying to expand its territory,

it took advantage of the commotion in China to send troops

into Manchuria, which at that time belonged to China.

Units crossed the Yalu River

and began to penetrate North Korea.

It thoroughly shook up Japan's plans.

Should the conflict be resolved by force

or by an agreement through diplomatic channels?

The government faced a dilemma.

A clash with the Russian army,

which was considered the strongest in the world was a frightening prospect.

The Parliament met on several occasions.

More often, voices were heard demanding to go to war.

The only one who rejected the military option,

was Ito Hirobumi.

Ito, the Russian government ignored our proposal

to resolve this conflict.

If we do nothing, it would mean

that Manchuria and Korea will be dominated completely by Russia.

- So why then... - Mr. Yamagato.

Maybe you think I'm a coward.

Feel free to think that. You are a soldier and you have a sword hanging from your waist.

But, in spirit, I'm also a samurai.

However, I want the person who needs this war

and who says that we will win, to prove it with facts.

Ito Hirobumi, who was from the lower caste of the samurai,

Yamaguchi prefecture, knew very well

how poor Japan was.

Government revenue:

Japan - 250 million yen, Russia - 2 billion yen.

Regular Army:

Japan - 200.000 soldiers, Russia - 3 million soldiers.

One Russian can handle four Japanese. They are just yellow monkeys!

We can, at any given time, concentrate up to

400 thousand people in Manchuria.

The upcoming war can't even be called a war. It's a walk in the park.

What will happen to Japan, if Russia occupies Korea?

What will happen?

Next, Russia will try and occupy Japan.

- Exactly! - Destroy Russia!

Friends, will you relax and await the day

when you become slaves to the polar bear?

Will we just be waiting? Just waiting?

Never! We are the invincible people of the land of the gods.

The time has come to fight boldly and destroy these traitorous dogs.

Yes! Yes!

War - it's needless bloodshed of our people.

It's just another tax raise! I'm against the war!

Against the war!

We are against the war!

Against the war! Against the war!

You bitch!

Whore!

- Hey you... - Stop it! - He is one of them!

- Run! - She is with them!

Stop! We're all Japanese.

- So, go. - Okay.

- Police! - It's the police.

Mr. Kodoma, I'd like to hear your opinion.

If the war starts, will you lead all the strategic

and military operations?

Have a drink.

Can our country be victorious in this war?

If we take this path, there is no turning back.

I want to hear your honest opinion.

The chance of victory is very small.

Probably fifty fifty,

but with heavy losses sixty forty.

Sixty forty? You are the only one I believe.

But... but still, if we remain idle and do nothing

in the next two or three years,

the Trans-Siberian railroad will become a double-track

and along it the main forces of the Russian army from Europe

will cross into Manchuria and Korea.

It will then be too late to start the war.

Unless we start the war now!

NOW?

If not now, then never.

But to go to war without any hope of victory...

We must overcome our notions of Moscow.

Achieving victory at the cost of huge losses,

is not very unrealistic.

If you use enough force, then a victory is possible.

We will invade the enemy territory and we will gain an advantage.

The world powers will see our capabilities

and under international pressure the Russian expansion will be halted.

Such are the capabilities of our country.

This is the only way to fight this war.

- Kodama! - Sir!

Every day that delays the start of the war

puts us at a disadvantage.

And our soldiers will shed more blood.

Sir, you have to decide right now.

I myself decided to go to the front.

Maybe, if the situation requires it, the Emperor himself

will take over the command of the army and go to war.

And you will need to die for him.

But even so...

But even so,

this is the only chance our army will get.

Sir, please, I beg you.

Kodama...

Hey!

- Hurry up, quickly! - Well, well, what happened?

Good evening!

FEBRUARY 4, 1904

On this day, a meeting should have been held with the Emperor himself.

Before the meeting, Ito unexpectedly was invited to an audience with the Emperor.

According to Prime Minister Kusuga, a very important meeting will be held.

Before the meeting starts, I would like to hear your opinion.

Speak without hesitation.

The situation is indeed very serious, as you have heard.

And if we do nothing to ensure its successful outcome,

the enemy will follow us and try to take over our country.

It will endanger

the very existence of our country.

In this situation, to preserve the honor of the nation, we, the faithful subjects,

have no choice but to go to war

with courage and intelligence.

Until now, the only diplomatic efforts made

were negotiations between the governments of both countries.

I decided to get personally involved in this situation.

I will send a friendly telegram

to the Russian Tsar.

I think that there is no other way

to save both nations from the horrors of war.

Sorry for expressing my opinion,

but the situation is so serious that there is no time for it.

Your Majesty, I would like to inform you that I, Ito,

like a samurai, have decided to prepare for battle and serve you well,

as I once did

during the restoration of imperial power.

Do as you wish.

Now the Japanese state -

supported by the people or not -

should be resolved to this cruel, but nonetheless great step.

From a small hare, who was hunted by the Great Powers,

it has become a dangerous wolf, that sinks his teeth into his prey.

Naval battle by Inchon.

Night battle in the bay of Port Arthur

Promotion of the Japanese army on land.

At Harvard, you studied together

with President Roosevelt, right?

Whether or not we will have America on our side

will depend on the outcome of the war.

Only you can convince her to do that.

Of course, you're right, but Russia helped the US

during the American Civil War and so the US owes Russia.

In addition, in the higher circles of America

quite a lot of people became acquainted with the Russian nobles.

- And that is why... - No, not only that...

From a political, economic and social point of view

Russia and America have a closer relationship and...

That is why, if we don't take any action, America will be on the Russian side.

Do you understand, Kaneko?

In this war, we are not thinking about a complete victory.

Someone must stop us...

Yes.

Someone must stop us somewhere, otherwise Japan will be completely destroyed.

And only America can do this.

If there was at least a 50 percent chance of succeeding,

I would not hesitate.

But I do not believe in our victory one bit.

Stop it!

It will not work, because you are thinking about luck.

And you have to sacrifice your life, your own life.

Commitment, that is all you need.

In this war, I'm also willing to sacrifice my life,

property, position and my honor.

Even if our army is defeated and the Russians reach Kyushu,

I won't let them take a single step

onto our holy land while I'm alive.

I too will pick up a weapon and fight.

Sir...

Kaneko, the goal is not to succeed,

but to sacrifice your life for the salvation of your nation.

Please. Go to America.

Sir...

Kaneko, sacrifice your life together with me.

Immediately after this conversation Kaneko went on a trip to America.

Friends, the relations between Russia and Japan, now, unfortunately,

are not in the best condition.

But, I love Japan the same way I love my homeland.

I will continue to serve here,

regardless of the outcome of the upcoming war.

I love Russia.

I love Russia, the land of Tolstoy, Turgenev and Chekhov.

There is a big chance that I will be called up and have to go to war.

I don't know if I can come to the lectures again.

But...

I honestly love Russia.

I want you to know that there is

at least one Japanese

who likes the Russians.

I agree with this gentleman.

That you will be accompanied everywhere by the love of God.

You have said it very well.

I was really embarrassed,

but when you supported me, I was relieved.

I supported you? I just couldn't keep silent.

- Do you come here often? - Yes, since last year.

Really? I also come here occasionally.

- I've just arrived today. - From where?

From Kanazawa, in the Hokuriku region.

I like Tolstoy, so I wanted to learn Russian.

But as I am a teacher at an elementary school, I don't have much free time.

From Kanazawa... That is very far way.

Yes. That's a two days' journey. I have to return by night train.

And I still want to buy a book.

What if I help you with that?

There are many new bookshops here.

That would be very nice.

Now that we have agreed on that, let's hurry.

So, hurry up.

After three months of war, the Japanese army

was confronted with the necessity of taking over Port Arthur,

the largest fortified port in the Far East.

Here, the Russian Far East fleet

of 40 cruisers was centered.

They seized the Japanese transport ships.

Joint Japanese squadron,

under the command of Captain Hiroshi Take

tried three times to seize the port,

but did not prevail.

Russia decided to send reinforcements' to the

Imperial Fleet from the Baltic Sea.

The capture of Port Arthur has become a matter of time

until the arrival of the Baltic fleet.

At a meeting of the Imperial General Staff

the need for capturing the fortress of Port Arthur by land forces

was finally recognized.

