Original subtitles

Daiei Productions Presents

SANSHO DAYU

Produced by NAGATA Masaichi

Based on a story by MORI Ogai

Screenplay by YAHIRO Fuji & YODA Yoshikata

Director of Photography: MIYAGAWA Kazuo

Art Direction by ITO Kisaku, Music by AYASAKA Fumio

Cast

TANAKA Kinuyo as Tamaki

HANAYAGI Yoshiaki as Zushio

KAGAWA Kyoko as Anju

SHINDO Eitaro as Sansho the steward, NANIWA Chieko as Ubatake

KONO Akitake as Taro

KATO Masahiko as Zushio as a child, ENAMI Keiko as Anju as a child

Directed by MIZOGUCHI Kenji

This tale is set during the late Heian period.

An era when mankind had not yet awakened as human beings.

It has been retold by the people for centuries.

And it is treasured today

as one of the world's great folk tales, full of grief.

Zushio, be careful.

I will.

Mother...

What is it?

How did Father end up in a faraway place like Tsukushi?

Father is a great man, isn't he?

He certainly is.

He is a righteous and fine man.

That's what I thought.

Father!

Father!

Zushio!

Zushio!

Don't get violent! Step back, all of you!

- We didn't come here to fight. - We're here to appeal.

Then, please, calm down!

Are you the general?

Master, please come out! We're all here for you!

- What are you going to do? - We'll cancel the master's transfer.

The transfer is just a pretence. It means exile!

What kind of nonsense is that?

He is being punished because of us! We can't just stand by and watch!

Let's all go to the general's office and appeal!

Wait! I know you care for our master.

But what you want to do will only make this situation more difficult!

Be sensible and listen to us.

For 13 years, famine has caused suffering for all of you.

You need every working hand you have available.

That was why our master opposed the general's demand

for more men to fight his war and the increase of taxes on rice.

His attempt to help you was overruled.

If you do this now, you too will be punished!

That's right! If you riot, he will be blamed!

He will be accused of rebellion!

So, please, return to your homes!

You're too lenient on them! This is a riot!

Kill them all!

What are you saying? I do not approve of that!

Keep out of this, you are no longer governor.

How dare you speak that way!

Zushio.

Your food is ready.

I am sorry to have caused you such trouble, Uncle.

You've involved the whole family. Your wife and children are suffering.

It's the peasants that are suffering the most.

Nonsense! You cannot compare us to peasants!

You fool!

Tamaki, take the children to your parents in Iwashiro.

Yes.

Tell them that I am sorry

for disappointing them after they put their trust in me.

Zushio, I wonder if you'll become a stubborn man like me.

You may be too young to understand, but listen to what I have to say.

Without mercy, man is like a beast.

Yes.

Even if you are hard on yourself, be merciful to others.

All men are created equal.

Everyone is entitled to their happiness.

This is the goddess of mercy, Kwannon. A family treasure.

Think of it as my guiding principle.

Keep it in remembrance of me. Always keep it with you. Understand?

Yes.

Now repeat what I've just told you.

"A man is not a human being without mercy.

"Even if you are hard on yourself, be merciful to others."

"All men are created equal.

"Everyone is entitled to their happiness."

- Do you remember your father's face? - Yes.

- And his teachings, also? - Yes.

Zushio, it is time to say farewell to your father.

Anju, grow up to become a lovely lady.

- Look after your sister. - I shall.

We are not parting forever.

Be hopeful and brave.

Yes.

I never dreamed I would have to leave this place.

- Governor! - Master!

Come, we must hurry. We have to find a place to stay.

Zushio, Anju,

we are taking the same road that your father took.

Father...

My lady! My lady!

There are no lodgings available in this area.

Why is that?

There have been bandits and slave dealers posing as travellers recently.

They have been killing and kidnapping women and children,

so the governor has prohibited offering shelter to travellers.

Bandits and slave dealers?

- We are in dangerous territory here. - What shall we do?

We have no choice but to find a place to camp.

Camp, my lady?

We must build a shelter before it gets too dark.

Zushio, Anju, you both must help, too.

- Yes. - Yes.

Here.

Mother, shall I go and get more?

Yes, we need a little more thatch and soft grass.

Come on, Anju!

Brother, get this branch.

You can't break it by yourself, Anju.

Mother is calling us.

- It's the sound of the waves. - No, listen carefully.

Anju! I want you to come back! Quickly!

