Original subtitles

A TOEI PRODUCTION

An eye for an eye.

In the Edo era of Japan...

...punishments were very cruel.

Today, the main object of punishment is re-education.

Judicial cruelty does not exists.

But we should not forget the dark age.

A judge warns...

...man's nature cannot be changed.

We can turn wild and cruel again.

THE JOY OF TORTURE

Screenplay by Teruo Ishii and Misao Yagi

Photography by Motoya Washio

Music by Masao Yagi

Cast

Teruo Yoshida

Masumi Tachibana Miki Obana

Yukie Kagawa Tamaki Sawa

Yuko Nampu Reiko Mikasa

Naomi Shiraishi Mie Hanabusa

Gannosuke Ashiya, Toru Yuri Kichijiro Ueda

Tomoo Koike, Fumio Watanabe Shinichiro Hayashi

Directed by Teruo Ishii

If that hadn't happened...

...our fate would have been different.

Mitsu.

Something terrible has happened.

Shinza, my brother. What's the matter?

A log fell on him.

He was unfortunate.

Don't worry. I'll be all right in a few days.

Are you sure?

I'm sorry for you, Mitsu.

I'll get a doctor.

I've sent for the famous doctor from Bancho.

We can't afford him usually.

I am really obliged.

You ought to know the doctor is beyond our means.

The master is helping you.

Oh, that man?

He will save your brother's life. It'll be the master's doing.

And the doctor...

And you must be grateful to the master.

He has done you a favour.

And that's the truth.

He can walk around the room now, doctor.

I advise you not to move for some time.

But doctor, I must earn a living.

Don't worry about that now, Shinza.

This is for you, doctor.

That can wait.

I'd rather you take it now.

In that case...

So long.

Thank you, doctor.

The master is not giving his money for fun.

Why don't you give him a favourable reply?

I will repay him soon, Gonzo. Forget about my sister.

You mean he's no good?

Mitsu is too young.

She is not cut out to be a mistress.

Don't be so stubborn.

It's the only way you can repay him.

You don't have to talk like that.

He doesn't understand.

Even a dog doesn't forget the one who feeds him.

But this fellow...

Let's discuss it later, Gonzo.

Let him take a rest.

Then come to the Hisago restaurant.

She won't go. Get out.

All right.

Don't worry about me. Calm down.

I will get the money somehow.

So don't go to them.

I will do as you say.

Forget it. Just take a rest.

Shall I give you a massage?

I am supposed to act as your father.

I am only a burden to you now.

Don't be silly. I am happy with you.

The neighbours are very kind.

They will help me find a job.

Mitsu, I want you to stay with me forever.

The doctor says he can't work for a few months.

My odd jobs won't earn me enough to cure him.

Stop singing now, Gonzo.

If you want to have him cured...

...you must obey the master.

Don't make us wait forever.

Isn't this a lucky break for you?

You have Shinza's life in your hands.

And you already owe the master too much.

Don't be afraid, Mitsu.

You know how I feel about you.

If you hate me so much...

...you must repay everything.

I will work and repay you.

It will take more than ten years.

I can't wait that long.

People say that you and Shinza are very good to each other.

Don't you care whether he dies?

You can rely on my help.

Believe me.

I will make you happy. Be mine.

Don't worry. I will make you happy. Be mine.

I went to deliver the goods.

It couldn't wait.

Come here.

Come here, I said.

You went to that restaurant, didn't you?

And?

Just as I feared.

No. Don't.

I will kill Gonzo and Mino.

No. Think of the consequences.

I don't care. I must avenge you, my poor dear.

Wait. Please, wait.

I'm all right.

You must lie down.

I am sorry I was foolish.

I only wanted to have you cured.

What are you doing?

Don't say anything, Mitsu.

No, you shouldn't do that.

I won't give you to anyone...

...even if I become incestuous.

I have been proud of you.

No.

I never thought of marrying.

I have only thought of you.

I have always regretted that we are brother and sister.

Deep in my heart I blamed our parents.

I am such an immoral man.

You can laugh at me.

I can't live without you.

I can't let you be just my sister any longer.

