Original subtitles

A Hyogensha-ATG Production

Miss Tomioka? How's the script going?

The suicide part is difficult

The lovers' suicide journey will be through a graveyard

You found a location?

In a ravine near Mt. Toribe in Kyoto

It's full of strange headstones

I think it's stale

But it captures the space on stage, the nothingness

There's something there

A sort of fetishism of space

The vivid contrast between that and the bodies of the couple

Can I see the photos?

A suicide sequence in Kabuki style won't do

You have to pull them in

It should be realistic

It shouldn't be as beautiful as death is in Kabuki

You don't have to follow the script for that scene

The words could be random

The essential image needs to be captured

- Let's talk about it later. - No, I'll see you tomorrow

- I'll be waiting. - Goodbye

Directed by MASAHIRO SHINOD A

Story by MONZAEMON CHIKAMATSU

DOUBLE SUICIDE

A vow a month... The 29th time

Though I vowed that I'd redeem you

The 30th will come next year

Next year?

It's already December

How long will I have to wait?

Well... I don't know

Are you going to desert me?

You despise me because I can't redeem you

How could you say that when I love you so?

Jihei

As a courtesan, I must entertain customers

How I hate myself!

You may think my promises to be a courtesan's silly talk

No, Koharu

Did I ever doubt your love?

Even as I see you

I worry about money to see you again

I want to take you as soon as possible, but

I still can't redeem the woman I love

I fear you won't love me any more

The body was bought with money

I've never hated it as much as I do now

I'm bound by money from head to toe

Who thought of selling women as courtesans?

I wish I could raise the money. But I can't live without you

Neither can I. What shall we do?

We can't run away together

I want to stay with you like this forever

So do I. But why do you love me?

Because you're a woman and I'm a man

I'm glad you're a woman

But a courtesan must not fall in love

You regret it?

I want to die. Can I die with you?

- Can I? - Jihei, what can we do?

Meeting is joy and pain. My Koharu!

Good evening

Koharu, we've been waiting for you

I'm so glad you agreed to come

As the weather changes every day

My mood often changes

My customers always shout, "Bring Koharu!"

Don't mention my name so loudly

He's outside...

The man I hate

Koharu! It's nice to see you

You stopped seeing me, so I missed you

You flatter me

Has Jihei redeemed you?

You're kind and pretty enough for me, Tahei

Why be with a poor man like Jihei?

So you're spreading the false rumor

False? You know it's true

I don't want to hear it

Then do you want to hear the sound of gold?

You fell in love with the wrong man

There are many men in Osaka. Why Jiehi?

He married his cousin, and has two children

The paper business is slow and he's always poor

How can he raise ten kan of silver for you?

He's asking too much

That's none of your concern

On the contrary, I have no family or relatives

Maybe Jihei uses sweeter words

but, unlike me, he has very little money

Is she going to meet Jihei tonight?

I'll pay twice as much as he pays for her

There's nothing in the world money can't buy

Let's have some drinks first

Her customer tonight is a samurai

Please go somewhere else tonight, Mr. Tahei

Who's afraid of a samurai? He may have swords

but not many, only two. Who's afraid?

I'll buy the samurai together with Koharu!

I'm lucky to have met Koharu here tonight

Maybe the priest I met has brought this luck

I thank him

Let's chant a sutra

Jihei, the paper dealer

His clothes are made of paper

His shop can't stand like paper

He's no better than waste paper

Oh, merciful Buddha!

Speaking of waste, it's him

What a costume! A hat at night?

Waste paper, why the costume?

Koharu

I have no swords, but I'm armed with money

It's stronger than swords...

and much stronger than Jihei's waste paper

How dare he!

It's stupid. Let's go to a better place

If we see Jihei, let's kick him

No one knows the value of money around here

In this world, money is everything

Remember it. Let's go

I'm sorry, Samurai. They offended you

Wait, Samurai. Excuse me

I'm glad you're not Jihei in disguise

I had to make sure

Then, Koharu, have a good time with him

Please take care of her

You're still open in this cold?

I can't live if I stop vending

That's true

What is it today?

I just passed through the red light district

I heard a rich man is going to redeem Koharu

You already went there?

