Original subtitles

23.976fps

TOEI COMPANY, LTD Presents

Ninja hicho fukuro no shiro (1963) [Castle of Owls]

From a novel by: SHIBA Ryotaro

Screenplay by: IKEDA Ichiro

Photography by: WASHIO Motova

Starring:

OTOMO Ryutaro

TAKACHIHO Hizuru OKI Minoru

KAWARAZAKI Choichiro TACHIKAWA Sayuri HONMA Chiyoko

HARA Kensaku

Directed by: KUDO Eiichi

In 1581, Lord Oda attacked Iga.

The Iga order was almost destroyed...

...by General Hideyoshi's army.

Gohei!

Juzo!

We're finished. There's no way out.

Idiot! Death is shame for our order.

We've got to get away and survive.

How about our families? For example your daughter?

I'll carry her.

Let those who can't run, surrender.

Leave them to the enemy's mercy.

I will survive!

Ayuri, my sister!

What happened, Kuroami?

What happened to our parents? Tell me!

Hideyoshi's men...

hacked them to death.

And they violated me...

Many of them...

Take revenge, please!

It's not like you to grieve so much...

...over your family's deaths.

Murdered are my family, not yours.

Don't talk like that.

Did you forget your training?

I told you to be like a stone, unbreakable.

I told you we shouldn't have human sentiments.

I forgot it. I'm not ashamed of having forgotten it.

I am living.

Humans know sorrow.

And what the living do for the dead is vengeance!

Damn Hideyoshi! He'll see the revenge of the Iga order!

Ten years later.

Lord Oda was killed by a traitor.

Hideyoshi has seized power.

Kizaru, wait here.

Juzo, come down!

Kuroami, you too.

Master!

Juzo, you haven't changed.

Kizaru? How big you have grown!

What happened to Gohei?

He was engaged to her.

He left for Kyoto three years ago.

Maybe he left our order.

He shall die.

Whoever deserts dies.

I'll get him myself.

Juzo.

Still after Hideyoshi?

Yes, but I failed five times. He's got luck.

You're persistent.

Why not get paid for your vengeance?

I'd like to.

Who's going to pay?

Imai, the trader of Sakai.

When can I see him?

In two days at Tofuku-ji Temple at midnight.

Sir Juzo Tsuzura, I'm your guide.

You, woman?

Call me Kohagi.

What are you to Imai?

What do you think?

Please follow me.

Stop joking.

Well trained!

What do you mean? I'm an ordinary woman.

Mr. Imai employs a strange one.

Let us go.

Wait in there.

And you?

My job is over.

Do you steal?

Who are you?

I'm invited here.

Ah, the Iga man?

I'm Kurando, leader of Shibata knights.

No kidding. You don't look like a knight.

Relax.

And you?

I'm Kumotaro, an ex-fisherman. But I'm strong.

I like your honesty.

Juzo is beyond these men.

He'll suspect you.

I just want to see how he makes out.

Police!

How did they know?

Your fault!

Don't talk that way. I command here.

I won't work under an unreliable man.

How dare you say that?

How skillful!

You're under arrest!

Mr. Imai! Mr. Imai!

I'm sent by Jiroza of Iga.

I expected you.

I heard you killed Kurando.

Did the woman, Kohagi, tell you?

She's my adopted daughter.

She lives in my Kyoto villa, so you can contact her.

Is it your way to begin your work by killing a friend?

I'll make tea for you.

Just like late Lord Oda...

You know how to enjoy tea without ceremony.

Hideyoshi can't do that.

He seems open-minded but actually he isn't.

I understand.

His silly idea of a Korea invasion...

...will destroy our trade relations with other countries.

My business will be ruined.

I want him dead before he sends his army to Korea.

His death will cause an all-out war for power.

That's what I want. I make money in wars.

Is that all?

Who's behind you?

I bet it's Lord Tokugawa. Am I right?

Shut your mouth!

You get mad when you hear the truth.

It's been a long time.

Gohei, I'm questioning you for my father.

You could at least greet me.

You broke our code!

You hated the life in our order.

You've been away.

Do you serve a local lord now?

We're engaged to each other.

Do you remember?

Why did you leave me then?

I'll cancel the engagement.

What are you doing?

Idiot, what are you doing?

A marriage act.

So you're my wife.

You must obey your husband.

KYOTO GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

Where are you from?

I am from Tosa. My family has a long history there.