THIRD ARMY COMMAND

The Third Army was established

and came under the command of Major-General Nogi Maresuke.

Greetings to the Third Army Commander in Chief.

I am instructed to command the Third Army.

My name is Nogi Maresuke.

Chief of Staff of Iyichi.

Duty Chief of Staff of Oba.

And I am the first officer, Major Sira.

Commander, Mr. Nogi has arrived.

Commander!

I have been waiting for you!

You live in such a mess.

Yes, that is my lair.

Only geishas from Akasaka and Sinbasi come here.

Bring us that bottle of Huderu brandy over there.

- Well? You drank it? - No, but I wanted to.

- A man must be wary. - Nothing has changed at all.

Thanks. I will pour it myself.

It has been so long.

Nogi and Kodama were from the Choshu Domain.

After the Meiji Restoration,

both chose a career in the Army.

They were good old friends.

I wish you good luck.

I was thinking about leaving the Army.

But thanks to you I can stand on the front line.

Thank you very much.

Better thank the Emperor.

You have been out of service for a long time.

The Emperor is the one who helped you the most.

I thought I wasn't needed in peaceful times.

But on the battlefield I can prove

that I can die as a true warrior.

In truth,

I didn't want to fight as a commander,

I wanted to be a simple company commander.

Only then you can have a real fight and die a hero.

Such a death wouldn't be helpful for us.

Look at this.

In this war, it is not about victory.

At best it will be a draw.

The question is when and where will we achieve this?

In my opinion, at the end of the year or next spring.

Here, at Mukden, or in Harbin, the main battle will take place.

The crucial point will be the destruction

of the Far Eastern Army of Kuropatkin.

We no longer have the energy for further battles.

I also will join the General Staff and will enter into battle.

As soon as you take Port Arthur, hurry to the aid

of my units in the north.

The fate of our nation depends of this plan.

That is why everything has to happen without failure.

I understand. So, first of all we have to take Port Arthur.

It's just a miserable little fortress that is surrounded by a bamboo fence,

but the sailors are constantly whining that we should take it at any cost.

During the Sine-Japanese War, you

captured it in one day.

There's nothing complicated about it.

We lost 280 soldiers then.

And how many will we lose now?

The Third Army has sent its first division from Tokyo

and its 11th division from Yentsuyi to the front line.

KANAZAWA

Kanazawa's 9th division was also added to the main forces

and made ready for battle.

Well! Late again?

BEAUTIFUL JAPAN

BEAUTIFUL RUSSIA

I have received

a call-up from His Majesty and now I'm a soldier.

Thanks to this, the lecture is over.

Professor, will you go to the front as a soldier?

Whatever.

I'm a reserve second lieutenant.

Banzai! Banzai!

But, as this is our last time, I want to ask you all something.

- Can I? - Of course.

Until I return to school, I ask you not to

erase this inscription.

Just as in every heart there is something good,

there is not a country that is bad.

Then why are we at war with the Russians?

I don't know. But nobody must think that

all Russians are enemies of Japan.

Russia has Tolstoy,

a writer that is known all over the world.

Tolstoy gave the world the idea of universal love.

All the people in this world are children of one God.

For him, the most important thing is the heart that loves those close to us.

I also believe in it.

And if you try to live like Tolstoy,

you will be fine people.

- Do you understand? - Yes.

And to say goodbye, we will sing our song.

Three, four.

The evening sky is without clouds, the autumn wind is blowing.

Moonlight and the trilling of a cricket.

How far is my native sky...

Oh, my father and my mother, how are they doing?

Autumn leaves with running water.

Small drops of dew are trembling on the grass.

I got on the train as soon as I received your telegram.

I would like to inform you about this.

But I didn't think that you would come to me.

When will you be called up?

Tomorrow morning.

Take this.

Could you take this with you?

Sati

Thank you, but I can't.

If it were not for war,

I certainly would have told you about my feelings.

And asked your hand from your parents.

But there is no time for that. Therefore, your friendship is enough for me.

I ran away from home, leaving a farewell letter.

I will live here in Kanazawa

and wait for your return.

Sati

Don't talk nonsense!

I have a teacher's license.

I can make a living.

But...

...if you insist that I return home,

I'll do it.

Gentlemen, please continue.

- Thank you. - Please, please, this way.

Kuito, you're still here?

That's enough. Better go to your mother.

Tonight you're wearing civilian clothes for the last time.

Master!

Will you give me this pipe as a farewell gift?

What will you use a tofu seller's trumpet for in time of war?

I will play on it and will become a trumpeter.

For such a deadhead like you, it's better

if you stay in the military and become a military trumpeter,

than being a tofu seller.

And we can win with such an army?

Brother, dad got drunk and is arguing with my mother.

Give it back.

Give it to me!

- Let go! - Give it to me.

- Stop it! - You, woman!

You want to be taken to the police again?

I will not get into the army this way.

Kuito, father stole that one yen, which I

sewed into your belt, and he spent it on liquor.

It doesn't matter. In war you don't need money.

Kuito, become famous and die bravely in battle.

And if you come back alive, keep in mind that the pension will be small.

What are you talking about? Do you want Kuito to die? What? Father? What?

Brother, brother.

So pathetic!

Japan and Russia are fighting,

but we don't have to do that at home.

And this...

These had to be the reasons for Kuito.

What does it mean, "shut up and get out"?

Move.

I just went out a bit and had some fun.

But you just shut me down here.

If I have to get out, I will go out, but you have to apologize to me.

What are you talking about?

You received a notification from His Majesty.

All of your past crimes are forgiven.

I don't want to go to war.

Who do you think you are?

This is an order from His Majesty.

His Majesty? I don't know any of this.

At nightfall,

listen to the monk, eat something and then go to bed.

Mother died last night and I've been drafted into the army.

- Is it clear to you? Do you understand? - Yes.

Clear?

Yosi, you are the elder one, you should take care of Yuki.

Yuki, you should listen to your little brother.

All right then.

You kids are great.

I'll be going then.

Papa needs to go now.

Father!

About face!

Line up! Attention!

From now on, you are the soldiers of Kanazawa's 9th division,

6th brigade, 7th regiment, 1st battalion,

3rd company, 3rd squad, 1st platoon.

I'm platoon leader Kanahira,

remember me well.

- Soldier Kinosito! - Here!

Repeat what I just said!

Kawazawa...

9th... 9th...

Tofu merchant, are your brains made out of soya milk?

Such fools need several lives.

It's enough to remember

nine, six, seven, one, three, three, one.

Nine, six, seven, one, three...

You moron, you really can't remember this?

- Soldier Umetani, you try! - Hm!

You have to say:"Yes, sir".

Yes, sir!

You, what did you do when you were a civilian?

Yes, sir! Entertained my clients in Higashiyama, in the red light district.

Entertained? What do you mean?

Commander, he's a little boy. He's a queer.

If you're going to flirt, the Russian will kick your ass.

Soldier Yonekawa, what did you do?

Yes, sir! I'm a dyer of fabrics.

And we think about winning the war this way? With queers and halfwits!

And this one has a tattoo.

Let me see it, Soldier Usiwako!

- You, moron, what are you looking at? - Attention!

Four recruits were added to the third company.

We will teach the new recruits.

Line up! Attention!

Company commander! On guard!

I'm a commander of 3 units, 2nd Lieutenant Koga.

I'm from the reserves and also got a ribbon.

If something bothers you, you can always come to me.

Lieutenant, sir, the company commander is calling for you.

The military police told me

that you have studied the Russian language.

Yes, I've studied it.

Some commanders oppose, sending you to the front.

So I'm asking you directly what you think about Russia?

I admire her.

Really? I'm glad that you're so honest.

I admire the Russian people, but as a soldier...

Don't continue.

I've also read Tolstoy.

Attack! Forward!

On May 26 the 2nd Army captured Nanshan.

The command of the third Army from Tokyo arrived

at the Hiroshima port Ujina to load the ships.

Ujiti, sir, I wrote a poem, as I had nothing to do.

What do you think about it?

Don't hurry, Port Arthur is not going anywhere.

Get some food, get some sleep and when you're awake - fight.

Okay. The poem has to be duplicated and distributed to everyone.

