Original subtitles

A SHOCHIKU FILM

THE PORTRAIT

Produced by TAKESHI OGURA

Cinematography by HIROSHI KUSUDA

Music by CHUJI KINOSHITA

Starring

KUNIKO IGAWA

KUNIKO MIYAKE

MITSUKO MIURA

ICHIRO SUGAI CHIEKO HIGASHIYAMA

EITARO OZAWA KAMATARI FUJIWARA

KEIJI SADA YOKO KATSURAGI

TORU ABE YOSHINDO YAMAJI

Screenplay by AKIRA KUROSAWA

Directed by KEISUKE KINOSHITA

HOUSE FOR SALE TWO ROOMS, 200,000 YEN

- We're there. - Okay.

Your bike is too heavy. I can't carry it anymore.

You're here?

As they say, "Set a thief to catch a thief."

You have quick ears, too.

Have you already... - I won't buy it.

- Cheap and dirty? - You get what you pay for.

But this house...

It can't be this big. This is the manager's house.

The one for sale is over there.

An atelier, right?

Does a painter live here?

Yes. Not a famous artist, though.

This isn't suitable for living at all.

There's only one room for daily life.

The other room is just too big.

They still live here. The manager can't do anything.

I'll buy it.

A good deal! Just 200,000 yen.

I can renovate it and sell it for 400,000.

But they still live here.

You're being a bit too nice for this business.

Just throw them out.

Wait!

You can't do that.

What?

I was here first.

You said you wouldn't buy it.

I've changed my mind.

Don't act like a child.

Mr. Tamai!

How about a fifty-fifty split?

No, thanks.

Shall we bid?

- What? - I won't back down.

You're getting nasty, you know that?

We're not in a clean business.

I give in.

We'll share the profits.

I need a refill.

So do I.

Get the work done!

In a minute.

Not you, but him.

It's been a month.

I know that.

Then...

You don't know what they're like.

It's not some complicated problem with tenants' rights?

They're just too nice to throw out.

We can't do anything.

It's beyond our control. - Listen here, Mr. Tamai.

How can we sell that house with people living in it?

We've got to find a way to make them leave.

I've got it. We can move into the house.

Did you tell them that?

I did.

And?

They offered the upstairs room.

Okay. Are they upset?

No. They're happy to do it.

I don't understand.

It will take a bit of a load off their minds.

The painter's quite pleased.

He said my face was interesting enough for a portrait.

It is! Interesting and funny, indeed!

That's enough.

You said we'd go fifty-fifty.

You've done nothing and now you're making fun of me?

It's your turn. You do something.

I have seven kids and that room is just too small for us to move into.

I have my...

Don't be selfish.

It's my mistress.

You two should move in together.

She's too hot-tempered to live quietly.

That's perfect.

She'll make them want to leave.

Just let her be herself.

Mr. Kaneko, you don't look well.

It doesn't feel right moving in.

I thought you were a bit tougher.

How did you get the scratch?

This naughty cat...

Really?

Dangerous cat, huh?

A cat with a manicure, right?

Quite a typhoon. 1000-millibar?

Don't be mean. She's upset about the move.

I've been having some rough days.

Go and calm her down.

It'll cost me a lot. Hope a purse will do.

I'm going now.

Wait.

Be nice to her.

Tired?

Want some tea?

Go away.

Don't walk with me.

You know how you look? Terrible!

Hey!

What?

What's this?

Nice house, isn't it?

Don't be silly. What is this, a fishbowl?

- We just got here. - I don't care. I'm going home.

Come with me, Chibi. - You can't just -

- I won't live here. - We'll see.

Don't embarrass me.

I'm not living here!

It's your fault. You did it.

Mother!

Mother, Mr. Kaneko's here.

His daughter, too.

- Where are you going? - To find the cat.

You can't leave me here.

Hello there.

- Where's your father? - Well...

Meow.

Miss, is that you?

Hi.

Hello.

Miss?