You can't deceive me, idiot!

You're Gohei Kazama from Iga, aren't you?

Why did you serve me? For what purpose?

I had enough of the order.

I envied the samurai who could work his way up.

That's all.

But since I'm discovered...

...I'm ready for any punishment.

Good, you are promoted to a 300-koku samurai.

Understand?

You're no longer an Iga man.

You have no more obligation whatsoever to Iga.

Tell me now.

I hear the Iga remnants are gathering somewhere...

...for some unknown purpose.

Do you know?

I can guess.

I think they were hired to assassinate Lord Hideyoshi.

Is there any proof of that?

No, my lord. That's only my sixth sense.

I can also sense a spy hiding there.

Judging from the breath, it's a Koga man.

I'm sure he's a master with the title of Mari.

I'm Mari Dogen of Koga.

You're great, Gohei.

Wasn't I right, sir?

If so, who's behind the plot?

None but Lord Tokugawa.

But accusing him would mean a civil war.

We should avoid it at this time.

Who, do you think, is assigned to it?

Juzo Tsuzura is the only one but me in Iga...

...who is capable of the job.

Good. You capture him.

We'll execute him so Lord Tokugawa will be alarmed.

We are twenty strong now.

Good. Divide this money among you equally.

We'll get Hideyoshi on his return.

At the Fushimi Castle.

In the meantime, stir up trouble in town.

I'll check the castle.

All right, we're going.

I bet you're a Koga. Why attack me?

Oh, you?

To get even.

I admit you are beyond me, Sir Juzo Tsuzura.

I felt you really meant to kill me.

Yes, I meant to if you were so weak.

Even now...

I want to hurt you and see you bleed.

And then I'll tend to you.

It's a riddle.

I don't understand my sentiment myself.

You are Mimi of Iga, aren't you?

Yes, I am.

What have you been doing?

I begged for living. In this age of peace, what else could I do?

You've lost the Iga spirit, haven't you?

Never! Try me.

Stab your hand.

You're hopeless!

Wait! I'll try.

All right?

Pull it slowly.

Not so quick.

Will you hire me?

No.

What?

You've become a coward.

An Iga man shouldn't utter a moan...

...even if he is stabbed and hacked.

This is for the pain.

Damn it! I won't forget this!

Beggar!

"Meet me at midnight tomorrow at Kurodani, Juzo."

It's been ten years.

Yes, since the siege.

I really missed you.

Tell me why you became an official.

I hated life in Iga.

Now I get 300-koku for capturing you.

Fine destiny!

It's burning out.

A meteor?

Your life.

You're losing it for only 300-koku.

Don't be silly! This is only temporary.

I'll work my way up, to even lordship.

If you get me?

I'll be rewarded 2.000-koku.

What a pity!

Then I'll kill you before being caught.

It won't be easy.

I know.

Gohei, why not return to the free life of an Iga man?

You're too good for being an employee.

Cut it out!

I want success in life.

First I'll disclose your plot for my promotion.

I'll close my eyes for tonight.

From tomorrow on, I'll chase you to the end as an official.

I'll come for your head before then.

Remember that.

Kizaru!

Have you killed Gohei?

Shall I tell you where he is?

I know that. You kill him if you want to.

Follow her.

Why follow me, kid?

Don't be rude! I'm a grown-up man.

Don't you know me?

Pity! I don't.

Well, from this day on, remember me.

Well, why are you following me?

Because I've fallen for you.

I'm crazy about you.

I've been waiting.

Let's fight.

No, I didn't follow you for that.

Why don't we make a deal and cooperate?

If we fight, one of us will die.

If not, Dogen of Koga will get you.

We don't want a Koga to get the credit for it.

I have a plan.

You continue your work.

Come to get Hideyoshi.

I'll catch you at it.

Not you. Kuroami or someone else.

I'll get him as you.

This way both of us will profit in safety.

Is this your answer?

Imbecil!

50 feet high.

The tower is 150 feet high.

Kuroami, don't you think our instructor is suspicious?

Why?

He could be in contact with Gohei through Kizaru.

Otherwise...

How could Gohei surprise me at Fushimi?

I can't believe it. Jiroza is a fine Iga man.

That's why. A fine Iga is a fine plotter.

He makes Gohei and I fight.

He won't lose in any case.

Do you really mean to help me, master?

For the love of my daughter...

I promise I'll help you get Juzo.

But we've got to get rid of Dogen before that.

