Original subtitles

There is a metaphor for...

...describing a man in the grip of passions

and pursued by doubt,

which is "A Burning House".

"House On Fire"

Hurry up!

We'll miss the train!

Quickly now.

You alright?

You stupid bitch!

Dolt!

Had enough! Get home!

Your father...

...is not well.

We'll just have to grit our teeth.

Okay?

When you have a man and a woman,

sometimes there's love

And sometimes hate.

With my parents the way they were,

I learnt this at an early age.

Soon after, the severance occurred.

Mother fell in love...

...with a young student.

She was at her most radiant.

I saw a change come over her.

Young as I was,

I sensed some mystical force...

...slowly influenced my mother

who bore so much

and took her from us

Kazuo.

A word.

You're a sturdy lad

and care so much for your sisters.

Don't cry

if we never meet again.

Because I won't

Mother.

You're going away with him?

When you grow up, you'll understand.

Mother!

Our mother abandoned us

and went far away.

Perhaps Mother had her pain,

but as abandoned children,

our resentment of her came naturally.

Anyway back to the today of 40 years on,

driven by an unreasonable passion,

betraying my wife and children,

I go sallying, alone with a young lady.

Mr. Katsura!

Give me the bag.

Thank you.

Sorry, I couldn't get a cab.

I was so flustered.

Glad you make it.

We're moving.

What's wrong?

I come after all.

Is it the right thing to do?

Yes, I'm glad you come

Let's go.

Let's sit down

Yes.

Excuse me,

I'll go powder my face.

I've known Keiko close on ten years.

We're both from Kyushu.

We met when she came...

...with a letter of introduction.

It's poor fare,

but please.

Thank you.

You want to be an actress?

Yes.

Any experience?

Yes.

Two years at a small theater in Hakata.

As a writer

I know little of the lives of performers.

But you could have...

...ended up alone

Alone?

Marriage is out of the question.

You can't have children.

That's what I don't want.

It's a hard craft...

...to make a living at.

Then I'll work

Please introduce me to a bar.

Think you can improve your craft...

...while working in a bar?

I hear many do.

A girl talking in mother's dialect.

I became fond of her.

Welcome. Come in.

Is she the new girl?

How do you do?

Congratulations. First day at work.

Super! What is it?

Such fine weather.

Why do I feel so elated? I know not why.

When I realize today is my birthday

- such elation!

Recalling my youth

when mother was alive.

And then such wonderful ideas...

I am absolutely ecstatic.

It is a wonderful world.

Watch.

What...?

Pray tell me

why am I so filled with happiness?

As if sailing...

...on the sea.

Above is...

...the bright blue sky,

where a big white bird flies.

She's a ham.

Hmm?

Sorry, but we're leaving.

Finished, has it?

Ass!

Ham, he said? And he left?

I was up there doing my best

and he said that!

Isn't it better than...

...asinine praise?

An actress thrives on...

...praise.

There is a common saying

even a pig climbs better

when praised

Who needs criticism?

Is that so?

You know only how to write

but nothing else

I'm sorry.

Nasty! Sayonara.

Her innocence was so lovable.

She knew my affections for her,

so she sometimes helped me...

...with urgent deadlines.

Caught a cold, have you?

Blow your nose.

Just your work moves me.

You're brilliant at capturing children.

You mustn't!

I was kidding.

Ah...

Welcome.

He's here!

Katsura!

Congratulations!

You won the Naoki Prize!

How do you feel about it?

Keiko's joy...

...meant more to me than...

...the prize.

I rued the fact that we were yet to be lovers.

I feared she'd flee

if I tried.

But today,

I'm taking her north to Aomori.

Directing our destinies...

...towards a catalyst.

The reason...

...was a sorrow

which marred last summer.

Wake up, dear!

Jiro's taking a fit.

Called the doctor?

Yes.

He's on his way now.

But it looks serious.

Come on, quickly!

Jiro!

Phenobarbital!

Yes.

Doctor,

will he be alright?

I'd like him hospitalized immediately.

What's your diagnosis?

His neck has knotted.

