Original subtitles

A Shochiku Film

Distributed by Shochiku-Fuji Co. Ltd A Hyogensha/Shochiku Production

ln 1635, the Tokugawa Shogunate ordered all the provincial Lords,

to spend the alternate year in the capital city of Edo.

This measure allowed the Shogunate an enforceable means

of controlling the actions of the Lords.

Since then a century has passed...

The Lord is departing!

Gonza the Spearman

The Lord is departing!

Executive Producers: Kiyoshi lwashita Masayuki Motomichi Masatake Wakita

Based on the Kabuki play by: Monzaemon Chikamatsu

Screenplay by: Taeko Tomioka

Make way! Make way!

Photography by: Kazuo Miyagawa Musical Score by: Toru Takemitsu

Biwa Soloist: Kinshi Tsuruta Art Direction by: Kiyoshi Awazu

Make way!

Hiromi Go as Gonza Sasano Shohei Hino as Bannojo

Misako Tanaka as Oyuki Hideji Otaki as lwaki

Kuniko Miyake as lwaki's Wife Haruko Kato as Oyuki's Nurse

Kaori Misushima as Okiku Eiji Shima as Torajiro

Choichiro Kawarazaki as Jinbei Shoichi Ozawa as The Ferryman

And Starring: Shima lwashita as Osai

Directed by: Masahiro Shinoda

The bout is over!

Oh, what a handsome samurai... All cannot help but look at him...

Look at Gonza the Spearman, he is such a dandy.

It's as though a picture has come to life.

Gonza the Spearman, such a handsome man.

Lady Oyuki!

I'm covered in sweat. Go bring me a change of clothes.

Yes.

Gonza, why do you go to such lengths to avoid me?

Well, it's the Lady Oyuki.

If you hate me so much why don't you just trample me to death with your horse.

l had to get rid of my attendant.

How can you, an honorable samurai, give yourself to telling such lies?

Whatever are you saying? Remember that you're Bannojo's sister,

how could l go about flirting with you?

And you, Nurse. You're thoughtless to allow your mistress to come so far.

Lord, whatever are you saying?

Do you not remember the winter of last year,

when l arranged a tryst for you both at my house?

l neither forgot that nor my promise to her.

But please take your mistress back home.

But you have not deemed to answer her letters to you.

You have not behaved honorably.

You should speak to her brother, Bannojo.

And see what is to be done about arranging the marriage.

If your intentions are otherwise, then say so clearly,

and we will not bother you again.

He's a difficult man to speak with, and l must watch my words carefully.

If he were to agree, then there is the matter of a go-between.

If it were all done as so,

then l would be ready to marry Oyuki on the morrow, if need be.

l love Oyuki passionately as even my steed will testify.

Hark, listen closely to him.

Lord Bannojo is approaching.

We mustn't let him see us. Oyuki, quick, let us away.

Gonza, out riding too, l see.

l hope your horse's fetlock has recovered.

It doesn't heed what l say and l feed it on chaff. It's naught but a nag.

Are you being sarcastic?

Do you forget the race we had where you beat me?

It's lucky l ran into you, now we can race again.

l wish that we could.

Unfortunately both the horse and myself are tired.

Perhaps we can arrange it some other time.

Well said. We'll race!

Madame. A letter from Bannojo.

Bannojo?

The messenger said Bannojo would come in person for the answer.

To Osai.

From Bannojo

Madame,

your father, Lord lwaki has arrived.

Torajiro, your fencing coming along well, is it?

Yes, Grandfather.

Welcome Father, and Jinbei too.

Now do be careful when you play with the boy, you may injure him.

I'm sorry.

You may mark the walls, l daresay.

He's a boy, it's natural for him to play such games.

Torajiro, you are spending all your time with that fool.

l don't want to have to report that to your father when he comes back.

l want to be a strong samurai like Uncle.

What an honor.

Torajiro, you're but 12 years old.

Fencing is not all that marks the samurai.

Besides being a warrior, your father is also a master of tea-ceremony.

And that is why he received his recent raise and promotion.

It's still not too late for you to study the Way of Tea.

My sister, for a samurai, the martial arts are paramount.

Sir, there are no wars or battles in this time of peace.

A worthy samurai must find different ways to serve his Lord.

l for one am opposed to what the peace has brought.

How can we call a man a samurai,

when he distinguishes himself by playing musical instruments!

There's nothing effeminate in the Way of Tea.

