Original subtitles

This is a work of fiction based on a true story.

Attention all units...

Four suspects arrested at Karuizawa station...

confirmed as Red Army radicals.

Suspects still at large are thought to be...

in the vicinity of Mt. Myogi.

They are armed and dangerous.

Approach with weapons loaded. Exercise caution.

New tracks!

Kido, stop the car!

Lots of them!

Four or five?

The gate's open...

at Satsuki Lodge.

We'd better load.

Kido...

You stay with the car.

Let's go.

Hang on...

Sergeant! In there!

Well? Is someone there or not?

Kido! Call in!

Nagano 1 to Headquarters!

Go ahead, Nagano 1.

Encountered radical group near Lake New Town!

I can hear gunfire!

Four officers taking fire!

Several assailants!

The Nagano Police have surrounded a place called 'Asama Lodge'.

Three to five suspects. A hostage situation.

How many?

One. The caretaker's wife.

Age?

31. Her name's Mariko Kojaku.

The Nagano Prefectural Police say they can handle it.

They just want rifles and police dogs.

What?!

They're proud, I guess.

They've never handled bombs. They don't understand risk management.

You've got to go in like in England or you'll just have more dead.

Like in Hong Kong five years ago when the Gurkhas and...

You're not Consul in Hong Kong now, Sassa.

Nagano can't handle this!

Go count your receipts.

Nagata...

Send the water-cannon unit, Special-Vehicles Squad 2...

with its armored-car unit.

Roger.

We'll need the heavy vehicles in the snow. We've got to move!

If they aren't needed they can just come back!

Karuizawa Police...

He's on the phone... no, hold on...

Another call for you.

Phone call.

Karuizawa Police...

Damn!

It broke.

Where does the Press Center sign go?

By the arrow pointing to City Hall, of course!

Lieutenant! Call Repair.

Repair.

How did you manage to break that?

Ten years' worth of calls in one hour!

This sign hides the arrow...

Help her! And call Repair.

Inspector Tango!

Tokyo's sending a staff unit.

Why? All we need are rifles and dogs.

I told them that!

You're a Tokyo man, Yamane. Are you angling to get back there?

I'm no spy! I'm Head of Security for the Nagano Prefectural Police.

I even took up smoking!

A hostage...

Chief Noma, Tokyo's sending a staff unit to run this.

They are?

Yes.

Aren't they, Yamane.

We only asked for rifles and dogs.

They're coming...

The Tokyo Metro Police had fatalities at Narita!

If you won't say it, Yamane, I will. Nagano should police Nagano.

Weren't you in England...

learning about bombs from the SAS?

I just got back.

And?

I talked to Police Science and to Equipment...

and guess what, Udagawa.

They're so damn dense! In Europe liquid nitrogen's the latest thing.

We need new techniques...

and they're worried about face!

Anyway, about Asama Lodge...

Nagano doesn't want any help.

Get a riot-squad unit up there, with long underwear...

and thick socks.

I'll send Unit 9.

They can't handle it!

Send 2 or 4.

No, 9's exactly right. And they're on duty today.

And the Intelligence team.

I can't get all seven. I'll send Kagami and Ito.

You go, too.

Come on, Attaché!

I'm Head of Security!

If I leave Tokyo...

who's going to watch things here?

I guess so.

Are you running the staff unit they're sending?

Who told you that?

Superintendent!

See you.

The Commissioner wants you.

I'm just leaving.

But Commissioner Gotoda...

He said 'if I'm here', didn't he? I'm not here.

Excuse me...

Yes, sir?

What's your job title?

'General Affairs Superintendent, Security Attaché'.

That's a new one.

You issued the order, sir.

I know that. What do people call you?

'Attaché', 'Superintendent', 'Mr. Sassa'...things like that.

Tomizawa, will Nagano like this?

I don't see a problem, sir.

Listen, Sassa...

Noma's never done this. Take a few days and go up there.

Chief Noma has no experience in this. The Commissioner wants you in charge.

Yes...

but...

you mean...

me?

Yes, you.

But the last time you said that I spent three weeks...

studying explosives all over Europe and America!

I'm fighting both Equipment and Police Science.

I can't just waltz up there and run an operation!

Remember General Kodama. In 1904 he said, 'I'll be back in a bit'...

before he took 203 Meter Hill.

Chief Noma is nine years' senior and two ranks above me.

I'll need a title.

What title?

'Acting Chief Superintendent, Nagano Police.'

At your age? Out of the question.

Then send me with someone of that rank.

You'd go as his assistant?

Depending on who...

Chief Supt. Maruyama?

It's not his department. He's External Affairs.

And he hates getting dirty.

You're Security Bureau Director, Hyodo, but we need you here.

Maruyama's on the golf course.

At a time like this?

It's not his department. He's External Affairs.

OK. Here are your orders.

'One

'Whatever happens, the hostage is to be rescued.

'That's our main objective here.'

'Two

'All suspects should be taken alive.'

Shooting them makes them martyrs.

'No exchange of hostages to be considered.

'Firearms to be used only with permission of National Police Agency.

'Cordial media relations to be maintained.

'Exercise all caution to ensure the safety of police personnel.'

No police operation is ever perfect. Could we change one of these?

Such as?

Such as 'firearms at discretion of operation commander'?

Denied.

Now...

about your foreign trip.

We'll say it was a failure, that you came back empty-handed.

But...

The new techniques are top secret until we use them.

Yes, sir.

Think of yourself as Hercules, with labors to perform.

Hercules...

Dismissed.

Atsuyuki... here's the chilies to put in your shoes.

I'll put them in when I get there.

'Hercules'? What is that, Greek?

He's a guy who always had to do things the hard way.

Why do you always have to do that?

Shall I wake Mother?

No. I won't be gone long.

Work hard.

Say hi to the kids.

Don't go too far forward.

You know I won't.

Good luck.

Where's Unit 9 now?

Around Usui Pass.