Possibly meningitis.

Even if cured problems remain,

don't they?

With paralysis

or idiocy.

Be thankful he's alive.

Just do what we can.

Right...

Jiro's life was spared.

But as Yoriko feared,

paralysis and idiocy remained.

A year passed.

Daddy.

Daddy! Jiro's back!

Hurry! Hurry!

Right then.

You are back, Jiro?

Thank you.

We're back.

I'll take him.

Fumi

You be quiet. In here.

I'll do that.

Thank you.

Does Jiro like that?

Yes

Jiro is like a baby!

Don't, you'll only upset him.

Don't cry.

Jiro is in the third lane!

He's away with a dive!

Jiro strives in the third lane.

He's gaining ground. Finishing well.

Go. Jiro. Go.

That's great!

Yata, Satoko, Fumi,

everybody swim!

Get moving! Go!

What did the doctor say?

He won't improve.

I see.

I wonder if somehow...

...religion could cure him.

Don't be stupid.

Stupid, you say?

From that day on,

we spoke less and less.

She closed her ears to my protests

and immersed herself in religion.

But who could laugh at her?

Yuriko married to the penniless me

after I lost my first bride, Ritsuko.

She'd raised Ritsuko's son

and borne our five children.

I know well, how much she's suffered.

I mustn't destroy her happy home.

It's been my dictum...

...since our marriage.

But our fates galloped along...

...their chosen paths.

Dear.

A postcard to you.

What?

They're building...

...a memorial to Dazai in Aomori.

It's an invitation to the ceremony.

Will you go?

But it's on August 9th.

What?

The date

when Jiro was cursed.

Evil will ensue...

...at the hand of a woman.

Women trouble?

So the spirits say.

Stupid!

Aren't you overdoing this religion thing?

I realize your concern for Jiro.

But don't you interfere my business.

Is that so?

It's too late.

What's that mean?

Why, Keiko, of course

She'll accompany you?

Dazai liked to make people happy.

Mr. Katsura!

She's is the actress...

...in your new play, isn't she?

Yes...

I know it's rather sudden...

But would she mind reading...

...your dedication to Dazai?

Me?

Please.

It would mean so much to everyone.

Go on, it must be some kind of bond.

You recite it.

Please.

Yes.

We shared the old days together.

No books

And all our goods...

...went the pawnshop route.

We frequented a cheap whorehouse...

...near Ohkawabata

where we whored

and drank.

We enjoyed those wonderful nights.

Loved them.

Katsura,

women having 2 or 3 partners...

...are filthy.

But those have a thousand...

...are purer than virgins.

Am I right?

Yes, I'm pure as snow.

Come on!

Quick.

Stop it!

For god's sake, use a condom.

Shut up.

Life! Life...

...is so fragmented.

My actions and thoughts purely haphazard.

A flock of birds...

...ready to go south.

I'll find a beautiful place...

...near Kammon.

And give up this...

...deceitful, arrogant world

Think...

Poxxed, are you?

You should have listened.

Don't jostle, stupid!

Hurts, eh? Seen a doctor?

I'm too broke.

Right, I'll take you.

How's it feel? Tell me.

Like the army's marching through it.

Such poetic prose!

You will make me cry.

Prose?

You know what it means?

Goddamn well tell me!

Tell me, Chuya Nakahara!

Tell me!

What's with...

...your fish face?

Right, then tell me.

What's your favourite flower?

Well...

Say it for god's sake!

Peach blossom.

Call yourself a writer!

What's wrong with that?

Nothing wrong with peach blossoms.

Shut up. Crawler!

Get lost.

You hit me!

Stop!

You win.

The filthy sadness.

Again, today do the snow flakes fall.

The filthy sadness. Today...

Drink it and jump now,

I'd surely die.

You what?

Suicide,

what d'you say?

Shall we go jump into the dam?

Too much trouble. Sleep.

Right, gas then.

Gas is probably best.

Katsura

Here I go.

Turn off the light.

Hmm?

Yes.

I guess you're a survivor.

Damn.

Feel like...

