Original subtitles

1953 FESTIVAL OF ARTS OFFICIAL ENTRY

A BUNGAKUZA AND SHINSEIKI CO-PRODUCTION

NIGORIE

STORIES WRITTEN BY Ichiyo HIGUCHI

THE THIRTEENTH NIGHT ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR TROUBLED WATERS

PRODUCED BY Takeo ITO, Chieko YOSHIDA, Shizue MIYAMOTO

SCRIPT BY Yoko MIZUKI & Toshiro IDE

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Shunichiro NAKAO ART DIRECTOR Totetsu HIRAKAWA MUSIC BY Dan IKUMA

CAST

PART 1 THE THIRTEENTH NIGHT

Akiko TAMURA, Yatsuko TANAMI Ken MITSUDA, Hiroshi AKUTAGAWA

PART 2 ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR

Yoshiko KUGA, Nobuo NAKAMURA Susumu TATSUOKA, Teruko NAGAOKA

PART 3 TROUBLED WATERS

Chikage AWASHIMA, Haruko SUGIMURA, Natsuko KAHARA, Yoshie MINAMI

So YAMAMURA, Seiji MIYAGUCHI, Hisao TOAKE

DIRECTOR Tadashi IMAI

I have been unfaithful in writing this diary.

Today I will write on matters of the home and of the world...

so that I may regain peace of mind, if only briefly.

Things I have seen and heard are numerous...

and so burdensome to put down on paper.

PART 1 THE THIRTEENTH NIGHT

October 15th Clear weather.

Soaring blue autumn skies.

Moonlight dances upon my sleeves as I pass Kiku slope.

Somebody's at the door... Who is it?

Father!

Oh, Oseki! Don't stand there. Come in.

Come in! Did you bring your maid, or are you alone?

But it's so late...

Don't bother... I'll close the door.

Come inside.

Come now, let's go to the porch where we can sit in the moonlight.

Sit here... right here on the cushion. These mats are so shabby.

I've told the landlord about it, but they take their time.

Dear! Oseki's here.

What a surprise!

My, I'm so happy to see you!

Sit on the cushion, so you won't dirty your good kimono.

Please forgive me for neglecting to visit you.

How is Mr. Harada?

Is everyone well at home?

Yes.

I'm glad. Good health is more important than anything else.

How is Taro? Is he still up to his old tricks?

As always.

You should have brought him with you tonight.

Grandpa and I always look forward to seeing him.

We can't very well dress in finery and go waiting in front of your home.

Yesterday we had a good laugh when...

I suggested that he visit you in his old cotton kimono.

Where's Ino? Has he gone out?

- He's gone to... - Night school.

Had he waited a little longer, you could have seen him.

He got a raise just the other day.

His boss is good to him.

And all this because he's Mr. Harada's brother-in-law.

We are always very grateful.

Please thank Mr. Harada for us.

We hope your husband will continue to think of Ino's future.

No matter what you say, we owe Mr. Harada a lot.

- Pour some tea, Mother. - Right away.

I'll bring it in a minute.

May I have some water?

Water? Oh, would you rather have water?

Go stand over there or you'll get wet!

A poor, dirty kitchen like this is no place for a lady like you.

Mother!

What's the matter?

Is anything the matter between you and your husband?

I can't bear it any longer!

I came here tonight vowing never to return to that house.

You're not going back?

What happened?

I have thought it over and over for several years before deciding.

Mother, please let me stay here.

I'll do needlework... anything... but please let me come home!

Please let me live here with you and Father.

No matter what anyone says, we never asked him to marry her.

After so long, to say such selfish things...

He knew she wasn't rich... didn't go to finishing school!

He was kind for a few months, until the novelty wore off.

After she gave him a son, he suddenly turned cold.

It's not Oseki's fault!

He ridicules her in front of the servants...

calls her ignorant, awkward in how she dresses.

Why did you bear it so long?

I could never forget. You were 17 and it was New Year's.

You were playing badminton and hit the shuttlecock into...

Isamu's carriage as it was passing by. You ran after him to fetch it.

He fell for you the minute he saw you.

Those go-betweens of his came fast and furious.

We told him over and over that our social standing was no match for his,

that you were still a child, and hadn't the proper training.

But he would hear none of it.

He said there's no worry about in-laws making demands, and...

you could take lessons after marriage. He was so persuasive.

You're not his mistress. He treats you like some foundling.

He shouldn't say such things in front of the maids,

even criticizing the way you hold chopsticks.

When a wife's authority is questioned, before you know it,

even your son will lose respect for you.

I think you should speak your mind.

If your husband won't listen, walk out.

Tell him you have a family of your own to turn to.

You should have left that house much sooner. How foolish of you!

I think you've made a terrible mistake in keeping quiet until now.

There's no reason to take any more from him.

I don't care what the status of our household is.

You do have a father and mother, and a brother.

Now stretch out your legs and rest.

I was completely in the dark about this.

I thought you were living a happy life.

Take off that heavy sash. Change into this and get a good night's sleep.

You really should have told us sooner.

You've lost quite a bit of weight.

We once gossiped on how slender you had become...

despite the sumptuous food they serve in your home.

We had no idea what you were going through.

Go on and cry... Cry your heart out.

Cry all you want in front of your mother.

Living day and night among servants,

without a soul to talk to, or a shoulder to cry on...

You've done well to endure for seven long years.

Taro... I laid Taro to sleep and left him.

But there is one thing I could never do.

I could never, ever give up that child.

Because of my son... That's why I tolerated it.

If I do as he says without complaining, he calls me a spineless, stupid weakling.

He comes home from a trip and says, "You still here?"

If I lay out a kimono for him, he yells to the maid for a suit.

Only tonight he said to me, "A wife like you is a misfortune!"

Then he changed his clothes and went away again.

It is to be expected,

that a young, hard-working man will be popular with women...

even to the point of keeping one or two of them.

Seki isn't saying all this because she's jealous...

She knows about it from gossip.

Even knowing that, she lays out his clothes,

even his underwear... that's how faithful she is.

A young man of high social standing and praised by the public...

is often a tyrant at home.

In business he's patient and charming, but at home he's a bully.

It must be hard on you to be the target of all his grievances.

But you're not married to some fellow in the ward office who helps out at home...

then leaves for work every day with lunch box tied to his waist.