When we show him to the Russian soldiers at Port Arthur,

they will surrender without resistance.

They say the 2nd Army suffered huge losses

capturing Nanshan.

More than 4 thousand are fatally wounded,

that is 10 times more than expected.

Judging by what kind of resistance the Russian army offered,

it is probable that they have strengthened their defense

of the fortress of Port Arthur.

We shouldn't be afraid that we can't capture it.

Sir!

What?

Sir!

Your son, Lt. Katsuske, in the battle of Nanshan...

Died?

Yes.

After delivering him to the hospital

last night, at half past five.

To go into battle and die on the battlefield

is a warriors honor.

Actually, this is good news,

but I, as a father, I hope he didn't die a shameful death.

- Kanematsu! - Yes, sir.

Send a telegram to my wife in Tokyo.

Katsuske died hero's death in action. Rejoice.

JUNE 1. HEADQUARTERS OF THE 3RD ARMY DEPARTED FROM UJITI.

Banzai! Banzai!

Okay, that's enough.

- Well, does it fit me? - Thank you.

Here's a treat.

- Umetani, are you having fun? - Of course.

Will you take us with you?

Yonekawa!

Soldier Yonekawa!

The Red Cross is now caring for your children.

You don't have to worry about them. Fight with ease.

But where are my children now?

We sent them to the shelter, they are not here.

Finally, I've finished it.

It's a belt for good luck.

Thank you.

Surely nothing will happen to you.

I...

I will wait for you.

Hooray! Long live the Emperor!

PORT ARTHUR

It was not only the base of the Far Eastern fleet,

but was also a place where supplies went through and where the railroad ran through,

which could have affected the fate of the whole of Manchuria.

In the 7 years Russia has invested a huge sum

of 15 million rubles for the installation of 646 howitzers,

the construction of 52 forts and housing for 42 thousand soldiers,

having built the world's largest fortification.

In the center was Erlongshan mountain, in the west Sunshushan,

in the east Tsikunshan, where the main building was.

200.000 bags of cement were needed for their construction.

The most modern military equipment was used.

It was truly an impregnable fortress.

We are in front of the external fortifications.

Attention!

Kondratenko, defense commander of Port Arthur.

High voltage was put on the barbed wire.

Then redoubts with loopholes awaited the attackers.

They were installed with machine guns, which Japan didn't have.

One queue could destroy

dozens of attackers at the same time.

Russia had different

kinds of weapons of mass destruction.

This type of grenade was not known in Japan.

These mines, which were used in the Navy,

were dropped down on the attackers.

Even if they take the fortification,

there would immediately be gunfire from all sides

and all the attackers would have been killed.

Attention!

Nothing, nothing, carry on.

- You're Ivan Goncharov, yes? - Yes.

I received a letter from your mother.

Excuse me.

Write her a letter back, so that she doesn't worry.

Answer that your commander Kondratenko

will send every single Japanese to hell.

Hooray! Hooray! Great! Hooray!

Over there, a wall is being erected.

After overcoming it...

the attackers will encounter so-called caponier,

a very cunning fortification built by the Russians.

The Japanese soldiers who fall here,

will die on the stakes or

will be under fire by machine guns

that are placed in rows on several floors.

In any case, all await certain death.

Captain Orlov, how's your wife? Not given birth yet?

Thank you sir. Everything is all right.

I want to baptize your child myself.

I thank you very much.

Attention!

Attention!

Russians believed that no one could reach the redoubts of

these guns without fatalities,

except for the birds.

But the order of Nogi Maresuke and the 3rd Army was

to raise the Japanese flag on this point.

The 3rd Army of Nogi, after landing on the Liaodong Peninsula,

captured one city after another.

It was headed towards the eastern and northern sides of the fortress,

where it would take position.

First division was moving in the direction of Shueyshin to Mount Ticin,

11th division to Mount East Tsikunshan

and the 9th division was preparing for the attack

of the impregnable fortifications of mount Erlunshan.

JULY 15, DAIREN

To exercise this operation, the Imperial General Staff

has reorganized the command of the Manchu army.

Field Marshal Oyama Iwao became Commander in Chief

and Kodama Gentaro Chief of General Staff.

Sorry for asking,

but when will we be able to attack Port Arthur?

Building the bases is almost done,

but the transport ship "Sado mura"

was attacked by the Vladivostok squadron and had to return to Japan.

Therefore, we don't have enough ammunition and other equipment.

In such a situation, it's impossible to assign an exact date for the

attack.

In addition, we don't know what resources the fortress has.

The Imperial General Staff suggests it has a garrison

of about 15 thousand people and enough supplies for almost 5 months.

Does the summary indicate the true state of affairs?

And when viewed from a distance,

it is obvious that the fortifications are being strengthened steadily.

I don't think that we can take this fort

without firing artillery.

The Kuropatkin Army is moving to the south.

It probably intends to fight a major battle at Liaoyang.

We must carry out our plan before the rainy season.

Otherwise, our army will be at a disadvantage.

Nogi...

Can you capture Port Arthur before that?

If it's an attack at all costs,

you can apply a frontal attack, but with that we condemn the army to destruction.

Well...

Right now, time is more important to us than the number of killed.

But you can't do that. If it's a battle on the battlefield,

I will not reject it, but must we send our troops to the concrete wall?

How will we then capture Port Arthur?

If I say that it is impossible, then it's impossible!

You came right on time.

Adjutant 1st Reserve Brigade, Lt. Nogi.

I came to get an order.

Take this to the brigade commander Tomoyasu.

Tell him it's a gift from Kodama.

Yes, sir. I will deliver it.

We will talk later.

- But... - Well, well, don't worry.

Ijiti, sir, why don't we go and eat?

Of course.

- Lieutenant Nogi! - Yes, sir.

Now you can talk to your father without interference.

- Are you okay, son? - Yes.

- I congratulate you. - For what?

I still haven't congratulated you on receiving the rank of general.

Thank you. Maybe you will take a seat and drink with me?

No. I'm on duty.

Then take this. These candies are from your mother.

Thank you.

- Yasusuke... - What?

You regret that you've become a soldier?

No. Why?

Well, if you know what awaits you, then forget about it.

- Give me one also. - Here!

AUGUST 10

When the Far Eastern squadron realized that

Port Arthur was surrounded by the 3rd Army, an attempt was made to get out

of the bay and go to Vladivostok,

but the squadron was attacked by a group of Japanese ships,

and a battle took place in the Yellow Sea.

The Japanese fleet had a huge advantage,

but the remnants of the Russian fleet, including 5 battleships

were lucky to escape into the bay of Port Arthur.

The plan to take Port Arthur

before the arrival of the Baltic fleet

did not seem realistic.

From overseas telegrams, it was clear that

Vice Admiral Rozhestvensky was appointed Baltic Fleet Commander.

Perhaps he is already preparing to depart.

We received an urgent telegram from Fleet Commander

Admiral Togo, which says that our ships

guarding Port Arthur now will not be able to defend against the Baltic Fleet.

It's therefore necessary to take the fortress as soon as possible.

General Nogi is considering storming the fortress,

but we can adjust the plan

and direct our forces at Hill 203.

From there we could fire artillery at the ships in the bay.

Hill 203- a mountain, which the Russians

called Big One.

It got its Japanese name

because of its height of 203 meters above sea level.

We have to do it against the wishes of Nogi.

Iguti, I'll write him a letter.

Could you maybe go directly there and convince him?

Commander Yamagata is entitled to his opinion,

but our strategic plan

to storm on the eastern and northern side of the fortress

was also already approved by the Supreme Command of the Army.

We can't suddenly change our target and attack Hill 203.

Since we are colleagues, I'll be honest with you.

Why postpone the attack on the fortress

because we lack strength?

Maybe, it will be better

to launch further attacks on Hill 203?

Even if we take the Hill, but don't destroy the fortress,

we will not capture Port Arthur.

The order of the 3rd Army is the complete destruction of Port Arthur.

We need to destroy the main forces of Kuropatkin that are in the north.

But our sailors want

to sink the ships in the harbor of Port Arthur as quickly as possible.

The 3rd Army is not fighting for the fleet.

And anyway, what do you think of the command of the army?

The Army makes a battle strategy right on the spot.

