All language subtitles for Men and War 3 1080p BDRip

IN PREVIOUS CHAPTERS:

1928

Japanese Kwantung Army set camp in Manchuria
in order to protect the gains

made in the Second Sino-Japanese War
and Russo-Japanese War.

The Kwantung Army, which supported
a tough policy in relation to China

intended to annex Manchuria and Mongolia

and establish the rule
of the Japanese government there.

Newly-established zaibatsu of the Godai family.

In connection with the worsening situation in China,
Mr Godai Yusuke, in the presence of

his elder son Eisuke and his brother Kyosuke,
explained further strategy of the zaibatsu.

Kyosuke, who had recently returned from Manchuria,
secretly established ties with the Kwantung Army.

Shunsuke, second son
of the Godai family, met Shimegi Kohei.

Takuro, Kohei's elder brother,
worked at the Godai family's enterprise

but after the raids of March 15
he was sent to prison.

Shunsuke joins forces with Kohei
and poor artist Haiyama

more and more sympathizing with the workers'
predicament and current social problems.

The only person in the Godai family
who understands Shunsuke is his sister Yukiko.

Yukiko falls in love with young
impulsive officer, Lieutenant Tsuge.

September 1931. Following the orders of
Colonel Seishiro and Lieutenant-colonel Ishiwara

the Kwantung Army blows up a train
near Mukden and Lutaigo.

After that, an attack on Zhang Xueliang's troops begins,
which marks the starting point of the Manchurian incident.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1931
THE MANCHURIAN INCIDENT

January 28, 1932
The Shanghai incident.

At the same time, the puppet government
of Manchukuo is established.

In Japan, attempts
to eradicate nonconformity start.

Painter Haiyama is arrested
for his anti-war sentiments.

Godai Yusuke arrives on the mainland
and joins forces with Kyosuke

who has ties with the Kwantung Army,
in order to expand

the Godai enterprise in Manchuria.

Kohei works at a factory
and goes to evening school.

He also takes part in left-wing activities.

Shunsuke's sister, Yoriko Godai, loves Kohei.

But he gets arrested and put in prison.

THE FEBRUARY 26 INCIDENT

Ministers who condemned
Japan's expansive policies

were attacked by militarists.

Shunsuke, who is against
the Godai company profiting off war

leaves school and goes to Manchuria.

Shunsuke, who is in love
with a married woman, Atsuko Kano

tries to run away with her, but fails.

He is forced to go to Tianjing as a Godai company's employee.

DECEMBER 12, 1936
THE XI'AN INCIDENT

Following the Xi'an Incident, the Kuomintang
and the Chinese Communist Party

join forces in order to fight Japan.

The anti-Japanese movement
spreads around China.

July 7, 1937
The Lugou Bridge incident.

Japan took advantage of this incident
and activated troops all over China.

A new flame of war between
Japan and China was sparked.

Captain Tsuge, who spoke against war with China

breaks up with Yukiko
and goes to the frontline.

Kohei, who has been released from prison

now has to serve in the army
and be separated from Yoriko.

More and more people
become involved in the war.

July 28, 1937

Japanese troops stationed in China,
around Beijing and Tianjing

simultaneously attacked the Chinese army.

Here, a full-blown war
between Japan and China broke out.

August 13, the flame of war
spread to Shanghai as well.

In order to support the Japanese troops
in the battle that had lasted for over two months

on November 5, the Yanagawa formation
disembarked in Hangzhou.

By November 9,
the whole of Shanghai was occupied.

Ignoring the orders of Commander Iwane Matsui

Commander Yanagawa
continued to advance to Nanking.

On December 1, the Japanese Central China Area Army
received the Emperor's order

to capture Nanking.

December 13
Nanking has been captured.

The government moved the capital to Chongqing.

Soon after, an incident took place

whose cruelty has
no analogues in the military history.

Unimaginable atrocities were committed
by the Japanese army for the next month.

The number of victims of the Nanking Massacre
exceeded 300 thousand people.

MEN AND WAR
PART 3

GODAI

THE GODAI FAMILY'S ELDEST DAUGHTER YUKIKO

Thank you.

SECOND DAUGHTER YORIKO

SERVANT OTAKI

This is wonderful!

YUSUKE, HEAD OF THE GODAI FAMILY

Are the preparations over?

After the loss of Nanking

EISUKE, THE GODAI FAMILY'S ELDEST SON

China's defeat is only a matter of time.

It's not so simple.

Winning a battle and winning a war
are different things.

The Central District Army
is talking about peace

but because of their contempt to Chiang Kai-shek's army,
which is getting stronger and stronger

the war is going to last even longer.

He has a very big army.

We have to deal with it before it becomes even bigger.

SHUNSUKE, SECOND SON

What condition is the Kwantung Army in?

The main actor on the stage

is the China Expeditionary Army.
I'm concerned about them.

They're like a wild horse.

KYOSUKE, PRESIDENT OF THE
GODAI COMPANY IN MANCHURIA

What do you think, brother?

Maybe he needs to be whipped really well?

It might be the right time for it with all
this fuss around Yukiko's wedding.

"Both organizations were banned from uniting."

What time is it?

9:40.

Looks like you're both mad at me.

Because you were going to marry me off

for the sake of the Godai family's capital.

But now I'm getting married to who I want.

It's over.

All that time when I was frantically trying to find something.

You're so pretty.

Is it the time?

Yes.

"A wedding ceremony celebrating marriage between
members of the Amemiya and Godai families."

Godai is going to enter the top league too now.

I'd also like a daughter like Yukiko.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

Congratulations.

KOICHIRO AMEMIYA, HEAD OF EAST ASIA BANK

No changes so far.

We'll be watching the situation closely.

If something happens, we'll let you know.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Secret police.

Was it about Shimegi?

Yes. So many problems with these reds.

He's a stubborn guy.

I wish he'd join the army sooner.

KOHEI SHIMEGI

"Congratulations on the capturing of Nanking"

Are you Takahata?

Yes.

These are Kohei Shimegi's draft papers.

I can't even imagine
how hard it will be for him.

I have to go.

- A week, right?
- Yes.

A woman travelling alone...

- Be careful.
- I will.

Yoriko, don't be late for the train.

I'll accompany you to the station.

I wonder how many years in prison
one can get for forging documents?

Maybe by the time I get out of prison
the war will be over.

Well, let's drink to wedding vows.

I'll take the documents to the administration.

Shimegi! Yoriko!

Congratulations!

Shimegi, from now on you're my son-in-law.

Consider this my present for you both.

Take your tickets and money.

Call us, Yoriko.

You can tell us anything.
For example, where you settled.

Don't die, Shimegi.

Otherwise Yoriko is going to be a widow.

In a week, Shimegi will arrive at his unit.

Yoriko!

Live this week to the fullest.

Alright, let's sing a song.

If you want to find a wife
Choose an obedient girl

Beautiful and modest

If you want to find a friend
Choose someone well-read

Someone with honor and heart

If you meet someone looking for love

Tell him that honor is more important for a man

If you meet someone looking for strong friendship

Aren't you going to say anything?

We still have time!

I might not come back.

- What about your mum?
- She died.

But I'm not alone.

- You have four brothers, don't you?
- Yes. I'm the youngest in the family.

- The tea is ready!
- Let's go!

Are you crying?

Come on!

Brother!

Come back alive.

Come back alive!

Brother!

Promise me you'll come back.

Everything will be alright.

Out of the way!

Out of the way!

What do you think you're doing painting here?

