Original subtitles

NIKKATSU CORPORATION Presents

BLIND WOMAN'S CURSE

Screenplay by Teruo Ishii & Chusei Sone

I am Akemi, successor of the Tachibana Gang.

I am obliged to kill Boss Goda.

Silence! You're all going die!

Get them!

Cinematography by Shigeru Kitazumi

Music by Hajime Kaburagi

Starring:

Meiko Kaji, Hoki Tokuda

Makoto Satô, Hideo Sunazuka, Shirô Ôtsuji

Yoshi Katô, Yôko Takagi, Tatsumi Hijikata

Tôru Abe, Ryôhei Uchida

Directed by Teruo Ishii

Don't kill him! Brother, watch out!

What is it, No. 36?

It's heaven only when we're asleep.

- And you drag us back into hell. - It's every night.

What'll you do about it?

I'm sorry I disturbed you. Please forgive me.

We won't forgive you! Why do you have nightmares?

I've been cursed by a cat.

- By a cat? - Of all the stupid things.

- Sounds ridiculous. - It's the truth.

A black cat that loved the taste of blood.

It lapped up my blood as it spurted out.

Then it leaped up at my eyes.

Look at your pale faces. You're in heat, that's all!

I'm in heat!

The cat feels better now!

Oi, it's no laughing matter!

What crime did you do? Come on, introduce yourself properly.

Can't you answer me?

This snake will make you talk!

- The snake's met its match. - What?

Come on, introduce yourself properly then!

Very well. I shall offer you a formal greeting.

I respectfully offer my greetings to all gathered here.

And especially to your leader.

Pretty impressive, eh?

I am head of the Tachibana Gang of the Eastern Provinces,

having succeeded Sennosuke, my father.

My family name is Tachibana.

My given name is Akemi.

I am the new leader.

I respectfully request of you

that you remember my name and lineage

and offer me any assistance in the future.

THREE YEARS LATER

You know this is Tachibana territory?

Who do you think you're talking to?

Wait!

Big cockroaches shouldn't be seen outside in the sun.

Not bad looking. You're just my type.

You smell good, too.

You smell like you haven't had a bath in over a year.

You've got some nerve.

Why, you...

Back off!

You're not going to win this fight and we're not backing down.

What did you say?

Hold it there!

I'll buy into this fight.

Whoever you are, defy me and you're done for.

What a smell! You're polluting the air.

What else do you have to say?

I need no boss, no henchmen and no moral code!

Stay out of my way or you'll get hurt!

- You sound a little like me. - What?

I'm a man who needs no boss and no henchmen!

But that's where the similarity ends. I hate anything immoral!

Take it easy! Let's have a little talk. Come on.

What is it?

We're pretty much alike. I'm willing to bow out.

Very good. Hold on...

Now we're even. All right?

All right.

Right, men!

We're pulling out, let's go!

It's not the first time the Aozora Gang has tried this.

If only we'd crushed them sooner...

Tatsu!

A right-hand man shouldn't say such things.

- But Uncle... - Don't call me uncle.

I gave my word to Akemi's father that I would renounce my life of crime.

Sorry, you always scold me...

I don't want to!

Don't say things to excite the junior members.

- Father... - Silence!

Greetings!

I'll go and check.

Greetings!

Hey, how many times do we have to offer formal greetings?

- Where's your boss? - She's busy.

And she has no time for nobodies like you!

You're not to my taste.

We were in jail with your boss. Understand?

He's funny in the head, this guy. He doesn't understand.

Our tattoos are the same. They fit together. How exciting.

The tail's down that end, you idiot!

Who cares about heads or tails? Let's be friends.

Kantaro!

Welcome back, Boss.

Long time no see!

What's on your backs?

- We want to join your family. - Please!

Come in, all of you.

Welcome home, Boss!

- We've taken a right beating, Boss. - Let me at them!

They're just scum. They've blown the place by now.

Greetings, Boss!

Dobashi's behind it all...

Hey, watch your mouth.

We can't settle things with him in that manner.

I know how you all feel, but wait until we know more. Understand?

And what about the police?

They understand the situation. But they went too far.

Please excuse me a moment.

Kantaro? Serve the guests something.