We cannot fight when the Imperial General Staff and the Navy

keeps intervening where they should not!

What kind of intervention?

The only thing we want is ammunition for the guns.

Nobody cares about your opinion. We need bullets!

- You bastard! - Stop it! Now!

Commander! Commander...

That's all. Sit down, we will talk about it later.

Please.

- Sorry. - What do you want?

Mist has descended and I'm a little lost.

Where can I find the seventh regiment?

Stupid! Do you have to the High Command about that?

You!

Explain to him where he has to go.

It's there.

What are you doing?

You had a scorpion there.

Here!

Two divisions arrived for lunch.

We're leaving.

Sixth division arrived for lunch.

From the 16th of August, the army will keep on shelling the enemy.

Then the infantry will begin attacking.

The main blow will be dealt between the mountains Erlunshan

and Eastern Tsikunshan.

9th Division will be preparing for the attack in the evening.

The objective of the attack will be the fortification on Eastern Panlunshan.

Tonight, get ready

and say goodbye to all.

Farewell letters and locks of hair to pass to the family

should be given to the company commander; he will carry them to the headquarters.

This isn't serious. You are totally drunk.

I'm starving.

She was fifteen or sixteen.

If I return home alive, we will definitely go to the restaurant.

Until you return to me,

I will not read Tolstoy.

I want you

to come back.

No matter what.

Whoever you will be fighting,

I want you to come back.

Come back.

Please, come back.

Really?

You really want that?

Commander, Sir!

Soldier Yonekawa deserted.

Yonekawa!

- Yonekawa... - Yonekawa, where are you?

You god-forsaken!

Yonekawa...

Yonekawa! He's here!

Yonekawa is here!

- What are you doing here? - You brat! - You want to escape?

Commander, he is waving with this, asking that we let him go.

What is this?

Children who were transferred to the Red Cross,

ran away from the shelter. They have not yet been found.

Bastards!

Why do they send him such a letter at this time!

Sir,

please let me go home for a short while.

When I am certain that nothing happened to my children

I will return immediately.

Otherwise I can't die.

- I can't. - You fool!

Deserters will be shot.

What kind of soldier are you!

You good for nothing!

Stop, please. Stop... please.

Umetani, who do you think you are!

Stop, please... Stop it, I beg you...

Stop it! Stop right now!

- Scum! - Enough, please.

Stop it, enough already!

And me, shoot me also.

Sir, sir!

Fool! What did Yonekawa do?

What wrong did he do?

I'll kill you all! I'll kill you!

Enough.

Bastards!

Forgive him! Sorry! Please, sorry! Sorry...

Please forgive... Sorry...

Sorry, sorry, sorry...

AUGUST 19

Attack!

Attack!

Attack!

The attack on the right flank by the First Division did not succeed;

the second company was destroyed.

Continue!

Attack!

The attack on the right flank by the Ninth Division did not succeed;

the Thirty-sixth Regiment was nearly destroyed.

Attack!

The attack on the left flank by the First Division did not succeed;

the first and third Regiment were destroyed.

AUGUST 21

- Yonekawa... - What?

At least stay alive. You have no right to die.

Avoid places where the bullets fly.

You have to survive and return home.

Got it? Yonekawa should not die. Got it!

Yes.

Yonekawa, take this with you.

What is this?

A belt for good luck. Bullets will just fly by you.

Yeah, right...

That's an order, no excuses.

Recruit! That doesn't mean you no longer have to hide.

- Hey, Yumetani! - What?

Have you already chosen?

Chosen? A bride or what?

You dunce, a grave, I'm talking about a grave.

Grave?

I've got a lot of work, so I don't have time for that.

Well, then you can lie down in my grave. But my ancestors are there, many of them...

We will put you there somehow.

We will move forward, company to company,

starting with 1st Company.

Forward!

Our target - a trench in front of a fence with barbed wire.

Distance to it - fifty paces.

Attack, forward!

Kuito, and you too.

Forward, forward!

Come on!

Attack!

Forward! Forward!

Attack!

Get down!

Get down!

Come on!

Kuito, duck your head!

Toekawa, don't go forward!

Attack!

Come on!

Attack!

Forward! Forward!

Come on!

Koga! Go around to the right!

Come on!

Don't give UP!

Be patient, Kito!

Forward! What are you doing? Forward!

I call upon Buddha Amitabha,

I call upon Buddha Amitabha, I call upon Buddha...

Long live the Emperor!

H... el... p me...

Attack of the 9th Division failed; 7th regiment almost completely destroyed.

What? Commander Outi of the 9th Division died?

Maybe you are mistaken. ls this true?

We received a report that the left flank of 11th Division was destroyed

in an attempt to take the Eastern Tsukunshan.

Enemy machine guns

prevent any movement of our troops.

When attacking, in a ten second period,

whole companies can be shot down.

We will stop the head-on attacks.

Pass it on to all divisions immediately.

What are they doing there?

If they remain there, they will come under fire.

We need to send them forward or order them back.

Notify the divisions' staff.

Commander!

They all...

- What? - Look over there.

Russian soldiers will...

All of them over there will die.

They're alive. These are still alive.

Follow me! Forward!

You stay here, okay?

Kito, Kito!

Japanese are there...

- Sergeant, sir! - Damn!

Murai, sir!

Don't mind me, take care of this.

- Okay. - Run!

One, two, three!

Commander, continue the assault.

Use all of the reserves for this.

Understood. We will continue the general assault.

Begin. Follow me.

Commander, sir!

Commander, sir!

- Are you all right? - Run.

Damn!

Kaneshiro, Kaneshiro! Kaneshiro, Kane...

Commander, sir!

Attack!

This is the end.

Help me.

Commander, it's a trap!

Shoot! Shoot!

Hey, it's a trap! Climb up!

We will throw you the ropes. Climb.

Faster, faster!

Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!

Commander!

Go up faster.

You filthy swine!

Attack of the 11th division failed.

22 regiment was almost entirely wiped out.

We continued the attack,

but we didn't have enough ammunition.

Nogi has sent an order to stop the attack.

During the first attack nearly

5 regiments were destroyed.

And in other units the number of losses reached more than half of the soldiers.

The only success was the capture of the redoubt

in the mountain Panlunshan by the 7th regiment.

The 7th Regiment, which had 2900 soldiers,

lost 90% of its soldiers.

Only 291 soldiers were still alive.

Are you the only ones alive?

Hold tight, Kito!

- Where is Sgt. Murai and Haraguchi? - We don't know.

Commander, what happened to Mr. Kanehira?

He died.

In the 2nd and 3rd unit everyone was killed.

- Senior officer Shimizu! - Here!

Until Sgt. Murai gets back, you'll be in command.

- The Russians will come. The Russians will come. - Nanaumi...

Hey, Nanaumi, come to your senses! Come to your senses!

9th Division, 6th Brigade, 7th Regiment.

I'm going to look for Murai and Haraguchi.

If you are attacked, defend your positions to your last breath.

Commander! Food! I have food!

I bring food!

- Food. Food! - Food! - Take it!

Hey, why is it red?

Perhaps it's rice with sauce.

It's blood!

Kito, sir. Kito!

Kito! Kito!

Senior soldier! Go back to Kanazawa

and order yourself a fish with buckwheat noodles.

Murai! Sergeant Murai!

Haraguti. Haraguti!

Help! Medic...

It hurts...

Can't hold... can't hold much longer...

Send this... to my wife... at home.

Can't hold... much longer...

Shoot me.

Hurry, shoot me already!

Shoot! Hurry up!

But, you're an officer...

Coward!

Monkey!

Fort Port Arthur - a horrible place.

No one will return from here alive.

No one will return from here alive.

Please explain something to me,

you, the one living in this world.

If every life has a limit,

will the sea also die?

Will the mountains also die?

And the wind?

And the sky?

Please tell me.

Can I trust the deceptive beauty of life?

An emotion which can't be explained in words?

For every person who passes away,

there will be someone who will come.

And the waning moon

will soon

be full again.

Please tell me,

you, the one living in this world.

If every life has a limit,

Will the sea also die?

Will the mountains also die?

And the wind?

And the sky?

And all my family from the village will

die?

Will the sea also die?

Will the mountains also die?

Will love die?

Will the heart die?