TOMA, PEASANT

You have such a funny look on your face...

Toma! You're needed in the office.

What is it?

Are you going to undress for 50 sen tonight?

Who do you think you are?

What are you doing?

One way or another you'll do it, dirty slut.

Let's get to know each other better.

Let me go!

I raise it to 60 sen!

Stop pretending to be innocent!

Let's fuck!

It's not going to hurt.

Toma!

Asshole!

KOICHI HAIYAMA, PAINTER

- When did you come back from Manchuria?
- About a week ago.

I was very surprised to learn you work here.

I couldn't have imagined it
until I got your letter.

Among the people with who
I painted proletarian paintings

and drew collaborationist posters
depicting the war

many people can't make ends meet.

That's why I decided to get a job here.

I admire you, Haiyama.

Federation of Labor has issued a resolution

concerning a general strike during the incident.

After all, there are those
who stand up for laborers and peasants

even in our world, where most people
bow down to the military.

This is rare nowadays.

Mr Haiyama!

Why did you call me?

This is Toma.

Is she the one you were talking about?

This is my friend, Godai Shunsuke.

I see we met on a mountain trail yesterday.

Forgive me, I'm a stupid woman.

- What happened?
- Nevermind.

- How much do you get a day?
- 55 sen.

And you spend all that money
to support your family?

Yes all 55 sen, Mr Haiyama.

There are eight of us in the family.

And that's why your parents
want to sell you off to a brothel.

Yes. There's nothing I can do about it.

Like I told you.

You see now what her situation is.

So? Will you hire Toma
to work in your house

like I asked you in the letter?

I suppose you can afford another housemaid?

I can't afford to hire even one.

So you promise you'll take care of her?

Definitely.

She'll get paid too.

I can't sell my daughter's body.

We've been in this predicament
for a long time.

But if we have to pay the rent now,
we won't be able to sow next year.

My neighbor sold his daughter for 120 yen.

We were offered 200 yen not long ago.

Even 200 yen would really help us out now.

How long would those 200 yen last you?

As long as I'm working,
we at least have a stable income.

Shut up. Nobody is asking you.

A salesman came by today
offering money as well.

He asked to wait for three days, but...

Do you want to get an advance?

Yes, please.

The situation on the frontline is getting more serious.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL KENRYO SATO

On behalf on the army, I'd like to ask you

representatives of the biggest businesses,
for the following.

Twenty-five percent of our military supplies
are produced at military plants.

The rest is produced at private factories.

The situation on the frontline is very serious.

Even if the military plants work 24/7

they won't be able to provide us
with everything we need.

The Battle of Shanghai
started not so long ago.

Fierce fighting has been
going on for over two months.

It won't be an exaggeration to say

that if it goes on like this,
we're going to run out of supplies.

Why is Godai the only company
that didn't join in?

Lieutenant-colonel Sato asked all the enterprises
to increase production of military supplies.

War is business.

They started the war having fifteen divisions,
which weren't going to last even six months.

And now they're saying
they're out of guns and ammo.

A businessman would be considered
a failure in such a situation.

You're doing it wrong.
The plate has to be on the right.

I'm sorry, Sir.

The plan was to sign a peace treaty
with China within six months

but they weren't able to do it
even after capturing Nanking.

If we spend a lot of money

on new equipment and the rest for such soldiers

what can we expect to get in return?

A businessman has to think ahead.

The war isn't going to end so easily.

The German Ambassador in China Trautmann
is trying to act as a go-between

in negotiations between China and Japan.

There are some very tough conditions,
like restrictions on placing troops and so on.

I don't know how Chiang Kai-shek hopes
to reach peace with such conditions.

That's not going to happen.

Caution is good, brother.

But you mustn't be too cautious.
Otherwise you might be left behind.

Soldiers have a strong sense of duty.

All you need to do
is find the right approach.

Chinese enterprises like
Seiho, Hakujan, Daido, Seikei,

Daya, Senka and others have enormous resources.

During the war these resources will be needed
to reinforce the military potential.

No one can stand aside.

I agree with what uncle said.

Even though Manchuria is under our control now

is it worth it to try to expand
our influence all over China?

The Chinese people are stronger than ever.

Shunsuke is on one
of his anti-war rants again.

You have to thank uncle

that you're not in prison yet for your words.

If it wasn't for him,
you'd be like Shimegi now

your head shaven and with a rifle in your hands.

That's exactly right.

I hide my hatred towards
the army behind my father and uncle.

Hello.

You're back.

One girl got married,
the other has gone on a trip.

My brother feels lonely.

- Toma, bring us some more food.
- Yes.

I've eaten already.

I see. How was the trip? Did you enjoy it?

Father, I need to talk to you.

Why do you look so scared?

She's probably tired.
Prepare a bath for her.

Yes.

No.

What is it, Yoriko?

I'll be upstairs.

You married Kohei Shimegi?

Yes.

I took the marriage certificate
to the administration.

I'd like to thank you
for taking care of me all this time.

But I think that one
has to make one's own decisions.

I can't keep living like before.

So you lied that you were
going on a trip with your classmate?

Yes.

You wanted to marry Kohei so much
that you lied to your father?

Yes.

Not to mention the fact

that Shimegi has ideas that are harmful for society.

I can't approve of this.

But now Yoriko has accepted
responsibility to act on her own.

Regardless of what I tell her.

I'm responsible for that too.

You can spend the night here now,
but leave tomorrow.

But...

You're chasing Yoriko away?

I can't let her live here with that last name.

I understand.

Ms Yoriko, you have to apologize.

It's fine, Otaki. Don't worry.

I'm sorry it's so late,
but I have some urgent business.

- Is the master of the house in?
- Yes.

- Wait in the car.
- Alright.

- Take the suitcase please.
- Yes.

Please come in.

"General mobilization bill"

This is a brief summary of
the general mobilization bill

written by the Planning Committee and the army.

It was very difficult to get it.

General mobilization involves
the use of human and material resources

of the country and
control over them during the war

with the purpose of effectively
utilizing the country's potential

in order to defend its borders.

Thank you.

Apart from military resources

other resources,
like plants, capital, workforce

trade, transportation, mail

and all the branches of economy

are under the control of the state.

Based on this bill

it seems like they want
to be at war not only with China.

It might mean

that they have plans to attack
the USSR or England and the USA.

I think so too.

Apparently, there will soon be a response
to Chiang Kai-shek about the peace negotiations.

But if the negotiations are terminated

the government will submit the bill
to the parliament at the end of the month.

Looks like the government
and the army are getting ready.

Thank you very much.

Mr Amamiya, if you hadn't told me about this

I would have lost the opportunity.

I'm glad the information
proved useful for you.

I'm with the Godai family now.

Come in.

- Did you call for me?
- Yes.

- Cancel my appointments for the 10th.
- Yes.

Instead, arrange meetings
with the following people:

Cabinet of Ministers Secretary Mr Kazami,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director Ishii,

Head of Training from the Ministry of War.

Special agencies are in charge of settlements.

Even though you say
you'll be there with Kohei's friends.

- You must be vigilant.
- I know.

What are settlements?

It's a student movement that establishes hospitals
and other institutions for poor people.

I'll be in Manchuria soon.

We'll be apart for some time

but if there are any problems, let me know.

I'll do anything for Kohei if needed.

Thank you.

- I'll take you to the station.
- There's no need.

- Let me do it.
- No.

Well...

Yoriko!

Be careful.

You too, brother.

What is it?