That's true.

That's not what you said when you came here as a bride.

Who was it who said...''This man with his preoccupation with Tea,

is not at all masculine.'' You wasn't it?

Father, you talk of things from the distant past.

Torajiro, don't go running off, at least stay till Grandfather leaves.

No, we won't be staying long.

We're on our way to a meeting and just dropped in to see young Torajiro.

If that's the case, take him with you and make him study.

He just wastes his time here all day.

They'll say l spoiled him during my husband's absence.

When will Father return?

Missing him already? It's not yet three months.

Grandfather, Uncle. We bid you welcome.

How is it?

Excellent.

Please get ready, or you'll be late.

Tea Ceremony has its disciplines.

It's like fighting.

Except that you don't get killed.

And it helps to get you promoted in this clan.

l wish l could study it too.

You can't do that.

Let's look at the tea things.

Bannojo, you're lucky.

You're lchinoshin's disciple and so you get to test new swords. l don't.

That reminds me.

When l was young l once tested a new sword on an executed man.

Then on my way home l ate some fish.

It reminded me of the meat on that corpse.

l had to run out to throw up.

That's too bad.

Samurai nowadays leave their swords behind.

You heard that, too?

Something like that could happen to us.

This samurai was eating his meal and the ferryboat was about to go.

He got in a hurry...

It was only after he got off the ferry that he remembered his sword.

You should have seen him run.

Another got dismissed - left his sword in a theatre.

Oyuki is more beautiful than ever. Any special reason?

Not that l know of.

It's been three months since lchinoshin left.

Time flies - it'll soon be a year.

No. A year is a very long time.

Yes, for wives waiting for their husbands.

Right. Many kill themselves when the husband returns.

She's gone and committed adultery, you see.

Why didn't she try abortion?

Double suicide - it's a strange fashion.

Our Lord doesn't have a successor yet?

With no son our clan might be abolished.

And we'd be out on the streets.

No way we can help him that way.

You're pretty fast with women.

You'll do.

l lost again. l can't pay.

You still have your helmet and your armour.

No.

Not any more. l sold them long ago.

Who cares about these anti-gambling laws?

But a few days ago Kihei's place got raided.

Ten people got arrested.

Too bad.

Well...?

Well?

This time...

Why not join us? It's not just a game.

We're betting real money.

Your luck matters. It's very interesting.

Too bad.

And what is it brings you here today?

It's been raining so long. l just wondered how you were.

l much appreciate your kindness.

Even though my husband is gone, l still have my servants,

and l have my children to keep me company.

l wonder what you think of while watching the rain.

It's been three months since your husband left for Edo.

But I'm glad he's doing well.

I'm here for the answer to my letter.

l fail to understand,

surely your messenger brought it to the wrong person?

l only wrote to find out how you were doing.

I'm not brave enough to take lchinoshin's wife.

But l thought I'd relieve your boredom.

Is it raining in Edo too?

l wonder what your husband is doing on a day like this.

My children will soon be back.

If you have no further business here, would you please leave now?

The world is too peaceful.

Waiting for war slows a samurai's promotion.

For a man stationed in Edo, something could go wrong at home.

This is the way things happen.

This is our reality.

Osai. Let me help you during your husbands absence...

I'll call someone. You are being too familiar.

Gonza.

l have something for you.

Here look at this sash.

Three lines in a circle.

Your crest. And a chrysanthemum. My family crest.

Take it.

It's wonderful...

I'm very happy. It represents our love.

When you wear it...

You are with me, and I'm with you.

l made it so we would never be apart.

Make way!

Make way!

Make way!

From Edo!

You made it.

An heir has been born.

The clan will survive.

So we will. The clan will live.

Congratulations.

l had you two come to tell you this.

An heir has been born to our Lord.

He will celebrate in Edo.

At the end of the month,

the family members that remain here will gather for a celebration,

at which time we will hold a grand tea ceremony.

Since my son-in-law is in Edo,

one of his disciples, learned in the art, should officiate at the party.

If either of you have such qualifications would you kindly officiate?

Though it is but a tea ceremony,

it does hold some possibilities for promotion.

l have not been officially initiated as yet but l do have some knowledge.

l, Bannojo, accept this honor.

Rest assured l will do my best.

And you?

The true arcane knowledge of the tea ceremony,

ought to be transmitted only from parents to children,

but my master has taught me,

so l should make no errors.

