The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity (II) (1959)

Kei Satô: Shinjô Ittôhei

Quotes 

• Kaji : You believe unconditionally that true freedom can be found over there?

  Shinjô Ittôhei : Not unconditionally. It's all relative.

  Kaji : What use do they have for a deserter? You'd be a mere tool. A little tool in the service of their big promises.

  Shinjô Ittôhei : You doubt that all races are equal?

  Kaji : I just don't share the same naive certainty. What have the Japanese done? Deserting the ranks of the invader doesn't prove the purity of your ideals. You're still just a deserter.

  Shinjô Ittôhei : What are you trying to say?

  Kaji : Prettier flowers blossoming on their soil doesn't justify rejecting your own. I could never do it.

• Shinjô Ittôhei : You're tops among the recruits. But don't forget: You're under suspicion.

  Kaji : I know.

  Shinjô Ittôhei : They can't afford to have a Red leading the pack.

• Shinjô Ittôhei : You're a hard worker, Kaji. I hated laundry duty even more than beatings.

  Kaji : One might hate it, but there's no avoiding it.

• Shinjô Ittôhei : I don't care about going home, but I do want to get out of here.

  Kaji : What do you mean?

  Shinjô Ittôhei : I'm not even sure myself. To go to some unknown place and get a fresh start. Someplace where no one knows me.

  Kaji : Is there such a place?

  Shinjô Ittôhei : Escaping from here only means immediate recapture. There's only one other possibility.

  Kaji : Is the border close?

  Shinjô Ittôhei : Not far. But it's all marshland up to the lake. Get bogged down there and you're finished. Which would you choose? The land where people are promised freedom... or the land where your loving wife awaits you?

  Kaji : I promised my wife we'd start a new life together.

  Shinjô Ittôhei : You really believe you'll get back alive?

  Kaji : I don't know... but I hope so.

• Soga Gunsô : A huddle in the latrine?

  Shinjô Ittôhei : A truly stinking discussion.

• Bannai Jôtôhei : Shinjo, don't just stand there. Take him to the guard post.

  Shinjô Ittôhei : But if he's not the culprit...

  Bannai Jôtôhei : Fool! We'll make him the culprit.

  Shinjô Ittôhei : That's ridiculous!

  Bannai Jôtôhei : Do as I order you!