[2][3] [4] The story is presented as a voiced-over narrative by Arita (Takahiro Tamura), speaking long after the events of the film.
In a remote army base in Manchuria, near the Soviet border, long-serving corporal Arita hates the military and looks forward to the day he may leave.
The base commander asks him to take charge of Omiya (Shintaro Katsu), a soldier who responds poorly to military discipline.
Discipline at the camp is imposed through beatings, with non-commissioned officers being able to freely punch and kick the lower ranks for infractions and failings.
Film critic Tom Mes opines: "In Hoodlum Soldier army life becomes a miniature of version [sic] Japan itself.