Original subtitles

Selected for Cannes Film Festival 29th Year of the Showa Era [1954]

Daiei Productions Presents

近松物語 • the crucified lovers CHIKAMATSU MONOGATARl

Producer • Nagata Masaichi

Original story Chikamatsu Monzaemon

Adaptation • Kawaguchi Matsutaro Screenplay • Yoda Yoshikata

Cinematographer • Miyagawa Kazuo Sound • Otani Iwao

Art Director • Mizutani Hiroshi Music • Hayasaka Fumio

Cast

Mohei | Hasegawa Kazuo

Osan | Kagawa Kyoko Otama | Minamida Yoko

Ishun | Shindo Eitaro Sukeyemon | Ozawa Sakae

Genbei | Sugai Ichiro Doki | Tanaka Haruo

Isan | Ishiguro Tatsuya Oko | Naniwa Chieko

a Mizoguchi Kenji film

- Good day - Good day

Still not finished? Get on with it!

Sorry to keep you waiting

We're currently printing the new calendar for the Imperial Palace...

...and we're a bit behind on the rest of our orders

It's a large order and we're responsible for all the copies for the Western region

- You're late! How many have you got? - 300

Bring the other 200 by tonight or l'll only pay you half

Please make your selection from this catalogue

These aren't quite what I was after. My client wants something classic

I was told that Mohei could sort it out. Is he here?

- Wake Mohei up. Master Kuze is here - Yes, sir

Printing a special calendar for every house...

...that's like having a tree that bears golden fruit

Most other merchants are experiencing a slump in business...

...but this place seems to be thriving

The owner of this place is very hard to please and very particular

Maybe he does it by paying his staff next to nothing!

Mohei, you have to get up. Master Kuze is here

He wants the sample of gold brocade. It's in the second...

Listen, you'll find it in the second cupboard along

You're the only one who can tell the brocades apart

Please get up

Quickly

There's no rest for the wicked!

Osan?

Osan?

Osan?

What is it? What are you doing here?

- Where's Ishun? - He's out

Good

Listen. I have a favour to ask of you. l'll come in through there

- Osan, I have no one else... - Good day, madam

- Can you lend me five kan of gold? - Good day

It's all a bit sudden

If it's to pay off your debts to courtesans again...

No, not at all!

It's for the interest payments on the home

Our family home?

My loans to the courtesans haven't been returned yet...

...so l'm in real trouble

l've had to ask others to lend me some money

Please, l'm begging you

Please help me out

l've raised enough to pay off a third of the interest, but l'm missing the rest

If I don't pay it in three days, they'll throw me in prison

I can't believe you're in this position!

- Madam? - What is it?

Your mother is here to see you

Don't tell her you've seen me. l'll be back tomorrow for the money

l'm just taking this up to Mohei. See to the back rooms for me

She runs around for Mohei like she's his wife

I wonder what Mohei thinks of Otama

If you're so worried, why don't you go and ask him, then?

- l've prepared you some broth - Thank you

Listen to you, you should be resting

I have work to do

I won't be able to care for you while madam's mother is here

- Her mother, you say? - Yes

Otama, has anything strange happened in their family?

I have no idea

Here you go

Eat up before it goes cold

- There - Otama!

Coming! l'll see you later

Thank you so much

- Otama! - She's so impatient

Your brother has never been that clever...

...and we've tended to scorn him since your father passed away

l've remonstrated with him...

...but if he's arrested, just imagine the damage it will do to our business

We must avoid this shame at all costs

You know how quickly rumours can spread in business

It's a terrible embarrassment to me...

...but could you ask your husband just once more to help us out?

I will ask him

Ever since I was engaged to become his wife...

...l have always felt so ashamed asking him for money

Welcome back, sir

Welcome back, sir

- How's the work going for the Minister? - Well, Mohei's been in bed with a cold

Get him up! I promised it would be completed by this evening

- Have you been with the Minister, sir? - Yes

These nobles deign to drink with us only when we're the ones paying

- Welcome home, sir - Welcome back

Welcome home, sir

Welcome home, sir

- Where's Osan? - She's with her mother, sir

I see...

