Original subtitles

A NIKKATSU FILM

A DIRECTOR'S COMPANY PRODUCTION

SCENT OF A SPELL (Masho no kaori)

Esaka, it's your shot.

What're you doing? Start paying attention to the game.

I feel like somebody is watching me.

Huh?

Maybe a private eye

hired by your ex-wife to watch you?

She's already remarried.

Then you're having an affair with somebody else's wife.

I don't need any women for a while. I've learned my lesson.

Original novel by SHOJI YUKI

Screenplay by TAKASHI ISHII

It started to bother me.

I feel like I'm being followed.

You owe me 5,000 yen.

MARI AMACHI JOHNNY OKURA

YUKI KAZAMATSURI CHOEI TAKAHASHI

Directed by TOSHIHARU IKDEA

Wake up! Hey!

Did you swallow water?

Where are we going?

To the hospital.

Hospital? No. I'm scared.

Scared? Of the hospital?

What are you afraid of?

Taxi! Right here.

To the nearest hospital. Quickly please.

Hey sir, I don't appreciate wet clothes on my seat.

She's injured. Take us to a hospital.

I'm being chased. Help me.

Being chased? What are you talking about?

Help me. Hide me... Please.

Hey. Lady!

Gimme a break, sir.

Darn it.

To Waseda then, please.

Who could it be?

Hello? Esaka speaking. Oh? It's you.

Eh? What? It's already time?

Yeah. They called? I guess they're upset?

I screwed up, didn't I?

Not yet. It's still wet.

Huh? Nobody's here.

I'm coming right now.

Hey, you owe me 5,000 yen for yesterday's game.

Bye.

You can't wear wet clothes.

You'll catch a cold.

Leave it for now. Sit down.

You shouldn't walk as you sprained your ankle.

How do you feel? I need to change your bandage.

It still hurts.

That's why I wanted you to go to a hospital for X-rays--

No way.

Your shoes are at the entrance.

Your bag is over there, I didn't look inside.

You're leaving, so I'll go too.

I didn't ask for that.

I wouldn't chase an injured person away.

You asked me to hide you.

I'll be right back. Just rest for a while.

You're probably still in shock from yesterday.

Take a shower. Use these clothes.

Is your wife out?

Does this room look like I have a wife?

If you need me, call this number. I'll make sure I'm easily reachable.

Can I ask one question?

Yes.

What is your name?

I'm sorry. Akiko. It means autumn.

I'm Esaka. I felt weird, like I shouldn't ask anything.

- Bye. - Yes.

Don't answer the door, even if somebody knocks.

Thank you.

I see, it was your husband. He chased you around.

He has an alcohol problem and he's incredibly jealous.

Whenever I go to the shops, he thinks I'm having an affair.

You married him because you love him.

Why don't you put up with his jealousy?

He's just not very good at showing love.

Showing love by hitting and punishing me?

Punishing?

He locks the door from outside whenever he goes to work.

Can't you divorce him?

He won't agree to a divorce.

Takimura is not that kind of--

- Takimura? - Eh?

I'm sorry, I interrupted you.

How long has it been since you ran away from Osaka to Tokyo?

Half a year. I worked at some bars and clubs.

But he always finds out where I am.

I don't know how he finds me. I feel I'm being watched all the time.

I see. I'm familiar with cases like that.

But, if you die, you lose. This man isn't worth it.

It may be easy for me to say...

but if I hadn't been there,

you'd be dead.

I'm sorry for all the trouble--

I didn't mean it that way.

What I mean is, you must come up with an idea...

besides giving up your life.

Sorry...

Don't cry.

If he follows you everywhere...

why not stay here?

Why are you so nice to me?

Don't you have an appetite? Then have a beer, you'll feel better.

You need to eat.

I'll get another glass.

Know what? I was really excited.

My blood was pumping.

Who'd expect that?

It's pretty extraordinary meeting someone like that.

I didn't know I had the guts to save somebody's life.

I was proud of myself.

I'm sorry. I'm not belittling your life.

I understand.

Stay here until you've settled down.

If you don't mind.

I'm sorry.

Can you stop apologizing? You're easily victimised.

Okay, I'll stop.

The Tokyo Giants will win.

Waiting?

