A tale of two best friends in the WWII era Japan. Takao is a young man enthusiastic about joining the navy to fight for his country. He convinces his best friend Shinji to join him. As it turns out, however, Takao's poor health prevents him from entering the navy while his friend is chosen instead. As time goes by, Takao becomes a painter and changes his mind about the meaningfulness of war and fighting, while his friend goes the opposite path. Meanwhile Takao's sister falls in love with Shinji.

太平洋戦争初期が背景の、岩田豊雄の同名小説を映画化した青春群像劇。朝日文化賞受賞作を、恋愛要素も加味して新藤兼人が脚色し、時代劇スターとして売り出し中の北大路欣也が、初現代劇で献身的な将校を熱演。 海軍を志す幼馴染の隆夫（千葉真一）に感化され、兵学校に入学した真人（北大路欣也）は、乱視で不合格の親友の分まで邁進し、自身に想いを寄せる隆夫の妹・エダ（三田佳子）らに見守られ、特殊潜航艇で真珠湾を攻撃する特務命令遂行へと発つ。