Welcome home, sir

Welcome home

Welcome back, master

Pass me a headrest

So, have you thought about it?

Please, let go of me, master

Don't be like that. Just think of the benefits for you

You have no parents, no family, and l'm offering you a life of luxury

I prefer to remain just as I am, thank you

You might, but I certainly don't!

To tell you the truth... l'm engaged to be married

What? Don't tell lies

l'm not lying

Tell me, who is he?

Don't make it up. Who is he?

It's Mohei

Mohei?

Please. I beg you, do not come to my room anymore

l'll come whenever I please, until you give me the answer I want

Welcome home, my dear

Forgive me for not coming sooner

l'm exhausted

I had to stay out drinking with the Minister all night

- Your mother's gone? - Yes

- What did she want? - Well, she...

- If she's after money, tell her I refuse! - No...she came to see the neighbours

Speaking of which, Sukeyemon told me you'd offered my sister some capital

But your elder sister asked for the money

I refuse to lend money even to my siblings!

Oh. Mohei...are you feeling up to this?

l'm fine. l'm all right to do some work

Are you sure?

- How did you know that's the one? - Just by watching

- So, do you intend to marry a printer? - Of course

What's wrong?

l'm sorry to trouble you...

...but if the master should mention me to you...

...would you please say that we're engaged to be married?

I can't do that

The master is chasing after me so much...

...it's the only thing I could say to deter him

The master?

I couldn't, l'd do anything for you, but I couldn't tell lies

But l'm bound by a contract and cannot leave here

- Of course not - Would you rather I gave in to him?

Not at all

l've thought many times of telling his wife

You mustn't, that would be a disaster

Primarily, his wife would suffer more than he would

Listen...

In any event, you must do nothing that would tarnish the family's reputation

You'll just have to put up with it for now, understand?

You mustn't forget that you're just an employee here. Right?

Hey, everybody! Some adulterous lovers are to be crucified!

Come quick!

- It's the wife and servant of a samurai - A samurai's wife and his own servant?

- Right - There they are!

Make way!

Make way!

Make way!

They'll be nailed to a cross and then left there for public viewing

It's a dishonour upon their entire family

This is the cruel fate that awaits adulterers

If a samurai does not kill the adulterer himself, he loses his rank

Surely it's better to die by the hand of one's husband than suffer such a fate

Oh. Mohei...have you recovered from your illness?

Yes, thank you for your concern, madam

That's good

Madam?

I heard your mother had arrived. Is there anything wrong?

Why do you ask?

There is nothing at all wrong

Mohei, why is it that men have the right to commit adultery...

...yet if a woman is caught. she's nailed to a cross?

- It's a cruel injustice! - Watch what you say

Why must they be crucified?

They didn't kill anyone or steal anything!

- It's absolutely tragic - Don't you feel pity for them, Mohei?

Of course I feel pity for them...

...but they broke the law, that's why they're being punished

Thank you

- I brought you a warm drink - What is it?

It's eggnog. Drink it quickly

Thank you

Mohei

Mohei!

ls it all ready?

- I managed to finish it - I bet it almost killed you

l'll take it up to the master

l'm accompanying him to the Minister's house, so l'll take it over for you

Make sure the rest of the work is done by tonight

I shall

Mohei?

- Mohei? - Yes?

How can I help you?

Yesterday, you asked me about my family, didn't you?

Yes...

Well, there is a favour l'd like to ask of you

- Will you come with me? - Yes

It's humiliating having to talk to you about this...

I understand

Your brother is going through hard times, like most businessmen are

How much does he require?

He needs five kan of gold

What? I thought you were going to ask for 50 or even 100 kan.

Not at all, but I dare not ask my husband for it

l've borrowed heavily from him ever since we were first married

I understand that, madam. I do all the accounts so I know

Just leave it to me

- I don't want you to get into trouble - Please don't worry

It's just another way for me to be of service to the family of my master

I can easily come up with the amount

I knew I could rely on you...

...but I never thought you'd be able to help this much

- Thank you so much. Thank you - Please, don't...

