Original subtitles

Produced by Masaichi Nagata

Kazuo Hasegawa's 300th Film

An Actor's Revenge

Planning by Kon Ichikawa Hiroaki Fujii/Tomio Takamori

Original story by Otokichi Mikami

Adapted by Daisuke Ito/Teinosuke Kinugasa

Written by Natto Wada

Cinematography by Setsuo Kobayashi

Music by Yasushi Akutagawa/Masao Yagi

Cast

Kazuo Hasegawa

Fujiko Yamamoto Ayako Wakao

Raizo Ichikawa Shintaro Katsu

Ganjiro Nakamura Chusha Ichikawa

Directed by Kon Ichikawa

Did you see them, Father?

They drove you mad and killed you.

Sansai Dobe, the retired lord.

Kawaguchiya, the merchant.

I do not see Hiromiya, but for nearly these past twenty years

I have thought of them as your enemies.

Now that I know what they look like,

I shall never forget their faces, even if I should ever

happen upon them in the moonless night.

I swear that I will avenge you both,

no matter how difficult it may be.

Oh, there you are.

In her straightforward girlish innocence...

Father, look at that.

The way that woman next to Dobe looks at me.

She's Namiji, Dobe's daughter.

I shall approach her first.

Hanamuraya!

Did you see them?

Yes.

Hey Muku, that's enough. Let's go now.

But the best part's just about to begin.

I didn't mean the play. You've collected enough for today.

We paid to get in so let's stay until the end.

It's too slow for my taste.

Neither man nor woman, that actor is creepy.

Shut up, let's go.

She's hot. Wonder who she is?

Damn, her husband was born under one lucky star!

Why is Ichimura Theatre featuring a troupe from Osaka?

How stupid. I'm never passing by this place again.

There are plenty of actors in Edo.

But all that matters here is the actor's lineage,

and without it, he's scorned no matter how good he may be.

The Kikunojo Nakamura Company became the best in Osaka

from their low-class beginnings.

And I hear the star is hauntingly handsome.

Edo has Hamamuraya, Kinokuniya...

Well, those actors are hard to beat.

But this troupe is daring them to top their act.

So refreshing! I'm supporting them!

Your support just means the cheapest tickets.

I'm sure they'll appreciate that!

It doesn't matter.

Sure it matters. Head-over-heels already,

even though you're not much help.

Edoites defy the strong and help the weak. You're no Edoite.

Let's leave him here and go inside.

What about me?

Go home if you're not coming.

I have to see if this Yukinojo is really a low-class actor or not.

So you want to see after all.

Stop grumbling and go.

Don't you tell me to go.

Oh be quiet.

There are a lot of fools like you in Edo.

Those are harsh words.

Sure. Times are hard and the price of rice worries people.

Yet they waste money on plays. It's beyond me.

People spend more during a recession.

Regular shows don't draw people, so Kikunojo was invited.

It was a big gamble for the theatre.

You sound like a scholar.

And the fact is, famous thieves abound during a recession.

First there's you, Ohatsu.

Then Yamitaro, the Getaway Kid, Oryu the Ghost, Otoki the Spider,

First Song Shimo, Jailbreaker Hoin, Sumie the Widow, Thunder Ohime,

and Densuke the Lesser Cuckoo. Those are the major ones.

Oh, and there's Hirutaro.

Never heard of him.

Yamitaro's about the only one who could match me.

How much did you collect?

Idiot! I keep telling you to throw away the purses!

Oops, I...

Go get rid of them!

I don't want to be mistaken for a pickpocket.

You'd never know just by looking at her.

She has absolutely no charm whatsoever.

Maybe if she fell in love she'd become womanly.

Full house! Congratulations!

Congratulations. Fine presents.

For Yukinojo?

Yes.

Good.

It seemed to be the best for a female impersonator.

I can't help you openly so I had it made.

Oh, sir...

On the opening day of our first Edo run,

the enemies you seek showed up in the audience to see you.

Your late father is helping you.

Excuse me.

Congratulations, Kikunojo.

You're now the greatest Kabuki troupe in Japan.

Edoites are competitive, yet they praised us so.

It makes us cry for joy.

Kawaguchiya, who saw the show, has taken a liking to you.

He wishes to treat you,

and to introduce you to Lord Dobe and his daughter.

What, Lord Dobe?

They're very important guests

so I think you should take up the offer.

Rather, as the theatre manager, I ask you to please do so.

I've had a splitting headache since a while ago.

Please decline as you think fit.

I see.

I'm sure he'll be very disappointed.

But you must be tired. Please take care. I'll see what I can do.