It's still a wife's duty to humor her husband.

There's a limit to keeping him happy!

Many wives are thought to be well-off...

but how many of them are truly happy?

Oseki, your brother got his job through Mr. Harada...

We owe your husband a lot because of his kindness.

Besides, you have your son, Taro.

You've been able to bear it up to now.

There's no reason why you can't continue.

Listen!

You can get a divorce... but Taro belongs to Harada,

whereas you'll be a Saito, our daughter.

So you will become strangers... never to see each other!

What a cruel thing to say!

If you're going to cry over spilt milk,

you might as well do your crying as the wife of Harada.

All right, Oseki? Wouldn't that be better?

I don't want to send you back there.

But get ahold of yourself... and

go home to Taro tonight,

as if nothing had happened.

Go on being just as careful as you have been.

Even if you don't tell us anything more, we'll all understand...

and know how you feel.

And we'll share your tears with you.

Now that you understand the situation, Oseki, go home right away.

Taro may be crying for you.

I have been very selfish!

Though I'd rather die than lose Taro...

I allowed myself to think of a divorce! I am deeply ashamed.

If I make myself believe I am dead, there will be no temper to lose.

Father and Mother... and Taro will be better off.

Taro will not be without a mother.

From today on, Seki will think of herself as dead and...

dedicate herself to raising Taro.

Thus I shall live with Harada and endure it for even a hundred years.

I am sorry to have worried you with my stupid chatter.

Please try to forget tonight.

Anything wrong? Mother, I'm home!... Hello, Sis!

- Get a rickshaw. - A rickshaw?

- Aren't there any on the road? - I'll go see.

- Please don't bother, Ino. - Don't be foolish!

A woman should not walk alone at night!

The moon is so bright... I'll pick one up along the way.

- Get one quickly. - All right.

Goodbye. Father... Mother... Please take good care of yourselves.

Thank you. Please don't do anything rash.

I promise. I'm sorry to have worried you.

I'll go with you up to the road.

How much is it to Surugadai?

Mother, I'll take care of it. Thank you very much, Mother.

Study hard, Ino.

All right.

Are you all right? Sure?

Has she gone?

Yes.

Mother, shall I close the door?

Yes.

That child... she'll go home safely, won't she?

- She wouldn't... - What?

- ...do anything rash. - Silly!

Don't be silly!

Can you go a little faster?

Lady, please get off!

What are you saying? It's so deserted here.

I can't find another rickshaw!

I'll pay you extra, but please don't make it difficult for me.

Please take me.

It's not the money. Please get off.

But I've just got on!

I'm sick of pulling this rickshaw. So please get off.

Are you sick? Why, all of a sudden...

In a place like this? How can you do such a thing?

I'm just sick of working. So please get off.

My but you're selfish!

I won't ask you to take me to Surugadai,

but take me where I can get another rickshaw.

Please... at least to the main street.

I understand. All right.

You'll go?

Yes. I'm sorry. I didn't realize it's a lonely place for a lady.

Why... aren't you... Have you forgotten me?

Why... you're Oseki Saito, aren't you?

Yes. I'm so glad to see you, Rokunosuke!

I'm so ashamed! I didn't recognize your voice. How stupid of me!

And of me, too! With everything going on,

I almost missed recognizing you. I didn't know it was you.

Forgive my rudeness... telling you to run faster.

I don't know where to begin.

How long have you been doing this? It isn't too hard on you?

I heard your mother had moved to the country.

Every time I pass your old Ogawa Street store...

It's still a tobacco shop called, "Noto."

I have such fond memories of the times...

we played at your shop on the way to school and back.

I'm not the person I used to be, either.

Things get in the way of what we want.

I haven't been able to visit you or even write you a letter.

Where are you living now?

I sleep upstairs in a cheap lodging in Asakusa.

How is your wife?

My wife took the baby and returned to her folks.

Do you have children?

She would have been five this year...

She died of typhoid.

Then your wife is with her family.

We were divorced.

After all, I was forced to marry her.

It's better for both of us.

Come... please get back on.

No.

I didn't know it was you.

Forgive me for behaving so badly... it was very selfish of me.

I hope I didn't scare you.

I often get this way now... when I'm tired of working.

Then I just loaf or get drunk. I've become really worthless.

Please let me take you!

What! Do you think I could ride now that I know who you are?

Please let me take you.

A distinguished madam as you, walking alone at this hour...

Rokunosuke...

I will ask you to walk with me as far as Hirokoji, please.

I'm afraid to stay here alone.

We're almost there. That's Hirokoji.

I'll take you to your residence.

No thank you.

It's just over there.

In the old days you wore fine matched cottons and snappy apron.

What a charmer you were. So friendly and grown-up.

You were just a boy, but the store did better under you than it had...

when your father was alive. Everyone thought so highly of you.

I remember as if it were yesterday.

It seemed as if some evil spirit had taken hold of me.

I had become another person, wild and dissipated.

I was married just about the time I heard that you were expecting.

I was leading a bad life carousing around,

which my relatives mistook for proof that I ought to get married.

- I hear you have a son? - Yes.

You also knew I have a son?

I imagined that you had become an attractive wife.

My dream back then was to see your stately appearance, if only once.

My!

No, I mean as a childhood playmate.

Excuse me. My wish was to see you...

just once as a beautiful matron.

Just a foolish childhood dream.

You were seventeen, weren't you?... When you suddenly went away?

My dear Seki, whom I have known since I was eight or nine,

my life hasn't amounted to much, but...

I am glad that I lived until today so that I could meet you.

Thank you for remembering me, Rokunosuke.

I had given up any hope of speaking to you.

I've wasted my life, drinking away all I had...

Even throwing away the family business.

I don't even own a pair of chopsticks.

Here I am now, worse than a gangster. Yet, you remembered me.

Not at all!

I'm the one to be happy that you remembered me,

dressed up so pretentiously.

You must despise me.

You'll find a rickshaw on that street.

Thank you...

Rokunosuke.

Don't feel offended... Please accept this.

Seeing you now after so long,

I've so much to say to you, but I can't find the words.

Please understand. I'll say goodbye here.

Please take good care of yourself,

so your mother won't worry.

I want to see the old Rokunosuke I used to know,

with a fine shop like the one you had before.

Goodbye.

Thank you.