Yes?

A letter for you.

This kitchen is too small.

Not at all.

I'm so sorry you have to put up with all of us, miss.

It's quite all right.

Mr. Kaneko!

I'm glad I caught you. I was on my way to see you.

I haven't heard from you.

So, how are things going?

Let's leave it as it is until the price gets high.

I told you it'd be difficult.

Right.

Is your mistress okay?

She was upset when you moved in.

She enjoys living there 'cause they treat her as my young daughter.

That's a good one.

Well, it is true you're much older than her.

Anyway, no need to open up my wallet.

You know, Tamai,

once people trust you, you're done for.

She won't even smoke in front of them.

Miss?

May I come in?

Sure.

Are you studying?

No. Please come in.

Don't trouble yourself.

It's nice to have a fan in this hot weather.

Yes, it is.

Please, no need to move it.

My husband asked me to give this to you.

He planted and grew it himself.

Hey.

He wants you to praise him for it. He's just like a little kid.

Hey.

Yes?

You want to come up here, don't you?

Then don't just stand there.

Here you are.

Your trousers are dirty with paint.

This room looks nice and different now.

Comfortable?

It can't be comfortable.

It's too small for two people, isn't it?

Sorry. We're too poor to move.

He never stops painting, even if his works don't sell.

- Dear, go make some tea. - I will.

No, thanks. He doesn't really want tea.

He just wants to get rid of me.

Don't stay too long, okay?

I feel sorry for her.

Our son still hasn't come back from the war.

I wish I could make more money.

The paintings that come from my heart don't sell,

while others I paint with my eyes closed do.

But that's what I make a living from.

I sometimes illustrate children's books.

Books for children?

Something like "Go, train, go."

Children do like trains.

My grandson's never fussy when he sees a train.

Grown-ups have their own tastes as well, though.

Please use this cushion.

I've gotten caught up in growing pumpkins these last five years.

I don't mean I love eating them.

Interesting color and shape, don't you think?

Look at this color.

Just like a raku pot.

See?

You often call him "pumpkin head,"

but I don't see why he loves these bumpy things.

"Like a raku pot," he said.

What's raku?

I've heard the name quite often. It's very expensive.

Was he here to brag about the pumpkin?

Did he drop any hints about moving out?

Not at all.

At first he hesitated,

but then he asked me to sit as a model for him.

No wonder.

You're getting more and more beautiful.

Why don't you accept?

Wear that evening dress I bought for you.

It'll cost you a lot to have someone paint your portrait.

Good timing. I'm losing money letting them stay.

I won't feel so bad if he paints your portrait free of charge.

But I'm afraid.

Of what?

Well, you know what they say.

Artists are very perceptive.

He might find out I'm not your daughter.

Don't be ridiculous.

But...

Pretend to be my daughter if you like.

That's not what I want.

But how can I say I'm your mistress now?

It'll be embarrassing.

He's just a mediocre painter. He won't notice a thing.

Miss!

Miss, are you there?

Miss, isn't this your cat?

I'm Nakajima from next door.

Call him Goro-chan.

Nice to meet you.

That's not my cat.

My Chibi is wicked-looking.

That's funny.

I'll keep looking.

Thank you.

No problem. I enjoy cat hunting. It's thrilling.

Tama? Where are you?

This must be Tama.

You sure can enjoy everything when you're young.

Life's full of adventure.

You should join them, young lady.

Please relax.

Try to be yourself, or you'll look different.

Tell me when you're tired.

I'm all right.

I can't wait when I get the urge to paint.

Why would you want to paint me?

I can see sadness in your eyes.

I see it in you.

Sadness?

Yes.

I don't see it in my daughter.

Let's take a break. You look tired.

It'll get better. I've just begun.

It's stuffy in here.

Oh, hi.

You've begun to paint.

Why are you wearing such a shabby kimono?

I like it.

You've got plenty of nice clothes.

I really like it.

Here you are.

I think that kimono's perfect.