I'll kill you...!

I believe your name's Mr Tani.

Thank you for your help today.

Not at all. Those hoods were nothing.

But I hear someone's pulling their strings.

In your world, only the strong survive.

And being lenient can cause a lot more trouble.

Are you lecturing me?

Forget it, then. I talk too much.

You fight too much, as well.

Nine lives aren't enough for you.

So lending a hand was wrong?

You lent a hand?

Never mind.

I've more than enough men. I don't need your help.

You've no use for me?

I have a meal arranged for you.

And some expenses.

You've got me all wrong.

I don't do things just to get paid. I won't accept the money.

- Somebody... - Yes?

Kantaro, our guest is leaving.

There's a dream l'm following

Even if I die, l'll keep dreaming forever

Forever and ever, wherever I may be

Wait!

- I said I was leaving. - What about your things?

You must have something to eat.

She's stubborn, your boss.

No, my father says so. He runs a restaurant.

You shouldn't leave without eating.

He sounds nice.

Welcome back.

- That was a fine bath. - You must be hungry. Please.

Come and have a drink.

Please eat.

We're proud of our cooking.

It's really tasty!

You'd make the perfect wife!

Oh, my father actually made it.

That's amazing!

Anybody can go straight if they really want to.

Why don't you renounce the gangster's life once and for all?

I've often thought about it,

but I can't.

Your parents gave you your life,

it's not right to treat it so lightly.

Yes...

But it's too late now. Both my parents are...

So you're all alone?

There's nobody to laugh or cry for me, no matter where or when I die.

It's turned into a sad story.

Pour a drink for him, Chie.

Become my elder brother then.

What do you think, Father? I'll reform him.

You!

I couldn't say it before, but it's Dobashi.

We know that.

Dobashi's room is to your left above the stone wall.

Good luck.

Right then...

- Brother... - Hisao!

It's taken care of.

Exactly as you planned it.

Do you have any last words for them?

You were friends until a while ago.

Don't joke about it, Boss Dobashi!

Damn you! Traitor!

You bastard...

There's no tattoo of a dragon's tail on my back.

I'll choose which gang I serve!

It's a good excuse to raid their gang.

Maybe. But I won't.

But after all this trouble, Boss...

Hold your horses! You still lack the experience.

I intend to send Boss Tachibana a bouquet instead of a sword.

- Thanks, anyway. - But instead of that, Boss...

I know.

If I manage to seize Tachibana territory, I'll set you up.

Thank you so much.

Hey, where's the driver got to?

"We are returning your two killers in coffins.

"It's action now, not words. This is just a reminder."

Damn it!

- Kantaro! - Boss!

What's all the noise about?

Open it.

Hisao.

Suekichi.

I told them not to cause any trouble.

It's too late now!

Goddamn it!

We'll make it rain blood. Let's kill every last one of them!

Silence!

Please don't stop us this time!

Quiet!

I'm the angriest...

...and the saddest.

We exchanged sake

and we swore that we'd die together even if we were born alone.

Reducing them to this... it's unforgivable.

I want vengeance!

And I shall get it, I promise you!

But we must wait.

There's some reason behind this.

And when I find out that reason...

...I'll settle it for good!

Boss...

Idiot!

Koji?

Koji, get a hold of yourself!

My eyes! My eyes! I can't see!

My eyes! My eyes!

I am cursed.

She won't rise to my bait to raid the Aozora Gang.

The night the coffins arrived, a man acted like a cat and then vanished.

With female henchmen, she won't be able to exact revenge.

Their end is in sight.

It won't be that easy.

Who the hell are you?

I came to see Boss Dobashi.

Our boss?

Some of his men tried to stop me by force,

so I had to make them be quiet.

Make them be quiet?

- Two men done in! - Don't worry, I went easy on them.

You bitch!

Are you all right?

- What is it? - I know by the smell.

- What smell? - Not popular with women?

Damn you...

By the feel of it, I'd say about five broken teeth.

You're the Boss, right?

- Do I smell? - Boss Dobashi...

Do you want to hire a woman like me?

Strong and pretty too. I've no reason to refuse.

Hisao and Suekichi are lucky to have you mourn for them so long.

I just hope Koji returns to us safely.