I accept it as a token of your kindness. I'll think of you.

Take good care of yourself.

I think I'll go home too.

Be careful. These streets are lonely so late at night.

PART 2: ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR December 15th. Clear skies. Extreme cold with light frost.

My, what a nice design!

- A little gaudy, isn't it? - Not in the least.

A nice match with your lavender kimono, the one with arrow-feather patterns.

Yes, it is.

Then again, maybe it isn't.

How about this design?

I'll take this one after all.

Will it be ready in time for the play?

An excellent play. When will you attend?

On the 20th.

The 20th... Fine. We will begin promptly.

But do it with care.

For such an important customer... You need not worry.

Be careful! Stop acting like a kid!

I'm glad they're letting us go along and see the play.

What a rare change of heart!

I just hope it doesn't snow.

Oh, it's cold!

Today will be freezing cold.

Aren't you cold? Let's take a breather.

Filling the bath takes thirteen trips to the well and back.

Just a little more for me to finish...

See how I perspire! This northern wind is refreshing.

Be careful not to catch cold.

Sure.

But the 20th is still a few days away.

I just hope Madame doesn't change her mind.

It all depends on her mood at the time. She's an expert at playing dumb.

You can never be sure until you're planted in the seat.

About the play...

Yes, yes.

On the day of the play, you're going to look after the store.

In exchange, you'll go to visit your sick uncle.

Yes. He's looked after me since I was little, when I became an orphan.

Then you needn't worry about the play.

- Did you get her permission? - Yes.

Madame said I could go when we're not busy.

Then you'd better go now, before she changes her mind.

With New Year's coming, we'll get busier.

Yes... but...

"Today's always the luckiest day!", they say...

But who knows? There's nothing lucky about visiting the sick.

Can you manage alone?

Sure. I'll take care of the rest.

Thank you. I'll ask Madame if I can go.

Go ahead. Leave that to me.

No. I'll finish filling the bath tub. It's almost done.

Omine!

What happened?

Did you hurt yourself?

No. I'm all right. Excuse me. I'm all right.

Your strap broke, didn't it? My, but that's dangerous!

It's so cold the floors are frozen. We'll have to be careful.

What happened?

Don't leave the buckets overturned!

I'm terribly sorry.

Is it broken? How about the bottom?

No, nothing's broken.

Be more careful. Can't you ever learn to treat things with care?

Nothing in this house came free, you know.

Take better care of things, or you'll pay dearly.

She couldn't help it. Her strap broke.

That's because she wears them when they're too frayed.

You weren't hurt were you?

- No. - You must be careful!

What a mean woman!

She's more worried about a wooden pail!

No wonder the young master stays away so often and leads a wild life!

Come to think of it, the young master hasn't been home in weeks.

His vices are simple.

He gathers a crowd of people for drunken revelry and foots everyone's bills.

He's a hero to all the loafers here in Isarago!

My!

I hear his mother died when he was only ten.

Then Madame came and, one after another, three girls were born.

First Shizuko, who is married and lives in Saionji,

then Setsuko, and then Kazuyo.

So I've heard.

Now she's trying to see that her daughters inherit the fortune.

But I don't think she's a bad woman.

Perhaps not, but she's stingy, mean, and hard to please.

Is she ever hard to please!

Omatsu. Omatsu!

Yes!

This was given to me by an old lady as thanks for massaging her shoulder.

She gave them to anyone she pleased.

Please take it and buy Sannosuke something for New Year.

Oh, thank you.

This, too, was given to me.

It's too grown-up for me so please wear it.

- But... you... - Please take it.

It's not as bad as I thought.

Of course, they are very strict, but their friends are kind.

Is that so?

I'm home.

- Hello, Sanno. - Hello, Sister.

I haven't seen you in a while.

My, how you've grown!

Don't tell me you went for the medicine all alone?

What a good boy!

- Senbei crackers for you! - Thank you.

He's a good boy. He goes by himself to sell clams every morning.

Clams?

He deserves some praise. This medicine was bought with the money he earned.

My!

You carry the fish on a pole? On these shoulders of yours?

Yes.

We were asking ourselves why we have such bad luck.

We haven't done anything bad.

People have even called us, the "Honest Grocers".

Do good and good will return.

Your illness certainly won't last long.

The year's almost over.

Spring will be here in no time, and your luck will change.

Sanno, it's just a little longer. Study hard.

- Let me see how well you can write. - All right.

Omine...

We hate to trouble you, but...

What is it?

When I got sick last September, I borrowed 10 yen for 3 months from a money-lender.

He took 1 1/2 yen for interest in advance so that I really got 8 1/2 yen.

The three months have passed so quickly, and the debt is due this month.

But as things are, I can't pay it.

Last night we talked it over.

Even if I work my fingers to the bone, I could only earn 10 sen a day.

There's no other way but to ask for your help.

If we pay 1 1/2 yen interest for another 3-month term...

we can get an extension.

Though we are barely existing,

we'd like Sanno to have a New Year's rice cake like the other children.

Omine, I know we're asking a lot, but only 2 yen...

Could you ask your employer for 2 yen by the 31st?

My, but you write well!

Don't worry Uncle!

If such a small amount will help you, I'll ask them.

- I beg of you. - Uncle, please don't thank me.

How will you get the money to me?

Shall I send Sanno for it?

If I weren't so busy with New Years, I could bring it myself.

It's far, but could you come for it, Sanno?

I'll have it ready by noon.

Thank you.

- Why it's the Young Master! - It's been a long time.

Welcome back.

They'll be shocked to see me back.

So tell my step-mother...

the Young Master is home.

But... she's not home.

Not home? Where did she go?

She went shopping with her daughters.

- And Father? - He went out fishing early this morning.

Fishing, as usual... Even on New year's Eve?

Your name is Omine, isn't it?

What happened to the other girl?

What was her name? You know, the chatterbox?

Omatsu, you mean?

That's right... Omatsu... Omatsu... What happened to the fat girl?

She left.

- Left? You mean she quit? - Yes.

- When? - Two or three days ago.

Is that so! So even that carefree girl quit.

- How long was she here? - A little more than a month.

One month! What endurance!

This house must hold the record for losing servants.

We have a reputation that two girls quit every month.

I even heard that one girl quit after only a day.

When I was a little boy things were different.

