Original subtitles

Toho Co., Ltd.

Tokyo Eiga

"Mushukunin Mikogami no Jokichi Tasogare ni Senko ga Tonda" (Drifter Jokichi of Mikogami: A Flash in the Twilight)

"Mushukunin Mikogami no Jokichi Tasogare ni Senko ga Tonda" (Drifter Jokichi of Mikogami: A Flash in the Twilight) "Slaughter in the Snow"

Produced by Okuda Kikumaru

Based on the original work by Sasazawa Saho (Shuukan Gendai serial) Screenplay by Nagahara Shuichi and Ikehiro Kazuo

Director of Photography: Okazaki Kozo Art Director: Kojima Motoji Recording: Harashima Toshio Lighting: Sakakibara Yosuke Sound Arrangement: Nishio Noboru

Theme Song: Toho Records: Enjo and Kako naki otoko ("The Man Without a Past") Music by Watanabe Takeo Sung by Tony Nakayoshi

Assistant Director: Segawa Toshi Editor: Suwa Michio Swordplay Choreography: Yuasa Kentaro Title Calligraphy: Iijima Takuma Stills: Ishizuki Yoshinori Development by Tokyo Laboratory Production Supervisor: Imai Kaoru

Cast

Harada Yoshio

Natsuyagi Isao

Yasuda Michiyo Ogawa Setsuko (as Oharu)

Takamori Gen Ishibashi Renji Suzuki Mizuho Tanaka Hiroshi

Misumi Hachiro Kitaura Akiyoshi Mori Shoji Kasahara Reiko

Tamura Tamotsu Ato Kai Ikaida Hiroshi Ishiya Hiroshi Seri Masao Hoshino Kenjiro

Kita Kusuo Tsutsui Koji Araki Hajime Maruyama Zenji Ito Yuhei Sasaki Hisao

Hosoi Toshio Nishihara Jun Iwaki Yoshijiro Hirasawa Nobuo Nakajima Kazuo Ito Kyosuke Cooperation by Nagatto Life

Directed by Ikehiro Kazuo

Please! Help us! Help us!

Sir Genzaburo!

It's against the law for hinin to speak with a samurai, let alone elope with one.

I'm sure you're more than aware of that!

Both of your parents would rather you be dead!

My father? That can't be true!

Your father came to the hinin camp and informed our leaders.

He asked us to kill you both.

He asked us to kill you both. That's a lie!

That's a lie!

What's so hard to understand? That's a lie!

If you get arrested by the Hasshu officials...

...you'll both be crucified, and that's just the start of it.

All of your relatives will be guilty of the same crime!

It's only natural that your parents would want you dead before you're found out!

You can't escape. Just give up and die!

W...Wait! Wait!

I understand. I will kill Oyae.

Then you'll forgive me, right? You'll let me go, right? Okay? Please!

Sir Genzaburo!

Why? Why?!

I should never have gotten involved with a hinin woman to begin with!

I don't care if they torture us! Was our love just a lie?!

I care about my life! I don't want to die!

Even for a samurai... he was a real scumbag.

We should've let him kill Oyae first, it would've saved us the trouble.

Yeah, but...

Yeah, but... Huh?

Just killing her...

...would be a waste.

Please! Help me! Save me!

Hey! How much longer are you gonna just sit there?

You're annoying. Beat it.

If I'm annoying you, then you'd better leave.

You want a fight, asshole?

I... I... please!

If you were just going to kill them anyway...

...why didn't you do it when I asked you to help?

You're a terrible person. A total bastard.

This is the thanks I get for helping you out?

Gravestone: "So-shu Province"

Please spare me! Please let me go!

Aw, come on...

Please listen to her.

Shut up!

I found this woman.

I like this woman.

I'll do with her as I please.

If it were all right with her...

...that would be another matter.

Poor thing... she doesn't want you to do this.

Please be merciful.

Woops.

Please let me go! Please have mercy!

Please stop!

Come on.

Let me go! Let me go! You beast!

Stop that!

Come on now, come on.

I've asked you nicely. Now I shall have to use force.

You dare to...

...challenge me to a duel?

Quite so.

How insolent!

Woman!

Woman! Yes.

You had best be on your way.

Thank you.

Draw!

Why you...! Draw!

Hey! Are you running away?

Are you kidding? I just don't want to use my blade...

...to cut up a dirty ronin like you.

You've got some nerve.

This is the first time I've used this for free.

Getting fancy, huh?

Quit complaining.

You're not gonna die.

Just a moment, please...

