Original subtitles

TOEI

The year is 1951.

Masatatsu Ohyama, a karate lone wolf, works as a guard for a gang.

He spends his days drinking and fighting.

But he can't forget karate.

Frustration drives him to pick fights at karate dojos.

GENBU HALL

Next! Routine form!

First!

Return!

Second!

Return!

Third!

Return!

Fourth!

Return!

Who are you?

I'm Ohyama.

Get your chief.

Damn you!

You guys back off.

I came to fight the top.

Halt!

I won't fight with

someone who does karate for publicity.

A bear or an ox would better suit the likes of you.

This place is sacred.

I refuse to taint it with your blood.

Are you scared, Mr. Fake?

Can't handle a real fight?

Close your mouth, fool.

Is this a karate dance hall?

Don't make me laugh.

So this is your style.

Picking fights.

You try to find a chance to bite

like a mad dog.

Shut up! Are we fighting or not?

Bring it on.

Other dojos may avoid a mad dog.

But we'll fight you.

And if you die, so be it.

You must fight all my pupils at once.

All your pupils?

Are you afraid?

If so, leave!

Sounds good to me.

But my last opponent must be you.

KARATE FOR LIFE

PLANNED BY KOHJI OHTA SCREENPLAY BY MASAHIRO KAKEFUDA

ORIGINAL STORY BY I. KAJIWARA AND J. KAGEMARU

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Y. NAKAJIMA ART BY H. KITAGAWA

MUSIC BY H. KABURAGI SONG BY M. NAKAO AND T. KIYONO

CAST

SHINICHI CHIBA

YOKO NATSUKI

HIDEO MURAOTA, MASASHI ISHIHASHI, ASAO UCHIDA

HIROSHI NAWA, KATSU SHIGA, HIROSHI KONDO, TOSHIAKI MINAMI

HIROHISA NAKADA, HIROMI SAIRAIJI

MR. CHING, EDDY SULLIVAN, RIP TYLER, SNAKE AMAMI

AND KOHJIRO HONGO

DIRECTED BY KAZUHIKO YAMAGUCHI

What are you doing?

Attack!

You, get the oil.

What a dirty trick!

Chief!

See this?

This is my karate.

I won't run away or hide.

Come at me!

Chief! Chief!

Out of my way!

There's no one ahead of me

There's no one behind me

Following me

Is only my shadow

You can only depend on yourself

In this cold world

Even the stars betray him at night

A lone karate man

Where will he go?

Hey.

Good to see you.

Step aside.

Go on, get!

I hate to say this,

but pay us once in a while.

She's right. This is a business.

You owe us this much, Mr. Ohyama.

-That's a lot. -A very big amount.

-I'll pay later. -Right.

We'll eventually have to close this place.

Just wait a bit more. I beg you.

I respect you when you're in your karate wear.

But I hate you when you're with these men.

Who do you think you are?

You better shut it, balloon face!

That's enough, let's go.

Oh! I wanted to see you.

What?

I didn't say anything rude. I said sit.

Ohyama, I have so much money here.

-Madame, will you bring us some sake? -Yes, certainly.

See this? This is money.

You can get more money if you take a part in my business.

Business? What kind of business?

I'm a promoter of wrestling and boxing.

I want to sign you.

-You want me in a show? -No.

A top karate man like you deserves respect.

Please accept our invitation, and come to Okinawa

as a Japanese karate champion.

Okinawa?

OKINAWA

U.S. WRESTLING vs JAPAN KARATE & JUDO!!

Hello, boss. I've brought Mr. Ohyama.

Come in.

It's Mr. Ohyama.

I'm glad to see you.

I'm the president, Great Yamashita.

I'll introduce you.

Hey, Mr. Fujita!

This is Japan's top judo expert, Shuzo Fujita.

This is Japan's top karate man, Mas Ohyama.

Hello.

-Sit down, sit down. -Yes, sit.

I'm really pleased.

I have two strong men from Japan. It's reassuring.

We are going to make lots of money.

President is a top notch pro wrestler.

So you can leave everything to him, you see.

You're in good hands.

As of today, you guys are my brothers.

We are Yamashita Brothers.

Hold on a sec.

What do you mean?

Let me explain.

The eldest will be the Great Yamashita.

The second will be you, Shuzo Fujita...as Shu Yamashita.

Lastly, we have Mas Ohyama as Mas Yamashita.

-Brothers. -Hey.

-I didn't know this. -Just a moment.

You two are my brothers, who came to help me.

This will bring you popularity in Okinawa.

That's nonsense.

Why should I fight barbarians?

Don't speak like that.

It's too late to complain.

It's already in the newspapers. Can't be changed.

Right, boss?

What?

I won't take it.

Correct it now!

Wait a minute, Fujita!

We must start training.

We have an exhibition match tonight.

It's your duty to fight before the fans.

If you guys withdraw from the fight,

GIs will laugh at us Japanese.

We'll lose trust.

Hey.

I am a sixth Danlevel of the Kodokan School.