I was different too, before.

Young Master, you'll catch cold lying there.

Now that I know the old witch is out, I suddenly feel tipsy.

Well, I can't just sit here and do nothing until she comes home.

Sorry to trouble you, but bring me some sake.

I'll wait for her over a bottle.

Yes, but you seem to have had plenty to drink.

You're just a child. Don't talk like a nagging wife!

- Yes. - All right then.

Bring some food, too. But there's never any good food here.

Just hurry with the sake!

Oh, it's Sanno!

Sister!

Hello, Sanno.

My, but your hands are cold. Come right in!

- It must be freezing outside. - Sister, you know...

I know.

But to tell you the truth,

Madame didn't give me the money yet.

But don't worry, I got her promise the other day when she was in a good mood.

But... she went out shopping.

She should be back soon.

You could wait, Sanno, but...

...would you mind coming back later this afternoon?

Make sure to tell your mother I'll have the money ready by then.

All right.

Will you do that? I'm sorry I made you come so far.

Goodbye, Sister.

Be careful... Don't run!

Welcome home.

- Did anyone come? - Well...

- Did Tasuke, the roofer, come? - No.

That's strange. He said he would bring the money by noon today.

After giving his word... This always happens when I'm the least bit friendly.

Anyone else?

Well... the Young Master.

- What? - Brother?

- What time did he come? - Just a little while ago.

- Didn't you say we were out? - I told him.

- Then he went home, of course. - No.

- No? - Then he's still here?

- Yes. - Where is he?

He's resting in the living room.

My...

What nerve he has!

Then, shall we go upstairs?

Mine! Mine!

- Is there anything... - Pick up those dishes, will you?

- Did you boil the greens? - Yes, I've already boiled them.

- And the herring roe? - Yes, I washed them.

And the beans?

Madame, you said you would take care of them yourself.

That's right. It would go to waste the way you people prepare it.

Ah, I'm so tired.

If anyone has a body they're not using, I'll borrow half of it.

Excuse me, Madame.

What is it?

I'm sorry to bother you when you're so busy.

It's about the money I asked you for.

Money? What money?

Well... I mean the two yen I asked if you would lend me, the other day.

Two yen? Oh, something about your uncle.

Yes. He has to pay the money back by noon today.

I'd be so grateful if you'll help us out!

Wait a minute. I can't remember what it's all about.

No. Of course I remember hearing your uncle was ill and needed money,

but I never said I'd lend it to you! No. I made no such promise.

But... I'm sure I understood you correctly. Well...

Then you must have misunderstood... I don't recall making any promise to you.

But...

Stop nagging. Don't you have anything to do in the kitchen?

Anyone home?

See? There's someone at the door.

There I go reminding you again.

I've come from Saioji.

From Saioji?

I'm to fetch the Lady of the house.

My, is Shizuko in labor?

Yes, Ma'am. It could happen any time now.

My! My!

This being the first, the expectant father is very nervous.

Especially since there are no experienced people in the house.

He asks that you come as quickly as possible, Ma'am.

All right. I thought it would be either today or tomorrow.

But on New Year's Eve. Well, this is something that knows no holidays.

Wait a moment. I'll get ready to go...

Mine, I'm going out. Setsuko! Kazuyo!

Why did Father go fishing on a day like this?

Madame.

Why, it's Tasuke!

Going out today?

- My, but you made us wait! - I'm very sorry for the delay.

- You brought the money, didn't you? - Yes, of course. Here it is.

Thank you.

Exactly 20 yen.

I should return your note now, but I'm in a hurry. My daughter's in labor.

That's wonderful.

Come again tonight or on New Year's Day.

I'll come again.

Setsuko, put this in the drawer of the chest in the tearoom.

- Now, let's go. - Very well, Ma'am.

- Is Brother still there? - Yes, he is.

Put this in the drawer.

The wind's died down. Let's play badminton!

We should never have asked Omine for the money.

But she said it'd be all right.

She didn't want us to worry.

She must be so worried about asking for the money,

especially at this busy time of year.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Is Omine in?

Who is it?

A relative of hers.

Auntie.

Mine-chan.

May I come in? Is it all right?

My, but I'm tired.

Sit still for a second.

- Is anything wrong? - No, why?

You don't look well.

It's nothing. I just have a slight cold.

Take care! Uncle's illness started that way!

I'm all right. But what's more important is the thing I promised you.

Yes, that's what I came about.

We thought it over many times,

and we had no right to worry you with it.

I came to apologize for the trouble we caused you.

Forget about everything we said. There's no need to worry over us.

Work hard for the Master.

But you can't mean that!

Auntie, you're probably saying it because you think I couldn't get the money!

- No, you're wrong! - That must be why. It must be.

No, it's really not.

Don't worry. Madame lent me the money.

- What? - Wait...

Here... take this.

You're sure it's all right?

Certainly!

Are you sure? Thank you very much. We're deeply grateful.

It's all right. It's all right.

Auntie, please take good care of Uncle. Take care of your own health, too.

Thank you.

My regards to San-chan.

I'll hurry back now to tell Uncle. He was so worried.

I have to finish a kimono for a customer, too.

I'll come back tomorrow to thank Madame.

There's no need to. I'll thank her for you.

Please tell her we're grateful.

Yes.

Thank you again, while you're so busy with New Year's. I'll say goodbye now.

Oh, it's snowing.

Maybe it will pile up tonight.

As today is the last day of the year,

I, Ishinosuke, your only son, have dutifully come to pay my respects.

I don't consider you to be my son.

That's one thing you can't do anything about.

I am aware that you want to disinherit me.

That's all right...

But I hear you have doubled your fortune.

I'd like 50 thousand as my share, but I'll take 30 thousand.

Stop this nonsense!

You're home!

Thank you.

I'll be going again tomorrow... or today if her condition changes.

Very well, Ma'am. Good bye.

- Is the Master home? - Yes, he's returned home.

- And Ishinosuke? - He is inside with the Master.

My, is he still here?

I must pay a debt today...

a friend's loan I guaranteed.

Also, I have some debts of honor.

If I don't pay these gangsters what I owe them today there will be trouble.

I don't care about myself, but I'd hate to see your reputation tarnished.

For generations the Yamamura family has never been dishonored.

But you, a good-for-nothing son, are a disgrace.