Making no errors is not perfection.

l would like to be the one to carry out this duty.

It is not for me alone to decide.

We must also hear the opinions of Lord lchinoshin's good wife.

Should some error be made in the ceremony,

the shame would fall to our Lord and Master.

The tea ceremony secrets?

l must beat Gonza at this.

lchinoshin is in Edo - Osai is here alone.

Where is your nurse?

l don't know.

You two are hiding something.

Now listen to me.

In order to get you married into a good family l have to be noted in some way.

The way to do it is to beat Gonza.

Gonza?

Yes. What about it?

Recently it seems as if you've fallen for Gonza.

l don't suppose it can be helped. He's very handsome.

Gonza and l are engaged,

though he has not given a definite answer.

What? My own sister.

l refuse to allow you to marry him.

Why do you say l can't marry him?

Because he is absolutely unfaithful, he is not to be trusted.

Gonza unfaithful? Can you prove that?

You don't understand men.

And you don't understand me.

l want him so much.

l miss my Gonza.

He won't marry you.

He understands nothing.

Not women, not this age we're living in.

Gonza and l are engaged.

Brother, let me go!

Stupid!

Don't do that!

Samurai-san, do you have some time to play?

You are a samurai, aren't you?

Why not just step in for a while.

She's a samurai's daughter - from Osaka. A very beautiful woman.

That girl? That one?

Please come in.

You like that girl?

A guest has come...A guest.

Excellent. That was very good indeed.

Your father is going to be so pleased and surprised.

But it's such a long time till he comes back again.

Just look at your hair. It's not well done.

Who did it for you?

The maid did after l had my bath.

It doesn't become you at all.

That girl never improves.

Having it down the back like that and look at the front!

I'll do it for you.

This style suits you far better.

A woman's hairstyle is important.

The classics say a woman with good hair is most desirable.

There, you look better now.

Here, l will prove it to you.

Sugi! Will you come here?

l hardly recognize you.

Madame dresses hair so beautifully. She looks even more beautiful.

I'm pretty myself but men don't look twice.

It must be my hairdo.

If you were only to help me, then all the men would come rushing.

That's enough.

Okiku, l could never marry such a girl as you to an ordinary man.

It would be such a waste.

l am always thinking,

about who would be best if you married one of our own samurai.

l wish l could marry you to Gonza Sasano.

He is most handsome, and the best spearman.

He is also doing very well in the discipline of the tea ceremony.

And he has such a good character.

He is a man among men.

But he's old enough to be my uncle.

You're not wrong in saying so.

He is twenty-five and you are but fifteen.

But remember, l am thirty-seven and your father is forty-seven.

His being ten years older is a blessing.

In a few years you will accept it yourself.

l myself would marry Gonza

were l not already married to lchinoshin...

l look forward to you wearing the bridal kimono,

sitting side by side with Gonza.

What is your business, sir?

Is lwaki here?

Not today, sir.

Then give this message to the madame.

l have a favor to ask him but will explain at a later date.

In the meantime this sake is for the madame.

Please extend my regards and ask her to enjoy the sake.

Very well, sir.

You came at just the right time.

Please come in.

l am pleased to see that everything seems well here.

l must thank you for such kind words.

And l much appreciate your gift.

l had no opportunity to speak with you.

Please do come in.

Okiku.

Okiku.

There will be a party to celebrate the heir's birth.

How nice.

And l was assigned to officiate at the tea ceremony.

l should be most grateful if you showed me the family tea-scrolls.

That knowledge is supposed to be shown only to the family members,

it is not for outsiders.

l know that well enough.

But in this time of peace,

it seems to be the only way to distinguish myself in our Lord's eyes.

Please, l beg of you.

You are serious about this.

By the way...

Excuse me, but l have long wanted you to wed my daughter.

We have long discussed this amongst ourselves.

It would make you my son-in-law.

And l could show you the family secrets.

This may sound like bartering.

Trading our knowledge for our daughter.

But l must ask you to treat the matters separately.

What do you say?

You do not like my daughter?

Or are you engaged to someone else?

If so, then it is out of my hands.

Do not be too hasty.

l am not engaged.

Then...

l will take your daughter Okiku as my wife.

Thank you very much.

My wish is granted.

l am more than pleased.

Now, swear your intentions upon this sake.

The scrolls are our go-between. Swear.

Of course, we have no real go-between so let me hear your pledge.

l quite understand your care.

