Original subtitles

Do you really have to go?

I made a promise.

That I'd go and see him.

You won't be able to return!

Thank you.

Don't go! Please don't go! I...

I love you.

That was a pretty big one.

Boss, are you okay?

- The equipment? - It's fine. The van's waiting.

I'll be right there.

MILLENNIUM ACTRESS

DIRECTED BY SATOSHI KON

GINEI STUDIOS

It is with regret that Ginei Studios

hereby announces that it's original studio will be closed.

This is a tribute to the star

who sustained it through much of its 70 years.

We would like to make a production

to pay homage to Chiyoko Fujiwara.

Why are you filming me?

Maybe we should've shot this segment earlier.

She could have agreed to an interview earlier too.

She's no longer a public figure!

You should've made this 30 years ago.

Retiring out in the middle of nowhere...

What a crazy old-

Next time I'll kill you.

But, boss, however big the actress,

if they're over 70, they're ancient right?

Look!

That's it! That's it!

Don't get your hopes up.

We don't even know what she looks like now.

She does not age!

Madam!

Does Miss Fujiwara live on her own in this house?

Yes, for a long time now.

The books and garden are her friends.

This tea was handmade by the madam.

You're very lucky.

I can't believe she's agreed to do an interview.

It was very difficult to get in contact with her.

It is truly an honor.

By the way,

You brought a special gift for the madam as well?

Ah. Well...

So that's why!

It's a big deal for her to agree to see people.

What's a big deal, Mino?

Oh no madam, a big disaster. Di-sas-ter.

Like the earthquake this morning.

It gave me such a fright.

I really thought my time had come.

Nice to meet you. I'm Chiyoko Fujiwara.

The heavens have truly graced us today.

We are deeply honored.

Oh stop, no need for such formality.

- You're from Studio... - It's pronounced "Lotus."

It means lotus.

Oh, I love those!

I know. That's why our company is called...

The ones out back are about to bloom.

Do you understand their symbolism?

Ah. They represent simple purity.

By the way Mr. Tachibana...

Umm...

Ah, I almost forgot this.

I had no name or address to send it to,

so I kept a hold of it.

I'd forgotten all about this.

Was it the key to something important?

It's the key to open the most important thing there is.

Thank you, Mr. Tachibana.

But why did you have it?

Well, many years ago,

somebody at Ginei Studios found it.

I never thought I'd ever hold it again.

We'd better get started.

It's an earthquake to welcome you.

Oh. O-Of course.

I wonder if my destiny is linked to earthquakes.

In fact, I was actually born during one.

The Great Kanto Earthquake.

My father was overjoyed at my birth.

But he died in the earthquake.

It was as if I had been born to take his place.

But thanks to the shop that my father left us,

my mother and I were able to live well.

When I was a child, the world

was a turbulent and dangerous place.

Everything seemed to shift to the right.

However, at that time, girls' magazines

were more important to me.

I looked at the photographs

and dreamt of handsome gentlemen.

Was that around the time that

the talent scouts discovered you?

Goodness... I don't know what

they saw in a little snub-nosed girl like me.

The studio director of Ginei saw me on my way to school.

- So your answer is no? - That's right.

This is that director.

But my mother thought that being an actress was unseemly.

Unseemly?

Madam.

Our next film is set in Manchuria,

about soldiers fighting for our country.

It will be a film that inspires all Japanese citizens.

Of course Chiyoko wants to serve her country. Don't you?

So you may say, director,

but a shy girl like her could never be an actress.

She has to get married and take over the shop.

Isn't that right?

What's more important, the country or a sweets shop?!

That is how you serve the country,

but doesn't a woman have to look

after the home and bear children?

NATIONAL HEALTH WEEK YOUR NATION NEEDS YOU!

Erm...

What are we filming?

- Chiyoko... - We look like stalkers.

Sorry.

I was in a rush.

- There's something going on. - Boss, you're in the shot.

- He's not here! - Go that way!

Young lady, did a man pass by here?

He had a large wrapped cloth.

- He ran that way. - Right.

It takes some guts to shelter someone like him.

Who is that guy?

- May I see it? - It's just a sketch.

I'll continue with it when I get home.

In winter, my hometown gets all white

with snow as far as the eye can see.

It's beautiful.

I want to set up my easel in the snow

and complete the painting while I'm so cold it hurts.

In that vast white landscape,

you feel like you're in a faraway world.

I'd love to go there.

I see.

When peace comes, I'll invite you there

to thank you for saving me.

It's a full moon.

The full moon's tomorrow.