People see many things while waiting.

What's the last thing they see?

You want to find out?

Yes.

It's not like you can tell anybody after.

Dinner was delicious.

I haven't eaten tempura at home for two years.

Why two years?

That's when I got divorced.

What day is garbage collected?

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Recycling on Monday.

Don't do that, I'll do it. Your ankle won't heal.

I haven't seen a clean house for two years.

- What's wrong? - Somebody's there.

Who was it?

It was too dark, but I know someone was watching.

Where?

By the fence on the corner.

Was it your husband?

I don't know.

- I'm going to check. - Don't go, I'm scared.

You never ask about me.

Aren't you curious about my divorce?

It must have been her fault. She had to be the bad one.

THREE MONTHS LATER

She's from Osaka, right? Not fair!

I didn't ask her to come!

Move.

- You found the place okay? - Yes.

- This way. - Welcome.

So, this is Minami who called you earlier.

This is Ohta. This is Akiko, guys.

I'm Akiko, nice to meet you.

Please, have a seat. Madam, another drink for us.

Sit there.

Excuse me.

Have a seat.

- Welcome. - She's so polite!

- Ohta, bottoms up! - Madam, I need more ice.

- Beer okay? - Anything.

Anything? Really!

I'm Minami.

Madam, isn't it almost closing time?

Don't worry about it.

I read your article. It was really good.

Really? I would've liked to have discussed her private life more

but I didn't want to compromise her reputation.

But it was very realistic.

- Problematic, huh? - What?

Tell me how you two met.

Minami, you're always trying to get ideas for your novels.

Shut up! Madam, listen...

- Ignore him. - This one here is still a cherry.

None of your business!

Are you feeling sick? It's in the back!

Bathroom's in the back. Shall I come...

- Stop it! - ...and wipe her ass?

Akiko.

It's me.

Are you okay?

Wanna go home?

- Big mouth. - What?

You told them my problem, right?

I didn't tell them anything.

I hate a man who talks too much.

- My blood type is O. - Oh yeah?

Type O's personality; good relationship is the key. Matches well with Type A.

Check, please.

Okay?

Yes, but just for the two of us.

Here, this will cover it.

Thanks again. See you soon.

- You're Type AB? A sissy one! - Not true.

If you're really AB then drink up.

If you can drink all this, then you're really an AB!

No problem.

How about you, Esaka?

Huh?

What blood type are you?

Huh? Madam, where's Esaka?

- He went home. - Asshole.

I'm done for. I'm hammered.

Boss, help me!

Hey Miss, you wanna take a ride with me?

Akiko.

What are you doing out here?

I left the bar, but you didn't follow, so I came back.

My friends liked you a lot.

You're cruel.

Wanna drink more?

I've had enough.

Then let's go home.

But I don't want to.

You wanna go to a hotel?

- Marry me. - What?

Don't you want to? I want our relationship to be official.

I haven't gotten divorced yet.

Not divorced?

I'm going to Osaka, to talk to your husband.

He's not easy to talk with.

Mr. Takimura, right?

It won't be easy. He's incredibly jealous.

Do you think I don't get jealous?

- Keep your spirits up. - Yes.

- Divorce? - Please agree to it.

You're saying "please" now?

You're the one who didn't want to sign.

No metal bat today?

The furniture you destroyed cost me 150,000 yen.

You owe me.

How is she?

She was in bed for five days because of you.

We could have gone to the police.

Where are you now?

You haven't contacted me for three months.

Oh, I get it.

I see. I understand.

What's he like? He's influenced you so much.

It's none of your business.

- No. - What?

I won't accept it. 'Cos I still love you.

Having an affair with a nurse isn't unusual. Many of us do it.

But it is unusual for a wife and mistress to live under the same roof.

You're exaggerating! That was only for three days.

Three days was enough. She shouldn't have been there.

She invited herself! What could I have done?

She has a keen sensibility.

Takimura...

What?

Where's the X-ray?

The X-ray?

I sent it to your department.

We haven't received it.

Are you hungover again?

That's not funny.

Can you wait for me somewhere? I'll take you to dinner.

Something's wrong. Check your office one more time...

Typical male selfishness.

My feelings for you haven't changed, nor my priority.