Zushio!

Anju!

You two must be hungry. This will help.

- What was that? - Wolves, my lady.

Do not worry. They will not come near the fire.

Don't worry. We'll be all right.

I'm sorry we don't have anything hot to eat.

I will try to get some hot gruel from a house nearby.

And some bedding to sleep on.

I'll be right back.

Thank you.

Who's there?

What on earth are you doing here?

We are travellers.

We could not find any lodging.

I'm very sorry to hear that.

It's not good for the children to be out on such a cold night.

Come to my home. I can offer you some warm gruel.

I appreciate your kindness, but I would not want to intrude.

Not at all. Just come quietly.

Even if the authorities find out, I'm sure they'll allow one night.

- Come quickly. - Thank you.

But there is one more person with us.

Another person?

Is this person a man or a woman?

She is a woman. Our servant.

That's all right, then.

I can't have a man staying with a priestess.

I was able to get straw mats, but could not get any food, my lady.

It's all right, the priestess here

has graciously offered to lodge us secretly for the night.

- Really? - Now, then, let's go.

Thank you so much. I am so happy. Thank you so much.

I can't thank you enough for your kindness.

It is nothing. I do not live my life only to serve the gods.

No, really. Even my family cannot help us.

It is a cold world, indeed.

So you stayed at your brother's in Iwashiro for six years?

That's right.

I suppose marriage can break apart even siblings.

I'm afraid my children have selfishly fallen asleep after eating.

Tell me, how do you plan to travel?

Well...

It is impossible to go on foot. Why don't you go by boat?

The roads ahead are difficult.

Also, there are many bandits lurking in the mountains.

Will it be safe by boat?

Certainly. I know some reliable boatmen.

- I will ask them on your behalf. - Thank you.

I made all the arrangements while you were sleeping.

- How can I ever thank you? - Think nothing of it.

Thank you. Here they are. Please take care of them.

Thank you for accepting them.

Come this way.

Here you are.

This is your boat.

I'll never forget your kindness.

Zushio, Anju, say goodbye.

- Thank you very much. - Farewell.

Farewell. I'll be praying for your safe voyage.

Thank you very much.

Now, lady. You go first.

Anju, Zushio, go ahead and get in.

- Get back in. I'll help the children. - Children!

The children will ride separately. We can't all fit in one boat.

No! I want the children with me.

- Please! - Silence!

Mother!

Priestess, are you sure these men are reliable?

They'll take you to the right place!

- Mother! - Mother!

- Mother! - Mother!

I'll give you money. Please go back.

Please, go back. Please!

Mother!

Mother!

Go back, please!

Please, I beg you! Please!

- Mother! - Mother!

Please! Go back! Please!

Ubatake!

Ubatake!

Those kids over there.

These kids are too young!

- They're smart and will be useful. - How much?

Four and a half silver pieces for one. Eight silver for both.

They look a bit weak.

I don't want any sick ones. No, thanks.

Hey! Hey!

Stop all that sobbing!

Your mother's already been sold to Sado Island.

Crying will get you nowhere!

That's enough! If you keep crying, you'll get no food.

Please, buy them. I need to get rid of them.

Go to Tango. Or you could try Sansho the steward.

- Sansho the steward? - He's the richest man around there.

- He'll buy them from you. - I see.

You'll have a better chance selling them there.

Hurry up!

Hey! Don't stand around!

The children are here.

Bow to the master.

You paid seven silver pieces for these weaklings? Idiot!

What can they do here?

They're too weak to do rough work. Maybe they can sweep the yard.

No, I spent enough on them. They need to work as hard as the others.

What are your names?

- They won't tell me, master. - Why not?

Stubborn kids, eh? Take them away.

Have no mercy on them!

Kinpei!

Kinpei...

- Brother! - Anju!

- Come this way! - Brother!

Anju!

Where do you think you're going? That way. Get going.

Here, a newcomer. Show her what to do.

- She should be playing with dolls. - What?

- Are you serious? - Shut up and get to work!

This is unbelievable. Namiji...

Here. Try carrying this.

- Can you walk with it? - Yes.

Damn that heartless devil!

I don't know who sold you, you poor thing!

Get up. Come on.

Brother!

- This way! - Stop her!

Get back here!

Forgive me! Please! I beg you!

I wasn't trying to escape! I really wasn't!

Those kids reminded me of mine back home.