Don't just stand there, come in.

What is it? Tell me.

Are these the things
you're taking to Manchuria?

Yes.

I can pack myself.

When are you going to come back, Mr Shunsuke?

I don't know.

If my draft exemption gets cancelled,
I might have to join the army.

And then you'll serve in Manchuria?

Until you're in the army,
I'm at your disposal!

Thank you, but it's not going to work.

- You're not taking me?
- No.

Toma, here's some money.

Take it.

I can't.

Don't be shy.

It's part of the money
I got from my father.

I can't take it!

- Just take it!
- I can't!

You can buy a kimono.

How can he understand what a woman feels?

January 14, 1938

The results of negotiations between
Japan and China were announced.

The conference was held in Tokyo.

At the beginning of the conference,
the issue of a peace treaty was raised.

Deputy Chief Tada from the headquarters

insists on signing a peace treaty with China?

Yes. Deputy Chief Tada and his associates

insist on ending the war with China
and preparing for the war with the USSR.

What does Prime Minister Konoe say?
Is he in favor of peace of continuing the war?

It's not quite clear.
I asked journalists about that too.

Where's father?

What's he doing at such an important moment?

So Prime Minister Konoe
is against continuing peace talks?

Yes. But despite the fact that the Prime Minister's
decision determined the outcome of the conference

Deputy Chief Tada is going
to submit a petition to the Emperor.

Thank you. If you get
more information, call me.

Tada is doing whatever he can.

He's going to finish exactly like Lieutenant-General
Ishiwara, who was against the war.

The Minister of War
solves problems by shuffling staff.

So what did you want to discuss?

As you know, right now

heavy industry
is lagging behind light industry.

There are many reasons for that.

For example, revenue from
the light industry account for 35 percent

while revenue from heavy industry...
for only 24 percent.

In order to develop military industry
using private enterprises

government intervention is required.

What do you mean exactly?

Firstly, loans to install equipment.

Secondly, reimbursement in case of peace.

Thirdly, advance payments to place orders
for production of military goods.

Mr Godai, if the war goes on

the general mobilization bill will be passed.

You foresaw this and decided
to put pressure on the army.

We almost thought you'd be late

for this military supplies train, Mr Godai.

But you were actually the first to jump on it!

Good evening.

Your Majesty!

- Ume!
- Long time no see!

January 16

Prime Minister Fumimaro announced that the Japanese government
will not be cooperating with Chiang Kai-shek's government.

Peace talks between Japan and China ceased.

A month after

during the 73rd parliamentary session,
the general mobilization bill was submitted.

THE GODAI COMPANY HEAD OFFICE

Dear board members

our country's situation

is getting more serious every minute.

Taking that into consideration,
we have to start adapting

engaging the help of state industries

including the situation
with taxes that we currently pay.

This is why a plan was drafted
concerning the creation of new enterprises

as well as reinforcing and expanding existing ones.

NORTH-EAST

30-km maneuvers

- Lance-corporal Karasawa!
- Yes!

Some people in your squadron are exhausted.

RECRUIT SOICHI KOJIMA

Someone, take Kojima's equipment.

You're leaving your brother-in-arms behind!

Alright! I'll take Kojima's stuff.

And you assholes, go back to the barracks!

Well done, Shimegi,
for supporting your friend.

Give me a break.

Move it, or you'll get your ass kicked.

Pull yourself together.
You're being a pussy.

You think we're wasting time here?

Although, you're probably right.

Everything going on
in the army is a waste of time.

Then why join?

It's better to dodge the draft
and go to prison.

But as soon as you get in prison

you start thinking about freedom.

But you probably don't understand that.

I can't carry on.

Leave me here. I can't walk.

Kojima!

Pussy!

Get off your ass!

Get up, asshole!

Now!

You're a disgrace!

Get up! You're a disgrace to us!

Get up, pussy!

Go to sleep.

No violations found during the night duty!

Understood.

Everything's fine here.

Recruits, get up!

Attention!

Do you know why I'm beating you?

I'll tell you!

What is that?

What's it doing here?

Who told you you could
use the furnace as an ashtray?

Own up!

Who's on duty? You were supposed to give an order
to clean the furnace before lights-out.

Was there an order?

There was!

What did you say?

Yes, there was!

Who's on duty today? One step forward!

Kojima, it's you.

Show yourself, be a man!

Furuya, tell Lance-corporal who's on duty.

- It's private Kojima!
- What?

Take your glasses off.

You pussy! Get up!

Get up!

Lance-corporal, Sir! It's my fault!

Piece of shit!

Kojima made the furnace so clean
it could have been mistaken for an ashtray.

After the lights went out,
someone could have thrown a cigarette butt there.

So someone from the older soldiers

smoked a cigarette
and threw a butt in the furnace?

Are you trying to shift the blame?

Are you accusing others?

Are you out of your fucking mind?!

That's not what I said.
I just said that it wasn't Kojima's fault.

What did you say?

Call me Sir when you're talking to me!

- You arrogant piece of shit!
- Hold on.

Lance-corporal Kakinuma, let me do it.

Fine.

At ease.

- Hey pussy, get back to your place.
- Yes!

Attention! At ease! Attention!

- Shimegi!
- Yes.

You dared to contradict
Lance-corporal Kakinuma.

Want to show how brave you are?

I didn't contradict him, I just said that
Kojima cleaned the furnace well.

One step forward!

How dare you show your attitude?

It's not a university here.
It won't be tolerated.

There will be no contradicting in the army!

So...

Shimegi and Kojima will stand opposite one another
and slap each other on the face 50 times.

Kojima, go ahead.

Come on, Shimegi.

I don't have all day. Hurry up!

Don't stop!

It's fine. Go ahead.

Who hits like that? Like a girl!

What about you, Shimegi?
Aren't you going to hit Kojima?

Do it!

Seems like you can't hear me.
Do I need to help you?

Do it.

He graduated from university.

Besides, he supports communist ideas.

And he won't listen to the older soldiers.

Private disagreements
are forbidden in the squadron.

What did you say, communist pig?!

Even if Lance-corporal

gave an order to punish someone

carrying it out using
older soldiers isn't allowed.

You...

Bastard! Piece of shit!

Forgive me! It's my fault!

Sir! Forgive me!

Forgive me! It's my fault!

Army rules, part 12, point 23.

"Regardless of the circumstances,
lynching is strictly forbidden.

"The command not only
has to avoid resorting to it

"but also forbid soldiers
to apply it to one another.

"If it's discovered that lynching took place

"this fact has to be reported
to the commander immediately.

"The ones responsible for it have to be punished."

It's cold.

Lance-corporal Karasawa. Go to sleep.

Yes, Sir.

At ease!

Shimegi, wash your face and go to sleep.

You go to bed too!

- Come on, cheer up!
- It's hard to do that in the army.

In the army you're fed three times a day.

Miso soup, pork - you have everything!

Salute!

Were you beaten?

I can see something's wrong.

Nothing I can't handle.

I can stand up for myself.

So how did you get hurt?

During training.

You're lying. Were you beaten?

Not only me.

I'm more worried about you.

Do you need anything?

I'm fine.

One can have a decent life not only at home.

All your friends are good people.

Are you sure you're alright?

You look thin.

You'd better worry about yourself.

If something happens to you,
I won't take it.

Attention!

At ease.

Are you having a good time?

We might be sent to the frontline soon.

I don't know for sure,
but there are rumors.

Then we won't meet again?

Don't worry. I'll survive.

