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 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 hoots.

She watches us.

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

She has been living here for ages.

Mum, you're so 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 will come?

Don't worry.

Good evening.

Good evening.

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 was just on phone duty at a hostel.

- Please help yourself. - Thanks.

What's wrong with her eyes?

She can't see.

- But she moves so freely. - She's used to this surrounding.

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 are the only ones left.

- Do you use an oil lamp? - Yes.

But there is 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 occupied by emigrants and moles.

Moles?

I also arrived 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 around 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 and 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 father.

Says that I should support the family.

Well, shall we move 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 would be that great. I'll come again.

Unlikely.

You'll see.

Do as you please.

Seems like an owl.

Yes, an owl.

It flies at night and eats mice.

Yes.

And what kind of owl?

I don't know what it is called.

She has 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 what it tastes like.

OK.

Great.

I am glad.

Thanks.

One, two, heave ho.

Go ahead and cry We will meet again somehow

Someday... Someday...

I have gone to buy an eel in the fish shop, and the owner has goggled at me.

When I told that I came from village, he didn't believe me.

I dreamed to eat plenty for a long time.

Now eating roots is finished for us.

Next time we will buy beef.

And we'll also take sushi and tempura.

I can't recall when I've eaten such delicious food for the last time.

The vendor's probably still shocked.

And I haven't drunk Coca-Cola for such a long time!

I even dreamed of it.

Hello!

I am an electrician.

We have been waiting for you.

- Madame, can you press the switch? - Yes.

So, you mean you have arrived here from Manchuria?

Damn Manchuria...

In 1939...

Near Nagano there was a village named Princess of Lilies.

Two thirds of the village - 183 persons

had gone to settle in Manchuria.

I see...

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

They were promised to get the lot for free. And it were big lots.

The head of village was inspired and has declared:

"We will accept the land

and also we will help the Great Japanese Empire!"

"We should look ahead!"

"Let's help our Japan!"

He was supported with enthusiasm.

They were poor peasants.

The free land seemed like god-send.

They constructed a temple and a school.

They expelled the Chinese and also took their vast territory.

And all for free.

But men could not survive without women.

Therefore the state has employed maidens. They were named "continental brides".

My mother was one of them.

Then the war broke out.

The Russians attacked.

All 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 women.

The Japanese soldiers were too afraid and ran away.

Everyone abandoned us!

That was horrible!

You have been raped too?

I was only 3 years.

I had hidden. But saw everything with my own eyes.

I had a big brother.

He was killed for an attempt to resist.

War is awful!

How old are you?

Forty-two.

That mean you have no idea of what a war is like.

All the same, war is awful!

It destroys human lives.

It brings uncountable disasters.

My parents have hardly survived. They have lost a son and a daughter.

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

But the village, where they had left from?

They planned to remain in Manchuria, so they had sold their lots.

They even had dug out the bones of their ancestors.

Oh, but even so!

Are you listening?

Certainly, I'm all attention...

Our parents had requested help.

People from the repatriation department have then promised them small lots.

My parents could not believe their luck...

20 families have climbed the steep track

from the bottom village through the pass to settle here.

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

Japanese always help Japanese.

Are you married?

I am single.

Such a man without wife?

Is there anything wrong with you?

What are you saying?

I am a real man!

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

Why don't you check out where there are suitable women?

About whom do you speak?

Me.

What?!

Until this day you crept around here,

like small dirty 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 GUD!

AI EM HEPPI!

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

I so am happy!

Here, here... VERI GUD!

What did he say?

"It is impossible to trust people!"

Great...

One-two, heave...

Again heave...

Go forward and cry...

Go forward and laugh...

On a wave crest...

Being shaken there-here...

Floats on a lunar path...

Boat directly to the house

Want to sing?

This song makes me cry every time.

I sat on mother's back,

when we reached port Tsuruga.

So we have returned to Japan.

Here in a fog appears native coast -

Our small islet in the boundless sea...

Good evening.

Good evening.

Welcome.

I work on a dam on other side of mountain.

Please, sit down.

I am assistant to the foreman there.

Ah, that's how...

Sorry to trouble you... Did one of our workers come here?

No, we didn't see anyone. Didn't we?

Yes, mum.

One guy recently told that he would go over the mountain.

He told that he was going to have fun there.

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

Please, come in.

We worked all the day long. And decided to have a little drink.

