Original subtitles

OBEY FAMILY RULES

WITHOUT RULES, THE HOUSE WILL NOT FUNCTION

INTENTIONS OF MURDER

Oh, my!

Kinu!

Dear, even if the priest said to do that,

it's too cold today.

Kinu, take this to the shrine.

Dear, you go inside and lie down.

Do as I say. I'll bring Masaru in soon.

They say the master has no heir

because he was cursed by a white snake.

Kinu!

But I think the spirit of his father's dead mistress is bringing him bad luck.

Stop that. You'll upset him again.

Is here good?

That's fine, thanks.

I'm sure it's Matsu, the mistress.

It was her curse that killed the prior master's wife too.

Riichi, why not move into the family home when you get back?

It isn't that simple. There are things to consider.

I'll stop by soon to discuss it.

No, I'll be back anyway to collect money for eggs.

Don't bother. Let Sadako do that.

What if she miscounts the money?

She even forgot to bring you a change of clothes.

She isn't dependable.

Here comes Mommy!

It took that long just to go home?

Sorry. I ran all the way.

Thank you.

What's this? I said undershirts.

You did?

Another mistake.

I'm sorry. I'll run back.

Don't bother. It's too late.

Well, well! Good evening, Mr. Takahashi.

Off to Tokyo University?

Delegate to the National Library Association - that's a big deal!

I'm on my way to Zao.

Did you blab everything to him too?

- I didn't say a word. - Then how did he know?

Who is he?

A student who boards with the lady next door.

Sadako?

Where are you going? - For a platform ticket.

Don't bother. Mother's taking Masaru for some noodles.

Don't forget to help my boss Mr. Watanabe with his housecleaning tomorrow.

Don't worry about Masaru. He'll stay with us.

Bring some bean cakes back for your father.

Dad, bring me something too.

Only if you get rid of those mice.

Then I don't want anything.

It's so cold.

Let's go see Grandfather.

Sorry, Mother.

Stop it. You don't have to do that.

Masaru, behave yourself. Don't eat too much.

Don't worry. He knows.

Please take care of him.

Mommy, don't throw my mice away.

Dried sardines, 30 yen.

Beef, 130 yen.

Monthly payment on the TV...

1,800 yen.

Sadako, you're spending too much on food.

You and Masaru are too frail.

You need nourishment.

You have no education,

and that makes Riichi feel ashamed.

"It's the same in Aiko's case.

I don't think cigarettes are good for one's health.

Yet why is it all right for a man to smoke,

but not for a woman?

The question raises a large number of issues..."

When you get to their house,

pay attention to everything Mrs. Takahashi says.

Your grandma used to live there.

She was the previous master's mistress,

so you're related in a way.

The master's like a saint,

so help out in any way you're asked.

They're the only ones who'll take you in now.

Be a good girl and make your late mother proud.

Uncle, I want to go back to Tokyo.

Don't talk nonsense.

Your mother's dead. Where would you go?

Give me your money. Be quiet!

Hurry and give me your money.

Over there.

In the drawer.

Don't look at me!

I'll kill you if you do!

Help!

- Want me to kill you? - Help!

I'll kill you if that's what you want!

Sadako!

What are you doing, you idiot?

Get out, you child of a whore!

You're just like Matsu!

If you keep quiet, no one will know.

Nothing happened.

It was a dream.

It had to be a dream.

I have to die.

- Master Riichi - - No.

You wouldn't let me take it this morning either.

Sadako, I love you.

No, don't!

You mustn't!

- Sadako! - No, you mustn't!

Why not?

Sadako!

Sadako, can I come up?

Can I?

Who's there? Who is that?

Thief! Bastard!

Get out of here, you son of a bitch!

Bastard!

Come here again and I'll call the police!

Mean old hag!

You were waiting for him, weren't you, with the light on this late?

No, I wasn't.

Your grandma was my dead father's mistress.

Your mother was a caf� waitress

and had you out of wedlock.

Can't you see I don't want you to become a slut like them?

- I know. - Don't lie to me!

You opened the window for him!

- No, I didn't. - Liar!

I didn't open the window.

I'm always getting yelled at because of a grandma I never met.

Papa, forgive me.

I have to kill myself.

Masaru!

I have to die.

I'm going to die anyway,

so I might as well see Masaru first.

Mom, Grandma bought me some clothes.

Really?

Did you have fun at Grandma's?

You didn't get a tummy ache?

What's wrong, Mommy?

Nothing. I just fell down.

Wipe his nose.

Why are you crying?

He was only gone two days. You trying to imply something?