Will the sea also die?

Will the mountains also die?

Will love die?

Will the heart die?

Attack, forward! Attack, forward!

Kill all!

On guard!

Battle of Manchuria, where the Russian Army and the Japanese Army

fought at Liaoyang for the first time,

was won by the Japanese troops.

The Russian army, consisting of 200.000 soldiers,

ended the battle without heavy losses and was now retreating to Mukden.

Kuropatkin intended to lure the Japanese

as far north as possible and attack them there.

Manchurian general staff suddenly had to wage

a brutal battle on two fronts, to the south as well as north of Port Arthur.

After the failure of the first attack of

the 3rd Army, Command drew a conclusion.

Finally applying the strategy of local attacks

against enemy positions,

command decided to send the long-range guns

and howitzers from Japan.

These 280-mm guns

were designed to defend the bays of Tokyo and Osaka.

From the fortifications they could be fired

at enemy battleships.

In those days, 110 of such guns were placed

in the ports of Japan.

12 of them were taken

on special carriages to Port Arthur

and placed in their positions in 9 days.

Each of these shells weighs over 300 kg.

Bring the ammo!

Bring the ammo! Load your weapons!

OCTOBER 1

Sight 120, angle 4.

Sight 65, angle 4.

Fire!

LIEUTENANT GENERAL STESSEL

Our army withdrew from Liaoyang, as planned.

Everything is going according to plan.

Soon our valiant armies will start a quick and decisive counterattack.

What is this?

Maybe it is a fast train?

Gentlemen, please be calm.

Our fort is so strong that no enemy can penetrate it.

The Imperial General Staff

wants us to make a new attack

and with these guns hit the ships

that are in the harbor of Port Arthur.

We have guns, but no gunpowder.

Tell them that we're going to attack

when we have enough gunpowder.

We need a little more time.

I'll not let that mistake happen again.

You have been promoted, you're a lieutenant now

and will command the entire company.

I shame myself in front of my dead comrades,

as only I got promoted.

You'll be a great company commander.

What are you doing all day?

The 7th regiment was transferred to the reserve,

so now I train recruits and help

build the underground corridors.

They decided to transfer me back to Japan

and leave you here.

Lt. Koga, I'm depending on you.

The name of Lt. Gen. Terayima will not be tarnished.

If it were possible, I would rather send

soldier Yonekawa home instead of me.

- His children have not yet been found? - No.

But Yonekawa is full of energy and works diligently.

I also want my wife to take care of the children in Kanazawa.

- You have a wife? - Yes.

Thank you for coming!

Sit, sit, please.

We finally found out where Yonekawa's children are.

I'll immediately go to them. Where are they?

Mountain monks, who have long lived in a rooming house

in the Bakuroyo quarter, were hiding them.

The rooming house landlady saw our ad

and immediately informed us.

We're very lucky, landlady.

If something happened to the children of the soldier,

God forbid,

our police department would have been in trouble.

Can I personally pick them up from there?

Yes, of course. If you're the wife of the company commander.

However, I turned to the office,

but there was no record found of your marriage.

The husband hasn't allowed me to do so.

He told me to wait until the end of the war.

Look at this.

Maybe this will help you to recognize me as Kogi Takeshi's wife?

Of course. That is sufficient enough.

Sati.

I've lost many friends.

I've killed Russian soldiers.

But...

But this is war.

And while this war lasts, I shall remain a company commander.

I want you to forget how I was before.

Until the war ends, until Japan wins...

Goodbye, Sati.

What happened?

You want to go to Kanazawa, right?

Then do exactly as I say.

Stretch out your right hand.

You're going to...

If you lose your trigger finger,

you can't be a soldier.

You'll be able to return home.

It's enough to say that you got hit by a stray bullet.

Are you afraid or what?

But if someone finds out, we will both be charged under a tribunal.

I've been accustomed to prison since my childhood.

You have to endure.

You will not have a finger, but you'll be able to hug your children.

Well, come on.

Wait!

Wait just a little bit.

Yonekawa, you have to endure it.

That's not it.

I want to return home together with everyone else.

Together with you, with Mitani, with Kinoshita and the others.

Let's stay together, Yusiwaka, OK?

And if death comes, we'll die together.

I want it to be this way.

You fool! Crazy...

Kinoshita! It's you again.

This trumpet is from a dead trumpeter.

And you claim the momento of the deceased.

Follow me.

What is this?

This is pelargonium.

The properties of this herb are the same as we have in Japan.

If you brew it as tea, you can drink

unboiled water and not get sick of typhoid or dysentery.

When I have to play the trumpet, they give it to me for free.

You look as if you can't even count to five,

but you're just born to be in the army.

- Let me also have a try. - Of course. Take it all.

- Really? - Yes.

- Trumpet. - Can you really?

Why not? I'll make a trumpet player out of you.

But they say that the signal for attacking will no longer

be given in the 3rd Army.

What are we going to do in order not to alert the Russians?

Kinoshita, try to blow, as a seller of tofu.

It looks like it.

OKTOBER 16

That day, from the port of Ribau in the Baltic,

30 ships of the Baltic fleet set sail.

The main force consisted of 12 battleships and 8 cruisers.

The fleet began its long journey to Japan,

the distance of 18.500 sea miles.

COMMANDER KAMIZUMI

The naval command assumes that the Baltic fleet

will arrive somewhere in the middle of January next year.

But until then, all ships of the Japanese fleet

must go through maintenance in Japan.

But until Port Arthur is captured,

we can't allow the squadron, that is trapped in the bay to move.

Admiral Togo is asking when Port Arthur will be captured.

It's up to the commander to decide.

Even I don't know that.

This time, everything must be thought through.

No random strategies.

Admiral Togo would like to know how many days it will be delayed.

It's safe to say that it won't be ten or twenty.

But if we take the time that is necessary for the repair of the ships,

the capture will take place later this month.

Stop giving us orders!

If we asked you to land a unit behind Port Arthur,

to aid the troops,

you would tell us that it's too dangerous.

Therefore, we have offered you any number of heavy weapons.

You now have 280-mm guns.

If you had taken Hill 203, then you could have fired at the enemy ships.

And how long do you think it takes to drag them back?

You hope that the enemy can be taken out by massive fire?

Suppose we are talking about Hill 203 or about another place,

until we can crush the main line of defense,

we can't reach the top of the mountain. Such is Port Arthur.

You say that our damaged ships

have to fight with the Baltic fleet?

You can complain to the Imperial General Staff.

How can we fight without gunpowder?

Field artillery has 101 rounds per gun

and mountain artillery has

103 rounds per gun.

You think that you can crush a concrete mass with that amount of powder,

which is barely enough for fireworks?

Ships can only be repaired one at a time,

ship by ship, so that the enemy doesn't notice it.

Pass it on to Admiral Togo.

Give us the rounds, at least 3 more for each rifle,

so that we can implement the plan of the next attack.

You also have a lack of gunpowder right now

and we desperately need it. You hear that boom?

These are all Russian guns.

We don't shoot. We simply can't shoot.

But at least we hear from the seamen that if you don't start the fight immediately,

the combined fleet would be in mortal danger.

We are also fighting, but we don't know when

the showdown with Kuropatkin will be.

Don't complain all the time that you don't have something.

Use your head and come up with your own plan.

It's so cold! Heating up will help.

LIAOYANG, THE MANCHU ARMY HQ

Obo, have you brought the general plans for the assault?

No, we were solving the problem of the supply of gunpowder.

Why is this 3rd Army constantly taking time off?

The Baltic fleet has already left the port.

But with the current amount of gunpowder...

If there is no gunpowder, change the plan and apply a frontal attack.

Send all the divisions to Erlunshan.

Even if we take Erlunshan,

we will be fired at from other positions.

- No more excuses! - It's not an excuse.

Commander, sir,

aren't you aware how many soldiers have fallen?

What? You dare to contradict me?

Hey, quickly bring me medicine for toothache.

Nogi...

Tell Nogi that I, Kodama, tearfully

ask him to take Port Arthur,

if possible, immediately.

If this is not done now, Japan will collapse

in the midst of the war.

Nogi! I would like to speak my mind,

but my mind...

went blank.

I don't understand.

I don't understand.

