Original subtitles

Produced by Kindai Eiga

This story is set around the year 1980.

OWL

Shinobu OHTAKE

Ayumi ITO

Akira EMOTO Katsumi KIBA Daijiro HARADA

Naomasa MUSAKA Santaro SAKIGAKE Tomorowo TAGUCHI

Mansaku IKEUCHI Yasuhito OOTI Ippei KANIYE

Music by Hikaru HAYASHI Cinematography by Yoshiyuki MIYAKE

Produced by Jiro SHINDO

Written and directed by Kaneto SHINDO

No matter how much of this shit you eat, it's never enough.

What kind of root is it?

Pine root.

You can chew it all day long and not taste a thing.

Cedar roots are far more tasty.

I knew it wouldn't be enough.

It just makes you pee more.

We've already eaten every living thing around here.

Mice... now that was delicious.

The owl's hooting.

She's watching us.

It's better to die than to eat this poison.

She's been living here for ages.

Mum, you're too kind.

We've nothing to put on, though.

Yeah... we've sold everything.

The sewing machine is all that's left.

Well, let's start.

(A mourning curtain)

HOPE HILLS SETTLEMENT GROUP

Do you think they'll come?

Don't worry.

Good evening.

Good evening to you.

Welcome.

Please, come here.

Feel at home.

This way.

Have a seat.

Do you live here together? - Yes.

Are you the one who phoned?

Yes, that's right.

I just happened to be on phone duty at the hostel.

Help yourself. - Thanks.

What's wrong with her eyes?

She can't see.

But she moves so freely. - She's knows this place.

You are the only people in the entire settlement.

We arrived here as immigrants about 30 years ago.

There were a lot of people here. But now we're the only ones left.

You use an oil lamp? - Yes.

But there's electricity here. Why don't you use it?

We have nothing to pay with.

I see. It's bad without light.

Electricity is a necessity.

Are you her mother? - Yes.

And your husband? - He disappeared.

Disappeared?

He went looking for construction work on the Tokyo subway...

and we haven't seen him since.

The Tokyo subway is full of migrants and moles.

Moles?

I also came here from Tokyo in search of a job.

I'm here to work on the dam.

It must be fate.

When did you start working?

Last spring.

You could say I'm a victim of circumstance.

There are a lot of people like me at the dam.

Damn. I wish I could vanish, too.

And what would happen to your family then?

I hate my wife.

What makes you say that?

She bullied me all the time.

Our company has started staff reductions.

And they asked me to leave after 35 years of service.

Just thrown out... without severance pay.

I'm a highly skilled worker.

And what did my wife do?

She just said, "Go look for another job!"

Just like that.

And we married for love.

Do you have children?

My daughter is finishing college.

She's always on her mother's side.

And shouts and swears at her own father.

Says that I should support the family.

Well, shall we move on to business?

Yes. Perhaps.

20 thousand yen? - Yes.

No discount?

If you don't agree then get out.

All right. All right.

But give me the full service.

Money first.

Just like on the train.

And you'll get a ride, too.

Let's go.

That was great.

I haven't had that in a long time.

You were better than my wife.

Consider yourself lucky.

Sit down, please.

I didn't think it'd be that great. I'll come again.

Unlikely.

You'll see.

Do as you please.

Sounds like an owl.

Yes, it's an owl.

It flies at night and eats mice.

Yes.

And what kind of owl?

I don't know what it's called.

She's lived here for the longest time.

And you live here like owls.

This is especially for you.

It's good shochu.

Specially for me?

You are very kind.

Thanks.

I feel like I'm in heaven.

It tastes strange.

It's hot.

Drink it to the bottom.

You have to drink to the last drop to know its true taste.

OK.

Great.

I am glad.

Thanks.

One, two, heave ho.

Go ahead and cry. We will meet again somehow...

Someday... Someday...

I went to buy eel in the fish shop, and the owner made eyes at me.

When I said I was from the village, he didn't believe me.

I've dreamed of eating my fill for a long time.

No more eating roots for us.

Next time we'll buy beef.

And we'll also get sushi and tempura.

I can't recall when I last ate such delicious food.

The shopkeeper's probably still shocked.

And I haven't tasted Coca-Cola for so long!

I even had dreams about it.

Hello!

I'm the electrician.

We've been waiting for you.

Madame, can you turn on the switch? - Yes.

So, you say you came here from Manchuria?

Damn Manchuria...

In 1939...

Near Nagano there was a village named Princess of Lilies.

Two thirds of the village - 183 people...

left to settle in Manchuria.

I see...

The government asked them to support the interests of Japan there.

They were promised free plots of land. And they'd be big plots.

The head of the village was inspired and declared:

"We will accept the land...

and will also render service to the Great Japanese Empire!"

"We should look to the future!"

"Let us help our Japan!"

He was supported with enthusiasm.

They were poor peasants.

The free land seemed like a god-send.