I'll come back.

APRIL
XINJIN

THE GODAI COMPANY, MANCHURIA BRANCH

The army has already crossed
the Huang He River.

They're going to arrive in Xuzhou soon.

Here we're going to surround
and destroy the enemy!

It's going to be like
the Battle of Tannenberg.

If we get lucky, maybe
we'll even capture Chiang Kai-shek himself.

Mr Godai, what do statistics
say about the war with China?

As far as military resources are concerned

given the same rate of growth, Japan's military force
is going to reach its peak in 2 years

and then start declining.

War isn't just numbers.

Otherwise, Japan wouldn't stand a chance
against 400 million Chinese.

Are we winning?

Mr Godai, are you saying we're losing?

Even your statistics don't say that.

Mr Godai, the director wants to see you.

You can laugh all you want,
but I don't think we're winning.

I think Chiang Kai-shek is just
making a tactical move by retreating.

Don't you think he's just playing for time

until Great Britain
and the USA enter the war?

- This is not patr...
- Quiet!

Were you going to say "not patriotic"?

Fine, if you think so.

But...

Your disdain for numbers aside,
think about this.

You can't melt more than
100 tons of cast iron in a 100-ton smelter.

Looks like you really want
to go to the army.

You want to publish that essay
of yours in Asian Economy.

Tell me briefly what it's about.

It's about the fact that for Manchurian laborers
to have a decent life

they have to earn more.

This way, production can be increased.

What you're saying about inequality is good,
but we're now in the middle of a bloody war.

War is not the right time
to think about equality.

What is this?

The Kenpeitai redacted the text.

But this is not the point.

Do you know what will happen
if this text is published uncensored?

If Asian Economy publishes it,
they'll be closed immediately.

And you...

will be handcuffed.

And who're you?

I read your essay.

If an employee, who has the privilege
of being exempt from the draft

is arrested for propaganda against the state,
do you know what will happen?

You do know, right?

Mr Godai, are you a member
of Asian Economy writers circle?

I wouldn't recommend dealing with people

who aren't aware of
the current state of things.

I think the Kenpeitai has two goals.

Firstly, to put pressure on you
following your uncle, Godai Kyosuke's, order.

Secondly, to threaten our publishing house.

Actually, not long ago, we received a request
from the Kwantung Army headquarters

to research the country's military potential
in the war with China.

And we don't know
whether we should work with them.

The army must be putting a lot of pressure
to force people to work with them.

Can I borrow this?

Go ahead.

I think it would be better
not to work with the army.

It's not so simple.

It might end badly for us.

I'm thinking of accepting the offer.

That'll be safer.

At the same time, using objective data

we'll be able to prove to the army
that Chinese forces are stronger.

Do you have any evidence of that?

We have a lot of evidence.

Numbers don't lie.

Don't they?

They're powerless though.

You think soldiers, who rely
on their will and not numbers

will accept your conclusions based on figures?

We have to try anyway.

The rest are with me on that.

What do you say?
Are you going with me to deliver the info?

It's a good way to find out
if there are any smart people there.

Think about it.

Goodbye.

Pastry!

Step aside!

You have a visitor. A pretty woman.

Welcome back!

What are you doing here?

I don't work in your Tokyo house anymore.

You're a silly woman after all.

How are you going
to help your family in the village?

Don't worry about that.

They're complaining about money again.

I'm tired of that.

And that's why you left Japan
and came to Xinjin.

I had enough
when they sold me like a possession.

The money you were paid,
you sent it to the village, right?

Why didn't you ask me for advice?

Please let me stay!

Where are you staying?

I'll find the money.
And now we have to find you a place to stay.

Let me stay here.

I love you, Mr Shunsuke!
Ever since I first saw you.

Only tonight I'll give my body to you.

Do you hate me so much?

Then let me stay at least for one night.

Toma, I can't.

Please.

Toma!

Toma!

At the end of the street turn right.

Thank you.

Thank you.

THE KWANTUNG ARMY HEADQUARTERS

Is officer Tsuji in?

- Yes. Wait a minute.
- No.

KWANTUNG ARMY OFFICER MASANOBU TSUJI

What are you doing here, Mr Godai?

I'm a businessman who took root in Manchuria.

And if I find out what the Kwantung Army is going to do
and get enough profit, I might do the same in China.

I'm here to hear your thoughts.

I think Lieutenant-General Inaga

said that we have
to attack the Soviet troops once

in order to get an idea of
the Soviet army and their command.

Is that true?

If you intend to fight
against the Soviet Union

I'd recommend that you don't
fool around with their intelligence.

It's very good.

After annexing Austria,
Germany targeted the USSR.

Besides, right now

the USSR is weak because
of another wave of political repressions.

If you're going to attack

now is the right time.

You're provoking us to take foolhardy steps.

Army criminal law, point 35

"A Commander who started a war against a foreign state
without a good enough reason, is to be executed."

I don't want to be executed just yet.

Stop trying to fool me.

You're working on a plan to provoke a conflict
on the border between Manchuria and the USSR.

Mr Godai, this is a military secret.

You're trying to provoke a conflict
together with the high command.

Am I right?

This man is going to be
in the Central Army soon.

Maybe then the situation
will develop the way you hope.

KWANTUNG ARMY LIEUTENANT-GENERAL HIDEKI TOJO

So, according to your research,
even if we capture the main industrial cities

like Shanghai, Nanking,
Beijing, Wuhan and Canton

we won't be able to fight off the enemy?

For example, private factories

with more than 14,600 tons of equipment

moved from Shanghai and Nanking
and are working to support the home front.

All the factories in Wuhan and other cities

are planning to relocate.

Besides, only from
the delta of the Yangtze River

over 16 million people
moved further within the country.

All these people are working on the empty land.

They're making up for gas and
transportation shortages with human force.

I believe that despite a low standard of living

and in view of their predicament,
they're doing very well.

But in Chinese military chronicles
there are many episodes

of lack of organization
in the Chinese army and defection.

Mao Zedong of the CPC

told English journalists,

"By changing the previous order in the army
and creating the new one

"we established strict discipline
where disobedience is non-existent.

"Also, besides regular army

"we're engaging popular masses in the war."

This is why The Eighth Route Army
won in Shanxi.

Shut up!

So you're saying that
the Eighth Route Army won in Shanxi?

You think the Japanese Army
was defeated by communist guerillas?

Answer me!

I'm only...

talking about the facts of this incident,
as laid out by English journalist Bertram.

Basically, you're saying
that this war is unnecessary.

In fact, this war was necessary
to solve the conflict that occurred in July 1937.

And you're saying that
there was no reason for escalation?

Blind faith in foreign sources

will get you into the enemy's trap.

Look at him. They made him believe that we're losing.

You swallowed the bait.

You're underestimating the Kwantung Army.

Do you think numbers depend on countries?

What?

Numbers are not citizens of any country.

Both in America and
in the USSR 1 is 1 and 2 is 2.

You don't like hearing numbers
that don't speak in your favor

so you're inventing numbers
that say you're winning!

How dare you!

You think war is just numbers?

In modern wars you have
to take everything into account.

And not just compare
valor of peoples and nations.

You have to compare the level of science,
manufacturing and the rest.

You said that alliance of the USA,
England and the USSR doesn't scare you.

But if we compare military resources
of America and Japan

numbers, which you hate to hear so much

say the following.

Oil: 513 to 1. Cast iron: 12 to 1.

Steel: 9 to 1. Copper: 9 to 1.
Aluminium: 7 to 1.

