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A Shochiku Production

Between Fukui and Gifu, there is a pond called Demon Pond.

According to an ancient legend, a dragon dwells at the bottom.

The time: Summer of 1933

From the Play by Kyoka Izumi

Demon Pond

Tamasaburo Bando

Go Kato

Tsutomu Yamazaki

Demon Pond

Hisashi Igawa, Fujio Tokita Hatsuo Yamaya, Dai Kanai

Koji Nanbara, Toru Abe Yatsuko Tan'ami

Shigeru Yazaki, Jun Hamamura Hitoshi Omae, Fudeko Tanaka

Toshie Kobayashi, Maki Takayama Yuni Nishigami, Megumi Ishii

Juro Kara Ryunosuke Kaneda

Kai Ato, Kazuo Sato Masashi Furuta

Nigoshichi Shimouma Baiken Jukkanji, Mansaku Fuwa

Bando Morikawa, Kusanosuke Oda Tadayuki Okamoto

Shuichi Oki Yasuo Shinohara

Norihei Miki

Directed by: Masahiro Shinoda

Prayer For the Dead

Six o'clock...

That bell again!

No need to ring it.

But the Demon Pond will overflow, otherwise. A flood.

Mere superstition!

Superstition or not,

right now, we'll welcome a flood.

What is it?

Nothing. A speck of dust in my eye.

Dust in your eye?

Ah, yes.

Let me remove it.

It's okay. Could I have some water?

Water!

I'll moist in it.

- Moisten? - Come closer.

Bring your face over here.

But that's...

Does it hurt? It should be removed.

Alright, open the eyelid with your fingers.

Oh dear, is it not out yet?

That's enough! That'll do.

It doesn't hurt now. Thank you very much.

Ah, I feel revived!

It's gone!

Water... people?

People... and a bell?

It is very hot.

Yes, it's hot.

Is that the bell I heard?

Yes. It was struck at twilight.

This bell is struck at dawn, dusk and late at night.

Three times every day.

Ah, besides those three, it must not be rung at any other time.

If you're passing by,

please do not strike it with that stick in fun.

Do not be mischievous.

I understand that, granny.

Not buying a melon. I won't hit it.

But it's strange...

like a merciful rain during a drought.

What's the explanation?

What? Did you say something just now?

It's very strange, granny.

This water...

Well, it gushes from a spring.

From here it flows in a thin stream.

When the flowing water strikes a rock, it tinkles.

- Tinkles? - Yes.

Tinkle... tinkle... tinkle...

It's called Harp-playing Valley.

A valley that plays the harp?

Would you like a drink? Cold water?

The village wells have dried up.

You have only this spring water?

The real source of water is a pond called Demon Pond.

Yes, I saw it on the map.

I wanted to see it.

The Demon Pond is actually quite large.

They say a dragon dwells at the bottom.

Indeed, it's an old tale.

The dragon is a water god.

In the West, it's called a sea serpent.

It carries poison. The villagers say that fearfully.

The rocks change color in the water to purple and green.

Red pebbles are seen at times.

It's very beautiful.

The villagers say the dragon's scales have been shed.

They say it's fishy, dirty, uncanny and that the water is poisoned.

Is that true?

I drank that water.

Dabbed my eyes with it.

Perhaps I'll undergo a shocking transformation.

A transformation?

The villagers are suspicious...

because we drink it, and nothing has happened.

- Could I... - Ah...

It is becoming quite dark, isn't it?

I thought you were older...

May I...

have a cup of tea or hot water?

Of course you may.

Please take a seat on the veranda.

Is he alone?

What kind of a person is he?

From the city, I think.

A young man?

He's carrying a map and compass. Accustomed to travel.

See if he has a good story to tell.

I ask you, Yuri.

Yes.

A collection of Old Legends

Please be seated here.

Oh.

Isn't this a temple storehouse? The main hall...

It burned down long ago. There has been no temple here since.

But the belfry remains?

- Yes. - Do you ring the bell?

Well, won't you drink your tea?

Thank you.

I'll drink it.

I know this wasn't a teahouse.

Moonflowers, aren't they?

About time to bloom.

I spoke about a melon. I'm getting hungry.

Could you spare a melon?

There are some pears.

May I offer you a few?

Oh, the moonflowers have started to bloom.

That voice...

Yamazawa

Akira, what is it?