...betrayed by my whore.

No matter what I do,

I can't bring you back.

Looking at your photos

and drinking amid this illusion,

I weep for you and cannot read.

As your only injurious friend

which tastes as bitter as cheap sake

and burns your stomach.

I won't bring you flowers,

nor lacquer ware.

I hear the song of silliness in liquors

Dazai!

Dazai!

Dazai!

Where are you going?

Yoriko!

Jiro!

Wait!

Yoriko! Jiro!

Keiko?

Where are we?

Hot spring resort.

You told the taxi...

...to come here.

Can't remember anything.

The only room they had?

So it seems.

Sorry, I got so drunk.

You must be disappointed?

You called out your wife's name.

Hmm...

And Jiro's, too.

I had a bad dream.

Yoriko and Jiro followed...

...Dazai out to the dam.

Like a suicide pact.

What is it?

I tried my best to forget.

Forget about you.

But I couldn't.

I feel apologetic...

...to your wife

and to Jiro.

What should I do?

What can I do?

Hmm!

Say something.

What?

Anything.

Just speak.

Right, the thing is...

What can we do now?

Do?

You and I.

What do you want from me?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

Really.

I want nothing.

Just like this is enough.

Just like this.

Let's go.

Take a picture?

I borrowed a camera.

Ready.

Smile!

Not yet?

Hmm?

You ruined it. One more.

Welcome home.

Still up?

I couldn't sleep.

Yoriko...

What?

I was with Keiko.

That's all I'll say.

I know.

You know?

How?

I know everything you do.

So long as you know.

Then I won't defend myself.

I know it's hard for you,

but please wait until I sort it out myself.

Where are you going?

Sit down.

I've decided...

...to leave you tomorrow.

Don't say that!

What about the children?

That's entirely up to you.

Please accept your responsibilities.

I do.

But alone I can't do anything.

You could ask Keiko to help.

Don't be so stupid!

Anyway, I'm leaving.

In love with another

I hate to look at you.

Oh yes.

Sorry but could you let me...

...have some money?

I don't have much on me.

30,000 will suffice.

What can 30,000 do?

This is all I've got.

Where will you go?

Thank you very much.

Goodnight.

Fumi? Want to pee?

Come with me.

Dad. You came back?

Yes, I did.

Mummy's crying.

Because I came home late.

So make her cry.

You won't go away, again?

No more.

You'll lead me to go to very many places?

Yes, I will.

Brings the broom.

Not that!

Get back. It's dangerous.

Move away.

Finished.

Inside with you.

I want to swing.

I'll slide.

Morning Daddy!

Good morning, sir.

Morning.

Your support over the years is much appreciated.

No, really...

As regards the children I beg your indulgence.

I'd take them with me

but have not the resilience.

Really I can't.

You won't consider a change of mind?

No, what with Jiro and all.

I'm terribly sorry.

Mummy, the taxi's here.

Coming.

Wait

I'll wait a week...

2-3 weeks...

I'm never coming back.

But thank you for everything.

Driver.

Going out, Mummy?

Bye bye!

Must buy the gift to come back.

Bye bye!

She's really not coming back?

Ichiro, call me a taxi.

The master is going out?

I'll work out of a hotel.

Won't be back for a while.

Take care of the children.

Three days passed and a week.

And no word from Yoriko.

Whether to divorce her

and marry Keiko?

The thought spun around...

...in my head.

I came to you after all

Keiko's youthful body, voice

and her love for me...

began to take hold of me.

Taking me to the edge of heaven.

Don't let me go,

I still need you.

I'm not satisfied.

Reality broke through with...

...images of Jiro

and the mysterious smile he wore.

The other children crying out...

...in my head.

Could Keiko fit in...

...my family?

Probably not.

A month at most.

It'd drive us both insane.

From that viewpoint,

Keiko and I would be walking a tightrope.

Besides,

all are in opposition.

All we can do is hold hands

and run through the fiery gauntlet.

Will this do for now?

Thank you.

Are you sure...?

Of what?

That you should tell...

...the whole world.

No difficulty there.