You're still my number one, Akiko.

Give me more time. She'll get bored with me and leave.

I understand that I messed up.

But I want to resolve the matter peacefully. Please understand.

Let's go somewhere and discuss it.

Akiko.

Akiko, come on.

Mum...

C'mon. Let's go inside.

ONE WEEK LATER

You don't get enough exercise. You better do something.

Isn't swinging a baseball bat every night exercise too?

- No need for it. - Try using a metal bat.

It's plastic, I think.

- So, Kuwano. - Yeah?

- She's still young, isn't she? - Around 30?

- She looks younger. - I know.

But she's petty mature when it comes to... y'know?

Hello? Yes, he's here. Hold on please, I'll get him.

Speak of the devil. It's your Akiko.

It's me. What, why not?

I was looking forward to it.

Tomorrow? I don't know...

I'm leaving. I have to finish up my work tonight.

Hey, you forgot your bat. Hey!

Oops. My brain seems lighter than this plastic!

Here.

See you later.

Thank you.

Madam, another coffee please.

Who is that guy? I often see him here.

He works around this area. He's a TV commercial director.

Oh. His date stood him up?

Probably her husband returned home early today.

Are you talking about Akiko?

- Were you listening? - Well, he was talking loudly.

My girlfriend's name is Akiko

so I thought the call was for me.

Never mind autumn or winter, this summer is awful.

What?

So that girl has a name which means "autumn"?

Right. He told me so. Like, Autumn's coming.

- Hello? - Ah, you're there.

Of course I am, why?

- So, anything going on? - Nope. Are you finished?

Not yet. I have to stay the night.

Poor thing.

Make sure you lock the door.

- Goodnight. - You too.

The night is full of sirens.

Hello?

Ah, you're home.

Were you out for a while?

Sorry. I didn't hear the phone as I was hanging the laundry.

Did you finish the article?

Yeah, I made it.

I have two screenings starting at two o'clock.

Then I have to review the movies.

But I won't be very late tonight.

Really? Anything special you want to eat tonight?

It's so hot!

I can pick up some eel.

Anything will do. Later.

Too hot.

YOUNG COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR BEATEN TO DEATH

YOICHI KUWANO, 27

FOUND BATTERED TO DEATH IN THE BATHROOM

A NOTORIOUS WOMANISER. A REVENGE MURDER?

So, the girl has a name which means 'Autumn'?

Right. He told me so. Like, Autumn's coming.

This is merely a coincidence. Of course, it must be.

That's him, isn't it?

It's odd to have been home at noon.

Noon?

He was at the office in the morning, then found dead in his home at noon.

If he were at a love hotel, I'd tell the police about that girl.

You mean that girl Akiko?

Right. Akiko, that autumn devil.

Have you ever met her?

Sure. The two of them have come here together.

- Here? - Sure.

Manager, a visitor's waiting for you.

Oh! You look well.

- Sorry to bother you. - Okay.

So many mistakes. No matter how much I tell them.

What's up?

Well, the thing I asked you earlier...

Right! I forgot about that. Sorry.

I don't want to be mean, but I was told not to leak information.

Besides, that's not my department. I asked my friend on the case.

Give me more time.

Thank you anyway.

What's this about?

- I kind of know the victim. - How?

Doesn't matter.

- Do you have time tonight? - What?

We haven't drunk together for a long time. Let's go.

Give me a taxi ticket.

I still have some transcribing to do tonight.

Have your secretary do stuff like that.

Let's go.

What time did you wake up this morning?

Probably after eight. I overslept a bit.

Did you go out?

I went to pick up some edamame at the store.

And then?

What do you mean?

Tell me what you did today.

I got up, ate breakfast.

What did you eat?

Bread and coffee, as usual.

And then?

I did the laundry, cleaned the house, and went shopping.

What's wrong?

There's something weird about you.

Is it your work?

Yes? Oh, thank you very much for the drinks.

What?

Yes, I do. But hold on a second.

Go ahead.

Huh?

TAKIMURA

How do you spell that?

YUTAKA

A BUSINESS CARD TOA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, X-RAY TECHNICIAN

FOUND AT THE MURDER SCENE

What was the murder weapon?