Yamazawa... why is he here?

The way you look. What has happened?

Ask him what the purpose of his travel is.

I will, but tell me what does this mean?

Another moonflower has bloomed...

In the moonlight. True to its name!

You better go, Yuri. He'll get suspicious.

What's he after? Question him.

Yes.

- Have some. - Thank you.

Can you lend me a knife? I'll peel it.

Thoroughly chilled.

This is like carving a jewel.

Um...

I take it that you are on a journey.

Where are you from? Where are you bound?

Let's see, I'm a random travel. No place in particular.

Tastes good!

But why come to this isolated place?

I teach at school, you see. This is my summer vacation.

I'm on my way home now...

Back to Kyoto.

Where will you stay tonight?

Well, that's a question you shouldn't ask.

I might ask for lodging here.

I'm just joking.

I've stayed too long.

No, I'm the one who kept you.

For going either toward Kawachi or the pass...

it has become so dark. So inconvenient.

What should I pay you?

What?

I think I ought to leave something.

In payment? Why should you?

Money? That's out of question.

Payment for the tea - that was not expected.

Not only for the tea. I've had all those pears, also.

My conscience won't allow it.

If that is how you feel. Must I accept payment?

Yes.

It need not be money.

You can pay with a story - it can be quite brief.

Please tell me a story.

A story? What kind of story?

You have traveled a lot...

If you know an interesting or unusual story.

As payment for earlier? That's an unusual request.

Not at all. It's often done when...

itinerant medicine peddlers rest here.

Ascetics, pilgrims... Even with the villagers too.

A story is asked of each.

Then, you collect stories. But why?

Surely you're not going to publish a book here.

No, it's a whim.

Just idle curiosity.

Some who have told many stories...

have been given lodging here.

Yuri, why do you have to say that?

Then, if I can tell many stories,

I can stay here?

Well, it depends...

And on the stories too.

Fine.

An interesting story...

Let's see. Which should I begin with?

Ah, I have it.

There's one about this Echizen Province...

in which a dumpling was transformed.

- A dumpling? - It was hidden under the veranda.

Why did you stop?

What happened to the dumpling?

Now, the next story.

Is that one finished?

There was a collector of tales...

interesting and unusual stories from many places.

He was my friend.

Two years ago,

he left Tokyo saying he was going north.

Nothing has been heard from him ever since. Not a word.

You call that a story?

- Just listen. - No thanks.

About your friend...

I don't want to hear any more.

We have been searching him.

Knowing that he disliked city life...

we thought he was hiding somewhere.

Please stop.

I'm no longer listening.

My friend had vanished, left not a trace.

Some thought he was dead,

that he died on the day he left Tokyo.

There are all kinds of theories. Suicide...

But I firmly believe that he's alive somewhere.

We were close friends.

Whether hiding or intent on dying, he should have told me.

Thank you very much.

I offered a poor repast.

- I haven't finished. - Be careful on the path.

Wait a moment.

Perhaps this is painful, but it happens to be true!

You mustn't misunderstand.

I didn't come here looking for that friend.

But for the past three years, I've never stopped worrying.

No, it's much more than that.

What he left... Our best years had come to an end.

Even now...

I seem to be shouting for no reason.

They say too much moonlight affects the mind.

That beautiful woman.

The drought in the village,

the water gushing from a spring here.

Its source traced to the Demon Pond.

Ridiculous! There's no cause for alarm.

Delicious pears!

Nicely chilled!

Forgive me.

An apology? He can be called back!

It wasn't a brief friendship. He and I were like brothers.

If you talk to him face to face, you might...

Yamazawa knew.

He was really saying that to me. And yet...

- I've sent him away alone! - Not so loud.

He may be listening.

If you go after him...

If you go away with him...

I'd be...

What an ungrateful wretch I've turned out to be.

I've betrayed my friend.

No, this is how it should be.

It's for the best.

Supper will be late tonight.

Eggplant, the way you like it.

Rain?

A heavy rainfall would help the villagers.

Yamazawa!

It's raining! It's raining!

It's raining!

Yamazawa!

Yamazawa!

Yamazawa!

Hagiwara!

Yamazawa!

- It's raining! - The rain is coming!

- Rain! Hooray! - It's raining!

The rain is coming!

Just a passing shower? We're being mocked.

No more rain clouds.