Poverty dulls the sharpness of the mind.

- Kodama said that? - Yes.

As a result, Nogi

has decided on the second attack,

with the support of artillery fire.

SEPTEMBER 26

According to Prince Kaneko from Washington,

President Roosevelt expressed concern

that Port Arthur is impregnable and has resumed peaceful relations with Russia,

as before.

Unless there is a change in the military situation,

our country could lose credibility in the eyes of

our powerful ally, the United States.

The 3rd Army will lead the second attack on Port Arthur.

It should work this time.

When Port Arthur falls,

the Russian army in Manchuria will be defeated.

I believe that the military situation will evolve in our favor.

Sir...

Yamagato, I...

Today, the third army halted the assault.

Halted?

Port Arthur!

Why should Japan's fate depend on taking a single port?

WAR INTERRUPTED FOR 24 HOURS

Soldier, wait a minute. This is our bread.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

In this war the way of the warrior still existed and the spirit of generosity lived on.

Hey, Japanese soldiers, this is for you.

Thank you, thank you.

- Here are some cigarettes. - Thank you.

The second attack also failed.

Nogi, you murderer!

You're killing our soldiers!

Give me back my son!

Incompetent commander, retire already!

Take off your coat and apologize before the Emperor and the people!

Murderer!

Madam, we should call

security or the military police.

Oh, God!

Let them be and do what they want.

One house doesn't matter.

Damn!

Shit!

Hey!

Thank you very much.

- It's a cold, huh? - Yes.

How is your health?

What is cold to us, we are soldiers.

Sorry.

Sorry.

I am not really a talker.

What I said, it...

For laziness and incompetence

I give the commander of the 3rd Army

Gen. Nogi Maresuke

this short sword for seppuku.

Greetings!

Sorry that I annoy you.

- Do you need anything? - No.

If you don't need anything, then why did you come here?

- Go back to your unit. - Yes, of course.

You see, I received a parcel with chestnuts from my mother.

And I would like to share them with you.

Really? Thank you.

That which lay on the table, I took as a memento.

You look tired.

As you see,

there is not even time to sleep.

Can I burn this?

It's not important. And something like that can be the share of the Commander in Chief.

- Yasusuke! - Here!

As a junior officer, what do you think of me,

your commander?

I respect you as being a worthy famous general.

Among the commanders who, sent thousands of people to their deaths with one order,

there is not a single decent famous general.

The last time I was a good commander is when I was a major.

Later I became insensitive as a stone.

And being a stone, I can't even slit my stomach.

If there is someone who would replace me,

I would cease being a cold stone.

Father!

If I can do something to help you, just tell me.

I want to be alone.

Yasu.

SEPTEMBER 17 THE BALTIC FLEET DEPARTED FROM MOROCCO

If the situation at Port Arthur does not change before the end of the month,

the Navy will be forced to lift its blockade

of the Russian ships in the bay.

And also stop the supply by sea.

That's from a report of our fleet.

Yamagata, if that happens, we can't send

any troops into Manchuria, or ammunition.

The Manchurian army will remain as if they are empty-handed.

Of course, we will not allow the fleet

to operate at its own discretion,

but the ground army needs to actually attack on the battlefield.

Actually attack?

Send Asahikawa's 7th Division over there

and increase the number of soldiers.

Then we will carry out personnel changes at headquarters,

to raise morale.

Personnel changes?

Mr. Yamagato, we have to replace Nogi.

Nogi?

The security of our country depends

primarily on the capture of Port Arthur.

If that fails, all the efforts

from the beginning of the war until today

will turn to ashes.

Mr. Yamagata, I beg you...

Under no circumstances remove Nogi!

If we do that he has no reason to live anymore.

If we do that, we will devalue the death

and suffering of all the soldiers

who have fallen under his command.

People around the world are taking notice of Port Arthur.

The capture of Port Arthur by General Nogi is most likely to happen

with the current situation at the front.

And I think this will have the greatest effect.

Yes, and there is no one else who could do it besides him.

I agree to add the 7th Division to the 3rd Army.

Provide for them, let them renew the attack with

reinforced military units.

Attention!

Someone, shave me. I have guests.

I can't earn anything this way.

Okay, then I'll shave you.

Keep up your spirits, Umetani.

Let's begin.

How nice.

Don't forget your promise.

A promise?

Promise you will put me in your crypt.

Yes, of course.

But if I come back home,

how will I know which crypt is mine?

You'll have to wait until I too am free.

I would so like to eat sweet biscuits.

And pickled beets.

And rice balls.

Rice ball... Rice ball...

Do you think you can eat that while it's frozen?

NOVEMBER 26

The third assault began with an attack

by soldiers with white bandages who sacrificed themselves.

They were collected from different divisions.

They had to break through the defenses on the

fortress and break into Port Arthur with an unexpected united blow

that could catch the enemy by surprise.

The objective of our special units is to

break the defense of the fortress of Port Arthur.

It's an honorable task, but you should know that it will not be an easy one.

Don't believe

that you'll return alive.

Every commander must pre-select a substitute.

Only attack with bayonets.

Until you penetrated the enemy positions,

you shouldn't pay attention to any injuries

and don't shoot.

If the commander sees that someone

stays behind for no reason, wants to break away from the group

or retreat, he will, without any pity, cut off his head.

Commander in Chief, sir!

We are the soldiers of the special unit, who, from the soldier to the junior officers,

volunteered for the job.

That the commander says he will behead the ones who will retreat,

we regard as an expression of contempt

for the Emperor's soldiers.

Cancel this order!

Glory to the Imperial family!

On guard!

Light! Light! Fire!

Forward!

In the first attack the troops with white armbands

lost half of their soldiers.

But they couldn't take a single step

under very heavy fire.

An attempt by the special units to overcome the main line of defense

was repeated three times.

11th Division has put forward infantry

and the 12th regiment became a major force

in the storming of Eastern Tsikunshan mountain.

Run!

9th Division has put forward infantry and 19th regiment became a major force

in the storming of Erlunshan mountain.

It's so cold!

Damn!

I'm cold.

What are you doing?

No bullets. Nothing to shoot. Damn!

Commander, sir,

if we don't do anything, senior soldier Shimizu will freeze.

Will you send us into battle, Commander?

Can you fight without bullets and gunpowder?

Soldier Nisugi, take a report to headquarters.

Assault unit of the 19th regiment is destroyed,

not a single officer left.

If we get support from one infantry regiment

and a unit of EODs, we can break through the defensive position.

We need urgent help. That's all.

Yes, sir.

Japanese.

Give me some water.

Water...

I will not attack you!

Okay, wait a minute.

It's so cold.

Officer! ls there an officer here?

Here! Commander of the special unit of 7th division, Lt. Koga.

I have orders from headquarters.

Prior to the start of a new attack,

the assault on the main line has been postponed.

All units must

return to their original positions. That's all.

Why weren't we sent any reinforcements?

We hold this position for two days already!

Unfortunately, I don't know.

Commander!

He died. He froze, although he was just breathing.

Sorry! What a pity that the order to retreat didn't come sooner.

He)', Japanese!

You are still here?

Do you have any bullets left?

We offer you a temporary truce.

We will not shoot.

He says that he won't shoot.

You are real daredevils.

I propose a toast to the courage of the Japanese.

Let's drink!

What are you yelling the whole time!

All the same, we will protect Port Arthur!

We will never give it up!

Hey, I'll have a baby soon. Let's drink to my son.

- Commander, what is he saying? - Drunk and talking nonsense.

We admire your perseverance.

But we will definitely capture this fort.

Better give up quickly!

I'll give you a drink for your courage.

Come here and you'll get a drink!

- I'll go there. - Don't go, it's dangerous.

Don't go!

I want to get drunk, get drunk.

I want to get drunk,

so that before the dawn I...

Hey! Well done! Eat! Here is some canned food.

Look! He has a grenade!

You, idiot!

Usiwaka!

- Commander! - Usiwaka!

Usiwaka!

- Yonekawa! - Commander!

Usiwaka!

Usiwaka! Usiwaka!

- Let me go! - Commander!

Yonekawa!

Usiwaka!

Bastards!

Yonekawa!

Yonekawa!

Yonekawa!

Yonekawa!

Yonekawa!

