Original subtitles

Art Festival Selection 1961

New from The World of Films

TOEI

Palace Films Production

THE CATCH

Produced by Saburo Tajima, Masayuki Nakajima

Screenplay: Tsutomu Tamura

Cinematography: Yoshitsugu Tonegawa

Editing: Miyuri Miyamura

With

Rentaro Mikuni

Akiko Koyama Yoko Mihara

Masako Nakamura Teruko Kishi, Sadako Sawamura

Kyu Sazanka Jun Hamamura

Rokko Toura Ton Shimada, Yoshi Kato

Hugh Hurd

Directed by Nagisa Oshima

Summer 1945 - the last days of the Pacific War

Hey... there you are!

Uncle!

I'm surprised you came alone.

He jumped off a plane... got hurt doing it!

Out of the way, kids!

Do you think negroes like women?

They're people like anyone else.

You mean, just rutting animals!

Eat!

It's better than tree roots. Eat.

The mayor's a skinflint...

we have to feed him until further instructions!

That's not being mean.

It's to keep him in one place, so he won't get away.

American planes do carry this sort of person.

If you talk, enemy soldier...

we'll feed you!

Tell us all your military secrets!

We'll feed him?!

That'd be funny... We can tend him at our place.

Like a cow?

Quiet, kids!

We've no choice. Get the key to the storeroom.

We can lock him in there for the time being.

Good idea... you're rich... You can afford to feed a negro!

I shouldn't have to be the only one!

We can take turns.

What next?!

We've already spent 3 days hunting him, and now we have to feed him?

Just give him water. That'll be enough.

What if he dies?

We'll be in trouble with the military police!

Don't forget you'll be rewarded in the end...

So stop complaining!

Who wants to look after him?

Not me.

How about the women do it?

Good idea.

Are you kidding? It's a male!

What are you doing?

Hisako! Hisako! What are you doing?

I wouldn't ask you to look after him.

Aki, you do it!

ME look after that monster?!

It might make you a bit friendlier!

Just grin and bear it, and stay up with him all night.

Thanks to all of you...

The mayor will be most grateful.

Auntie.

Goodnight.

You shouldn't stay on here.

Why not?

It's a real hell here.

Not a place for young people.

I'll tell you something...

Your uncle is an utter bastard!

He's having an affair with Hisako, our daughter-in-law.

Your clothes are dry, Mrs Takano.

Aki, are you watching the negro?

I didn't want to... but Mr Takano made me.

If you touch him, I don't want you around me anymore.

Don't be harsh on me, Mrs Takano!

I'm only here in this house to serve you.

You don't intend to get friendly with him?

Only what's absolutely necessary.

Please keep me with you.

Alright then, you can stay.

Wash this too.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, master.

Goat's milk... Drink! Drink it!

Get out, kids! He won't drink while you're here..

But can't we watch!

No, you can't! I'm responsible for him.

I won't let you touch him!

Drink... Go on!

Drink some to show him how.

Osamu, give this to the negro.

You fool!...

You don't give him the white rice!

This chore won't do us any good at all.

It's hard enough to feed 2 kids as it is!

We can't afford another mouth to feed.

They could exempt soldiers' families...

That's what your father should have asked for...

...instead of just drinking all the time!

Osamu, pinch a couple of potatoes from Takano's field.

- How many? - Don't listen to your father!

What's the big deal about a potato or two?

Why not empty the whole field, if nobody's watching?!

Go on!

I'll go too.

You're just going to treat yourself to some saké!

Uncle, give me a piece of the parachute.

What for?

To make a flounced skirt.

You'll never have occasion to wear it!

It's just for the fun of making it.

I was keeping it to hand over to the military police.

But the mayor will keep it anyway.

Just cut a little piece... Nobody will notice.

We could cut it up and sell the pieces in town.

Do you need money?

Fill up my saké!

You want more to drink?!

So what?

Excuse me...!

What is it?

A swap for some rice...

Sure!

It's beautiful... Perfect for Hisako.

It's too showy. I'd look rather strange.

They belonged to my mother.

All you evacuees say that.

I'm not lying!

I just want something to feed the prisoner.

Don't get mad. I'll take a look.

I can give you a sack.

That's too much. Less than that.

I don't want these kimonos. I can't wear them!