Leave it to me.

Why did you refuse?

You don't want to drink with your enemy?

Revenge is impossible with such a narrow mind.

Yes.

Wouldn't it be better to get to know them first

and gain their trust to succeed?

I'm terrified of my own self, sir.

Something inside me told me to refuse this invitation.

That it is for the best.

Things will go my way and they will find me irresistible.

Without fail.

I will get what I want without fail.

The curtain will go up shortly.

I should have taken a palanquin.

Just because I said I wanted some night air

it appears we've become lost.

Watch out!

Thief!

This must be a mistake!

I'm an Osaka actor performing at the Ichimura Theatre!

You!

Wait! Please don't!

Why, Heima?

You've always said that there are no secrets in your school.

That we must learn for ourselves.

Yukinojo is your student,

but he's an outsider. Why initiate him into the secrets with the scroll?

I feel it is grossly unfair.

I am young but serve as assistant instructor.

I ask that you permit me to see it first.

You may look if that is your desire.

But your very impatience is preventing you

from learning the essence of my Tenshin School of swordsmanship.

Yukinojo, you first...

No!

Let him go!

It was only blank paper.

Blank paper?

That scroll existed to warn myself against

becoming vain and proud.

Once we master an art and become famous,

we tend to forget our resolutions.

Words cannot explain the mysteries of an art.

I just tried to formally convey my inmost mind

through my everyday conduct.

Let Heima go.

He has lost his teacher, his friend,

and has gained nothing.

Indeed it is I, Heima Kadokura.

I could no longer stay in Osaka because of you, so I started over in Edo.

But I hear your name a lot recently.

It is more than I can stand!

Our instructor Isshosai sensei was always worried about you.

You and I studied together for a long time, so why...

Don't mention that, you low-class actor!

You'll regret this! I'll get even!

You must think I'm a darn busybody for butting in like this.

I don't know who you are, but thank you for saving me.

No, that was mighty fine swordsmanship for an actor.

I found myself looking on like enjoying a show.

But what a disappointing climax. Why did you just stand there?

I heard the name Kadokura. Was that someone you know?

No. I don't know why but he suddenly attacked.

That's strange. He seemed too skilled to be just a phantom slasher.

I don't blame you for not trusting me.

No decent man would be hanging around here at this hour.

I suppose he could have been a phantom slasher.

There are a lot of masterless samurai nowadays.

Better not walk alone at night looking so lovely.

Oh, there's a cruising palanquin.

Hey, over here!

Yes, one moment please!

Please tell me your name.

Me?

Got you, Yamitaro!

We'd spread a dragnet for you!

Is he tired?

He's still.

Good, get him this time!

Oh no!

After him! He has to be around!

Oh, you're an actor. It's not safe at night so be careful.

Thanks.

Where'd he go?

Hey, here I am!

Who are you?

You're not Yamitaro.

I'm Hirutaro.

That's not funny.

Distracting us when we're busy.

Go away, small fry!

Damn it, I'm a famous thief, too! Hirutaro the "Noon Kid."

Shucks.

Why is Yamitaro the "Dark Kid" more popular?

This ruby from Holland

is really the colour of blood.

Who is it?

What do you want?

Kawaguchiya is here.

Let him wait.

Yes, my lord.

How is Lady Namiji feeling now?

What do you want from Namiji?

At the theatre the other day,

she instantly took a liking to Yukinojo.

You quickly noticed,

and hope to bring them together to gain her trust.

Your plan is to obtain permission to sell your products to the shogunate.

Did you think I wouldn't notice?

What a thing to say!

The doctors all say she has the blues.

I asked that she be excused from the inner palace for a month, but...

She's just pining for love.

And you're the one responsible for it!

Absolutely not.

You and your monkey tricks.

I'm overwhelmed.

Send for Yukinojo.

I'm telling you to get him.

He's far too vulgar to win my daughter's favor.

She'll tire of him after seeing him a few times,

and then all will be well again.

Yukinojo is so rude!

Repeatedly refusing my invitations.

Tomorrow I'll go get him myself even if I have to rope him.

The shogun does as I say

only because he loves Namiji.

She's very important to me.

Don't meddle with his harem after this or you'll get burnt.

The shogun is a cold-hearted man.

The shogunate has a rigid system, and powerful as I am,

even my personal influence cannot get other merchants in.

Kawaguchiya,

what's past is past.

Being greedy may be all right but there's a limit.

Don't be too much of an egoist for your own good.

So you're dabbling in the rice market?

Buy it up.

I'll help you out.

Nothing could please me more if you would assist me.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

And?

