Original subtitles

A Nikkatsu Corporation Production

Almost there.

Whoa!

Right here.

Hey, wake up.

Hakodate is that way.

Thanks.

THE RAMBLING GUITARIST

The crimson sunset, falls burning

Original Work by Hide Ogawa Script by Gan Yamazaki, Kensaburo Hara

In the ocean, drifting

Where do you go?

Carrying his guitar

With no destination in mind

STARRING

Veiled in the night

Akira Kobayashi Ruriko Asaoka

He disappears

Sanae Nakahara - Misako Watanabe Nobuo Kaneko

You're just like me

The crimson sunset

Directed by Buichi Saitô

BAR BION

Hey baby, sing My Dying Son, OK?

I don't know, I'm very sorry.

I don't know it.

When you hear my voice, sing it!

I'm sorry.

That hurts!

Punch him and he'll remember.

Goddamn!

Why don't you remember it yourself?

Bloody bastard, I'll get you.

What did you say?

You bastard!

Here to serve for you.

I'll kill you.

Bro! Get outta here!

Stop!

It's going to cost you.

What?

You did a number on my shop.

So I guess this must be the back door.

Come with me.

In here.

Have a seat.

I'm Akitsu.

I'm Shinji Taki.

She already told me.

I owe you many thanks.

The men you saved,

they work for us.

Well, I caused your girl some trouble.

Have a drink.

Thank you.

Looks like you can drink.

Yeah, I can't help it.

Wish I met you sooner.

A young guy like you.

I just got into town.

Here for any particular reason?

No, not really.

So, how 'bout it?

Why don't you work for me?

What do you say?

It's a very generous offer.

Was that all you wanted?

I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass.

I don't tend to settle in one place.

You're quite blunt.

Thanks for the drink.

Come by whenever you feel like it.

I'll pay for the glass sometime soon.

Excuse me.

You crazy? You trying to kill me?

I'm sorry, are you all right?

You surprised me.

I thought that boat was empty.

Are you kidding? I'm the one who got surprised.

Were you sailing?

I'm not so fortunate.

I was swept away while camping out.

Camping? You don't have any money?

No need to put it so bluntly.

Then how should I say it? You lost your job?

That's better.

I know where you can find work.

You sure you want to help a man you don't know?

You don't look like a criminal.

Thanks.

But I have some terms.

You're shameless.

But I'll hear you out.

First, I get to relax

and get to drink as much as I want.

I'm speechless.

I'm not worth saving, right?

But I think I can satisfy your terms.

What?

- Daddy! - Hello.

I came to pick you up.

You know him?

Yes, we just met a moment ago.

- Thank you for last night. - Yeah.

Thank you.

What are you going to do? I was going to talk to Daddy for you.

Well, I appreciate it,

but I just declined his offer last night.

Wait!

It's useless, Yuki.

What's wrong, boy?

My balloon flew away.

Your balloon.

There, there.

Be a good boy and don't cry. I'll get you a new one.

What happened? Come on.

- I'll take candy and balloons. - Got it.

- How much? - 60 yen.

Thank you.

The crimson sunset

Falls burning

In the ocean, drifting

Where do you go?

Carrying his guitar

With no destination in mind

Veiled in the night

He disappears

Who are you?

You're just like me

Are you ignoring me?

Who do you think you are?

Is this a joke?

Idiot!

Stop it!

You two are no match for him.

Leave us alone until I call you.

Mr. Taki,

don't pick on my guys like that.

I didn't mean to.

That's Shimizu and Tetsu's territory.

You're a guy making money with one guitar.

You can understand why they're upset.

But if you ignore that and continue,

I won't mind, but others will.

If you're going to hang around these parts,

we need to talk.

Or will you leave?

It's the same wherever I go.

It's not the same.

You can relax and drink as much sake as you want.

I don't think there are too many places like that.

You heard from your daughter?

How 'bout it?

There's a job I want you to help me with.

I hate bullying the weak.

There are plenty of people doing that already.

There's a bigger job for you.

And I still owe you one.

Why don't you stay and think about it?

Don't be stupid!

The agreement was until today!

I'm sorry, I need more time.

If you can just wait a little longer...

Please wait!

See? Do you understand now?

There's no need to be so violent!

You're in Akitsu territory.

Just do as you're told.

You idiots! Don't ever come here again!

I'll remember this!

