Ningen (1962 film)

Ningen, released in English as Being Human, is a 1962 Japanese drama film directed by Kaneto Shindo. The film explores themes of survival, morality, and the consequences of war, specifically focusing on the human cost and psychological impact of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

The story follows a group of fishermen struggling to make a living in the aftermath of the war. They discover a floating raft carrying several survivors, including a woman suffering from radiation sickness. The fishermen are faced with a moral dilemma: helping the survivors puts their own lives and livelihoods at risk due to the fear of contamination and the scarcity of resources, while abandoning them would be a cruel act of inhumanity.

The film's stark black and white cinematography enhances its bleak and realistic depiction of post-war Japan. Ningen is considered a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the human condition in the face of extreme adversity, and it reflects Shindo's long-standing commitment to social commentary within his filmmaking. While not as widely known as some of his other works, such as Onibaba, Ningen is recognized for its unflinching portrayal of the atomic bombing's lasting effects and its exploration of the complex ethical choices individuals face in times of crisis.