People's lives are more important than a mere name.

Why don't you disband and lead a peaceful life?

But Uncle...

I don't think your late father would be angry if he knew.

Chie...

You've suddenly grown up to be very pretty.

Yearning for a man, are we?

Stop it, or I'll tell my father!

He went to the cemetery. That's why I came.

Don't!

Let me go! No!

If you want, you can become the wife of a gang boss.

Stop it! Let go!

I'm not lying, I'm going places.

Let's talk it over in there.

Wait a moment. Please.

- I've something important to tell you. - Tell me.

I'll do anything for you.

- Really? Do you mean that? - You have my word.

But it's embarrassing.

Come on...

- So, you'll let me go? - 'Go'?

Well, sure. I'll let you go.

I'll go then.

Go? Go where?

The toilet!

You can't even become smelly friends!

You idiot!

He's got a face like half-baked dough!

Hey, where's Nobuko got to?

What's that blind bat up to?

Nobuko really wanted to see this.

What's going on?

William Tell shot an apple off his son's head.

He had sharp eyes.

But she can't see, so she's better than William Tell.

So this is her real work?

Will anyone volunteer to be her target? You?

- Anyone? - She'll do it!

A round of applause, please!

- She can see! - She's a phoney!

All right? She'll do it again.

Nice tattoo.

Take good care of it.

The great Kantaro's back!

Where's Nobuko?

I don't know.

What's the idea? It just stopped...

She's hanged herself!

It's Nobuko!

- Let her down. - Slowly, now!

"I've taken one dragon tattoo. I'll get you all.

"After the tail, the body."

How cruel!

Boss! The Aozora Gang did it, no mistake!

We have to fight them!

I never told you before,

but when I was in jail, a cat often attacked me in my dreams.

I may have done something to be cursed.

It's not me alone,

but everyone with a dragon tattoo on their backs like me.

Nobuko...

It must've been agony for you.

Please forgive me!

They found Koji's body.

As if to take his place, Hanako then vanished.

Hanako just brings more trouble for us...

It's skin... Somebody come here!

The cat!

It ran onto the roof!

What the hell?

Come on, get a grip! You're Kantaro of the Tachibana Gang!

Wax dolls? So good they seem alive!

Very careless.

How cruel.

Why did you do it?

I thought you'd be glad.

You fool.

I hate to ask other people for help. You ought to know that.

You must not follow me around any more.

It was wrong of me. Forgive me!

Forgive me!

- The skin off Hanako's back? - Yes, I'm sure it is.

That black cat was licking both skins.

Right, let's head over to the theatre.

The blind woman and a hunchback left.

- It's true! - Don't lie!

"I will have the dragon's head too."

- You look very different. - It's none of your business.

I didn't think I'd see you this way.

Madame!

- Good day. - Is your Uncle well?

Yes, thank you.

- I'll help you with half. - Thanks.

I'll come with you.

Excuse us.

Watch where you're going, you idiot.

She annoys me so.

Welcome, welcome! It all tastes excellent!

Can you change this for me?

- Very well. - Sorry, I've nothing smaller.

Thanks. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Some chilli powder, please.

Nothing smaller, madame?

What a strange woman.

Fool!

They've scattered the stuff around.

Opium found in Tachibana territory? That'll finish them.

Better report it to the authorities, Boss.

Good. Just the job for you.

Kisakata Police Station, please.

This is Tachibana territory! There must be some mistake.

What's happened?

They're breaking up an opium selling ring.

The Tachibana Gang? That's terrible!

Who disgraced our gang by secretly selling opium?

Damn it, show yourself!

We'll do it...

We'll get our territory back, I promise you.

Kantaro.

Listen, men...

Me and the girls will look after the boss.

Make yourself scarce till it blows over.

Take us along with you! Please!

I'd like to take you all.

If I could, I wouldn't take to the road.

I'll see you off. Go.

Hurry!

Kazuo...

Hide.

Go.

Boss...

I wish you luck!

You too.

Take care of the boss!

We've been expecting you. Where's Dobashi?

What of it?

I'm not talking to a little punk like you!

Have you never heard of Iwa the Monster?

I see. I'll give your face a good slapping!