Look at yourselves!

Beaten-up by a couple of punks?

And you consider yourselves Akitsu men?

Hello?

Boss.

Well, Sabu and Kenji failed.

What? Taki?

All right, I'll do that.

Taki, the boss wants you to go.

If we let them kick us around, it makes us look weak.

Will you go?

As long as I don't have to bully anyone.

Definitely not. They're strong! Right?

Where is it?

So you'll leave by tomorrow?

Is the boss home?

Yes, just a moment, please.

Daddy, it's Mr. Taki.

I'll be done soon. Ask him to wait.

Looks like he did well.

Go easy!

Was it this area?

Was that you playing the piano, miss?

There's no one else here.

Chopin?

You recognized it?

You're very good.

But it was a little off.

That part.

Wow.

I knew you weren't just some rat.

Sabu,

even rats know Chopin.

Does that make me a sewer rat then?

Thanks for waiting.

I came to report.

Good job. You've got a good arm.

I can't eat for free.

You heard my daughter's piano playing?

Yes.

She's been playing since she was seven.

I don't know much,

but they say she's one of the best in Hakodate.

Come listen to her play sometime.

All right. I would love to.

By the way,

there's another job for you.

Explain it to him.

This is a map of Hakodate.

Currently, the tourists go to the Hakodate Mountain,

as well as Tachimachi-misaki, but they don't come to this area.

It's a fishing town.

But the conditions there are great.

We want to build an amusement center there,

and draw in some tourists.

We do have an area in mind.

It's here.

It's right near the breakwater, where boats can dock.

Sounds interesting.

But there's one obstacle.

There's currently a house there.

You're going to buy them out?

We're going to crush it.

We already have a plan in motion.

I'm going to leave the rest to you.

Here, this too.

Bro, that's the owner of that boat.

Move out.

Hello?

Anyone here?

What?

Hi there.

Remember me?

Is your dad home?

Yeah.

What brings you here?

You the owner?

Yes.

I'm with Akitsu.

Go play in the other room.

Mr. Shoji,

you had until yesterday to pay Akitsu

the 50 million yen you owe him.

It seems that your boat, the Shoyo Maru, was the collateral.

So we'll be taking it off your hands.

Well you see,

it's past the scheduled date, but the boat still hasn't returned.

When it comes back,

we can definitely pay back the loan.

If you can just wait a little...

Let's be serious, Mr. Shoji.

I just saw it with my own eyes.

The boat is back already.

Please wait!

- But sir, that's... - It's fine.

You keep quiet.

If you can

take this for today...

Of course not.

This, this is all I have!

It's what I have left after having paid the crew...

- I didn't come to listen to excuses. - Please wait!

If you take the boat, Marushio will collapse.

Please, if you can wait one more month.

We can't, we have a schedule too.

Please, if you can do anything...

Then let's do this.

You don't want your boat taken.

It's a hassle for us as well.

How about you hand over this house instead.

Please, not that.

The shop's been in the family for five generations.

I can't let go of it now.

We can't take the boat, or the house.

Then what are we going to do, Mr. Shoji?

Like he said, we won't let go of this place.

We'll give you the boat.

Sumiko...

It can't be helped.

- If we keep the house, we'll get by somehow. - But...

I shouldn't have let you borrow the money.

I was worried my brother would do something like this.

Brother?

Mr. Yasukawa,

please see our guests out.

Wait a second.

What do you mean by "brother"?

You mean you don't know?

It's Akitsu.

He's taking his brother-in-law's boat.

Keep your mouth shut.

Please, everyone leave!

You refuse?

It doesn't have to be this way.

Besides, she's your own sister.

I thought you'd be able to do something.

There's no need to destroy your own sister's home.

Drop it!

If it was only about my sister's home, I wouldn't go this far.

I don't need to build an amusement center.

But I don't like that man.

Her husband.

She refused the marriage I arranged for her,

and married that coward instead.

She ignored my wishes.

I'll never forget that.

Let this be a well-deserved lesson.

Quiet!

- Leave me alone! - Stop that!

I...

didn't come to Hakodate because I wanted to.

I see.

I fell head over heels for a guy here.

I came here for him.

I know what you mean.

George... Where'd you go?

George...

It can't be helped...

Good morning.

It's you.

I'm sorry it's me.

What do you want?

It's my birthday tomorrow. I'm inviting you.