It suits her best out of all her clothes.

I agree.

But I do understand how fathers think.

Just as my father did,

they like to dress their daughters up.

Please, help yourself to some tea.

You too, miss.

Thank you.

You're so silly.

I don't get it.

You're lying on a bed of thorns.

It's hard, isn't it?

It is. But...

I think I kind of like it. I feel good.

Really?

You're a little strange.

Am I?

When I'm sitting there with his eyes fixed on me,

I feel like I'm bathed in pure water,

like my body is being cleansed.

Sounds like you've got a crush on him.

What's so funny?

He's old and scruffy.

But...

I like him.

I'm getting to like him.

I thought he was a pushover at first.

I guess I don't follow you.

They'll find out all about you in time.

No, I don't mean the painter.

The man might seem like a saint to you,

but there are also women in the house.

And women know about women.

But they're all so kind.

But even kind people...

The bell's ringing Ding-dong, ding-dong

The baby goat says Baa-baa, baa-baa

The wind's nice and gentle on the hill

There's a house with a yellow window

That's my house!

- There's a young lady upstairs, right? - Yes.

- What's she like? - You mean...

Kumiko!

Oh, hi.

- I'll carry it. - Don't worry.

Let me do it.

We were talking about the woman upstairs.

What do you think?

She's beautiful.

I like her.

But something isn't quite right.

What do you mean?

Beautiful moon, isn't it?

Our son must be looking up at it somewhere.

Don't be so sentimental. Sounds like an old poem.

Really, Mom, you made him sad.

No letters from Ichiro?

No. We haven't heard from him.

He's not one to write letters.

A letter from him would make me worry.

A beautiful moon, indeed.

You can compose haiku, right?

Compose one.

"The harvest moon brings shadows of a pine tree to our tatami mat."

That one is by Kikaku!

Besides, there's no tatami mat here.

Sometimes a blackout isn't such a bad thing.

We can appreciate the moon.

"The blackout reminds us of the splendor of the moon."

Like it?

You're just being witty.

What an odd bunch they are.

Nobody enjoys a blackout except them.

It's time to enjoy some music...

They have electricity on their block over there.

Here's "Summer Paradise."

- Yoko, let's dance. - Okay.

Keep quiet. Koichi's just fallen asleep.

I'm awake!

Don't step on my feet.

On a midsummer night

I take you by the hand

Let's sing together

On a midsummer night

I take you by the hand

Let's dance together

Singing makes the night happier

Let's sing on this midsummer night

Our dreams are nice and mild

- Shall we dance? - Don't be silly.

Nobody's watching.

On a midsummer night

Everybody together

Let's all sing together

On a midsummer night

Everybody together

Let's all dance together

Mommy, let's dance.

Let's sing and dance together in this summer paradise

So everybody sings together

Let's sing a song of love

They can enjoy anything.

The old ones, too.

They don't even need a drink.

That's easy on the pocketbook.

And the socks were 50 yen, so...

What's this?

Apples?

Yoko, you should go to bed.

But I can't sleep at all.

Yoko.

I should go now.

- Please stay. - But...

I want to sit and look at the moon together.

We don't have many beautiful nights.

Yoko.

Come inside.

Leave them alone.

It's almost midnight, though.

That doesn't matter.

Sometimes you just have to let go.

I know, but...

It's been 28 years, right?

Yes.

How time flies.

How can I explain?

When I'm sitting under the moon,

I feel like I'm under a glass of blue crystal.

Right. I understand.

I feel like I'm at the bottom of a beautiful ocean.

We're two of a kind.

What a wonderful night.

I feel like I'm walking on air.

Yoko.

Yoko.

Still no electricity?

Oh, that itches!

Damn mosquitoes.

What are they doing?

You want one?

- Bye. - Good night.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

- But you look... - Nothing, I said!

Let's go to bed.

- I won't. - Why not?

I want to stay here.

But...

it's getting chilly.