Three fingers on the left hand, a red sash around the waist...

You're Jokichi of Mikogami, aren't you?

I've heard stories about a master of knife-throwing.

Your skills are quite impressive, "Windmill" Kobunji.

No big deal. I used it without being asked.

I feel like I've cheapened myself somehow.

So you'll throw knives any time someone asks you to?

Well, it takes more than that. I require payment.

I've actually been paid a healthy sum...

...to artistically throw my knife into someone's heart.

That was only three days ago.

Whoever it is that you're after, I feel sorry for him.

You'll never guess who I'm after.

It's some guy called Jokichi of Mikogami, a wanderer from Boshu Province.

What's the matter, Jokichi of Mikogami?

I'll just pretend that I didn't hear that.

I'm not kidding around. I want you to know what the situation is.

All I know about you is your name and reputation.

We ought to get to know each other better before we fight.

I personally have got nothing against this Jokichi of Mikogami.

Are you seriously considering trying to ice me?

I already took a 20-ryo advance.

That's a serious amount of money.

So who was it that engaged you?

Who was the client? I can't tell you that.

Kunisada Chuji.

Well, what a surprise. You got it in one.

You...

I know that you've been following us.

You want something from me?

Ah... If you have business with Jokichi, you'd better hurry about it.

Because he'll soon be taking my knife into his heart.

As I suspected, this Jokichi fellow's got guts.

He's well worth the fee.

Kunisada Chuji and his gang brutally murdered his wife and kid.

Not only that, they raped her first.

Since then, he's always worn a red sash, a memento of them.

And now he wanders in search of a way to get even with Chuji.

Hey Jokichi, that's one hell of a sob story.

I heard that Chuji's staying with Boss Matsutaro of Kofu. Is that true?

Yeah, he's there. Absolutely.

However... you won't make it to Sasago Pass, and into Kofu.

But to be frank, it doesn't sit well with me...

...that a man like Boss Kunisada...

...would pay someone else to clean up his mess.

Personally I'd like to throw this money in his face, and see you safely off to Sasago Pass.

But a deal is a deal.

Windmill Kobunji has a reputation to uphold.

It's my policy to never leave a job undone.

Besides, Jokichi of Mikogami is well worth throwing my knife into.

So there you have it. It's nothing personal.

I see.

I feel bad about it, but you're going to have to die.

I'm sorry if that's a problem for you.

I...

...want to see this Jokichi of Mikogami...

...get killed while I watch.

Oh yeah?

Sounds like you'll croak before you croak me.

Oh, I'll hang in there. Don't you worry.

We'll pass through Komahashi, Otsuki...

...Lower Hanasaki, Upper Hanasaki...

...Lower Hatsukari, Upper Hatsukari...

...how much longer will your life last?

You're pretty familiar with the area, I see.

I guess you don't know that I too am a wanderer from here in Koshu Province.

What part of Koshu?

It's on this route; Naka-Hatsukari, right before the Sasago Pass.

You should know all too well.

The most difficult thing for a wanderer to do...

...is to go back to the home town that he turned his back on long ago.

That's why I'm not going to wait until Sasago Pass.

I intend to put an end to this before we get to Middle Hatsukari.

3 ri = approx. 7 miles Don't worry, we still have three ri to go.

That woman that you saved yesterday, even though you weren't paid...

...was it because she was from Middle Hatsukari, too?

You got it all wrong. It was just a whim.

Jokichi, don't think that I'm a softie.

Because if you do, you'll only make it easier for me.

Man, what a scene that was!

It sure was.

I heard it was Windmill Kobunji himself who did it.

He's got quite a reputation, huh?

The guy that got knifed was Boss Tozo's henchman.

He was a wandering ronin.

He was also the Boss's bodyguard.

It all started when he tried to rape the owner of the Nozuya Inn in Otsuki.

You know Boss Tozo, he's not going to let this slide.

Man, it's going to be a total mess.

So it's Tozo, huh? The bastard's got about a hundred henchmen and...

...has been throwing his weight around up and down the Koshu route.

No doubt he wants me dead.

And you still intend to head west?

You're not trying to tell me to chicken out, are you?

I think you shouldn't.

Cut that out! This is none of your damn business.

Then do what you like!

Okay, then... why don't we just settle things right now?

How about it? If you don't answer, I just might start throwing knives at you.

Fine by me.

Over there looks suitable.

It's Windmill Kobunji!

What...? Oh!

Get them!

That's Windmill Kobunji for sure!

We have no quarrel with you. Beat it or you'll get hurt.