Only a moment of joy!

Does that white hair have some meaning?

You mean, this? It's just a wig.

Indicating a recluse who has abandoned Tokyo and learning.

Hey, what about her?

That's Yuri. Was she rude to you?

Your wife?

Yes.

- For three years? - Yes.

What's wrong? There's no need to whisper.

Let me tell you before she came here... about Tokyo.

How are my parents?

Well, don't worry, they're well.

But they've aged because of you.

Is that so?

You sent not a word to your anxious parents.

Leading an existence like this here.

May I ask why?

Think of it as a dream and listen to it.

Yes, I thought it was a real nightmare.

As I started to leave.

Just as you were saying...

I came to the north in order to collect legends.

As they say: "many go out for wool and come home shorn."

It seems that I have turned into a legend myself.

A legend? What do you mean?

A sorcerer turns a mountain into sea.

A man becomes free or a stone.

A stone is turned into a leaf. A leaf is changed into a frog.

You spoke of a nightmare...

as if drawn into a legend.

During those three years, I've become an actual legend.

Hey, stop talking about such eerie things.

Your wife... is she a sorceress?

That's a cruel thing to say!

Of course not!

However, she seems different somehow.

This land, this entire area,

this Harp Playing Valley, it's all magical.

It's the Demon Pond and its dragon.

- You knew about that? - I did.

I got off at Imajo station and walked all the way here.

It was to see that pond three years ago that I came here.

And that led to your present life?

That is, you met her there and couldn't move on.

It wasn't only that.

I'm afraid I was discourteous.

Not at all. No need to be formal.

We were just talking about you.

Didn't you sneeze?

If she sneezes, a mosquito might fly out.

You're made up beautifully tonight.

Are the tears all gone?

My, you're just teasing me.

The weather is getting warm.

Adding to the Summer heat.

All I can say is that I feel envious seeing you two.

Were you born in this very valley?

You have relatives nearby?

She's an orphan adopted by the priest of the tutelary shrine.

Please, don't talk about me.

But, you see, Yamazawa thought you were a sorceress earlier.

That was only a joke.

You looked so very...

Bewitching? I'm captivated. You can't leave.

Isn't that so, Yamazaki?

I didn't say such a thing!

Never mind. She's worried too.

She's afraid you'll take me back to Tokyo.

Nothing like that.

I came here just to see the Demon Pond.

Then, let's go there together.

Yuri, we have so much to talk about tonight.

- Prepare some saké. - Yes.

Madam.

Lend me Hagiwara for one night.

Tonight?

Talking is fine, but I'd like to see that pond right away.

Why not tomorrow?

There's the school.

I'm afraid I can't extend my vacation any longer.

You're going to Kyoto?

I've been there since last year.

My vacation is about over.

All right. I'll be your guide.

We can talk on the way there.

I feel like a student again.

Yuri, take a sickle.

Yes...

- A sickle? - Not many go there.

There might be bamboo and vines to cut down.

Akira...

All the blades are dull.

Sharpen one of them while we get ready.

Yes.

It's about five kilometers on the map.

No, it's a little more than that.

The nights are short. Dawn comes early.

By the way, aren't you hungry?

Yuri can prepare us some food.

Never mind. Let's leave here.

It sounds like you're escaping.

I am, together with you.

What are you saying?

Not so loud!

That really looks sharp now.

Thank you.

Be careful.

Let's start out.

Take care of the house.

- Dear. - Huh?

What is it?

Akira...

I...

I'll feel so lonely.

What's wrong? Don't start talking like a child.

A fond farewell? Take your time. I'll go on ahead.

You're exaggerating, both of you.

This is not an eternal parting.

Well, I'll be going.

It's a lovely moonlit today.

Put out the fire and lock the door.

Heave-ho! Heave-ho!

Heave-ho! Heave-ho!

Heave-ho!

The Diet Member has arrived!

He's here!

- Hurry up! - His Excellency...

Diet Member Kozo Anakuma.

- Hurrah! - Hurrah!

- I've brought rice! - Thank you very much.

Bag of rice! Bag of rice!

Thank you very much!

- Have I been some help? - Yes, indeed.

You saved us from this drought!

Sir, please come this way!

Rice! Rice! Polished Rice!

I don't think it will happen. Isn't that so?

There's no need to worry. He'll come back, won't he?