Actors are so hard to handle. The popularity gets to...

He refused?

No, he said he'd be glad to accept.

Why did you accept the invitation today?

I've been waiting for this day.

Why?

It's an invitation to Dobe's home and not to a restaurant.

What's more, it's a special invitation to visit his ailing daughter.

Hanamuraya!

Hanamuraya!

Visiting the sick...

Lady Namiji?

It's best for both of us that our relationship remains secret

If people found out...

Whoa, mustn't go too far.

This is where I work tonight.

How about that? I can practically smell all the gold.

What a grand mansion.

So this is the famous Sansai Dobe's retirement home.

His treasure room must be packed with gifts from the shogun

and the bribes he got when he was an official.

I guess I'll help the poor a little more than usual tonight.

Some are still shivering in summer clothing in this cold.

Damn, a guest is here at a time like this.

How long do you intend to be so formal?

Sir, Lady Namiji wishes to thank him in person

for coming to visit her, and requests that he come to her room.

No, I am already overwhelmed to meet the lord.

I will take my leave now.

See, he's given permission.

She is ill. Do as she wishes.

While I was gone from the room,

what did Lord Dobe say to you?

Nothing.

Nothing? Not one word?

None. It was rather frightening.

There's no need to worry.

He only acts big because he has Lady Namiji.

If you succeed in capturing her heart...

What a thing to say. How could I even aspire to...

Lady Namiji is already smitten by you.

All you need to do is just turn up your charm.

Her words count the most at the castle, not her father's.

You wouldn't understand business,

but the attainment of my greatest ambition depends on you.

In return, I promise to look after you for life.

Being an actor means your life is precarious.

It's best to always be prepared for what lies ahead.

We've only met for the first time, yet he scorns me as an actor.

He thinks all actors used to be prostitutes,

and intends to make me beguile a lady suffering from ennui.

He is vulgarity personified.

Is this man planning on using me to betray Dobe?

I think you are perfectly right.

You're one of Edo's wealthiest men, and your words

make me so happy that it seems a dream. I feel like I'm in heaven.

I will do what I can to curry favor with Lady Namiji

and try to please her.

You grasp things quickly like I thought.

But keep this a secret between you, Lady Namiji, and me.

You must be very careful.

Yes, I will.

Look at her, poor thing.

She loves me from the bottom of her heart.

Do not be so polite.

I am sorry to have called you to such a disorderly room.

To be with a lady who has attained the heights of glory,

and to be able to enjoy her favor even for a short time...

You make it sound like I am happy serving the shogun.

What greater happiness could there be?

Every woman in the land must be envious of you.

Are you mocking me?

It was not my intention, but if I have offended you,

perhaps it is best that I leave.

No! Please forgive me if I have hurt your feelings.

But you are so formal and it pains me.

Have some sake.

No one seems to know what ails me.

But I should think that you would have an idea.

What a puzzling question.

Perhaps you are feeling fatigued

from the great love you receive.

Do you think I enjoy serving at the castle?

You do not even know the shogun.

I have been like this ever since I set eyes on you.

Your words resonate sweetly in my ears.

I am simple and apt to believe you mean what you say.

Please do not play with my feelings.

I have cast aside appearances, my reputation and pride.

Dreams are superficial.

I know now that daytime love is much deeper than that at night.

If what you say is really true,

I promise to be yours, and will even forsake my beloved stage.

But if this love is just a passing fancy for you

I've no choice but to die.

I'm so happy. You finally understand how I feel?

How can such despicable lies flow from these lips?

But I must tel! many more from now on.

Even though she is completely innocent.

But I've heard that even the shogun treats Sansai Dobe with respect.

We'll be exiled or beheaded if we're caught.

There are other treasure houses in Honmachi.

Shut up, Muku.

Not you, maybe, but in my case,

a hundred heads wouldn't be enough.

If someone else took a crack here first,

it'd be a disgrace to my reputation.

Go home and have sake ready.

You don't need me?

You're bow-legged and wouldn't be of any use.

Good luck, then.

Yuki.

Quiet.

What is it?

There's someone outside.

They're still up.

Sleep like decent people if you know what's good for you.

Who is it? Who goes there?

Damn it, someone noticed.

It's me!

Someone of this household?

Damn you! You messed up my plan!

A burglar? And a woman at that.

What the... Such strength!

You're a man!

Quiet down. People will come.

What are you? Dressed like a woman!

I will release you, so go away.

Hey, you performed at Ichimura Theatre!

Never mind that.

Yuki.

It was a petty thief.

Ran away as soon as I called out.

You were rash. I would have grieved had you been hurt.