Average proportion of resources is 74.2 to 1.

Compared to the USSR,
the situation is almost the same.

Your game ends here!

According to you, statistics is the reality.

However

historical reality says that in the First Sino-Japanese War
and the Russo-Japanese War

a smaller Imperial Army defeated
the much more numerous enemy.

You should be careful.

You're the first ones to express these defeatist views
since the creation of the Kwantung Army.

Welcome!

Here's your order.

Here you go.

I'm sorry.

Sorry I interrupted you.

Even though I think
in that situation it was necessary.

Don't worry about it.

You said everything I couldn't say.

It was me who behaved in a cowardly way.

When you keep losing ground,
you begin to be satisfied with less.

I always tell others to resist.

But when it was my turn I gave in again.

You're so young,
you dazzle people with your energy.

I don't recognize you.

I used to be like that too.

But two years ago
after being tortured by the police I broke.

I became someone else.

Why did I stop trying to change anything?

Probably because my efforts
are like throwing stones in the Songhua River.

And yet I should have kept trying.

- Hello there!
- Hello.

Haven't seen you in a long time!
Have you been traveling?

- Well get me some sake.
- Right away.

Mr Tajima!

Have you heard this Chinese song?

"The Godai company
is the devil's office in this world"

"It stole our last bowl of rice"

Having sworn to come back victorious

I left my motherland. How can I die now

without having committed an act of valor?

Mr Tajima, shall we go?

Where are you going?

There are no places left to avoid war songs.

April 1938

Knowing that the main Chinese forces
were concentrated in Xuzhou

the Emperor issued an order
to begin the Xuzhou campaign.

Its goal was to overcome
the resistance of the Chinese army

and put an end to the war.

By the time the Japanese Army entered Xuzhou

the Chinese army had retreated.

The plan to end the war
by defeating the main Chinese forces

ended in failure.

NORTH CHINA
MILITARY CAMP IN SHANXI

Second regiment, get ready!

Get your rifles and swords!

- Count!
- First, second, third, fourth, fifth...

- Count is over.
- At ease!

These are communist guerillas, responsible
for disorders on the occupied territories.

We're going to practice bayonet thrusts on them.

Murderers!

Kill me already!

Those who are scared, raise your hand!

There's no better training
than this to demonstrate

whether you have become real soldiers!

The first ones to go will get an advantage.

After that, they'll turn into rags.

- Start!
- Yes!

Line up!

Line up!

What is it? It's a piece of cake!

Private Shimegi?
What's wrong with your face?

Bayonet thrusts are your favorite.

You'll go first
and show everyone else how it's done.

What is it?

Yes.

Take off the blindfold!

Everyone on the right,
take two steps forward!

Get the bayonets ready!

Ready!

Japanese imperialists, go away!

Attack!

Hit!

Right in the heart!

What are you waiting for?

Hit!

Shimegi! Do it!

Idiot! You didn't even hurt him!

And you call yourself a soldier?

Bayonets ready!

Idiot!

Attack!

Hit!

Shimegi, are you alright?

That was tough.

You're holding on really well.

If I were you, I'd break.

Lance-corporal Taneda is nuts.

He demands what seems unthinkable
for an ordinary person.

What did you say?
You won't come back to Japan alive!

Stop staring at me!

Get up, dumbass!

Shimegi, get ready.

You'll come with me to the railway.

Lance-corporal, Sir! Shimegi
can't be on guard like this.

Let me go instead of him.

Well well, our little girl Kojima
is talking like a man all of a sudden!

Dismissed!

Shimegi, get ready.

If I hadn't given you a beating

you would be beaten up for ignoring orders
so hard that you'd be spitting blood now.

I understand. Thank you.

Don't thank me.

The fact that other recruits
pay so much attention to you is annoying.

Suck it up!

If you'd stayed in the barracks
you'd have been taken outside

and made to practice bayonet thrusts
on prisoners by yourself.

Thank you.

Do you know what others say about me?

Yes.

- What's bothering you?
- What?

What's bothering you, Sir?

I've been alone all my life,
without parents or siblings.

I didn't have time to worry about others.
And I don't have it now.

They called me brother of a communist.

- Then they called me a communist
and put me in prison. - I know.

I don't take it to heart.
No matter what happens to me.

You're holding on well. But I don't agree.

When I was a recruit

no one liked ex-convicts.

And now I'm a lance-corporal
and I have to work with people like that.

Damn it. Both recruits
and older soldiers try to suck up to me.

I beat them all.

Shimegi, read this.

"Dear Japanese soldiers.

"We are like you,
laborers, peasants and citizens.

"We are your brothers, not enemies.

"Our common enemy
is the Emperor and the military

"as well as capitalists and landowners
who teamed up with them.

"Let's drop our weapons."

"Stop fighting and join us.

"Let's work towards peace together.

"Sino-Japanese Alliance."

Bullshit!

Shimegi!

The occupied territories
are full of communist guerillas.

They might kill us when it gets dark. Let's go.

July 13. Clashes with Soviet forces occurred
on the border with the USSR.
The Battle of Lake Khasan started.

July 25. Hankou was captured and the
Kuomintang government moved to Chongqing.

Well, how is it going?

I warned you.

This is what happens to those who deal with people
unaware of the current situation.

Let me clarify one thing.

Even members of the Godai family
have no privilege here.

- Interrogate Tajima!
- Yes!

Come out!

Move it!

Enjoy your stay.

"The Godai Company"

Move it!

Are you going to torture me again?
What crime have I committed?

Shut up!

Mr Tajima!

I said shut up!

Don't worry, your turn will come too.

Bastards...

Bastards...

Bastards...

"The Godai company is the devil's office in this world"

"When you enter you're alive,
and when you leave you're dead"

"A pile of bones of those who died there rises up"

Out!

You're free to go!

Move it!

- What about Mr Tajima?
- Only you.

Because you're a Godai.

Mr Tajima.

I heard it, Shunsuke.

Don't say anything.

I won't break this time.

Mr Tajima, I'm...

Get a move on!

Go!

It's alright. Goodbye!

TO BE CONTINUED

November 28

Lieutenant-General Hideki Tojo

is speaking in front of the military.

He's emphasizing the necessity to prepare for war
on two fronts - against the USSR and China.

The war is still continuing because China

keeps getting help from three countries

England, France and the USSR.

Starting from today, the Japanese Empire

regardless of whether we want it or not

has to prepare for war on two fronts

against the USSR and against China.

That's why we have to use
all the resources at our disposal

to provide the resource base for the new army.

In other words, the army has to not only
successfully end the current campaign

but also, for the sake of our future,
prepare for the war with the USSR and China.

I believe that solving the Chinese incident

will accomplish lasting peace in East Asia.

You think Lieutenant-General Tojo
is rushing to conclusions?

They can't even handle China

but they think they can fight the USSR too.

In fact, Japan depends for most
of its military resources on America.

They're moving south.

England, France and Netherlands.

We're in dire need of
oil, iron, rubber and tin.

That's why we have to fight the USSR.

Besides, now is a great opportunity.

Germany annexed Austria
and occupied the Czech Republic.

The Popular Front in France has broken up.

United, Japan and Germany could...

It's not so simple with the USSR.

First of all, their military industry

is 70 times that of Japanese.

This is the data provided by Shunsuke.

And it's quite accurate.

Shunsuke was arrested
for propaganda against the state.

His draft exemption has been cancelled.
He's not a patriot.

How can he be trusted?