Yes, I think so, too. But how?

Well...

You have become senile, master.

I don't blame you.

I praise your fine double-crossing.

But I hate being made a fool of.

I'll leave you now.

I'll go home to Iga for some time.

Do you leave your work unfinished?

I don't know.

Assassinating Hideyoshi is my honor.

I'll think it over.

Bye.

Want to get hurt?

It's your fault that he left.

Now you've got to get Dogen at least.

Before Juzo returns.

It's also for our honor.

I know what to do.

I'm a master of Iga. A Koga is nothing.

I failed!

Kizaru, your father died.

Stabbed by Dogen.

And you did nothing?

I got there too late.

Why didn't you avenge him?

Why should I?

As an Iga man...

I'm no longer one.

You're his son...

Cut it out. We aren't formally married.

Then, what are you to him?

A stranger.

Don't be so mad. Didn't you understand?

This is for my father!

Dogen killed him, not me. Don't misunderstand!

I don't. I'll kill both you and Dogen.

Who are you?

Kumataro.

I'll harpoon anyone who molests her.

An ex-fisherman?

You suit each other.

Want to die?

Don't kill him!

All right, I'll spare him for your father's sake.

Live happily with her.

You bastard!

Father!

Father!

Come on in.

I am in.

How did you find me?

Did you think I couldn't?

Kohagi.

Tell me who you really are.

I'm Imai's daughter as you know.

That's all.

Don't lie!

You're Dogen's pupil.

And Dogen works for the Governor of Kyoto now.

Nobody would do better than you in pretending ignorance.

Sir Juzo, do you dislike me?

Answer me!

What would you do if I tell you...

...that I'd like to live with you for life?

Let's disappear together.

If you continue your work, you'll have to die in misery.

I know what happened to your parents and your sister.

I understand you hate Hideyoshi.

But should humans live with only hatred?

Shouldn't they live happily?

I've come to think that way since I met you.

But if this goes on...

You say you'll kill me?

And we'll have to kill each other in the end.

So let's hide and live together.

I refuse. I can't leave my work because of love.

Do you mean your work is more important than a woman?

Then I'll return to my own work.

I'll have to kill you.

It's all right.

I admire your self-control as a Koga.

Maybe it's more than mere admiration.

From tomorrow I'll treat you as an enemy.

I'll do the same with you. Be careful.

What is it?

Have you killed Juzo, my lady?

Not yet.

Do it quickly.

Master Dogen already killed Jiroza.

And the Iga men...

What about my men?

Too late now.

The Kogas must be surrounding them.

Gohei helps us.

If you go now, I'll have to fight you.

Do you insist on going?

Kuroami, can you recognize me?

I am Mimi who you scorned as a beggar.

I'm your enemy now.

It's natural that an Iga takes side with his employer.

It's unfortunate you didn't hire me.

This will be the day of your death.

May God be with your poor soul!

It's useless to run.

You have been surrounded by Koga men.

So you betrayed us?

Koga or Iga makes no difference to a beggar like me.

And the Koga people don't treat me so coldly as you did.

Someone!

Shikaii's here!

Sakichi's here!

We can fight.

With who?

Mari Dogen of Koga.

Dogen!

Kuroami, we often worked together in our younger days.

In those days the land was in confusion.

We were always employed.

But there is peace now.

We have to fight each other to get work.

It's a struggle for survival.

Don't hesitate to attack us.

You'll see how we fight.

Well said! You have my admiration.

Let's prove ourselves in this moonlight.

They ran! Get them!

Keep together!

Dogen, come out!

Kuroami, I'll send you to hell.

Kuroami, I'm Gohei. I'll help you die.

You betrayer!

Gohei, you'll suffer the curse of the Iga order!

Well done.

If you didn't kill him, I'd have killed you.

Dogen!

Who is it?

Juzo Tsuzura of Iga.

Do you want to avenge your men?

That's unusual, for a spy.

You and I are destined to fight to the finish.

I appreciate your coming.

Tell me wheather you want to be killed or captured.

Enough talking big.

Juzo, you win. Don't kill me.

Spare my life.

Want to live?

Of course I want to live.

Listen, there are two women waiting for me in Koga.

They cannot live without me.

I hope you will spare me for them.

Let me go home.

All right, go and be taken care of for your life.

Fine.

I begged for your mercy, taking advantage of your nature.

That is your defeat.

You cannot kill me, can you?

