Plot: In this second film, Kaji, after trying to protect some Chinese prisoners, is forced to join the army. Though he is a model soldier, his reputation precedes him and he is given the toughest tasks of the squad. Luckily, he gets support from his wife Michiko, who pleads his case and tries to get the military off of Kaji's back.
Watches
May 15, 2021
A slight step up from the first installment. Mostly because the balance between pure drama and war cinema is just a little different here, with a bit more attention going to the battlefield. It made the film just that little easier to get through, though in the end the popularity of this film series still escapes me.
The black and white cinematography doesn't really pop, the dramatic performances are well over the top and at 180 minutes, it's at least half a film too long. The second half is easier to get through though, which makes me somewhat hopeful for the third part, but I really don't see what all the fuss is about.