But I like the moon best just now.

The full moon's tomorrow,

but on the 14th night, there's still tomorrow.

Tomorrow means hope.

- I have to leave again. - But you're still wounded.

My friends are fighting in Manchuria.

But paint and brushes don't help very much.

This key?

It opens the most important thing there is.

The most important thing?

Have a guess?

I don't know. But don't tell me.

Let it be my homework for tomorrow.

Promise?

Come on and tell us.

Is it a guy you like?!

Her first love!

I...

- How sweet.

- Even old people were young once.

Isn't that the key you brought her?

He must still be around here! Search carefully!

Oh, young lady!

I'm glad you're alright.

There was a thief in our storeroom.

He managed to escape to the station.

I'm so glad you're not hurt!

Well done, mister!

This is hard work!

Wait!

Wait.

Wait.

Wait!

I'll go...

I swear I'll go to you!

Now that's drama.

I cried at this scene 53 times when I saw it at the cinema!

When did this turn into a movie?

So, that's when I entered the world of cinema.

I see...

How did it begin?

Like the studio director said,

his next film was set in Manchuria...

Manchuria. That's it.

Thank you, Chiyoko.

I knew you'd agree to come.

I want to serve my country. Right, Mother?

So that's how it was. You wanted to go

to Manchuria because of the key.

That's right, I didn't care about the movie.

Chiyoko!

She'll be playing our lead. This is Chiyoko Fujiwara.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

I'm sure you recognize our biggest star, Eiko Shimao.

Charmed, Chieko Fujiwara.

- How mysterious. - What are you doing?

That's...

Please give it back!

As expected of my uncle. He's found a good actress.

Oh my, boy.

Your hands work fast.

It's Chizuko Fujiwara, isn't it?

It's Chiyoko.

This is Mr. Otaki, the studio director's nephew.

He's going to be a famous director one day.

He loves auditioning actresses.

Sorry I teased you.

It was given to me for safekeeping.

If I see the man who gave it to me

in Manchuria, I want to return it.

We're not going there for fun.

Who is he, the man with the key?

His name is...

Well then you have no way of finding him.

He paints.

- Paints what? - I don't...

You don't even know that?

But...

But I'm sure he's in Manchuria!

I see. Never heard of anyone like that.

This is...!

But I'm sure he's around here.

I don't need amateurs hanging around.

You won't get rid of me that easily.

I crossed the sea to get here.

I... I...

Hey! What's going on here, director?!

The dialogue isn't flowing at all. This kid...

Now, now...

Chiyoko, when you're in character,

the lines will come naturally from within you.

Yes sir.

That's why I told you, an amateur can't play this role.

I just want to see him!

That's good. Alright! Let's get it on film!

Well done.

Hey. That was great.

Marvelous acting.

What's wrong with you?

By the way, how's it going? Any clues about your the key?

How persistent you are.

If you're so lost, why don't you try a fortune-teller?

There's one near here with a good reputation.

DIVINATION

The person you're seeking is in the north.

He's a painter. Very tall.

And is this man...looking for a key?

Do you know him?

If that's the man, then indeed I do.

Please tell me. Where is he right now?

Did she just leave the shoot? How impulsive!

Don't you understand an earnest heart?

Boss, I don't think you do either.

MASS ROUNDUP OF ACTIVISTS IN NORTH MANCHURIA

He's lucky that she'll pursue him this far.

I want to be pursued.

Chiyoko! Chiyoko!

- Is it the Nationalists? - Is it the Communists?

Look! There!

It's a bandit attack!

Miss Fujiwara! Chiyoko!

Woah! This is real!

Chiyoko! Hang in there! Chiyoko!

Uhh...excuse me...

Boss! Let's get out of here!

Where did the bandits go?

This is...How could this happen?

What what I want to know!

Where did Manchuria go? Manchuria?

My lady!

Where is he?

My lord went to the castle tower.

Don't go, my lady!

My lord! My lord!

Why did you not wait for your lady?

- How many times did you cry?

Stay your blade.

Do you reside in this castle...

...ghost?

Call me what you will.

I have existed since before you were born.

I know much about you.

Why are you here ghost?

Were you called to assist in my death?

Drink this.

What may not be united in the realm of the living

shall be united in the realm of the dead.

If I cast aside this body...

He is waiting impatiently.

That is Thousand-Year Tea.

You will burn forever in the flames of eternal love.

You tricked me!

I despise you more than I can bear.

And I love you more than I can bear.

One day you will understand!

She's in danger! Boss!

My lady, I am the Marshall of Nagato.