He might be a fool,
but it doesn't affect the numbers.

Well, if the president of the company thinks so

then we're not far from economic liberalism.

That would be bad for the Godai company.

Shunsuke and I are different.

Shunsuke only analyses numbers.

And I apply numbers to the current situation.

If we have to fight anyways,
we have to take numbers into account.

Godai can't afford to think
like that in such an urgent situation.

Father, are you tired?

You still don't understand
what I'm talking about?

You're not thinking the way
a Japanese person should.

Your thinking is pro-West.

You can't even criticize Shunsuke.

Maybe you will resign and give the post to me?

Shimegi!

Shit!

Lance-corporal Osugi!

Here!

- Endo!
- Endo!

- Private Shimegi!
- Here!

Shimegi, help.

- Osugi, find Endo.
- Yes!

What a fuckup...

Don't talk, Sir.

Shit.

With a golden star by the Yasukuni temple...

No talking.

You still can't get over killing
the enemy with your bayonet?

Idiot!

At war, either you kill or you're killed.

I'm sure you understand that yourself.

There's no time to think.

You were crying when we were burying Endo.

But what's the purpose of this war?

We're miles away from our motherland.

What is a country anyway?

Don't talk, Sir.

We're almost there.

Shimegi.

If I die, take my bank book
to my village in Tochigi.

There should be enough money there for food.

No talking.

Lance-corporal?

Lance-corporal? Sir?

He's dead.

Move it!

Yori!

Do you know why I'm here?

Get a move on!

What are you doing? Move it!

In the car!

You don't belong here.

You can't live in such a world.

No, sister. I don't belong
to the Godai family anymore.

You're Kohei's wife, that's true.

But you're not Kohei.

When happiness is in front of you, grab it.

Otherwise it will escape.

You've grabbed it already.

Isn't it enough for you?

Even though father doesn't say it, as usual

but he's very worried about you.

Why don't you come back?

Otaki is waiting for you.

Teacher, let's go play!

Let's go!

Just a minute.

Good girl.

This girl's father

got stuck in a machine
at a plant and he died.

The company said that it was his own fault

and didn't pay
the compensation to his family.

They're heartless.

It was the Godai company.

Thank you for waiting. Come in.

I appreciate your concern.

But I'll work here.

I finally understood
what Kohei is struggling for.

Send my regards to father and Otaki.

Yori.

And I...

will spend days here thinking about Kohei.

Fire!

Fire! Fire!

Fire! Kill everyone in this village!

Fire! Fire!

Attack!

Attack!

No one must be left alive!
Kick the gate down!

What are you waiting for? Shoot!

Don't just stand there!

Help!

Stupid woman!

Idiot!

Get up!

Follow me!

Finish him!

Shoot!

How much more blood of the Chinese
do you need to spill to have enough?

What are you waiting for? Shoot!

Idiot! Take aim!

Stop it! You're wasting bullets.

Grandpa! Don't leave me!

Shimegi! Shoot that child!

Shoot her!

It's an order! Fire!

Do you hear me?

Murderers!

And you call yourself an imperialist?

I won't shoot.

Throw her!

Bastard!

Sir, stop it, please!

You'll kill him!

Die!

Sir, stop it! Please!

We're under attack!

Shimegi! Stay with me!

We're under attack! Fall back!

- Kojima! Fall back!
- Shimegi!

He's dead, leave him!
Or you'll get killed too!

Forgive me, Shimegi.

Thank you.

It's alright.

Attack!

Today is a special day
since I'm taking you to home.

- Let's do it every time.
- It's not fair!

Mr Fujita, please come in.

- Hello!
- Hello.

- Here are some sweet potatoes.
- Thank you.

Today's campaign went very well.

Wait... Look!

What happened?

Yoriko, come.

Mr Ishizaki, come in.

Get well.

Yoriko!

Don't worry.

Private Shimegi Kohei

died honorably on the battlefield
on November 30 in Shanxi.

It's not true.

Kohei, you promised to come back.

It's not true.

APRIL 1939

HAILAR, DISLOCATION OF THE 23RD DIVISION

Dumbass!

This rifle was given by the Emperor himself!

You miss because you lack soldier's spirit.

- Take aim 100 times!
- Yes!

One!

Two!

The Godai kid looks promising.

Change!

Private Godai, try again.

- Yes!
- Here.

Private Godai, shooting training
is not a competition.

If you hit the inner corner
of the target, that's good too.

What's important is that all five shots are accurate.
Otherwise well done.

Got it? Well...

Starting from tomorrow,
you'll commence sniper training.

No special treatment. Training with real bullets
before others wake up. Got it?

Yes, Sir!

And one more thing.

After the training go to the commander's office.
He was calling for you.

- Yes!
- Change the shooter!

- Private Godai. May I come in?
- Come in!

Major, I'll wait outside.

- Alright.
- Thank you.

MAJOR SHINTARO TSUGE

You've become a great soldier.

The Commander told me about you.

You're the best one among the recruits.

- You can smoke if you like.
- Thank you.

You're being sent
to the Soviet-Manchurian border.

Even though your arrival here was arranged,

- you must be surprised?
- I am.

Do you want to ask me for something?

Not really.

But there's no opportunity to read newspapers
or listen to the radio here.

So I don't really know what the situation is.

So I'd like to ask you a question.

What Tojo Hideki said about the war
with the USSR and China - is that true?

Yes.

We're now right in front of
our supposed enemy - the USSR.

If it turns out to be a real enemy

what are our chances? Tell me.

The war against China is nearing its end.

The idea of war on two fronts

is like a loaf of bread painted on the canvas.

It looks like a real thing
but you can't eat it.

Tojo statements are just like that.

In the military circles there are
many overly ambitious people.

Besides, they're being pressured by ministers.

And then the Emperor's order is issued.

This is how a painted loaf of bread
is presented as a real one.

And there's no way to stop it now?

Thank you.

Kohei Shimegi died on the battlefield
in North China. You knew him.

And he died too...

I miss the times when everyone gathered
in the Godai house and debated.

Father, can I come back to the Godai family?

What are you talking about?

Even if you mean it as a joke and
Amamiya hears it, he'll be very angry.

You told me something about Tsuge once.

You asked, "What hopes do you have of a man?"

And I said

"In this state of self-oblivion
I want at least something."

"Man or job - anything.
At least something."

When I look at Yoriko who has the strength
to get over even the death of Mr Kohei

I feel jealous.

As long as I live, I want to have something
I could dedicate my life to.

Yoriko will be back.

Dedicating your whole life to fantasies
about saving the poor is a stupid thing.

I mean it, father.

Let me get divorced
and come back to the Godai family.

My life as it is is completely meaningless.

Hello. I've just come back.

Welcome back.

This is from the director in Manchuria.

Is anything wrong?

Tell Mr Amamiya

that something is about to happen
on the Soviet-Manchurian border.

I need to have consultations
about that urgently.

In any case, right now
you're part of the Amamiya family.

Go back.

What are you doing?!

What are you going to do with these photographs?!

Mr Shimegi died on the battlefield!

Yoriko!

The Kenpeitai is searching your room.

Are these all the letters from Kohei Shimegi?

Answer the question!

These are all the letters from Mr Kohei.

"Mr Kohei"?
You refer to your husband as "mister"?

Have you hidden anything?

- No.
- Don't lie to me!

You must be hiding something.

Tell the truth or we'll make you.

If you think so then keep looking.

Don't even hope we'll go easy on you
because you're a woman.