I mean I went there on business

Koharu, the courtesan?

Koharu of the Kinokuniya

I'd like to be a woman in my next life

Fool

Koharu, you've lost weight

Deep inside you love me

I'd like to elope with you

Where would we go to die?

Umeda? Kitano?

You examine me as if I were an animal

I didn't come here to be insulted

It's not easy to go out

It's not easy to leave the palace,

But since I heard so much about you

I came here alone and

asked the mistress to call you

For what?

For a woman who looks so sad without a smile?

I didn't come here to nurse a sick girl

You're right, sir, but there's a reason

Listen to me

Koharu is in love with a man named Jihei

It's always Jihei

She accepts no one else

But she's a courtesan

She has no right to choose

Much less to love

It's bad for business

It's the master's duty to stop her

So he chose good customers...

Like you, sir, for her

You may not like it, but forgive her

Now, Koharu, be bright and entertain him

Which is more painful, hanging yourself

or cutting your throat?

What are you saying? You frighten me

It's too much

You shouldn't say that to a new customer

Let's have sake and cheer up

Judging from your attitude

you want to die with Jihei your love

But take my advice

If you die with him

his family will hate you

If you have parents, they'll be sad

You can't go to heaven nor hell easily

Can't we even go to hell?

Although you're a stranger to me

I can't just watch you die

If money can settle it, I'll help you

You'd better tell me the truth

You're right. We promised to die together

Because I'm deep in debt to the master

Redeeming me costs a fortune

Jihei told me he'd redeem me

And three years have passed

I don't want anyone else to redeem me

But I'm not free

I have no right to choose my redeemer

What if a stranger tries to redeem me?

We have no other way than to die together

Will it be today or tomorrow?

But, thinking of my mother

I'm her only child

She's poor, living in a slum

If I die, she'll starve

I don't know what to do

You said you'd help me. Did you mean it?

Samurai don't lie

You may laugh at me

But, honestly...

I don't want to die

I'm afraid

Please be my customer from now on

until next spring

so he can't come and tell me when to die

If he gives me up

he'll live

and so will I

Koharu

That's human nature

I understand

Let's get some fresh air

Come over here

I failed!

Driven by jealousy, he draws his sword

He's drunk. Forgive him!

No. Leave him to me

What happened?

Here's a ruffian with a sword

He should be tied up like this

Please forgive him!

Now, let's go to bed, Koharu

A wild one. It serves him right

Leave it to me. Go with him

Well, if it isn't Jihei!

I didn't see you around. You're here

I didn't know you were tied here

You stole something?

Are you that poor?

Jihei, what did you steal?

You thief! Robber!

Here's Jihei, who stole and was caught

The thief is tied up here

Jihei, the love-sick thief!

Why shout?

Thief? Tell me what Jihei stole

How dare you lie like that?

Jihei, stamp on him in punishment

Not one of you raised a finger to help me!

I'll remember each of your faces!

You'll be sorry

Everyone laughs

'Catch him! Beat him! '

'He's going that way

'Throw him in

'Don't let him go! '

Jihei

It's you, Brother Magoemon!

Your brother?

What have I done! I'm ashamed of myself

How could you cheat on me?!

I should stamp on you before Tahei!

I hate you!

I heard all your dishonest appeals

Jihei, stop your nonsense

Cheating is a whore's job

Fool!

You couldn't see through her

I did, as soon as I met her today

I'm ashamed

I let her fool me so easily!

How miserable!

You're almost thirty, not a child

You have a shop to run

You have two children to raise

Yet you're in love with a courtesan. And now you're ashamed?

Then you didn't mean what you said?

Listen! Osan, your wife, is our cousin

Her mother is our aunt

Her father is old and stubborn

He says you fooled Osan

He'll take her back and shame you

He's furious

Her mother is worried

Osan is sick from trying to protect you

How can I make it up to her?

So she asked the master here

to let me meet with Koharu and find out what she's thinking

Look at me

As if I were in a parade

Because of my stupid brother, a decent merchant like me

became a two bit actor playing an incognito official

This is what I wore my first sword for

It's stupid of me even to be angry

Too ridiculous to cry

I'm sorry, Brother

How I hate myself!