I'm not ashamed of my affair...

...with Keiko.

With our depth of feeling,

it's natural.

That's how you regard it.

Truthfully,

nothing else comes from my pen.

I decide to write about the affair

for the while.

I'll get it.

Yes?

One moment please.

From your place.

My wife?

No, the maid.

Speaking.

Insurance money?

Electricity and water bills?

Very good,

I'll bring the money home today.

Yes...

Excuse me.

If I could have a further 20,0000 in advance.

Certainly, I'll arrange it back at the office.

I appreciate it.

Excuse me.

Katsura speaking.

You're here?

Downstairs?

Come on up.

Kazuo

Keiko

Any word...

...from your wife?

No.

What are you going to do?

It must be hard for the kids.

Hmm...

I've brought fruit. Want some?

No, have you had lunch?

No.

I can't.

I'm only on break.

I'll forget my lines.

I tried so hard to memorize them.

The bellboy.

I told them to bring the fruit knife.

Coming.

Hello Daddy!

Why are you all here, Ichiro?

We all wanted a treat to eat.

Thought perhaps you'd take us.

Well, then let's all...

No problem

It's been ages.

You've all grown.

Hello, dear Fumi and Satoko.

No! Go away!

I eat first.

Hello

Treating the kids, eh?

Yes

Hello.

A moment.

I met with Yoriko.

There's no way she'll return.

Really?

She's talking about 5 million in alimony.

What's your plan?

I'll sell the house.

It'll bring that much.

And the children?

I'll rent a house for them.

You have money?

You'll give me an advance on royalties.

All so simple for you.

How can you...

...throwing it all away.

Should have kept your mouth shut.

Not given her a detailed report.

Don't be frightened!

Takes away the mosquito net.

It's OK. Don't be frightened!

What are you doing? Help me.

Yata hold on!

Don't cry! It's okay.

Candles!

Don't cry!

I'm back!

Master

Mummy, Mummy, so fearful.

Come help me

I'll light some candles.

Mummy, I'm scared.

Nothing to be afraid of.

Be quiet now.

One for Satoko, and Fumi.

You too, Yata.

Were you frightened?

But no more, right?

Show Jiro the candle.

Not scared, are you?

Who was crying?

Satoko?

Everything's all right.

Don't be afraid, children...

I've caused you great ordeal,

but I'm back.

I've decided my course.

Your course?

I've no need for charms of gods.

I'll live here as mother to Jiro

and the others.

That's great,

the children will be pleased.

But I've one selfish demand.

What's that?

I'll regard you

as their father.

But not as my husband,

you approve?

Well, I...

I leave all in your hands.

I'll just dip out. My regards.

Hello?

Yes, it's me.

Sorry about earlier.

Now Yoriko's back.

And I've left them.

Let's get an apartment...

...somewhere together.

What do you think?

Can you hear me, Kei?

Yes,

I'll do as you say.

Thank you.

The apartment that Kei and I took

was in the backstreets of Asakusa.

In a town near the once Floating World.

Isn't that beautiful.

Like a windmill in the sun.

Yes.

We lived that year

as if it were our honeymoon.

Bliss mixed with a fear,

that it must end...

...in collapse.

An intrinsic aftermath of the course we chose.

The punishment that flowed on, naturally.

At the moment,

We, hand in hand,

walked the streets of Asakusa.

Drinking in the bustle of the town...

...gave us a chance to forget,

for a while,

the burden we bore.

But one day...

Mr. Novelist,

you've been robbed!

Home, eh?

I'm with the Asakusa Police Dept.

Sorry to intrude.

You must be Katsura?

And you, Miss Yajima?

A burglary?

The culprit marched in

and gave himself up.

Katsura!

It's your boy.

Ichiro?

If you wouldn't mind accompanying us.

You, too.

You are a material witness, after all.

Sorry to keep you.

Please be seated.

I've heard his version of it.

You left home

and he resented that.

Wanted to hurt the lady.

That's the motive.

What should I...

He's still a minor.

We've no wish to prosecute.

We can release him

once his guarantor arrives.