I've just come back.

How is Shizuko?

You have a grandson!

A boy, eh?

Shizuko has a boy! Congratulations!

Ishinosuke, we bring you a token year-end gift.

You may expect another gift in the spring. This is all for now.

A year-end gift. I greatly appreciated it!

Your words are music to my ears.

I graciously accept your good intentions.

Hey, a cool 50 yen!

I'm not doing this for you!

I'm doing it for the sake of your sisters still to be married.

I've got to think about your older sister's husband, too.

Now that you're done, get out of here!

Goodbye, Mother. Enjoy a Happy New Year!

Going home now?

Going home?... No, I'm stepping out.

Did he go home?

How could anyone be so arrogant?

I'd like to see the woman who gave birth to him!

Is that all?

I almost forgot. This afternoon Taro, the roofer, left 20 yen.

Mine! Mine!

You called?

Bring the writing chest in here.

Bring me the writing chest!

Yes, Ma'am.

Ah...

What is it?

- What? - What happened!

- The money's gone! - What's that?

There's something here.

"I have borrowed the money in the drawer." - Signed, Ishinosuke

What's that?

He's shameless!

A disgrace!

July 2nd. Here in a new quarter,

PART 3: TROUBLED WATERS July 2nd. Here in a new quarter,

liquor stores line the street.

Women are plentiful. They beckon to customers.

Like ladies of the night, they aim to please.

Forever writing to lovers whom they anxiously await...

Lovers new and old, and too many to count.

Hey! Kimura! Shin! Come here!

When you say you're coming over, why don't you come?

I know you... you're off to Futaba's for a drink without even stopping in.

Sorry, we're off to the bath house.

Stop by on your way back, if that's really where you're going.

Let go of me... Alright. I'll stop in later.

But you'll be crying for more.

You're a smooth talker.

If you go to Futaba's I'll come after you and drag you away.

I'm warning you.

Wait for us. We'll come back.

Be sure to drop in. I'll be waiting!

We'll be back later.

You're such liars. I never know what to believe.

They won't come later. They've no intention of coming.

Honestly, once they get a wife, you can't do anything with them.

Taka, what are you thinking about?

I don't have your technique, Oriki. Even if one gets away, I feel badly.

"Even a burnt pole catches on fire." Why don't you cast a charm on him?

A person unlucky as I am couldn't cast a charm.

Once I took a hair of his to cast a spell, but I lost it somewhere.

Don't make a mistake and find someone else's!

I wouldn't mind, if it worked...

Anyway, I could never compete with a number-one-girl like you!

Tell Madame I want some mosquito incense.

It's begun to rain... No wonder it was so steaming hot.

No customers again tonight.

What rotten luck!

Oriki!

It'll smoke up the place.

You'll drive away customers!

Nobody will come in this rain anyway.

- I can't stand waiting. - I'm back.

A long bath you took. You're no senior citizen.

I met Tatsu, the dyer.

I confronted him about his carrying on with that Oroku of Kawada's.

He's been giving me the cold shoulder lately.

Riki's at the shop?

Yes.

She asked me to write three letters for her, and now I'm waiting.

It took two rolls of paper. They were long.

Who's she sending them to?

Three of Oriki's regulars.

I want to entertain guests too.

So do I, once I've saved enough for clothing.

Oh? I thought you were at the shop...

Here... your letters...

I wrote the same lines in each letter.

You'll need two stamps for each envelope.

I don't like any of these men.

Such a waste!

Even when I send these, they never come. Mere pleasantries.

- Aki, will you help me paint my back. - Okay.

- Be sure to paint over the scars. - All right.

That Tatsu, after promising to settle down with me...

he's out with that Oroku of Kawada... - I've heard this story before.

Aki, was there anyone out front?

- I don't know. - Riki!

What's the matter? You have a headache?

Don't get sick before we even start. Into the shop now, all of you!

All right!

Don't leave Taka out there by herself.

She can't bring in any customers. Come on Riki.

Oh, well... I came in because I saw him hanging around again.

You mean, Gen? You can handle that failure.

Get ready for work.

Gen is a rare specimen of devotion.

Look at my bum! He runs away when he sees my face.

Even though he lost his money, he used to be a very good patron of yours.

He may be a lot older than you, and he may have a wife and child.

But he can divorce his wife any time. - What's to stop you from seeing him?

You're so highfalutin. I suppose he's not good enough to be your husband.

I still don't think it would hurt to ask him over.

You're not a schoolgirl, you know. Don't be coy.

Your problem is you give up too easily.

I feel sorry for Gen.

That's an old dream.

Don't think that I love that poor laborer!

Oriki of Kikunoi has completely forgotten Gen!

I have even forgotten his name.

You're not to bring the subject up again.

Hey. Just a minute. Drop in for a good time.

Won't you drop in? Just a minute!

This is silly. They hardly pass by.

Wait up, Mister!

- Look at her! She finally caught one. - What did she catch?

- A new face. - Please, come in...

Welcome! Come in.

Thank you for coming, especially in this rain.

Madame, a customer!

Take him upstairs.

This way, please.

Bring some sake.

Hey!

Wait a minute... Mister!

Just a second, Mister! Don't go away!

Aki! Aki!

Coming right up!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Aren't you rather quiet, Riki?

That's why we want you here. Where's Aki?

Aki!

Yes.

I hate it when it's so quiet.

Who is this girl's boyfriend?

I don't know his name.

Don't lie or you won't be able to worship before the Enma God.

But we've just met.

I have come here to ask you...

Ask me what?

- Your name, Sir. - Silly. Silly.

You know better than to ask! How old are you?

Me? I'm 19.

Really?

Yes... please look after me.

He's been investigating my personal history.

She won't tell me a thing.

Always the same old questions. It spoils the sake.

- You must have some juicy secrets. - Oh, please, Brother!

Don't Brother me. I'm not that young any more.

Shall I guess your occupation?

Sure. Please do.

No, I don't need that. I can tell by your face.

Stop. I can't bear your taking inventory.

So you're embarrassed to have me looking at you.

Yours are the eyes of a seductive charmer.

Oh, really?

A real treat for you, Taka!

I'm so happy!

You're such a sincere and faithful man.

You needn't to say nice things to me.

You don't look like a person who would come to a place like this.

I'm a governmental official.