I've been taken in by this wench for years

I left my family for her

I even left my shop unattended

Brother, I realize I was wrong

I'll be through with her

I'll break the promises, twenty-nine in all

I'll return them to her! Take them!

I was a fool keeping them close to me

Brother, get my twenty-nine promises from her

And burn them!

Give them to me!

Yes, I will

One, two, three...

Twenty-nine of them

A woman's letter. What is this?

It's important to me. Give it back

It's a letter from Osan to Koharu

Koharu, I'll keep this

I'll keep it for myself

I'll burn it later

Forget a samurai's promise

This is a merchant's. Trust it. Understand?

Thank you

A woman's obligation will be carried out

Who's talking about obligations?

Jihei...

I don't want to see her

She's fooled me for three years

I'll step on her

I'd been in love for so long

Even if she's a prostitute

she cheated me badly

This is my goodbye

Stop it, Jihei

Koharu!

Near a shrine of Tenjin God

Many trodded the Tenjin Bridge

The street was busy and bustling

There was a paper shop run by a man

Named Jihei and his wife Osan

He was honest by nature

And his shop was reputable

Osan

It's cold today

Otama is late. What's she doing?

I sent her on a simple errand, and this!

It's supper time

Sangoro is gone, too. Where is he?

My child will catch a cold

It's time to feed my baby

Sangoro is an idiot. So is Otama. All fools!

I'm hungry

Kantaro

Where were you in this cold?

Where's my baby? And Sangoro?

At the shrine

Poor boy!

You're freezing

Your hands and legs are cold

Warm yourself with your father

Sangoro! Fool! Where's my child?

I lost her

Somebody must have found her

How dare you! I'll kill you!

Where did you leave her? Answer!

Osue! You must be cold

She was crying outside

Sangoro! You came home without her?

Look after her!

You must be hungry

Did Sangoro leave you?

I'll feed you

Otama, beat that stupid Sangoro

We ate oranges at the shrine

I've had enough

No beating

A fool trying to be funny!

Otama, prepare supper

Oh, madam...

- The fool almost made me forget. - Yes?

I saw your mother coming here

with Magoemon, the flour dealer

My mother and Magoemon? Why?

They'll be here soon

I must wake Jihei

Is he still asleep?

Please get up

We're having guests

It's a busy season

Merchants can't take naps

Wake up, Jihei

I see

My brother and aunt are coming?

I see

My brother and aunt are coming

So busy!

Sangoro, shut the back door

Brother. Aunt

Welcome. Come in

Please come in. It's cold today

You look busy. Good

Warm yourselves

Children. Grandmother and uncle are here

Greet them

Get tea

No tea or tobacco!

I didn't come for tea

Watch over him

Let's go in

Osan, even if you're young

you're a mother of two

You should be wise

It's your fault that your man stays out

He might go bankrupt

If you get a divorce, it'll be your shame

Osan

Be stern and watch your husband

Aunt, he even tried to fool his brother

He won't listen to her

Jihei

How dare you fool me!

Breaking your promise so soon! You redeem Koharu?

Stop pretending to be busy!

You want to borrow money for Koharu? Give it to me

You're wrong, Brother

You know, I went out only twice

to the wholesale store and the shrine

Redeem her? What are you talking about?

I didn't even think of her. Why?

Don't give me that. Don't act innocent

We had a meeting last night

We heard Koharu, the courtesan

would be redeemed by a rich merchant

The merchant loves her

He says he'll redeem her any day now

They say some rich men are really stupid

Like the merchant

- But... - Listen to me

Gozaemon, my husband

is very strict, as you know

He heard the rumor

and thought the merchant was you

You're my nephew, not his

He loves Osan

He said you'd sell her off to redeem Koharu

He was furious

He wanted to get her before her clothes disappeared

He started to come

I stopped him, saying, "Check the rumors

"before you blame Jihei"

And I sent for Magoemon to come here

According to Magoemon

"Jihei isn't the man he used to be

"He's become a good merchant

"He's through with the courtesan"

I didn't understand

I came here and found out

- You're a lazy worm! - But...