Even though I'm not bearing arms,

it's as if l have been,

killed by Lord lchinoshin...

That is more than enough. l am grateful.

Today is a lucky day.

My husband too will be so happy.

Now, Gonza Sasano, you are almost family, no longer a stranger.

Therefore l will show you our secrets.

Please come to the tea-ceremony room this evening.

This is very kind of you.

l will come without fail.

Come so that no one will see you.

Excuse me.

l am the nurse of the Lady Oyuki.

Sister to Lord Bannojo.

Would you announce me?

It's the nurse of that nasty Oyuki, Bannojo's sister.

l mustn't let her see me here.

Please let me out without her knowing.

Very well.

l wonder what brings her nurse to my house?

Madame.

l heard. Tell her that I'm out.

And don't let her see Gonza.

Come after everyone is asleep.

l will show you the scrolls.

l am very sorry, ma'am.

The madame is out on an errand.

But I'll take the message.

What is it?

Very well, then.

Oyuki, whom l raised, is engaged to Gonza Sasano,

and everything is readied for the wedding.

But there is no go-between as yet.

Why, l myself recently helped them spend a night together,

and the Lord Gonza,

was kind enough to give me a pair of sandals and a silver coin.

Is that so? Then you did your job well.

But what is it that brings you here?

l would like the madame here

to be the go-between for Gonza and Oyuki's marriage.

Please pass that message on to the madame.

If everything turns out all right, we'll pay her.

We'll also include a small amount for yourself.

My lady would never do this for money.

But l will pass the message on to her.

Mother.

Are you back?

Is Torajiro not with you?

Madame's father is here.

Mother, I'm back.

They've had such an exhausting play that they're terribly tired.

So, l brought them back.

Is Okiku in?

She really should be you know.

Especially while her father's not here to keep an eye on her.

You played that hard?

No wonder your grandparents complain.

My wife says that he looks just like his father. She's right.

Torajiro, until your father returns from Edo,

you'll have to take his place and look after the women in the house.

Take Osute inside, put them both to bed.

And make sure they don't go catching cold.

Kakusuke, why haven't you lit the lantern yet?

You expect to see him in the dark?

And bring some refreshments for Father.

Rather than that, I'd prefer to look at the garden

l admire lchinoshin's taste.

This garden of his never fails to impress me.

By the way, has Gonza come to ask for a look at the scrolls?

Yes, he came on his own and l promised to show them to him.

That's good.

Usually they're only shown to immediate family members,

but l did secure permission from lchinoshin to show them to Gonza.

Heaven forbid he should make an error in the ceremony,

and bring disgrace upon our Lord.

l feel exactly the same.

You cannot be too careful in imparting this knowledge.

Let no one, not even in the family, hear your conversation.

Wait until after midnight, when all are asleep.

Be especially careful while lchinoshin is in Edo.

Except for that no-good manservant of yours,

the house is only women and children.

Take care.

So Oyuki is engaged to Gonza, is she?

And preparations for the marriage are all set, are they?

How that nurse spoke!

It makes me so angry, and jealous.

The nerve! Expecting me to be the go-between!

Who cares about our family secrets!

Oh! I'm so angry and jealous about the whole thing.

Just when l selected him for our daughter's hand.

Anybody would be angry at the injustice of it.

Who is it?

Gonza Sasano.

These drawings and these scrolls explain all.

Everything necessary for each individual ceremony,

is written in this list.

It includes methods for each and every occasion.

This is to be used for an imperial visit.

And here is another possible form for less illustrious occasions.

In our case the latter ought to be applied.

These utensils are reserved for an Imperial visit.

Such an occasion calls for three scrolls and three utensils.

A jar for powdered tea.

These are probably self-explanatory.

l ask you to pay careful attention to your study of them.

You hear anything in there?

Only the frogs.

You do it like this!

They're all asleep.

There are only women in there so if we have any trouble we can gag them.

Very well.

Follow me.

I'm sure l heard something.

Would there be anyone in the garden?

No one comes here in the daytime, let alone the night.

No, the frogs suddenly stopped their song.

Even frogs must rest.

They're quiet again. That's odd.

l think I'll go have a look around the garden.

With the high fences and a thorn hedge?

Who could possibly get inside?

What's the matter with you tonight?

Are you afraid of being alone with me?

Afraid that the woman you're sleeping with, will rush in and find you here?

What you are saying is an insulting fabrication!

Someone's nurse paraded in here and announced that you were engaged!