- You came all the way just to tell me that? - No.

- I want you to come shopping with me. - Shopping?

Be my bodyguard.

Don't be silly. I've gotta work.

Too bad, I've already asked Daddy.

He said you're free.

Let's go.

Shopping on top of the mountain?

I was looking for a chance to speak with you.

What did you used to do, Mr. Taki?

And don't say wandering.

Unfortunately, that's all I can do.

Liar!

Someone like that wouldn't know Chopin.

Someone I knew

loved Chopin.

That's how I know him.

Was it a woman?

Did you love her?

Yeah.

Maybe I should go home.

I can tell you're not having any fun.

Why don't you go to her?

It's too far.

She's over there.

She passed away?

Yeah. Two years ago.

I'm sorry.

For what?

For reminding you.

People can only remember if they forget, right?

I never forget.

So I don't remember.

What was she like?

More beautiful and graceful, than Miss Universe.

Refined and cultured.

Why do you ask?

I don't know.

I asked even though I didn't want to.

You shouldn't hang around someone like me.

Why not?

I come from a different world than you do.

If that were the way I felt, I wouldn't invite you to my birthday party.

And I'm a wanderer.

That's fine.

Come on, I'll take you home.

It's past a lady's bedtime.

Don't lie!

No, the manager is really out right now.

I see. If he's never around it can't be helped.

- We're going to take over the place tomorrow. - But...

- Mr. Baba... - You were here?

- You should stop that. - What?

I see. You're having some fun.

Wait!

Who was that?

I don't know.

But they knew you!

He mistook me for someone.

Mr. Taki, what was Mr. Baba doing?

He was drunk.

But he couldn't act like that on his own.

Is it Daddy?

Don't be stupid.

Your father is a great man.

I think so too, but...

He's just a bad drunk.

He acts like that sometimes.

I'll talk to him.

Taki.

Keep things in check.

When did I give you permission to take out my daughter?

It's a small town, people will talk.

Stop seeing her.

She's my only daughter.

Understand?

You shouldn't mess around with women.

They've caused the downfall of many great men.

You were awake?

I'm only halfway there.

This is George, from Kobe's Taguchi family.

This is Taki.

Taki?

I've met you before...

No.

I don't recall.

As a sign of friendship, shall we have a drink?

I lost.

In Kobe, there's no one better than George at shaking the dice.

It's your turn.

Not me.

Is it because it's me?

It's not that, I don't have the confidence.

You'll lose for sure. Try it.

You've got skill.

That was just luck.

Should we bet?

I can't, I'm low on funds.

I'll lend you some. As much as you want.

Stop that.

Take a good amount.

You go first.

Sorry.

You've got skill.

At switching dice too.

It was just a joke.

This is from the gambling halls.

An amateur can see right through them.

I was testing you.

That's where we met, a gambling hall.

Shall we dance, Mr. Taki?

It's OK, right?

Around when did he join your group?

- Just recently. - And before that?

He was just wandering.

Can he sing?

His guitar playing is pretty good.

That's strange.

It doesn't have anything to do with a guitar or dancing.

I'm sure I've met him somewhere else.

I can't remember.

- You should come on your own sometime. - Yeah.

- If I'm in the mood. - What a shame.

Drugs?

Yes, security has become tight on shore,

I haven't had a chance to pick it up.

So you followed the boat to Hakodate.

It seems Hakodate isn't safe either.

So I'll get to the boat before it reaches shore.

I'd like to borrow a boat if that's possible.

A boat?

Our boss said Akitsu would be able to help if I asked.

If it's Mr. Taguchi's request.

In return,

I'll give you a cut of the product.

Don't want it.

I've no interest in narcotics,

and wouldn't know the distribution routes.

But then...

Well, it's all right.

I'll make sure you save face.

I've got just the boat...

I'll teach him a lesson.

"Lesson"?

Don't worry about it.

Hello.

The birthday girl shouldn't be setting the table.

Let's go dance.

I don't want to dance.

Hello.

It's going well, it seems.

I'm going to step out for a bit.

Daddy.

Is Mr. Taki not with you?

No. Why?

I invited him.

Well, then I'm sure he'll come.

Welcome.

- Happy birthday, Yuki. - Thank you.

How'd it go?

We took it while he was out.

Good work.

This way, we honor the Taguchi family's request and destroy Marushio.

We can kill two birds with one stone.