We get to use the armored cars at last.

Yeah.

I approved those when I ran Accounts.

You wanted them when you ran Security.

Everyone said they were a complete waste of money.

The Great Wall, the battleship Yamato and our armored cars!

'He who laughs last, ' huh?

I'm glad you took on this job, Mr. Maruyama.

Udagawa

Uchida Riot Unit 2

The head of Security against the leader of Riot Squad 2!

Uchida's pushing him.

Our boss'll be fine.

He'll wait for his chance.

With real swords, I'd've won, Uchida.

OK, let's do it with real ones.

You mean that, don't you. Unit 2 has no sense of humor.

You sent Unit 9 to Karuizawa?

Did you want to go?

No way!

But they're a new squad, and we're your main one.

They're new, so they don't argue.

Aren't you going?

I'm needed in Tokyo.

We're both used to the cold, so that shouldn't bother her.

But we don't know what's going on in there...

or how she's reacting to it.

She might go a bit crazy.

Or she might be keeping herself busy doing things.

Attention, you in the lodge!

You are completely surrounded. You cannot escape.

We hit one of them...

just before they went into the lodge.

Our men saw him fall.

Is that the hostage's husband?

Yes. The caretaker, Akio Kojaku.

How did he get away?

He was taking someone to the ski hill.

Chief!

Mr. Maruyama...

Sit down.

The head of Press Relations sits here.

Oh, sorry.

Superintendent, over here...

There's three Supers here. Call me 'Agency Attaché'.

Call me 'Councilor'.

What about you, Sabu?

'Metro Attaché'.

And do we describe your orderly as...

'Agency Attaché Attaché?

If you like.

So Supt. Ishikawa will be...

Saji!

'Metro Attaché Attaché'.

Kunimatsu, write all this on the blackboard.

Captain...

Yamane...

Sir?

Get me something to write on. That'll do.

It's all right.

I'm sorry. You should be up there.

All right, Sassa.

First, can we starve them out?

The caretaker says...

they have rice and propane for 20 days...

250 liters of kerosene, foodstuffs for six expected guests.

They're on the town water supply...

Meaning we can't starve them out.

Not for 10 to 20 days.

Phone?

Is it working?

Yes.

There's two lines. They're not answering either.

Keep calling. If they answer, tell them to put Mrs. Kojaku on.

I think we know that.

Weapons?

Five of 11 rifles stolen from the Tsukada Gun Shop in Mooka...

have been recovered.

2,800 rounds of ammunition, of which they've fired about 100.

Police dogs recovered one pipe bomb hidden in the mountains nearby.

So they have pipe bombs.

Let's assume they're prepared to kill with them.

But the Commissioner says no shooting without permission from Tokyo.

As for tear gas...

Are you saying we shouldn't have returned fire at Satsuki Lodge?

That was appropriate at the time.

At Asama Lodge, our first priority is to keep the hostage alive.

Now we can't shoot even to save our own lives?!

He doesn't mean that.

What if they come out shooting? Do we need Tokyo's OK to fire back?

Bullshit! We shoot the bastards!

All of them!

Damn right!

Mr. Sassa!

You're 'Special Chief of Staff' here? What exactly does that mean?

I'm sort of coordinating.

Like a Japanese FBI?

If no one's in charge it'll be mass confusion.

Is this 'General' Gotoda trying to get the government...

to set up our own FBI?

I'll answer questions about Asama Lodge.

This way.

Carry your boots from there.

Hey!

What are you doing?

What?

Thawing your laces.

Oh...

Just a bit more...

Your things are in 202.

Thanks.

What's that?

My towel from the bath. It froze before I got back.

So it's below zero inside, too!

Excuse me, Chief Superintendent. The NPA's calling from Tokyo.

Now what?

Daily press conferences.

But we decided on that! 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

They want six a day.

That's quite the way to eat an egg.

It's from the Navy during the war. 'Expel the white, praise the yellow.'

I see.

They Answered With Bullets

You think Mariko's still alive?

You'd think at least they'd make some demands.

We've identified one hostage-taker from fingerprints at Satsuki Lodge.

Masato Nakano, wanted for shooting at a police box.

We're bringing his mother here.

Chief Noma, we'll need pictures of the perpetrators.

I'll bring in my Forensics photographers.

What's wrong with our Prefectural photographers?

Let us handle that, Sassa.

Careful going down there.

Asama Lodge

Careful.

Watch out!

Um... my wife likes fruit...

Could I take this over?

It's OK! I'll do it.

Take my coat.

We could fake something and put a mike down the chimney.

The Attaché's persuading Nagano to OK a reconnaissance in force.

Then we'll put the bugs in.

Attention Red Army!

Don't shoot!

Mrs. Kojaku, I have a present from your husband!

Red Army! Don't shoot!

This is a present of fruit! Don't shoot!

Don't shoot!

Take this and give it to Mariko.

Unit Chief Okubo sure has got balls.

That's not balls. He's just too dense for a bullet to go through.

That sounds like you, sir.

Was the letter in the fruit to your wife?

Half to her, half to them.

What did you say?

I wrote two pages in felt-pen.

I asked the criminals to give me back my wife as soon as possible.

Also that I wish them to give themselves up.

Also that I would be their hostage in my wife's place.

Also that my wife is fond of fruit, and not very strong...

and would they please give her some, even a mouthful.

Your feelings now?

It's very hard to put my feelings into words.

The police are making their best efforts.

I can only hope they succeed.

Let's talk about tactics!

Listen to me!

We said from the start...

we don't need MPD help!

Give us armored cars and water-cannon and we'll do the job!

It's hard to coordinate armored cars and men on foot!

And you've never used water-cannon here!

In the last five years at MPD...

we've handled demos, rocks, Molotov cocktails and pipe bombs!

What about snipers?

I'm sorry?

Have they been shot at?

No. Who has?

We did, at Satsuki Lodge. And I was in the Army in the war.