She came to ask me, of all people,

to be the go-between in the forthcoming marriage.

Do you still say that it is a fabrication?

I'm very, very angry.

You are the false one.

Now l see you as you really are, a man who is not to be trusted!

There were reasons...

I've been stifling this anger because l, your future mother-in-law,

ought not to be jealous.

But l can endure it no longer!

Who embroidered that sash you're wearing?

That's yours combined with that wretched woman's, isn't it?

l have my reasons...

Of course you have, and l am jealous of them.

How dare you wear that disgusting thing when you visit my house!

Filthy thing! My hands are all dirtied.

You still want it?

You need another one? Why not use mine?

You want a sash, do you?

Here use mine, if it doesn't repel you.

It is like me. It will cling to your body.

How can l wear a woman's sash?

Osai! Gonza!

These proclaim that you are adulterers.

l will tell everyone.

What do you think you are doing?

He took the sashes.

We cannot prove our innocence, there's not a chance.

He's the adulterer.

For a samurai, this is the end.

The sashes are gone.

What should we do? What?

Dead or alive, this is the end.

What a disgrace.

How can my husband in Edo face the other samurai,

if gossip has it that his wife was stolen in adultery.

They will make us out to be immoral beasts.

Low, degenerate.

l cannot live with it!

If you must die,

then make yourself an adulterer and have my husband kill you.

What?

Shame!

l have not committed adultery.

Let him kill me as l am now.

And our deaths may prove our innocence.

If we die to save our reputations then my husband will be disgraced.

If you refuse adultery, then call me wife - just one word.

l beg you.

Call me wife.

No

l cannot do that.

l know your feelings, but think of my husband.

I'm sorry.

It's not within me to call the wife of another mine.

Dawn is coming.

The good luck that I've enjoyed has ended.

l will save your husband.

Just call me your wife.

You are...

My wife.

And you are my husband.

Osai and Gonza are adulterers!

As evidence l, Bannojo, hold their sashes.

lchinoshin's wife, Osai and Gonza Sasano are adulterers.

l have their sashes as evidence.

lchinoshin's wife, Osai and Gonza Sasano.

They are adulterers.

l, Bannojo, have their sashes as evidence.

l had planned to break into Osai's room.

l wanted the scrolls and l wanted to beat Gonza.

But, as it turns out...

Osai, the sun is rising.

Your children will wake up.

And they know nothing of this...

Forget them. Let us go.

Open the gate!

It's Jinbei!

Open up!

Open up!

Open the gate!

I'm coming.

What's happened?

I'm here to see Gonza.

Welcome back, Father.

We are here to bring back,

the adulteress' personal possessions and other goods.

Please open the gate and receive them.

Don't leave them there.

What shame for Osai.

Bring them in before people can see them.

What are you saying?

They will only bring filth to our house.

Destroy them!

Everything! Everything...

No, wait! Wait...

Do as you're told!

Wait!

Please listen.

I'm stopping you because...

we'll never see Osai while we're alive.

Cannot we at least keep these things of hers to remember her by?

It's been twenty years,

but they look new.

She kept them for our grandchildren.

Osai...

She will never return to us.

We cannot accept them.

Men, destroy them!

Listen.

An even greater tragedy will fall upon us.

What shall we do?

Our daughter will die.

But we must live and endure our sorrow.

l want my mother.

Where is she?

Grandmother, l miss my mother.

In all your lovely innocence,

how could she abandon you?

Father will kill her.

Grandfather, grandmother.

Please kill me instead.

Well said.

You still have your grandparents. Don't worry.

And Jinbei is here.

Don't cry.

lchinoshin sent us our grand-daughters.

Then why not Torajiro?

He too is our grandchild.

A courier has brought a letter from Jinbei.

A letter from Jinbei?

They're coming.

You must go right now.

Get ready.

Brother, l can walk no more.

l can go no further. l cannot walk.

Jinbei is coming. He's a master swordsman.

But you've killed no one.

Hurry up.

l refuse to.

I'm tired of running.

No more.

Oyuki.

lchinoshin!

l accept Osai's daughters and her belongings.

Are you going on a journey?

Thank you for coming to see me. l wish you luck.

What is the matter with you?

You came back all the way from Edo. Yet Osai is still alive.

What shame!

Jinbei has gone before me to search for her.

l received a message from him. He has found where Bannojo was.

Though old, l can still hold a sword and walk.

l cannot just sit and wait!