You'll catch a cold.

It's much better than I expected.

Hey.

I envy painters.

Why?

Because...

They can paint anything as they like.

I wish I could paint myself over again.

You're beautiful enough.

I don't mean the way I look.

We can change.

We're young.

Yoko?

It's a beautiful Sunday.

Are you asking me out?

Oh, boy.

Not a bad idea.

Will you come with us?

Where to?

To go to a movie or have sweets, maybe.

You just got paid, right?

Hey.

What's she doing with them while we have a guest?

She doesn't like me.

That's not true.

She's been irritable lately.

She's acting like a nice young lady.

We have to sell this place soon.

But you said you were glad because it cost less to have her stay here.

So I did.

But she's always playing the nice young lady,

even during the nighttime!

This cracks me up!

I should go now.

Stay a while.

Now she's back...

I'm taking these with me.

What's wrong?

He fell down the stairs.

Is he okay?

Barely.

Going out?

Going to a movie or to have some sweets, maybe.

Spend time with me instead of joining the kids.

How about a hot springs resort?

Hello? Ready?

Hi.

Making up her face.

How beautiful!

You've got plenty of clothes.

I'd like to have a kimono. - What kind of kimono?

What kind? Anything but a hand-me-down from my mother.

Yoko?

Yes?

Ready yet?

Be patient. She's doing her makeup now.

- How about playing catch? - Okay.

We'll be outside.

She's just a kid.

She's about the same age as you.

And here comes the first pitch.

That hurts!

You should go easy on me.

Sorry.

I'll get even!

Throw it nicely.

- Ready? - All right.

Ready?

What are you aiming for?

Sorry, I'll go find the ball.

- I'll go. - Don't be stubborn.

What's wrong?

I've changed my mind.

Why?

After putting on makeup?

Oh, hi.

How are you, miss?

Stop calling me that.

I'm in a bad mood.

Gee.

Want something sweet?

I prefer a drink.

Something wrong?

It's getting harder and harder.

What?

I'm just a petty mistress.

Poor thing.

What?

What're you looking at?

A cat.

It got soaking wet.

Looks like you're all wet yourself.

I'm thinking of Chibi.

He might be soaking wet.

Don't worry.

Cats and humans are alike. We can hide anywhere.

We can go somewhere dry. Not here.

It gets damp everywhere when it rains.

I'm sick of this place.

Let's move somewhere else. I won't complain.

What's with you? I thought you liked it here.

No way! I hate it!

When I hate something, I can't stand it for a single day.

Tired of playing the nice young lady?

Something like that.

I'm begging you.

Say yes, okay?

Where are you going?

I'll quit modeling for the portrait!

Do you have to?

I'm sick of everything here!

I want to tear it up. I'll tell him.

Don't be ridiculous!

I did conscientious work for children.

Children must see good art. That's why I did my best.

And you ask me for flashy colors?

Books with subdued colors don't sell?

We're running a business here.

Which is more important, children's good sense or money?

- Calm down. - Dear, please.

Don't cut in.

I'm not ashamed. I can lose my temper now.

I wouldn't paint something that poisons a child's good sense.

Give them back.

Kumiko, give them to your son.

But what should we do?

We paid the fee for the pictures to your wife.

Give the money back, okay?

Actually, we've already...

Spent it?

I can wait.

Well, we'll have it for you in a few days.

Sorry about that.

Sorry if I caused you trouble.

I must go now.

You shouldn't cry, Koichi. These pictures are amazing.

Dear.

Keep your spirits up.

Don't worry about that money-grubber.

Time to work now.

It's almost finished.

You'll show it at an exhibition.

Come, dear, the lady's about to come down.

You're very sweet to him after all.

No, I'm not.

Don't play pranks!

I didn't.

Just showing our happiness.

Happiness?

Daddy's coming home!

We can set off the fireworks for that.

He's coming tomorrow.

Kumiko.

Oh, hi.

I'm so happy for you.

