Fires of the Plain, Japanese 1963

This Japanese film follows a soldier, Tamura (Eiji Funakoshi), who, along with hordes of other men, has been stranded in the jungles of the Philippines during the waning days of World War II. As Japan’s Imperial Army faces dire conditions -- the men have been cut off from communication, and food is scarce -- gruesome realities descend. Some men go insane. Others resort to cannibalism. Amid the brutality and hopelessness, Tamura, who has tuberculosis, flees his troop and struggles to survive. Release date: September 24, 1963 (New York City) Director: Kon Ichikawa Story by: Shōhei Ōoka Adapted from: Fires on the Plain Music composed by: Yasushi Akutagawa