I have always loved you, Mitsu.

Doctor, it's about your fee...

Never mind. Medicine is expensive, regardless.

Anything from me looks good.

I once healed someone with soot.

I will charge the rich more in order to cover your costs.

Thank you, doctor.

Hey, it's confidential. Don't tell anyone.

Hey, Mitsu.

I told you I wouldn't come.

Stupid woman.

You want me to collect your debt?

My brother will kill himself...

...if I go to that man again.

You will find out what he's going to do.

Won't she agree?

You must go to her now.

To her house?

Don't be so weak, master. Use violence now.

A woman cannot resist her first man.

I know.

Don't give her time.

It's the only way. Believe me.

But she's with her brother.

He is weak and can't move.

Take her in front of him.

Then he won't refuse you anything anymore.

I'm glad you are still here.

What do you mean?

You ran away from me in my dream.

I'm happy to be with you like this...

...as a woman.

Do you really mean that?

You are a pitiful woman.

I have put you to shame.

Say no more about that.

I don't mind anything as long as we love each other.

You never answered my letter or came to me.

Now I understand why.

No. What are you doing?

Don't cry.

Be quiet.

I know what a shameful thing you were doing.

I can keep it secret for you.

If I tell the police about you two...

...you know the punishment will be execution.

I'm home.

I have earned a lot and I bought your favourite food.

I hope you are hungry.

Brother...

No, don't. You will bleed even more.

I am dying. Let me die fast.

Why did you do this?

I wanted to put an end to our shameful life.

Even though it was shameful, I have been very happy.

How could I live on, all alone? How could I?

Stop my pain quickly. Hurry, Mitsu.

How can I do that, my love?

Those eyes...

The same stare as when Mino raped me here.

Don't stare at me like that.

Brother...

Forgive me.

I wish you happiness.

I love you. I've always loved you.

Don't die, Shinza.

How can I live without you?

So, you did this to yourself.

I was foolish and stupid.

Forgive me.

Don't die, dear brother.

What have you done?

He died because of you. You are the cause.

Help.

I wonder why I pulled the blade that time.

Because of his stare.

Or because I wanted to stop his pain quickly.

I have been investigating your murder case.

I heard something else.

You were having a relationship with your brother.

Confess.

Mino has already testified.

Stubborn woman.

That's enough.

She may die if you continue.

No. String her up.

Water.

I won't talk, even if I die...

I don't want to put my brother to shame.

Look up.

How he resembles my brother.

I understand how you suffer from severe questioning.

We find extenuating circumstances in your case.

You will only be exiled.

But the charge Mino brought forth...

...that you had sexual liaisons with Shinzo...

...is a serious charge punishable by death.

What do you say?

Mino has confessed...

...how he had your brother injured to get you...

...and that he raped you in front of him.

If you deny Mino's charge, you'll be exempt from death.

You don't have to die.

I have endured the hellish tortures...

...to save my brother's honour.

But this judge is so sweet...

...I want to tell him everything.

Rather than live hopelessly in exile...

...I would go to Shinza's side in heaven.

That is a fact, your honour.

What are you saying?

You must be confused and tired.

Deny it and you will not die.

I am telling the truth.

I took advantage of his illness...

...to lure him into a relationship.

I understand punishment is meant to prevent crime, sir.

But I don't see the need for such a prolonged execution.

You may be right, but it's the law.

Incest is a serious crime.

But I doubt if this is justice.

I am coming to your side, my love.

We will be happy together forever.

Shinza, my dear brother.

Mitsu. Kuromon Street, Edo. Eighteen years old.

Put to death by drowning.

Murder case of the abbess of the Juko temple in 1666.

The head convent has sent us our new abbess, Mother Reiho...

...and Rintoku, her servant.

She will give us orders.

Those statues mark the boundary to the adjoining temple.

Boundary?

There is a silent understanding...

...that we do not visit each other.

Who is he?

Shunkai, a priest of the temple.

He was on this side of the boundary.

A silent understanding?

What are you thinking of, sister Reiho?

Nothing.

You are lying.

I can tell what is on your mind.

Don't ask, then.

How can you talk to me like that?