Welcome home, sir

Welcome back

The Minister was very pleased with your work

Really? That's good

Are you feeling better? Don't tire yourself out now

l'm fine, thank you

You're the only one I can rely on to deal with the important jobs

Here are the calendars for the Imperial Palace, sir

Good, good

Also, I need your seal on a receipt for an order, sir

Yes, of course

Here, take it

Money order. Signed - Ishun

Mohei...what are you up to?

You're back...

- You look well - What's this?

I was just signing a receipt

But you've stamped the seal on a blank page

I need to take out an emergency Ioan of five kan of gold

l'll return it within 20 days. Just turn a blind eye, will you?

What do you need it for?

Listen, you and I have often done this for even larger amounts

That may be so...

...but we never stamped the master's seal on a blank page

l'd have told you beforehand if I could. Please, overlook it this once

Right, then

In that case, you can add another two kan for me

Sukeyemon, l'll pass that amount to you another way

Mohei, what you're doing is dangerous

If you're caught, you'll be had for fraud

Just think about that

Even if you are the favourite of the master and his wife

You're right, It was wrong of me

Very wrong, l'm going to apologise directly to the master

- Hold on - What for?

Just do what I asked of you, Mohei!

- What's the meaning of this? - It's only five kan of gold

''Only'' five kan? I don't care how trifling the amount, it's still my money!

How dare you?

Explain yourself!

The simple reason is that I need the money

I can't just accept your excuses and forget about it

You owe your apprenticeship to me! Have you forgotten that?

Do you need the money to pay off debts you owe to a geisha house?

No, sir. You know that I would never frequent such places, sir

What's going on?

- He misused the master's seal - Master!

If you refuse to speak, we'll let the authorities get the truth out of you!

Master, it was l...

Master, please forgive me! It was I who requested the money

A loan for what?

Well...my uncle cannot survive as a masterless samurai...

...he's being pressured by his creditors and he's talking of suicide

That's the reason why I asked Mohei to help me

- You two seem awfully close - Not at all, sir...

You wouldn't do this if she was just a friend

Master!

Mohei simply acted out of pity for Otama

I beg you to have mercy on him. Please forgive them

No! It's obvious, they're lovers!

Sir, do with me as you will, but think of Otama, one day she will marry...

Hey, Sukeyemon

Put Mohei in the storeroom

l'll hand you to the authorities tomorrow. And keep an eye on Otama

l'm going out. l'll be back later

Otama and Mohei would never do such a thing

This doesn't concern you!

- Please forgive them - Back to work, all of you!

You should have listened to me

You've just thrown away all that you've worked so hard for

You know, in this day and age, how the master takes money off us...

...to fund his own petty vices

And like a fool, you've just fallen into his trap!

You idiot!

- Don't take your eyes off him - Yes, sir

Mohei

Madam sent this for you

- Madam did? - Yes

I see

Thank you

Madam...l'm not worthy to receive you in my room

I came to say thank you for before

This whole affair is my fault. Forgive me

Your fault, madam?

Didn't you know?

You are fond of Mohei. I can tell

Please...

I will talk to the master...

...and ask him to pardon you both

No, the master will never pardon us

Why not?

I do not wish to upset you, madam...

...and I wish to remain silent on the matter

But the truth is...

...the master...

What about the master?

He torments me constantly

He wants to set me up in a house so he can take advantage of me

To spare myself...

...l lied and told him that I was engaged to be married to Mohei

- That's why he's so angry with me - What on earth...?

To avenge himself...

...l am certain that he will come to visit me tonight

Here?

To your sleeping quarters?

Are you sure?

Yes...

...he has done so many times before

No...

And he has the audacity to reproach others for their behaviour!

He refuses to lend money to help his own flesh and blood...

...and yet offers to buy you a house

Seems we're born into this world merely to labour

Aren't you awake yet?

- Careful of the fire - Yes, sir!

Otama?

Otama, it's me, Mohei

That was good of you to speak up before and spare madam any disgrace

Quiet, don't say anything

I intend to leave this house tonight for good

But I wanted to thank you first

Mohei...

Madam?

What are you doing here?

Otama has probably told you...

I feel like l've been completely let down

I am here to catch my husband out

I want to have a serious talk with him...