Genemon. At your service.

Since when?

Even if it costs my life, I will save your ladyship.

A lady does not leave her lord.

Damn you, ghost.

The lord has been taken prisoner.

My lord? Does he still live?

My lady, you must make haste to your hometown!

I come to rescue my lord!

Onward, Torakichi!

Who the hell...?

- My lady! - I will reach my lord.

My lady!

Nagato!

My lady!

I will never forget your loyalty!

May fortune be yo-

It's like it was only yesterday.

Is it alright? This way?

I'm happy for you to talk about it any way you like.

Thank you.

So...where was I?

Breaking through the enemy ranks...

Where Nagato gets wounded.

Right. Right.

That man had been taken prisoner.

I wanted to save him any way I could.

- What's happening? - It's an ambush!

Guard the prisoner!

It's me. I've come to save you!

It looks like my release is coming 10 years early!

She's done being a lady.

Chiyoko, behind you!

- Finish her off! - Stop there.

Who are you?

You must be joking.

I don't even have a name.

Did you follow me?

Cut him down!

I can be very persistent.

Why do you care about me?

I can't help it.

How does it differ from your desire

to go and save that man?

But I love him!

Stop talking. Just leave this fight to me.

I don't need your gratitude.

I will die if I must, for the woman I love.

Maybe I should get myself fired...

Come on, then! All of you at once!

Reinforcements are here!

You impudent girl!

Where have you got him?

They weren't as tough as they sounded.

Please wait for me, Chiyoko! I'm coming!

By now his head's on display in Kyoto.

In the capital?

The show ends here for you, brat!

He's in Kyoto!

- Let me go. - No. Never!

I will return!

I just want to see him and give him what's his!

What a splendid idea.

That man is about to be executed for defying the government.

What could he possibly need right now?

You poor fool.

Pursue him for a thousand years and as far as you may.

You cannot escape your destiny.

Neither you, nor her!

What are you staring for? Take her away.

- Stand up. - Let me go! Please let me go!

I must go to him!

I will return!

Please! Let me go!

Now we arrive in Kyoto, faster than a bullet train.

And it's the mid-19th century.

Torakichi!

Where's Chiyoko?

Isn't your costume from the wrong era?

Don't look at me like that!

You've forgotten everything I taught you.

I won't let you bring shame on us.

You'll learn some sense.

How stupid, upsetting Eiko like that.

It serves her right. Chiyoko doesn't know her place.

Being popular doesn't make a geisha.

Make sure she doesn't run away.

Weren't we supposed to be making a documentary?

Of course we are. Here we go...

The Seven Transformations: The Legend of Chiyoko Fujiwara

God, these old folks.

Are you alright, Miss?

I'm alright.

Please leave it to me.

Now, this way, quickly.

That man is in the city, isn't he?

Knowing that, I can't keep you here.

I won't ever forget this.

It's nothing. I wanted to help you

since the day you arrived here.

I wanted to help you,

even if I could only do a little.

And ever since then!

Chiyoko!

Pull yourself together.

- A prison break?

- Some anti-shogunate samurai escaped.

Spread out!

Sorry.

It's me! Don't you remember?

We met by chance on a winter's day, just like now.

I've been looking for you all this time.

I wanted to give this back to you.

Wait! Your key!

Someday, at the promised place.

Over there! Hurry!

Woman. Just now a rogue samurai ran by here.

Which way did he go?

He went that way.

Woman, you look familiar.

You're hiding something.

Tell us. You know where he is.

Young lady, worry not.

Whoo! Just what I was waiting for! This is too much!

You're a damned anti-shogunate rebel.

You outdated brutes don't know when your time has come.

Get on the horse and leave the rest to me...

It's not healthy to exert yourself too much.

Such kindness to a worthless man.

Young miss, I'll never forget you!

Where do you think you're going, playing hooky?

Perhaps a date with that people's rights activist?

- I don't know what you're talking about.

- We have evidence.

He left a little memento in your storeroom at home.

He did?! What was-

So you do know him.

That's all I needed.

We can continue down at the station.

You're a stubborn one too, aren't you?

Just tell them what they want to know.

I can't tell them what I don't know.

But I wouldn't tell them, even if I knew.

I would never betray him.

Naive girl.

You may say that now, but people's feelings change.

I'm not like that! I love him more every day.

They're all the same.

A man took all of Eiko's earnings.

Then he ran off with another woman.

I wish she'd share some of her money with me.

What's that?

What is it this time?

Miss! I've come to save you!

- Who are you? - Have you forgotten?