I paid the deposit. You take care of the rest.

Masaru, I said you could wear those until you got home.

Now take them off.

My goodness! What happened to this screen?

Well...

I went to set the time, but I slipped

and the clock fell.

Get it fixed soon. It's a disgrace.

Forgive me.

I hope you're not giving Riichi any ideas...

about not moving into our place.

It's an easy commute to the library,

and you'd pay half the rent you pay here.

You need to consider the little one's education.

He should really be with me.

You should be persuading Riichi.

I'll try.

I bought pesticide for the roses.

Let me see.

No! It's a scary poison. It's called "Bordeaux."

A little drop could kill you.

I want a snack.

Wash your hands first. You were just outside.

Kaki and Maki don't wash their hands.

Come here.

Don't imitate those slum kids.

You're a frail boy.

Go on now.

Are you waiting until tomorrow to hang out this wash?

It's such a fine day.

All right.

Morning. You're late today.

I have a splitting headache.

That's not like you. Didn't you get enough sleep?

I sure didn't.

She kept me awake all night

telling me all her troubles.

Idiot.

I hate old men. They're so persistent.

Oh, hello!

Your mother-in-law's here? - Yes.

Oh, about that knitting machine -

hurry and get your husband to buy it.

It's year-end and the company has to clear the books.

I'd pay for it for you,

but the old man's retired, and his son is so stingy.

I'd like to...

but my husband's against it.

Talk him into it.

You finished Mrs. Sato's sweater, right?

Finish more orders and buy the machine.

- Sadako. - Coming.

Sadako, Grandma's calling you.

Oh no!

The little mouse ate the big one.

He must have been hungry.

Masaru, listen.

Masaru, don't fall asleep.

I have to talk to you.

If Mommy decides to die, will you die with me?

Sure.

- Really? - Yeah.

But I can still go to school, right?

No, you can't go anywhere.

- Want something to eat? - No.

I'll tell him.

If he doesn't forgive me, I'll kill myself.

Coming.

Who is it?

I'm from the library.

Isn't Mr. Takahashi back yet?

Not yet.

Has something happened?

There was a little trouble at the library.

Sorry to bother you.

Hi, Dad.

Welcome home.

I got this vacuum cheap from Mr. Watanabe.

How nice.

You didn't go help at his house, did you?

No.

Why not?

Maki's wife and everybody else went.

Don't you care what happens to me at work?

Of course I do.

Then why didn't you go?

I had things to take care of.

Don't lie!

Why don't you do what I tell you for a change?

Bring that thing over here.

I swear, I have to be the unluckiest man alive.

My wife watches TV all day long,

and I buy her a vacuum cleaner.

Plug it in.

You use it like this.

Can I try it, Dad?

What happened to that screen?

Your mother told me to put on new paper for the New Year.

It's none of her business.

Can we afford it? Show me the household accounts.

What's this?

Still haven't returned this knitting machine?

I'll do it tomorrow.

You'll never learn to use it. Just take it back.

What's this? You went over budget again.

Why's the electric bill so high?

Because all you do is watch TV.

I don't watch that much. It's the refrigerator.

We don't need a fridge in winter. Unplug it.

And don't use the vacuum cleaner too much.

It's second-hand, but it's almost new.

Unplug it.

- You want dinner? - No.

That woman who came by last night - is she from the university?

Yes.

She said there was trouble at the library.

I know.

Maki was nominated to be head librarian while I was away.

What an insult!

The guy's family is a bunch of peasants.

You can't trust people.

Hell, there's no such thing as trust.

Hey, Mama-san!

It's that damned student next door again.

Are you asleep?

What happened to the cord?

It broke. I got it fixed.

What was wrong?

I wasn't sure, so I called the electrician.

Fool! Don't call him for something that simple.

How much did he charge? - A hundred yen.

Papa...

what would -

Spit it out.

What would you do if I had an affair?

Idiot.

As if you had the guts.

Go ahead, if you think you can.

But I -

You just sit around. You didn't even go help the Watanabes.

Watching TV is making you even dumber.

No, please don't.

Masaru might wake up.

It doesn't matter.

Papa...

Mama...

Eros and Civilization.

Riichi!

It's true Maki was nominated to be head librarian,

but it hasn't been decided yet.

Mr. Watanabe's disliked him since that thesis incident last year.

Besides, Watanabe's your relative,

so he won't endorse Maki that easily.

I heard a lot about it today,

and I wanted to tell you everything.

You haven't come to my apartment in a long time.

Be sure...

to stop by on your way home today.

It's not what you think.

Somebody help!