You can wear them when we go back to Tokyo.

Please buy them, Uncle.

Thank you.

They cost too much.

You're just stingy!

I have to be... Otherwise we'd live in poverty.

We throw away so much money!

You referring to me?

If the cap fits...

You've got a nerve! Especially since you want for nothing.

I was a friend of Takano long before you married his son.

- So what? - Hisako!

- Let her speak, Denmatsu. - No way!

I'm going... The saké will taste better without her!

This kid...

His father was working here with my sister.

Suffice to say that he's part of the Takano family.

Take that... you can drink it at home.

Thanks a lot!

Let's go home, Osamu.

Osamu! Come here!

Have that.

Take another one.

I'm here if ever you need anything.

I'd rather not have to rely on anyone.

You won't have to give me anything.

I can well offer you a bit of rice.

I'll give you a hand.

- No thanks! - It's too heavy for you.

I'll be alright!

You should take it easy...

I just want to help you.

This situation is one of diplomacy.

Foreign prisoners have to be looked after.

You'll soon receive new instructions...

...as well as a visit from the military police.

Until then, make sure he's kept alive and doesn't run away.

In case of any breach of orders, the person responsible...

...and any accomplices, will be severely punished.

Note to those detaining the B-29 parachutist...

As soon as the report is written up, you'll be cited on the agenda.

That means we have to feed him?

Regulation 74-57 of the military police.

For how long will we have to keep him?

Six months? A year?

It's a big loss of income.

They say we'll get a citation.

That's nothing more than a piece of paper.

We're already sharing our rice... as if we had more than enough.

Ignore their orders!

Weren't you listening?...

We could be severely punished!

Let me see that.

It doesn't say anywhere that WE have to feed him.

Shouldn't the mayor take care of it?

It's up to the mayor to accept responsibility.

He's dumped it on us.

That tyrant's just taking advantage of us!

If it's not an official order, it's a whole different situation.

I wanted to discuss the subject of the honour of the village.

What's there to talk about?

- Citations mean nothing! - We'll refuse to do it!

We'll stick the negro outside!

If you don't cooperate, you'll be thrown into prison!

Well, ask us nicely, instead of yelling!

Unless you'd like to take the negro home, yourself!

Well, I'll make you a formal request... please!

So what's to be done?

It's up to the chief to decide...

I have no choice!

That's fine! I knew you'd accept.

For a rich man like you, one negro more or less makes no difference!

You imbecile! Who said anything about my doing it alone?

We'll each take a turn.

By the way...

The authorities can refund your extra costs...

...by increasing rations or reducing rates.

Discuss it with the mayor.

Each of us will do our bit.

I was told you loved the negro...

...so I'll pass him over to you.

He's an important prisoner... You mustn't let him escape.

Why? Is he a spy?

The military police will come, to force him to reveal military secrets.

In the meantime, take good care of him.

I don't want to be blamed, if he dies.

What have you got to say?

The ankle in that trap... It seems to going rotten.

Yes, it's full of pus... Up to his knee.

Prisoner...! Show me your leg!

Check for yourself!

It's full of maggots!

If he dies, it won't be our fault!

You idiots! Can't you shut up?!

Very well, this is an order...

Take off the trap!

Big brother...

What are you boys doing?

Let's see if he looks at her.

If he moves, I'll beat him up!

Stop it!... You're too old!

Lift up your kimono! I'll give you some rice, lift it up!

You idiot! Turn and face him!

Lift it, first!

More than that!

Stop it!

- Where are you from? - It's the Chief's niece.

Leave her alone!

You mean, you want to show him yours?!

A B-29!

Damned thieving brats!

Say you're sorry, and I'll let you go.

Yesterday, they were into our rice pot.

They're evacuees' kids.

They'll take from anywhere when they're hungry.

We won't scold you... Just apologise.

Just say you're sorry.

It's no use. They did the same with us.

We even gave them a big rice dumpling.

So, your place too?

It must be their mother telling them to do it.

Mummy!

Unfortunate situation, eh, Osamu?

But let them go.

My sincere apology... It won't happen again.

Those damned kids wouldn't apologise.

Let's drop it... She says she'll see to them.

I'm not the only one concerned.

They stole from Teppo and Yoichi, too. They rent from you.

You should watch out for them... instead of dabbling in the black market.