I'm Gen the rickshaw man. I've come, as I promised.

I brought three billion yen to buy your freedom!

- Am I really free to go? - Didn't I say you would be?

We don't need you anymore. We caught the culprit.

Wait. Please.

Wait. Please.

Open the door! Please open the door!

Open the door! Please! I just want to see him!

Please! Open the door!

I'm begging you. Open the door!

Where to this time?

- Is this a science-fiction movie?

- Idiot!

Ugh. You selfish child.

But the storehouse is on fire!

You stupid girl!

Do you think you have the right to die young?

- Chiyo dear! - Chiyoko!

Chiyoko, come back!

- Hurry! - Chiyoko!

Come on!

WISTERIA SWEETS

Is that...?

WE WILL MEET AGAIN.

Chiyoko!

Chiyoko! Chiyoko!

Are you alright?

Chiyoko!

You cannot escape.

You cannot escape.

Are you alright?

- You seemed unwell. - I'm fine.

If you listened to the doctors,

you'd think all old people were ill.

- We'll continue another day. - No.

By tomorrow, I won't be able to remember.

During the post-war years, we all struggled to survive.

There was no food or clothes.

What sustained us was the desire to make good films.

GINEI STUDIOS

Back then, I was busy every day.

But I always believed that...

we'd meet again someday.

The world had completely changed,

and I had no clue how to find him.

But maybe...

that man might see one of my films.

We were really busy in the 1950s, weren't we?

What?

Eh?

The truth comes out.

Oh? Were you in Ginei Studios? In Otaki's crew?

Yes, but in a very junior position,

seen from your perspective.

You should have told me!

Well, no...

I never made it to director, not even to department head.

Mr. Otaki was always telling me off.

I'm Genya Tachibana. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Work hard.

Miss Eiko, this is our new apprentice, Genya.

Umm, I've always loved the dialogue

between you and Chiyoko Fujiwara.

I did her the favor of helping her get started.

You idiot. She can't stand her.

Remember this: audiences and actresses are the same.

You have to flatter them.

I'll show you how, one day.

Yes, sir.

I really fell for it, didn't I?

Chiyo, directing films is very similar to painting.

A painter paints the colors he likes on his canvas.

I've come across a beautiful color.

That color is you.

Did he use such a pretentious line?

Try it next time.

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

I'm home.

Didn't I tell you to turn them down?

You say that, but you won't be young forever.

A woman's happiness comes from making a proper home.

But I have...

All the old political prisoners have long been set free.

You can't keep waiting for a man who won't come back.

No! I'm going to meet with him.

You don't know if he's dead or alive.

I'm sure he's alive.

You won't be young forever!

We promised each other that we'd meet someday.

You're too old to be dreaming like a little girl.

Cut!

Chiyo, what is it?

My, my, well I'm tired.

This old lady's going to take a break.

We'll take a break!

The key's gone.

That's right. This is when it happened.

Mommy Eiko!

- Lunch time already? - No, not yet.

Genya, it's getting rough on set. D-I-V-A.

Please! Look everywhere!

I'm lost without it.

What are you standing there for? Search for it, Genya!

Yes sir! I'm back!

What are we looking for?

- Chiyoko's precious key! - Chiyoko's precious key!

Yes sir!

So it was Eiko, after all...

No one knows for sure.

But we couldn't find the key.

It can't just disappear. It's here somewhere.

Chiyoko, what's the key for?

- I want to know. - Me too.

Tell us, Teacher!

You see, someone dear to me gave it to me for safekeeping.

You mean your boyfriend.

- Her steady! - I wonder what he's like.

- What's his face like? - Is he handsome?

His face?

- Like an actor? - Who does he look like?

Who?

I can't remember.

Not even...

Not even his face!

I loved him so much.

Now I can't even remember his face.

- I'm sorry. - Not at all.

This tea has a wonderful aroma.

It's herbal tea. It's very good for you.

Well, shall we move on?

Soon after the incident with the key, you got married didn't you.

Yes, to Otaki.

It was as if a gaping hole had

opened in my heart when I lost my key.

And I had passed the age of dreaming.

Yesterday, on the 20th, at 11:47 PM Japanese time,

a rocket carrying seven American astronauts

was launched from Cape Canaveral.

With the world watching, the rocket entered the orbit...

Oh, no!

Ah, so the truth comes out.

Eiko? What do you mean?

A farce by a great director to win a popular actress.

It was stupid of me to play the role of the thief.

But I've always held a grudge where you're concerned.

That fortune-teller in Manchuria...

Such a silly trick.

What I did was terrible.