There, there.

Close your eyes and nod in agreement.

Your mother is alone. I have no desire to eat.

Let's put things away and wait.

The villagers mustn't know I'm here alone.

"It's a lovely moonlit night."

"Put out the fire... Lock the door..."

No Fishing Allowed

There's no lack of goblins. They come in many shapes.

A One-eyed monster, a water imp,

a Goblin cat, a goblin of the sea. Then, there's that one with a egg-face.

What a surprise!

And there's also the demon fox Kuzu-no-Ha.

Silver scales, it's heavy too. Weighs at least 30 pounds.

It's bigger than the carp the village headman had.

Hm... instead of eating it,

I can sell it to the assemblyman.

Listen, carp, you're going to be sold.

Fetch a good price!

That's odd. Dark already at this hour?

Ouch! Ouch!

It hurts! It hurts!

Ouch! Ouch! The pain is killing me!

Saved! My life's been saved!

Now I know how distressing a drought can be to human beings.

I experienced it out of the water.

Mr. Crab, I'm glad you rescued me.

I'm grateful.

Help and be helped.

No need to thank me. You're strong enough to leap up a waterfall.

How come you were caught and put in here?

I tried to take a shortcut.

I entered a marah by mistake. Then, swat!

By this villain?

Indeed!

It wasn't my fault! It wasn't my fault!

I suppose you weren't to blame. You are pardoned.

Now go!

See how it flies! Like a man's head flying!

It's an eerie sight!

By the way, where are you going now?

To my parent's home.

There's a beautiful moon tonight again.

It will be blazing hot tomorrow.

The princess of the pond,

doesn't she have any intention of letting it rain?

I certainly don't know.

The drought doesn't concern her.

As you're aware,

she loves the young man of Senja Pond at Kengamine.

She thinks of him constantly.

She has no time to bother about a drought!

Instead of agonizing so much,

why not spread her sleeves...

and fly to Kengamine?

It's a dilemma. If the princess leaves,

a terrible flood will occur!

This valley, people, horses will all be submerged.

What of it?

That would expand my domain.

Let the village become a muddy marah.

Hey, have you forgotten?

There's this bell here.

There's a firm covenant.

As long as this bell is rung three time a day,

the village is safe. The princess is bound by it.

It's very inconvenient for her.

If the bell doesn't ring, this could be our paradise.

Indeed, the princess may have emerged from the pond for a stroll.

Buddha protect us!

Whew! I almost stepped on the shadow of the bell!

Mountains and fields glitter in the moonlight.

No sign of any moisture yet.

I must leave the marah and move near the mountain pond.

Will you accompany me?

Yes, I'll do it with pleasure.

Let's sing as we go along.

What song?

"Turn the Mountain Into a River."

- That's good enough! - Very well!

Oh, turn the mountain into a river!

Yes, turn the mountain into a river!

Men fought the water. The village seemed doomed.

At that time, a holy man...

confined the Dragon God to that pond.

The Dragon God said:

"My freedom is lost when I pledge to save men from drowning."

"Cast a huge bell."

"Ring it thrice each day to awaken me,"

"and remind me of my promise."

"I long for freedom, to move around, to have my own way..."

"To forget the pledge,"

"in making the water of this pond overflow."

"In gaining freedom..."

"I care not how many men and beasts perish."

"And yet, the pledge will be kept."

"But I must be reminded of it. Do not neglect to ring the bell."

That's why the bell was cast.

If it isn't rung,

there will be rain, lightning, wind.

The pond will overflow and the village will be submerged.

The Dragon God will reign supreme.

Is that hard to believe?

A 79-year old man named Yatabei...

tended the bell for over 50 years. He rang it faithfully three times a day.

When I came here to see the Demon Pond,

I stayed at his house.

He said he would guide me at dawn.

That night, on his return after ringing the bell,

he collapsed.

Writhing in pain...

he appealed to me in all earnestness.

For if he died, there'd be no one to ring the bell.

Countless people would lose their lives.

I was there alone with him.

So, to ease his suffering, I said...

"Don't worry, old man. I'll ring the bell!"

I shouted these words.

The old man smiled contentedly. He died peacefully

I'll never forget that face.

Is that why you remained there?

- I'd like to say... - Wait.

I haven't finish my story yet.

I figured ringing the bell once would be enough.

