Original subtitles

THE LIFE OF OHARU

Kinuyo Tanaka

Toshiro Mifune

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

Oharu?

You didn't get a customer either?

It's hard for a fifty year old woman to pretend to be twenty

Don't think like that

I was chosen by an old man from the pilgrims' inn

I thought I was lucky

I went in,

I found myself in a candlelit place,

as though praying to Buddha

He said to the young men:

"Look at this painted face

"Do you still want to buy a woman?"

I am nothing but a spectacle of an ill-fated woman

You've had a bad time from the start.

Osen, he's lit a fire again

We can get warm and go home!

I hear you served at the palace

I never expected you to be doing this

What has led to your ruin?

Do not ask more about my past.

By the fire again?

All right, but be careful

Worried about your hair?

You haven't much to lose!

Where are you going?

I'm taking the first harvest fee to Shimogorio,

at my master's order

You can see the town,

you are so rarely let out

I would be reprimanded

Pretend you didn't know

Kikukoji, you are up early

Saidoin is worried

because you haven't sent a poem in return

He tells everything

Tell me about the daring poem he sent you

Please

excuse me, sir

Mistress Oharu, please wait!

I am Katsunosuke, servant of the noble Kikukoji

He wishes to speak to you in private

Please come to the house in town

I am sent on errand

Please spare a few minutes

after you have competed your errand

Mistress Oharu...

Have you read the letter I gave you the other day?

Who would read such a letter from a servant such as you?

I burned it without reading it

I have no talent for poetry or witticism,

but I have sincerity.

You may look down on my class,

but do not scorn my sentiments.

If refinement is a game

of kicking words of sincerity like a ball,

then I am not refined.

How can someone like you ever understand refined taste?

You cannot appreciate the taste of noble people.

Do you know

any noble who thinks of you with sincerity

and who wishes to marry you?

Please go!

I say this for your happiness.

It is not your business.

I will give up,

if you dislike me.

I do dislike you.

Are you thinking of my humble origin?

Please leave!

Women can only be happy if they marry for true love.

Status and money are not happiness.

I told you to leave.

I did not come here to listen to your story

I will wait for noble Kikukoji alone.

Please leave

He will not come

Please wait!

I apologize,

but I was desperate to see you

I have thought of you

ever since you entered service at the palace

Please accept my love

I did read your letter

Whatever you write,

I could never be with you.

Why not?

Neither the palace nor my father

would allow it.

Then we must run away together

I will take good care of you

and make you happy

We have been told

that prostitutes use this inn.

Heaven forbid! Whoever reported that?

Who are you?

I am a traveler

Whom do you work for?

Todo of Iga...

Insosuke

Where does this prostitute come from?

Insolence! I am no such thing!

I am the daughter

of Tambanosuke Okui, a temple guardian of Chionin.

You must come with us

Mistress Oharu,

despite being a servant of the Imperial Household,

you have indulged in immoral activity

with a man of humble origin.

For this offence,

you will be banished from the city.

The father and the mother

are reprimanded

and also banished from the city

for their lack of supervision.

Judgment given

the seventh of November, 1686.

Relatives may go no further.

Faithless daughter...

making us live here in shame, ruining our ancient family.

Why is it sinful for a man and a woman

to love each other?

What impudence!

You had a liaison with a man whom we did not approve.

That is sin enough.

Our origins were different,

but what is wrong in our sincere love?

Be quiet!

Is there anything you want to say?

Yes. A message for Mistress Oharu.

Tell me.

I wish you to find a good man

and make a happy home.

Promise me

you will marry with true affection.

That's all?

Nothing else?

I hope the day will come

when all may be free to love regardless of status.

Mistress Oharu!

The officials have given us

the will of Katsunosuke.

I have not told your father

I will join Katsunosuke!

That is not your world.

Death is the end of everything.

A messenger from Lord Matsudaira

Show him into the house at once

Is it something serious?

We are seeking a concubine for our Lord

A fast palanquin to seek a concubine...

It is no laughing matter!

Our Lady's health is poor, there is no heir.

It is rumored that our Lord's line may die out

If so, that is a serious matter

We have presented women to our Lord,

but he dislikes country-bred women

His counselors are at a loss

They have the idea that a young woman

may be found here in Kyo,

famous for its beautiful women,

so they've sent me in a hurry.

I thought you had come

to ask me for money.

If that's all you require,

it's easy.

On the contrary,

there are my conditions.

The Lord wishes the woman to look like this.

Age: fifteen to eighteen

The face must be fashionable and round

The Lord dislikes small eyes,

but the eyebrows must be thick

A shapely nose, a small mouth,

white teeth, well-proportioned ears,

a clear brow,

a long neck with no wisps of hair at the nape.

Long and slender fingers.

It is indeed an extraordinary request.