So it's up to me again.

"The rations are enough... I don't need any help."

You had good intentions... but this is the result.

There's something I'd like to say, too...

You get worked up about these children stealing...

...but I know that someone steals potatoes from us!

You mean the mother steals too?

No, we've had far more than enough for 3 people stolen from us.

Those kids aren't the only ones... There are thieves among us!

Thieves among us?!... Can you tell us who you think it is?

You try accusing me, and you'll regret it!

What are you all carrying on about?

All this fuss about a kids' prank?! It's too hot!

But he's saying there's other thieves.

That deserves to be cleared up.

- It's the truth! - What?

Enough of this!

It's surely all the negro's fault.

Give me a list of what's been stolen, and I'll put in a claim for compensation.

No point in quarrelling about it.

Good idea. We'll say the negro's to blame.

We don't have to involve the kids.

Do you still suspect us?

Anyway, that's how I'll put it to the mayor.

If it can solve the problem, that's fine.

Shall we go?

Hey, nigger!...

Stay out of our storeroom!

I'm sure you'll like this!

No!

What are you doing with him?

We're showing him rice planting.

You idiots! What if he escapes?!

He's too stupid for that.

Hey, Chief, we're organising a party tonight...

Will you come with your family?

Jiro's enlisting... so the war will be over soon.

Why would me being in the war make it end?

Will there be saké?

Plenty.

The Chief's supplying it.

I wonder what the negro thinks about our rice-planting.

Hey, nigger!...

We're planting rice to feed you!

Look at me... I'm as black as you.

Me too, Hachiro!

The water's cool! It feels good!

Give me a bag of rice, Dad.

- What for? - To pay for a woman.

Don't be silly!

In town, they'll sleep with you for rice.

No matter...

I already owe the Chief half a bag.

My heart can't win a woman...

Mikiko... what are you doing here?

It's Tokyo! Tokyo is on fire!

It's not Tokyo... It's somewhere else.

I'm sure it's Tokyo.

No it's not!

It is!

Go to hell, Tokyo! Burn! Burn to death!

Why are you saying such a thing?

Serves them right!

Burn in hell, Tokyoites!

Osamu, your mother will be burnt alive!

Burn in hell, Osamu's mother!

Brother, is my mother burning as well?

The idiot never left Tokyo.

Serves her right! Burn! Die!

Death to all Tokyoites!

Don't you like the songs, Jiro?

Yoichi, did you get Jiro a woman to sleep with?

Where would I get that sort of money?

Too bad, Yoichi.

Hey, Denmatsu!...

I was expecting that!

You want me to lend him my daughter-in-law?

In the name of the Empire of Japan, I'll do it, no problem.

You idiot! She's the wife of a soldier!

Exactly!... So it's for the pleasure of another soldier.

Go back home, clean up, and wait for him.

Don't do it, Jiro. You'll always be in Denmatsu's debt.

He sure would! And I'll make sure I collect.

In my debt forever, eh?!

Don't be silly! Jiro will die the day he goes to the front.

I won't be dying!

Denmatsu's offering you this because...

Yoichi!

Yoichi, I forbade you from talking about that!

Jiro Kokubo, banzai!

Here's our bureaucrat... come in!

Everybody having fun?

Yes. Tokyo is in flames.

Despite that, we're celebrating.

It wasn't Tokyo!

Could it have been the municipal buildings?

In that case the army and military police will have gone up in flames too.

I can't believe that Jiro is off to the war tomorrow.

You should refuse to join up.

No more Tokyo, means no more war!

Tokyo might be reduced to ashes...

...but Japan will fight to the last man.

His majesty the emperor...

...is in an air-raid shelter in Shinshu.

What was the point in feeding the negro...

...if there are no military police?

Don't talk like that.

We should have killed him. The mayor lied!

Aren't you getting a citation for exemplary behaviour?

That doesn't count for anything.

You said we should be reimbursed... I'm still waiting!

It'll be up to you to pay us, if the police don't come.

We're already cleared for a delivery of rice, aren't we?

That's what the Chief said.

You're all as greedy as each other!

You wouldn't know that Japan was at war!

Jiro, don't listen to these bastards!

Become a good soldier in the emperor's army.

If I lose a leg, I won't have any clothes that fit.

