Zweiundzwanzig Filme hat Sadao Yamanaka gedreht, drei davon sind erhalten. Er war ein guter Freund von Yasujiro Ozu, sein furchtbar (aber sehr gelassen) trauriger Humanity & Paper Balloons blieb sein letztes Werk. Als er ihn drehte, 1937, war er noch keine dreißig Jahre alt, aber er musste in den Krieg und kam nicht zurück. Er hat ein Testament hinterlassen, dessen Wortlaut ich aus dem Booklet zur Humanity-DVD abschreibe:

The Last Will and Testamet of Yamanaka Sadao (1938)

I have nothing to say as an Infantry Corporal in the Japanese Army. I have done my best as such.

A word as a member of the Assiociation of Film Directors in Japan:

If Humanity and Paper Balloons should prove to be the last film by Yamanaka Sadao, I would feel a little aggrieved. It is not a loser's grief.

Allmy insurance money goes to Mr. Inoue Kintaro.

I am very sorry that Mr. Inoue has to take the trouble for me. Pay all my debts at P.C.L. and Naruse, the restaurant. Probably my money will not cover them all. Cheat them to make them content with the result.

If there should be a surplus, share it among the Associatio and the Zenshin-za.

Lastly, I say to my seniors and friends:

Please make good movies.