Director Keisuke Kinoshita had to 'toe the line' in the film. Sponsored by the Imperial Japanese Army (I.J.A.), nothing but honor and respect were to be shown to that service. The failure to do your duty to the Emperor and State was inexcusable. The word 'coward' is liberally thrown around at any sign of acting less then a man, any sign of weakness.
The story covers three (3) generations of a Japanese Family and its contributions too the war effort. Starting with the First Sino-Japanese War (1894>1895), Russo-Japanese War (1904>1905) finally the commitment in 1937 to the 2nd Sino-Japanese War which evolved/merged into World War II in 1939. The prelude to the story set in 1944 illustrates this, Japan is being pressed by the Navies of the 'Western Powers'. Japan is always portrayed as a victim. Either not getting its fair share of the spoils of war, nor the proper respect as a player for Empire.
The film ends with the I.J.A. marching off to defend the Empire from the alleged aggression of the Chinese. The Mother runs after Her Son, desiring a last farewell. Is She distraught of His leaving or proud He is finally living up to His duty? With no dialogue save for martial music playing it is left up to the viewer. Though it did not please all those in the I.J.A. it skirted the issue enough to pass the censors.