It's just as he says. Don't you be helping me out.

As you wish. In that case, I'll just sit and watch.

It'd be convenient for me if you got offed.

Windmill Kobunji.

How dare you cripple our sword-master?! Now you're going to get yours!

Bastard!

Tell me your name, you bastard.

You can't defy Boss Tozo in his own territory and keep breathing.

You just had to meddle, didn't you?

What are you going to do now?

What will you do?

I'm heading west.

Then don't ask stupid questions... I'm heading west, too.

Signs: "To"

Dumb bastards! So you all fled with your tails between your legs? Right?

They've killed two of us and wounded four.

We can't let Windmill Kobunji get away with this.

Boss Tozo's honor and reputation throughout Lower Hatsukari is at stake.

Leave no stone unturned until you find him. And when you do, kill him!

Got that?! Well?!

What should we do about the other guy?

If he's in cahoots with Kobunji, it's the same as defying me directly.

Kill him!

Go!

You wouldn't give me the time of day.

But you're pretty kind to Kobunji, aren't you?

You act like you don't want to get involved, so what's up with that?

"Consumption:" old term for tuberculosis. Kobunji's consumption is pretty bad. A little wet towel isn't going to help.

What should I do?

So you really want to save Kobunji, huh?

Haven't you figured out that he wants to kill you?

Shut up! I'm asking you, what should I do?

You have to take him somewhere with a bed and a roof. What else?

A wanted man...

...nursing his bounty hunter.

It's really pretty funny.

Sign: "Otsuki Inns"

"The loose locks of my hair...

"...are like thorns on my pillow."

"That's why you have doubts about me."

Hey there, lady!

"But I've got my job to do, so be forgiving in this world of suffering."

Lantern: "Nozuya Inn"

Welcome.

Is he sick?

Please call the landlady.

Huh?

Huh? Please call the landlady.

Ochiyo, get Madame.

Yes.

What is it?

Kobunji...

As you can see, he's sick and in pain.

Please let him stay here.

I cannot permit that.

Boss Tozo is looking all over for you two.

You won't find a single inn along the entire highway that will take you in.

Please leave.

Madame. Kobunji is in this trouble because he rescued you.

Asking him to leave is a pretty poor way to repay him.

So hurry up and get him some rinsing water!

Hurry up.

I'm Shinpachi, the proprietor.

I will tell all the employees to keep their mouths shut.

Please do not worry during your stay.

Dear...!

Dear...! Thank you.

Where am I?

Come on, where am I?

The Nozuya Inn in Otsuki.

What?

Why did you meddle again?

I'll bring trouble to this inn, don't you see?

I'll get her in trouble.

I knew it... you guys know each other.

That's what I thought.

So there's no need for us to run away. You need to rest.

I don't like it.

Those guards were a handful.

I just managed to get away from them.

How depressing. You always look so glum.

This thing's so tight.

Jokichi... make love to me.

Please. Make love to me.

I have nowhere to go, no home to return to. I'm all alone.

I can't stand being alone!

I'm lonely. I'm scared. I don't care who it is.

I just want to be with someone who's kind.

Why did you do that?

Why did you do that? Leave me alone!

I said that I wanted to see you die; is that what's bothering you?

You're a real louse, you know that?

I've been watching you.

Watching everything that you've been doing for that Kobunji guy.

You're so kind to him, it almost makes me jealous.

You can't kill Kobunji, can you?

Yeah, I think you can't do it...

You don't understand shit, so don't be getting any ideas!

Even he knows that I'm not taking care of him out of compassion.

We're going to be fighting a duel... and soon.

Is that so?

Then let me keep the sash until then.

I hope you agree...

It'll add a nice touch of color... to your gravestone.

You've been gone for so long.

Hey, take it easy.

Man, it's freezing.

Tasuke... don't ever leave me.

I'll do anything for you... anything!

I know that.

Come on, Tasuke...

Why don't you turn around and look at me?

Stop that.

Windmill Kobunji's staying at our place.

What did you just say?

I said that Windmill Kobunji and another guy...

...Jokichi of Mikogami or something are staying at the inn.

There's no mistake?

No.

So they take me for a fool, do they?

Boss, we'll go and kill Kobunji and Jokichi.

Hold on, Sahei.

Word is that Kobunji's really sick.

We don't have to panic. Just have the men keep a careful eye on them.

And then what shall we do?

Let's have Nozuya Inn's landlady over for a chat.

Go get Oharu.

Good morning.

Sorry this took so long.

At that teahouse...