Imbecile! What are you talking about?

I'm going home.

If you're out of saké, here are two bottles.

Take your time. No hurry.

Jiro, drink to your heart's content... but don't fail to leave tomorrow.

I soon as he smells trouble brewing, he gets free with the saké.

Lets you and I have a drink together.

It seems your husband's dead. So drown your sorrow.

Celebrate being a widow.

My children are waiting for me.

Forget about the kids!

If they get hungry, they'll pinch something from the neighbours.

You've forgiven them, haven't you?

Of course. We take care of thieves, beggars and negroes.

But for widows, it's even better!

See! You're sad, aren't you?

Your husband is dead!

He's not dead!

Leave my woman alone.

She's not your woman... She's the Chief's mistress.

Isn't that right?

What are you on about?!

The peasants always give the evacuees a hard time, don't they?

Hey, bureaucrat!... There's still stuff to be sorted!

What about? The negro?

It's part of your job to feed him!

No need to make such a fuss about it, you bunch of skinflints.

What was that?!

You only got your job because you lost a leg!

The was a time when you were begging the Chief to hire you...

To work in the kitchen and haul water from the well.

So? That was a long time ago!

That's why I hate peasants!

In any event, find a solution for the negro.

Otherwise, I'll tie him to your back!

Why are you giving me such a hard time tonight?!

Don't change the subject... just do as I say!

Yes, I'd do anything for you dear villagers!

You weren't a virgin!

So what?

I had someone... We were together in Tokyo.

Hey! Has the soldier run off?

What's that weird banner?

Who's that with you?

I always thought there was something wrong about that negro.

He's to blame for everything!

Why's everything his fault?

You know where my brother has gone?

You were with him last night.

What are you talking about?

Tell me the truth!

I don't know. A guy like that...

You know nothing? You're a liar!

He ran away because he's afraid to die.

Really?

Tokyo people are all hypocrites!

I'm going to tell to everybody what happened!

You want everyone to know my brother slept with you?

Hachiro!

You stupid boy!

I hope you haven't told anyone?!

Mikiko, what kind of girl are you?

She's no kid any longer!

You wicked boy!

I will ensure that your family is disgraced.

It's none of your business, ma'am!

I'll make it my business!

Great Lord, the Fox God of Mikawa on Sanshu...

Great Lord, the Badger God... if you can hear me, reveal it...

Why did Hachiro's brother disappear?

NE...

...GRO

Aren't you sick of looking after him?

I'm totally fed up with it!

I can't stand being here.

Always on the job! How would you like cleaning up negro filth?!

It's his fault that Jiro disappeared.

He should die!

Die!

Enough of that!

Go and get cleaned up.

Are you angry about something?

I don't want to talk about it.

I'm on your side, whatever they may think.

On my side?

Let me help you.

Okay, then confess that my brother disappeared because of you.

It was none of my doing!

So, who's responsible?

Everyone says it was the nigger.

There's no way it was!

Stop that!

Mikiko, what's going on?

He didn't do anything.

She told to my brother to run away!

Don't!

He won't speak about it any more.

Yes, I shall! And as often as I like!

Your niece and my brother...

Don't go in!

What?

Don't go and see her tonight!

What are you talking about??

You bastard!

Do anything with her and I'll die!

Whatever!

What are you laughing at?

Welcome to hell.

Hell on earth.

I've written to Yoshimasa, our son.

I said to him: "My poor boy, your wife is worse than an animal."

"There's no use in returning... you are dishonored."

You want to kill me? Go ahead!

Stop it, master!

My hand! It hurts!

You incompetent fool! You'll die a horrible death!

Yoichi!

Do something!... if you value your skin!

I will obey you, master!

Sir, it's not your wife's fault!

You pack of ruffians!

Shut up!

I'll kill you!

You wanted to kill the negro? He's all yours!

You piece of filth! How dare you...

Why you stop?

He doesn't want to hit him.

Keep out of the way, miss.

No!

Don't do it!

Stop, Hachiro!

Stop it!

Give me back my daughter!

The negro was trying to save himself... He didn't mean to push her!

That monster has bewitched you!

If we'd got rid of him, it wouldn't have happened!

We have to report it to the authorities.

Eh, Chief?

So they can cheat us again? It's a waste of time!

So what do we do?