They constructed a temple and a school.

They expelled the Chinese and took their vast territory.

And all for free.

But men could not survive without women.

Therefore the state employed young women.... called "continental brides".

My mother was one of them.

Then the war broke out.

The Russians attacked.

All the young men had been called up for military service.

There were only women and children left.

The Russian soldiers threw the children in the river.

And raped all the women.

The Japanese soldiers were too afraid and ran away.

Everyone abandoned us!

It was horrible!

You were raped too?

I was only 3 years old.

I hid myself. But I saw everything with my own eyes.

I had a big brother.

He was killed for attempting to resist.

War is awful!

How old are you?

Forty-two.

That means you have no idea what war is like.

All the same... war is awful!

It destroys human lives.

It brings uncountable disasters.

My parents barely survived. They lost a son and a daughter.

They returned to Japan. But they had no where to live.

But the village, they had left from?

They had planned to stay in Manchuria, so they had sold their land.

They had even dug up the bones of their ancestors.

Oh, but even so!

Are you listening?

Certainly, I'm all ears...

Our parents requested help.

People from the repatriation department then promised them small plots.

My parents could not believe their luck...

20 families climbed the steep track

from the village in the valley through the pass to settle here.

They received this land free of charge. As a gift from Japan.

Japanese always help Japanese.

Are you married?

I'm single.

Such a man without wife?

Is there something wrong with you?

What are you saying?

I'm a real man!

It's just that there are no suitable women around here.

Why don't you look where there are suitable women?

Who do you mean?

Me.

What?!

Until recently you crept around here,

like dirty little puppies.

And now you're all dressed up... I hardly even recognize you.

Ah... Oh, now I understand.

It costs twenty.

What?! 20 thousand?!

Actually 50 thousand.

Well, get up.

Come, come.

SENKYU! VERI GUDO!

AI EMU HEPPI!

That's good! Try this, it's specially for you!

I.. am.. so.. happy!

Here, here... VERI GUD!

What did he say?

"It's impossible to trust people!"

Great...

One-two, heave...

One more heave...

Go forward and cry...

Go forward and laugh...

On the crest of a wave...

Being tossed here and there...

Floating in the light of the moon...

Sailing directly to our house...

Want to sing?

This song makes me cry every time.

I was on my mother's back,

when we reached Tsuruga port.

So we've returned to Japan.

Here our native coast appears out of the fog...

Our small islet in the boundless sea...

Good evening.

Good evening.

Welcome.

I work on the dam on the other side of the mountain.

Please, sit down.

I'm assistant to the foreman there.

Ah, that's fine...

Sorry to trouble you... Has one of our workers been here?

No, we haven't seen anyone. Have we?

No, mum.

One guy recently said he was going over the mountain.

Said he was going there to have some fun.

See for yourself how we live. What fun could there be here?

Please, come in.

We worked all day long. So we decided to have a little drink.

Please, here. Sit down in the place of honor.

Make yourself at home.

Recently they held a referendum.

The inhabitants voted against building the dam.

They said it would be bad for the ecology.

And a waste of taxpayers' money.

It's being built to protect those who live downstream.

The forest has been cut down, when it rains heavily, it will flood.

The authorities want to prevent a disaster. That's why the dam is necessary.

I completely agree with the authorities.

You are absolutely right.

Sure thing.

Even if the dam weren't necessary, it provides people with work.

Only poor farmers live here.

We want to help them,

but it's impossible to simply distribute money.

Therefore we give preference to their work applications.

The government cares for the welfare of the nation.

The inhabitants of this village will suffer,

instead of those who live downstream.

No! The dam building will not be cancelled.

The authorities like to spend money.

Public works exist for this purpose.

The authorities need expenses...

To spend all our taxes.

Is there really not a single woman on the site?

It's a man's world. Access is denied to all women.

Except the old hag who brings tea.

I so envy those men.

The world of men is so bright, heroic.

Petals of men's hearts fall...

It's not quite like that.

Our life consists of melancholy and boredom.

Where are you from?

Tokyo.

Tokyo?

Well, not anymore...

Not these days.

What happened?

I got divorced...

I left the capital...

Now I live in Chiba.

I remember once taking a break by the sea in Chiba.

She had affairs with other man...

before I came to work on the dam.

The bitch!

To dump such a man!

I want to sleep with you!

That's why you came here after all.

I want you very much.

I can't hold back any more.

I cost a lot.

How much?

50 thousand yen.

50 thousand?

Ai!... Expensive!

But I... I agree.

I can't bear it any longer.

I have received my salary for this week... I can afford it.

Thanks.

Let's go.

Can you manage?

Now you're gonna find out.

Thanks.

Please.

It's specially for you.

"Ro... ev... orn"

What'd he say?

"Roses have thorns."

At first glance I sensed he was a cultivated person.

One-two, heave.

Another heave.

Heave together.

Go forward and cry...