Listen...

if you go to the cops, I'll tell them all about you and your husband.

Bitch! Look what you did!

I'll burn you.

Killing is nothing to me.

Mrs. Takahashi?

If you want to scream, go ahead.

Mrs. Takahashi?

I'm from Igarashi Appliances.

Anyone home?

You like me, don't you?

Are you crazy? You?

I'll tell them!

I'll tell them all about last time.

Is that what you want?

It's not what you think.

I love you.

You love me too, don't you?

A jerk like you?

Please...

I know I'm a fool.

But I'm going to die.

I just want you to be nice to me.

I...

Stop it!

No, don't!

No!

Riichi!

Your Yoshiko missed you so much.

Listen...

is it true Sadako's not registered as your wife?

That's not true.

You know...

I had that abortion for your sake.

Here I am, so unhappy.

I wish I'd had the baby.

Cut it out.

I'm your wife.

We've been together for ten years,

longer than you've known Sadako.

Isn't that right?

I'm your...

real wife.

Ouch! That hurts!

Mrs. Takahashi!

What's this cloth doing here?

Mommy, aren't you home?

She's home. I hear noise inside.

Mommy!

This is far enough.

But...

It's dark and dangerous near your apartment.

I don't care.

See you.

Riichi...

I bought this for Masaru.

It's a good book.

That's enough now. My neighbor just saw us.

What does that matter?

Listen, I want to raise Masaru

as if he were my own son.

Fine. Thanks.

That's why -

That's why -

I'm home.

What a nuisance!

A coworker kept asking me questions all the way home.

Really persistent.

Masaru, isn't that a new screen?

Here's a present for you.

Welcome home, Dad.

It's a good book. Treat it well.

What's wrong?

Are you sick?

Mr. Watanabe insisted I go drinking with him.

What a day!

I'll do it.

You get dinner ready.

You still haven't returned that knitting machine?

Hisako asked if I'd do some piecework.

It might be enough to pay the electric bill.

They sure are loud next door.

What's wrong with you?

Did something happen?

Why are you looking at me like that?

Hurry and get dinner ready.

Why did I smile like that?

Excuse me! May I -

Please excuse me.

Hisako! You slut!

Run, Hisako!

Come back here!

Bitch!

Whore!

Taking in that bastard!

Go to hell!

You don't even support me! Stop acting like you own me!

I earn my own keep! No one tells me what to do!

You bitch! How long have you been screwing that kid?

Stop it! You're on my property!

That's right. You're on his property.

Sorry to disturb you.

Come on.

- Arrogant ass! - Watch your mouth!

Hisako, hurry up. We have to talk.

Bad fight, wasn't it?

He found out she was cheating.

If they're going to fight, they should do it inside.

Damn it!

They broke the fence.

- What happened, Mom? - Nothing.

I'm terribly sorry.

Stupid bastard!

Look what you did.

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Cowering in a stranger's house.

Get me a rag.

Masaru.

Go home.

I said go home!

I'll do it.

It's just not right

bringing your quarrels into someone else's house.

It's fine.

Hurry and get dinner ready.

If I tell him, it'll ruin everything.

I'd rather die first.

But what if that man comes back?

- May I help you? - May I see some locks?

We have several kinds over here.

You better be careful. They didn't seem like just friends.

She must be a librarian.

They're always bothering him for help.

It was more than that! It was obvious.

You go ahead and do what you want.

You can make a living by knitting.

Sadako, get me a screwdriver.

See? He's worried about us talking.

- You'll get cut. - I don't care.

Wait, let me roll out the futon.

Stop...

Papa...

- It's going to rain. - Then maybe we shouldn't.

Let's have tea. I rushed over when I saw the time.

Ma'am, shall I place the side dishes here?

Yes, that's fine.

Young wives are so lucky these days.

They won't marry unless they can wear tabi socks in the house.

That's right. We had it the worst.

We couldn't wear tabi as young wives,

but now we have to buy them for our sons' wives.

That's democracy for you.

Mother, the beans are ready.

Then go get some eggs.

My daughter-in-law doesn't wear tabi, democracy or no.

- Isn't Sadako in your family register yet? - No.

Isn't it about time you registered her?

Things aren't that simple as head of the family.

Sadako, don't forget to come visit Matsu's grave on April 20.

It's been 50 years since she died.

Was she really my grandmother?

Of course.

Mrs. Takahashi and everyone say you look exactly like her.

If you don't visit her grave,

you'll end up like Matsu and put a curse on this family.

They say she was the prior master's mistress.

That's right.

Leave that. I'll do it.