Bannojo was the one who told everyone.

l will kill him myself!

l know how you feel, but you are old.

He might kill you.

Then l would first have to avenge my father-in-law.

You still call me a father-in-law?

Yes, even though Osai is an adulteress.

l would avenge anyone who dared to kill you.

lchinoshin, how grateful l am to you, l can hardly believe it.

If she had not brought this shame upon us,

then all the family would be here.

You are keeping Torajiro?

And abandoning our family?

If that is the case then, I'm very sorry.

That's not the way it is.

My lord has given me leave from my duties for an unspecified period.

l still have a desire to continue with the tea ceremony as we planned.

Therefore, l asked the master to accept Torajiro as a disciple.

Is that how it is? l see.

Now with this sake wish me luck.

l wish you all the success that you desire.

Success in killing the mother of my three children.

Success in killing my wife.

And this is duty?

What a world it is that we find ourselves in.

Jinbei, you're back! How was your mission?

Lord lchinoshin, I'm very sorry.

l was instructed to kill them both before you should arrive from Edo.

l set out immediately, sire.

Jinbei, you should rest a while first.

With a woman they cannot have gotten far.

Yet, though l searched for them in the surrounds,

and even as far as the mountains, l could not find them.

lchinoshin is going too.

This is fortunate. l shall accompany you, sire.

l appreciate your kindness.

But this is something l must do alone.

But why?

Gonza has many relatives. They'll try anything to hinder you.

You'll need help. Let me go with you.

Thank you.

But l cannot kill my wife with her brother's help.

l want to do all l can for you, I'm a fighting man.

You imply l know nothing but tea ceremony?

No, l know as well as the next how to remove an errant head.

Then why not kill the enemy who is right here?

The enemy right here?

You mean Bannojo?

If you know all kill him first.

l did find his letter to her.

But l have this other duty first. I'll save him for later.

You said you didn't need my help, but you have many duties.

Come here.

Look.

It's Bannojo. No mistake.

Well done.

He deserved our anger and hatred.

He was hiding in a nearby village.

No, l beg you...

l will never interfere with your duty.

No, no! Let go, Kakusuke!

What is the matter with you?

Where are you going?

Let me go to my father!

What is this?

Where are you going?

My sisters are all women, but I'm a man.

I'm going to revenge my father.

Then you will kill your own mother who bore you?

Not my mother, but l will kill Gonza.

I'll go with you father.

Grandfather, tell him to take me with him.

Listen well.

Your grandparents are old and will be all alone.

Your sisters are but women, and what if Gonza comes?

You stay here and take care of him.

All right?

Continue your tea ceremony study.

Come to see your grandparents sometimes.

And kill Gonza if he comes.

If you're afraid to be left alone, I'll take you.

I'll stay.

And I'll kill Gonza.

Don't worry about me. Please go.

I'm happy you understand. I'll go.

Father!

Kill Gonza.

But, Mother...

But, Mother...

Bring her home.

Bring her back.

Bring back Mother, Father.

And she abandoned such children. What shame!

l no longer care. Kill her as you will.

Please make up another bed.

I'm terribly sorry but we're full tonight and there are no more beds.

l know it's stifling hot but please try to make the best of it.

Everywhere l look l see married couples.

I've never envied simple peasants before, but l do now.

They spend their lives together as a family.

It's so hot, even just sitting here I'm perspiring.

l must wash this kimono, too.

Thank you so much.

Feel better?

Yes.

l feel better already.

Come and look! Come and look!

We bring you a drama of real adultery!

They elope but get killed!

A popular drama!

See even only one act! The best part's now starting!

Come and look! Come and look!

l feel like we're thieves, wanted by the police.

Why are you so sure that lchinoshin is bound to come to Kyoto?

I'm certain.

He knows l have relatives here.

And it's not difficult to chase down a couple.

But we're not the only ones, there are many couples passing.

But we are the adulterers.

It's written all over us, everyone can tell.

You're still using that word.

Yet, as we left you called me your wife.

And l have already abandoned my children.

You made me call you my wife for your husbands sake.

To be killed as an adulterer is one thing.

To be killed as a sacrifice to your husband is another.

Are you still thinking of that?

l never wanted to be married to him.

l always wanted to marry you.

Understand?

That is not true.

You only felt that way because your husband was not with you.

Had he been, then l would've been just another of his retainers.

Why must men obey the past the way you do.