Me, too.

I won the Gold Kite. I was a Sergeant.

What rank were you?

Command rests with Nagano!

The Red Army is the enemy. We're all on the same side!

Will everyone please be quiet!

The National Police Agency says...

'Dispatching Police Psychiatric Unit. Proceed under its guidance.'

Did you send Unit 2?

130 men go tomorrow.

National wants 1,500 men there within four days.

Food and shelter's going to be a problem.

And they should have permission to shoot, too.

This is Masato Nakano's mother.

Get back.

Everybody back, please. It's dangerous.

Take this microphone.

Ma-chan, can you hear me?

Let Mrs. Kojaku go.

Is this any way to save the world?

Is this what you mean by sacrificing yourself?

What's the difference between this and any brutal crime?

Please, put down your weapon and come out.

That would be real courage.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Kojaku. I feel horrible about this.

Ma-chan! Let her go!

If you want someone, I'll go in her place.

Mr. Nixon met Mao Tse-tung in China today.

The world's changing.

Your friends were arrested, but none of them was hurt.

Put down your guns and come out. The police swear they won't shoot.

Or at least answer the phone, all right?

Please! At least let us hear Mrs. Kojaku's voice...

Give me some, too!

There's nothing but broth left!

Deputy Tomizawa, the food's frozen solid!

Send us a kitchen truck.

And warmer boots.

The Sapporo Police have some from the Winter Olympics.

Get us some of them.

Are you from Tokyo?!

Mariko's father.

Get Mariko out of there!

Or are you too scared?

It's a long run over there.

So what?

The men are tired.

You never know when they'll shoot.

Hey...

Who's that?!

Someone's down there!

Who?

A cop?

I've never seen him before.

Bullets go through these shields, you know.

How do you know?

I saw one.

Right through it.

Hey!

The door's open.

I've come down from Niigata to take your hostage's place.

There's fruit here.

And a letter.

I'll just put it in here.

Well?

He's down by the entrance. We're setting up a rescue squad.

Slowly! Don't push!

Sorry...

Gun-ports are clear.

What?

What's going on?

What? Ow!

Ow! Cut it out!

I'm all right!

I'm OK, damn it!

Stretcher!

Shit, that hurts!

Where?

My head.

Then don't walk.

He walked up here.

Do I lay down here?

Ow ow ow ow ow!

Did it bounce off his skull?

That can happen.

It hurts this way.

I guess he's OK.

Attaché to HQ.

Attaché to HQ. At scene. Casualty rescued.

Bump on back of head. He walked out by himself.

Life not in danger.

This doesn't work.

We can't go in there with this!

What's wrong? Did Tokyo call again?

Metro and National had a meeting. They want us to send in the dogs.

With their sense of smell? The tear gas'll kill them.

Dogs are for outside.

It's TV.

The citizens want to know why we aren't using dogs.

Everybody's an armchair general.

You forget who it is you're fighting.

The Red Army's not our worst enemy here.

We'll just take them one at a time.

The MPD has two police networks in the 150 MHz band.

We can use one of them...

the base station, relay station, repeaters and hand units...

with as many repeaters as possible, since we're in the mountains.

All we've ever needed is our own patrol-car system.

I don't agree with changing it now.

There's too much interference for us to communicate.

We have our own experts here. We don't need an MPD frequency.

People shouldn't butt in where they're not needed.

We'll be fine, Sassa.

Reconnaissance, then. Let us do that, Chief.

We've got a special photography section...

In the Kanto Police Photography Competition, our photographer...

won first prize!

OK. Let's go back to the radio, then.

The psychiatrists say we all need to rest!

Chief Noma sleeps from 1 till 4 a.m. Supt. Maruyama works those hours.

Hold on...

Two Nagano men down!

What happened?

The Nagano riot squad was moving an armored car towards the Lodge.

Who said to do that? Chief, was it you?

No! I've been right here.

Then who?!

Yamane?!

Not me!

This is mutiny!

You don't act without orders!

What?!

I was talking to him! He was walking!

The civilian died.

A.38-caliber bullet entered through his right ear and lodged in the brain.

The Commissioner's calling.

He wants to talk to Supt. Sassa.

Use my office, sir.

Sassa...

What are you doing letting a civilian get killed?

I'm sorry.

Even on TV...

I can see your HQ and your front line are out of touch.

Perhaps I might be relieved...

Don't get impatient.

Stay calm. Take it slow.

But be firm.

Set Chief Noma straight. Tell him, 'Gotoda's angry. '

This is like the FBI in the 20s!

They shoot at us and we can't shoot back.

Stop bitching! Do you understand me or not?

If we need our own FBI...

You don't understand, do you.

I didn't call Chief Noma, or Maruyama. I called...

you.

Write 'I'm the man' on your hand...

and eat it.

'Devil's Hand, Buddha's Heart'

We have in our care the lives of one hostage...

and several hundred police officers.

Henceforth if anyone acts without consulting me...

I will ask Chief Noma to remove him from his post.

Oh, and as of now there is no smoking in this room.

Cut power.

Chief, Superintendent... let's pull back.

When's the feint?

After midnight. Get a good night's sleep.

They won't let me.

You mean Tokyo...

We can't go in till we know if the hostage is alive.

So we drop this in?

Yeah.

It seems the Nagano Police are going to throw stones.

You go up on the roof.

'Operation Rocks' will now commence.

Take your rocks in hand and stand by.

Are you ready? I will give the order.

Throw...

rocks!

Why does he have to announce it?

Like a school field-day!

Well done.

Oh, thanks.

Thanks.

Do this one, too.

They still won't come off!

Ow! That's hot!

One flare if we get our microphone in.

Two if they try to break out.

One if it's in, two if they're out.

One flare! Roger!

It's a damn dud!

Send up the other one!

Break-out!

Sir! Two flares!

Sir! Two flares!

Two?

Mr. Maruyama! It's a break-out!