I went to the village to arrange his funeral.

But no one I asked...

No one would promise to tend the bell.

When I mentioned the old legend...

they only laughed.

I was angry. I stalked out of the funeral site.

This is delicious!

Polished rice, ain't it?

Sure smells good!

Where have you been?

Why, nowhere.

If you don't watch him,

there's not telling where he'll go.

Chasing women, probably.

Maybe to the belfry looking for Yuri?

Nonsense.

They say the shrine priest has been interested in her...

ever since she became an orphan.

He's been after her.

But that woman called Yuri...

What about Yuri?

What about her?

The night's so long...

So long until the dawn.

You can't sleep either?

Someone was singing.

Turn the mountain into a river.

The villagers would like that.

I feel sorry for them.

My, what a fine moonlit night.

Oh, turn the mountain into a river.

Yes, turn the mountain into a river.

Turn the mountain...

Wait. A stranger.

He's acting suspiciously.

Let's hide and watch.

Ah, I've come a long way...

and the land is parched.

This trip is tougher than I expected.

Oh, there in the distance,

I see vapor rising above the peak.

The Demon Pond must be near there.

I rejoice!

Who and what are you?

I guard the marsh at the first barrier to the pond.

Identify yourself!

We are not entirely unrelated, I presume.

I come from sacred Mt. Hakusan of the Hokuriku district.

The young nobleman of the Senja Pond...

has entrusted me with a letter

to the princess of the Demon Pond.

Then, you must be that black catfish priest.

A catfish turned into a monk?

You're both followers of the princess?

Members of the Demon Pond family?

A fortunate encounter! Will you be my guide?

It's an errand of importance.

We'll be happy to show the way. She will be overjoyed.

We will gain honor too. Let's be on our way.

Let's go, let's go.

- We're very near. - Don't weaken now.

Come on, come on.

What's happened, Catfish?

The pond is over there.

Please bear with me.

My caudal fin may appear firm,

but I've been seized by a sudden doubt.

What do you mean?

I've come this far, but as I approach the pond...

the letter box suddenly seems to become heavier.

That's the reason why.

I see, I see. Is it the heavy burden of love?

Are the thoughts of the two joined together adding weight to the box?

No, my anxiety arises from a foreboding I have.

Maybe the letter tells the princess to cut me into pieces...

and enjoy me boiled like a turtle.

Who knows? That may be what's written in the letter.

Ah, what a horrible fate!

Why do you have such anxiety?

The way the letter box suddenly became heavy...

made me remember an offense that I'm guilty of.

It's a shameful matter, but I'll disclose it to you.

To Sanja Pond in Kengamine,

there came riding on a bear...

a mature but beautiful mountain woman to bath and wash her hair.

The whiteness of her naked body reduced me to jelly.

Moving my fins,

I peeked at her from every direction.

Then, as I looked up,

there was this young lord looking very displeased.

Shortly afterward, I was sent on this errand.

Having been confined to the mud as punishment...

I started out gladly, heedlessly.

But woe is me! The end is fast approaching.

Quite a Don Juan, isn't he?

Your anxiety can be allayed.

The crab here has scissors.

Cut it open. Take a look.

What?

That's what I wanted to ask.

That's why I revealed my shameful experience.

- You'll overlook my behavior? - Of course.

And if it's a love letter, we'd like to read it.

Yes, yes, yes.

Away with you, creatures of the mud!

Nurse.

How irritating that is: trying to read a letter by moonlight.

As the incarnation of the Dragon God, your own radiation...

How loving, gentle...

And charming. What a delightfully sweet letter!

Nurse, I am going.

On a stroll to the foothills?

Are you returning?

- Where? - To your abode.

What?

Back to the Demon Pond?

What are you saying?

I'm going to Kengamine.

What is there at Kengamine?

You know without asking... to Senja Pond from where...

this lovely letter came.

There you go being willful again.

Yonder, is that hanging bell.

Surely you must remember that...

if you were to move elsewhere...

a flood would submerge the village.

Thousands of human beings would lose their lives.

It's lamentable, but that is what would happen.

Why are you so argumentative?

Nurse, are you on the side of human beings?

Those monkeys without tails. What do I care about them?

They're hateful. They're despicable.

But even if they are enemies, a promise is a promise.

A solemn pledge cannot be broken.

Who made the pledge?