Please, here. Sit down on a place of honor.

Make yourself at home.

Recently there was a referendum here.

Inhabitants have voted against the building of the dam.

It is said to be bad for the ecology.

And a waste of tax money.

It is built to protect those who live downstream of the river.

Woods have been cut down, when rains heavily there will be a flood.

The authorities want to prevent disaster. The dam is necessary for that.

I completely agree with the authorities.

You are absolutely right.

Sure thing.

Even if the dam might not be necessary, it gives people work.

Only poor farmers live here.

I'd like to help them,

but it's impossible to simply distribute money.

Therefore they are given preference in their work application.

The government cares for the welfare of the nation.

The inhabitants of this village will suffer,

instead of those who live downstream.

No! Dam building will not be cancelled.

The authorities like to spend money.

Public work exists for this purpose.

The authorities like expenses.

To spend all our taxes.

Is there really not a single woman on the site?

It is a man's world. To women the access is denied.

Only 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 is not really like that.

Our life consists of melancholy and boredom.

Where are you from?

Tokyo.

Tokyo?

Well, not anymore...

Not these days.

What happened?

I divorced...

I left the capital...

Now I live in Chiba.

I remember how we had a rest at the sea in Chiba.

She had affairs with other man...

before I had arrived to work on the dam.

The bitch!

To dump such a man!

I want to sleep with you!

That's why you came here.

I want you very much.

I cannot hold myself any more.

I cost a lot.

How much?

50 thousand yens.

50 thousand?

Expensive!

But I... I agree.

I can not suffer any more.

I have received the payments for this week, I can afford it.

Thanks.

Let's go.

Can you manage?

Now you will see.

Thanks.

Please.

It's specially for you.

"Ro.. ev...orn"

What did he say?

"Roses have thorns."

At first glance he seemed like a cultivated person.

One-two, heave.

Still heave.

Heave together.

Go forward and cry...

Go forward and laugh...

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

Yours are good too.

Thanks to my mum.

Wish I could see her once again.

Hello.

Hello.

Enter.

I represent the electrical company.

I see.

Did one of our specialists visit you 3 days ago?

Yes.

He has connected our lights.

And the heating too.

And we have paid our accounts.

I see.

Problem is that,

since that day he hasn't appeared at work.

It is very strange.

He has connected our light at about three and then went home.

What could have occurred to him?

It's so strange.

He is a very conscientious worker.

With three confirming certificates.

An exemplary master.

It is inexplicable.

My daughter has her birthday. I've prepared tasty sushi.

Do you want to give it a try?

Out of gratitude for you connecting our light.

Don't worry.

Please.

Excellent.

You are a master.

Those sold in town are not even nearly as tasty.

Thanks.

This is the only household that remained here.

After all we had to place

poles from the nearest village to here to connect you to the electricity.

Do you understand what that means?

Certainly, not.

A total of 17 poles.

For the sake of this poor hovel.

17 columns on a steep road through the pass.

How much tax money was spend on that?

Why do you two continue to live 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 left to whom it was really unbearable.

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

We do not have the courage for it.

We are in a desperate situation.

You went all the way by foot from the bottom village? Yes?

That road is awful. A steep slope right until the pass.

You cannot come here on a bicycle.

You must certainly be tired.

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

You so are kind.

It is cool. I don't mind.

Why not?

Please.

Hey, why are you shouting?

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

To rape you?

But you have started to undress first!

What?

If you're an honest person, pay.

Ah! Now I see!

You want to get paid.

Well, how much from me?

50 thousand.

I don't carry such an amount with me.

Then everything you have is in here.

His wallet is 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 is specially for you.

So tasty! It is delightful!

VERI GUD, drink to the bottom.

What is going on?

I am all burning!

I have fallen on the battlefield.

Heroic death.

Good afternoon.

Hello.

Come.

I'm Yosida from the water company.

Why do you spoil so much water?

We pay for water so we do what we want.

True! 3 days ago you have paid all accounts.

Therefore we also have renewed water delivery.

All of us have been surprised.

Do you still live here?

Why do you stand there, plumber?

Come into the house and have a rest.

Today there is such a heat!

You're no farmers, yes?

Where do you get your money from?

Heavy daily work.

The land is all bad here, all settlers have gone.

Why did you remain?

I really can't understand.

We have no place to go.

Because of you we have to pump up water 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 is required to deliver you your water?