Thank you.

This is wonderful.

It's amazing, indeed.

He sent a telegram.

That's just like brother. He hasn't changed a bit.

- How so? - Showing up on such short notice.

He should know how anxious we've been.

It's amazing, indeed.

He's been repeating that ever since the telegram came.

Let's have a party to celebrate.

With Goro, too. Right, Mom?

Yes. But the Kanekos have been out, unfortunately.

Amazing, indeed. Amazing.

Finally, you're moving out.

My man's off to settle things.

He's looking for someone to take the place

and somewhere else for us to live.

I'm all worn out.

What a scaredy-cat!

You let that painter scare you off.

In my book, that painter's just a do-nothing.

No need to tiptoe around him.

The man can't even feed his own family.

I agree.

But on the other hands, I don't feel that way all the time.

What's with you? You sure are complicated.

I feel the same way you do when I talk with you.

But then,

when I'm at the atelier,

or spending time with them,

I can't. It's strange.

I just don't get it.

The person in the portrait...

What's the portrait like?

I'm wearing the kimono my mother bought me.

When I'm wearing it, I feel like I want her to take care of me.

I wonder why.

Besides,

I see her in my dreams a lot.

Do you?

No way!

I don't even remember her face.

You're drinking too much.

Aren't you preachy!

You know, you're getting on my nerves.

Here goes.

Turn the light on.

I can't take this!

Waking from a dream in the daytime

In a pensive mood on my journey

The wind is blowing

I went to the east yesterday

I'm going to the west today I'm a traveler

Are you happy now?

You're just a whiner

wearing the kimono your mother bought you.

Quit being a whiner.

A drink will help you get over your weakness.

Drink up.

Anyway...

you have to do whatever it takes to survive.

Being a mistress is nobody else's business.

Don't feel inferior.

But just to live...

Could you stand eating only pumpkins and beans?

You can get anything you like...

if you have money.

Money makes us free.

That's right.

As for me,

I want almost everything I see in town.

I knew it!

No! Please stop!

Bro, Bro. I can take care of it.

Don't get uppity on me!

COSTUME RENTAL

Quite a sight to see.

Let's get started.

Okay.

That painter must be weak in the head.

Still thinks of her as your daughter?

He sure does.

She's surprisingly well-behaved though.

I don't have to spend money on her.

Makes me think buying that house wasn't such a bad deal.

Speaking of a deal...

How much do you want for the house?

We can't ask for the same amount, but it was 400,000 yen.

But we'll see what we can do.

It's difficult to throw them out.

I can scare them off.

I'll send some guys over to take care of it.

Piece of cake.

You guys are too nice.

But when you only paid 200,000 for it,

it's greedy to try to turn around and sell it for 400,000.

Anyway, I'll consider it if you throw in the mistress to sweeten the deal.

Is something the matter, miss?

Don't call me "miss."

I'm sick of telling lies.

Oh, it's you.

You shouldn't call me that.

Actually...

I'm his mistress!

Ichiro?

Oh, hello.

Have you seen my parents?

No.

I wonder where they've gone.

Quit being a whiner. Get rid of it.

Quit being a whiner. Get rid of it.

What are you doing?

I'm going to tear this picture up.

Why would you do that?

Why?

You know it means a lot to him.

He's put so much effort into it.

The effort doesn't count at all. It doesn't matter.

- Why not? - Because it's not true.

This isn't me.

I can't help but laugh in contempt.

Wanna know who I really am? Just take a look.

You're drunk. You're not quite yourself.

You know nothing about me.

I do know you.

I'm not naive like my father-in-law,

nor innocent like Yoko.

Even so, I believe what he sees is true.

I don't know what's made you so miserable,

but you're the same woman as the one in the portrait.

Stop it.

I don't need a lecture.

Then why did you choose that kimono?

You feel like yourself in that kimono.

So...

I hate living a lie!

I want to be strong.

I hate myself!

What the hell is this?

Stop it!