You will regret it.

Stop it.

You wicked woman.

Forgive me, Rintoku.

Swear not to be disloyal to me.

Never again.

I haven't been disloyal.

I have recognised the change...

...since you saw that priest this afternoon.

I know very well what you think and what you want.

Confess now.

I was wrong. Forgive me.

Hug me. Love me.

Forgive me.

Look, dear. This is my excuse to come here.

Stand up, Myoshin.

Let me see you again.

No, I am embarrassed.

Why should you be?

There's just the two of us here.

We are all alone.

See you again.

Are you Shunkai?

You must be the new abbess. I have heard about you.

From Myoshin?

I saw what you did with her just now.

You must know the punishment for this.

Please punish me and forgive her.

For mercy's sake.

If you show your sincere penitence.

I will.

You must purify yourself of shameful desire.

Pray under the waterfall.

Take off everything.

Begin your prayers.

Shunkai...

...can you forget desire?

Yes, your highness. So please, forgive Myoshin.

Even at the sight of a naked woman?

Am I to understand...

...that you only desire a low-ranked woman?

A woman such as Myoshin?

So that's what a man is like.

This was the first time I've had a man.

You have committed the same crime as we have.

You mean you made love to me...

...only to escape punishment?

It was for Myoshin.

You love her that much?

Put the loaches in.

Stop being stubborn now.

This will finish you.

Give him up and you'll be forgiven.

Give up now, or your private parts will suffer.

Will you forget him?

Whatever torture I may suffer...

...I can't forget him.

How can you say that as a nun?

You will get what you deserve.

Teach her a lesson.

Make her suffer.

Give her red pepper.

You've known a man, you wanton woman.

You can't deceive my eyes.

You tortured her because of jealousy.

You slept with Shunkai.

Listen, Rintoku. He broke my heart.

I was insulted.

I must take my revenge on him.

Let me see the abbess.

Open up.

What do you want?

Shunkai, what are you doing here?

Let me talk to the abbess.

If you agree to be put in bonds.

Shunkai.

Let go. Free me.

Quiet.

Free her at last.

Give her up.

Or she will lose her womanhood in front of you.

Torture me instead.

I won't give in.

No. Don't.

Give her up.

How about you?

Stop it. Stop it.

Go to the police, Nissho.

We can't overlook her behaviour any longer.

Our convent will be closed.

Life is more important. I'm sure she will go on.

We're all alone now, Shunkai.

I did all this...

...only because I wanted to make you mine.

So you might understand my love.

Say something nice to me.

Go away.

You are not a human being.

Stay away from me.

Go to hell.

You are mine now.

You can't even talk back.

You are just my servant.

I won't let you go.

You belong only to me now.

Open up.

Arrest her.

What insolence.

You can't arrest Princess Fukakusa. That is who I am.

Get out of here.

Don't hesitate.

You want to take me?

How silly.

Sir Nambara...

...should we execute the dead and the mad?

Of course.

They are very evil women. They deserve this.

Punishment is two-sided.

I'm afraid that such severe punishment may harm the peace.

Begin.

Stab deeper.

Deeper.

Women are horrible.

They don't see the limit...

...when they desire the men they love.

Five nuns from the Jukoin...

...Reiho, Rintoku, Kokei, Sonei, Shuchi... all crucified.

The murder case of tattoo artist Horicho in 1671.

Don't move. It's almost finished.

I am sorry. It's unusually painful today.

You have been patient till the end.

Is it finished now, Horicho?

Yes. You will become a famous geisha with this.

Want to see it?

You are the best tattoo artist in Edo.

I am proud of it.

Nobody ever tattooed like this.

People will be so surprised.

That's quite a novelty.

Kimicho's skin is beautiful, too.

The best tattoo in Edo.

It is to the artist's credit.

You really are the best tattoo artist in Edo, Horicho.

Show us the tattoo.

How silly.

That's only child's stuff.

One moment.

What is childish about my tattoo?

I demand an explanation, sir.

All right.

This woman's face...

...is a product of your imagination.

You gave it a wry look.

Listen carefully.

An expression of real agony is not so ugly.