- Well, if it's not the skinflint himself. - What's all the fuss about?

Using us to hog Tachibana's place. No, you don't!

What are you talking about, you beggar?

Dressed like that in a loincloth, you're not the boss type.

- What's that? - You're so dirty.

And it's showing through!

I'm cleaner than your heart!

Get them all.

Who are you?

You smell bad but you're not a bad man. Let's talk it over.

I see.

There's nothing to be gained by fighting here.

Why not go 50/50 on the territory?

- If I refuse? - I know your type.

If a woman asks you, you won't refuse.

What now, skunk?

The Boss agrees.

Right! That's settled.

Will you come with me?

Maybe after you've had a bath...

Serves you right!

Making any money?

Tatsu... I mean Boss.

Long time no see.

- How are you? - Let's meet up again soon.

Excuse me.

Go and take a look around for me.

Sake old man.

So what's your answer?

If I'm displeased, I won't let you work here.

Did you understand what I said?

I'm Boss Tatsu Semba and this place has become my territory.

Never heard of you.

I do remember a Tatsu, though,

and he was a fool with a heart of stone.

- What did you say? - I don't serve sake to animals!

Feeling bold, are we? Rough him up.

What's all the noise about, dough face?

I'll get even with you for this!

Fool!

Are you all right?

What a mess.

- Father, Mr Tani... - What's the matter?

Something strange has happened.

A suspicious woman hanging out at the market in Tachibana territory.

What woman?

She was fingering things at some of the stalls.

- She hid opium among the goods. - I see. Right!

Contact the Tachibana boss. She'll know what to do.

- I'm borrowing Chie. - Very well.

Yes, we might be able to catch her.

That's the woman.

- What are you doing? - Let's see what's in the bag.

Let go or I'll scream!

Go ahead, if you can!

Let's be friends.

Who told you to do it? Can't you tell me?

Was it Dobashi?

Don't ask me if you know already.

You spread opium around the market.

Let's pay a visit to Dobashi.

Chie, I'm going to Dobashi's. Tell your father.

Come on, then.

Hold steady!

Look after her.

Come with us, darling.

- What are you doing? - Be quiet!

Let me go!

You look worried, old man.

What?

Don't worry about Chie, I have her safe.

- You bastard! - Easy! Don't lose your head.

Don't get any ideas or she'll...

Come along with me.

Tatsu, you're...

Quiet! You're shaming me before the others.

Men like you... you're just scum!

Get rid of him. Hurry!

How'd you find out about the opium?

Out with it!

We have other torture methods at my disposal.

The game starts.

- Bets, please! - Evens or odds?

No more bets.

Wait.

You shouldn't cheat honest people.

Are you trying to pick a fight here?

Not my intention at all.

But the up and coming Dobashi Gang using dodgy dice is bad news.

Where's your proof, you bastard?

Excuse me, honourable guests.

Excuse me.

Feel the dice. That's the proof.

It's made so only odds come out.

Shall I show you?

This is the trick, everyone.

What do you call this?

Don't come here again to play.

I'd like to see you a minute.

Oh? I was going to ask you the same.

Where are you going?

To see Dobashi.

Turn right at the end of the corridor, to the basement.

Thanks.

- Damn you! - You betrayed us!

- I hate dirty tricks. - What?

- Why? - I smell it.

- Smell what? - A good man.

Where's Dobashi?

Where is he?

Give it back to me!

Where's Dobashi?

Where is he?

In the back.

In bed already, at dusk?

- Why do you smoke this? - The Boss taught us how...

We smoke it and sleep with various men at night.

They're all handsome men. Like actors!

It's paradise.

So he's involved in this racket as well?

Dobashi!

Who the hell are you?

In bed already at dusk? That's a child's bedtime!

Damn you!

I'll just borrow this blade from you.

Don't touch me, or your boss is a dead man.

Whoever you are, how much do you want?

I want you to reveal the evil plot you've cooked up!

Reveal what?

Two young Tachibana men were sent back in coffins. Your work, right?

- First I've heard of it. - Don't lie to me!

Do you want to die, Boss?

- Wait! - I know everything already.

The idea came from Tatsu, a Tachibana Gang member.