Gonza, don't you know l love running away with you?

There are so many people here in Kyoto - they won't notice us.

No, we'll go to Osaka.

There are even more people there.

You want to go on living?

You're not yet resigned to death?

We'll get married then. Then...

Married for the sake of your husband.

That is too much.

When we have come this far together.

Have you no emotions at all?

Cannot you forget that samurai pride of yours?

Can't you hold me to you?

Hold me!

We'll marry before we die.

It's been seven days now.

It's hopeless to look for them here.

Let's move on to Fushimi.

The ferries for Osaka start from there. We can watch everyone there.

Gonza...

Gonza...

Gonza...

Stay here. Stay here.

Stay here. Why not stay here?

Guests!

Bring some water.

Come in.

Five guests.

Make yourselves at home.

If they go to Osaka, they'll take this ferry.

Let's separate.

The ferry is leaving!

Ferry to Osaka!

Everyone aboard!

The ferry is leaving!

It's rare to see such a good sword.

Are you certain that you want to sell it?

I'm not here to be judged.

l 'm here to sell.

What's the matter? Why are you crying?

Stop crying, now.

Be a good child, now.

Stop crying, now.

Master, Jinbei has found them! Master!

You do it.

When is the earliest ferry?

This one, sir. We leave at the sixth hour.

l don't know, it looks quite crowded.

Not at all, sir.

Look inside, see?

There is but one couple and there's plenty of space left over.

You could sit near them.

No, I'd be too late, I'll take the one tomorrow.

Ferryman.

We have overlooked something very important.

There is the matter of a gift that we must buy for someone important.

Where would you buy a fitting gift?

l thought perhaps we could get something up past Fujinomori town.

Up past Fujinomori?

Do you have any idea how far away that is?

It's over one and a half ri,

the boat would be long gone before you could return.

That doesn't matter.

I'll pay you for the trip, but we must disembark.

Sir, what is it that bothers you?

l cannot accept payment if you do not ride with us.

You're all settled on board, please continue with your journey.

Good sir, l understand that you don't want to accept payment from us,

but we do have a duty to perform and we must leave your good vessel.

Please accept the money and allow us to leave.

Well, go to your duty, if you must.

Thank you, good man.

Be careful now, we wouldn't want the lady to injure herself again.

Now that we know Jinbei is here,

we also know that he's with lchinoshin.

Your wish that he kill us will be fulfilled.

Are you prepared to meet your death?

Yes, since we left l have been.

We only wanted to be together.

It was a dream about to die...

How sweet and lovely they look all dressed up like that.

The children that l left behind are of the same age.

But we've come so far away from them,

there's no way for me to find out about them.

l only know that Okiku will not be permitted to dance at this years festival.

Gonza Sasano!

You adulterer! Do you know me, the one you cuckolded?

He's gone for his sword!

It'll be battle!

Fight! Fight!

They're going to fight!

It's a revenge killing!

There's a fight! A fight!

He's gonna kill him!

What? A wooden sword!

Jinbei...

Please don't kill me, it should be done by my husband.

He is a swordsman in his own right!

He does not need any assistance!

Die!

If l had but a spear of bamboo...

l would show you about Gonza the Spearman.

Die!

Oh, how I've missed you my husband...

Please finish me off with a spear...

All cannot help but look at him,

Look at Gonza the Spearman, he is such a dandy,

Gonza the Spearman, such a handsome man...

Make way!

Clear the path!

Make way!

Make way!

No more strife after all that, l hope.

l partake.

Is it to your taste?

It is an excellent preparation.

Executive Producers: Kiyoshi lwashita

Masayuki Motomichi Masatake Wakita

Based on the Kabuki play by: Monzaemon Chikamatsu

Screenplay by: Taeko Tomioka

Photography by: Kazuo Miyagawa

Musical Score by: Toru Takemitsu

Biwa Soloist: Kinshi Tsuruta

Art Direction by: Kiyoshi Awazu

Starring:

Hiromi Go as Gonza Sasano

Shohei Hino as Bannojo

Misako Tanaka as Oyuki

Hideji Otaki as lwaki

Kuniko Miyake as lwaki's wife

Haruko Kato as Oyuki's nurse

Kaori Misushima as Okiku

Eiji Shima as Torajiro

Choichiro Kawarazaki as Jinbei

Shoichi Ozawa as The Ferryman

And Starring: Shima lwashita as Osai

Directed by: Masahiro Shinoda