You're skillful but not a real warrior.

Gohei, dirty coward! Come out!

"Shouldn't humans live happily?"

Juzo.

Juzo!

Juzo. What's the matter with you?

Let me lie down and rest.

I'll have your bed made immediately.

Kohagi. I took revenge for Kuroami and the others.

I leave myself at your disposal.

You may capture me or kill me.

My lady!

You have had relations with him?

Haven't you?

What if I have?

For a woman, the man she gives herself to is her life.

Now, it's whether you live as a woman of love...

...or live as a Koga.

My lady. Master Dogen...

So, you have taken his life at last.

This is my answer.

Are you awake?

How long did I sleep?

Two full days.

And you didn't capture or kill me.

Why should I?

I want to live with you. You know that.

Live...

Death threatened me many times on my way here.

I managed to reach here because of you.

Everything looked empty.

Only what was between us felt real to me...

...when I was at the door of death that night.

I didn't think this way before.

Betrayer!

You'll suffer the curse of the Iga order!

Where are you going?

Awake?

Any regrets?

I must leave you.

I thought of giving up my work because of you.

I'm surprised at myself.

I won't stop you. I want you to act as before.

Take it as my keepsake.

"Should humans live with only hatred?"

Sorry! Forgive me!

Don't stare at me like that! Forgive me!

"Hideyoshi's death will cause an all-out war."

"That's what I want. I make money in wars."

Are you Hideyoshi?

Yes, I am.

Quiet!

If you make noise, I'll stab you to death.

You look senile.

What do you want?

I came to kill you.

Why?

Ask yourself. You've done much evil.

But everytime, I did it for the country.

Excuse yourself in hell.

You've got to give up now.

I want to live.

I pity you.

I never imagined that you were so senile.

You won't live much longer anyway.

It feels rather cruel to kill you now.

Will you let me live?

My parents and my sister were killed by your men.

Is that so?

I understand how you feel about me.

But, don't think I don't suffer for it.

My conscience bothers me every night...

My victims appear in my dreams.

Power gives me no relief.

I saw that.

Iga man!

Will you forgive me?

I would.

Under one condition.

Thank me for sparing you.

Speak, I risked my life to get here.

I don't think I'll be able to get out easily.

It's natural you should thank me.

Or, do you think you shouldn't lower yourself?

You won't tell?

I can't promise. I have a mouth.

Then I won't.

What? Then I will...

No! Stop it!

Guards!

Guards! Guards, come help me!

It was a stupid comedy.

I caught you, Juzo.

Too late.

I know.

I wasn't in time, but I'll be rewarded.

I didn't kill Hideyoshi.

What?!

I lost interest.

Maybe I'm not fit for killing.

You are stupid and will die for nothing.

No, I won't.

Gohei, listen to your old friend.

I understand your wish of ease.

But what you do is too low.

You talk too much!

That's enough. Take care of yourself.

Come down, Juzo!

No, don't mistake me for the intruder.

I came to arrest the intruder.

Don't misunderstand!

Go ahead! Arrest him!

Don't maltreat me, idiots!

Thank you for coming, sir.

I'm sorry for causing this mistake.

My lord.

This man's testimony is false.

I've never seen him before.

What did you say?

Now I see.

You neglect your vassal when he makes a mistake.

Shut up!

Never!

Now I'll tell everything I know.

The assassin who sought the lord's life...

...was hired by Imai of Sakai...

Execute him as an example.

Look at you, Gohei.

What a miserable state you are in...

...you who chose to live in the sun.

Kuroami?

I'm ashamed.

I didn't figure on Gen-j's betrayal.

A man of the order is an owl living in darkness.

His envy of easygoing sparrows brings nothing.

I was wrong.

Juzo, you? Then the voice was yours?

You must be beside yourself not to know my voice.

What did you come for?

I came to save you from being mistakenly executed.

Thanks. I can't stand these shackles.

Free my hands first, will you?

Juzo, I caught you at last!

Too late!

It's too late.

Juzo.

Kohagi?

I didn't kill Hideyoshi.

I was disillusioned when I saw him.

And my hatred was gone too.

I came to think how it was silly to cause war...

...and to profit a merchant.

I'll live not as an Iga man but as a real man.

Come with me into the mountains.

That'll be our home. Can you stand that?

I've never seen such a beautiful castle.

Master!

THE END

Subtitles and timing taken manually by AntiJw.