Don't lie. What government officials take holidays in the middle of the week?

Riki, what do you think he does?

I'm a loafer.

Loafing isn't a trade!

I have no wife or children. I'm a student of love.

You're kidding us.

Are you really a bachelor?

The way you look at me... It excites me.

- She has a bewitching allure! - It's too much!

- If only it were true. - That would be good.

Really.

- Taka, don't annoy him. - Don't worry. It's all right.

- He won't tell the truth anyway. - But...

All right then. I'll give a prize for the right guess.

My, what shall we guess?

- His trade. - I see.

I'll guess it.

He doesn't have a trade! He's a nobleman in disguise!

Why don't you leave me in charge of this?

I'll see that everyone gets the proper tip.

My, Riki... you're going to far!

Do you mind?

Here, this is for you.

And this is for you.

Pay the bill and keep the change. Divide it among you. He said so.

Thank him and take it.

Is it all right to accept this, Sir?

I'm taking this, but are you sure?

Thank you very much.

Many thanks to you.

I'll take this to the others.

Thank you very much.

I'll go settle the bill.

Take your time, Riki.

My, but she looks old for 19.

Don't be mean.

Say, don't you want any money?

I have what I want... Here!

When did you take my name card?

I'll exchange this for your picture.

Give that to me!

No!

Hey!

Come again, day after tomorrow, please.

We'll have our picture taken together.

I'm very sorry for having dragged you here.

Please forgive me. I'll be waiting for you.

- You say that to everyone. - My!

That's an old line!

If you don't believe me, you'll have to come another 99 nights.

Just because I'm carefree Oriki of Kikunoi doesn't mean I always lie.

I've heard that line before, too!

Are you going home?

- He's leaving! - Are you leaving so soon?

- Thanks for the generous tips, sir. - Thank you so much!

Everyone, thank the gentleman!

His shoes and coat.

Forgive me for my lack of hospitality. Please come again soon.

Thank you so much.

The rickshaw is here. The rickshaw has arrived.

Fortunately, the rain has stopped.

Running out on me, eh? I'm no fool!

Hey!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Thank you! Take care!

Riki, thanks for your trouble.

You get outta here!

I've seen enough of that prune face of yours.

Well then... take care of things here, Riki.

- Hey, where are you going? - I'm getting a headache.

You won't be young and pretty forever, Riki.

Today you're the Number-One-Girl on the street, but we all get older.

Of course, today there isn't a single visitor

to this new town who hasn't heard of Riki.

But, after 30, you'll be like me, one who can't catch anything.

That's why I regularly write to Mr. Yuki.

- You've been wonderful! - Snotty kid.

I'm not a kid, you know.

Mr. Yuki certainly comes regularly, doesn't he.

Seems he really doesn't have a wife.

He's handsome, generous and he seems like one who will be a big success soon.

How wonderful it must be.

You're just jealous!

He'll probably ask you to marry him.

Be more careful, though.

Stop stretching your legs out and gulping sake out of teacups.

He'll think you're coarse.

Anyone want this pickle?

If Gen hears about it, he might go crazy.

Fix the road so my carriage can pass when I visit you.

I won't be able to drive up to the door if the road is so bad.

My, how you talk.

So by then you had better correct your manners so that you can receive me.

- How mean. - Don't count your chickens...

- She doesn't look the wifely type. - A naughty girl.

Only tight underpants for a Misses.

Who did this?

Welcome back.

Listen! Who threw the melon into the rubbish box?

Such waste!

- Did you make all of your calls? - Yes!

She'd chew us out if we did it.

I'll throw rotten melons like that out anytime.

I'm too young to die of food-poisoning.

Let's go to the bath house now!

Riki, lend me some bath money!

I've sent all mine to my kid for the holidays.

Keep your fingers out of the custard!

I'm checking the taste.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Sashimi for five people.

Take this into the hall. - All right.

Take this one, too.

Good evening!

Why, it's Gen. If you have business, go to the front door. We're busy here.

May I see Oriki... just for a minute?

She's busy with customers. Do you have some business?

I just want to speak to her for a moment.

Kujo. Take this away.

Hello, Sir. Look how beautiful the moon is tonight.

You seem happy tonight.

My, what are you saying?

Firefly come here

See the mountain and go there

See the light of the lamp and go there

You mustn't drink so much. It's bad for you.

Even you!

The only way I keep going in this business is with the help of this.

If I stopped drinking, this place would be like a funeral parlor.

Something worrying you?

Yes... but I can't change things. So let's enjoy the evening.

Everyone thinks I'm a carefree girl... no worries or troubles...

But I was born under an unlucky star.

Tell me what's wrong... Perhaps I can help you.

Even if it's a lie or a made-up story, it's only natural for you to tell me.

I've known you for some time now.

I can probably guess your troubles without you telling me,

but I want to be sure.

It's old-fashioned, but as they say, "No one meets purely by chance."

It's really nothing. Let me sing for you.

My love is...

like a bridge across a long narrow river.

Afraid to cross... I must go.

Excuse me, please.

Come downstairs for a minute... He's here!

Make up some excuse.

Tell him I'm so drunk I couldn't talk sense.

- Is that what you want? - Sure. It's all right.

What a difficult person.

You needn't stand on appearances.

Why send your lover away? Go and see him.

If you want to, you can bring him here. I'll leave the room.

Don't say that!

So is he your chronic headache?

It's nothing like that.

It's something no doctor can cure.

I'd certainly like to see this man of yours.

Among the actors, who does he look like?

If you see him, you'll be shocked.

Even in his prime, he was just a bedding maker.

You loved him?

No, he really is a nobody. He ruined himself here.

All you can say for him is he's soft-hearted and weak.

What made you lose your head over him? That's what I want to know.

I guess I'm that type.

It's best for both of us if I send him home.

He has a wife and child.

He's not at the age to be hanging around a place like this.

Even if he's hurt, it's better this way for him.

Yuki...

What is it?

You really are here, aren't you?

It isn't a dream. Is it?

Sit beside me and cool off.

When I sit here with you, I think I'm in a dream.

Even for a brief moment, I'm happy.

But in my dreams you get married,

or suddenly stop coming to see me... and other sad things.

Every night I cry.

And when I awaken, I find my pillow wet with tears.

I always thought you were a carefree and cheerful person.