The point is, he's an enemy.

We should've killed him straight off!

Before we go to the authorities...

...we have to all be in agreement.

Let's kill the enemy!

I agree with that! A bullet through his head!

We can't just do anything we want.

It's up to you, Chief. He lives in your storeroom.

Do what you like.

Why not sell his meat on the black market?

Kill him! Let me kill him!

Stop!

Kill him!

I've no right to speak, but this is my opinion.

The negro is responsible for upsetting Jiro and making him run off.

It's the only explanation.

Isn't it?

No, Jiro didn't leave because of the nigger.

What do you mean by that?

- That wasn't the reason. - You fool of a girl!

A girl has no business here! Come with me!

Isn't this early for a meeting?

You bureaucratic idiot! What are we to do with the negro?

What's he done now?

He killed a kid!

It's your fault! You can't make a decision!

That's the reason I'm here.

So what's happening now?

The military police HQ is destroyed. The local government is in chaos.

Either we bring them the prisoner alive...

...or they'll come and check the body, should he be dead.

Useless idiots!

Our representatives are fine men!

What about their assurances?...

...Our recompense, our money?

What can you expect, now the police are no more?

You sort it out! I never wanted to guard him!

Your lot are responsible for the girls death!

I've only followed the prefect's orders!

But we've lost a lot as a result!

Is that all you have to say to us?!

You must realise that I'm only a messenger!

I also have a message for Denmatsu.

For me? Please read it.

"Matsuo died valiantly at Okinawa."

Please accept my condolences...

You can see what a thankless job I have.

Let us pray for him.

Yes, let us all pray for him.

Let us pray for Matsuo who has bravely fought and died...

...for his majesty the emperor!

One minute's silence!

Why did you have to die?

Tell me, Matsuo...

What will become of us, without you?

We've weeded the paddies and planted the rice...

...then it'll be the wheat.

But how will we make it next year, without you?

Will we be on our knees in the paddies again, next year?

I'm sick and tired of it!

What an idiot you turned out to be!

I can't help being angry with you!

Shut up, you silly old woman!

We understand how upset you are... but he died a hero for the fatherland.

It was his fate.

I resent every one of you!

While you were caring for that piece of nigger filth...

...my son was dying on the battlefield!

All for this enemy filth!

She's right! He's brought nothing but disaster upon us.

So why do we look after him?

Only because we've been forced to! All because of this bureaucrat!

You liar!

It was all just so the Chief could be rewarded by the military!

It was all his fault!

Say that again, if you dare!

I had no choice! I was forced... for the good of the nation!

And you have the hide to complain...

...about me?!

That's quite absurd.

For the good of the nation?!

Did you hear the old skinflint?!...

- You crazy old woman! - Shut up, you slag!

How dare you touch my wife!

Kill that dirty nigger!

Your keeping this animal has meant all of us suffer!

You filthy cheapskate! Treating my wife like a slut!

Denmatsu!

You spend your evenings drinking my saké...

You even get to take some home...

And you've the effrontery to call me a skinflint!

Whatever... It's what everyone says about you.

You have your devious reasons for bribing me. Just like you have regarding the negro!

Don't you start getting uppity!

You think I'm uppity?

That I'm pleased with myself?

I just lost my only son in the war.

I know that.

But that doesn't give you leave to criticise the Chief.

Don't make a fuss about everything!

Fuss?! Is that what you say about a bereaved father?!

We should get back 3 times what we spent on the nigger.

You promised us, Chief! Don't wriggle out of it!

He can pay out of his own pocket!

Sorry to say, but that is the least you could do...

...to help to the next harvest.

I agree.

You idiots! After all the bad-mouthing you've given me...

...you don't deserve anything!

Work it out for yourselves!

You're the rich one, Chief!

The negro's in your storeroom, but your barn's full of food!

Share some with us!

That rice comes from the sweat of our brow!

That's enough of that talk!

Don't be fooled by this negro...

You don't stick together... No wonder he laughs at you!

Hisako! Water!

Stop your bickering! Why not help each other?

You good for nothing!

Since you can't come to any decision...

...I'll kill the nigger myself!

No point putting it off!

Let's cut his head off!

Wait!

I'll get my rifle, so he can be shot.

Let's do it!

Afterwards I'll give you all rice.