Mistake!

Error!

A miss! Dismissed! Thanks for coming out!

This won't work. They can't even send up a flare.

We're back.

Hear anything?

The batteries were too cold.

Nothing?

And the roof's so thin they could hear us from inside.

It is?

It creaks.

That's good.

They shot holes in it around our feet!

Have you got an idea?

You remember?

What?

At the Tokyo University riots...

Oh, that...

Yeah...

What's 'that'?

What?

The crime rate's down, and so are traffic offenses.

Everyone's watching TV.

Thieves can't get in, and no one's out driving.

That'll do it.

Hey!

What are you doing?!

Get out of here!

Say that again!

This is a dojo!

What's going on, Ushi?

They said Supt. Sassa has no guts.

That he's sat and done nothing for four days.

I realize you used a character from his name in your daughter's.

You can't fight both the NPA covering its ass and the MPD beating its chest.

'Ass and chest'...

Yes!

The ones saying he's afraid don't understand.

The Commission won't let him shoot.

They're telling him to bust in there and stab them.

If he can't, they call him a coward. How can you fight that?

If you weren't so impatient they wouldn't get to you.

That's not true.

Ushi...

Sassa's been put into a kendo fight without a sword.

And blindfolded. How can he fight?

Onozawa!

What do you do?

Be informed?

Exactly.

You sit your squad down and gather information.

When he's ready, he'll call the Combat Intelligence Team.

Then you're on.

Will you be in Karuizawa too?

I'd like to, but I can't leave Tokyo.

And I hate cold.

Make these two stripes thicker and this one thinner.

But...

Just do it.

Don't use the radio to order lunch!

Mr. Ishikawa...

how's it going?

Oh, just great.

We don't know if the hostage is alive.

The radio's no good, and we can't get any photos.

It might be over by spring.

Stay back, Attaché!

Put a helmet on! Please!

They're looking out!

Right!

Today we get pictures!

For sure!

If his picture's in the paper, they could go after his family!

Look at that, will you!

Let's see the photos!

They're not done yet.

What?

Why not?

We haven't finished the roll.

The film's still in the camera, and that's out at the Lodge.

I'll get them right away.

Mr. Sassa...

Here we'd put on a 24-hour guard.

Same in Tokyo.

You'd better warn your wife.

It's me.

What's the occasion?

Are the guards there?

Your name was in the paper, and then a police car came.

Now the kids have someone to play with.

Thanks for the brandy and the clothes.

You're up front, aren't you.

No. And anyway, we've got shields.

Gotta go.

Thanks.

Out of focus.

They keep sticking their heads out in different places.

It's hard to get them in focus.

Get some from the press, then.

Beg if you have to, but keep it quiet.

Did Nagano really win the Police Photo Competition?

Uh, yes.

Sorry.

What kind of pictures?

Still-life.

Over there.

These?

They're lovely flowers.

Oh, these...

Our reconnaissance today has identified one more suspect.

Hiroshi Okochi.

Mr. Sassa...

could you tell us where you got the picture you ID'd him with?

Who gives a shit?!

Bust in there, will you?

We're at the end of our rope!

Those tents we're in are like a refugee camp!

The press conference is concluded.

So they still listen to you, Mr. Smooth?

Don't go getting the timing wrong, Mr. Sassa.

The press is your barometer.

You go in when they get antsy.

Better do it tomorrow, then.

Ignore that guy. Watch the ones in the front row.

They'll be like him soon.

The Head of Detectives called.

He wants to know if you've been regular.

As in shitting?

I reported that as far as I know you've been regular.

I have.

I said I was, too, and asked why he wanted to know.

He said a normal officer would be constipated now.

I guess we're strange.

Mr. Yamane...

What is it?

The Councilor?

What?

Thanks.

Excuse us.

Chief, it's hopeless to attack here, from the north.

Now, if we attack the main entrance, in the south...

and the caretaker's entrance in the west...

how do we deal with A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H...

their sniper positions?

The south road is level with the Lodge's 3rd floor.

This bank here doesn't leave room to put an armored car at the side.

But we can bullet-proof a crane, and reach over with the boom.

We put a ball on the end of it.

With that we bash in the roof and the entranceway.

Then we change the ball for a claw and pull the roof off.

Then we chase their snipers away...

with tear gas and water cannons.

Then we set ladders...

and trap them in a pincer from above and below.

If you'll agree to this, I'll fix it up with the NPA.

Shouldn't we talk to the owner of the building?

Kawai Piano Co. says it's OK.

We'll get our attack squads from Unit 2.

We've got sound!

That's her! Wind it back!

Yeah, that sounds like a woman...

Again.

A healthy one?

Commence water.

Down!

What happened?

Didn't you see?

Son of a bitch!

See what I mean?

Mr. Maruyama!

Any word on the hostage?

Are you going in?

We've put a mike in, but it's too cold for it to work.

Until we know how she is, we have to be cautious.

Just stay there!

We just got back.

Did you see her?

No.

That's not much help, is it.

We can't just look in the window.

Tell him to listen...

at the toilet wall for a woman pissing!

We've done that.

Sassa's requested we send Inspector Udagawa.

And?

He leaves tonight.

I can't come home tonight.

Yes, I know that.

I wouldn't forget!

I bought a cake. I've got it right here.

I love you.

Wedding anniversary?

Shut up!

Get the team together.

Put three in the PR car and get up there.

Who wants to come to Karuizawa?

What's wrong? I need an orderly. This should be an honor!

OK, Chikamoto, you come.

Best of luck.

Get warm clothes and meet me at Ueno in three hours.

Otsuka!

You, too.

What's everyone doing in the lobby?

They've got that Asama Lodge thing on TV.

Let's go see.

Karuizawa

It's like we're on parade.

It's a combat zone.

We're going.

How'd you find us?

Where?

To Karuizawa.

Why?

Mr. Onozawa called.

Asama?