If you care for me enough to dream of me,

I think you would have asked me to marry you.

But not a word or even feeling of this.

If you dislike this trade so much, why don't you open your heart to me?

But... not tonight.

Why? What's the reason?

No reason.

Because he's downstairs?

No... he's gone now.

How do you know?

He hasn't any fortitude. But he will be back.

Oh! Come here!

See that boy?

At the candy store!

That's his son. How he must hate me.

Every time he sees me, he yells, "Demon" "Demon"

Am I really such a bad person?

Mother, see what I have!

Hurry, take a bath.

Help him wash, Dear.

Have Father scrub you.

Wash up and come quickly, or the mosquitoes will bite you.

We're having your favorite, cold tofu for dinner.

I made these while moonlighting the past five days.

With money from these I can pay for my own liquor.

Your yukata... here, wear this one.

Wait a minute. I'll add some hot water to the bath.

You look exhausted. Go to bed early tonight.

You promised not to eat the peach till morning.

Father...

Wear this.

Leave it there.

You must be hungry. You too, Dear.

Not feeling well?

Sonny, come sit beside me.

Seconds?

I had enough.

A man doing manual labor should be able to eat 3 bowls of rice.

Of course, it may not be as good as Oriki's food,

but it doesn't do any good brooding about it now.

They are to be bought and sold.

If you make money, they'll be nice to you like in the past.

Painted up and wearing fine clothes...

It's their business to make suckers out of men.

This grudge you have against her...

It's a dead giveaway how much she's still on your mind.

You know what happened to the boy who worked at that liquor shop.

He was so taken with Okaku at Futaba's,

that he spent all the money he'd collected from the bills.

And when he tried to make it up gambling, he was driven into a corner.

Things got worse and worse, and he ended up breaking into someone's storehouse!

He's in jail now, living on prison rations.

His old girlfriend, Okaku, couldn't care less.

There's no need to brood just because she won't look at you.

That's her business. There's no use brooding about it.

It won't do any good.

So please, with a change of heart, pick yourself up and work and start over again.

If you don't straighten up, what's going to happen to your wife and child?

Forget about her or we'll all be lost.

Make some money and you can have...

any woman you want, not only Oriki.

So stop pining away, and get some spirit. And eat more rice.

Even Takichi becomes sad.

Eat up.

What an idiot I am!

Don't ever mention her name again.

Stand in my shoes for a change.

The sweltering heat must have gotten to me.

Don't worry about me. You do your best as usual.

Don't get too drunk, Taka.

I'm not. It's the others who are drunk.

Your son's here. It's a busy day, so just see him for five minutes.

We're busy tonight!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Welcome, Madame.

We want Riki to sing her heart out for us.

Riki, careful with that samisen, or you'll break it again!

Why won't Tatsu let me settle down with him?

I bet he was carrying on with Oroku at Kawada's.

Listen to me. It's terrible!

Why, I'm ready to wash his jacket and mend his breeches.

He lied about marrying me so he could make me his plaything...

and to think he's with that chatterbox Oroku.

I can't take it!

Not my fault!

Where are you running off to?

Is your master kind to you?

That's a nice suit he gave you.

How's Grandma? How are her eyes?

They're no good.

And she's not going to the doctor's anymore.

Mother, I promise to make a good candle maker and take care of you.

Won't you please come home and paste labels on matchboxes until then?

Please.

We won't be able to eat just pasting labels.

Please, son, don't come here again.

Where are you going?

Neglecting our guests!

Demon!

The Demon Lady!

- What are you doing here? - Oh!

What's the hurry?

Nothing especially.

How unfaithful of you... going out when you knew I was coming.

My! Scold me if you wish.

I'll explain later.

- People will see you. - Let them say what they want.

Hey, where's Oriki?

Let's not worry about her.

- Sit down and have fun. - What happened to Oriki?

She's getting swell-headed.

Just because she's the number-one-girl here,

we let her get away with things.

Charge extra for it.

That was an expensive samisen.

Here she comes.

Where were you?

Oh, good evening, Sir.

- Upstairs? - Please.

Bring the sake and snacks, please.

Oriki!

Is that any way to treat your guests? How dare you run out on them!

Come down here after he leaves.

Say, is it all right to leave downstairs unattended?

It must be about the melons in the trash.

Let those good-for-nothings get mad all they want.

I'm sick and tired of them.

I hate this! If only I could escape from it all!

Must I go on with this forever?

Sorry to keep you waiting.

- Thanks for bringing it. - Don't mention it.

Do you have a headache again?

You can leave it off.

Oh, yes! I bought you a comb. You lost yours last night.

Oh, how beautiful!

Does it look good on me?

Now hurry downstairs before they start calling you.

Sir, sorry to disturb you.

Thank you.

I'm so thrilled I won't sleep tonight!

She's a cute kid.

All of us were like that, too.

I'm going to get drunk tonight, so don't stop me.

I always look after you.

You've only seen me drunk once before.

All right, perhaps then you'll speak freely.

Let's open up tonight.

I'll take mine in this big bowl.

Drink more if it makes you feel better.

You seem upset. What is it?

Is it something you can't tell me about?

No! After I drink two or three bowls, I'll tell you about everything.

You mustn't be shocked.

That's quite an introduction!

What are you thinking of?

I'm only looking at you.

What!

You scare me.

Don't joke.

No, I'm very happy. You look especially handsome tonight.

What you are saying now?

I should have known it before now.

Excuse me for drinking alone.

What's the matter with you tonight? You must have had some before.

No, I'm still quite sober.

Let me warn you first. I'm a slovenly woman.

I won't hide anything. I make no apologies for myself.

To live this life, one must become lowly just like I am.

All the lies, tricks and techniques in the art of love.

That's nothing new.

Some fools fall for it!

Sometimes I've even thought of marrying one of them,

even if it means living in a run-down shack.

But no one can convince me...

of happiness in settling down.

Perhaps this life suits you.

I loved you from the start.

Stop it!

...

And then?

When I...

When I don't see you for even one day, I miss you... terribly.

Hey!

Yet, if you asked me to be your wife...

...mind you, I say "If"...

I think I would say, "No".

Why, you want to be free?

But I love...

I love you.

Maybe I feel like this because I'm fickle.

And what do you think made me this way?

Three generations of failure.