Yonekawa! Yonekawa!

Yonekawa!

The snow is falling so silently.

Only my heart will come back home.

Is everybody healthy at home?

Maybe my thoughts will reach you.

Quietly, quietly into the night the snow falls.

Only love got lost along the way.

But with one of the positions we didn't make any progress.

Commander, maybe we didn't make progress,

but the attack should have been continued.

Now we give the enemy time,

so that he can strengthen the defense of the fortress.

What if I change direction and attack Hill 203?

And, according to the staffs plan,

start attacking ships in the port from the top of the hill?

But how do you plan to defend it afterwards?

Under artillery fire?

I also agree with the opinion of the 1st Division commander.

With the last assault

we inflicted considerable damage on the enemy. So I believe

that taking Hill 203 is possible.

If we will have enough soldiers, ready to die,

we have a hope of winning.

But we have to decide on this as soon as possible.

But everything suggests that Hill 203

has strengthened its defense after yesterday's attack.

Only one division could be...

Hill 203 is in the attack sector of my 1st Division.

I'll take the division and capture the Hill.

That's impossible.

Even though you are a division, you only have the strength

of a regiment.

Especially now that your division is so scattered...

My division, from the moment of landing, haven't seen battle yet.

Give the storming of Hill 203 to my division.

As you know, the 7th Division was sent here,

at the sole wish of the Emperor.

It's the cream of our army.

You can only use it to break through the main line.

Commander!

You talk as if you know the state of our army?

You don't want to change anything and you want to let

the best division storm the hill in vain, in the same fashion as those before them?

This is exactly what His Majesty will never forgive us for.

Storming the main line is cancelled.

The target of the attack is changed. Now it's Hill 203.

The main attacking force will be the 7th Division.

The 1st Division and reinforcements

temporarily come under the direct command of the commander of the 7th Division.

I, Nogi, take responsibility for the whole operation.

Commander in Chief!

Matsumura, this is a decisive battle.

Abandon your arrogance.

In any situation, our army will respect

the honor of your officers.

Therefore, we ask that our questions are answered truthfully.

How many soldiers in the fortress of Port Arthur

are capable of fighting? What is the weakest spot in the defense?

How many soldiers are defending Hill 203?

Don't ask too many questions.

We will never give up Port Arthur to the Japanese.

The prestige and honor of the Russian Empire

can't be compared to your oriental monkey kingdom.

You'll have to surrender! And quickly!

What did he say?

If you say that you respect my honor,

try to kill me.

You don't have the courage for it! Yes?

- Let me go, I'll kill him! - How dare you?

Did someone order you to kill him?

You have committed a crime: disobeying an order

You will be given before a tribunal!

You hear that? You hear that? You hear that?

You've probably read the rules

that are in force at the siege of Port Arthur,

established before the battle by General Nogi.

Yes.

They clearly state that the officers of the 3rd Army

must maintain the honor of the Japanese soldier and never

stoop to acts of humiliation and violence

against prisoners.

You broke the general's order and

dishonor his name.

Why did you want to kill him?

To avenge my soldiers.

But he was an unarmed prisoner. ls that revenge?

All Russians are my enemies.

Wake up, Lt. Koga. You'd better be honest and admit your guilt.

I don't regret anything.

For the soldiers at the front, honor and rules are not important.

What's important to them is whether they will survive or die.

For soldiers...

For soldiers that are going to die,

their home, headquarters, orders and directives

do not matter.

At the bottom of a burning hell, they become demons

and they feel only scorching pain!

And this suffering...

The suffering of my soldiers

had to maintain the battle morale of General Nogi?

What do you have against the general?

General Nogi also lost his son.

- Of course I have! - And what?

He says that he was killed at the front. It's natural.

But

he sends his soldiers and his son to the field of death and issues

orders

to treat the enemies humanely.

I don't understand his mind!

Sir...

He's probably a little out of it.

Go back to your company.

Well, go on!

HILL 203

DECEMBER 28

Get down!

Attack!

Attack!

Forward!

Bastards!

Stop it!

Don't do it!

Because of the Russian defense,

the battle of Hill 203, where all their forces were mobilized,

was the day's most deadly fight.

Sir, think carefully.

We are much more concerned about Kuropatkin's army, which is much stronger than the one at Port Arthur.

Nogi began to storm Hill 203.

If he doesn't succeed, we will never take Port Arthur.

And if I don't come to his aid, he will never win.

The main forces in Mukden can, by all accounts,

at any moment go on the defensive.

You completely neglect your duties as a commander?

Shut up!

Shut up!

Shut up!

When it becomes be necessary, I'll return.

I can't believe it.

You are planning to intervene in the fight?

What if... What if you don't succeed in

taking Hill 203?

Will you return to headquarters alive?

Matsukawa,

you know what's going on. That is why you should let me go there.

What can you say about this?

I will send Kodama in my place.

Everything he has said is to be treated as if it was I who said it personally.

Thank you very much.

Kodama, did you use it?

I hope that I never will.

I'm depending on you.

When the battle starts and it's leaning towards victory,

I'll send for you.

And if we are losing, I'll do it myself. Don't hesitate.

It's cold outside.

- Take care of your health. - Okay.

Get down!

Run!

Adjutant!

- Adjutant, are you okay? - Yes, I'm fine.

Run to the Murakami's unit! Tell them that headquarters

needs reinforcements.

Headquarters is in a critical situation.

- Yes, sir. I will obey. - Go.

You have any news for me?

Yes.

That's...

What is the state of the troops?

Prepare for the next attack.

Regarding this, the commander is at the meeting

at the headquarters of the 7th company.

Okay.

Sir!

The news arrived that Mr. Yasuske died.

- Shirai! - Here!

Can you send a message to Commander Osake of the 7th Division?

Yes.

Tell him the following:

In case of doubts about the success of the assault on Hill 203,

don't attack head on.

Next,

tell the commander of the 9th Division that he should send his infantry regiment

to the headquarters in the morning.

The last assault I will lead myself.

Sir!

Do what I've told you!

You fools!

How can we win the war, when the army leaders

are all sitting around the stove?

Don't be angry. It's because of my neuralgia.

What do you think about in those dark minds of yours?

Do you at least know that right now

the Baltic squadron is approaching at top speed? You really don't know that?

We know. We did everything we could.

So why haven't you still captured Hill 203?

After all, the situation changes every minute.

So what did you do? Just stared stupidly?

Such idiots like you can't be officers.

Remove these officer significations from yourself!

As you have come so far, I'll also tell you something!

The main headquarters has never sent us any munitions,

which we have repeatedly requested.

The Imperial General Staff is good for nothing and you,

as a commander, also bear the blame!

Iyichi, what is your mission?

Don't you command the 3rd Army?

Should a commander, who can't come up with a good plan

and blames others for it, be behaving like this?

It's pointless. Where's Nogi?

He is examining the battle location.

So I ask you, where is he?

That is...

You what, don't know where your commander is?

Sir!

His son, Yasuske, died.

Hey, beardy!

It's very luxurious here.

Have a seat.

Leave us alone.

You have gone gray.

You are having a hard time with this commander, right?

Whatever. Iyichi is trying.

Judging by what I see here,

he's wrong in the main.

I came to talk about future military plans.

Be honest, will you hear me out?

It's simple. I want, whenever possible to participate

in the strategic planning of the 3rd Army.

In some situations I will decide myself, without consulting with others.

But for this I need your prior consent.

Why don't you explain it in more detail?

I came

as a substitute for Mr. Oyama, to relieve you of command.

- Don't talk nonsense. - No. I've waited for this.

And once you're here, I've nothing to reflect upon.

As the commander, I'll lead my troops

and attack Hill 203.

Two battalions are already assigned to me. Now it's up to you.

Nogi, what is all this nonsense in your head?

I only came here to help you.

No, it's not that. I ask you this.

Let me do it this way.

I've made three attacks

based on your plans.

Can I do it my way now? Or not?

- No! - Kodamo!

No, it' nothing, no, no.

Now I just can't let you die.

As I've already said,

the most decisive battle for my Manchurian army

will be against the main forces of infantry

under the command of Kuropatkin.

Kuropatkin is now most afraid of you

and your army, which stubbornly attacks Port Arthur.