- I just went as far as the third gate. - Fool!

That's as bad as trying to escape!

Forgive me! Please, forgive me!

- What are you doing? - Giving her what she deserves.

That's Namiji.

Are they going to kill her?

Of course not. If they kill us, they have one less worker.

- Will she be locked up? - Don't you know?

Look! This is what happens!

Forgive me! I won't do it again!

Please forgive me! I won't do it again!

She's apologising. You don't have to punish her!

They need to be taught a lesson. Here, you do it, Taro.

You spineless coward!

Look away.

Eat your supper and start your night work!

Hurry up!

Get in here.

Where did you two come from?

Come here and talk to me.

There's no need to be afraid.

Do you have parents?

- And they sold you? - Father would never sell us!

The way you speak, you're no peasant's kids.

Why were you sold? Tell me everything.

Here, have some rice cake.

It's well roasted.

A messenger from the minister is coming, and Taro decides to disappear!

Hey, Kichiji!

Where's Taro? Go find him!

Our guest will be here soon. Get the women ready!

And bring some sake!

Even children as young as you are sold and bought,

treated like animals, and nobody questions it.

What a horrible world!

Tell me your father's words again.

"A man is not a human being without mercy.

"Even if you are hard on yourself, be merciful to others."

I want to return you to your parents, but Sado Island is far.

Tsukushi is even farther than that.

It is not a distance that children can travel on their own.

You'll have to wait a few years. Whatever happens, you must endure it.

Now I see why you keep your names secret.

But you need to be called something. I will give you names.

For you, Mutsu-Waka, after your birthplace.

You will be known as Shinobu, after the word for "endurance".

- Understood? - Yes.

Master Taro!

Ah, Master Taro. A messenger from the minister is about to arrive.

You are needed in the hall.

- Tell my father you couldn't find me. - He is an important guest from Kyoto!

Come. Let's go.

Such a surprise visit. I thought you'd perhaps come to scold us.

Nonsense. Why would we scold you? We have only to thank you.

You collect taxes promptly and provide more tribute every year.

- We are indebted to you. - I am honoured, sir.

You're the most trusted man among the stewards.

The minister insisted that I visit and study your methods

and the way you handle your people.

Please, I do not deserve such praise.

I am only doing my duty in managing his lordship's manor.

It is seldom done as well these days.

The minister appreciates your work so much,

he is insisting on inviting you to Kyoto as a reward.

- Is that true, sir? - Yes.

I cannot believe it. I greatly appreciate his kindness.

Kichiji, bring the chest!

This is a humble token of my gratitude, sir.

I'm very impressed. Thank you.

This is my son, Taro. Show your gratitude.

You are lucky to have such a father. Be dutiful towards him.

Girls, begin your dance!

Are you asleep?

Take care of yourselves.

Open the gate.

- Where are you going at this hour? - None of your business.

After ten years, the young children

have developed into sturdy young adults,

in spite of their long hardship and misery.

The winter finds Zushio,

alias Mutsu, 23 years old. Anju, known as Shinobu, is 18.

Brother, wake up.

- What? - The alarm.

That way! He ran that way!

This way! This way!

Come back here, you!

- Over there! - Get him!

Why, you...!

Catch him!

Get him! Get him!

Let me go! Please!

Please! I've been working diligently for 50 years!

Let me go.

I'm already 70. My days are numbered!

Let me die a free man! I don't want to die here!

Mutsu, you deal with this.

- Who did the branding? - It was Mutsu-Waka.

How cruel of him!

He'll die a miserable death.

Mutsu is a bad one. Must be the son of a bandit.

Don't worry, you're not to blame for anything.

- Teach this newcomer. - Please...

Take care of her.

You turn it like this.

You try it now.

- What's your name? - Kohagi.

- How old are you? - Sixteen.

- Are you a peasant's daughter? - Yes.

- Where were you sold from? - Sado Island.

Sado Island?

Do you happen to know a woman named Tamaki?

No.

She was sold ten years ago. She was 35 or 36 then.

She must be 45 or 46 by now.

I don't know of her. Sado is a large island.

Are you in pain again, Namiji?

I feel as though a heavy stone is in my stomach.

You're getting worse.

I can't rest unless I die.

We're not human beings.

Why does the rest of the world turn its back on us?

What are you saying? You're talking like a newcomer.

I have to get back to work. You, too.

Zushio, how I long for you! Isn't life torture?