There is more.

Feet must be rather small.

Longer than average torso,

small waist, well-rounded hips.

Well-mannered and good tempered.

No blemishes on the body.

The mouth's too big.

- What size are your socks? - Medium, sir.

If I may say so,

no one but me

could gather so many girls together in Kyo City.

I cannot do any more.

Can't you pick one of these?

If it's just to produce an heir,

good health is enough.

Thick eyebrows,

shapely nose, white teeth...

You know it by heart

I'll die before I find such a woman.

I'm sorry for you,

but why have they sent someone as old as you?

The return journey would be risky with a young man.

But with me,

no chance of misconduct.

It is Sharakubo,

he teaches music and dance

to girls of good family.

They are becoming popular with the samurai

who invite them to drinking parties.

Have you many moles?

A mole?

No, sir

Not even one?

Master Kahei, that's it!

The messenger is waiting.

I shall return and inform him.

This is a relief.

If she produces an heir,

it will bring happiness to all.

How grateful we are, sir

I never dreamed of such a thing.

Oharu this will wipe out your ungrateful conduct.

Everything will be forgiven

I sent her to learn dancing to forget

The preparation allowance is 100 ryo

You will receive rice, also

Aren't you pleased?

I'm to be the Lord's concubine

Why say it like that?

He is a great Daimyo

Once the Lord has been with you,

you will become a lady of the court.

You are as good as a lady of the court already.

We must request

that Lord Matsudaira is not told about that incident.

you must prepare

all you need to take to Edo

I do not wish to go

To produce a baby

for someone whose face I do not know

Not an ordinary child: the heir to a great Daimyo.

Katsunosuke would not forgive me.

Idiot!

You are still my daughter.

I will not allow you to do as you please.

Excellent health.

There will be no difficulty in producing a young lord.

Mistress Sasai, please teach her manners and etiquette.

Show her to her Ladyship at once.

Your Ladyship,

Isobe has returned from Kyo with a suitable concubine.

Already?

She is here.

Please see her.

You must endure everything for the good of the family.

Her name is Oharu Okui.

Lift up your face

Greet Her Ladyship

Good

Do you miss your home?

Are you happy to see your local puppets in Edo?

Is the food to your satisfaction?

Say if anything displeases you

The young lord is born.

Take the news at once.

A young lord is born

What a pretty child. Just like you.

Really?

Is the Lord pleased?

Of course, His Lordship is delighted.

I was unhappy when I was brought here,

but since bearing the child...

You must say:

Since I was given the privilege of bearing the child.

Since I was given the privilege of bearing the child,

I feel it is my home.

My Lord is...

The happiest of occasions for our clan.

Is it enough?

My child... I mean, young lord.

We will feed him!

I will feed him!

Thank you

With this cloth I will make a fortune

Are you still worried about payment?

The great Daimyo Matsudaira supports me

My master is very exacting

Master Kahei is worried?

My daughter has given birth to a young lord

She as borne the heir to a great fortune

I have received a letter

Do not worry about payment,

Do not worry

bring me lots of material.

Master Jihei, shall I bring the silk

intended for the Hishia shop?

Bring everything

Soon I shall have a shop in Muromachi.

I will compete with your master

How about Mistress Oharu?

Since the birth of the young lord,

our Lord's affection has increased.

Well then, isn't that splendid?

Our Lord's strength is being drained.

The doctor say his concubine

is a danger to his health.

She is no longer needed having produced an heir.

True, Isobe?

For the sake of the clan, send her home.

Dismissed?

I'm at a loss for words

I was so proud of her bearing the young lord

So you are back?

Why did you exert yourself so much?

After bearing the young lord

you could have been more reserved

Well, no point in talking about it

How much did they give you?

100 ryo would be appreciated

Only 5 ryo!

I have bought much cloth

in expectation of your promotion

I have taken out a large loan

For the sake of your parents,

go to live in Shimabara.

When I have enough money,

I will come and take you back.

You propose to sell your daughter?

It cannot be helped

But she has only just returned home in sorrow

I always wanted to enjoy myself in Shimabara

once before I die

I've toiled from morning till night

Now, I have enough money to come here,

all the way from Echigo

after twenty years of work

Can't I come in?

what a beautiful woman

I'm sorry, but our house is most exclusive

one needs an introduction

If it's a question of money...

Is this enough?

More than enough

I am the master of the house

So I can stay

Prepare the best room

Summon the courtesan

Thank you, sir

I brought a horse and groom

- the horse carries barrels of sake. - the finest sake is prepared.

No need for all that

Why aren't you picking it up?

What impudence!

You are impudent

I am not a beggar

Is this your idea of duty?

What arrogance!

We have not summoned you to enjoy yourself

You boast of your birth,

who knows if you are not a beggar's daughter?

How dare you say such a thing to me?