Of course. I am his guarantor

Since

we didn't know of your relationship,

I've asked your wife to come.

She should be here soon.

If at all possible,

Perhaps... separately?

Well...

If you'll check the damage list

and see if there are anything missing.

You can use this form.

Actually, I'm a fan of yours.

Read your novels about the lady, too.

You've described me to a tee.

I've allowed the unforgivable.

Terribly sorry.

No, really.

Would you mind filling this out?

Makes you guarantor for his actions.

Put your address here. Name. Seal.

It's been ages...

Forgive me.

Sign here. Was it?

I appreciate it...

It won't be so easy next time, lad.

I expect you'll all have much to talk about.

Look, why don't we go and eat together?

I'll take my leave.

I shall, too. Come on.

I'll go eat.

Mom, see you at home.

Bye

Just us.

What d'you fancy?

Anything at all.

Delicious, eh?

It's great.

One more - this, too.

Yeh.

Dad.

I read your novel on adultery.

Hmm...

Will you divorce mother

and marry her?

I don't know.

Will you write about me -

about the burglary?

Here you are.

Ichiro

From today, I'll stand by you,

no matter what.

If it's something...

...you believe in,

I'll stand by you

even if it means death.

Your order.

Grow quickly lad.

Do what I've left undone.

What you've left undone?

You finish

what I couldn't.

Want a drink?

Hmm...

Welcome

Welcome home.

Did you work it out?

Only Ichiro stayed on.

We ate then he went home.

Why didn't you?

I worried about you.

Therefore you come home so late?

Stop it will ya!

Don't you touch my man!

You stupid bitch!

Stop it!

Bitch, he is my husband.

Shut up.

Apologize!

He is my husband...

Apologize!

I guess

I must apologize to Yoriko.

Are you alright?

What's wrong? Why...

Maybe it's morning sickness

Morning sickness?

What do you think?

Don't you know?

How?

It's my first time.

If I am,

I'll have the baby.

Will you help me?

Hayashi. Here it is.

Thank you very much.

Nakajima.

I am sorry.

I'll finish it off later.

Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Thanks.

I'll be off.

Back, eh?

I must talk.

Sorry to intrude.

Excuse us.

What is it?

I am pregnant.

No mistake, the doctor said.

I see.

They asked me so many questions.

Even asked if I was married.

They said it's not easy to have an abortion

and told me to have the baby.

I want to have it, too!

You really want it?

If so...

If so...?

If so, have it,

I'll stand by you.

No, how can I?

It�ll be your 6th.

And illegitimate.

I'll register it.

No

I've got a big role

and rehearsals start next week.

It's my big chance.

That means an abortion.

Where?

Well...

Find one, soon!

By tomorrow,

or it'll be too late.

Yes, but...

Go look now.

Stay with me

when I have the abortion tomorrow, could you?

I'd like to

but right now...

You know

how my schedule is.

I've got 180 pages to finish by tomorrow.

I really am sorry.

You are?

I see

Keiko...

Go write your blockbuster!

Keiko...

Don't expect me back.

I'm sorry.

My work could be so passionate

if there are not disturbances like these

Keiko

This is only a rumour...

...I've heard...

Tell me. Keiko!

Seems that Keiko and...

and Mr. Shimamura...

Spit it out man!

Who's this Shimamura?

You know, the power-broker.

The Shimamura

In the war he had a special command.

Leading a horde of brigands in Manchuria.

What's his connection with Keiko?

You didn't know?

No.

I shouldn't really...

It's...

Like this...

It's...

He worshiped her like the heroine in here.

Worshiped her?

Well, it's only a rumour.

But you should be careful.

Careful of what?

He's got underworld connections.

Heaven help you if they thought she and you...

I mean they may...

They may even kill you.

Kill? Kill me?

What are you saying?

Sounds like a cheap novel.

Let's go drink.

But the manuscript...

I want to hear the rest of your story.

But the deadline... Another 180 pages...

I'll finish it later. Let's go...

Yes.

Wait...

What the hell is this?

Kill me? They won't get me so easily.