Jihei. Your father was my brother

He worried about you until he died

Before he breathed his last breath he told me:

"Take care of your nephew and son-in-law"

I can't forget it

I can't even keep my promise to him

I understand

The man redeeming Koharu isn't me

Brother

Remember Tahei?

You let me step on his face

He wanted to redeem Koharu

but I stopped him

Now that I'm through with her

it's his chance to redeem her

Aunt

We're through. Why should I redeem her?

Don't believe the false rumor

Mother. I may be good-natured

But I wouldn't help him

if he wanted to redeem her

He's telling you the truth this time

I'll stand witness

You can't believe rumors

Father is too hasty

Since Osan says so, it must be true

They wouldn't take in a courtesan

Would they?

Mother is hasty, too. Isn't she?

All right

But your father won't be convinced so easily

Let's make sure. Give me a written promise

Yes, as many as you wish, Aunt...

since I'm to blame for all this

I'm sorry I made you worry

Mother, Brother-in-law, thank you

It's settled. I'm so happy. How can I thank you?

It was my fault, too

He'll work hard from tomorrow on

Osan is right

You can do anything if you try hard

I've written it, Aunt

Now your shop will prosper, won't it?

We're all worried about your family

Because we love you all

Because we're relatives

It's settled. Let's go, Magoemon

I'll set my husband's mind at ease

Hurry, Magoemon

Osan, the wind is cold

Don't let the kids get sick. Take care, Osan

Our ancestors will help you. Namu amidabutsu

Take care, Mother

Did Sangoro close the back doors?

Yes, he did

We must pay our bills tomorrow. Time flies!

I must make a kimono for Kantaro

I'm glad you gave up on Koharu

It was hard to run the shop

I'm so glad

From tomorrow on, you'll run this place

A woman just can't do business like a man

I needn't be jealous anymore

What is it?

Are you crying?

Why?

Oh, no!

Can't you give her up after all?

You miss her so much?

Why then did you promise?

Remember? It was in October two years ago

The last time we slept together I don't know why you hate me

but you stopped making love to me

Today, at last

you promised to give Koharu up

I thought we could live like a couple

But you still love her

It's cruel of you

If you miss her so much, cry hard

Let your tears fall into the river

Koharu will drink it

We have two children, but still no love?

Can't you give her up?

What have I done to deserve this?

Pity the children

Finally we're together again

I don't know anything anymore!

Osan, you have the right to blame me

Listen

Tears of sadness and tears of joy flow the same way

They flow from the eyes

If tears of regret flowed from the ears

you'd know the pain of my heart

A man shouldn't cry for Koharu

Listen to me

She's a four-legged animal, not a human

Why should I miss her?

She lied to me

She said she'd never let Tahei redeem her

If her master insisted

she'd kill herself

She always said so

Yet ten days after we parted

she's already yielded to Tahei. That tramp!

Why would I miss a courtesan like that?

Osan

Why should I cry for her?

Then Koharu...

Tahei spread the word:

Jihei can't even redeem a courtesan

He said I was about to go bankrupt

Wholesale clerks stare at me

suspiciously

I live in shame

Osan

I hate it! I hate it!

I can't tolerate it!

Jihei, what'll I do?

That's why you're crying

Then Koharu may die

Terrible! She'll die

What'll I do?

She'll die?

Osan

You're wise, but you don't know the world

You don't know what a courtesan does

It's her work to fool men using her tricks

She won't die

You're wrong

You're wrong this time

I never meant to tell you this

But I can't let her die for me

She didn't want to leave you

But she acted as if she were fooling you

What are you saying? What did you do?

You went to the pleasure quarters every night

You neglected your work I didn't mind that

but you were desperate I thought you'd die with her

As your wife, I can't watch you die

It made me so sad I couldn't bear it

I wrote to Koharu asking, "Please save my husband's life"

You may think I shouldn't have done that

But I'm your wife

Koharu is a courtesan, but she's a woman too

Even if you oppose it, she'll kill herself

Even if you don't love me

I will do anything for you

So Koharu...

