Original subtitles

From 1635 on, the Shogunate...

Ordered provincial lords to Edo... alternate years

This allowed the Tokugawa government a means of control

Since then a century has passed

The Lord is departing!

GONZA THE SPEARMAN

The Lord is departing!

Executive Producers/Kiyoshi Iwashita, Masatake Wakita, Masayuki Motomochi

Script by Taeko Tomioka

Make way!

Hiromi Go as Gonza Sasano

Shohei Hino as Bannojo

Misaka Tanaka as Oyuki

Hideji Otaki as Iwaki Takashi Tsumura as Ichinoshin

Kuniko Miyake as his wife Haruko Kato as Oyuki's nurse

Kaori Mizushima as Okiku

Shima Iwashiti as Osai

Directed by Masahiro Shinoda

The bout is over!

Oh, what a handsome samurai...

Everyone just stares at him...

At Gonza, the spearman, such a dandy

As though a picture that's come alive...

Gonza, the spearman, such a handsome man

Oyuki!

I'm all sweaty

Bring me a change of clothes

Gonza, why must you avoid me... like this?

Why, Oyuki?

If you so hate me... why not just run me down?

I was just now getting rid of the man

How can you, a samurai, lie like that?

What are you saying? You're Bannojo's sister

How could I go flattering you?

Nurse, you're thoughtless...

Letting her come this far

How can you say that?

Do you remember what you said when you met...

Oyuki at my house last winter?

I did not forget. I keep my promises

Now take Oyuki back home

And you have never kindly answered... her letters

You have not done right by her

Speak to Bannojo, her brother, and...

the marriage can be arranged

If that is what you intend

But if not, then say so clearly

And we will no longer trouble you

Bannojo is difficult I must be careful how I speak

Only if he were to fully agree could I...

marry Oyuki

Even my horse here knows I love her

He will testify. Listen carefully

It's Bannojo

He mustn't see us

Oyuki, let us go

Gonza, you out riding too?

Your horse's gotten better, right?

No, I don't even feed it well

It's no good

Sarcasm? Because you beat me... when we raced?

How about another race now?

I wish I could

But we're tired - the horse and me

Perhaps another time

Very smart

Let's race!

A Letter from Bannojo

From Bannojo?

He said he would come for an answer

To Osai

From Bannojo

Madame...

Mr. Iwaki, your father, has arrived

Torajiro-has your fencing improved?

Yes, Grandfather

Welcome, Father- Jinbei too

Do be careful when you play with... the child

I am sorry

And you might scratch the walls as well

But boys ought to be active like this

Torajiro

You are always with that fool

Shall I tell your father?

I want to be as strong as Uncle is

A real honour

You are only twelve

Fencing is not enough

Your father is also excellent at the... tea ceremony

That is how he received his new post... and new raise

You ought to study tea ceremony... as well

For a samuarai, the martial arts must... come first

There are no more wars, no battles now

Samurai must serve in different ways

I don't like this new peaceful world

Even samurai musicians - how weak

Nothing weak about the tea ceremony

That is true

But you spoke differently... when just married

Your husband wasn't manly becasuse... he liked...

the tea ceremony Who said that?

Father, that's all in the past

Where are you off to? Stay with your grandfather

I can't stay long today

We're on our way to a meeting

Dropped by to see Torajiro, that's all

Then take him home and... make him study

Here he just wastes his time

They'll say I spoiled him... during my husband's absence

When will Father be back?

Do you miss him so much? It's only been three months

Grandfather, Uncle, You are welcome

How is it?

Excellent

Please, get ready

Tea ceremony has its disciplines

It's like fighting

Except that you don't get killed

And it helps the better to get you... promoted

I wish I could study it too

You can't do that

Let's look at the tea thing

Bannojo, you're lucky

You're Ichinoshin's disciple and... so you have a bright future

As samurai like us, we can't even try to use a sword

That reminds me. When I was young I once tested...

a sword on an executed man

Then on my way home I ate some fish

I reminded me of the meat... on that corpse

I had to run out to throw up

That's too bad

Samurai nowadays leave... their sword behind

You heard that, too?

Something like that could happen to us

This samurai was eating his meal

As the ferryboat was about to go

he got in a hurry...

It was after he got off the ferry...

that he remembered his sword

You should have seen him run

Another got dismissed - left his sword... in a theater

Oyuki is more beautiful than ever

Any special reason?

Not that I know of

Been three months since Ichinoshin left

It'll soon be a year

No, A year is very long time

Yes, for wives waiting for... their husbands

Right

Many kill themselves when... the husband returns

She's gone and committed adultery, you see

Why didn't she try absortion?

Double suicide - it's a strange fashion

Our lord doesn't have a successor yet?

With no son... our clan might be abolished

And we'd be out on the streets

No way we can help him that way

You're pretty fast with women. You'll do

I lost again. I can't pay

You still have your hamlet and... your armor

No

Not any more

I sold them long ago

Who cares about these anti-gambling... laws?

But a few days ago, Kihei's place got raided

Ten people got arrested

Too bad

Well...?

Well?

This time...

Good

Why not join us?