...and to save you and Otama

So Otama has told you everything?

You wish to leave here, Mohei?

Yes

Once l'm handed over to the authorities...

...l won't be able to find the money to help you

If I leave now, I can try to borrow the money for you

You're still thinking about that after all that's happened?

I want to make amends for my mistake

Mohei, I will ask my husband to be lenient with you

Madam, it would do no good

I know the master well, he would never forgive me

I must leave

But I can't let you leave...

...when I am the cause of your misfortune

What are you doing, you fools?

Wake up!

Mohei's not here!

Mohei!

You idiots!

Master! Master!

Madam, please wake up!

Madam!

Madam. Mohei has escaped. Please get up

Madam?

Madam?

Otama? What are you doing here?

- You mustn't go - You mustn't stop me, madam

Go back to the storeroom and wait there until...

- Enough, madam - Please!

Mohei

Wait, Mohei!

Stop, Mohei!

Stop!

You've come to spend the rest of the evening with me, eh?

Master! Master!

- Something terrible has happened! - What is it?

What do you mean, ''something terrible''?

Clear off, you lot!

Please, you must believe me

I swear l'm not lying

Why should I believe you?

Firstly, what were you doing in a servant's room?

If you must know, I wanted to discuss something with you

And you would have been obligated to listen to me

Why couldn't you discuss it with me here?

You just wanted to sleep with him!

So, you refuse to listen to my explanation

There is nothing more to say

Osan!

Osan...

...you know what someone of your rank must do now!

Master!

Master!

- Master, where are you? - Ah, master

- Did you find him? - No, sir

- You searched all over? - Absolutely everywhere, sir

And not one of you found him?

What should we do, sir?

Well, you must tell no one... no one...

...what happened this evening. understand?

But we can't stop Mohei talking

Go to the authorities and file a complaint for the theft of my seal!

I had a feeling he was planning something

And he's involved your wife in the whole thing, too, sir

And to think they'd been carrying on and nobody noticed a thing!

Hold your tongue!

Go tell the authorities, quick!

What are you doing lagging behind? Get going!

Osan!

Osan!

Osan?

Madam?

Mohei!

What are you doing?

I no longer want to remain in that house

Listen, madam...

As his wife, I thought at least he'd trust me

I now realise what kind of a man he really is

Like a fool... I was completely ignorant until now

Madam...

The master's accusation of adultery stems from a simple misunderstanding

He's impulsive and he's passed judgment too quickly

For tonight, it'd be better for you to go to your mother's house

- Let me take you there - No, I don't want to go to my mother's

I just want to take myself far away from here

Don't say that

What about you? Where will you go?

Well, I plan to go to Osaka

Osaka?

I have to raise some money for your brother...

...and it would be easier to do if I went to Osaka

I shall go with you. You must take me

Impossible! If we do that, then people will surely judge us to be lovers!

We'll be crucified

I see...

You go, then

l'll find my own way somehow

Please, if you say that, you'll make it harder for me to leave

What should I do, then?

Madam!

Does the ship for Osaka Leave from here?

Yes, that's right

This is the first time l've ever spent a night in an inn

- It's so cold - Yes

Excuse me

l've brought you some hot water. There you go

May I prepare your sleeping arrangements?

Yes, please

How's your cold?

My cold?

It's completely disappeared, what with all the fuss

Hey, what are you doing?

A single pillow will suffice. I won't be sleeping here

- Warm the room up well - Yes, sir

Forgive me. I assumed that you'd be sleeping here

I must have been confused, sorry

Sorry

Goodnight

Mohei, l'm frightened. Stay here with me tonight

I couldn't possibly sleep in the same room as you, madam

Please, you must get some rest

Mohei...

...people's fate takes such strange turns, doesn't it?

Even in a single day, we have been reduced to this

There's no one at fault. Let's worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes

Just forget your worries and get some sleep

l'll try to get some sleep, too

Good night

Yes... good night

Not seeing him for a day

feels to me like a thousand days...

The master harasses his managers about their accounts...

...but he lavishes expenses on us!

Such expenses are but a drop in the ocean...