A BLUNT INSTRUMENT LIKE A BASEBALL BAT

- Any suspects? - ONE SUSPECT

- Arrested? - HAS AN ALIBI

THE SUSPECT DENIED IT, WAS RELEASED 10 MINUTES AGO

TAKIMURA WAS AT AN X-RAY TRAINING SESSION WHILE THE MURDER WAS COMMITTED

What is the address?

AKABANE

The autopsy revealed the time of death was between 10 and 11 a.m.

While I was napping at the office.

I didn't call her during that time.

- Take it off. - Eh?

Take the towel off.

But...

Don't you want to?

I want to see you naked tonight.

Come here.

Come.

Move your arms.

What's wrong?

- What did I do? - Don't you want to?

Is something wrong with my request?

Nothing's wrong with my body. It hasn't changed.

I hope so.

Is your husband's name Yutaka? Yutaka Takimura?

Am I wrong?

Where... does he live?

If he's not connected to the murder, why did he refuse?

What a waste of time. The police let him go anyway.

A business card at the site smells like a setup.

Yes, who is it?

I'm Esaka. I'm here regarding Akiko.

Akiko? Akiko who?

I'm Esaka, living with Akiko Takimura. Can I speak with you?

What is this? What did she ask you to do?

What did she ask me? We need to talk.

I'm alone.

So, you're the one.

I see.

I thought this had to do with the murder.

Yes, it's about that.

What do you mean?

You're Akiko's boyfriend.

Do you think she's connected to it?

I don't think so, but...

Darling, why don't you two sit in the living room?

I'm okay here.

But, what do you say, darling? Come along.

- It's a mess, but... - Thank you.

This way, please.

I'm sorry I raised my voice.

So...

What did Akiko tell you about me?

Don't worry. She knows all about Akiko.

- Would you like some saké? - No, thank you.

Hey, get me a beer.

Akiko and I...

I've been living with your wife.

It's been 3 months.

Mr. Takimura, she's afraid of you and your jealousy.

You thought she was having an affair every time she went out

even when she went shopping.

And you psychically abused her.

That's a really awful husband.

This is merely speculation.

That's okay. Please continue.

Every day is like hell... No thanks.

She managed to escape from Osaka

and she wished that you'd accept a divorce.

But you refused.

What did she say about Fumie?

- Hey. Will you join us? - Yes.

She chased Akiko out.

You don't know anything about this?

You told me she escaped to Tokyo.

I've always lived in Tokyo.

Been here since I was born.

I admit it was my fault at the beginning.

This might sound like an excuse

but she's the jealous one, you must know that after 3 months together.

I guess that's a danger of arranged marriages.

Well, within half a year... our relationship turned sour, see?

Fumie was very sweet to me and I couldn't help myself.

Fumie told me she wouldn't mind continuing as my mistress,

but I didn't feel it was right.

So I told Akiko about it.

Guess what she did?

Bitch!

Was she really that wild?

Well... It was only that time, wasn't it?

When did that happen?

About three months ago.

Was it the day of that heavy rainstorm?

Yeah. I think it was. How'd you know?

What did she use to cause all this damage?

A baseball bat.

A metal one I was using.

A metal bat?

Do you still have it?

No. I didn't want it to happen again, so I asked Fumie to throw it out it.

- Did you? - Yes.

Huh?

What are you doing, Akiko?

Akiko, dinner's ready.

What's wrong?

Why are you here?

When I woke up, you'd already left for work.

You said you had an interview.

Did it go well?

What did you do today?

I was looking for you.

Do you worry about everything I do?

Yes, very much so.

So you sleep here when you have to work all night?

Why are you here?

What went on with you and Kuwano, trying to make me jealous?

Kuwano?

Did you read the newspaper?

It was on the TV too.

Yesterday at noon, a man called Kuwano was killed in his home.

Yutaka Takimura's business card was found at the murder scone.

It seems like more than a coincidence.

I knew the victim.

He was a customer at this café I go to.

The last time I saw him...

he got a phone call from an "Akiko."

I heard him set up a date for the next day.

This "Akiko," like yours, means Autumn.

That's why I remember him so well.

Next thing I know, he's been killed.

So I asked my brother-in-law at the newspaper to check the facts.

He told me that Mr. Takimura was questioned, but released.