It's not just a game. We're betting real money

Your luck matters. It's interesting

Too bad

It's muggy tonight

And what is it brings you here today?

It's been raining so long

I just wondered how you were

My husband is gone, but I have... my servants

And I have my children too

What are you thinking of... watching the rain?

It's been 3 months since... your husband left

But I'm glad he is doing well

I am here for the answer to my letter

I don't understand

Did the messenger bring it to the... wrong person?

I only wrote to find out how you're doing

I'm not brave enough to take... Ichinoshin's wife

But I thought I'd relieve your boredom

Does it rain in Edo too?

I wonder what your husband is doing... on a day like this

My children will soon be back

Would you please leave now?

The world is too peaceful

Waiting for war slows a samurai's... promotion

Stationed in Edo, something goes wrong at home

This is our reality

Osai

Let me help you during... your husband's absence...

I'll call someone You're being too familiar

Gonza

I have something for you

Here, look at this sash

Three lines in a circle. Your crest

And a chrysanthemum. Mine

Take it

It's wonderful

I'm very happy

It represents our love

When it's tied...

You are with me, and I am with you

I made it so we would never be apart

Make way

Make way

From Edo!

You made it

An heir has been born

The clan will survive

So we will. The clan will live

Congratulations

I had you two come to tell you this

An heir has been born to our lord

He will celebrate in Edo

At the end of the month...

His family here will gather for... a celebration

A tea-ceremony will also be held

Since my son-in-law is in Edo...

One of his disciples, learned in the art...

Should officiate at the party

If either of you have such qualifications...

Would you kindly officiate?

This would also be the means of... promotion

I have not been officially initiated as yet

But I do have some knowledge

I, Bannojo, accept this honor

Rest assured I will do my best

And you?

The true arcane knowledge of... the tea ceremony...

Ought be transmitted only... from parents to children...

But my master has taught me...

So I should make no errors

Making no errors is not perfection, I know...

But do let me try myself

It is not for us to decide. We must...

Also hear the opinions of... Ichinoshin's wife

Should some error be made

The shame would be our master's

The tea-ceremoney secrets?

I must beat Gonza at this

Ichinoshin is in Edo - Osai is here alone

Where is your nurse?

I don't know

You two are hiding something

Now listen to me

To get you married into a good family...

I have to succeed

To do so, I must beat Gonza

Gonza?

Right

What about it?

You seem always to be thinking of... Gonza

Can't be helped. He's very handsome

Gonza and I are engaged...

Though he has not given... a definite answer

What?

My own sister?

You cannot marry him

Why do you say I can't marry him?

Because he is absolutely unfaithful

Gonza unfaithful?

Can you prove that?

You don't understand men

You don't understand me

I am Gonza's

I want him

He won't marry you. He understands nothing

Not women, not life itself

Gonza and I are engaged

Brother, let me go!

Stupid!

Don't do that?

Mr Samurai, why not drop in?

You are a samurai, aren't you?

Why not just step in?

She's a samurai's daughter - from Osaka

A very beautiful woman

That girl?

Please come in

You like that girl?

A guest has come

Excellent

That is very good indeed

Your father will be surprised

But so long before he comes back

Look at your hair. It's not well done Who did it?

The maid, after my bath

It doesn't become you

That girl never improves

This doesn't suit you

I'll do it for you

This way suit you

A woman's hair style is important

The classics say a woman... with good hair is best

There, you look better now

Here, I will prove it to you

Sugi!

Will you come here?

I hardly recognize you

Madame dresses hair so beautifully

She looks even more beautiful

I'm pretty myself... but men don't look twice

It must be my hairdo

If you were only to help, then all the men...

would come rushing

That's enough

I could never marry such a...

girl as you to an ordinary man. It would be a waste

I am always thinking about... who would be...

best if you married one of... our own samurai

I wish I could marry you to Gonza Sasano

He is most handsome, and the best spearman

He is the best at the disciplines of... tea ceremony, too

And he has the best character

He is the best of all the men

But he's old enough to be my uncle

He is certainly like your uncle

He is twenty-five. You are fifteen

But I am thirty-seven and your father is... forty-seven

His being ten years older is best

In a few years you will accept it

I myself would marry Gonza...

were I not already married to Ichinoshin

I wish you could wear the bridal kimono

Sitting side by side with Gonza

What is your business, sir

Is Iwaki here?

Not today, sir

Then give this message to the madame

I have a favor to ask him but... will explain later

In the meantime this sake is for her

Please enjoy it. Tell her that

Very well, sir

You came at just the right time

Please come in

Everything seems well here

Thank you. And I much appreciate... your gift

I have had no opportunity to speak... with you

Please come in

Okiku

There will be a party to celebrate... the heir's birth

How nice

And I was assigned to officiate at the... tea ceremony

I should be most grateful if...

your showed me the family tea-scrolls

That knowledge should be passed... from parents to children

I know that well enough

But in this peaceful time...

it is my only way to distinguish myself

Please, I beg of you

You are serious about this

I too...

Excuse me, but I long wanted you to... wed my daughter

We have long discussed here

It woud make you my son-in-law

And I could show you family secrets

This may sound bartering

Trading our knowledge for our daughter

But try to think of these as... really separate

What do you say?