As if you pay it from your own pocket.

This is state money. So what is the problem?

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

I do not worry 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 state interests.

Let's drink!

On what are we drinking?

On your future!

My future knows no constrains.

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 is thanks to water?

What could we do without it, dear.

Last time when I came here you seemed like two hungry raccoons.

What happened?

You have just completely transformed.

And what do you carry in your bag?

I was charged to collect the contributions for 5 months.

It means you have there no less than 100 thousand.

Guess higher! On one account I have even received 328 thousand.

Well, then we should drink! To your health!

Such behavior is not worthy of a civil servant.

But I am single as of now.

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

All is good? O-KEI? Still a little bit more?

It is so good I feel like dying!

Well, that is excellent...

I am in heaven!

And this is specially for you.

Drink, please.

Why?

What has he told?

He has said "Why?"

It was destiny...

Good afternoon.

Were you sleeping?

Welcome.

You are drooling.

Oh, sorry.

I am a policeman from the bottom village.

Last time I came you looked like thorn cats.

Can't believe you look like this now.

How was that possible for you?

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.

The dream has come true.

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

As long as live people there.

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

Otherwise you could catch a cold and die.

When I undress, I will turn into just a common guy.

But in uniform I represent the state, watch people and maintain order.

I'm the policeman. And my mission is noble.

Do you want some cold beer?

Do not tempt me. I'm the policeman.

I know that you represent the state power.

But you do undress when you go to bed?

Please, come in and have a little rest.

As the representative of the people, I should thank you

for everything that you do for us people despite the cold and heat.

Well it is fine. If you insist.

I will remain with you for an hour or so.

Please.

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

- And the t-shirt. - All right.

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

O-o?! What muscles!

Once I have participated in the national Rugby tournament.

Let me wipe you dry.

Turn around.

That's all. Sit down, please.

I saw how you went to school downhill.

- How old are you? - Seventeen.

Time flies like an arrow.

Childhood passes so quickly.

We have something strange happening around here.

Really?

Recently some inexplicable occurrences have happened.

Two workers from the dam have disappeared, then two electricians.

And a couple of days ago the person from the water supply service has gone.

What a horror! How strange...

To think only! In such a peaceful settlement...

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

He has disappeared with all the money he's collected.

It is impossible to judge a person by his appearance.

Probably, he couldn't resist the temptation.

The majority of people become exemplary citizens only after death.

We still do not have proof that they are 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 has died 2 years ago.

So you, probably, are lonely.

Certainly, it is lonely.

Perhaps you will have a little rest?

- In that room. - In that room?

In my room.

Well, well. Since you are offering, I could have some rest.

But why such a generosity?

As a sign of our gratitude for your care for us.

Allow 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 is a pity, but it is time for me to go.

But I will be back.

I am the local inspector from the bottom village.

And who are you?

I am Mizuguchi from the repatriation department.

- You are responsible for "Hope Hills"? - Yes.

- It seems there are is 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 have joined the department only last year.

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

- Well, come in. - Thanks.

Stop!

Do you have money?

Yes.

How much?

50 thousand.

Well then, come.

And what is the matter?

Oh, it is nothing. I simply love people with money.

- Please. - Sorry to trouble you.

Please, forgive us.

What? What are you talking about?

We have caused to you incalculable sufferings.

- You speak about our settlement? - Yes.

Then it is not necessary to humiliate yourself that much.

You are not responsible that it has turned out like this.

No, but it is the fault of my father.

I met your father.

Really?

My father has died 5 years ago.

I have joined the department to continue his business.

Now, it seems, nobody even knows such a department exists.

My father desperately struggled for that it wouldn't be disbanded.

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 have stepped into his footsteps and also joined this department.

At present I am the only employee there.

The only one?

Yes.

And what was the mistake of your father?

They shouldn't have brought immigrants here.

That was the mistake of your father?

And you have enough impudence to babble this nonsense?

I do not justify what he has done. I only ask you to forgive us.

My father sincerely wanted to help repatriates

and has addressed himself to the heads.

My father is from these places.

He was at war and by miracle has survived, later he was repatriated.

When he had learned about the prefectures intention

to help people returning home,

he has devoted himself completely to this matter.

Sounds beautifully.

Only, the land here is poor.

It is unsuitable for agriculture.

Truly, the land appeared barren.