The family took Matsu's daughter away, and it broke her heart.

She wandered around here every night

and finally hanged herself.

Hanged herself?

Her daughter was your mother.

The fact this house has no heir

is due to Matsu's curse.

Even now,

on every anniversary of her death,

you can hear her footsteps click-clacking outside at night.

Stop it! You're always trying to scare me.

Make a scene if you want, but we have to talk.

Masaru!

Let's go. - To the cafeteria?

We're going home.

Train fare, 25 yen.

Green onions, 30 yen.

Monthly payment on the TV...

1,800 yen.

This one looks great on you.

I wanted one with more red, but this one's flashier.

What did the man do then?

- He followed her outside. - And then?

I followed for a while, but then I lost them.

Don't lie to me. It's all nonsense.

It is not nonsense. - It is too.

Your eyesight's too poor to be reliable.

But I can see things up close.

I did it for you.

You fool. Stop talking nonsense.

Are you trying to wreck my home?

How could you!

You know it's true.

I called but there was no answer.

Won't you come over today?

I'm thinking of moving closer to your house.

Don't be stupid!

I love you.

First do this, then turn this dial in.

Pull the lever, then turn the dial out.

- On the old machine - - Well, not on this one.

See?

Strange. Like this, and then -

No, this way.

- And then - - Turn it again that way.

- See? - You're right.

Welcome home, Dad.

Hello, sir.

My inhaler.

It's dangerous leaving scissors around!

I was just asking your wife.

The thing is...

I've missed too many of Mr. Watanabe's lectures.

I wondered if you'd talk to him -

I don't approve of favoritism. I won't do it.

Go home. - I'm shocked!

Go home!

Was he here all day?

No, just a little while.

Where'd you go today?

First to the department store, to the yarn section.

I asked about knitting work.

Then I bought Masaru a coat in the bargain basement,

and then -

You didn't meet anyone?

No.

Is that the truth?

It's true. I didn't meet anyone.

Dad, look what Mom bought me.

Did you go to the department store with your mother?

Did she meet anyone there?

I don't know.

Does that student come over a lot?

Yeah.

Doesn't he, Mom? - Yes, sometimes.

Now put your coat away.

Mrs. Takahashi?

I'm here for your savings deposit.

- What? - Your savings deposit.

That's a nice coat, young man.

Sorry to come by so late.

No one was home this afternoon.

I'm sorry. Here you are.

Thank you.

Thank you. See you next month.

Thank you.

Let me see that.

28,000 yen.

You've hidden this from me for three years.

Why?

It's in your name, and it's all my money!

I'm sorry.

But that's all money I earned from my knitting.

Here's the household account.

You calculated wrong here.

Look. 8,560 minus 5,220 is -

Isn't it 3,340?

I know that.

What's this?

Have you got lipstick on?

Mommy, this is awful!

My mouse is dead!

You asked me an odd question a while back.

What?

About having an affair or something.

I never said anything like that.

You've forgotten already?

You did say it.

I said something like that?

Sure it wasn't about something on TV?

Three months pregnant - so you conceived around mid-November.

The sooner the better. You want to do it now?

How much would it cost?

4,000, plus 500 for incidentals. So 4,500 yen.

The 12:50 train for Tokyo is running three minutes late.

It will arrive shortly.

Three months pregnant. The sooner the better.

Could it be that guy's baby?

I haven't gotten pregnant in six years.

I followed you all the way from Sendai.

I wasn't sure when to approach you.

You're pregnant, aren't you?

Is it mine?

It is, isn't it?

I know everything.

That's why you came out here to see a doctor.

Isn't that right?

Hey!

Stop!

Please wait!

Listen...

will you run away with me?

If we stay on this train, we'll get to Tokyo.

I don't know about the future,

but even if it's just for a while...

let's live together.

Let's go to Tokyo.

We can get by there.

Please. Come with me.

Oh, yeah, your son. You can bring him along.

I like kids, and they take to me too.

Don't you dare talk about my son!

It makes my skin crawl to hear a man like you even mention him.

This baby isn't yours!

It's my husband's. His and mine.

Now go away!

You promised never to come again! Now leave!

Go away!

I can't take it anymore.

You're all I ever think about.

Nothing you say will change that.

Come away with me! - Let me go!

You bitch! I'll kill you!

What's wrong with him?

Ampule...

in my pocket...

medicine...

Is he going to die?

In my pocket...

Break it open.

- No, I'm not going. - Then I'm not either.

I've fallen on that slope before.

Stop it!

All right. I'll talk some sense into him once and for all.

This may be my chance to do it.

I mustn't let this chance slip away.