Yeah. We're leaving now.

But the movie...

Screw it!

Saji!

Give everyone some! Come on!

Why's Udagawa over there?

Supt. Udagawa is here.

That way.

Before we get started, we'll have a word from Supt. Udagawa.

Well... let's get in quick, do it and get the hell back to Tokyo.

Udagawa, the radio here's no good.

I want to switch from the Nagano frequency to the MPD's 150 MHz.

Fix us up tonight, will you?

Will do.

Get in line!

I hear you're running around without a vest.

Happy anniversary.

Morning.

About your orderly...

Onozawa's fine.

Take Ushi.

No! He just had a baby girl last month.

What if he gets shot?

He refused a transfer to Unit 4 to go back to school.

I told him to.

It's going to leave a black mark on his record.

He needs an exploit.

Getting shot's no exploit.

He'd be more than happy to take a bullet for you.

They're all like that, until they take one.

Awaji! Ito!

Gunfire!

Watch it!

Watch it!

Everyone listen!

This radio is your life!

When you don't need it, put it away in your pocket!

Most people are slack bastards who tell you what you want to hear.

But we are different. We report the truth!

What does a commander need most?

Accurate information!

Right!

On February 19th at 4 p.m....

a Red Army faction broke into the Kawai Piano Co. lodge at Mt. Asama...

taking hostage Mariko Kojaku, wife of caretaker Akio Kojaku.

He'll drop that ball in the valley driving like that!

Eisaku, you drive the truck.

Me?

Can I?

Oh, hell, I'll do it.

Officer, stop for a second.

What's the problem?

We don't know how to use the ball. Can the crane owner do it for us?

What does Nagano say?

Only if he wears their uniform.

We ordered the crane, and we brought it here!

You never do anything right!

Everything would be going fine if you'd keep your damn noses out!

The ball is our job!

Your job?!

Supt. Sassa's plans were made for the MPD Special-Vehicles Squad.

He should wear an MPD uniform!

Why should he?!

It's the Nagano Police who brought this crane!

And it's a Nagano man who'll...

Let's ask him!

What does he want to wear?

Our leather or your rags?

Rags?! Say that again!

Rags!

Say that again!

Rags!

Piss off!

Rags!

Bugger off, you old fart!

I came to tell you we're going in.

I see...

Do you approve?

Yes.

Is that your wife's dog?

That's a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Black Face, isn't it?

Yes. I was stationed in Hong Kong. It cost me a month's pay.

But your coat's an old one.

It's been in some difficult places.

Worse than this?

Indiana was bad... in the U.S.

I know that.

My wife can say all the U.S. states.

She's never left here, though.

I guess Indiana's a lot colder than Karuizawa.

In 1960...

my boss died in a plane crash.

I remember thinking what we're trained to do in an emergency

'Look at the job, ignore the danger, do the job.'

As a policeman, that's what he'd sworn to do.

But in that emergency he couldn't do anything.

He must have been furious.

That's the first time I took this coat abroad.

We can only pray about what's going to happen to my wife.

Try to see that no one gets hurt.

That much I ask.

I'll get your wife out of there.

About our regular 3 p.m. press conference...

There's nothing new. Can we cancel it?

A regular press conference goes whether there's news or not.

'Negative news'. That way they won't make up their own.

I'll show you.

'Negative news'?

The 3 p.m. regular conference will now begin.

There is no change in the situation at Asama Lodge. That is all.

It's time.

The front row?

They're antsy.

Mr. Sassa... I've got you a helmet.

Wear it tomorrow.

A cap's fine.

No, it's not!

A helmet's undignified.

The whole team worries when you don't wear a helmet.

Please, wear it.

Take this stuff out, then. It looks weird!

Hospitals?

Yes...

Is this right?

Eight hospitals.

'Karuizawa and eight others'?

Karuizawa's included.

It is?

To make eight.

All right.

'Karuizawa, etc. Eight hospitals.'

Beds?

How many?

Uh... 17 beds. Eight ambulances standing by.

And your usual doctor is on call?

Our doctor...

If we find Mrs. Kojaku dead, we'll need time and cause of death...

right away.

We'll need that for the press...

so their sympathizers won't say we did it.

Well, Yamane?

Yes. That's arranged.

Bullet-proofing of crane...

Work is proceeding. It should be ready tomorrow morning.

Will it or won't it?

It will.

Why is it taking so long?

Um...

The box is very small, and a radio operator is required as well.

Could we also have a weather forecast for tomorrow?

Later!

As Special-Vehicles Squad leader, I feel this...

Captain Takami is right.

Do it now.

Power line?

The crane owner asked that it be cut.

It should have been.

'Should' isn't good enough. Make sure.

It's OK. I'll do it.

About the helmets...

I don't want squad leaders wearing insignia.

I strongly oppose that.

Removal of squad insignia will harm morale.

I don't want to lose Captains like they do in Vietnam.

Just wear a small mark on the back of your helmet, then.

I'll keep mine, if you don't mind.

These people believe they can foment revolution with a gun.

We will show they are public enemies, not revolutionary heroes.

That is the principal purpose of this operation.

Remember the public is watching, and bear our regulations in mind.

Don't piss in front of the TV cameras.

None of us are here as tourists. Do all you can for the attack squads.

Report everything you find.

Your reports mean life or death for the attack squads.

Do everything you can...

and trust in Providence.

The hostage is alive.

Save her.

Dismissed.

I agree with Uchida. We should wear insignia.

I hear you're getting promoted.

After we go home in triumph.

It's about time.

It's the Vice Squad. You recommended me.

Copy this, will you?

Sorry about the insubordination.

You won't take it off?

I might even carry a flag.

Gods help us!

I've told my men that if anyone dies, it'll be me first.

Make your last act a good one, then.

I'll do my best.

Give everyone a drink before we start.

Wow!

We'll keep this sealed until the job's done.

'...as our best efforts to ascertain her condition have been unavailing...