Go forward and laugh...

My mum would prepare such wonderful sushi for the Obon festival.

Yours are good too.

Thanks to my mum.

Wish I could see her again.

Hello.

Hello.

Please come in.

I represent the electrical company.

I see.

Did one of our technicians visit here 3 days ago?

Yes.

He connected our lights.

And the heating too.

And we paid up our accounts.

I see.

The problem is...

since that day, he hasn't shown up for work.

It's very strange.

He connected us up at about three and then went home.

What could have happened to him?

It's so strange.

He's a very conscientious worker.

With three confirming certificates.

An exemplary employee.

It's inexplicable.

It's my daughter's birthday. I've prepared tasty sushi.

Would you like to give it a try?

Out of gratitude to you for connecting our electricity.

Don't worry.

Please.

Excellent.

You're a master chef.

The ones in town aren't nearly as tasty.

Thanks.

This is the only household that remains here.

After all we had to put poles...

all the way from the village to connect you to the power line.

Do you understand...?

Certainly, not.

A total of 17 poles.

For the sake of this poor hovel.

17 poles on a steep road through the pass.

How much tax money... was spent on that?

Why do you two continue living here?

We have no place to go.

I see.

No place to go?

No goals...

Though others have left.

Some have run away at night.

What sense does it make to remain here?

I think, those who left no longer found it bearable.

But the head of village and all his family committed suicide.

We didn't have the courage to do it.

We're in a desperate situation.

You came all the way by foot from the village in the valley? Yes?

That road is awful. A steep slope all the way to the pass.

You can't come on a bicycle.

You must certainly be tired.

Why don't you lie down and have a rest?

You so are kind.

That's cool. I don't mind if I do.

Why not then?

Please.

Hey, why are you shouting?

You wanted to rape me! I'm a decent woman!

Rape...?

But you started to undress first!

What?

If you're an honest person, pay.

Ah! Now I see!

You want to get paid.

Well, how much?

50 thousand.

I don't carry that much with me.

Then everything you have in here.

His wallet's empty.

I'm going home.

I will call your company and inform them about the rape attempt.

I haven't done anything.

You tried.

It's especially for you.

So tasty! It's delightful!

VERI GUDO, drink to the bottom.

What's going on?

I'm all burning!

I have fallen on the battlefield.

Heroic death.

Good afternoon.

Hello.

Come.

I'm Yosida from the water company.

Why are you wasting so much water?

We pay for the water so we do as we like with it.

True! 3 days ago you paid up all accounts.

Accordingly we renewed your water supply.

We were all surprised.

Do you still live here?

Why are you standing there, plumber?

Come into the house and take a break.

Today there is such a heat!

You're no farmers, eh?

Where do you get your money from?

Heavy daily labour.

The land hereabouts is all bad... all the settlers have gone.

Why did you stay?

I really can't understand.

We have no place to go.

Because of you we have to pump water up to this settlement.

Certainly you have to.

We are citizens of Japan so we have the right to Japanese water.

After all it was the Government who made us come here.

Do you know how much money it costs to supply you with water?

As if you pay for it from your own pocket.

It's state money. So what's the problem?

You work for the state, so you have nothing to worry about.

I'm not worried about myself but about the waste of public funds.

When there are such conscientious citizens as you, Japan is safe.

I want to treat you for your loyalty to the interests of the state.

Let's drink!

To what are we drinking?

To your future!

My future knows no limits.

It seems to me, there are clouds on the horizon.

Cold beer is so tasty!

It was cooled in the water all night long.

So it's thanks to the water?

What would we do without it, dear.

Last time I came here you two were like hungry raccoons.

What happened?

You've completely transformed.

And what do you carry in your bag?

I'm authorised to collect the payments for the last 5 months.

That means you're carrying no less than 100 thousand.

Guess higher! On one account alone I received 328 thousand.

Then let's drink to your health! Cheers!

Such behavior is not worthy of a civil servant.

But I'm single as of now.

Today the civil servant can have a rest. Trust me.

All is good? O-KEI? A little bit more?

It is so good I feel like dying!

Well, that is excellent...

I'm in heaven!

And this is specially for you.

Drink, please.

Why?

What'd he say?

He said "Why?"

It was destiny...

Good afternoon.

Were you sleeping?

Welcome.

You're drooling.

Oh, sorry.

I'm a policeman from the village in the valley.

Last time I came you looked like bush cats.

I can't believe you look like this now.

How did you manage it?

We grow potatoes in the field.

Potatoes? In this awful earth?

While I dozed, I had a dream.

A person in the shape of a policeman

climbed up the steep track to the mountain pass.

He was all sweaty from the heat.

Your dream has come true.

It's my duty - to climb up this damned pass once a month...

So long as people live here.

Why don't you undress and wash with cool water.

Otherwise you could catch cold and die.

When I undress, I turn into an average guy.

But in uniform I watch over the people and maintain order.