...compared to the payoff he'll get in return

He's rich because he has a monopoly on the sale of calendars

If he can't find cause for celebration in that...

...then fortune will turn him old before his time

Today must be the best day of the year for this house

Otama...

...don't look so sad

You'll end up breaking your heart and what good will that do you?

Listen...

...Madam and Mohei will surely return

You have to lift your spirits

All right?

Ministers, honourable Chamberlain...

...l am deeply honoured by your visit to my humble home

This is a rare privilege for my family

You're always very generous

It is a pleasure to participate in the festivities with you

The delivery of the calendar is an auspicious day for you...

...and we are very happy to share in your good luck

Thank you, you are too good to me

- Master Isan has arrived, sir - Oh, Isan?

I appreciate you dropping by when you must be so busy

I stopped by to congratulate you on the publication of the latest calendar

Thank you very much. Please, won't you sit with us?

May I present Isan, who printed the parchments for the retired Emperor?

He deserves at least the same compliments that you bestow on me

I am honoured, gentlemen

Please, be seated

I notice that your wife isn't here

Yes...well...

...she went to visit her mother who's feeling poorly

That's a pity

It's been a long time. I was looking forward to seeing her lovely face

Isan, please accept a toast

Master...

Excuse me for one moment, gentlemen

Ishun's business is becoming more and more prosperous

On the other hand, though...

...officials in the royal household fall more and more heavily in his debt

Ishun is very shrewd. If only I could be as half as clever as him

Many of the officials are at his mercy financially

l've heard it said that in Osaka recently...

...the merchant Yodoya overstretched himself financially...

...and ended up in bankruptcy

I heard that many samurai officials breathed a sigh of relief

Unfortunately, our Great Printer doesn't take such risks

He doesn't, you're right

Absolutely right

She's not hiding at Gifuya House, her mother's place

She must have eloped with him

Send men down every road out of town

Tell them, if they find them, bring back Osan alone

And what if the authorities arrest them first?

They won't admit to adultery for fear of crucifixion

As the net closes in, they could be capable of anything

That's why you must act swiftly

- I want a quiet word - This room is not fit to receive you, sir

I have a favour to ask you

Will you purchase this from me for eight kan of gold?

It's a famous piece by Teika Fujiwara. You'll be able to sell it easily

- And I need the money right away - Very well

- There you are, sir - Many thanks

So it's true, after all?

Nothing escapes your ears, master

If you don't act quickly, the reputation of this business will be ruined

But he's smart enough to get himself out of trouble

With help from his friends in high places...

...he'll be able to attain the status of a samurai

You really think that's possible?

He hasn't informed the authorities, has he? He wouldn't dare

For the master...his reputation is more important than anything else

His business will collapse if those two adulterers are arrested

Listen...

...if this house's reputation is ruined...

...then the title of Great Printer will pass to me

At this moment, I have no successor

So...would you be interested?

You mean that I will become a master printer...

...and take your place?

You don't want to remain an employee all your life, do you?

The position is yours, Do we have an understanding?

Thanks. You can go now

Welcome home, madam

Take this blessed talisman and place it on the altar

I compliment you on your singing voice. That delicate melody was beautiful

That's quite a talent you have, sir

My only talent is for hedonism

- Very droll, sir - It's true

Thank you for visiting us

Not at all, madam

The number of students I teach nowadays is getting fewer and fewer

It's an absolute pleasure coming here to teach your son

It feels like paradise to me, being here!

It feels like hell to me sometimes!

You may not be coming round much more from now on

Go safely

''Hell''? What do you mean, ''it's hell''?

Each day, I live frugally and pray to the gods

You don't give a damn about anything!

I know it's pointless to try and fight the creditors

You're just weak-willed

I don't know what else I can do

I realise that l'm going to be arrested

My sister has decided to leave her husband and elope with her lover

Our home and all our valuables will be confiscated

That completes the fall of the House of Gifuya, doesn't it, Mother?

I refuse to believe whatever Ishun the Great Printer says

Osan is incapable of ever committing such a crime

What are you talking about, Mother?

It all started when you forced Osan into marriage...