That's not true. You're just afraid of being strong!

If I were you, I would take a knife to myself, not the picture.

What are you doing?

Going out?

No.

Let's go home together.

I have something to tell you.

We'll stay here.

This late at night?

Our son's come back from the war.

That's good.

Waiting for him here?

- No, actually... - I'll tell him.

Mr. Nomura.

Is your son okay?

As fit as a fiddle.

Then what are you doing here?

We only have one room for the whole family.

He hasn't seen his wife in three years.

I wanted to give them some time alone.

We talked it over, so Yoko's at her friend's place.

But we have no place to go.

It's cooler outside in summer. So we'll be here.

You can't just...

We were once young.

And we enjoy being here, don't we?

He has something to tell us. We can talk now.

She's right.

- Something to tell you? - Yes.

No, there's nothing to tell.

Going again?

Mr. Nomura, you're so...

What?

Never mind.

Tell Midori I've changed my mind.

No, forget it.

Tell her I'm not coming home tonight. You can stay with her upstairs.

You can't sleep here.

Okay? Just tell her that. Geez, you two leave me no choice.

Bye, then.

See those two on the bench?

Make sure you ask them to leave.

Please stop crying.

They'll worry about you.

They won't. I can't stay here anyway.

Don't worry. I won't tell anybody.

Put the past out of your mind.

Just think of it as a bad dream.

So you...

Nothing's changed.

We still think of you as the nice young lady upstairs.

No, I don't want that.

We'll figure it out together.

The portrait will show us.

Found them?

They're nowhere to be found.

They might be with Yoko's friend.

They're easygoing.

You haven't met.

This is my husband.

Nice to meet you.

She lives upstairs.

Good night.

- Is she the one? - Yes.

- Just like her, isn't it? - I don't know.

Swing happily

Swing merrily

I finally found our cat at the fish shop near the station.

It does look wicked.

You have to thank him for our stay last night.

It's okay.

Hello.

You're the son.

I'll be back after I take him upstairs.

Your daughter is out now.

She went out early this morning.

Where did she go?

She should be back by now.

She wore the kimono from the portrait.

It's strange.

Are you even sad about splitting up with that old man?

Need a drink?

I don't get it.

You should've taken something with you. Not just the kimono.

If I were you...

You're naive.

How can you get by like that?

I'll take my chances.

I don't think it'll work.

I can make a fresh start.

We should've tried before.

We don't know unless we try.

I can survive on pumpkins and beans.

Many people do.

I wouldn't!

How miserable!

But some are happier than us by living that way.

You're talking about the painter.

He's just a coward.

They're strong in the true sense.

- No, they aren't - Yes, they are. We're the weak ones.

I've had it!

What is it?

You are!

You won't listen to me at all!

I won't help you, not even if you beg me.

Just get out of my sight!

Mr. Kaneko!

You moved out of the house without telling me.

I myself paid... - I'm sorry.

I should've contacted you.

I couldn't stay there after she'd left.

Have you heard from her?

What's worse, the cat had babies.

Things went from bad to worse.

It's outrageous.

I bought dried baby sardines for 120 yen!

I almost forgot.

The portrait is on display at the exposition.

I get to keep it afterwards.

It's got a good reputation.

There's a review in the paper.

See?

"The portrait painted by Mr. Nomura

is his first masterwork in a while."

He's highly regarded by trained artists.

See?

"His pure eyes perceive in the model

not only the external beauty of her appearance,

but an internal beauty of the mind.

He's captured both perfectly."

That's some praise, isn't it?

Let's go see it together.

I went there yesterday as well.

What's the matter?

She looked like the lady upstairs.

There you go again.

I like her. She's a nice person.

I don't buy what you say.

- I'm just saying... - Please.

She's on my side.

The portrait tells us.

Right, Father?

Ichiro, I portrayed the truth.

The woman in the portrait,

she looks divine.

I mean it.

It really makes you think.

I don't know why.

THE END