I'm a policeman and my mission is noble.

Do you want some cold beer?

Don't tempt me. I'm a policeman.

I know that you represent the state.

But you do undress when you go to bed?

Please, come in and have a little rest.

As a representative of the people, I should thank you

for everything that you do for us inspite of the cold and the heat.

Well it's fine. If you insist.

I'll stay here for an hour or so.

Please.

Remove the shirt, that you came in. - You're right.

And the undershirt. - All right.

And your pants too then. - Perhaps, I will.

Ooh...?! What muscles!

I once participated in a national Rugby tournament.

Let me wipe you dry.

Turn around.

That's all. Sit down, please.

I saw when you went to school downhill.

How old are you? - Seventeen.

Time flies like an arrow.

Childhood passes so quickly.

There's something strange happening around here.

Really?

Recently there have been some inexplicable occurrences.

Two workers from the dam disappeared, then two electricians.

And a couple of days ago a man from the water service went missing.

What a horror! How strange...

To think of it! In such a peaceful settlement...

This guy from department of water supply was an exemplary worker.

He disappeared with all the collections.

It's impossible to judge a person by his appearance.

Probably couldn't resist the temptation.

The majority of people only become exemplary citizens after death.

We still don't know that they're dead.

Yes-yes, certainly.

You two are vulnerable women, you should be careful.

Yes, thanks.

Lock the doors before going to bed.

How is your wife?

She died 2 years ago.

So you're probably lonely.

Certainly, it's lonely.

Perhaps you will have a little rest?

In that room. - In that room?

In my room.

Well, well. Since you're offering, I could have a little rest.

But why such generosity?

As a sign of our gratitude for the care you provide us.

Excuse me...

Good afternoon.

Who are you?

Well, the house is still quite solid.

No storms seem to have effected it.

It is the only one remaining from the 25 houses.

Someday it will be declared an architectural monument.

Take good care of it.

It's a pity, but it's time for me to go.

But I'll be back.

I'm the local inspector from the village in the valley.

And who are you?

I am Mizuguchi... from the repatriation department.

You're responsible for "Hope Hills"? - Yes.

It seems there's hope for them yet. - Yes.

I am Mizuguchi... from the repatriation department.

We heard that already.

Sorry.

The repatriation department? I never saw you before.

I joined the department only last year.

I can't think what your department wants from us.

Well, come in. - Thanks.

Hold on!

Do you have money?

Yes.

How much?

50 thousand.

Well then, come.

What was that about?

Oh... nothing. I just love people with money.

Please. - Sorry to be a bother.

Please, forgive us.

What? What do you mean?

We have caused you incalculable suffering.

You're referring to our settlement? - Yes.

Then it's not necessary to humiliate yourself that much.

You're not responsible that it turned out like this.

No, but it's my father's fault.

I met your father.

Really?

He died 5 years ago.

I joined the department to continue his work.

Now, it seems, nobody even knows your department exists.

My father struggled desperately so it wouldn't be closed down.

What for?

To rescue you!

Stop lying!

He wanted me to continue his work.

His last words were: "Try anything to fix this mistake!"

Therefore I followed his footsteps and joined the department.

At present I'm the only employee.

The only one?

Yes.

And what was your father's mistake?

They shouldn't have brought immigrants here.

That was your father's mistake?

And you have enough impudence to babble this nonsense?

I'm not justifying what he's done. I only ask you to forgive us.

My father sincerely wanted to help repatriates...

and addressed himself to the heads.

My father is from these parts.

He was at war and by a miracle, survived. Later he was repatriated.

When he learned about the prefecture's intention...

to help people returning home,

he devoted himself completely to the matter.

Sounds beautiful.

Only, the land here is poor.

It's useless for agriculture.

Truly, the land appeared barren.

And you can speak about that so casually?

I'm raging with fury.

My father studied at the agricultural college.

He admired the doctrine of Kenji Miyazawa.

"Neither wind, nor rain can stop us..."

He dreamed of developing virgin lands.

About feats of labour, about rich crops.

He believed that in 10 years on this clay earth

we could grow rice and wheat.

Not in 10 years...

Nor in 20, nor 30...

Nothing grows here.

And how did we survive all these years, do you think?

Your father planned it on paper.

And we in this settlement struggled for our very lives.

My parents died... from overwork and hunger.

We ate the seeds which the prefecture gave us for planting.

We ate the tree roots which we'd dug out of the land.

They cultivated this land inspired with hope.

Tried to improve this desert, lost in a far solitude.

Planted sakura, vegetables...

planted flowers along the roads.

The sakura acclimatised itself...

And blossoms each spring.

On the roadsides flowers still bloom.

But no one is here now. Everyone has left.

There are only the two of us.

How can you compensate for lost lives?

There's nobody else left,

to listen to our entreaties.

I will listen to you.

And what's the use?

I'm sorry.

You idiot.

And who will give me back my youth?