...with a man 30 years her senior

I did what I had to, to save the House of Gifuya

If Osan has run away, then it must be for some other reason

It would have been easier if she'd just killed herself

Master?

Master?

Master...

What is it?

The courier just delivered this package. It's from Osaka

- You may go now - Yes, sir. And this...

Mother, this has arrived from Osan

''In the hope of saving you...

''...l have borrowed money from an acquaintance

''l am sending you the five kan of gold that you requested''

Look. Mother, look...

...it's money!

''Please believe none of the rumours and lies...

''...that you have no doubt heard about me

''Brother. I ask of you, please, to take good care of our mother

''Your loving sister, Osan''

May the gods be praised!

What's she doing in Osaka?

Thank you, Osan

Osan!

- Is it an inspection? - Yes. I wonder what it's all about?

- They're not here, sir - Very well. You can go

Thank you, sir

- Pilgrims in our group can pass through - What's that about?

They're looking for the wife of the Great Printer of Kyoto

Let's pass through

In here!

- Not here? - No. But he was with a woman, right?

But she wasn't dressed like the wife of such an eminent man

There are serious charges of forgery and adultery against them

That's why we have strict orders to apprehend them

Search everywhere! They must be nearby!

The master must have filed a complaint with the authorities

What shall we do?

It's impossible for us to get to Kyoto now

We'll have to head to Lake Biwa instead

What do we do once we get to the lake?

How far can we run with the authorities on our trail?

- This is the only place to hide! - They're not here!

- Return to the main highway! - Yes, sir!

I would rather die than suffer the shame of being arrested

Madam, what are you saying?

- It's definitely them, no mistake? - Yes, sir. In there

Good

Excuse me, an inspector is here

Your names?

My name is Kyubei

And this is my sister Tami

Residing in Tenma, Osaka

- You say your name is Kyubei? - Yes

Why are you here?

We're just passing through

I see

It must be them

l'll stay and guard them. You go quickly to the magistrate's

Hey, go as quickly as you can

We've been discovered. We have to leave

I can't keep running away

I don't want to be a fugitive

I can't live a life of shame

Mohei...let me die. l'm begging you

Please...

Please...

We have to leave now

Madame Osan...

...are you ready?

Because of me...

...you are now being forced to give up your life

Can you ever forgive me?

What are you saying, madam?

It has given me great pleasure to serve you, madam

I can say it now...

The heavens won't punish me...

...if I am unable to hold back these last words

I have always...

I have always...

I have always loved you, madam

- Loved me? - Yes

Please...hold me

Hold me tight

Madame Osan...

What have you resolved to do?

Forgive me

Forgive me

After what you've just said...

...it changes everything

What do you mean?

I no longer want to die

I want to live!

Mohei!

- Did you call for me, Master? - Come in

Listen closely...

I want you to go to Katada immediately...

...to find their cadavers

l've just been informed that they drowned themselves in Lake Biwa

A double suicide...sir?

It's imperative that you keep this secret

If you find them, separate Osan's body from Mohei's

It would be terrible if their bodies were found together

Understand?

Now go quickly

- Just imagine, a double suicide! - Really? Isn't that just a rumour?

No, someone saw them jump into the lake, arm in arm

What's wrong, Otama?

You're just jealous of madam running away with Mohei

''l am so jealous of you, madam!''

Be quiet! Leave me alone

Don't separate the cadavers if they are intertwined, right?

Remove them carefully, just as they are, understand?

Don't separate them, understand?

Beautiful day, isn't it?

Are you heading for Kyoto?

l'm going to stay the night in Saga at my daughter's house

- Oh, I see. Well, have a good trip - Thank you

- Can we just rest here a while? - For as long as you wish

- What's the matter with her? - She hurt her leg while walking

Her leg? Oh. she's sprained it all right

Poor thing, it must be hard for her on this road

I have a good remedy for her

Thank you, that's very kind of you

Can we make it down to the village before nightfall?

That's still a long way to go

Come and rest, madam

I will ask if they'll take us in for the night

It's hard for you at this high altitude

Would it be possible for us to stay here this evening?