I went to see him.

You knew...

he was in Akabane, Tokyo.

Mr. Takimura

was the one you were so scared of.

The insane man, you said.

You're lying.

The things you told me about him were about you.

You mentioned his abnormal jealousy...

but that's your trait, right?

You loved him

so you were hurt by his betrayal.

You ran away from home because you had too much pride.

But you didn't want to give up.

You left home to not give him a chance to divorce.

While you were looking for a opportunity for revenge!

- Not true. - I saw the room you destroyed with a bat!

That bat was...

I guess you met Kuwano at the café I go to.

You started seeing him behind my back...

while hiding your identity from him.

While I was away, you and Kuwano...

were supposed to meet at his apartment yesterday.

Conveniently, I was still at work...

while you were killing him.

That's not true! Why would I kill that person?

To frame Takimura for betraying you.

So you left his business card there.

It's too obvious.

It wasn't me.

Kuwano was just fishing bait

so you could land Takimura, wasn't he?

I don't understand. Why would I?

What did I do? I don't know the man!

Forget about the murder.

But please, answer this question.

Why are you with me?

And why were you seeing Kuwano at the same time?

I didn't do any such thing.

I guess I was supposed to be "Kuwano" at first.

Am I right?

You were going to kill me, right?

No!

It's not true!

It was me who made you worried, wasn't it?

You were watching me for some time.

I had a feeling as such.

You were looking for bait, weren't you?

Stop it!

Your suicide was fake. You're a brilliant actor.

Your ankle was supposed to be sprained, but it healed so quickly!

You could win an Oscar.

You're wrong. I lied because I fell in love with you at first sight.

My ankle wasn't too bad, you were right about that.

But I really wanted to stay with you. That's why I lied.

But the suicide was not fake. I wanted to die.

I'm relieved to hear that.

I fell in love with someone I was planning to use as bait.

So I had to find different bait.

It didn't have to be Kuwano. It could've been anyone.

That's what you are saying. Am I right?

So what was the murder weapon?

Why did I kill someone?

A bat. A metal baseball bat.

You have experience with it.

And Kuwano happened to have one, Takimura told me.

No. That one was yours.

I wanted to you to help me.

I could feel your help whilst using that bat.

Is this a joke?

I would've done it like that, if I were the killer.

With your help, I could, perhaps.

What are you saying? How can I believe you didn't do it?

Explain it to me, if I'm wrong. Please.

You hate me too?

I feel sorry for you.

Sorry for me?

I see. Then make love to me.

Right here.

What're you going to do now?

I'm on your side, you know?

Then make love to me.

Takimura tried to cover up for you too.

He didn't tell the police about you.

If I keep my mouth shut, everything will be okay.

I don't care if you talk.

Will you kill me?

I'm in your way now.

Why didn't you tell me? There could've been a better way.

Not murder.

After you settled down...

I was going to marry you.

It's not fair.

I love you.

I love you too.

I'm just like my mother.

When I was in junior high school, my father found a mistress and left us.

A year after he came back and said the affair was over.

My mother accepted the situation.

Even I understood her.

When I was studying late at night...

I heard a woman screaming from somewhere.

I thought somebody had been attacked.

I peeked outside from the window, but didn't see anybody.

The next day I told my mother what I'd heard.

She smiled bitterly.

It was her screaming.

Their bedroom was under my room.

Six months later, my father disappeared again.

What happened to your mother afterwards?

What?

Can I have a cigarette?

Tastes good.

Let's get married.

Let's be together.

Wait. I'm sorry.

This is a turn-off...

but I need the bathroom.

Where is it?

Go out the door, up or down the stairs to the bathroom.

Hold this for me.

Funny girl. Just going to the toilet.

It's Nomura, if you have time, how about meeting the day after tomorrow?

Give me a call.

Hello?

It's Aoyagi, from Tokyo News.

This is a message for Esaka.

At 18:30, the murderer turned herself in, escorted by her husband.

His wife, the murderer, was in fact, his mistress, not his wife.

Women are scary.

She committed murder to frame his real, estranged wife.

...committed murder to frame his real, estranged wife.

Hello?

Akiko.

Jumped. To. Her. Death.

Akiko...

Akiko!

Don't.