It's a great shame for me!

My father made a mistake.

Your father's not guilty,

the government is guilty.

No, it is my father.

He's the reason for your suffering and misfortune.

Stop accusing your father.

Better try to defend him.

So, you headed the department to correct your father's mistake.

No, I didn't know that my father was mistaken then.

I wanted to prove, that he was right in his initiative.

But despite his good intentions, his hopes weren't justified.

Which means, he was wrong.

I will also soon be fired.

I don't doubt it.

I'm a useless person.

My God, you're beginning to get to me!

Do I irritate you?

Even if I would sob out all my tears,

the world would not become as it was before.

Perhaps, I should wipe your tears. Come here.

Mum, I'll take care of this.

Can you manage?

Yes, I studied... peeping on you.

I have to begin sometime.

He fits the purpose perfectly.

You're right.

If it goes wrong, I'll be nearby.

Well, go.

Here.

Come?

In the evenings it gets cool around these parts.

Yes, precisely.

How do you feel?

Thanks... Thanks! I'm so grateful to you!

If you want to show your gratitude,

there's no need to bow...

Simply pay us.

Yes, certainly.

Please, accept this money.

What a thick pack!

Yes, 500 thousand.

You said you only had 50 thousand.

I lied.

As a precaution.

Actually I had 500 thousand.

And we can keep this money? - Yes.

It's quite a worthy compensation.

To tell the truth I was a virgin until just now.

And my cherished dream was realized.

So, please, take it all.

I have reached the peak of happiness.

Finally I've become a man.

Emiko was my first and last woman.

It still feels like I'm dreaming.

By the way, it was her first time too.

Really? Oh, my!

What happiness!

Her being the first woman is clear.

but what does 'last woman' mean?

I am going to die immediately.

Today I left my house and visited my family tombs,

to say goodbye to my parents.

My mother died 2 years ago.

Without her, at this point... I don't want to live anymore.

To appease my father's mistake and my own sins...

I will leave this life without fear.

Don't worry... I won't cause you any trouble.

You have our gratitude.

Now, having experienced the embrace of a woman...

I am ready to die without regret.

I understand now.

Whether I jump into the ocean from the ferry...

or I jump from falls at Nikko...

I swear, I will carry out my intention.

Forgive me, but could you return 20 thousand yen...

for travel expenses.

Certainly, here take 30 thousand.

No, only 20. I shouldn't waste money!

As you wish then.

I am inexpressibly grateful to you.

Have a good trip...

Farewell.

You didn't offer him our special drink.

He'll jump from the ferry or Nikko falls, so it's not necessary.

He was so generous!

A pure soul! - He has towered over reality!

It's amazing... such cretins exist!

Well how did it go?

Nothing special.

As you taught me, I looked at the ceiling and recited: A, B, C...

Well, look at you!

So tasty!

Mum, now I'll work too... instead of you.

Why instead of me? Working together, we'll achieve our goal much faster.

We should provide ourselves a good future.

The main thing is a constant inflow of capital.

Let's count how much we have now.

Almost 800 thousand.

We've got almost two thirds...

Plane tickets should be around 500 thousand.

We'll have to go down to a city to find out.

We'd better avoid the the villagers below.

That's for damn sure.

Our goal should be at least one and a half million.

If only that policeman didn't suspect us.

I've got that under control. He won't bother us.

Good evening.

How can we help you?

My question will probably surprise you, but did anyone visit you?

And who would you be?

I'm the foreman of the construction workers at the dam.

You're the foreman? And why are they building a dam here?

Two of my people have recently disappeared.

We're just poor farmers. We don't know any workers.

Do you have a problem with your eyes?

It is because of undernourishment. We hardly make ends meet.

You're farmers, are you?

But your fields are fallow.

What are you doing here?

All we do is work the land. We don't have time for anything else.

We've just prepared sukiyaki...

Please... help yourself.

You have any beer!

Tasty cold beer.

Farmers who have beer and sukiyaki?

I see, you're not doing all that bad.

And you have a refrigerator too?

Yes. We found it dumped near the road.

Here you go.

I'm usually in a hurry.

Are you so busy?

What time is it now?

You don't have a watch?

I forgot it. But there's a clock.

It stopped 10 years ago.

We live without noticing time.

You are mother and daughter?

Yes, this is my daughter.

And her father?

He left to search for work and hasn't returned.

Everyone left this place long ago. Why did you decide to stay?

We heard they plan to build a huge amusement park here.

A large Tokyo company...

will construct a big ferris wheel and a roller coaster.

Flights to the moon...

And even construct a zoo...

There are lots of animals here: bears, wild boars...

it's simple to catch a couple, and it's done...

They will construct a monorail road from the station.

They will bring the people from Tokyo by the helicopter.

lf, if... I've heard this fable too.

Who would bring people to this hole to have a good time?

Is that so?

You're not fooling me.

The only cure for madness is death.