Of course, of course. l'll just get that medicine for you

We're in luck

Just bear with it a little longer

l'll wash your feet for you

I wish I could attend to my hair, it must be filthy

l'm sorry you have to suffer all these indignities

I must apologise to you for being such a nuisance and injuring my leg

But l'm happier than l've felt for a long time

Honestly, I feel so happy

According to the notice posted up in Saga...

...it's only me that the authorities are searching for

I think that the master will be more lenient towards you

Stop talking like that

This ointment will numb all the pain in your foot

- Let me see your ankle - Thank you

Where does it hurt? Let's have a look

What elegant feet you have

So where are you heading?

We're going to see the statue of Manjushri at Kirido

Oh, that sounds very nice

Does it hurt just there?

Where has the gentleman gone?

Mohei!

Why are you running away?

How can you be so cruel to abandon me like that?

I have caused you so much misfortune

Please forgive me

Osan...

You must go back to your husband

He will welcome you with open arms

l'm begging you to return to him

You really think that I can go on living without you?

You are no longer my servant...

...you are my husband, my master!

l'm sorry for what I said. l'm sorry

I will never leave you again, for the rest of my life!

I live as a masterless samurai...

...and I refuse to rely on my niece for money

But I regret that she has caused you so much trouble...

...by lying to you because of her foolish love for Mohei

Otama, make your valedictions

I thank you for your generosity over the years

You didn't take the blame when you were brought before the master

- All of this is your fault - Please forgive her

l'll take that for you

- Otama, write to me, won't you? - Take care of yourself

Take care

Excuse me!

I am the chestnut merchant. I call by once a year

Would you like to buy some?

You caught me by surprise

Madam isn't here. You'll have to come back later

Madam isn't here?

Then it really was her I saw

- You saw her? - Really?

I caught a glimpse of her in Saga, at the foot of Mount Atago

- Was she alone? - No

- Was she with an employee? - Yes, that's right

What a state of affairs

This is going to cause me so much trouble

Master! Master!

They're still alive, both of them. They're not dead

A woodsman saw them yesterday at the foot of Mount Atago

- Alive? - Yes

That means they must be going to Mohei's father's place

You must track them down

Bring back only Osan

Leave Mohei down there and Let the village authorities deal with him

I understand

So, they're alive...

Who's there?

It's me

- Who? - It's me

Father!

I don't know you

It's me, Mohei

My son is no bandit pursued by the authorities

Have the authorities already been here?

Think of the trouble you'll cause the villagers by being here!

You should have remained loyal to your master instead!

Mohei, Let's go

But we've come all this way

There's a cabin at the back for passing travellers, you can use that

Go quickly!

You can rest here

Madame Osan...

...we won't be given refuge in this place

I think you're right

You can stay here, but you must leave before dawn

l'm sure there must be some good reason for your flight...

...but don't let yourselves be arrested before my eyes

Eat this quickly

Here

l've prepared something for you to eat tomorrow

Madame Osan...

As a child, I would often come here...

...and daydream about going to Kyoto to make my fortune

What a beautiful dream it was

I would be so happy if I could live here with you in peace forever

Genbei!

Come inside

As I explained to you yesterday...

...you can be arrested as an accomplice for hiding Mohei

Some people are certain that they saw them on the road

They both must be here. Don't deny it

The entire village will be punished otherwise

How can you lie and let us all be punished?

You have your tenant farm thanks to the Great Printer

The master is now burdened by worry because of what your son has done

ls this how you show your thanks to your benefactor?

I will beg the master to forgive Mohei

Just be honest and tell me if the madam is here

Don't you feel guilty for betraying the master like this?

You're no better than an animal!

Please forgive me

- They're here, then? - Yes

Madam, please wake up

- What are you doing? - Madam!

Come quietly, madam. Come quietly

Mohei!

Igare at the blossoms

The spirit of Spring...

If she returns to your household...

...we can make up a suitable pretext for her, whatever Mohei says

- Isn't that right? - Yes

Thank you so much

If you could say that she's been at her mother's house all along...

- Very well - In return, do me that favour...

Say no more. Your name has already been struck from my register

ls that so?

Perhaps our debts may be cleared in return for your peace of mind?