In the meantime the important thing is to kill him...

...so that peace returns to our village.

Let's let him escape to the mountains.

What are you imps up to in there?

We need to bar the door!

Get something, quick!

Hachiro... open up!

Osamu, you little fool, unbar the door!

What's got into you?!

Don't shoot!

It's too risky!

Osamu, you silly little fool... Move away from the nigger!

Can't you understand?

Be a good boy... move away!

Get right away from him!

Listen to me, Osamu!

...Don't listen to them!

You idiot!

Listen to me, Osamu... Stay close to him!

Do you hear me?!

I heard you! I shan't budge!

How did he get like this?

This is insane!

Who got us into this mess?!

You don't know how to handle a gun!

Look out!

Don't do it!

I need another round!

Do you hate Osamu that much?

You shut up!

I've always thought so.

You hate him. You'd like to kill him!

Stop talking rubbish!

Let me speak.

Osamu is your son.

You got my sister pregnant... That's why you hate him!

This is some tale of Denmatsu's!

Liar!

You abused my sister when she was working for you.

To cover yourself...

...you blamed your servant and forced them to move to Tokyo.

But Osamu is your son!

Where'd you get this from?

Have you any proof?

Denmatsu, say something to convince her!

You stupid woman!

He's right! You've made all this up!

You pathetic drunkard!

He's bribed you with money and saké!

I told the truth!

Shut your face!

Masu is telling the truth.

I saw with my own eyes...

Right there where the negro is.

She fought against him, but he raped her.

I saw everything.

Go home, you crazy old bitch!

Masu was right.

It was my idea to send them to Tokyo.

- That's the honest truth! - Go home!

This world of ours is hell!

You old witch!

Masu, come here!

I honestly wanted to marry your sister.

- That's a lie! - I swear it's true.

I just wanted to get rid of that witch, first.

So why didn't you?

It was a financial decision! My situation didn't allow it.

I would've become head of your family... and that would've ruined me.

You're just making excuses!

Oyoshi was willing, because she was after my money.

Look at Denmatsu, your husband.

He's been drinking my saké for 10 years.

And for 10 years he's been saying the same thing.

What's 10 years compared to ruining a woman's life?

And turning me into a drunkard in the process!

I'll be expected back in town.

Sorry, but I'll have to leave.

All the best, guys!

Would you give me a hand?

Doing what?

Breaking down the door where the negro is.

What about Osamu...?

Would you rather that he's left in there?

We don't know what the negro will do.

If we don't try, we'll never know.

If no one's prepared to help me, I'll do it alone.

Stop that! Go away!

Keep going!

I forbid you from burying him on my land.

But we all agreed at the meeting.

Not me.

So what are we to do with him?

It's out of the question that he should pollute our soil.

Dump him in the mountains.

Scram, you kids!

Are you still feeling bad?

He says it hurts a bit.

Really?

Come on... get off home!

We've no choice... This has to be kept quiet.

A black monster in our...

Get her away from here!

Seems weird to bury someone without a monk doing the rites.

The officials will come later. In the meantime, we'll manage.

Is it enough just to cover him with soil?

- What if we recite some scripture? - We could give three cheers.

He did die for his country, after all.

Yes, and we killed an enemy.

We're all equal in death.

Long live the Emperor! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Hey! What are you doing there?

Shut up! Or you'll finish up with him!

The war!... It's all over!

What?

The war has ended!

I came as soon as I heard the official announcement.

The emperor announced it on the radio... the war is ended.

I didn't hear all of it, but my boss confirmed it.

You might be a veteran, but you're an idiot!

The war is only over with the victory of Japan!

But that's no longer the case!

The Emperor has accepted the Potsdam Declaration.

The war is well and truly over.

Goodness!

But what will happen now?

I've no idea.

The Emperor will be deciding soon.

Japan has lost the war.

What would you know about it?

I don't understand.

How could you say that?

Maybe she's right.

It's insane!

We're supposed to be fighting to the last man...

...in a final battle on our home ground!

The best thing will be to carry on...

as if...

...the negro was never here.

What do you think, Kadoya?

I'd have no trouble forgetting about him, but as for other people...

Yesterday the prefecture issued an order.

We must surrender all weapons to the occupation forces.

The enemy doesn't trust the Japanese...

...and thinks we still might fight back.