Both my guys... left through the pass...

Lured by the smell... of a female body.

Ahh... this meat is excellent! Very tasty!

Mr. Foreman... maybe you're too strict. So they all just ran away.

Hey you... small raccoon...

Admit...

And you, you've got the look of a mad dog.

No, not a raccoon... you're a doe-rabbit.

What do you do here?

I've already told you: we're mere farmers.

Liars...

Show me your hands.

Look properly.

These are country hands.

What kind of hands you have.

I feel certain these hands...

will be able to deliver me pleasure.

You sharpen it quite skillfully.

I'm a farmer.

And what do you cut with it?

Anything that irritates me. With a single stroke.

Oh really?

How much?

What are you saying?

Don't fake innocence!

I know what you sell here.

Nothing is sold here!

Moron.

Get the hell out.

Don't forget to pay for the beer.

You surprise me.

Piece of shit.

We missed a big roll.

He won't escape!

I'll find him in the dark on the pass.

Be careful! - Sure.

Pitch black! I couldn't see a thing out there.

I stepped on a thorn.

And slipped down a hillock.

Excuse me for what I said.

I'm sorry.

You wounded my human pride.

On your knees!

Have pity on me!

Mister foreman. I am sorry.

My daughter's like gunpowder. A single spark ignites her.

When she gets fired up, it's impossible to calm her down.

Really? I was a bit frightened.

It arouses me.

I might even say: Arised!

Rise here then.

Let's settle everything.

People should live in peace.

We will find a bed for you.

Get in.

Allow me, I will wipe your feet dry.

Sorry.

Thanks.

A little more beer?

No. Thanks.

I see...

30 thousand.

Clearly.

Discounted.

Money up front, yes?

No, afterwards is okay.

In that case... Could I maybe have her?

You're okay with it, Emiko?

Yes, Mummy.

It's okay.

LETSE GOH.

It was delightful.

How thrilling!

Nothing like youth.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Tomorrow I'll engage you, more skilled...

I'm not so sure... that we'll meet again.

This is specially for you.

What is it? Special service?

It's a wonderful house drink.

You never know what awaits you.

It is necessary to risk one's life to achieve a goal.

Ten times 30 thousand!

300 thousand in all! A great take!

Perhaps, the entire payroll.

That asshole. Profiting from the work of others.

Enemy of the people.

We're already close to our goal.

I'm sure he's swindled this money from the workers.

But we will find a better use for it.

Where should we go?

Indonesia, Thailand... or even to Brazil or the Siberian emptiness?

In Brazil snakes are 5 meters long.

And in Bangkok all buildings are covered with gold.

We will see it for ourselves.

Who's there?

Who are you?

Really?

Really... still alive?

Yes.

But you promised to die.

Sorry.

Why have you returned?

I couldn't forget you.

What are you saying? Don't make me laugh!

You'll spoil your karma.

I put my life in your hands!

Please become my wife!

I was already waiting for the ferry...

when I realized that security would prevent me from jumping.

And the falls at Nikko... they're too far!

So I decided to go to lake Towada,

which was not so far.

But when I got there,

there was a scout camp on the shore.

And I thought:

"What do they know about life, living at their parents expense?"

I was so annoyed that I lost self-control.

I realized that it would end in failure...

So I went to the Oirase gorge...

There I hanged myself from a tree branch.

But the branch broke, and I fell to the ground.

When I came to... I was lying on the grass...

which was shining with the evening dew.

Sunlight fell directly from the sky...

filtered by the green foliage.

And then it seemed,

that God spoke to me:

"Suicide is a sin! You should not die!"

"Death will bring you nothing!"

"Death is a defeat!"

What could have affected me that much?

Then I remembered your face.

I wanted to sleep with you again.

No, excuse me. I wanted to marry you.

So I can fix the mistake of my father

and to overcome my sense of guilt.

And then I stood up and went.

And here I am.

But we are not staying here to live.

Why?

Doesn't matter. We have our reasons.

I want to marry you.

to revive this settlement.

I need to realize the last wish of my father.

How are you planning to revive this barren land?

Hard labour. I'll work like an ox.

I'll immerse myself in everything.

No matter how much you work, this earth returns nothing.

Everyone here worked to their last ounce of sweat...

but eventually threw down their tools and left.

Who needs your silly complexes?

You're despicable.

But it was like I was born again!

No, it's better for you to die.

Why?

It just is.

Let's get married!

No-no-no! You're completely crazy.

But you cured me! Our's was a sacred union!

Let me repeat this divine treatment.

Because you want to screw me, you've decided not to die?

Yes!

I took money for the service you bought.

What's so sacred in that?

Why say it so roughly!

It's the truth!

She should not say such cruel things!

Listen! It's better for you to die.

Don't say that!

While people are still living, they should struggle for life!

Enough! Only two days ago you wanted to die.

But you returned me to life!