I would love to stay with you longer, but I must go now.

Already?

You see, I am under obligation

to various people at the theatre.

Well, well. What a shame.

He's some actor. What a brilliant ending.

That Ohatsu, butting in at the worst timing.

How strange, though. That Yukinojo fellow.

He's no ordinary actor.

But he seemed nice.

Why is he sucking up to that greedy Dobe and the shogun's lover Namiji?

It looks like he has good reason to be doing it.

Ow, it still hurts. Throbbing pain.

He made a big bruise on me.

Damn him! Such strength that doesn't match his face.

He caught my wrist when I had a dagger in my hand!

He saw I was a burglar but let me go.

That face, that iron nerve... What a strange man.

He gives me a funny feeling.

I'm not falling for such a pale-faced cross between a man and a woman!

I can't stand him!

I'll get him for this!

I'll steal his most precious possession instead of Dobe's.

Where's he staying, Muku? Go and find out.

I have returned, sir.

Yukinojo? Could we have a word?

You refused their invitation many times.

I realised you did so

to approach the leader of your enemies directly,

so I didn't interfere.

But who is it you are visiting almost every night?

The shogun is her slave and I've heard she is most beautiful.

Surely you haven't become infatuated with her?

Has she seduced you?

Have you forgotten your revenge?

How could you accuse me of such a thing?

My blood boils every time

I set foot inside Dobe's mansion.

Every time I drink sake with Lady Namiji

it feels like molten lead going down.

Please understand.

Sir...

Must I really go through with this revenge?

What are you saying?

Who made your father die insane?

Why did your mother commit suicide?

Now you listen to me!

Sansai Dobe was the magistrate of Nagasaki at the time.

Dobe, Kawaguchiya, and Hiromiya plotted together to ruin your father,

who owned Matsuuraya, an old established store.

After that, he lived in the slums a broken man.

You were only 7 and had already lost your mother.

It pained me to watch you live with your demented father.

I lived in the same slum and was just as poor, but I was young.

Then one chilly night after days of rain,

your father hanged himself.

I looked in on you after work as usual,

and found poor you clinging on to his cold legs and crying.

I promised him then...

That I'd have you avenge him

if it took my whole life to do so.

We're finally in Edo where they are.

Why do you hesitate, Yukinojo?

Why not get it over with?

If I did so, would that be satisfying enough?

As much as roasting them over fire, or boiling them in oil?

Yukinojo!

I must torture them until they go mad.

That is the only way I can avenge my parents.

What a terrible thing to say.

Yes, it is terrible.

When I make love to Dobe's daughter,

I can tell that she is completely mine.

Sooner or later she will leave her home and the shogun for me.

And as a result, Dobe will fall into a living hell.

When I think about this terrible revenge,

I truly feel like running away.

What?

I sensed someone.

The inn's cat, probably.

If I had not been on a trip,

I would have been your patron first.

I regret it very much.

Whether it be lord or pickpocket,

I'm the sort who pays proper respect

to those who are the best of their kind.

That is why I invited you directly to my home

and not to some ordinary restaurant.

I'm glad you accepted my invitation so soon.

They say I'm one of the richest merchants in Edo,

but please don't be concerned about that.

Just think of me as an eccentric and be my friend.

I've heard Lord Dobe and Kawaguchiya

are now your ardent admirers as well.

I find that strange.

Those two are very cautious men unlike me.

They've never let outsiders approach them before.

Is there a reason for the exception?

They must have joked about me at my expense.

No...

We three have been friends for a very long time.

We're like family, so I'm not that concerned,

but what did they say?

I heard about you from another source, not from them.

Oh, what source?

That is a rare clock.

It came from abroad.

You obtained it in Nagasaki?

How do you know I lived there?

I have always heard that many rare foreign items

can be found there and have longed to visit.

Kawaguchiya and I were actually born in Nagasaki.

Oh, so I was right, then?

What you said before...

About hearing from another source. What was it about?

Just bits of conversation, so I am not too sure.

Don't tease and tell me.

Please do not be offended.

No, I won't.

Hiromiya is only a merchant after all. Only interested in quick returns,

he lacks the necessary foresight.

Who said that?

Officials in the castle.

What? The elders?

When they invited me the other day.

What else did they say?

Not only do you deal in marine products,

but you are also recently hoarding rice

you bought out west.

That, too?

Due to poor crops in the east, rice is very expensive this year.

If you are a man, you would bring all your rice to Edo

and force the market price down in one go.

You'd become famous to rich and poor alike

as the king of the eastern rice market.

Then you could show your influence in Edo. ...So they said.