And you can so easily speak about that?

I am raging with fury.

My father studied at the agricultural college.

He admired the doctrine of Kenji Miyazawa.

"Neither a wind, nor a rain could brake us..."

He dreamed of the development of virgin lands.

About labor feats, about rich crops.

He believed that in 10 years on this clay earth

we could grow rice and wheat.

Not in 10 years...

Neither 20, nor in 30...

Nothing grew here.

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

Your father planned it on a paper.

And we in this settlement struggled for our lives.

My parents have died... from arduous toil and hunger.

We ate seeds which the prefecture gave for planting.

We ate roots of trees which we'd dug out in the wood.

They cultivated this land inspired with hope.

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

Planted sakura, vegetables,

planted flowers along the road.

The sakura accustomed.

And blossoms each spring.

On roadsides flowers still blooms.

But no one is here now. All have left.

There are only us two.

How can you compensate our lost life?

There is nobody else left,

who could listen to our entreaties.

I will listen to you.

And what's the use?

I am sorry.

You idiot.

And who will return me my youth?

It is such a shame to me!

My father has made a mistake.

Your father is not guilty,

the government is guilty.

No, it is my father.

He is the reason of your sufferings and misfortunes.

Stop accusing your father.

Better try to defend him.

So, you have headed the department to correct the mistake of your father.

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, all hopes weren't justified.

Which means, he was wrong.

I will also soon be fired.

I don't doubt it.

I am a useless person.

My God, you have got 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 will take care of it.

You can manage?

Yes, I studied, peeping on you.

It is necessary to begin sometime.

He fits for this purpose just right.

You are right.

If it goes wrong, I will be near.

Well, go.

Here.

Come?

In the evenings it gets cool around these parts.

Yes, precisely.

How do you feel?

Thanks... Thanks! I am so grateful to you!

If you want to show me your gratitude,

it is not necessary to bow.

Simply pay.

Yes, certainly.

Please, accept this money.

What a thick pack!

Yes, 500 thousand.

You said that you only had 50 thousand.

I have lied.

Out of precaution.

Actually I had 500 thousand.

- And we can take this money? - Yes.

It is a quite worthy compensation.

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

And my cherished dream was carried out.

So, please, take it all.

I have reached a top of happiness.

Finally I became a man.

Emiko was my first and last woman.

I still think I'm dreaming.

By the way, it was her first time too.

Really? Oh, my!

What a happiness!

The first woman is clear.

but what does the last woman mean?

I am going to die immediately.

Today I have left my house and visited my family's tombs,

to say goodbye to my parents.

My mother has died 2 years ago.

Without her I, all in all, don't want to live anymore.

To cover for my father's mistake and my own sins,

I will die without fear in my life.

Do not worry, I will not cause you any trouble.

You have all my gratitude.

Now, having experienced the embraces of a woman,

I am ready to die without any regret.

I understand now.

Whether I will jump into the ocean from the ferry,

or I will jump from falls of Nikko...

I swear, I will carry out the conceived.

Forgive me, but couldn't you return 20 thousand yen to me.

for travel expenses.

Certainly, here take 30 thousand.

No, only 20 thousand. Why should I waste money?

Well, as you wish.

I am inexpressibly grateful to you.

Have a good trip...

Farewell.

You have not offered him our usual entertainment.

He will jump from the ferry or a falls Nikko so it is not obligatory.

He is so generous!

- A pure soul! - Has towered over a reality!

There are such cretins!

Well how did it go?

Nothing special.

As you learned me, I looked to the ceiling and counted: one, two, three...

Well, look at you!

It is tasty!

Mum, now I will work too... ...Instead of you.

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

We should provide ourselves with a good future.

The main thing is a constant inflow of capital.

Let's count how much we have now.

Almost 800 thousand.

It is almost two thirds...

Tickets for the plane would be around 500 thousand.

It is necessary to descend to a city to find out.

It would be better to avoid the inhabitants of the village.

Sure thing.

Our aim is to collect at least one and a half million.

If only that policeman didn't suspect us.

I have settled all, he will not bother us.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Probably, my question will surprise you, but did somebody come to you?

And who would you be?

I am the foreman of workers on the dam.

You are the foreman? And why do they build a dam nearby for?

Two from my people have disappeared recently.

We are just poor farmers. We do not know any workers.

Do you have a problem with your eyes?