Anju, how I long for you! Isn't life torture?

What misery,

as I am sold away into slavery.

Boatman, quietly row away.

Hey, what song are you singing?

What is it called?

It goes "Zushio, how I long for you. Anju, how I long for you."

Who taught you that?

It's a popular song on Sado Island.

Who first sang such a melancholy song?

A courtesan, they say.

- A courtesan? - Yes, named Nakagimi.

Do you think she's still alive?

I don't know.

"Zushio, how I long for you. Isn't life torture?

"Anju, how I long for you. Isn't life torture?" Is that right?

- Sing it again for me. - Very well.

Zushio, how I long for you!

Isn't life torture?

Anju, how I long for you!

Isn't life torture?

It's Mother!

Isn't life torture?

Wait! Please, wait!

Take me with you! Please, take me!

This is all the money I have!

Quickly! Please! As quick as you can!

Nakagimi! Not again. We're going back!

She's impossible!

Cut her tendon so she can't run away!

Please, master, I won't do it again! Please have mercy on me!

Silence!

Please forgive me!

Remember, girls. This is the punishment for runaways!

Too bad, Nakagimi. We can't see the mainland today.

Zushio.

Anju.

Zushio, how I long for you!

Isn't life torture?

Anju, stop it! Stop singing that song!

But it's the first news about Mother that we've heard.

Don't you care?

Don't you think of Father and Mother anymore?

Don't you want to see them again?

What's the use of wanting?

If we escape, we'll find a way.

How? We don't have any money. How will we look for them?

Just look at us. It's better not to meet them like this.

So we'll go to Kyoto and become somebody.

Become somebody? Stop dreaming.

Despite our births, we're servants now. Slaves!

Who'd bother with us?

You'll be sold to a brothel. I'll become a thief.

Or we'll both become beggars.

Brother, you already have the heart of a bandit!

A soul lower than that of a beggar!

How could you brand the old man's forehead like that?

How can you be so brutal?

Did you forget Father's words?

Don't you feel shame before the goddess of mercy?

Brother!

How could you?

It does me no good!

It's better to be loyal to the steward and get on his good side!

Brother, what have you become?

Mutsu, Namiji isn't going to make it. Go and dump her in the mountains.

Namiji is like a sister to us.

Please, I beg you, let her die here.

- Take her, Mutsu. - Yes, sir.

Don't take her, brother.

She's still alive. Don't give her to carrion crows.

It's the steward's orders.

Another dead one?

This one's still alive.

- You lead them. - Yes, sir.

Hey, open the gate!

Not you!

When you're reincarnated, I pray that you'll be born to a good family!

Be born into a rich family!

Hey, hurry up.

I tied this to the Buddha, so hold it tight.

And this is Kwannon, the goddess of mercy.

You'll be born fortunate in your next life.

What is it?

That's too cruel. Please let me protect her from the frost.

All right. Make it quick.

Brother, help me.

Brother, doesn't this remind you of the time we camped near Naoe?

Mother had us gather straw and grass like this, remember?

Zushio!

Anju!

Oh, Mother is calling us!

Zushio!

Anju, let's run away.

Let's escape!

You mean it?

Then hurry!

- You go alone. - What about you?

We'll be caught if we're together.

I'll delay them. Meanwhile, run away as fast as you can.

They say there is a temple at Nakayama. You'll be safe there.

I can't leave you. They'll torture you.

They don't kill slaves very often.

Don't worry.

They'll catch us if we run away together.

If you go alone, you'll be all right.

Don't worry about me.

If you can, take Namiji with you.

Go while I talk to the gatekeeper.

The Kwannon is on Namiji's chest.

Wait for me.

I'll come back for you, even if that's the last thing I do!

My brother will do the rest.

What?

Thank you for waiting. My brother will handle the rest. Let's go.

I hope I don't end up like that. Let's go, quickly.

Come, Namiji. Let's go.

Your brother is taking a long time.

He'll come soon.

What happened?

He's late.

Hey.

You go and look.

He's gone! He's gone!

- He ran away! - What?

You slut! You must be behind this!

Kayano, watch her! Get more men!

Master! Master Sansho!

What happened? What is it?

- Mutsu the slave escaped! - Escaped?

- And Shinobu? - She's at the gate.

Torture her. She must know where he's headed.

Hurry and search the village! Hurry up!

You know where Mutsu went, don't you?