Hey, the room charge is 400 yen.

Thank you.

- Shall I bring tea? - No.

I get sick like that once in a while.

But it's not serious.

My doctor talks about a weak heart.

But sickness is all in your mind.

I need to talk to you.

You're from Tokyo, aren't you?

I knew it.

You want to go to Tokyo too.

Look...

let's be frank with each other.

Don't. I need to talk.

Talk? About the baby?

We need to talk...

Don't start...

Stop it...

I got a safety pin for you.

Hey.

I lose my temper easily.

I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it.

Now I know

you're exactly the woman I expected you to be.

I wish you'd go to Tokyo with me...

I'll leave here first.

I'm a drummer at a place called Chicago in Kitamachi.

If...

If you decide to go to Tokyo, let me know.

Okay?

I'm going now.

I won't bother you again.

This is goodbye.

What if the baby is his?

What if...

This stop, Hirose Bridge...

Where have you been, stupid?

Father died. I'm taking Masaru.

Come as soon as possible. Riichi.

Excuse me...

Riichi left work early for the funeral.

Mr Watanabe asked me to bring this to you.

Oh, thank you very much.

Even a good man like him couldn't live forever...

He was a very kind old man, wasn't he?

- Where have you been? - A yarn shop, for knitting...

You've embarrassed me.

Look, Grandpa is crying!

Masaru.

Masaru.

Where are Grandpa's false teeth?

Oh, Riichi...

Come for a moment.

And Sadako, you too.

It's about deciding who'll look after Mother.

We can't afford...

So all of us, the siblings, should talk it over.

All he left was this house and a rice paddy.

If you come to live here,

I want nothing more than my share by law.

I don't mind you taking the rest.

When Mother dies, you'll get it automatically.

Namie married into a well-off family.

- Right, Namie? - What?

What we discussed. This house.

It's okay. But make sure you give me the tansu.

I want it in our living room. It's so big and empty-looking.

But...

it's too far to commute to my work from here.

But of all of us you live the closest.

I wish I could move.

But then I'd lose my constituency.

And it's difficult to change the kids' school.

Good evening.

I understand, but...

We have to ask Mother. I'm not on my own, you know.

Isn't Masaru registered to inherit the family name?

Yes. As Mother insisted, I had him registered that way.

You lived in this house, Sadako.

Wouldn't it be easy for you to come back here?

Shall we do it, Sadako?

Oh, aren't you Sadako?

Yes. It's been a long time...

What a surprise!

What a sexy broad you've turned into!

If I'd known, I'd have made you mine

even if Grandma killed me for it.

You opened the window for me.

So I thought I'd be safe. That was a big mistake.

You're a lucky guy, Riichi.

All the neighbours are here. Come and see us.

Don't worry about the weedy-looking husband.

Come on! Let's go now.

Sadako.

What's wrong?

- Sadako. - What's the matter?

Sadako.

How do you feel?

I'm all right now.

Is it morning sickness?

It must be. When did it start?

I'm not sure yet...

Let me see.

Yes... for sure...

Does Riichi know?

No, not yet.

You should go to the doctor.

It's six years since Masaru...

Sadako,

give us a boy, please.

Masaru's frail.

If something should happen to him,

there would be no heir.

Understand?

Take care not to get cold.

Mother, I'll do it...

No. You stay lying down.

You must be tired.

Thank you very much.

Being a woman doesn't pay.

We have all the trouble of raising children

and once they've grown up,

they do everything their own way.

You know, I want to die here...

in this house...

without giving trouble to anybody...

You're not stopping Riichi moving in here, are you?

No...

You're one who should try to persuade him, really.

If Riichi agrees, it's all right with me...

Really?

Thank you.

Now...

I'll go and tell Riichi about the baby.

She's been dead for 50 years.

You must go to Matsu's grave on the anniversary.

Sadako.

Sadako?

Sadako, can I come in?

- It's okay? - But I...

Can I? I'm coming now. Just wait.

Who is it? Who's out there?

Have I forgotten?

At the time

I did open the window.

Why do I remember it now?

- Why don't you go? - No.

I don't want to go to Akita.

Can you make a living?

I'm going to bed.

Where in Tokyo does his family live?

I don't know. Why are you asking?

His heart condition doesn't sound good at all.

I bet he has no family, from the way he behaves.

In memory of Matsu Inazawa

Masaru?

Masaru is registered as the son of Tadae and Seizo, deceased.

And Riichi?

Riichi is the second son of Seizo

and therefore an elder brother of Masaru, the third son.

Can you find Sadako in the register?