A bunch of foreigners won't beat me.

Then you'll fight them. Okay?

Ohyama! Fight, okay?

If our trust depends on it...

I'll fight.

In the red corner, at 275 pounds...

Rip Tyler.

And at 255 pounds...

Eddy Sullivan.

And in the blue corner...

Great Yamashita.

And Shu Yamashita.

And Mas Yamashita.

The referee is Harold Oki.

Hey, pull yourself together.

Stay focused.

FIREMAN'S CARRY

ATOMIC DROP

BEAR HUG

Ref, that was too dangerous.

Mas, use your karate moves. Okay? Let's go.

NECK HANGING

Mas, run! They'll kill you.

Pro wrestling is a show.

You don't beat them for real.

Don't be stupid.

In a fight, you live or die.

No.

They don't care about samurai spirit.

We Japanese are heels.

We get the upper hand first, but get defeated in the end.

The crowd loves it.

In return, we get money. It's business.

Bastard...

You brought me here for fixed matches?

If you can't obey me, go home!

It's a breach of contract.

Repay me my money.

What?

Mas, this is a good steak.

Drinks, this hotel, all excellent.

If you do as I say, everything will be okay.

-You understand? -Shut up!

I'll never do as you say.

Ohyama.

Don't do it.

It's too late to defy him.

We didn't read the contract properly.

So, you're going to do fixed fights?

Wrong.

I just want to fight again.

Fujita, do as I said.

You ready for this?

-Forgive me. It wasn't my idea. -Fool.

Our wrestlers are hurt.

You're responsible.

Their actions are on you.

Come.

It's open.

See what you did.

They're gangsters.

That's why I got beaten up.

You act so righteous

without considering my hardship.

You two are crazy.

From now on, we go our separate ways.

I want a long life.

Here, plane fare.

Go back to the mainland.

Well, it's all said and done.

Fujita, let's go.

What's wrong?

-Sorry, go back on your own. -What?

Looks like I got a crack in my ribs.

I'll be okay in ten days.

He won't kick an injured man out.

Don't worry about me.

-But... -Just go back.

Hey, buy some chewing gum.

This is Hershey's chocolate.

It's a new flavor. How about just two?

-Come on, they're good. -Buy them. Please.

-Come on. -Buy them, won't you?

Hey!

Pass it to me.

- - Let me go.

What's with you?

Shut up.

-Hey. -Let go.

Stand up.

You can't make money by drinking in the day.

It's none of your business.

You bitch.

Quit fooling around, you understand?

You piece of shit.

Let go!

Work, or you'll be sent to South East Asia.

Got it?

Damn you.

What the hell?

Let go!

Let go!

Let go of me! What are you doing?

Leave me alone.

Don't be a fool.

Dying won't solve things.

You're from the mainland, aren't you?

You people will never understand my feelings.

You won't understand.

Never.

Seriously...

You won't...

Not at all!

Nobody will understand...

Nobody...never...

Stop!

Thief!

Come on.

Come and get me.

Wanna fight?

All right...

Attack!

-You fight him. -I'll kill you!

It's my turn.

Move back.

-Run! -Go, go, go!

That swine!

Sleeping so peacefully in our pad.

Oh, man.

He ate up all of our precious canned goods.

Brother, let's beat him up.

Wait a sec.

We have to do this right.

Ready...

Hey!

You stole goods from the warehouse.

-We didn't. -Quit lying!

-Where's the money? -I don't know.

Lies. Hand it over.

Stop it!

What's this?

You little rat.

What the fuck?

Who are you?

Ohyama!

Help! Help!

It wasn't me!

-Losers! -Go drown yourselves!

You'll pay for this!

Hey Chibi, come and help me.

Okay.

I wish I were bigger.

Food's ready, Nobuo.

You, thank you!

Come and eat!

Shinji, come and eat while it's hot.

-It's good. -Yeah.

-You're a great cook. -Of course I am.

You all don't have parents?

-They all died. -Mine too.

Me too, my mom was killed.

We're in the same boat.

But we're pretty happy living together.

-Right? -Yup.

Uncle, why don't you join us?

Then we'll be invincible.

Now wait a sec.

You want me to be a guard for thieves?

You can talk!

You're a thief, too. You stole our canned goods.

-Well, um... -Exactly.

You ate up our canned stuff, right?

-That's right. -Join us.

-Come on. -You have to.

You really want me to join?

Yeah, of course!

Okay, but you must work with me from tomorrow.

Sure. We can do it.

All right, good.

You, thank you!

Watching is 10 cents. Participating is one dollar.

Ready, and...

Now see here.

You can break four of these roofing tiles with this hammer.

But this karate expert can break ten of them barehanded.

But that's not interesting enough.

This karate man will put his golden hand on these tiles.

You strike it with this hammer.

Who wants to try it?

Ohyama!

Why're you here?

Fujita!

Yamashita!

So you didn't go back to Japan?

What's with your outfits?

The Ryu Group took Yamashita's money and drove him out.