You've been bought

like a fish on the chopping-board

Its fate is up to the buyer

You needn't bother

to come to this house again

What will you parents say?

No one will employ you

if they know I have thrown you out

I was wrong

Forgive me

I will change my manner

Please do not tell my employer

Not good enough. Go away.

The client wants the courtesan

I'll get him a better one

No, he says it's rare not to want money nowadays

He says he'll pay for her

and he wants to take her home to Echigo

Well, you've heard that the client wants to have you

Cheer up and go to him at once

Do you really want to take me to Echigo?

Frankly,

I came to Kyo to find a wife

I'll have you

Will you come with me?

If you are sincere,

I will serve you faithfully

Why do you laugh?

Money,

money!

If you have money,

the world is yours

When they see this, they crawl

Even the proudest woman smiles and draws near

I have no such vulgar nature

I want to go with you because...

This is what you are worth

You fate is in money

Money,

money!

I thought

he was liberal with money!

He is a forger!

The punishment is beheading!

Please smile

I beg you

You are now an ordinary girl

How I looked forward to the day

when you would return from Shimabara

Please smile,

and forgive me.

Where did you learn that song?

You cannot be an ordinary person

I am ashamed

Once I was a celebrated courtesan

Welcome

It is difficult to give orders

to a concubine of Lord Matsudaira

Kindly regard me as your sister

Stay with us and we will find you

a good marriage partner

My wife has few relatives

so I entrust her to you

I have a favor to request

Please listen to me

Please write

that you will never disclose our secret

I would never do that

You will have only one task, Oharu

the care of my hair

This is unexpected

The person I used to have

can no longer come

I will do my best to care for your hair

But my hair is

Such wonderful hair

It is not true

Since I fell ill last year,

my hair has been like this

I concealed it

when I was convalescing with my family

It is difficult to keep the secret

If my husband ever finds out,

I will lose his affection

So please keep this...

I shall not tell anyone

You have had your hair done

It looks beautiful

How good Oharu is.

Well, dear...

why not adopt Oharu

and find a husband for her?

Someone in our shop?

They are not worthy enough

Should I charge that customer for transport?

Jihei should know that

What now?

What about Ukonya's account?

Don't bother me with such things

Jihei will know

What are you staring at?

Bunkichi, what are you doing?

Tell them to bring tea

Good business improves a shop

Mistress Oharu, please take tea to the shop.

Shall I take it?

No

May I watch you make it?

Wonderful!

Please do not embarrass me

Business is not so good this month

Oh, you are...

You've settled here?

What have you been up to with her?

She's been entrusted to our care

And you always act the innocent

I don't understand

Haven't you bought her?

She was in Shimabara, wasn't she?

You mean THAT Shimabara?

Don't be so naive

It's the first time you've heard of it?

Of course

You knew before

You brought her here on purpose!

What a stupid thought!

You knew, you introduced her to Lord Matsudaira's messenger

You've been seeing her at Shimabara!

I've never set foot in the place

I'd hate to waste money on such things

I even save on shoe leather

Your face tells me you're lying

A letter from Zeniya

Be careful

Will you cut your hair?

Cut it!

Why should I?

Such beautiful hair

You've come to steal my husband

I've heard what you're up to

How you've deceived me!

I had no such intention

Cut it! Cut it!

Not enough! Shorter!

If you can't do it, I'll do it for you!

Where is my wife?

She has gone to pray

Oharu

you naughty girl, I've heard all about you

I'm not criticizing you...

but you must have enjoyed it

Yet from your face, you don't look that sort of woman

a born wanton

So that's how you toyed

with Lord Matsudaira

I'm not such a...

Don't worry

now its in the open, you can relax with me

I can have a woman without paying

Tama,

fetch something that has this smell

Have you got the smell?

What's the matter?

Look what you've done to my hair

Go back to bed!

She's had a nightmare

- Some more? - Thank you, that's enough

Don't worry

you are too young to surrender your life

When all's said

the world is as kind as it is cruel

Yakichi

this gentleman will be set up in business by his master

He asks for your hand in marriage

I must be going

What about that matter?

Please tell her

Such a modest gentleman

He has worked hard

and has served his master well

You're lucky, he wishes to marry you

But he will find me...

Has he been told of my past?

We told him everything

and tried to dissuade him

He says he is all the more determined

to marry an unfortunate such as you

He must be in love with you really

Leaving already?

You worked so late last night

I worked almost until dawn

Why not rest before you go out?

I must deliver some things today

On the way back I'll bring you an obi

I would like to buy a dance fan for her

These are the finest quality

What a lovely shop

Marry soon and have such a shop

What a lovely business

I hear that your young husband is a fine man

He thinks of business

You are very pretty

you must make a fine couple

Any children?

No yet

Terrible news. Your husband...