'...and her barbaric captivity lengthens by the day...

'...we feel we have reached a stage of serious concern...

'...that her mental and physical limits have been exceeded.

'Envisioning all possibilities, we are firmly resolved...

'...to conduct a rescue operation with all possible strength.

'We ask the public's understanding and cooperation.

'February 27th, 1972.

'Takashi Noma, Chief of Police, Nagano Prefecture...

'Commander-in-Chief, Red Army Task Force.'

We will now entertain questions.

We hear they've got pipe bombs. How will you handle them?

The question has been asked what our response will be...

should the criminals employ pipe bombs.

We intend to push them into corners...

and not give them time to use bombs.

We have also trained with shields and nets to stop bombs being thrown.

What if the criminals use the hostage as a shield?

We'll think of something.

Would you call off the operation?

That could happen.

The police have held fire for eight days.

Some foreigners are saying that you're being incredibly patient.

Not just foreigners!

Will your no-shooting policy continue?

Rifles could be used in self-defence and similar emergencies.

Who makes that decision? Will you have to ask Tokyo?

I will make it.

Wait a day because they're forecasting snow?!

You're not serious!

Our first-line squads are ready, and we've told the press!

HQ can't go soft on us now!

What did you send us here for?

How about showing some confidence in your men in the field!

You can't make precise judgments in the field.

Sassa here. How are you?

You're there day and night too, huh? You're all probably worn out.

Yeah, we sure are.

If we wait a day...

it'll be the 29th. This is a leap year.

There're 29 days this month. If someone gets killed...

they'll only have a memorial every four years. That's a problem.

He's right. That'd be a real big problem.

We go tomorrow.

What's wrong?

A cramp. Grab it, will you?

Ouch!

Thanks.

What's up?

Another hostage volunteer.

That makes 19.

Just get rid of him.

He brought proof of his sincerity.

What?

A finger.

So we'll take him seriously.

Tell him his gesture is much appreciated.

Hello?

Sachiko? Did I wake you?

I was taking the guards some supper.

I see. I guess that keeps you up pretty late.

Is anything wrong?

No.

When I got back tonight, you were here.

What do you mean?

Someone said 'welcome home' and washed my feet.

Who?

You.

All right. So when you get home...

Anything new?

My uncle in Tomoecho...

died on the 22nd.

We had the funeral.

Everyone's been watching on TV. They all wish you luck.

Yeah?

Anything else?

Yasuyuki had a cold. He Gave it to his brothers.

That's what happens when three boys sleep in the same room.

Big Brother's taken to pointing out black clothes...

and beautiful flowers in parks. It's a little spooky.

Keep a way from where they're shooting, all right?

I've got my helmet, and a bullet-proof vest.

You always choose the most difficult road.

You didn't have to go, did you.

I told you it was a direct order from 'The General' himself.

I guess that's what you're like.

Some people just have to invent labors for themselves.

I realize the world needs people like that...

I'll be home tomorrow.

Atsuyuki?

Ushi!

You're Mr. Sassa's orderly!

But Onozawa...

I don't mind. The bullets will all come at you.

Thank you!

That coat stands out a mile.

But I'm cold.

Don't you have another?

No.

To save one hostage...

how many officers won't come back?

Don't. It's unlucky.

Karuizawa Police...

Aren't those damn parachute troops there yet?!

Can't you hear the helicopters?

Unit 9 to Command.

Go ahead, Unit 9.

Position 1 ready. Over.

Roger, Unit 9.

You over there! Don't tread on the hoses!

They're shooting out of the dark. We'll stick out like sore thumbs.

Those double shields are all that'll keep you alive.

Take care of them.

If they charge, don't fall back. If they're hurt, don't stop to help.

These people are not sane.

Get to your posts.

Stick to the plan.

Keep your heads down!

Over to the left.

That coat sure stands out.

I'll blend in with the snow.

Idiot!

Why are you here?

You're with the Yamano squad!

Sorry!

This way.

Good luck!

Keep as low as you can.

Eisaku!

Don't screw up!

Right!

I'm closing it.

Right... sorry, sorry...

Front-row seats!

Really?

Hey... that power line hasn't been cut.

I never expect cops to do anything right.

The power's not cut!

Yes, it is.

Take a look!

You told me to confirm if we'd cut the power.

We cut power on the 21st!

Would I ask you to confirm that?!

I meant 'cut', physically!

You did?

I told you it would get in the way of the ball!

Where are you going?

I'll do it now.

Fool!

Climb up there now and they'll shoot you!

Dear, dear, dear!

Don't tangle up that hose!

Yes, you!

Damn, this weather changes!

You have been warned, and have not responded.

Think before you make a decision you will regret all your life.

If you conduct armed resistance...

we will take all necessary measures.

This is your final chance.

Your futures are at stake.

Release Mariko.

Put down your weapons and come out with...

It's like a bloody sermon!

Central Command to all squad leaders

Commence operation now according to schedule...

as per your instructions.

I repeat all units commence operation now...

as per your instructions.

Command to all units crane operation under way.

I repeat crane operation under way.

Command to all units support crane operation.

I repeat support crane operation.

Tell the squad leaders to watch out for ricochets.

To watch out for what?

Ricochets, damn it!

Bullets bouncing around!

Keep down!

More water pressure!

Aim at gun-port F!

Watch for ricochets!

Watch for ricochets!

Watch for ricochets!

Go!

Watch the steps!

2nd - to -3rd floor south staircase destroyed.

Proceed to Objective 2. Destroy bathroom wall.

Attaché out.

Objective 2. Roger.

I'm Central Command!

Orders go through me!

Squad 1 to Attaché.

Entranceway too dangerous. Proceeding through bathroom wall...

on orders of Squad Leader. Over.

Roger.

Watch your step!

Move these things!

Are they coming?

We're going to push!

Get back!

Keep going!

Get in there!

Anyone there?!

Slow and steady!