No, I can't.

But Sadako is Masaru's mother, you know.

In the register, Masaru's mother is Tadae.

Can you correct it to say Masaru is Sadako's child?

No, unless you take it to court.

Court?

Why keep quiet when your kid's taken away?

But I'm scared when I think of taking it to court.

Don't be. You should set the record straight now.

Or they'll treat you as a maid when you move in there.

Look, I know a lawyer. Shall I ask him for you?

No, please don't. I couldn't...

Don't feel you owe me. I'm doing it for myself too.

When you move over there

I'll rent one of your rooms for my knitting classes.

Listen, there's no knitting school there.

There's many who'd go if there was one nearby.

But I'm not sure...

Your socks stink. Take them off.

Don't let them take your child away,

even if it upsets your husband.

- You can find a man anywhere. - Mother!

Yes.

- Mother! Mother! - Yes.

I'll finish the jumper in four days.

That's okay. Oh, hang on...

Here's the money for the last one.

Sadako!

Thanks for the tea.

I'm coming.

Fuji Knitting School Karihara Branch

A man asked me to give you this.

A man?

I need to talk. Meet me at the Hirose Bridge.

- Where did you get this? - Over there.

- You got this too. - No!

You're lying! You got it from a stranger behind my back.

Masaru!

Stop!

- Give it to me! - It's mine! He gave it to me!

What are you saying?

- You're a liar too! - What?

You know that man!

Stupid!

What's this rotten thing?

- Get in the house! - No! Dummy! Liar!

- What! - Stupid!

What did you say?

What did you say? You're a bad boy, bad boy!

Sorry to bother you, but is Eiji in?

Yes... What is it?

- He's out, isn't he? - He should be in, but...

Do you want me?

What's this?

How did you get torn like this?

A couple of days ago, when I went to the Higashi district

I fell and caught it on a nail.

Look, I know everything...

- Tell me the truth. - I'm telling you the truth.

Listen, Sadako...

- You know him, don't you? - Who?

Don't play games. Who threw the stones? Don't deny it!

What's the signal for? Tell me!

I don't know... I really don't...

Idiot!

Don't lie. Stop playing innocent.

Last month you met the guy in a department store.

Is it true? Well?

A couple of days ago, you went to see him again.

He ripped your skirt.

Speak! Say something!

Well? Isn't that the truth?

Am I right?

And he threw the stones just now?

You...

Who knows whose baby it is?

Speak! Tell me the truth!

You're awful!

How dare you say that? And you do what you want...

What!

Don't try to make a fool out of me!

I only keep you out of pity!

Mother doesn't want you in the family either!

Stop it... in front of the child!

Don't get above yourself!

You're only a housemaid!

You...

You...

Don't! Don't!

I said don't!

Masaru!

Don't go to her!

What could I do to prevent this?

There's nothing I could ever have done...

What have I done to deserve this misfortune?

Good morning.

What's the matter? You're late today.

Congratulations!

What?

It's finalised... I mean your promotion.

Can I visit you with some colleagues tonight?

Tonight is a bit...

But tomorrow you leave for Kyoto University

on assignment.

- So how about tonight? - All right...

Don't tell stories.

About Sadako.

You think I can't prove it?

Unless you have evidence,

stop spreading slander.

Mr Takahashi, your home is calling. Downstairs.

Congratulations on the news.

Have a good trip.

It's not slander.

And soon I'll prove it.

Is that you, honey?

Hisako and Mr Hara came around a while back.

They wanted to protest the rent rise.

They asked me to sign the petition.

Is it all right to sign?

Can't you see that it is?

What? With my name, of course.

I'm leaving on business tomorrow.

Buy some sake for my colleagues tonight.

What? The cheap stuff will do.

Around six o'clock. That's right.

Thank you very much.

I'll pay him with this to go away.

If he sees my plea is desperate, even he will understand.

Hiraoka, a fat lady wants to see you.

Hey, Hiraoka!

What a creep.

Drop dead, with your bad heart.

It's all right. No one can see us here.

Sorry about last night.

I didn't intend to visit you, but...

So it really was him.

It took me three years to save this.

I'll give you the lot if you never bother me again.

There, take it. Go on, take it.

You even tricked my innocent son. Animal!

You're a thief.

You broke in to get money. Why don't you take it?

It was money you wanted most, wasn't it? Idiot!

Wait!

No, you're wrong. I don't want money now.

Let me go!

Wait. Listen, I'm going to die.

I don't want to hear it. Let go!

I don't want to part with you like this.

I won't do anything... I promise...

So stay with me, please. Stay one more minute.