The Battle of Mukden is approaching,

there you will be required.

Nogi, the fate of Japan will be decided.

Now you should be quiet and do exactly what I tell you.

Kodama, I'm not made of stone!

Nogi! There is no time

to look for a cure for your suffering and remorse.

The only thing I think about now is

how to win this war.

Only about that!

By the order of

commander Oyama, I was appointed

military adviser of Gen. Nogi.

Based on this,

I demand to redeploy the artillery.

First,

the heavy guns from the north eastern sector have to be moved here,

to Koachshishan mountain.

This way, we can stop the attack of the enemy.

Second,

as soon as we take Hill 203,

we will shell the enemy,

who will try to counter us,

with 280-mm guns with 15 minute intervals, day and night.

That is all.

- What is this? - What is happening?

Is it necessary to move the heavy artillery?

The current position in the north-eastern sector

is essential to the strategic plan.

If we lose these positions, we are threatened with a counterattack.

All your suffering is due to the enemy

hiding in the fortress.

If he comes out and attacks, we should be happy.

You told us to transport the guns,

but can you imagine the work required to install the carriages...

...in such a short time... - You can handle it.

- In a single day. - But...

That's an order.

Place the guns in their new positions in 24 hours.

Chief Commander!

You say that the 280-mm guns have to cover the units

which will storm Hill 203.

But the fire of these guns will also hit our soldiers.

I've included some losses during the shelling

in my calculations.

The enemy conducts more successful counterattacks,

because they don't hesitate to shoot where their soldiers are.

There are differences between us and the Russian army!

It's impossible for guns to be fired

at the Emperor's subjects.

And who, until now,

was allowed to kill in vain so many of His Majesty's subjects?

Wasn't that you?

War means dedication.

We need to see it through to the end.

DECEMBER 5

Don't shoot! Don't shoot!

Stop it! You're shooting at us!

- I have no bullets! - Me too!

Forward!

Get down!

Damn, no bullets!

Shit!

You bastards!

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai...

3rd company, 27 regiment captured the south-western peak of Hill 203.

You Pig!

You bastard!

Bastard!

Take this, you damn flag!

It is ours!

Get out of here, you monkey!

Well, come on!

We're here! Banzai...

1st company, 28th regiment captured the north-eastern peak of Hill 203.

Hold on!

Just a little bit. A little bit.

Go on!

Consolidated 25th Regiment captured the top of Hill 203.

We're here!

- Messenger! - Yes!

- Telephone! - Yes!

Sir! There's a call from the top.

Excellent.

- Kodama, are you all right? - Yes.

I'm all right.

This is Kodama from the staff!

Is the pier of Port Arthur visible from there?

We see it! We clearly see some ships of the Russian squadron.

Excellent!

- Obo! " Yes!

Now we'll start shooting the enemy ships in the bay;

run and find a comfortable place for observation.

Finally, we captured it.

Kodama, Yasuske gave me these chestnuts.

Really? I'll take one.

I have bad teeth.

Battleship "Retvizan" got hit; it's on fire.

Yes, we hit "Retvizan". It caught fire.

Hill 203 was taken.

Hey, they captured it!

- Is that true? - Banzai!

Banzai!

They have done it!

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai...

Immediately after taking Hill 203

the heavy guns began shelling the Russian squadron

in the harbor of Port Arthur.

In addition to the battleships,

a few dozen cruisers were sunk.

The main task - the destruction of the squadron at Port Arthur -

was achieved.

Japan has won! Banzai! Banzai! Banzai...

Stop it!

What are you doing?

- They wanted to erase it. - My father was killed by Russians.

That is certainly true, but Professor Koga told us

that we shouldn't erase that.

Kids, you hear this bell?

Hill 203 at Port Arthur has finally been captured.

Professor Koga will soon return from the war.

This message is no longer needed.

Now your new teacher will be Mrs. Matsuo.

Professor Matsuo is engaged to Mr. Koga.

If you don't listen to her, Mr. Koga will then punish you.

Okay.

DECEMBER 15

The 3rd Army

launched a decisive attack

against the main fortress.

Obviously, the Japanese army is digging an underground tunnel.

Nothing. Let's discuss what we will do next.

11th Division captured the fortress on hill Tsukanshan.

Okay, I understand.

Commander, explosives with capsules

are placed at all the exits of the tunnel.

Okay!

Get up!

Get up!

Get inside!

Hey, a Japanese officer just entered!

Commander!

Commander, sir!

Commander, everything okay? What's wrong with you, commander?

Go and run!

- What's wrong with you? - I said, run!

Run!

Mother!

Give strength to me, your Ivan!

We won! Banzai! Banzai!

We are here! Here! Banzai! Banzai...

Faster! Don't fall behind!

Commander! Commander!

On the 26th of December, 9 divisions conquered the fortress of Port Arthur

The seizure of Erlunshan was the latest blow,

which led to the surrender of the fortress.

Thus ended the siege of Port Arthur.

On March 1905,

in the final battle between the Russian and Japanese armies,

in the great battle of Mukden,

the Japanese army won by a wide margin.

However, the Russian army of several hundred thousand soldiers

settled in the south of Changchun

and everything came to a standstill again.

The outcome of the Russo-Japanese war

now depended on the decisive naval battle,

which would include the Baltic squadron.

This naval battle

was won by an unexpected maneuver

of the flagship "Mikasa"

and a thirty-minute bombardment.

The battle ended two days after the destruction of the Baltic squadron.

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Evening sky without clouds, the autumn wind is blowing.

Moonlight and cricket trilling.

How far way is my native sky...

Oh, my father and my mother, how are they doing?

Autumn leaves with running water.

Small drops of dew are trembling on the grass.

How far away is my native sky...

Oh, my father and my mother, how are they doing?

Evening sky without clouds, the autumn wind is blowing.

Moonlight and cricket trilling.

THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF JAPAN THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF RUSSIA

January 14, 1906. The Emperor's palace. Inaugural presentation by Nogi on the progress of the war.

Let me, your subject Maresuke

solemnly inform you.

Without my good merits, I was, on May 1904,

appointed commander of the 3rd Army.

I was entrusted with the capture of the fortress of Port Arthur.

In June, we set sail.

In July, we repelled an attack by the enemy and

then we attacked his forward position.

We pushed the enemy to their defense lines.

Together with our powerful fleet we have been able

to surround the fortress of Port Arthur.

Using the strategy of frontal attack,

we kept fighting and tried to break through to the fortress.

On the third part of November and early December,

we tried to capture Hill 203.

Finally, we took it and could sink

the enemy fleet, that was hiding in the bay.

January 1, 1905, we entered the fortress

and the enemy surrendered.

So it ended...

So it ended, the siege of the fortress.

In other words,

the plans of our army were carried out

thanks to your Majesty, thanks to the leadership of Command

and through the joint effort of all involved.

Within 16 months I've seen

how our officers and soldiers bravely fought

against a formidable foe, faithfully, courageously and honestly.

For soldiers...

For soldiers who are going to die,

their home, headquarters, orders and directives

do not matter.

At the bottom of a burning hell they become demons

and they feel only scorching pain!

And this suffering...

suffering of my soldiers

had to maintain the battle morale of General Nogi?

They threw themselves on the blades, bullets were killing them,

but they all shouted "Long Live! His Majesty"!

They died happily.

If I

hadn't told you this, I would never have peace.

However, I've used their dedication and courage

and sent them in half a year to their deaths in battles for Port Arthur.

These great sacrifices I will...

will...

I will weep for them till the day I die.

On July 1906 Kodama Gentaro suddenly died.

On October 1909 Ito Hirobumi was assassinated.

On July 1909 Emperor Meiji died.

In September of that year,

Nogi Maresuke and his wife, Shizuka, committed seppuku.

Writer: Kazuo Kasahara

Cinematographer: Masahiko Limura

Art Director: Hiroshi Kitagawa

Music: Takasumi Akigiko

Director: Toshio Masuda

Cast:

Tatsuya Nakadai

Tetsuro Tanba

Teruhiko Aoi

Masako Natsume

Hisaya Morishige

Makoto Sate

Toshiro Mifune

Translation from the Russian subtitles: Bigvlad Translation edited: Warlord JVS. Corrected by biberwesen