But I wanted to get rid of you so badly.

So you knew his whereabouts?

How would I know?

But a certain person discovered my trick.

But...what did I ever do to you, Eiko?

I was jealous of you!

Of your youth.

How chasing after just one man kept you youthful...

...in exchange for that.

And I had to play your older adversary.

I don't even have the strength to hate you any longer.

Hey, this is all in the distant past.

- Excuse me... - We're busy. Come back later.

Well you see... there's a visitor... for Chiyoko.

You must be Miss Chiyoko Fujiwara.

What do you want this time?

My sincerest apologies.

You know who I am, don't you?

Go away!

I'm not surprised you detest me.

I blindly followed authority

and committed evil acts before the war.

What I'm doing now is trying to atone for my sins.

I'll continue on my journey.

A painter, a political revolutionary,

left this for you.

TO THE KIND GIRL WHO SAVED ME

He said he wanted to say some words of thanks to you.

I humbly offer my sincerest apologies.

Chiyoko.

I regret that I was unable to thank you for saving me.

I'd very much like to meet you,

but the war makes that impossible.

When the war is over and real peace has come,

I will return home to Hokkaido and finish my painting.

Someday, I'd like to show you the starry skies...

...in that place where we promised to meet.

This key?

It opens the most important thing there is.

The most important thing?

Let it be my homework for tomorrow. Promise?

The 19:37 Snow & Sky Express is ready for departure.

Remaining passengers,

please go to Platform 12 immediately.

- Come on and tell us. - Is it a guy you like?!

Her first love!

The full moon's tomorrow.

But on the 14th night, there's still tomorrow.

Tomorrow means hope.

- Not bandits again? - Idiot!

Attention, passengers.

This train is stopping due to a rock slide on the tracks.

Open the door!

There will be buses on the road below.

Train staff will lead you to the highway.

You poor fool!

You will burn forever in the flames of eternal love.

He's in the capital.

I will reach my lord!

Wait!

Wait!

Someday, at the promised place.

My lord!

I'm sure he's alive.

I'm going to meet with him.

I love him more each day.

You're in luck, madam. Get on board.

Boss, this role suits you!

Leave it to me. Hokkaido, here we come!

It's dangerous! Dr. Chiyoko!

He's waiting for me!

In that vast white landscape,

you feel like you're in a faraway world.

Doctor Chiyoko! Please wait! Doctor!

I'm going to return. This key to him.

Wait... Wait!

Please! Please wait!

I beg you! Wait!

Wait.

I'll come to you! I'll go wherever it takes...

Do you have to go?

I made a promise.

I swore I'd go meet him.

You'll never be able to return!

- Chiyoko! - Watch out!

I've... I've always loved you.

It's a big one!

Chiyoko, look out!

Chiyoko! Run!

- Chiyoko? - Are you alright?

- Everybody, help! - Quick!

Chiyoko!

- Everybody, lend a hand. - Hurry!

She's here! So is Genya!

Are you alright?

Ouch!

Did you shield me?

- Yes. - Well done, Genya!

I despise you.

And I love you more than I can bear.

- Chiyoko, what's wrong? - Chiyoko!

Genya, what did you do to her?

I didn't do anything.

How could I forget the man who saved my life?

Not at all. I look completely different now.

It's been 30 years. I've lived a quiet life since then.

But why...?

After disappearing in Hokkaido, you returned to the film world.

But after the accident during the shoot...

why did you suddenly vanish?

I never thought I'd see him again.

WE WILL MEET AGAIN

I'd resolved to follow him anywhere.

Why, then?

At the time of the accident, it dawned on me.

I was no longer the same person he'd remember.

I despise you.

More than I can bear!

I didn't want him to see me now that I've aged.

Chiyoko?

It's a big one!

Chiyoko!

You're always there to save me.

Chiyoko! Chiyoko!

In the end, Chiyoko never met

the guy with the key again, did she?

The old man...

That painter refused to open his mouth, right to the end.

I tortured him.

I killed him.

So that means Chiyoko...

was pursuing the shadow of a person who was no longer there.

I'm sorry, I asked too much of you.

No, it was a real pleasure.

But we must bid farewell.

Oh no! The doctor says you'll be fine.

I see you're no good at lying.

Don't feel sad.

After all, I'm going after him again.

Look. I have the key, thanks to you.

This key rekindled my memories of him.

It's as if, while you listened to my story,

my younger self has come alive again.

This time you'll find him.

We'll see.

Though, maybe it doesn't matter.

After all...

After all, what I really love is the pursuit of him.