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

You are farmers, yes?

But your fields are not worked on.

What are you doing here?

All we do is working on the land. We do not have time for anything else.

We've just prepared sukiyaki...

Help yourself.

And there is also a beer here!

Tasty cold beer.

Farmers who have beer and sukiyaki?

I see, you're not doing that bad.

And you have a refrigerator too?

Yes. We have found it on a dump near the road.

Here, take it.

I'm usually in a hurry.

You are so busy?

What time is it now?

You don't have a watch?

I have forgotten it. But there's a clock.

It has stopped 10 years ago.

We live without noticing time.

You are mother and daughter?

Yes, this is my daughter.

And her father?

Has left to search for work and has not returned.

Everyone has left this settlement long ago. Why did you stay?

We heard they plan to build huge attraction park here.

A large Tokyo company

will construct a big ferris wheel and a roller coaster here.

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.

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

You would not bring anybody to this hole to have a good time?

Is that so?

You're not fooling me, no.

Death is the only medicine for foolishness.

Both my guys have left through the pass.

They were lured by the smell of a female body.

And this meat is excellent! It is tasty.

Maybe you are a very strict chief. So all of them just have run away.

Hey you... small raccoon...

Admit...

Your look, as you're a mad dog.

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

What do you do here?

I have already told you: we are mere farmers.

Liars...

Show me your hands.

Look properly.

These are country hands.

What kind of hands you have.

I am assured that these hands...

Will manage to deliver me pleasure.

You sharpen it quite skillfully.

I am a farmer.

And what do you cut with it?

Everything that irritates me. With one blow.

Oh really?

How much?

What do you say?

Do not pose as the little fool!

I understand what you are engaged in here.

Here nothing is sold!

Moron.

Get out from here.

Do not forget to pay for the beer.

You surprise me.

Piece of shit.

We have missed a big roll.

He will not escape!

I will find him in the dark on the pass.

- Be careful! - Sure.

I couldn't see a thing there.

I have stepped on a prickle.

And have fallen down from a hillock.

Excuse me for what I have said.

I am sorry.

You have wounded my human pride.

On your knees!

Have pity on me!

Mister foreman. I am sorry.

My daughter is like gunpowder. She ignites from one spark.

When she is fired up, it is impossible to calm her down.

Really? And I got frightened a bit.

It arouses me.

I would even say: Rised.

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.

More beer?

No. Thanks.

I see...

30 thousand.

Clearly.

It is discounted.

Money up front, yes?

No, it is possible afterwards.

In that case... Can I take her?

You are not against it, Emiko?

No, Mummy.

Well, well.

LETSE GOH.

It was delightful.

How thrilling!

Youth - is youth.

I will return tomorrow.

Tomorrow I will be engaging with you, more skilled...

I'm not sure that we will meet again.

This is specially for you.

What is it? Something else?

It is a wonderful house drink.

You never know what awaits you there.

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

Ten times 30 thousand!

300 thousand all in all! A great take!

Perhaps, here are all salaries entirely.

That asshole. Makes profit of the work of the workers.

The enemy of the people.

We are already close to our goal.

I'm certain he has stolen this money from the workers.

But we will find a better use for it.

Where should we go?

Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil or to the Siberian solitude?

In Brazil snakes are 5 meters long.

And in Bangkok all buildings are covered with gold.

We will see it with our eyes.

Who is there?

Who are you?

Oh. It is you?

Still alive?

Yes.

But you promised to die.

Sorry.

Why have you returned?

I could not forget you.

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

You will spoil your karma.

I lay my life into your hands!

I ask you to become my wife!

I was already going to sit down for the ferry,

but I understood that security would prevent me from committing suicide.

And the falls of Nikko - it is so far!

So I decided to go to lake Towada,

which was not so far.

But when I arrived there,

there was a scouts 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 understood that this wouldn't turn out to nothing...

So I went to the gorge Oirase...

There I hanged myself from a tree branch.

The branch broke, and I fell to the ground.

When I regained consciousness, I was lying on the grass,

that was shining from 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!"

"The death is a defeat!"

What could have affected me that much?

Then I remembered your face.

I want to sleep with you again.

No, excuse me. I want 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 to live here.

Why?

Doesn't matter. We have our reasons.

I want to marry you

to revive this settlement.

I should execute the last wish of my father.

How are you planning to revive this barren land?