I'm giving this back to you.

Money's tight. Won't you be in trouble later?

You're causing me more trouble now!

Please forgive me.

I'm a fool. I'm crazy.

But I can't help it...

There's nothing left for me in the world except you.

When I first went to your house, I wanted money for medicine.

That day,

the doctor told me I was going to die.

I wanted to live no matter what.

But I don't care any more.

I just want you to be nice to me.

Let's go on the roof. I won't do anything.

They're coming. You don't want to be seen, do you?

When I was in Tokyo, I was a popular trumpeter.

But that ended when my heart got bad.

It's eight years since I came here.

They send me to places like Akita and Aomori.

I'm not educated so I can't do anything else.

I didn't even go to junior high school.

My mother raised me after Dad was killed in the war.

She supported us by becoming a hooker.

One time,

I saw mother kill her own baby...

I didn't exactly see it...

Why am I here listening to him like this?

I got sick of everything.

Why listen to a thug like him?

I must give him the money and go home now.

Playing trumpet got me money.

I bought women... women like my mother.

When I had the heart attack on the train

you gave me my medicine.

I was happy.

Since then, I didn't care about anything in the world but you.

Let's go to Tokyo!

And let's have a house for us alone...

- And for your baby. - You can't do that.

Yes, I can. I have friends in Tokyo.

- Stop lying. - It's true.

They'll find me a job. I'll do anything for you.

You can't, with your heart like that.

Of course I can. You're talking rubbish.

That's enough.

I'll forget what happened. So you do the same.

Now, take this.

- Are you going home? - I'll leave it here.

Wait...

Wait, please.

There's something else I got to tell you. Hey!

Hey!

It's over now. He's just a thief...

I feel relieved.

I won't see him again...

I don't have to ever again.

Please...

I've got something else to tell you...

He doesn't deserve pity. He's telling me lies.

This stop, Hirose Bridge.

I don't have to listen to him...

That idiot...

Idiot! Idiot!

Hey!

I knew you'd come back.

You're just like the woman I expected.

Because...

you said you still had something else to tell me...

I had no choice.

This is the last time... Definitely the last...

I won't let you go...

ever again...

Let's go to Tokyo...

Tokyo...

Tokyo...

Tokyo...

It's Tokyo.

No! It's not Tokyo!

It's not the Tokyo I know!

- Let's go to Tokyo. - No! No, I won't!

I see. Then go back home!

If your family means more to you than you do yourself!

Go back right now!

No! No!

I won't go!

Stop it!

I can't give him up... My Masaru...

I can't give him up to anyone...

Dad!

Dad!

Masaru, you'll be late for kindergarten.

See you, mother.

Morning!

Good morning.

There's no other way to protect this family.

I'll kill him

and go as far as I can before I kill myself.

Only when I'm gone

can Masaru and Riichi live happily...

What have I done to deserve this misfortune?

He bought himself a new jacket with my money.

What a nerve.

You're beautiful. You look great.

Two for Tokyo.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

The snow's caused a derailment.

The train ahead of us is stuck. We'll be here for a while.

At the moment it's impossible to say

when we'll be able to get moving again.

I don't think it's possible.

The bus can't climb the steep hill to Akabara Spring.

How long does it to take on foot?

It's only three kilometers but the snow would slow you down.

What should we do? We can't just stand here.

Isn't there any way? I must get to...

Shall we go?

I'm not sure.

How can you be not sure about it?

I must do it soon... before we get there.

Do it now.

Make him drink it now.

Is that tea?

Do you want some?

Don't!

I was...

I was ready to die...

Anybody could see it, the way you're shaking.

You couldn't kill anybody.

Do you hate me so much?

I guess you do. I understand.

I guess I've brought you to a lousy place.

It should have been a nice runaway trip.

But there's nothing else I could do.

Hey...

come to me.

Come to me.

My ampule...

The pain...

The ampule...

Quick!

Please!

I can't find it...

There isn't...

I don't want to die.

The pain... Give me the ampule!

I can't... I can't see it anywhere!

I don't have it!

Stop it!

Let go! Let go!

No!

Bitch!

Fat cow!

I don't have it.

I beg you... give me the ampule...

I can't, there isn't one!

I don't know what to do.

Stay with me...

I beg you...

I love you...

Love...

Please...

What's the matter, lady?

Watch out!

It's only a procedure.

Once it's finished

Just register your marriage and Masaru's...

Oh, Mr Takahashi. Good afternoon.

How are you?

The test results are all right...

The doctor says she can leave soon.

You're fine, aren't you?

Grandma and Masaru have just left.