She accepted my request

She answered she'd give you up

But it's not easy

I asked her to save you, and she agreed

because she loves you

I have her letter close to me. Look

She's decent, with a strong sense of duty

She wouldn't break her promise to you

Least of all, to let Tahei redeem her

A woman in love is strong

She won't yield easily

You see? She acted out of regard for me

You don't understand

You only talk about love

What a man!

At this rate, she'll die

How can I let her die?

We must save her life. Save her!

I remember the letter. Brother read

You wrote it? I see

Koharu may die, then

Out of my honor, I cannot let her die

We must try to stop her. Go to her

But what can I do?

I must pay her master a pile of money

so he'll stop her from being redeemed

I need 150 pieces of gold

to keep her alive

I haven't got that much

We can't save her without money

What'll I do? What can I do?

It's no time for questions. We must raise it

Money?

Eighty pieces of gold!

How did you get it? I didn't know

I'll explain later Koharu's life can't wait

It was to pay for paper. It's honest money

I'll make up for it later with Magoemon

We need seventy pieces more. What'll I do?

Osan!

You can get seventy from the pawnshop

Pawn my kimonos. I don't need them

You need yours to keep up a front

Get the money and redeem her

Beat the hateful Tahei with the money

But, Osan...

What if I redeem her?

What will I do with her then?

Keep her somewhere? Here?

What about you, Osan?

I didn't think about that I was so worried about her

What'll I do?

Make her a nurse? Or a cook?

I should be punished

By you, if not by Heaven

Forgive me, Osan. Forgive me

I'm a hopelessly selfish fool

I made you raise the money for my courtesan

Please forgive me, Osan

A husband shouldn't ask that

It's a wife's duty. I'll sell my hair

if my clothes aren't enough

I paid for paper with my clothes too

My closet is already empty

But I've never regretted it

It's too late if she dies

Go quick

Sangoro

Take this bundle and accompany your master

Is Jihei in?

Father!

- Why? - Sit down

Jihei, my son-in-law

You're dressed up

Wearing a sword, you look like a rich man

Going to the brothel?

Every night? You need no wife

Osan, he doesn't need you

You mustn't go out in the cold

I'll get tea for you

You must have heard from Mother

She lectured my man today

He promised he'd give up the courtesan

Didn't you see the letter?

You mean this?

The worse men are, the more they promise!

Look at him

As I thought, he's a liar

He even swore to the gods

They must be amazed by your selfishness

Just write her a letter of divorce instead

You have every reason to blame me

But I have no time to explain

Have mercy on me

Don't take her away from me

Even if I become a beggar

even if I starve

I'll never make her suffer

She won't have a hard time

Because

I can never return all I owe Osan

I can't tell you why

Please be lenient and let her stay

Let me live with her

- There's a reason. - Be quiet!

You're free to become a beggar or to starve

But Osan will never be a beggar's wife

Write her a letter of divorce

I'll count her kimono and seal them first

I'll check

No! There's no need to do that

You don't have to do that

Well!

It's empty!

No clothes at all!

All the clothes she brought are gone

Jihei, what's your excuse for this?

What does it mean?

What's that?

Silk garments

Lining cloth

Even the baby's kimono!

Formal wear!

So many clothes!

Even the boy's coat!

Were you going to pawn everything?

Well done! You've stripped your family

All for your courtesan!

I'm amazed

All you can do is make love?

What a fool!

You can't fool me. You're nothing to me

Osan, you're a fool, too

You let him fool you

Write a letter of divorce!

I won't write it with a brush

No! Don't be hasty! I'll explain to Father

He'll understand

He may be nothing to you, but

his children are your grandchildren

Even if he agrees to a divorce I won't!

Be quiet!

If you refuse to write it

I won't need it!

I'll take Osan home with or without it!

Come with me!

No! Why, when we don't want to part?

He won't divorce me. Why must I leave?

What about my two children?

No! I've never been away from them!

I must take care of them!

Whom will they sleep with?

No, Father!

I won't go!

I'm not divorced

Jihei! Help me! What are you doing?

I won't go!

Give the children their usual medicine

And their candy too

I don't want to go, Father!

Excuse me. I came for Koharu

I'm sorry when it's so late

I came for Koharu

She's staying tonight. Kinokuniya?