Arduous toil. I will work like an ox.

I will enclose myself in everything.

No matter how much one works, this earth brings nothing.

Here all worked to their seventh sweat...

but have eventually thrown down everything and left.

Who needs you here with your silly complexes?

You are despicable.

But it was like I'm born again!

No, it is better for you to die.

Why?

Therefore.

Let's get married!

No-no-no! You are really crazy now.

But you have cured me! It was really a sacred union!

Let me repeat this divine treatment.

You have decided not to die because you want to sleep with me?

Yes!

I took money for it and have delivered what was bought.

What is sacred in that?

Why do you say it so roughly!

It is the truth!

She should not say such cruel things!

Listen! It is 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 have returned me to life!

My dear! I have learned the completeness of life from you!

Mum! Bring the drinks.

I pity him a little.

It's already too late to be sorry!

What are you talking about?

Hey, you...

Let's celebrate our engagement!

Will you marry me?

First we will drink. Do you like to drink?

I will not refuse.

It is homemade moonshine.

Homemade moonshine is healthy!

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

It is our house brand. From the Hope Hills.

Local brand? Should be something great.

Good evening.

What is wrong?

Who is there?

It is me.

Why are do you come so late? Is there something urgent?

There are strange things happening.

I should patrol this area even at night.

Especially for the sake of you.

Thanks you for your care. Please, make yourself at home.

By the evening it becomes cooler.

What a beautiful pistol you have on your hip!

Is it loaded?

I will kill everyone!

Welcome!

This night you are somehow especially beautiful!

As though at once you became the woman.

Please, put this 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?

You are such a darling... So strong...

Forgive me for the last time I visited.

We were interrupted during a most unsuccessful moment.

Yes. It did turn out unpleasantly, didn't it?

I hope this night all will pass more smoothly.

Yes. I too hope for a HAPPY END.

Cool. VERI GUD.

Do not hesitate to say what I can do for you.

Can you make passports for us?

- Passports? - Yes.

But why is it necessary for you?

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

if they learn that I'm from this settlement for immigrants.

Yes there is no place for prejudices and discrimination in a civilized society.

But nevertheless it exists even here inside the Japanese culture.

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

And if I ever wanted to travel,

I would like it to be an international passport.

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

And where are you going?

Oh, no, where could I go with no money? It just happened to come up.

Do you have pen and a paper?

I have all necessities in my portfolio.

I have it because one farmer asked me to make him them same papers.

This night, I hope, everything will go nicely?

Well here it is, all in the best possible way.

- With this paper you will be fine. - Thanks.

Generally I should not do it, but...

Only for you.

Thank you very much!

I am so grateful to you!

Well then, can we begin?

Yes, don't hesitate.

Here-here.

Who's there?

Again a hindrance!

Here.

Who's there?

We are already went to bed.

Who's there?

Auntie?

Koji?

Mr. Koji?

You still live here?

We remained, but all others have left.

Enter Koji. Are you hungry? How are you? Are you healthy?

It is 3 years since you have left.

Are you not sick?

We have returned to Osaka, Mum's home.

Her brother there has opened a diner at 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 for work but unsuccessfully.

All his life he was a farmer. He could not do anything else.

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

He then worked as a time-worker.

Has died of over fatigue.

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 that it was for the sake of my future.

She worked herself as a cleaner of an office.

I helped to clean it on Sundays.

She worked so assiduously that the director had invited her to clean at his place too.

She rejoiced so much that there was an additional job.

But then...

He raped her.

At night she cried in the kitchen.

But continued to go cleaning there.

She could not find other work.

I knew nothing about it.

And even had joined a tennis club.

At our school you played tennis too.

I climbed up this steep road through the pass.

It is easy to go down but upward is really hard.

We always came back home together.

I saw the hut of the woodcutter.

Yes this hut still stands. We played there.

There we were together...

Yes, there I did it with you the first time.

What? That means she was not a virgin?

The wife of the director had guessed what happened and had replaced my mother.

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

Mother swore that she was innocent.

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

Having come back home, she has asked for my forgiveness.

for that she has put a stain on my reputation.

She knelt. I said: "Stop, you have done nothing bad."

She didn't understand. She was convinced that she had resisted insufficiently

when he has raped her for the first time.

She was too ashamed.

One day she had not come back home.

The next day her corpse was found in the river.

On a leaf of my writing-book she wrote:

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

It is awful...