I'm going too.

I'll take care of it for you.

Goodbye.

What did she mean by that?

It's about Masaru...

Don't ask her for any favours.

- She'll spend our money... - Oh, Mr Takahashi!

You're already here!

I've been waiting for you at the station.

I finished the job in four days.

I couldn't make it any earlier.

I bet you're surprised.

Right after your wife, Miss Masuda was brought in.

When I got here, she was bleeding heavily.

They say she was hit here.

She was swollen, black, couldn't stop bleeding...

- And she died, I heard. - Yes.

It's a mystery it happened to a careful person like her.

Mr Takahashi...

may I have a word?

I was going to give it to you at the station.

This is Miss Masuda's.

She kept wanting to give it to you until the last moment.

I wonder why.

I wonder.

They're still wet. They've just been printed.

Some have double exposures.

Isn't this you?

Who took these photos?

Never mind who.

Look, this one's very clear.

It's definitely you.

No, it's not me.

Yes, it is.

It's your kimono too.

Not many women are this fat.

Still, it isn't me...

Then why were you at the station?

Isn't it strange?

Isn't it?

Why did you go to the station?

Well?

Tell me why.

As you suspected me so much

I decided to go somewhere far away...

Alone?

You couldn't get an idea like that by yourself.

This guy made you, didn't he?

I met that man at the station.

He said he was going to Tokyo too.

Who is he?

Just someone from Tokyo.

I didn't care who he was.

I decided to go to Tokyo with him and got on the train.

But it stopped in the snow...

And I don't know why, but he died.

I got scared...

So I came back.

And the pains started back at the station?

Then this is you in the photos.

No, that's not me.

It's too small to tell but I can get in enlarged.

But I tell you it's not me.

It's not me, but if it were me what would you do?

I couldn't keep such a woman in the family.

Why wouldn't you?

Why? It's a matter of course.

A woman who's had a cheap affair...

I haven't done that.

Who'll believe you? Here's the proof.

But it's not me. Who took the photos?

Never mind. It's these photos we're talking about.

Well, then I was right in leaving you

as you suspect me so much.

I'll take Masaru with me.

Your next wife wouldn't like your having a child.

Fool! That's not the point! I want the truth!

- Give me the truth! - Doctor's coming.

So you mean

you want to know if the baby was yours or not?

Yes...

If you could check the blood type or...

No. In some cases we can,

but the foetus was disposed of five days ago.

Here's the station, where the trains are.

I know that.

It was... just here.

Miss Masuda was hit by a truck just here.

I wonder what she wanted to photograph.

Did you get her film developed?

- What was on it? - Nothing came out.

It must have got exposed.

Is that right?

Such a careful person running out onto the street...

She was quite odd too.

Mr Takahashi, I heard you're moving in with your mother.

I'll bring around a few helping hands.

It says to please come before nine.

It'll take Mother 30 minutes to walk to the family court.

We must leave here by 8.30 at the latest.

She said it's just a procedure...

I hate onions. Take them, Grandma.

Masaru, that's not good manners.

Nobody asked you.

You used to steal food. Masaru's much better than you.

Presumptuous

You should have asked us before going out to the court.

- How dare you? - That's enough, Mother.

We have no choice.

It was for Masaru's sake that we registered him as our son.

What's wrong with that?

I'm sorry for causing this trouble...

If you're sorry, why haven't you withdrawn it?

What if I go to Hisako and ask her

to get the lawyer to withdraw it?

Stupid!

The hearing's today.

Begging that woman won't change a thing.

Father barely in his grave... And now this...

I had no idea really... that it would go to court.

You really are hopeless.

You're noisy!

I'm sorry, but I have to earn money

to buy school things for Masaru.

- Sadako. - Yes?

Are you happy that I've been promoted to a chief?

Of course, I'm very happy.

Look...

A while ago...

didn't you say you had something to tell me?

Didn't you, a while ago?

I wonder what it could have been.

- Sadako. - Yes.

Today Mother accepted the register change.

What would you say about moving in with her?

Well, yes...

From next month I needn't go to the hospital any more.

The registration will be done.

Probably then would be the right time.

If we move there we'll have the field and the silkworms.

We'll rent out a room for knitting classes.

We'll get pretty busy.

What was that?

Sorry?

I thought you laughed.

Oh, darling, isn't it time to take your medicine?

Yeah...

Here.

I'll take your temperature.

Don't bother.

You've got a cold. Here you go.

It was cold in that court house.

Sadako...

Later.

Soon...

you'll officially be my wife, and...

Later, darling.

That hurts.