Rest a while

It's all right then

Be careful about her

Tahei has redeemed her

She's his now

Don't let her drink too much

I know she's very important

Please look after her

Denbei, who was it?

Kinokuniya sent for Koharu

Kinokuniya?

Are you going home now, Jihei? I'll get her

Jihei's leaving. Get Koharu

Don't call her

She will ask me to stay till morning

Send her back in the morning

I must go to Kyoto on business

I don't know if I can return within this year

Pay the bill with this money

Clear my debt to the geisha house, too

- Go to bed now. - I understand

I'm in such a hurry, I forgot my sword

I'm lucky to be a merchant

If a samurai left it, he'd have to die

I'm sorry. I kept it

Take care of yourself. Hurry home

Excuse me

Is Jihei here?

Call him

He left just now for Kyoto

He's gone

Is Koharu of Kinokuniya gone?

She's sleeping upstairs

Who is it?

If she's here, they won't die

We'll see Jihei

Going to Kyoto? Why?

He doesn't know how worried we are

Where is he?

Sangoro. Do you know where he usually goes?

I tried all the places I know

I know!

But I'm embarrassed

You do? Where is it?

Don't scold me

I usually go to the barn on the northern bank

with a whore

Who cares where you go

Keep Kantaro warm

Let's search the new pleasure quarters

I don't know the place. Do you?

There are many places. I didn't know

Can I come with you?

What for?

To make love, of course

Fool!

Jihei

Koharu

Finally!

- Finally! - My brother went to the Yamatoya

- Did he find you? - No. Koharu...

- I'm glad. - So am I

We're in danger here. Let's get out

- Jihei. - Koharu

"Shijimi River to the west

"They often trod Tenjin Bridge

"The plum blossoms in the garden were sad

"Umeda Bridge was good

"But Cherry Bridge was out

"Saddened by the parting."

Koharu!

My feet hurt

Be patient

Where are we, Jihei?

We crossed Ima Bridge

Then your home is beyond the river

Are you afraid of death now?

When we're together like this? No!

Are you afraid?

Let's not complain anymore

I've had all kinds of hardship

But I bore them all for you

Your wife's letter pained me the most

Forget it

She didn't ask me to return you

She asked me to save you

Even if I'm a courtesan,

even if I love you so much...

Forget it. We're going to die

I wanted nothing but to be with you

I shouldn't fall in love

A courtesan must sleep with hundreds of men

I believed it was my work

I didn't wish to be a courtesan

I'm a woman like any other

Why can't I fall in love, like any other?

But there's nothing I can do

You're Osan's precious husband

Why is it that you're going to die with me?

Why?

Out of duty to you

My duty is to Osan. We're women

but we even forgot to be jealous

Duty binds us all, not women alone

I don't want to die

Why, when I love you?

I don't want to die, either

We want to be together

Hurry, or down will break

Kill me here. Kill yourself elsewhere

Have you forgotten? Won't we die together?

But I couldn't face your wife then

I'd break my promise to save your life

She'd think it a courtesan's lie

Others may think so

but Osan mustn't. I'd be sad

Osan, to whom you feel duty bound

was taken away by her father. We're divorced

You owe her nothing

Even if you divorced her...

You're my wife now

No one will laugh

I want to die with you

But I'm to blame for Osan leaving you

I caused her to suffer

I caused all this

Say no more

Even when we die

a woman only complains

You do, too

We may die apart and birds will feed on us

but our souls will be together

So what does it matter how we die?

Take me to hell or wherever it is!

What have you done?

With this hair, I'd be called Osan's husband

But now I'm a priest

I have no home

Nor have I a family

You're not dutybound to anyone now

I'm a nun now, I owe no one anything

That's the Daicho Temple gong

We don't belong to the mundane world now

We don't have to die together

With the bridge between us

me here, you there

Dutybound even after you've become a nun?

I won't be a courtesan in the next life

You worry about your children?

Don't make me remember and cry

They don't know their bad father is dying

I'm a sinful woman. Forgive me, Jihei

It's the only thing that depresses me

Jihei, hurry and kill me!

No one shall see your tearful face

Koharu. Smile. Smile for me

No! No!

I'm afraid!

THE END