I see.

Shogunate officials sure do think of big things.

Do you think so? It seems like a great loss to me.

You wouldn't understand.

You have told me a good thing.

Actually, my recent trip was to purchase rice.

By the way, have you told this to anyone else?

Not all actors gossip.

No, that's not what I meant.

I meant did you tell Lord Dobe or Kawaguchiya?

The talks that I overheard did not include them,

so I saw no need to tell them.

I have made you angry.

I apologise. See, like this.

How easily he rises to my bait.

Friends for a long time, he just said,

but he intends to betray Kawaguchiya.

He probably knows that Kawaguchiya

is also rounding up rice.

They were joined only by greed to begin with.

The walls have ears.

Secrets should not be told even in one's own room.

I have something to tel! you.

Come to Matsuchiyama at 10. I will be waiting for you.

From You-know-who.

If he doesn't come, I'll...

Thank you for your invitation.

I am Yukinojo Nakamura, an actor from Osaka

currently performing at the Ichimura Theatre.

What are you saying?

We're not complete strangers.

Look at this bruise. Still left from that time you twisted my arm.

You'll have to put up with me.

I'm a hated thief, but I've loved you ever since.

Don't be so surprised.

Underneath, I'm a woman too.

As a thief I never knew love.

Just once is enough. Pity me and hold me tight.

Your interest makes me very happy, but...

Don't try my patience!

I don't know when I'll be arrested.

There's no time to lose.

Let's go to a quiet teahouse nearby.

Not that I look down on your line of work,

but I have vowed not to touch women

until I accomplish my purpose.

A revenge you've staked your life on?

Why are you so surprised? You came because you read my letter.

One word from me and not only your purpose,

but your life is also in danger.

Let's not be enemies.

Do as I ask and I'll help you get your revenge.

If we joined forces, it would be easy

to finish off those three old fools.

You know too much.

So now you'll kill me?

You'll try to shut my mouth? What a laugh.

I can choose to become a saint or a villain.

I offered to help because I love you, but you spurn me.

I'll do as I see fit if that's your reply!

I'll go to Dobe's place and tell them that actor Yukinojo is...

Stay away, you wretch! I'll kill you!

Take that!

You fool. See you!

No, you don't!

What, at this hour?

A ruffian!

What? A ruffian?

Let me through! I must have a word with her!

Brandishing a dagger?

Suspicious woman!

That's no woman.

What? Not a woman?

So we meet again, Yuki.

Heima!

Edo isn't so big after all. I'll put an end to this matter tonight.

Please let me go. I must see her!

I won't hold back this time if you get in my way.

What, a female impersonator?

Talking big! Whatever's going on, I'm helping Kadokura!

Let me kill him. I'm aching to.

What? Are you afraid?

How dare you!

You're still good, Yuki.

Don't just talk, you samurai.

Strong, hired bodyguards, aren't you?

Afraid of one female impersonator?

I see. So when they use real blades,

it's a lot more impressive than in the theatre.

This might be Yukinojo's final show. What a shame.

Here I come!

What have I done? I've lost her.

Ha! He'll never find me.

What's going on?

Who is it?

A nice moon out, Ohatsu.

Oh, Yamitaro.

What an awkward place to meet.

Thanks for showing me that unexpected love scene.

Oh, no! You were watching?

Me and him... you know, that actor.

We're complete strangers,

but that face and swordsmanship... I admire him.

Just listen.

I know that you've always hated men,

but I get why you fell for him so shamelessly.

When I heard you say he had enemies, it made things clear to me.

If he's up against powerful enemies all by himself,

why wouldn't you want to help him out as a true Edoite?

If I were a man, I'd be like you and feel that

Edoite spirit, sympathy and such lofty things.

But alas, I happen to be a woman.

Come now, I'm asking you like this.

Promise you'll give him up once and for all.

What nonsense. Stop it, Yamitaro.

A woman's love is her life. You're being awfully tactless.

You insist on being stubborn?

I can't just give him up.

I see. I'm sorry, Ohatsu the Acrobat, but we're enemies then.

Here in the middle of the river, only the moon's looking.

Even an acrobat can't...

Too bad! I was called a water imp growing up!

The cold weather, droughts, fires, and

floods since 1832 brought famine in the land.

In 1836 the starving people rose against

the ineffective shogunate and crooked merchants

first in Osaka, then also in Edo.

Give us rice!

Who is it?

It's Yuki.

Not being able to see you is so painful,

I almost wished we had never met.

I too feel that way a hundredfold.

But I am in no position to visit you too often.