Three birds actually.

We'll be able to follow through with our amusement center plan as well.

That's true.

And Taki's on the boat?

Yes, he seemed surprised by the boat.

That's fine. If something goes wrong, we can play dumb.

We can just say George and the wanderer planned everything on their own.

Where are we headed?

It's a surprise.

Under the moon's shadow

There is a narrow path in the forest

And if you continue down the path...

Welcome.

- Where's my brother? - He's upstairs.

This is going overboard, don't you think?

Money matters should be settled even among family.

The boat is one thing,

but you didn't have to fire the crew without any warning.

How will they survive after today?

That's for Shoji to worry about.

You have no say in it.

In those days

I went out looking for my mother

But she was nowhere to be found

Think about it.

If you hadn't gone there,

you could've lived the good life, like Yuki.

Don't you feel envious?

Not at all.

Is hardship so fun?

You don't understand love.

I don't understand why you stick with that good-for-nothing.

Marushio is going under.

No matter how much you struggle, there's nothing you can do.

My plans are already in motion.

I'm going to build an amusement center on that land.

Just leave him.

There's plenty of work you can do for me.

That was your goal all along.

Don't you understand how I feel?

How much I care for you?

- That's a lie. - What?

In any case, I'm sticking with Marushio no matter what happens.

You're going to defy me?

I see.

Go ahead and try.

What happened?

What?

We heard a gunshot.

Wanna make a bet?

You can handle dice,

there's no way you can't handle a gun.

You scared?

Do it, bro!

I can't.

I've never held a gun before.

Then you do it.

- I can't. - Here!

20,000 yen if you win.

Throw it.

In Sabu's stead.

It's a draw.

I've met you! You're a cop from Kobe!

You took out my friend.

A friend you didn't have to kill.

Wait!

What a joke.

Taki, you said?

Why did you shoot back then?

Why did you kill him?

He was my only partner!

Was it for merit?

For money?

Shut up!

Stop! I'll take revenge for his death.

Go stand over there.

I won't be a coward like you.

It's going to be a duel.

Give us a signal, someone.

Shoot!

Let's go again.

This time, I'll kill you!

It's marine patrol!

Damn it! Luck is on his side.

Everyone hide!

- Where are you headed? - The Muro Golf.

We'll still do an inspection.

Towns that smell

Like the sea

They are all

My hometown

I feel such heartache

From being so alone

But if I pluck

My guitar strings

Hey! What are you doing?

Let's eat.

Many thanks.

But this isn't over.

- There's a message. - Read it.

There's a storm. Wait for instructions.

Can't be helped.

We'll start over.

We can't do it now.

We'll put our duel on hold.

I play fair.

So don't even think about running.

You can't, sir!

- Please wait! - Let me go!

I can't stand it any longer.

To have our boat taken for a measly 50 million yen!

It's too much!

Think things through!

You're the one who signed the contract.

- You can't try to change that now. - Damn it!

Waiting until I wasn't here...

You're in on it with Akitsu!

Boss, you're going too far!

You've been scheming to ruin this shop.

I know it. I'm sure of it!

Akitsu!

Sir!

What are you doing?

Don't you understand, sir?

How much pain she's in standing between you two!

Can't you see it, sir?

It's your responsibility if we lose all our workers.

It's because of your cowardice that this all happened!

Mr. Yasukawa, stop!

Isn't that the owner of Marushio?

It's been a while.

So you're with Akitsu?

Seems like he's got some influence.

You've changed quite a bit.

A former cop, now working for Akitsu...

What did you want?

Nothing, I just wanted to talk to you.

As your former boss at the Kobe precinct.

This town seems pretty dangerous too,

with a floating body, cause of death, unknown.

There was a storm last night.

They'll say he was drunk and fell into the water.

It's no different here from Kobe.

Why did you come here?

I can't say I'm here for fun.

I'm looking for a man.

George.

A name you don't want to hear.

But he's here.

I see.

What's he doing here?

He's only got one specialty,

and it's killing.

Taki.

- If you know, tell me. - What?

Where Akitsu's hiding him.

You've gotta be kidding.

I'm working for Akitsu.

Taki!

I don't know where George is.

Even if I did, I couldn't say.

Think long and hard.

Thanks to their family lawyer,

you were sent to...

Stop!

My past is behind me.

Excuse me, but I'm busy.

Taki!