You do not like my daughter?

Or are engaged to someone else?

Then we must give up

Do not be too hasty

I am not engaged

Then...

I will take your daughter Okiku... as my wife

Thank you very much

My wish is granted

I am more than pleased

Now, swear your intentions... upon this sake

The scrolls are our go-between. Swear

Of course, we have no real go-between

So, let me hear your pledge

I quite understand your care

Even though, all unarmed, I am killed...

by Lord Ichinoshin...

That is enough. I am grateful

Today is a lucky day. My husband too will be happy

Now, Gonza, you are no longer... a stranger

I will show you our secrets

Come to the tea-ceremony room... this evening

This is very kind of you. I will come without fail

Come so that no one will see you

Excuse me. This is Oyuki's nurse

Bannojo's sister

Would you announce me?

The nurse to Bannojo's sister?

I must leave so that she will not see me

Very well

I wonder what brings her here

Madame

I heard. Tell her that I am out

And don't let her see him

Come after everyone is asleep

I will show you the scrolls

I am very sorry, ma'am

The madame is out on an errand

But I'll take the message. What is it?

Very well, then

Oyuki, whom I raised

is engaged to Gonza Sasano, and everything is readied

But there is no go-between as yet

I helped them spend a night together

And Gonza gave me a pair of sandals... and a silver coin

Is that so? Then you did your job well

But what is it that brings you here?

I would like the madame here

to be the go-between for Gonza... and Oyuki

Please tell her that. Understand?

If everything turns out all right... we'll pay her

We'll do our best for you too

Our lady would never do this for money

But I will give her your message

Mother

Are you back?

Is Torajiro not with you?

Madame's father is here

Mother, I'm back

They played so hard

They're sleepy. So, I brought them back

Is Okiku in?

She ought stay in

So nothing occurs while... her father's away

You played that hard? No wonder your grandparents complain

My wife says that he looks just like... his father

She's right

Torajiro, you act like your father

Take care of your mother

Take Osute inside, put them to bed

Make sure they don't catch cold

Kakusuke

Why not light the stone lantern?

It is already dark

Bring some sake for father

Thank you, but I would like to look at... the garden

I admire Ichinoshin's taste. This garden never bores

Did Gonza ask to be shown... the secret scrolls?

He came o his own. I decided to show him

That is good

Basically, only family members have... the right

But Ichinoshin sent me permission

If Gonza made a mistake... it would shame Ichinoshin

Would disgrace our lord as well

That much I know

You cannot be too careful in imparting... this knowledge

Let no one, not even in family, hear your conversation

Wait until after midnight, when all are asleep

Be especially careful while... Ichinoshin is in Edo

Your family is only women now

And that undependable manservant

Oyuki is engaged to Gonza?

And everything is ready set?

How that nurse spoke

It makes me so angry, and jealous

And I'm to be their go-between?

Who cares now about our secrets?

How jealous and angry I am

And just when I have chosen him... for my daughter

Who could help being angry?

Who is it?

Gonza

These drawings and these scrolls... explains all

Everything necessary for the ceremony

is written in this list

It includes methods for any occasion

This is another possible form

And here is for an imperial visit

In our case the latter ought be applied

This display is for the imperial visit

It requires three scrolls and... three utensils

A jar for powdered tea

These are probably self-explanatory

Please study these carefully

You hear anything in these?

Only the frogs

You do it like this!

They have gone to sleep

They're only women. We can gag them

Very well

Follow me

I heard something. Is someone in the garden?

No - no one comes, even in daytime

The frogs have been silenced

Even frogs must rest

They're quiet again

That's odd

I'll go look in the garden

High fences and a thorn hege Who could get in?

What's the matter?

Afraid of being alone with me?

Afraid your woman will rush in?

That is false!

Someone's nurse said... you were engaged

Came to ask me, of all people, to be go-between

Still false?

I'm very angry. You are the false one

Now I see you as you truly are

I have reasons...

I've been stifling this anger because I

your mother-in-law, ought not be jealous

But I can endure no longer

Who embroidered that sash of yours?

Your own crest and another. Whose is it?

I have my reasons...

Of course, you have, and I am jealous... of them

How dare you wear that when... you come here?

Filthy thing! My hands are all dirtied

You still want it?

You need another one? Why not use mine?

There now. Use mine

It is like me. It will cling to you

I couldn't wear a woman's sash

Osai! Gonza!

These proclaim that you are adulterers

I will tell everyone

Why are you doing this?

He took the sashes. We cannot prove our innocence

He's the adulterer

This is the end

The sashes are gone. What should we do?

Dead or alive, this is the end

What a disgrace

My husband could not face... the other samurai...

if gossip had it that his wife was stolen

They will make us out...

to be immoral beasts...

Low, degenerate

I cannot live

If you must die, then

make yourself an adulterer and...

have my husband kill you

What?

Shame! I have not committed adultery

Let him kill me as I am now

And our deaths my prove our innocence

If you die to save our reputations...

then my husband's will be disgraced

If you refuse adultery, then...

call me your wife - just one word

I beg you

Call me your wife

No