It is rather pathetic that I long to see you so much that I come sneaking

like a slinking cat.

I will leave this house then.

I dare say countless women

have lost their hearts and souls to your beauty.

But out of them all, you chose to love me.

I cannot make you sad.

I will see that no harm befalls you because of me.

I would rather die than return to the castle.

You are so good to me.

Even Father hints that I should return to the castle.

There is great unrest now,

so he is employing new guards for the mansion.

It may be easier to leave.

Lady Namiji.

I cannot bear acting like strangers.

I wish to marry you.

I do not deserve you, but I am thankful.

I swear that from now and forever,

I shall never become enamored of any other woman

in this world except for you, Lady Namiji.

Such fine presents from Hiromiya!

You are very generous,

with gifts for all the members of our troupe.

Don't mention it.

But I did think you would like to have that clock.

Because you praised the music inside it the other day.

It is surely invaluable.

I have done nothing to deserve it.

But you have.

Remember what you said about

the remarks of the high shogunate officials about me?

About the rice?

Yes, that.

I made up my mind. I had my rice from the west sent over

and dumped it all here.

There were others who followed my example.

So the riots of the poor that terrified the Edo populace

ended in a few days.

Thanks to it, I was highly praised by the shogunate.

And now I am the most popular man in Edo.

Just like you.

It was a courageous act.

No, I'd haggled over the rice with the farmers

and bought it very cheaply.

I'd profit no matter how cheaply I sold it.

Please wait!

Hiromiya, I've finally caught you!

Please wait!

Kawaguchiya. Don't be so noisy.

Come to the shop for business.

Always saying you're out!

How dare you betray me!

Betray you? What do you mean?

You know why! You had to know I was buying up rice,

waiting for my chance to make a bold move.

Then you sold your rice almost for free using connections in the authorities!

You've ruined me!

I am very sorry.

I thought we were allies.

Business is like war.

Family members could become one's enemy.

Big merchants should handle rice.

A former clerk like you shouldn't get involved.

Hiromiya, I'm begging you.

Please help me.

Ask Lord Dobe for help.

You know well enough whether or not

he's the type to help.

You never know.

We've been inseparable allies since Nagasaki.

He might decide to help.

You wretch!

Open up, Hiromiya!

I've come for Lord Dobe! It's important!

Hiromiya! Bring me water! Water!

My throat is burning!

It's been a long time. Have you forgotten me?

It is I, Matsuuraya.

Your former master wandering in hell.

Spare me!

I picked you up as a baby,

raised you and made you a clerk, yet you betrayed me.

You secretly conspired with my competitor Hiromiya

and ruined my business. You forced me to leave

the home left to me by my ancestors.

Forgive me!

Die! Hang yourself and die!

Just like I hanged myself and died.

Go insane. Just like I did.

A man like you should never have been born.

You killed Hiromiya's clerk.

You burned Hiromiya's store.

You cannot escape.

Fall into a bottomless pit, Kawaguchiya.

Shut up!

Matsuuraya! Spare me!

What? Matsuuraya?

Don't look at me with such a terrible face!

Don't despise only me.

Hiromiya suggested smuggling.

He also bribed the greedy magistrate and pinned the crime on you.

You've finally gone mad.

Setting my house on fire and blathering on.

I should have kept you gagged!

I killed him!

I've killed a man!

What a surprise.

An actor's revenge sure is dramatic.

That's one down, but it must not be easy for the actor.

He's not happy about doing it.

Look at him. See how lonely his back seems.

Revenge is too difficult even for such a fine actor.

The poor man.

Although I had been locked up,

I managed to escape today.

With my old nurse's help,

I am hiding at a house behind Dentsuin Temple in Koishikawa.

The messenger is her son. Please do not Worry.

I am hoping that you will come with him

to visit me tonight.

Namiji.

Sir...

I do not understand this letter.

It must be some kind of mistake.

Is the messenger still here?

Yes.

Tome.

Tell him so.

Here is money for a palanquin. Send him home.

Yes.

I have retired, yet I am still allowed to visit the castle.

The shogunate elders and officials pay me respect.

I realise that I owe it all to the trust

that you have placed in me, my lord.

And I have never dreamed that it is due to my own ability.

I am very grateful and shall always bear it in mind.

I would never conceal anything about Lady Namiji from you.

I have no idea who would say such a thing.

But it is a fact

that Lady Namiji is ill at my home.

She has improved greatly,

and has mentioned returning to the castle in a few days.

She's returning soon?

Yes, my lord.

Very well, then.

I got medicine.

Oh, money! It's money!

It must be Yamitaro again.

Two presents today.