- Don't touch the bookshelf!
- What?

Did you contact Shimegi
in some other way apart from letters?

Why are you questioning me about someone
who died on the battlefield?

We're asking questions here!

Was there an intermediary?

What happened to Mr Kohei?

Sir! There's a letter from Shimegi!

This letter didn't pass the army censorship.

Bitch! You lied to us!

Looks like this letter is very important to you.

Read it.

No?

Bitch... Do it!

"Yoriko! As you know,
I joined the army because I thought

"I could be useful as a soldier.

"But when I found myself on the battlefield..."

"But when I found myself on the battlefield

"I was forced to shoot innocent Chinese people.

"And now I'm reaping
the consequences of my mistake.

"I ask myself and I can't find the answer.

"What am I fighting for?

"Am I proud of myself for doing this?

"Am I fighting for the country I love?

- "Am I fighting for a just cause?"
- Enough!

"The only goal of the occupation army
is to carry out massacres.

"Having joined it,
I'm now faced with a choice.

"To take part in this massacre
or disobey the order and be executed.

- "Or run away."
- Shut up!

"If I manage to survive
and escape from the army

"I'll devote my life to stopping this war."

Who delivered this letter to you?

You must know the person who was
an intermediary between you and your husband!

Is Mr Kohei alive?

He's alive! Where is he?

Traitor!

So you're trying to find out where he is now?

What are you doing?

Since you know now, I'll tell you.

Shimegi got wounded and managed to defect.
He surrendered to the enemy.

Do you understand now?

Your husband committed a crime.

He's a traitor.

You can find out the details from the Kenpeitai.

- Don't touch the photographs!
- Out of the way, bitch!

We're confiscating the photographs.

Mr Kohei!

We're almost at the headquarters.

Your Japanese friends are there.

Thank you.

Hurry up.

Meanwhile, on the Mongolian-Manchurian border
near the Nomonhan village

armed conflicts between
the two sides are taking place.

May 15. According to the plan of the offensive
on the Soviet-Manchurian border

Commander of the 23rd Division,
Lieutenant-General Komatsubara

gave an order
to the eastern squadron to advance

attacking a Mongolian garrison on the
western bank of the Khalkhyn Gol river.

Clashes between the two armies
subsequently took place on May 28 and June 16.

Tension around Nomonhan was mounting.

Ignoring the clashes contradicts the order

THE KWANTUNG ARMY HEADQUARTERS
OFFICERS MEETING

"to defend Manchuria".

This is the Emperor's order,
which we run the risk of disobeying.

We have to deliver a fatal blow to the enemy.

Destroying it and showing our determination

is the only war to avoid
a full-blown war with the USSR.

That's why I believe that
in order for this campaign to be successful

we have to move all the border troops
to the area of the clashes

in order to have as many forces as possible.

If the plan is approved by the Central Army

what will the further actions be?

Don't worry about the Central Army.

Leave it to me.

How many?

There are 112 anti-tank guns,
70 tanks, 180 planes.

75 armored vehicles, 400 trucks.

I believe that should be enough.

There's one thing I don't like here.

With so much firepower

it's not just a conflict, it's a local war.

In that case, why not use special forces then?

If you engage special forces
before the Soviet reinforcement arrives

you'll erase them off the face of the earth.

Mr Godai!

Let us handle the war.

And we'll let you handle the resources.

It's 160 km from Hailar to Nomonhan.

We need large trucks in this area.

We hope for your help.

MINISTRY OF WAR
COMMAND MEETING

The Kwantung Army is insolent!

They chose the location themselves
and reported only after the incident.

We're against soldiers of the strategic unit

being sent to the Gobi Desert,
which we know very little about.

What if after we do this

the USSR and China
carry out a joint operation?

Let me say something.

Since all the troops in the north
are part of the Kwantung Army

I believe that by doubting them
we won't achieve anything.

If there's a conflict between the Japanese
and the Soviet forces, the ground will burn.

That's why the headquarters thinks

that if the Soviet Union is really up to something

we have to strike first.

I'm convinced this will help resolve the conflict swiftly.

Don't rush to conclusions.

Let the Kwantung Army act as they see fit.

Following General Itagaki's decision

the Kwantung Army's report
on the operation was ratified.

JUNE 16. PREPARATION TO DISEMBARK

"For the motherland!"- that's what some fools say

And they join the army that everyone hates

on their own volition

And I get separated from my beloved Su-chan

Idiots!

You were trained
for anti-tank strikes, weren't you?

Yes, Sir!

You think the enemy will have
as many tanks as they have soldiers?

No, Sir!

One man for one tank. Then - infantry battle.

So stop whining like the Chinese!

- Got it, Godai?
- Yes, Sir.

Get moving!

That reminds me of
a girl I hooked up with once.

- What girl?
- She had a great body.

With wide hips and huge tits.

Where did you find her?

She said she worked
for some rich guy in Tokyo.

Her face was cute too.

You son of a bitch.

Well?

How can I explain it
to those who've never had it?

Son of a bitch!
If I come back, let me meet her.

She said she came to Xinjin
because of a man who left her.

I don't understand how someone
could have left such a woman.

Hey, sniper!

Do you hear me?

Yes.

I'm counting on you.

Shoot the enemy commander
and the machine-gunner.

I think tanks are going to go first.
I don't think a sniper would be useful there.

We're going to use Molotov cocktails for those.

Don't worry.

Whose badge is it?
What if you die? No one will know.

Mr Shima! I'm here!

- Nobukatsu! Good luck!
- I'll be waiting!

Mr Nakagawa! I'm here!

Good luck! Stay safe!

Yama-chan, bye!

Is he there? The one you were looking for?

No? Oh well.

JULY 1

July 1 storm troops headed by Lieutenant-General Yasuoka
on the western bank of the Khalkhin Gol river

approached the bridgehead and suddenly attacked
the enemy camp on the Fui plateau.

July 2 the division main forces
crossed the Khalkhin Gol river.

This is the division command post.

JULY 3

The division main forces spotted
a USSR tank squadron 4 km ahead.

Tell all the platoons to get on full alert.

Yes!

Japanese tank cannons

turned out to be too weak
to penetrate the armor of Soviet tanks.

Get the Molotov cocktails ready!

When the tanks approach, set fire to the rag
and throw it at the engine.

If you hit the target, they'll explode.

Do as you were trained. On my command.

If everyone blows up one tank, we will win!

- Understood?
- Yes, Sir!

- In position!
- Yes, Sir!

Advance!

Follow Sergeant Sakurai!

Soldier... give me some water.

There's no water here.
Wait till we get to the river.

Water.

Are these friends?

Yes. They'll help us retreat.

Fire!

Fire!

Open fire at the enemy tanks!

The Soviet army tried
to advance further into Manchuria

but couldn't overcome
the resistance of the Japanese.

Besides, the Soviet Union

did not plan on starting a full-blown war.

MILITARY HOSPITAL IN HAILAR

Mum...

Wake up!

Doctor! Hurry!

Hey!

It's not the time to cry.

He's dead. It's 11:20.

We don't have enough beds.

Patient 26 fainted. Go check on him.

Alright.

Does it hurt?

Don't worry, you're in hospital.

Was there a man named
Godai Shunsuke in your squadron?

Tell me.

Is he alive?

Is he?

I'm sorry. I won't ask questions anymore.

You should get some sleep.

Nurse! Water!

What is it?

Godai...

He saved me.

He's alive.

Alive?

According to you

our army lost the battle.