We're working as day laborers.

That's all we can do.

I see...

I'm sorry.

It's my fault, falling for money like I did.

Listen, Ohyama.

Yamashita and I are going to the U.S.

Want to join us?

-The States? -Yes.

There're strong men in the States.

You two are powerful.

You'll surely be popular over there.

You can fight fairly.

And I get fair money. Good idea, don't you think?

Still talking about money?

Don't be so mad. He's a good man at heart.

Ohyama, I'm putting my dream on the line.

We've come this far. Let's go to the States

and put our abilities to the test.

Think it over, Ohyama.

That's okay. Okay, Mas?

Sis!

Sis!

Kazuo.

Cheer up.

Don't lose heart.

I was an orphan like you.

But you have a sister.

Kazuo, you've got balls, don't you?

Man up and help your sister.

That's your duty.

Am I right?

Understand?

Good.

Now, hit me.

Come on, hit me.

Stand up.

Stand up!

Are you scared?

You wimp!

Damn it.

Damn it!

Good!

You can do anything with that spirit.

No power, no justice.

Power without justice is only violence.

Understand?

What's up?

It's about Kazuo.

Kazuo?

Go and see him.

I've forgotten him.

You really mean that?

He's the one who cares about you the most.

He's your only brother.

Try to understand him a bit more.

I do understand. But there's nothing I can do.

Leave me alone.

Come on, let's go.

I beg you.

Let's go.

Please.

What's wrong?

How is she, doctor?

It's tuberculosis.

And it's a serious case. Get her to the hospital.

This fever could be dangerous.

Take care of her.

Doctor.

Please do something.

It's hard for us to get it,

but the U.S. army hospital has penicillin.

Please get it, Doctor.

But it's unbelievably expensive.

500 dollars.

500?!

You okay?

I got drunk and fell asleep.

Take it easy.

Lie down.

My body is...

falling apart.

I'll die soon.

Don't say that.

Keep yourself together.

I...

I had a long dream.

Of my home town...

Nuibaru.

Kazuo and I always played on the beach.

Beautiful sand stretched as far as I could see.

And bright red hibiscus flowers bloomed there, too.

I want to go back to Nuibaru...

and live with Kazuo once again.

Yeah.

So get well soon, okay?

I'm sorry for putting you to so much trouble.

Don't worry about it.

I didn't know there were kind mainlanders like you.

They've come.

Boss! We promise.

We'll obey you.

So please let Ohyama fight on the stage once again.

I was wrong.

Never do that again.

Yes. I promise.

In return, would you do me a favor?

I'd like to be paid in advance.

Mas, what are you saying?

Boss, I promise to do as I'm told.

I beg you.

Do you promise you'll obey my orders from now on?

As promised, okay?

He's meant to be KOed in five minutes. Go full out.

SECRET RING

Mas, suck it up.

Don't forget your promise.

We're in trouble. We need to go!

Go! Quick!

Where's Ohyama?

I don't know.

You liar!

We know he's been visiting you.

Where is he?

Talk! Where's Ohyama hiding?

I don't know.

Stupid bitch!

Why do you side with that damn mainlander?

A stubborn lady, I see.

Teach her how to be obedient.

Don't!

I guess we won't be able to stay in Okinawa longer.

-Stay down. -I'm fine.

One bullet can't kill me.

Yamashita...

You got injured because of me. Please forgive me.

Don't worry, Mas.

You can't fight in a fixed match.

That's the way you are.

Let's all go back to Japan and fight for real.

We'll go on a rampage. Okay?

Alright.

Mas, Okay?

Kazuo!

You guys messed up.

I'll kill you.

Stand up.

Stand up!

Stand, you fuckers!

Come forward. Quickly!

Don't move!

I'll die this time.

Don't say that. Come on!

Fujita...

Ohyama...

You two are great fighters.

Continue to fight.

And make lots of money, okay?

Kazuo, what happened?

My sis...

What about her?

Sis is...

What happened?!

Sis!

Sis!

Kazuo...

Kazuo.

Let's go back to Nuibaru.

Just the two of us.

Yes.

Yeah?

Let's go back together.

Sis!

Sis...

I'm so sorry.

I've been so unkind to you.

Please forgive me.

Sis, please don't die!

My hometown, Nuibaru.

Kazuo and I always played on the beach.

Beautiful sand stretched as far as I could see.

And bright red hibiscus flowers bloomed there, too.

I want to go back to Nuibaru...

and live with Kazuo once again.

Who are you?

Ohyama, go ahead!

I'm glad to see you.

Your karate hinders my business.

I need you to vanish.

Face the front.

Now!

I'll show you what happens to anyone who opposes us.

Ohyama, go after Ryu.

Okay.

Ohyama.

I've been waiting.

Yonajima!

So you fled all the way to Okinawa.

But that ends today.

You and your karate will vanish here.

I'll crush both your eyes.

My way is true. My way is endless.

THE END

Subtitle Translation: Misa Tanaka