He wanted to destroy the Aozora and Tachibana Gangs by making them fight.

But the Tachibana Gang refused to fight.

So you had Tatsu skin the tattoo off a Tachibana girl and kill her?

- That was nothing to do with me. - Liar!

It's easier for you to use a traitor, right, Boss?

What have you done with her skin?

Don't move! Drop the knife.

Drop it!

Wait! Don't kill him.

He'll die after getting twice what he did to me.

Bastard!

How about some water action with a sweet girl?

While you catch your breath, she drowns.

Nice and pretty, dripping wet.

Drop her!

So, how do you like playing in the water?

You can't kill me, you bastard!

What?

- Boss? - He's not dead yet?

Put the woman in my room!

He's the limit. Who does he think he is?

What are you doing here?

Who are you?

He's mine!

It's the hunchback!

What a nerve. Kill him!

You fools! This is your fault.

Why don't you bathe and then have your way with her?

Ah, I see. There's still fun to be had.

Your skin is so smooth, Boss.

It's called "rice cake" skin.

All the girls I take cry with joy.

Get the mirror.

I can't wait to hear how this sweet girl will cry out.

This is what they call a real handsome man.

What's so funny?

Was it painful before?

I'll love you plenty now, though.

No need to feel shy.

How depressing.

Are you trying to seduce me, Boss?

You blind bat! What's the idea?

So, Boss... Is it a showdown you want?

That's not my idea of fun, you idiot!

Sorry, Boss.

What's that? Pull it up.

What happened?

He's dead.

Damn it...

Who could have done this?

- What the hell was that? - The hunchback!

- Any news? - They're not there.

It's strange, nobody's at the restaurant.

Uncle sent a telegram.

Something important has happened.

Oh, Chie! What happened?

- Lie her down. - What happened?

- What happened to her? - It's Dobashi's doing.

Hang on in there! Hey!

What's this strange thing?

The soba shop man...?

"Tatsu killed this man."

Uncle!

Boss, Tachibana Gang's at the restaurant.

The hunchback lobbed the head in there.

Leave him to me!

The Tachibana Gang have assembled?

Yes. And that hunchback's on their side.

I see. That blind bat, too?

We should take care of her before they join forces.

Right. Let's use that room.

I'll get her.

Watch your head.

The Boss will be here soon.

Like a trapped rat.

She'll die with a bellyful of water!

How could they do such a cruel thing?

He mended his ways...

...so he could die in bed like a decent man.

My dear Chie, it was me that got him involved.

I will let my actions stand as an apology for me.

I know my dying won't bring him back...

However...

...please allow it!

- Boss, let's assemble our men. - Right!

- Let's make it rain blood! - Blood!

This fight won't be won by superior numbers.

Uncle, you said reforming came before family name.

Forgive me for going against your words.

I'll be with you soon. I'll apologise then.

Please take me with you!

All right. I'll look after her.

You won't turn me down today, will you?

I'll hand out the weapons.

This calls for a parting drink!

A woman boss in a man's world?

Laugh, then laugh again

I will ask no mercy

I will see things through

And on my back, a dragon tattoo

Tatsu, you're a disgrace to the Yakuza world.

What's this, a woman's dishrag dance? This should be fun.

Listen, girls...

Apologise now, and I'll use you as my maids.

Dobashi, a showdown!

- I'm infatuated with you. - Not now.

Let's do it!

Bastard, you shouldn't turn against your superior!

My teeth jump out when I'm angry!

Hurry!

Wait a moment.

I've been waiting for a showdown with you.

And you are...?

I will tell you later, at a different place.

Please remember... it was you who made me blind.

I'm the younger sister of the late Boss Goda.

Of the Goda Gang?

Don't kill him! Brother, watch out!

It was you that time?

So you've waited for me? - Yes.

For five years...

...I trained to kill people.

I've waited for this duel.

And now your wish has come true. Here I am.

I'd like to see your face.

When we kill, our faces resemble demons.

Boss Tachibana... fight!

I lost. Give me the coup de grâce.

So then...

You held back, didn't you?

Wipe out your five years of pain and hate.

I cannot...

My sword cannot kill someone with a pure heart like you.

It seems that I have spent my life foolishly...