But it's not the case.

The battle ended in a draw.

A strike force on the Khalkhin Gol was forced
to retreat under the pressure of enemy tanks.

My unit destroyed 40 vehicles,
which is half of all the tanks.

In that one battle we lost half of our men.

You call that a draw?

Would you call it a loss?

Right now the Soviet army
is being kept back by our troops

and the forces are even.

This is empty talk.

If the Soviet army gets reinforcements
they will wipe our forces out with one strike.

Looks like Major Tsuge is overestimating
the enemy's firepower.

Are you talking about
the difference in resources?

Our soldiers and officers' morale
will make up for a lack of resources.

Let the headquarters handle military operations.

And you have your duty
of the front commander to carry out!

HEAVY FIELD ARTILLERY 2ND BRIGADE

HEAVY FIELD ARTILLERY 7TH REGIMENT

THE 6TH ARMY ON THE WAY TO NOMONHAN
LIEUTENANT RIPPEI OGISU

Move your asses or you'll get killed!

The Japanese Army, aiming at victory in August,
was digging trenches

and reinforcing its positions.

Japanese soldiers were having to withstand
a lack of food and the burning sun.

We're under attack!

Are they trying to scare us again?

Carry on!

At night, among swarms of mosquitos and gadflies,
soldiers were waiting for their death.

For a few days straight, the Soviet army

had been playing Soviet songs
in order to demoralize the Japanese Army.

Soviet tanks from five divisions

started advancing at midnight August 19.

How should I transmit it, Major?

- In plain text.
- Yes, Sir.

31, this is 3.

Orders to move the tanks back
to the northern slope.

Start maneuvers after dark.

44, do you hear me?

Slow down. Make sure they can understand.

44, this is 5.

Using radio and telephone,
they were sending out false information.

The Japanese Army intercepted
and decrypted these messages.

This is a message from the Soviets.

The Soviet army is retreating.

The headquarters believed
that the Soviet army was getting ready for winter.

Due to severe weather,
fighting around Nomonhan was impossible

and the Japanese command had
a faint hope for a cease-fire.

Who is it?

7th division liaison officer!

- Private Godai?
- This is me!

Major Tsuge. At ease!

I was very glad to hear
that you survived the July battle.

Thank you.

I know it's tough.

We don't know what awaits us tomorrow.

I hope we get to meet again in the Godai house.

Yes.

Stay alive.

Yes!

Good luck!

Meanwhile, the Soviet government

signed a non-aggression treaty with Germany

which already had
the Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan.

The fact that the USSR politically excluded
being attacked by Germany

wasn't known by either
the Japanese Army or the government.

AUGUST 20, 05:40 AM

AT 8:45 THE SOVIET OFFENSIVE STARTED

Attack! Forward!

Fire!

Help! Somebody help!

Help me!

Mum, what time is it?

Is Harumi asleep?

Russian bastards! Come here!

I'll cut you up! Come here!

I'll kill you!

Hey! Get out of there!
Get back in the hole!

Get out of there!

Get back in the hole!

Russian bastards! Why are you hiding?
Are you afraid?

Fire!

He must be here somewhere.

Are you sure?

I saw it. I shot at him and he fell.
There he is?

- Is he alive?
- Nah.

If you are wrong...

Well, let's move!

Forward!

Medic!

Commander! Enemy infantry at 3 o'clock!

Hello!

Reporting!

They're going to kill us all!

Let us fall back to the plateau!

Idiot! What are you talking about?
You have an order!

Defend your current position whatever it takes!

Over there!

AUGUST 26, 71ST DIVISION COMMANDER
COLONEL TAISA COMMITTED SUICIDE

AUGUST 26, HEAVY ARTILLERY DIVISION COMMANDER
COLONEL SAMETANI COMMITTED SUICIDE

AUGUST 29, HEAVY ARTILLERY DIVISION COMMANDER
COLONEL ISHI COMMITTED SUICIDE

Attack!

"Suicide note. We've run out of supplies
but we keep fighting.

"We're fighting
for the honor of the Imperial Army.

"I'm using this last opportunity to say that when
I run out of bullets, I'll fight with my bare hands

"and serve my Motherland and my Emperor
to my last drop of blood.

"The same is true for Takatsukasa's unit."

AUGUST 29, 64TH DIVISION COMMANDER
COLONEL YAMAGATA COMMITTED SUICIDE

AUGUST 30, 71ST DIVISION SECOND COMMANDER
HIGASHI DIED ON THE BATTLEFIELD

HEAVY ARTILLERY DIVISION COMMANDER
COLONEL NAITO COMMITTED SUICIDE

- Godai!
- Sakada!

I'm so glad you're alive!

- Looks like we got left behind.
- Looks like it.

You look scared.

- How many have you killed?
- Ask those who started this war.

I wasn't fighting against the enemy.
I was fighting against the war.

Let's go find some water.

- Seems like we're losing.
- Haven't we lost already?

If they wanted to,
they'd already be in Hailar or Harbin.

A Maxim gun!

It tastes like oil!

What's going to happen next?

Ask the Emperor.

Sakada!

Sakada!

Sakada! Sakada!

Sakada! Sakada!

Water... water...

Water... water...

Wake up!

Wake up!

Haiyama! Wake up!

Haiyama! Do you hear me? It's me, Godai Shunsuke.

I'll take you to the field hospital.

It's going to be tough, but hold in there, got it?

- Hold it.
- Yes!

Where are you coming from?

Where?

My squadron was destroyed.

- And so...
- What? Destroyed?

But you're here!

You abandoned your position
without permission!

Why didn't you fight to death?

It's because of the likes of you
who run away without fighting that we're losing battles!

Don't just stand there!
Go back to your position!

And leave that soldier here.
Medics will pick him up.

Major!

What?

Tell me, Major, where is my company now?

Where's my battalion?
My regiment?

You...

Where's my company and where is their position? Tell me!

Let's go!

Water...

Water...

Leave something for yourself.

Don't die, Haiyama.

I won't either.

I won't let us die here.

September 16, 1939

In Moscow, Minister of Foreign Affairs Molotov
and Ambassador Togo

signed an agreement to cease fire in Khalkhin Gol.

The number of dead Japanese soldiers
totalled 18 thousand.

The battle was very influential
for the military.

Cruel military laws
continued to cost people lives.

72nd infantry regiment commander
Colonel Sakai was wounded and retreated.

While in Qiqihar military hospital, he admitted responsibility
for the death of his soldiers and committed suicide.

23rd reconnaissance regiment commander
Lieutenant-Colonel Ioki

who abandoned his position on the Fui plateau
was forced to commit suicide

under pressure from his commander Komatsubara.

Colonel Hasebe from 8th garrison

committed suicide under pressure from
commander Komatsubara and commander Ogisu

for having lost his company's color and retreating.

Soldier! Come to me!

I'm ready to share my bed with you!

A soldier has to serve his country with devotion.

A soldier has to obey the code of honor.

A soldier has to respect courage and valor.

A soldier has to be loyal and committed.

A soldier has to be modest and moderate.

SEPTEMBER 1. HITLER'S GERMANY
STARTED INVASION OF POLAND

Soon after the Battles of Khalkhin Gol were over

the German army invaded Poland.

Because of that, on September 3
Great Britain and France declared war on Germany.

World War II began.

Japan, too, was involved in the flames of war
that started in Europe trying to maintain its position

and spread its influence to the Pacific.

DIRECTED BY SATSUO YAMAMOTO