I know you're determined not to say anything,

but you'll talk after they torture you.

No torture...

...can make a dead person speak.

It's too late for you to outrun them.

Tie me up here and go before it's too late.

Thank you, Kayano.

Now go.

Hurry. Hurry.

Farewell. Farewell.

- Farewell. - Farewell.

Search throughout the gorge.

Come on, run!

Which way?

Zushio, how I long for you!

Isn't life torture?

Anju, how I long for you!

Isn't life torture?

Out of the way!

Check the back!

Where is he? Don't lose him!

Over here!

Over here!

That way!

Damn it.

- Look! This way! - What?

Have you found him?

Where did he go?

We have been sent by the steward in search of a runaway!

He must be hiding here! Hand him over!

If you refuse, you will be punished by the minister.

You come bearing arms as if a riot has broken out.

Seeking one of your servants, eh?

No one gets shelter here without my permission.

As I haven't given any, he can't be here.

And may I remind you this is an imperial temple.

Look.

IMPERIAL TEMPLE THE PROVINCE OF TANGO

It is the imperial signature.

Trespassers will be severely punished!

Leave quietly. For your own good.

I saw him!

He went in that direction!

Southward, along the wall! Hurry! You'll probably catch him.

Let's go!

Go left!

Go in the back alley!

How is she doing?

Thanks to your medicine, she's got better.

- Good. I'm glad to hear that. - Thank you very much.

I'm so glad.

What are your plans?

Master Taro, I have a favour to ask of you.

Can you keep Namiji here?

I would be happy to, but what about you?

I plan to go to Kyoto.

Who is the most powerful man there?

Well...

the chief advisor to the emperor, I would say. But why do you ask?

Master Taro...

why did you leave your father's house?

Do you intend to appeal to the chief advisor?

Yes, sir.

I had the same idea and went to Kyoto, too.

But it wasn't as easy as I thought.

My single-handed efforts proved futile.

I found that humans have little sympathy

for things that don't directly concern them.

They're ruthless.

Unless those hearts can be changed,

the world you dream of cannot come true.

If you wish to live honestly with your conscience...

...keep close to the Buddha.

With all due respect,

this is something that I must do, no matter what the cost.

I see.

Then do as you wish. You have a difficult road ahead of you.

I am prepared for that.

Very well.

I'll ask the head priest to write a letter to the chief advisor.

Thank you very much. Thank you so much.

Please, my lord, if I may have a word!

Please! Please, my lord!

I am the son of the former deputy governor of Mutsu! Please, my lord!

- Get back! - Please!

I have here a letter from the head priest at the temple of Nakayama!

I'm doing this as I was refused at the gate!

- Please! I beg you! - Call the guards!

- Please! - Stay away!

Please! Please! I beg you!

Please, listen to me! Please! Please!

Please! I beg of you! Please!

Where did you steal this from?

I didn't steal it! It is my family's treasure!

Give it back to me! That's my father's keepsake!

Please give it back to me!

Please, for God's sake, give it back to me!

Come out!

Don't send me back to Sansho the steward! Please! Please!

Don't worry. His lordship has sent for you.

You're a lucky fellow.

Come out. You must not keep him waiting.

- I have brought him, my lord. - Come this way.

He is here, my lord.

Good.

Raise your head. The letter you brought

claims you are the son of Taira Masauji of Mutsu, is that true?

Yes, your lordship.

The statue you had in your possession

originally belonged to one of my forefathers, Michinaga.

He gave it to your family in recognition of their good works. Did you know that?

I was only told that it was a treasure handed down in our family.

My father left it with me when he was sent to Tsukushi.

Your Lordship, did my father commit a crime?

Is it unlawful to love your people?

No, but one must obey his superior officer.

However, your father argued with arrogant military men.

He was a man of extraordinary courage.

You knew about that, my lord?

Had I been in office, things would have been different.

Then will you pardon him now?

It would make little difference now.

Zushio, do not let this dishearten you.

Your father has already departed this transient life.

When did it happen, my lord?

After reading your letter, I took the liberty to investigate.

He passed away during the spring of last year.

I sympathise with you and the hardships you have endured.

In recognition of his achievement and efforts,

I am arranging for you to succeed your father's title.

For me? For me, my lord?

The post of governor of Tango is vacant.

I will give you that post.

- Governor? - Yes.

"Taira Masamichi is created a peer of the Junior Grade of the Fifth Rank."