My dear! I learned the sweetness of life from you!

Mum! Bring the drinks.

I pity him a little.

It's too late to be sorry!

What are you talking about?

Hey you...

Let's celebrate our engagement!

Will you marry me?

First we'll drink. Do you like to drink?

I wouldn't refuse.

It's homemade moonshine.

Homemade moonshine is healthy!

What is it made of: barley, potato, wheat?

It is our house brand. From Hope Hills.

Local brand? It must be pretty great.

Good evening.

What's wrong?

Who's there?

It is me.

Why did you come so late? Is there something urgent?

There are strange things going on.

I should patrol this area even at night.

Especially for your sake.

Thanks for your concern. Please, make yourself at home.

In the evening it becomes cooler.

What a beautiful pistol you have on your hip!

Is it loaded?

I'll kill everyone!

Welcome!

Tonight you're somehow especially beautiful!

As though all of a sudden you've become a woman.

Please, put that terrible thing away.

Sure thing.

How about a cold beer?

Please, help yourself.

You always have beer in a stock.

We keep it specially for you.

Specially for me?

You're such a hunk... So fit...

Forgive me for the last time I visited.

We were interrupted at a most unfortunate moment.

Yes it was. Most unsatisfactory, wasn't it?

I hope tonight things will go more smoothly.

Yes. I too hope for a HAPPY END.

Cool. VERI GUDO.

Do not hesitate to say... if there's anything I can do for you.

Can you make passports for us?

Passports? - Yes.

But why do you need them?

I want to study to become a nurse. People laugh at me...

when they learn that I'm from a migrant settlement.

There should be no prejudice or discrimination in a civilized society.

Nevertheless it exists even here in Japanese culture.

But if I have a document issued by the police, they will accept me.

And in case I ever want to travel...

it should be an international passport.

New York... Paris... China...

And where are you going?

Oh, no, where could I go without money? It just came up.

Do you have pen and paper?

I happen to have the necessary forms.

By chance a farmer asked me for the same papers.

Tonight, I hope, everything will go nicely?

Well here it is, all in correct order.

With this paper you'll be fine. - Thanks.

Generally I'm not supposed to, but...

Just for you.

Thank you very much!

I'm so grateful to you!

Well then, can we begin?

Yes, why not.

Here-here.

Who's there?

Again a hindrance!

Here.

Who's there?

We were already in bed.

Who's there?

Auntie?

Koji?

Mr. Koji?

You still live here? and you too.

We remained, but all others have left.

Come in Koji. Are you hungry? How are you? Are you well?

It's 3 years since you left.

Are you sick?

We returned to Osaka, to Mum's home.

Her brother there opened a diner in his factory.

A small cafe.

He has a wife and three children.

They gave us an empty room.

But never invited us to their table.

Eventually, we rented another room nearby.

Father searched unsuccessfully for work.

All his life he was a farmer. He knew nothing else.

He never studied. And don't forget his age.

He finally got some part-time jobs.

He died of exhaustion.

We had no money for the funeral.

We've brought him to a crematorium on a handcart.

I wanted to work but mother forced me to study.

She told me it was for my future.

She worked herself as a cleaner in an office.

I helped to clean it on Sundays.

She worked so hard that the director invited her to clean his house too.

She was so happy that she had additional work.

But then...

He raped her.

All night she'd cry in the kitchen.

But continued going to clean there.

She couldn't find any other work.

I knew nothing about it.

I'd even joined a tennis club.

I remember at school you played tennis too.

I climbed up the steep road through the pass.

It's easy going down but back up is really hard.

We always came back up together.

I saw the woodcutter's hut.

Yah, it's still there. We used to play there.

It was our place...

Yes, we did it the first time there.

What? she wasn't a virgin?!

The director's wife guessed what had happened and had my mother replaced.

A ring disappeared and then was found in mother's bag.

Mother swore she was innocent.

But they had her arrested and forced her to sign a false confession.

When she got home, she asked for my forgiveness.

for causing a stain on my reputation.

She knelt. I said: "Stop, you've done nothing wrong."

She didn't understand. She was convinced she hadn't resisted sufficiently...

when he raped her the first time.

She was too ashamed.

One day she didn't come home.

The next day they found her body in the river.

On the leaf of my writing-book she wrote:

"Find the courage to live. Forgive me..."

How very awful...

I wanted to commit suicide, as she had...

But then something changed... I felt her soul, shamed by the rape, was near me.

I decided to avenge her.

I stole a pistol from a police box and went to the house of the director.

But only his wife was home.

I demanded that she apologize for what she'd done.

She started screaming that mom was a thief.

That she had stolen from their house.

I've went mad and fired.

She fell down.

Someone came running towards the sound of the shot.

Probably, one of the servants.

He had a gun and fired.

He hit me in the stomach.

But I managed to escape.

I was going to surrender to the police, but changed my mind.

I wanted to return to where I was born.

I wanted to die in my family home.