What did your father do?

He was a craftsman.

When he was three, he fell from the porch.

It left him crippled.

As a result, he never enjoyed being around other people.

He became a silversmith, so that he could work at home.

He gained some fame.

But he was a proud and unfriendly man

and never had many customers.

When it was cold, all of us shivered.

That's how poor we were.

I'm sorry. I hope I haven't annoyed you.

Are your parents no longer alive?

Father died less than a year after Mother.

Then you're alone in the world?

Yes.

Let's call some others in and liven things up a bit.

I won't let you go tonight!

I won't let you go home.

Be sensible.

Your shoes went for a walk...

so you can't leave.

Let your shadow go home.

You hid them, didn't you?

I gave them the night off!

Then I'll be a barefooted shadow and go home.

My, but you're mean.

Aren't you listening?

Once the Bon Festivals began, you've shown no interest in going out to work.

You mustn't be this way.

Don't lecture me. Just be quiet!

If I kept quiet, we wouldn't make it through another day.

If something's really the matter with you, try taking some medicine.

Not that I think a doctor's going to cure you.

Just change your outlook and you'll be perfectly all right.

Come to your senses and apply yourself.

Same old gripes... I'm inured to your admonitions.

Go out and get me some sake. A drink might lift my spirits.

I just bought a bottle yesterday.

If we could afford to buy sake every day,

I wouldn't ask you to go to work against your will.

Here I am, doing piecework dawn to dusk, for a grand total of 15 sen!

That's not enough to eat on.

How can you be so foolish to tell me to buy you sake?

I can't even make Takichi a dumpling for the festival.

And all you think about is sake.

Forget it. I won't ask again.

You've got to change your whole way of thinking.

I can't make any offerings for our ancestors.

All I can do is light a candle. And whose fault is this?

Yours!... for being such a fool over a woman like Oriki.

How I want to tell you more!

Even now I'm holding back my frustrations.

I've lived with you for ten years and given you a son.

Yet you've caused me so much grief that I can barely stand it.

You still can't forget Oriki. Even after all you've suffered on her account!

We live in a one-room doghouse. People treat us as outcasts, idiots.

As a man you don't notice since you're out all day.

At the spring and autumn holidays, everyone else exchanges...

rice cakes and dumplings, but no one comes to call on us.

Perhaps the neighbors are being kind. They know we cannot reciprocate.

But ours is the one house everyone ignores.

Understand what it's like for me... ostracized by our own neighbors.

Mother, look!

Where did you ever get such a nice cake? Did you say thanks?

I bowed politely. The Demon Lady of Kikunoi gave it to me.

What? Oriki gave you... How shameless!

First she ruins the father and then tries to win the son!

Come here! What did she say to you?

While I was playing she came along with a man and bought it for me.

Did you want it?

Can't I eat it, Mama?

Throw it away! It's filthy. Fool!

You want it so much you can't throw it away.

Ohatsu!

You have something to say to me?

I've had enough of your lip!

What are you raising a ruckus about,

just because somebody gives the boy a piece of cake?

She's no stranger. Why shouldn't he accept it?

Out of spite, you try to insult me through the boy!

You make a little money and expect gratitude from me.

I may only be a laborer, but I'm still the head of this household.

Always complaining... If you don't like it, you can leave...

Get out!

You're being unfair. Don't jump to conclusions.

I lost patience with Takichi, and Oriki's tricks are so obvious.

She's a professional. It's her job to deceive people.

If she's a demon, you're the Queen of Hell.

You're still defending her!

I only said those things because I was thinking of our family.

If you're so tired of the way we live, you needn't stay.

You can go wherever you want.

Always criticizing or nagging. Or envying Oriki.

I've had it with your carping all the time.

Either you get out... or I will!

You don't really mean that? You can't mean a divorce?

- Of course I do! - After all these hard years...

Shut up!

Mother...

Please... I'm sorry. Forgive me. It was wrong of me.

I was wrong about the cake. Oriki meant well.

You're right. I'm the one who's a demon.

I'll never mention her name again. Please forgive me.

I'll never gossip about her.

Please reconsider.

I have no family to rely on.

My uncle is only a caretaker, as poor as we are.

I have no place to go.

Please... think of our son. For his sake, have pity on me.

I ask for forgiveness on my hands and knees.

I'll do anything.

Please... please don't be so cruel.

You were never cold-hearted.

She must have stolen your heart.

You intend to make our son suffer?

He's mine! Hurry and get out!

Mama! I'm afraid of him. I don't like Daddy!

So you'd rather be with me? Wherever I go?

Yes, I'll go. Daddy never buys me anything.

He wants to come with me. So I am taking him.

Did you hear? I'm taking him. I can't leave him in your hands.

It's all right isn't it?

Wait here.

I've had it with your griping.

Let's settle this.

Trying to hurt me through the boy! I'm sick of looking at you!

You can have the furniture.

Since you've won him over, I won't need it. Do what you want!

You'll be all alone from now on.

You can indulge all your vices.

What furniture? It isn't even ours.

But don't come asking me to return Takichi, because I never will.

Look here. I'm taking only his coat, nightwear, and sash...

Only three pieces of Takichi's clothing.

You're not drunk... so you must know what you are doing.

But think it over, no matter how poor we are,

we should raise the child together.

Hurry and get out!

You're rotten to the core.

You don't even love your own son!

I'm leaving you now. Come, Takichi!

Say goodbye to Father.

Goodbye, Father.

Gen! Hey, Gen!

He could be still sleeping... or hasn't returned home.

Gen! Gen!

Mister! It's open!

Her things are still here.

Very unusual for an elopement.

Mr. Yuki didn't seem the type who'd elope!

I don't think she would go on a date with him...

on the way back from the bath house.

I've been asking around. We'll find her soon.

It'd be a great loss for us.

She went to the bath house as usual last night.

Didn't she?

And nobody saw her after that?

No.

We've already called the police.

She'll be found.

We can't afford to lose our number-one-girl.

Thank you for your trouble. Where did you find her?

Looks like a double suicide.

The woman resisted considerably.

She was stabbed from behind.

Her throat's cut, too.

He's committed hara-kiri.

So it's not a love-pact.

August 2nd. Clear skies.

Hot and humid all day.

Another ordinary day.

Subtitles by Grandma Beverly

THE END