"Taira Masamichi, of the Fifth Rank, is hereby appointed governor of Tango."

This is the imperial prescript of your post. Come closer.

I have chosen a name befitting a governor.

From now on, call yourself Taira Masamichi - "Righteous Path".

Go and pay your respects at your father's tomb.

Thank you, my lord.

My father may be dead, but my mother and sister will be delighted.

Now I can make a happy life for them.

I can also liberate the slaves

from the infernal house of Sansho the steward.

What? Liberate slaves?

Nonsense.

Yura Manor is the property of the Minister of the Right.

A governor isn't authorised to interfere with a private manor.

How do you expect to carry out your duties without knowing that?

Carefully reconsider your limitations.

- Understand? - Yes, sir.

Imagine, the governor of Tango coming all the way to Tsukushi.

His lordship is the son of Lord Masauji who died here.

He's visiting before going to his post.

A truly dutiful son.

My regret is that I could not come while he was still alive.

I see so many flowers.

Have you been putting flowers on his grave like this?

No, sir. They are from those who remember his kindness.

Your father was kind to everyone he met,

especially the unfortunate peasants.

Your father taught them how to read and write,

and how to live a moral life.

I am Judge Norimura, my lord.

We congratulate you on your new post.

We humbly welcome you and wish you a smooth transition.

Thank you for welcoming me.

My name is Murotsuna, my lord.

I am Narisada, my lord.

I am Toneyasu, my lord.

I want to do something in lieu of announcing my arrival.

All but Norimura and his staff may go.

I want to issue a decree. Take note.

Hereafter, in this province, the sale of human beings

is forbidden by penalty of the law.

The use of slaves shall be prohibited

on both government lands and private manors.

Is this an order from the capital?

No, it is my own.

Yours? Are you sure you want to issue such a decree?

Do you think I am joking?

I am sure you have your reasons,

but you must admit this is reckless even for your young age.

Reckless? What is reckless about it?

- There's more. - Please wait!

A governor only has jurisdiction over government land.

Manors are private property, sir.

Interfering with them will bring serious consequences,

especially when the manor belongs to the Minister of the Right.

Its steward, Sansho, is a difficult adversary.

- I want to liberate Sansho's slaves. - What are you saying, my lord?

He is an official personally appointed by the minister.

His slaves are the property of the minister himself.

As their guardian, the steward will fight you!

- I don't want to hear any more. - That's not all, sir.

Should this reach the capital,

the minister will undoubtedly move to have you discharged.

You may be exiled!

Your very life might be in danger!

I do not understand where you got such an extraordinary idea,

but please give it up for your own good.

- Norimura, you wish to disobey me? - No, my lord!

- Let us continue. - Yes, sir.

The liberated slaves shall be granted the choice of being sent home

or staying on the land as employees,

to be paid fairly in money or land.

That is all. Publish this throughout the province. Understood?

And Judge...

...I want you to go to Sansho's and fetch a girl named Shinobu.

A girl named Shinobu, sir?

- That's right. - Yes, sir.

- There is no such girl here. - No? Are you sure?

Even if she were here, a local official cannot make demands to see her.

Remember, this is the manor of the Minister of the Right.

No governor can interfere here.

Now go, while you still have the choice!

- Off with you! Go away! - Go!

- Did you turn him away? - Of course.

The fool. What does he want with Shinobu anyway?

But don't let your guard down. Be alert.

What nonsense.

I don't understand it at all.

"The buying and selling of human beings

"and use of slaves are prohibited in the province of Tango.

"Violators will be severely punished.

"Issued November 25 in the 7th year of Kanji by the governor of Tango."

Who is the new governor?

He must be absolutely crazy! We're going to make him pay!

Dispatch a courier to Kyoto. Let the minister know of this at once.

Yes, sir.

Make sure the slaves don't hear anything about this.

Those idiots are liable to start making trouble.

And tear down all the notices as fast as you can!

Move away!

No buying and selling of slaves? Knock it down.

- What does it say? - I can't read!

Destroy it!

- It's the governor's notice! - We're free!

Stop!

Let's go!

- Get the men ready! - Sir, as noble as your idea is...

You couldn't possibly understand!

Think of those who rot in that hell on earth!

- Are they ready? - Yes, sir.

They have arrived, master.

It is a privilege to welcome you.

I'm afraid there is nothing to offer you, as this is so sudden.

It has been a while, steward.