No, no, one's from me!

Yamitaro always gets the credit.

Will I always be in his shadow?

Let's wait and see. Bad crops are causing uproar.

My chance will come eventually.

You wretch!

Telling me you'd let me see Yukinojo and luring me out!

Stay away from me!

So you've drawn your dagger?

It's dangerous. Put it away.

No matter where you hide,

your father will leave no stone unturned to find you.

I told you that I would help you.

Why are you so upset?

You wretch! Who do you think I am?

Don't be too conceited.

You were the shogun's lady only until yesterday.

You are foolish enough to fall in love with an actor.

So it shouldn't be too hard for you to say

some kind words to me.

Let me go!

Stop struggling.

I've already killed one man. I'm not afraid of anything.

Kawaguchiya went mad after losing to me. I locked him up and killed him

because I wanted to save Lord Dobe and myself.

But he refused to help me remove the stain on my name,

saying it was a quarrel between commoners.

Lord Dobe used me all he could

but he is leaving me to my fate

just when I've become famous.

If I am going to hell anyway, it is only natural that

I consider taking his dearest treasure along with me.

Let me go, or...

I looked everywhere to find you before Lord Dobe.

I won't let you go.

Why, you...!

So it is you again. You are very tenacious.

Let me go.

I have no intention of doing anything to you.

You won't get away alive tonight.

I hate you and now I've been hired to kill you.

What a strange coincidence.

It appears I'm fated to be your enemy.

So tonight you are a hired assassin.

Who hired you?

Sansai Dobe.

Please tell me.

Why did Dobe give orders to have me killed?

Tell me the reason.

I don't know.

Does he think I kidnapped Lady Namiji?

Lady Namiji? No, he said no such thing.

Why, then?

He said your identity was suspect and wanted you dead.

My identity?

I said you and I had studied swordsmanship together in Osaka.

He was astounded and said that explained it.

That explained it? My identity was suspect?

Oh, no, what have you done?

If Dobe has found me out, it is the end of all my hopes.

My good luck has run out.

Perhaps the gods forbid my continuing this terrible revenge.

Father, Mother, I am so sorry for not being able to avenge you.

Please forgive me.

What are you doing?

I can't kill you.

You won't defend yourself.

Have I lost to you again?

Must I run from Edo because of you

like I did before in Osaka?

As long as you're alive,

is there no peace for me anywhere?

The gods have not forsaken me after all.

I had left my fate to your sword, but they saved me.

Don't be so rough.

It's been along time since I saw such a beautiful woman.

Ushi. Tame. Where did you find her?

A dog was barking at her.

In any case, it's a fine thing that you brought her here.

She'll be sold later on so don't hurt her.

Treat her gently.

Oh shut up.

Move.

What do you think you're doing in my house?

shut up!

Pipe down, you maggots!

Who are you?

Stop making such a racket at night.

Go outside. Don't bring anyone in where I'm sleeping.

What?

Damn you!

Are they dead?

Of course not.

Get lost.

You're a strong one!

What are you doing?

Asking her address to take her home.

You can't just take away the gem that I got!

What's in this house is mine!

Take her and I'll report you as Jailbreaker Hoin, the escaped convict!

Thief!

I don't want to be rough but be still for a while.

What a beauty.

If she were wandering the back streets,

nobody, much less those scum, would let her pass.

It's unsafe.

Better control the desires of the flesh.

I don't know what you want, but come back tomorrow.

It's me, Hoin.

Oh, it's you.

Hoin, I never let women inside my house,

not even female cats. You know that.

It's not like that. I'm in a bind.

I came here to ask your advice.

The poor woman has a fever, and all she says sounds like "snow" or "moon."

Yuki...

See? "Snow."

Yuki?

Oh my.

You are that...

Yukinojo.

Sorry to surprise you but there's no time.

You must come to my house immediately.

Yamitaro, I found out after we first met

that you are a famous chivalrous thief

who helps the poor.

You saved my life the other day

so not that I doubt you, but...

Lady Namiji's life is in danger.

I'm fairly sure I know all about your important work.

Just listen to me.

I somehow feel as though you were my younger brother.

You might find that strange, but it's true.

If I weren't a wanted man, I would have personally

helped you get your revenge.

So I ought not to care one whit

whether or not Lady Namiji dies.

But I feel sorry for her.

Is she ill?

No, not ill.

She killed a man tonight.

She said she killed Hiromiya.

What? Hiromiya?

He tried to get back at the cold-hearted Sansai Dobe.

He got what he deserved. Now two men are taken care of.

But she knows nothing about it.

She's done an impossible thing for her.