Hold it there!

Kagami, with Squad 1, to Attaché.

In caretaker's room, taking fire from bedroom.

Diverting towards bedroom, over.

Taking fire. Diverting towards bedroom. Roger.

Betto to Attaché. Unit 9 commencing 1st-floor entry, over.

Roger. Unit 9 entering 1st floor.

Ushi!

Get those shields closer together!

Ushi!

Am I hit?

You'll be fine!

I don't think I'm hit.

There's a hole in your helmet!

Are you OK?

The bullet went through.

It came out.

I'm sorry!

Unit 9, 1st floor, Katsura, prisoner!

They got Katsura?

Who's Katsura?!

A prisoner!

They're in?

- A prisoner! Ā They're in!

Unit 9's got one! Come on, Unit 2!

Don't let 9 beat you!

They're in!

Put your helmet on!

Katsura room secured!

We're getting all mixed up.

Sabu, calm everyone down.

They are calm! They're in.

9's in, but 2's still messing around.

Ushi...

Throw this away.

Who's got garbage?

Give it here.

Kagami, Yamano Squad, to Attaché. Removing Emergency-Exit barricade.

Roger. Removing barricade.

Unit 9 to Command...

More pressure!

Higher!

Hit the gun-ports!

Officer down!

Stretcher!

It's Captain Takami!

Captain Takami of Special-Vehicles has been hit!

Pull!

Captain!

Hang in there!

Onozawa! Stay with him!

Tell us how he is!

Onozawa here! Will accompany and report!

Don't shoot! Don't shoot!

They're coming through the shields!

Command to 3rd-floor squad. Report.

Uehara Squad, report.

Katayama, what's happening?

I can't see...

Lift this.

Report!

Squad leader!

I'm all right.

Squad Leader Uehara hit by ricochet. Bleeding from face. He is conscious.

Morale is good. Taking fire from meeting room and roof.

Encountering resistance. Unable to proceed, over.

I'll go.

Roger.

Come over closer to the bedroom with the ball.

Widen Unit 2's entrance!

Unit 2, I want you to get those guys!

Go easy!

Got him!

Where's Uehara?

Over there!

Take him!

Make way!

Stretcher!

Pull back!

Careful!

Are you OK?!

Wait!

Stay back!

Grab this!

Get that shield up!

Are you OK, Ohtsu?

Stop the ball!

The place'll collapse!

Tear-gas! Hit the gun-ports!

Careful, Uchida!

Unit 2 to Command! Stop the ball! The whole place is shaking! Over!

Keep going, Katayama!

Keep pushing!

Commander!

Stop the blood with your scarf!

Squad Commander Uchida's hit!

Command here. Is Uchida hit?

Stretcher! Bring a stretcher!

Squad Commander Uchida is hit, bleeding from the face! Over!

Attention all units. They're aiming at the face.

Pull your helmets low and keep your heads down.

Uchida! Uchida!

Uchida! Uchida!

Deputy Commander Katayama, assume command of Unit 2.

Regroup!

Stand back, please! Back!

Take Uchida to hospital!

Captain Takami's dead.

Stand back!

Stand back, please!

Permission to fire!

I've called the NPA. I asked permission for pistols, too.

The ball's stopped.

What?!

Why?

You're right!

What's going on?

What's the matter?

What's happened?

We still need the crane.

Attach the claw...

and pull off the roof.

Bloody amateurs!

Why didn't you say so?!

Listen...

Special-Vehicles to Command. There's water in the batteries.

Crane will not move.

Repeat crane will not move.

We do what we're told. We put on these helmets and this band uniform.

Any fool knows a crane will knock a building down.

I can get it working.

Shut up!

It'll move.

Just get inside!

This is a waste of time!

Get in there! Stay down!

The public is furious! Get that ball moving!

Why isn't the ball moving? How the hell would I know?!

Attention all section commanders

Storm sniper points E and F. Use pistols when appropriate...

but make sure your line of fire is clear.

The same conditions apply for the meeting room.

Consider your line of fire and, where appropriate...

use pistols.

We can use pistols!

Not rifles yet. Get your hands warm.

Yes, sir.

What?

Mr. Udagawa wants you.

Careful.

I'm going in.

Ushi, stay here.

Don't leave me here.

You have a baby!

I want to go!

The Attaché's coming!

I'm on my way.

Away you go!

Thanks!

Squad Leader! Give the order!

No random firing!

Get those shields up!

Kagami! Grab a shield!

Squad Leader! Come on!

Don't fire at random!

Unit 2's falling apart! Replace them!

Hey!

We don't pull out of here till all those bastards are dead!

OK! I'm assuming temporary command.

Hold your position and wait further orders.

Udagawa, get him out.

Settle down!

Shields up!

If we're going to save the hostage...

we have to pull Unit 2 out of there!

We can't do that. It's a question of face.

To hell with face!

Commander Uchida's...

He's dead!

Thank you.

That was the hospital.

3:30 p.m. Unit 9 objective changed to 3rd floor. Unit 2 take 1st and 2nd.

All right, Chief?

What did you tell them?!

What's going on!

What's wrong?

Nothing!

Oh yeah?

I don't care what section you are, don't report what isn't there!

You're just pissed off!

Damn right!

I reported morale was good!

Get those shields up!

A bomb!

Settle down!

A bomb!

Anyone hurt?

I don't know!

Unit 2 in 3rd-floor kitchen taking fire from dining room!

Sgt. Nakamura and five others down!

Request assistance! Over!

Onozawa! Get out of here!

Yamano and Hirai!

Where?!

In there!

Get down!

Yamano! Hirai!

Retreat!

And have Unit 9 replace us? I'll die first!

Shut up and get outside!

They got our Commander and our Squad Leader!

How do you think that feels?!

What, did they hurt your feelings? Get the hell out of here!

You know...

as long as Mariko lives, she'll never be free of this.

What a way to get on the news.