...when I found out that it was you that the samurai was attacking...

...I was very shocked.

Kobunji, I have to tell you that it was my foolishly scrupulous husband...

...who said that you could stay here.

It wasn't my idea.

You're nothing but trouble.

I know that.

If I had known this was going to happen, I would have preferred not to be rescued.

I'm very sorry.

I'm coming in.

Looks like you're feeling better.

Yeah, I'm fine.

Then you'll soon be up for the duel.

Let's just get it over with.

Proprietor, we have trouble!

Madame's been kidnapped by Tozo's gang!

Oharu?

Oharu? Yes.

Kidnapped...? By who?!

By Boss Tozo's gang, out of Lower Hatsukari.

Come receive my knife.

Please don't kill me.

I'm not ready to die yet.

Please be merciful.

Say it again.

Please be merciful.

I can't hear you.

Say it again.

I don't want to die.

Say it louder!

Please don't kill me!

It's Kobunji!

Hold it!

Big Brother... Big Brother, are you all right?

Big Brother!

At the moment of sunset...

...I look over to the flowing Sumida River.

Kobunji...

Kobunji, what's the matter?

That bastard Tozo's grabbed Oharu.

"Grabbed Oharu?"

I have to rescue Oharu, no matter what.

Are you going alone?

In your condition? You'll just be going to your death.

Kobunji, does Jokichi know about this?

Why not?

I've already had the duel with Jokichi.

Then he's... You killed him with your knife?

No, that's not it. I'm the one that lost.

And... I begged him to spare my life.

So here I am.

Hey! Did you find him?!

I... I have to go.

Hey!

How much longer are you guys going to hang around?

Windmill Kobunji's not here any more.

I've got nothing to do with that bastard... understand?!

If you do, then you'd better get moving!

It's Kobunji.

He's gone by himself to Tozo's to rescue Oharu.

Didn't you know?

Didn't you know that Oharu's been kidnapped by the gang? Don't you have to go, too?

Hey, Jokichi! You can't just let him face them alone!

Jokichi!

Jokichi!

Jokichi!

What are doing? You're hurting me!

Let me go!

Jokichi.

Kobunji's...

...gone there to die.

Jokichi...

That fool!

That fool! Die!

Die!

Hold it right there, you bastard!

Oh! It's Kobunji!

Bastard!

Bastard! Bastard!

Bastard!

Bastard! Bastard!

Oharu!

Oharu!

Come on.

Kobunji, it's such a pity...

...it's really nice of you, but...

...I don't need to be rescued.

When Sahei and his gang came and got me...

...indeed, I was surprised.

But... now I'm glad.

I'd rather be here for the rest of my life than be stuck in that stuffy inn.

Is that how you really feel?

Yes, but I do appreciate your good intentions.

Kobunji...

I just needed a decoy to lure you here, but it looks like I really got lucky!

Did you think that you could compete with our Boss?

Did you think that she'd prefer you to our Boss?

Sahei, you'd better not let him get away.

Gather all the men, and go and kill him!

A lowly farmer's son... rescued me...

A wanderer like that... cares for me...

I can't accept it! I can't!

I can't accept it! I can't!

I can't accept it! I can't!

I'm a woman of quality.

I bow my head to no one.

I refuse. I refuse.

I refuse. I refuse.

I don't want to go back to that stuffy inn.

I don't want to go back to a stupid husband.

I've been with him for five years now...

...and he's touched my flesh only a handful of times.

I can't stand having a guy like that for a husband.

Oh, Boss... Boss...

Boss... Boss...

Where's Oharu?

In the back, with the Boss.

Please! Please don't kill me!

Who the hell are you?

Are you Tozo?

Woman! Where's Kobunji?

He headed for Sasago Pass.

Kill him!

Bastard!

Kobunji! I didn't come here to save you.

Why did you bother?

I was the son of a lowly farmer...

...and I fell in love with an upper-class woman.

I couldn't stand it any more, so I left home...

...seven years ago.

But when I saw her again, even after seven years...

...I knew that I was still in love with her.

And so... I found that I had a reason to live.

I had to accept the fact that I'm a soft-hearted person.

She made me happy.

And since I'm dying of consumption, I've got nothing to lose.

Is that all you've got to say?

For the man who threw yesterday away...

...there is no tomorrow.

His wandering heart is a wilderness.

Does it harbor anger, or hatred?

Over into the yonder horizon...

The sun now sets......the dark, long day is done.

Down the distant path he strides...

...and his fading shadow does not turn back.

The End