Mutsu-Waka!

I am Taira Masamichi, governor of Tango.

You have changed. I apologise for not recognising you.

Do make yourself comfortable, please.

- Bring some drinks... - Don't bother.

I do not come as a friend. You and your men are under arrest.

- What for? What have I done wrong? - Silence!

Destroying the governor's signpost is crime enough.

Oh, do you mean those lawless notices? I see.

Now I know how they got there. However, this manor belongs to...

- I already know! - Then all the more reason

your recklessness is sure to rebound on you.

I recommend you promptly repeal your decree.

If you do, I will not report this to the minister.

I don't know how you rose to this position of yours,

but a slave becoming a governor, that's a true fairy tale!

- You should not spoil it. - Is that all you have to say?

You need not enquire about me.

Your property shall be confiscated and you will be exiled. Arrest him!

What? Release me! Who do you think you're dealing with?

Whose house do you think this is?

Prepare yourself for the punishment you'll receive for attacking this manor!

Let me go!

Release me!

I'm telling you to release me!

Listen carefully, friends.

In the province of Tango, the slave trade has been banned.

In both government land and private manors,

the use of slaves has been prohibited.

From this moment on, you are no longer the property of Sansho the steward.

You are all now free!

You may go home if you wish.

You may stay here and work.

You will receive payment...

...or be given your own land.

Nio.

Oh, Mutsu-Waka?

My sin in branding you can never be erased.

But I ask you to let this make up in some part for it.

Anju.

Did you hear me?

Shinobu, I mean. Did you hear me?

Tell me...

Where is my sister?

Where is she?

What happened to her?

Tell me!

She passed away.

He killed her?

No.

Why didn't you wait for me?

I truly believed you would wait.

It was your great faith

that gave me back my life.

Why didn't you wait for your brother's return?

Sansho's house is on fire, sir.

What?

He and his family have already been exiled, sir.

TO THE CHIEF ADVISOR

Submit this letter to the chief advisor. It is my resignation.

Sir...?

Perhaps you think it somewhat strange,

but those who shared in my suffering will appreciate my actions.

Tomorrow I am going to Sado Island. Please make preparations.

Yes, sir.

All aboard.

The boat is leaving.

Come on, hurry.

You are not coming aboard? What's the matter?

I'm looking for a woman called Nakagimi. Can you help me?

Nakagimi? She must be a courtesan.

There are brothels over there. They can probably tell you.

I want to see Nakagimi. Is she one of you?

- Yeah, she is. - Where? Where?

That house.

She's getting ready.

Nakagimi?

- Nakagimi? - Who is it?

Welcome. Come on in.

Are you really called Nakagimi?

Of course. I'm the one and only Nakagimi.

Come on in.

Well?

What's the matter?

Let me show you a good time.

Hey, why are you leaving?

What a cheapskate!

Got no money on you? You idiot!

He rejected you!

What's wrong?

It wasn't her. I'm looking for a woman over forty.

Oh, you must mean the former Nakagimi.

- Do you know her? - She's dead now, I think.

She was found dead by the cape.

Or was it that she jumped into the sea?

No, you're wrong.

She was killed by the tsunami that hit the village two years ago.

Are you a relative or something of Nakagimi's?

Where is the village?

Beyond that cape over there.

Excuse me. I heard that this area was hit by a tsunami two years ago.

That's right.

The village lost nine or ten people to the vicious waves.

Some of the bodies still haven't been found yet.

Why do you ask about that tsunami?

Isn't life torture?

Zushio, how I long for you!

Anju, how I long for you!

Anju...

...how I long for you!

Mother!

It's me, Zushio.

You wretched being.

You've come to try and fool me again.

Go away.

Mother...

You can't fool me any more.

Mother.

Here, look.

It is the Kwannon that Father gave me.

Zushio?

Is it really you?

Do you recognise me?

I came for you, Mother.

Zushio.

Zushio.

Are you alone?

Anju is with you, right?

Anju... Where is Anju?

Please bring her. Right away.

Anju...

Anju has gone to join Father.

Your father?

Is he doing well?

No, Mother. It's just you and I.

We're all alone now.

I could have come for you

as a governor.

But I gave up my title in order to follow Father's teachings.

Please, Mother, forgive me!

What nonsense do you speak of?

I know nothing of what you have done.

But I know that you followed your father's teachings.

And that is why...

...we have been able to meet again.