That antenna sticks right out.

Don't worry.

Lt. Nakata and Sgt. Meguro from Unit 9...

have volunteered for an attack squad.

Anyone from Nagano?

Well, Ogi?

I won't send anyone.

You won't?

It's like ordering them to die. They've got ammunition, bombs...

Your department's 100-year tradition of honor is at stake.

The NPA wants a Nagano squad in there.

Give me at least two men.

Don't we have anyone?!

I can't just send men to hell!

Then you go!

I'll go, too. I won't let you get hurt.

Get two volunteers.

I'll go with Unit 9.

Here's the Nagano squad.

Aren't you scared of pipe bombs, Kido?

Sure I am. But someone has to go, and it's going to be me.

They're aiming for the face.

Pull your helmets low, and keep your heads down.

Repeat pull helmets low and keep heads down.

I'm Central Command. Tell me what you want said.

Just a word!

What the hell. I belong in the front line.

I'm mad about Takami and Uchida. I'll move if you want.

Sabu!

Shove over.

To leader of Units 9, 2, 7 and Special Vehicles

All leaders will obey my instructions to the letter.

Remove command insignia.

Stand at the head of your squads...

but don't become targets. Out.

Are you continuing?

You're not calling it off?

The operation will continue. We're reconstituting Unit 9.

Don't you care about shedding blood?

Doesn't that bother you?!

No, Mr. Sassa...

Come nightfall, hostage and criminals could freeze in there.

The rescue continues.

Command to 3rd-floor Unit. Beware of armed resistance.

Remove barricades at entrance from inside.

Hurry it up in back!

Remove barricades at entrance.

So they've passed here...

No, they're only here.

What?

It's crowded in here!

Go find out what's going on!

Take it easy!

There's something I can't report on the radio.

Unit 9 wants to use water and Special-Vehicles wants to use gas.

Okubo and Kobayashi are both the same rank.

We need someone in charge in there. We've got to settle this by dark.

I'm Central Commander.

We need a line commander in there, Chief.

I'm Central Commander!

We need Sabu here. I'll go.

If you would.

Mr. Maruyama?

Do it.

Be careful.

I am assuming front-line command.

OK, Sabu?

We can't have two commanders!

The Chief's in a real hurry to get this over.

You don't mean...

Yes.

We're on TV. Can't you wait?

I've been holding it all day.

I told you to go this morning!

Nothing came out then.

When it comes, it comes.

Just a pee?

For the moment.

Get a squad.

Orders go through me!

Not for jobs like this!

I can put up with not smoking...

We'll get things ready.

Here goes.

The Chief's coming out!

Get more tear gas in there!

They don't want gas! They can't breathe!

They say use water!

We're out of water!

Okubo! Kobayashi!

No more gas!

I said we don't have any water!

Stop the gas. Give us more water.

We'll carry the nozzles.

There's no water!

What's the story?

Don't we have any water?

We've used it all. We're stringing six fire trucks together...

to pump it from a pond near here.

We'll have 30 tons.

How fast?

Two tons a minute at 7 G's.

That won't take out a wall.

Maximum's 13 G's. Three tons a minute.

For ten minutes...

13 G's will take four men to handle it.

They'll be under fire. We'll be risking shield men.

It's too dangerous. Use gas!

Have you ever been gassed?!

The bad guys breathe it, too!

OK! We try hoses for 10 minutes.

Breaking in!

Attaché to all squad leaders...

Stop bypassing Command!

Orders from front-line command.

We will use fire-hoses.

Over and out.

Tear-gas units stay ready during water attack.

Unit 9, get in there!

You've been trying to get here since the start, haven't you.

You talk too much.

We get ￥140 danger pay each time we face bombs.

For danger pay the Agriculture Ministry pays...

what, Ushi? ￥200?

￥210.

What's so dangerous about agriculture?

You might get hurt setting a bull to a cow.

These men risk their lives for less money...

than they'd make being kicked by a horse.

You don't get paid for courage. You just get medals.

Tear gas, water hoses and shields...

The riot squad is right back where it started.

How many times will we repeat this?

This is the last one.

Commencing water!

More to the right!

That's it! That's it!

Calling Attaché.

Bunk beds barricaded against wall. Scattered shooting.

Nakata squad removing barricade at bedroom entrance.

Ten minutes!

The water's stopping!

Go when it stops!

Ready, set, go!

It's stopped!

Move forward and secure the room!

Use the bull-horn!

Charge! Charge! Charge!

Charge in there! Secure the room!

One hurt!

Medic!

Station 1 to Command!

Go ahead, Station 1.

Go ahead, Station 1.

Why doesn't he answer?!

It's not working...

This is Command. Go ahead, Station 1.

I'm not one of them!

Hostage is alive!

Command confirms hostage alive!

We've got her! She's alive!

Wait! Make sure it's her!

Mrs. Kojaku? Are you Mariko Kojaku?!

I'm Mariko Kojaku.

Confirmed!

Bring a blanket!

The safety of the hostage, Mariko Kojaku, is confirmed!

I repeat, at 6:15 p.m....

Thank you, Tokyo!

Thank you! Thank you!

Mr. Kojaku!

Mr. Kojaku!

There's one more!

We aren't judges!

Cut it out!

Settle down!

We will march out in front of the press.

Leading us will be Kido of the Nagano Police.

Yes, sir!

Can we grab their hair and show them to the cameras?

Yep. Give the cameras a good, long look.

This operation was a failure!

To catch five rats, 1,500 officers took ten days...

with two dead and 24 wounded.

They should be ashamed of themselves!

Hyodo!

Who's going to take the fall for this?

Sir! This apple's going to go down in history!

Why?

It was in her pocket!

It's even got her teeth marks in it!

Well done.

Salute!

I'm back.

Welcome home.

I'm going to quit.

What is it?

'Well done.

'Take the day off.'

'The day'?

Commissioner Gotoda?

Hercules speaking...