He must have been murdered for money

He was clutching this obi

As the saying goes:

the morning's pretty face is a corpse by evening

Nothing is certain in this world

What will you do now?

The shop was sold by his uncle

What about you?

I shall return home

Did you receive a legacy?

No, nothing

I do not wish for anything

I merely wish to be a nun and be near to Buddha

Please, will you guide me?

Bunkichi, are you there?

Look here, Bunkichi,

who owes us this money?

An acquaintance of mine

Credit is not allowed

Go and get the money tomorrow

Could you wait another month?

No

If it's difficult for you to get it,

tell me who it is.

Tell me!

Master Jihei. It's been a long time.

You have shamelessly cheated Bunkichi.

How dare you say that?

He discovered that I was here

and he brought me some cloth

All the same, I want to paid for what he brought you.

If you can't pay, give it back

The cloth has been made up

Then you must

give me the garments

We know each other well enough

to do away with formalities

Formalities?

I'm not Bunkichi

How dare you talk to me like that, you whore?

Here...

Take them.

You are wearing them?

Take this obi.

You needn't take them off.

Take this kimono

I'll return everything.

Sekichi,

this will take some time

Buy some cake and tea, take your time

Oharu, you must be tired

Leave!

It's disgusting even to look at your face.

It is not what you think.

It is all his fault.

Believe me.

You wish to become a nun?

How can you say such a thing?

You have tried to deceive me. What a disgrace!

Leave!

What has happened?

I had to leave the temple

I've been dismissed, too.

Let's run away together.

I will make you happy

Don't worry about money

I took some when I left the shop

Bunkichi, that is terrible

Anyway, they think I've run away with you

Have some, it's good

Have an egg

Master Jihei!

Whore! Just you disappear!

What's the matter with you?

She hadn't eaten for three days

It's getting colder, too

Have more to eat.

Your hair is getting gray

So is yours

How can I, with my wrinkles...

have the nerve to talk like a girl of twenty

to attract men?

What a cheek!

Why don't you go out and make money?

It takes your mind off things

I'm too old to do it like you

You talk like a virgin

It is shameful, but who will help us

if we do not help ourselves?

True,

death is easy but life is not so simple.

Lets' drink this sake while it lasts

it will make us feel better

We cant get any lower

We can get some clothes for you

if you like

It's all the same

whatever we do

Boss, here's a newcomer

Give her some clothes

You, is it?

You'll make money

The kimono will cost you three bu.

One bu for the obi and socks,

that's the rate.

This is too gaudy

If you don't wear such clothes, you won't do any business

Work hard

and repay me soon

Now go away,

you old witch!

Put it on

Young man!

Let's have some fun

What an old hag!

Sister,

come with me

Do sit down

It's cold

Shall I sing a song?

Tell me what you want

You're fine just as you are

It would be even better

if you didn't speak in an artificial voice

Come this way

Well, all of you,

take a good look at this woman

Look at this painted face

Do you still want to buy a woman?

You are

on a pilgrimage.

If you want to learn

about the transience of life...

look at this goblin cat

Thank you. That is all.

You may go home

You can tell them at home

that you have spoken to a goblin cat.

Thank you

What are you doing here?

I've been looking at a statue of a disciple of Buddha.

He resembles...

Who?

Look there

for a face you remember

The statues resemble so many

I see what you mean

They have funny faces

What's wrong?

It's your mother

I'm so gad I've found you

Why are you here?

She's been looking for you

ever since it was rumored that you were here

I'm so glad you are alive

Where is father?

He is dead

He never forgot you

Don't cry

You will be happy

Me? Happy?

It is true

Now you will be able

to live in a fine house

A messenger came from Lord Matsudaira

The young Lord

has succeeded his late father

My child!

He has become the Lord

and he wishes to care for you

as his true mother

Then I can see him?

I can live with him?

What wonderful news!

Shinozaki. Tashiro. Inform her.

Have you forgotten the gratitude you owe to His late Lordship?

To the clan?

A most prestigious family

granted the title of Genji

by our noble Saiwa Emperor.

Our late Lord was the fourth.

Lord Yoshitaka has succeeded him as the fifth.

You were given the privilege of being his mother

What a disgrace to lower yourself to being a prostitute.

Are you not ashamed?

If you wander around like that, the Matsudairas will be disgraced.

Should the Imperial Court find out,

the consequences would be immense.

Therefore you will be sent home

to remain in retirement.

Day and night,

ask the spirit of the late Lord for pardon.

With great compassion,

you will be granted the honor of seeing the Lord.

Bid your farewell.

Please, may I go closer?

He is my child. I gave birth to him.

Has she not come out yet? What is taking so long?

We lost her in the garden.

Send a search party!

Inform the counselors!

We have lost that old woman.

Send a search party!