It shows a kind of joy...

...a kind of pleasure...

...a strange kind of ecstasy.

I was ashamed.

I, the best tattoo artist in Edo.

But why is he so confident?

Damn it.

A nice woman just came in.

The pawn broker's wife.

You can see the best of her now.

The fifth from the left.

She is a rare beauty, indeed.

No. She may be good in bed, but she's not so good for tattooing.

Well then... I will massage every woman.

Give me a sign what your judgement is.

Burn more wood and warm it up.

Nobody takes your fancy?

A fair skin is very rare.

Everyone is talking about that geisha Kimicho.

How?

They say you are the best tattoo artist.

You described real hell.

That is no good. I want a better skin.

A virgin's skin. Soft and smooth.

Not too hard or too soft.

She must have a slim waist.

I can't describe it.

She's the one.

The woman of my dreams.

I want her skin.

I want to tattoo my best on her.

I have found the skin.

I must get it.

I always get what I want.

My mother injured?

I am only the messenger. Follow me.

Is she here?

I was right.

This skin... this shape...

You stay asleep for a while.

What do you want, Horicho?

Lord Nambara...

...you kindly pointed out my error the other day.

It was quite alarming for me.

Would you tell me more about...

...the expression of agony?

Your tattoos don't look real.

I cannot imagine it.

You can't ever. I see it all the time when I'm on duty.

All the time?

I have a request.

I want to make the best work of my life.

Will you arrange for me to see a criminal being tortured?

All right. I will show you the most cruel tortures.

Come to Nagasaki.

Are you scared?

No, sir. I would even go to hell for the work I want.

Please take me.

I will remember that.

I tattooed on her private parts.

Then she became an obedient servant.

Horicho.

I can't go home now.

Sorry. I am like a mad dog that has bitten you.

You don't have to apologize. I'm happy with you now.

I want you to take me.

I appreciate it.

But I can't treat you as a woman...

...until this work is finished.

Nagasaki Magistrate's Office

Christianity is banned here.

You pretended to have been shipwrecked...

...and entered our country to propagate Christianity.

The Government assigned me to question you strictly.

I will torture you first.

Give her more pain.

This is too much.

Torture them more.

You look tired.

Is your work tiring?

It will be the best of my life.

When are you through?

I have nearly finished the main part of it.

You have finished it? Can I see it tonight?

I said I have finished, but I am not satisfied.

You mean you have failed? - No, sir.

I think I have tattooed most of it with perfection.

But something is lacking. Just something.

I have found what it is...

...and came to ask you for one more favour.

Go ahead.

I realised the women in agony...

...but not the ogre torturing them.

I see. And?

And so I am asking you to show me...

...with what expression you torture people.

Do you want me to pose as an ogre?

I don't know anyone else.

Good.

It will be fun to have me in your best tattoo.

I will tattoo you expression tomorrow...

...on my woman's skin on the scene.

On the scene?

Very interesting.

We're just here to torture people.

Do your best.

I will. I hope you'll do your best, too.

Ready?

Stupid bitch.

Go on.

Do it now.

Are you satisfied?

Not yet, sir.

Not enough? - No, sir.

Your expression doesn't correspond with the woman's.

All right. You'll see.

One moment.

I'll show you what to do.

Lend me your dagger.

Get out.

Can you amuse me?

Have you gone mad?

No, sir.

Torturers must feel the pain of the tortured.

I don't know what hell is like...

...but in this world, you can't torture other people for fun.

Feel more pain. Suffer more.

An ogre would not look like that.

That's it.

That expression.

I have done it.

At last.

I can't do a better job.

Well done, Hana.

Take them back to their cells.

Who did this?

Me, sir.

This fellow deserves a death like that.

You're under arrest.

Don't touch her.

She belongs to me. And her tattoo is mine.

Surrender.

I won't let anyone touch her tattoo.

This tattoo is mine. Only mine. It's mine.

Come here.

Horicho, Horicho.

Hana.

Are you all right?

Nambara found pleasure in torturing criminals.

He died after prolonged agony.

It may be the punishment system that has created him.

I doubt if anyone has the right to punish someone else.

THE END