I'm sorry this happened.

When did Shoji start drinking so much?

I need to talk to you.

Come with me.

What is it?

You fool!

Are you even human?

Damn it!

I know!

You did this!

And you have the nerve to...

Wait!

Imagine how she must feel!

It wasn't me.

What?

Don't lie! Who else could it have been?

You took our only boat.

And now the owner too!

What are you going to do with his wife?

What did you do?

Stand up! Fight me!

What's wrong?

Why were you fighting?

It has nothing to do with you.

It does!

I want to know more about you.

There's lots of things in the world you still don't need to know about.

It's about Daddy, isn't it?

This case has something to do with him. Doesn't it?

That's not what I meant.

Liar!

I had an inkling.

You did something for Daddy, didn't you?

I did nothing.

Then why were you letting him hit you?

You're not like that.

If you really believe in something, you won't back down.

I...

That's what I liked about you.

But I hate you!

I hate this version of Mr. Taki!

Daddy.

Tell me.

Tell me everything you've done.

What are you saying?

I know now.

You were a perfect father to me,

but a demon to the rest of the world!

Everything I do is for your happiness.

Please!

I don't need that kind of happiness!

As long as I can be proud of you!

Let go of my hand.

I have to head out.

Daddy!

Bro...

Sabu.

I need to ask you something about the night of the storm.

Let's go for a walk.

It's Mr. Ex-cop.

Where's Akitsu?

He left.

Is he with George?

Who knows?

You can't do this.

I'm Akitsu's...

So what?

You're the one who'll be in trouble.

You're going to talk?

Let go. Let go!

I know. You're not going to talk.

Let me go!

Do what you want.

No need for that.

Actually,

I just got a call from Mr. Taguchi from Kobe.

At 10:00 p.m. tonight,

the boat is going to pass by.

We still have time before then.

I heard.

From Sabu.

And so what?

I won't see

or hear anything.

So will you return the boat to your sister?

Could you sleep well after doing something like that?

If she finds out what you did,

your daughter will be very sad.

might be the best thing I can do for her.

Then what about the boat for tonight?

Of course, not before the job's done.

I don't know if we'll be able to get back.

Or do you mean I won't get back?

Don't mess this up.

Get rid of both of them.

A jackknife's

Sharp tip

Haven't heard that one.

It's a song about murder.

Sing to your heart's content.

You won't play it again.

A jackknife's

Sharp tip

The victim

It'll be a waste to kill you.

The voice of death

Calls to me

Waiting for me

Stop! Shimizu, stop!

No more...

Get out of here!

It's all done.

See you!

Here, pick the right one.

- I don't understand. - What?

Why would a man like you kill my partner?

A woman?

Was it for a woman?

That too.

But I was a cop then.

Don't make excuses.

Women are bad news.

You acted without thinking and made a mistake.

Let's do this.

If something happens to me, it's your responsibility.

Deliver the dope to my boss.

All right. I'll do it.

Get down!

Taki!

What are you doing?

Boss's order. You too!

Akitsu.

It's unfortunate for you,

but as you can see, I'm still alive.

Taki.

I've seen some pretty bad characters,

but you're the worst.

You're done for.

I figured it all out.

You bastard!

It's my turn to kill you.

Are you stupid?

You shouldn't have stuck your nose in.

George.

I've repaid the debt from the boat.

We're even now.

Sounds like we've got company.

Let's do this quick.

I'll count to three.

The rest is skill.

One.

Two.

Three!

I lost.

George!

George.

Think it over.

Why don't you come back to Kobe with me?

I'm grateful for the offer.

You plan on staying in this town?

I heard from Officer Otsuka.

That Akitsu's daughter, unlike her father,

is a good daughter.

Do you think I could stay in this town for long?

This suits me best.

Where will you go?

I'm thinking maybe Sado.

Sado?

Yes, it was the hometown of a woman that died.

Not that it means anything now.

I should pay my respects to her grave at least once.

Yuki.

I...

don't know how to apologize to you.

It's all right.

My father was at fault.

And I was a bad daughter.

The next time we meet,

I promise I'll be a better daughter.

I...

Shinji, please come again, we'll be waiting.

Yes.

Yuki, I'm certain he'll be back.

He's never coming back.

Why?

I know.

I know everything about him.

Towns that smell

I feel such heartache

From being so alone

And the smell of the sea

THE END