Her mind is strained like a taut piece of string

that's close to breaking.

She's delirious and the only thing she keeps calling out is your name.

I will go with you.

It's the end.

No one back yet?

No, my lord.

I was so worried she'd die on me.

Please come in.

Say something to her.

If she's to live, a word from you will revive her.

Go on, Yukinojo.

Yuki.

You kept your promise to me.

I'm so glad.

She didn't make it.

You were entirely innocent.

You seem to have been born just to be betrayed.

A victim to your father's greed.

A victim to my revenge.

Without ever having known true love,

you have passed away.

Lady Namiji, if there is such thing as a next life...

I will make good

my false promise to you here

and marry you there.

We will become man and wife. I will never leave you,

and will always serve you.

Lady Namiji...

Please do not hate me. Rest in peace.

Yukinojo wishes to see you.

What?

Yukinojo?

What do you want?

To thank you for last night.

What for?

Sending an assassin.

Who are you?

Why do you resent us?

You are mistaken.

Shut up!

Do you think I am blind?

Remember when you first came here?

I sent a man to Osaka soon after.

Taught swordfighting by Isshosai,

educated by Koken,

and your first stage appearance was at age 12. I found out that much.

But nothing after that.

Lord Dobe, the former magistrate of Nagasaki.

Do you recall a face that looked like mine?

What? Nagasaki?

You know Nagasaki?

My lord, it's Lady Namiji!

What? She's returned?

Yes, but...

Where is she?

The side entrance.

Namiji!

What happened?

A suspicious-looking priest brought her a while ago.

Drink it.

It's poison from Holland.

One will make you fall unconscious,

two will kill you.

Namiji has returned dead.

You as good as killed her.

It means you have killed me too.

I no longer care who you are.

You made me lose my power.

I will not let you leave alive.

You are Matsuuraya's... From Nagasaki.

Do you recognise me?

Perhaps my face still resembles my mother's somewhat?

I am Yukitaro, Matsuuraya's only son.

You tried to make my poor mother obey you

with false promises to save our store.

After being tortured,

she stabbed her throat like this and died.

Forgive me, Yukinojo.

I see now.

The unexpected ruin of our group from Nagasaki

over the course of this past month.

So it was your curse.

Since it has come to this, why hide any longer?

I am the daughter of Taira no Masakado,

Princess Takiyasha.

Just as I expected.

With the burden off your chest, you gave a fine performance today.

Leave us.

This show will end in two more days.

And after that, we will never act together again.

That thought breaks my heart.

I am honoured.

It was to avenge your parents.

Still you caused three deaths and

involved the innocent Lady Namiji.

So when you say you cannot live openly now,

I do understand.

But you were my hope and I depended on you.

I would like to stay with you as well.

Was I mistaken?

If I had not vowed to avenge your father,

none of this would have happened.

You could never have been wrong.

I made you do it.

No, please forgive me for leaving without repaying

my debt to you.

It appears I was born

under a lonely star.

Ow! Ow!

Be careful, you oaf!

What's your problem?

Here you are.

Have some.

You're very kind.

You know, I've got to confess I still think Yuki is a fine man.

Those eyes send shivers through me.

He didn't seem to notice you.

Oh be quiet, you oaf.

Oaf again?

But I sure was surprised that time.

When you stood aiming at him,

I thought you'd kill him.

I was mad when you lectured me

and dove into the river.

But I caught a cold from the freezing water.

I may have been a water imp once, but now... It got me thinking.

So I thought I might as well become an Edoite like you said.

She's become very feminine these days.

That's great.

Yamitaro.

What?

I just noticed.

Your profile looks a little like Yukinojo's.

Does it?

Too close to notice. I should have settled for you.

No way! No women for me.

Make me your wife.

No. Besides, I'm quitting so you wouldn't be a good match for me.

You're going straight?

I'm tired of this life.

I'm thinking of going to Osaka as Yukinojo's attendant.

That's not fair! I'm going with you.

What about me?

I'm in luck! If they both leave, then Edo will be all mine.

After their successful run at Ichimura Theatre,

Kikunojo's company left for Osaka. But Yukinojo was not with them.

Many people sought to find out the whereabouts of the great actor.

Yamitaro looked for him. So did Ohatsu.

But no one ever saw him again.

One rumour said he became a priest.

Another said he joined a troupe on the road up north.

In time, the rumours about Yukinojo died out and he was forgotten.

But the image of Yukinojo disappearing beyond the wind-blown plain

remained enshrined in someone's heart.

Was that someone Yamitaro? Or Kikunojo? Or was it Ohatsu?

The End