To die here, where I grew up.

There was never anything to eat.

We were constantly hungry.

But I was born here.

Each step... climbing up the steep slope...

I felt so happy.

I was happy.

He got you in the stomach?

Koji! I can't imagine what you've been through.

I am so glad you've come back.

I want to die in the parental house.

What are you saying? You can't die.

But I'm a murderer!

All of us are murderers.

What's so bad about killing those who deserve it.

I'm done for already.

Let me bandage your wound.

The bullet is still inside and the bleeding... won't stop.

What! We have to get you to a hospital.

I can't move any more.

I will carry you.

Emiko! Careful...

I don't care what they hear.

Koji Eizaka! You're under arrest!

I'm a policeman.

You won't escape from me.

Don't move!

Emiko.

What're you doing?

One move and I'll blow your head off!

Don't be a fool!

He is wounded and can't escape.

Koji! Run!

Run! Hurry!

It's over. I can't move.

Hurry! Get up!

Don't let this moron get you!

I'm dying. Bury me in the yard.

Koji...

Are we really doomed?

Koji! It's so bloody unfair!

Run... Run...

He won't get anywhere. I'll arrest him for murder.

You move and I'll shoot!

I'll arrest you for threatening a policeman.

Shut up!

What kind of a policeman are you? You just tried to buy a woman.

It's over now!

All of us will die!

Do something about your daughter... or you'll become an accomplice.

What for?

For harboring a criminal.

Emiko let's take Koji to the hospital.

Koji! We're going to the hospital!

Listen to me here!

Hey, whore! Step back!

Whore? You really are a moron!

If I'm a whore then what are you?

Calm down! or I'll shoot! I'll shoot!

To me it's nothing! It's self-defense!

I saw! I saw it all!

You! You buy people's lives!

You're not worthy to be a policeman! I'll expose you to the world!

I'll tell everyone about the troubles of this village

to make amends for my father.

Nobody will save you from punishment! It's over!

You shot an innocent man!

Innocent? Hell, no! Drop it! Or I'll shoot!

I can kill all of you it's self-defense!

The pistol is not charged!

Shame... Shame... Shame on all of us!

You! You're the murderers!

And you're our last victim!

All of us will die!

Great...

Sorry!

It's frightening... your success.

Well it's a new day.

Koji's found a resting place in his home court yard.

Everything's good! Our plan is working out!

Let's drink to it!

Let's sing the hymn of Hope Hills!

Koji's father composed the lyrics for it.

Friends! I welcome all who have come to Hope Hills!

Here are 20 families. Overall 86 people.

Destiny has brought us all here to Hope Hills.

This land is desolate for now.

But we will wet it with our sweat and turn this wasteland...

into prosperous, blossoming land!

We have composed a song for ourselves.

So... Let's raise our voices as we sing, The Hymn of Hope Hills!

We stand on a top of a desolate mountain

We'll cultivate these lands

We'll irrigate fields and gather rich harvest

It's a settlement of migrants - HOPE HILLS!

In a rain, in a snow, in a storm...

We stand shoulder to shoulder

We are together and we will not give upl

It's a settlement of migrants - HOPE HILLS!

This world belongs to us

Red dragonflies fly over green rice fields

In autumn we'll wait for a harvest fest

It is a settlement of migrants - HOPE HILLS!

It is a settlement of migrants - HOPE HILLS!

1 YEAR LATER

I am Minoru Yanagawa from the prefecture police.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Matsutaro Yamazaki - head of the village in the valley.

Santo Tikamori - Social Security department.

Nice to meet you.

May I introduce myself.

I'm Furukawa - chief of building of the dam of Karasuga-lake.

Yasuzo Sanishi - the manager of the Fukudo electrical company.

Shintaro Takumori - water supply department.

As all of you know, on July, 21st this year...

A bear pulled a human hand out of an abandoned dwelling.

The resulting investigation found the remains of 9 people.

One for each house.

Currently excavators are demolishing all the buildings.

Originally there were 20 families in this settlement.

Therefore we expected we might find 20 corpses.

However we found only 9.

Certainly a strange case...

We know that the policeman from the village in the valley has disappeared.

If we identify his remains then this becomes a very serious crime.

But still...

We've found traces of pesticide in the tissues of several corpses...

together with poisonous plant seeds.

This plant is so poisonous,

that a single dose causes immediate death.

One of our village elders told me that he saw this plant.

It was near Omiga-lake gorge. It blossoms once every 10 years.

People call it "The Snow Princess".

Is there any connection between this plant and the mistress of this house?

We're pretty certain that the mistress and her daughter were not involved.

It's doubtful that migrants would have known anything about this plant.

The mother was 37, and her daughter only 17.

How could they even imagine such a monstrous crime?

Gentlemen, let's check how the works outside are proceeding.

Subtitles extensively rewritten by salmond

Written and Directed by

KANETO SHINDO