Very droll, sir

Your rival, Isan, is spreading malicious rumours concerning this matter

He's saying that your wife has a lover

Eh? Is that true, sir?

After the master has looked after him for so long...

...that wretch pays him back with such treachery

Enough, enough!

Thank you for your loyalty, gentlemen

Thank you for listening

- It was splendid, thank you - Thank you, sir

I am indebted to you for showing such kindness towards my sister

I always have

But the important lesson to learn is that one should always marry a loyal woman

- Please accept a toast - Thank you

Thank you, sir

Father, set me free, please!

I can't die like this

If you escape, then what will you do?

Even if you were free, you'd never be able to live with the master's wife!

Stop talking such rubbish!

- You don't understand how I feel - l'm happier that way!

Here

Tomorrow the Kyoto authorities will come for you

ls that true?

Yes

What have I done to deserve such a son?

You ungrateful fool!

Make sure you don't do anything shameful, understand?

Get going!

Please don't cause your mother any more upset

If you don't return to your husband, where will you go, then?

He's forgiven you, instead of killing you along with your lover!

If it happens again, it will be the end of you!

Don't be too severe with her

Your mother understands very well what you're going through

But listen...

Mohei has been arrested

l'm not telling you that for the sake of your marriage or your family...

...but because you must forget all about him...

...and go back to your husband for your own good

I went to see Ishun and did everything I could to intercede on your behalf

Do you realise that?

You will return to your husband and that's that!

You will return immediately!

Do you understand that? Immediately!

Mohei...

- Mohei! - Osan...

Osan!

Madam...

I know I shouldn't have come...

No, you shouldn't

And this is no place to discuss it. Come into the house

Come inside

Mohei...

...l can't believe you escaped

Yes

I gave up hope of ever seeing you again

No matter what happens to us. I never want to leave your side

I will never leave you!

It isn't much...

...but here's some warm sake to comfort you

Please forgive my intrusion

Listen, Mohei...

...you've taken a great risk coming here

What are you going to do now?

Your unbridled passion is making the situation impossible

Yes...

At least you've seen each other once more...you can be happy

But now, Mohei, it's best that you leave Kyoto at once

I have something for you

It's not much but please take it for the journey

Mother, I won't let Mohei leave alone!

What are you saying?

Are you trying to ruin both your husband and our house?

You didn't come here with that intention, did you, Mohei?

I came here to find Osan

Don't be so foolish!

You fools!

Doki!

Doki!

Mohei, you must give yourself up to the authorities

That way everyone will be saved

Please, do it for Osan!

l'm begging you

Mohei, please!

Mohei! Mohei!

I want to give myself up...

...but I can no longer do so

Where's Mohei?

In there?

- Mother, they've gone! - No!

- Osan? - They've escaped!

- Sukeyemon! - Osan!

They can't have got far. Quick!

Ah, Master Ishun, did you know that Mohei has been arrested?

Arrested?

And they say that your wife was with him

- Osan? - Yes

They wanted to bring her here, but she refused to leave Mohei's side

They say that they've both confessed to adultery

She's confessed to adultery

They also say that you failed to inform the authorities about her elopement

I can understand your leniency towards her...

...your wife is very beautiful

Master! Master!

Master. the government envoys are here!

Welcome them courteously

Master Isan, you must forgive me. l'm slightly overcome by it all

l'm sorry to be the bearer of such bad news

Come inside!

''You are hereby informed that the Great Printer Ishun...

''...having deliberately abstained from informing...

''...on the adulterous affair between his wife and employee Mohei...

''...is sentenced to exile plus confiscation of all his chattels''

To think, a house so mighty brought to its knees like this!

The master has been exiled...

...and even Sukeyemon has been banished

- Unbelievable - It's like a nightmare

Tell me, why did Sukeyemon receive such a punishment?

He'd made a fortune from forging the master's accounts

Good riddance to the two of them, they had to go

It's the procession of the condemned!

Make way!

- Move! - Out of the way!

It's so sad. She must be suffering so much

I have never seen the Madame look so joyful, though

Mohei, as well...his expression is so serene

It's hard to imagine that they're on their way to die

The End