If they find out about the nigger, something terrible could happen.

Just a minute, you bureaucrat!

What have we done wrong?

We gave him white rice...

...while we had to eat potatoes.

He even got to drink goats milk. What more could we have done?

But he's dead.

We only obeyed your orders...

And you're the one who killed him!

He was kept alive until you told us to do as we please.

That's why he was eliminated.

In that case, are you ready to face a tribunal?

Of course!

"Deliver your rice." Yes. "Become a soldier." Yes. "Die." Yes.

All we know how to do, is say "yes".

I'm sure we'll be tried!

We'll soon see who's at fault!

Even if we try and cover it up, the rumours will circulate.

Really?

Do you have such little faith in us?

I've already forgotten.

I've never seen a negro.

Big mouth! You talk too much.

I've forgotten too. I didn't see anything either.

Then let's leave it at that.

Let us swear that we'll never mention this to anyone.

I'll tell the old man.

So, it's definite.

Make sure the woman and children realise, too.

We'll clap hands on that, gentlemen!

Thank you.

Mrs Ishii, this decision applies to you, too.

I wish to thank you for your hospitality.

I don't care whether those evacuees go back to Tokyo or hell!

It's not much... but help yourself.

Hisako... put the food out.

Did you understand everything?

Come on, we'll drink the Chief dry!

We'll celebrate the return of peace...

...in friendship.

Leave him alone...!

It's over, all that. Let him come to join us.

The officials say it will not be considered a crime.

You must be tired... have a drink!

We've just made an agreement...

To forget about everything that happened during the war, including about the negro.

- Forget it? - Don't you worry about it.

The war is over.

Peace has arrived.

Jiro, you're a strapping lad, but you're a great man, too.

I admire how you evaded capture all that time.

Could you desert again, without being caught?

Yes, I can happily live on tree roots.

So you could do it again, if you had to?

In case the occupation forces say we're accountable.

I see!

Great idea!

We'll say that it was Jiro who killed the negro!

And if he runs away, they won't do anything.

Just a minute, Chief!

Jiro wasn't responsible...

We're just asking Jiro to do us a favour.

I don't get it at all!

Don't worry! We'll only ask if the worst comes to the worst!

We had a lot of trouble over Jiro's disappearance.

But this would be a last resort.

If the village people begged you, would you do it?

If it would help you all...

...I'm ready to be of service!

Great! That really makes Jiro one of us!

In the name of the village, I want to thank you.

Yes, give yourself another drink! You defend yourself well for a girl.

The nigger used to sing.

He knew how to swim.

He also ate potatoes that made him shit!

After all they put you through!

You wouldn't understand...

Jiro and I'll have to spend the rest of our days here.

You still haven't returned to Tokyo...

Were you waiting for me?

You didn't need to return.

You were tricked!

I'm not that stupid!

I'm a big man now, aren't I?!

Don't get too full of yourself!

Are you trying to cheat me?

I'm a soldier of the Imperial Army!

I won't let a coward like you put on airs!

Shut up!

Do you dare insult me... ...you scoundrel?!

I killed a lot of men at the front...

I won't take any insults from you!

Don't take that from that bureaucrat, Jiro!

I'll kill anyone who tries to make me run away for you!

Alright!... We'll find another solution.

Please put down that sword.

Who killed the nigger?

We were ordered to kill him!

But who killed him?

Who's trying to pin it on me?

Is that you?

No, it was the Chief!

Did you kill him, Chief?

Apologise! Apologise!

Go on... kill him!

Don't do it, Jiro!

Apologise!... All of you!

That's enough!

If you want me to calm down, then apologise!

This won't be Jiro...

We'll say he never came back after he ran away.

We'll say it was he who killed the negro.

Do we all agree on that?

It'll be best for everybody.

You won't oppose this decision?

Light the fire!

So, shall we drink to it now? Everything's ready.

We have to drive out the evil spirits.

I thank you all very much.

All over now... Try to forget.

I'll help you. I'll even give you a rice-paddy.

This time, everything is back to normal!

So we can prepare for the autumn festival?

We must make it a big one, since we've missed the last 2 years.

A lion dance this time?

Yoiji, come here. Dance with us.

THE END

Sous-titrage TITRA FILM Paris Translation from French by FatPlank for KG