I wanted to commit suicide, just as her...

But then something changed my mind... I understood that her soul was near me.

I decided to avenge her.

I stole a pistol from a police box and came with it to the house of the director.

He was out but his wife was home.

I demanded that she would apologize for what she had done.

She started to cry out that my mother was a thief.

That she has stolen from her husband.

I've went mad and fired.

She fell.

Someone came running towards where the shot had sounded.

Probably, one from the servants,

he shot at me from a gun.

He hit me in the stomach.

But I managed to escape.

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

I decided to return to where I was born.

I wanted to die in my native home.

Here I've grown up.

There was never anything to eat.

We constantly starved.

But here I was born.

Each step, climbing the steep slope upwards...

I felt so happy.

I was happy.

It has got you in the stomach?

Koji! I can not imagine what you have gone through.

I am so glad that you have returned.

I want to die in the parental house.

What are you saying? You can't die.

But I am a murderer!

All of us are murderers.

What is so bad in killing those who deserve it.

I'm done for already.

Let me bandage the wound.

The bullet is still inside and blood flows all the time.

What! It is necessary to take you to a hospital.

I cannot move any more.

I will carry you.

Emiko! Carefully...

I don't care what they learn now.

Koji Eizaka! You're under arrest!

I am a policeman.

You won't escape from me.

Don't move!

Emiko.

What are you doing?

One move and I'll blow your head.

Don't be a fool!

He is wounded and can't escape.

Koji! Run!

Run! Faster!

It is over. I cannot move.

Stand up now!

Don't let this moron to get you!

I'm dying. Bury me in the yard.

Koji...

Are we really doomed? Koji! It is unfair!

Run... Run...

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

If you move I'll shoot.

I'll arrest you for threatening a policeman.

Shut up!

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

It is over now!

All of us will die!

Do something about your daughter. You will be getting punishment too.

What for?

For harboring a criminal.

Emiko let's carry Koji to the hospital.

Koji! We go to the hospital!

Listen to me here!

Hey, scamp! Step back!

Scamp?... You really are a moron!

If I'm scamp then what are you?

Calm down! or I'll shoot!

To me it is nothing! It is self-defense!

I saw! I saw it!

You! You buy other's lives!

You are not worthy to be a policeman! I'll expose you before all society!

I will tell everyone about the troubles of this village

to make amends for my father.

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

You have shot an innocent person!

Innocent? Hell, no! Drop the gun! Or I will shoot!

I can kill all of you in self-defense!

The pistol is not charged!

Shame... Shame... Shame to all of us!

You! You are the murderers!

And you are our last victim!

All of us will die!

Great...

Sorry!

I'm frightened... of your successes...

Well here is a new day.

Koji has found a resting place in his home court yard.

Everything is good! Everything goes like planned!

Let's drink for it!

Let's sing a hymn of Hope Hills!

Father of Koji composed words for this song.

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

Here are 20 families. Overall 86 people.

The destiny has brought us here to Hope Hills.

This land is desolate for now.

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

into prosperous, blossoming land!

We have composed a song for ourselves.

So... Let's raise our voices as we sing our hymn - a 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 immigrants - HOPE HILLS!

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

We stand shoulder to shoulder

We are together and we will not give up!

It's a settlement of immigrants - HOPE HILLS!

This world belongs to us

Red dragonflies flies over rice fields

In autumn we'll wait for a harvest fest

It is a settlement of immigrants - HOPE HILLS!

It is a settlement of immigrants - HOPE HILLS!

1 YEAR LATER

I am Minoru Yanagawa from the prefecture police.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Matsutaro Yamazaki - the head of the bottom village.

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 has pulled out a human hand from an abandoned dwelling.

As a result of investigation we have found the remains of 9 people.

One for each house.

Currently excavators are destroying all buildings.

Originally in this settlement there were 20 families.

Therefore we expected that there would be 20 corpses.

But we found only 9.

Strange case...

It is known that policeman from the bottom village had disappeared.

If we identify his remains it is a very serious crime.

But still...

We've found a pesticide in the tissues of several corpses

together with poisonous plant seeds.

This plant is so poisonous,

that a single intake causes immediate death.

The old man of our village told that he saw this plant.

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

People call it "The Snow Princess".

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

I'm certain that the mistress and her daughter are not involved.

I doubt that immigrants knew 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.