Your ancestors.

And bequeathed to you by your parents.

That I know!

As long as the bell is rung...

the village cannot be submerged.

Oh, that hateful bell!

If only it wasn't there!

But Nurse, I will go to Kengamine.

If there were no bell, it would mean no pledge.

Come, everyone!

Yes, Princess!

Everyone, destroy that bell!

Smash it into little pieces!

Yes, Princess!

This is Princess Shirayuki's command and it must not be obeyed!

You are talking in delirium.

Be prudent about a deed...

that will cause thousands to perish.

Why should I be concerned about the life of human beings?

I'd sacrifice my own life for love.

Nurse, be tolerant! Let me go there!

My heart bleeds for you, but it must not be.

I won't say... wait 30 or 50 years,

Just be patient. For a little while.

That is much too long.

A loving heart can overcome all barriers.

I am unwilling to wait.

So be it! So be it!

If you are unwilling to obey, I myself...

Princess!

What do you intend to do?

If that bell must be destroyed...

I need no help to do it.

Even if it weighs 30 tons,

I'd do it myself with my frail arms.

But an obligation is heavier.

Rules are made arbitrarily.

Away with the fetters binding me!

The names that men have called me: fiend, beast, demon

evil monster, poisonous serpent.

But nothing can block the path of love.

Ancestors are ancestors.

They may have made this pledge out of convenience.

Human beings often break their promises.

Why can't I break this promise also?

Ah, the letter of my beloved has disarranged my thoughts.

Nurse, forgive me!

Your thoughts are disordered indeed.

If ever the ringing of the bell thrice a day is neglected...

the pledge would be instantly violated!

If broken in any way...

divine punishment follows.

Are you prepared to face that?

Itadori, Kaeru and Kuzuryu join to form the Great Hino River.

There's that river of Mino.

We control both of them.

Oh, mighty princess!

Such willfulness...

Cannot be permitted!

- Forever be... - In perfect health!

How annoying you all are!

Be faithful to your obligations and live long.

I won't abandon love. Never!

Move aside!

Clear the way!

I order to let me pass!

It's my problem alone, even if I suffer divine punishment.

How blissful to dissolve in the stream of affection...

to let my body be crushed to pieces.

Still my spirit will yearn for him.

Is hope as faint as a firefly's light?

Still I'll go to Kagamine!

Hushabye baby,

Hushabye

I hear someone singing.

Who is it?

It's the young woman called Yuri.

That beautiful Yuri?

What can she be doing?

During her husband's absence, she's singing to distract herself.

When you're separated from a loved one, is singing of any help?

It's exactly as you have said.

Under the strain of my own emotions, I had forgotten.

Good people would perish along with others.

The two in that house are to be envied.

Messenger.

Yes?

I'll write a reply for you to take back.

- Camellia, the letter box. - Yes, Princess.

Nurse.

I'll return to the pond and be patient.

I'm happy to hear that.

Hushabye baby

Hushabye

Where did the boy's nursemaid go?

She went over the mountain

Yuri is ringing the bell...

Yuri, Yuri!

Yuri!

Already that late?

Over there is the Demon Pond!

Water always has a fascination.

So, how about it? Do you believe in that legend now?

Well, hardly.

After all, I'm a natural scientist.

The villagers are skeptical too.

Can you tell the quality of the water?

I'm not that expert.

Not a single leaf floats on this pond.

Huh?

When leaves fall on the pond in autumn...

the next morning there is not a single leaf on the surface.

This pond is in the wind's path.

It's no mystery.

I see.

You've never been able to believe an unscientific legend.

You're the one I'm worried about.

Hey, let's escape together.

- Escape? - From her.

What?!

Did you bring me here just to tell me that?

To leave Yuri?

Don't call her by that name.

- She's not human! - Not human?

Are you saying my wife's not human?

What is she, then?

I'm serious. And I'm worried too.

Stop joking!

I'm sorry. I won't say any more.

Don't you say anything either. Just escape.

That's enough! I won't listen to you.

There's still time. One year from now...

that she-devil will have destroyed you.

Idiot!

Lunatic!

You!

If it'll make you feel better, hit me again.

Sorry.

I never thought I'd pass through life tending a bell.

But I'm still remaining here.

I've become Yatabei II, a bell keeper for life.

I suppose so.

If while traveling alone, I had met someone like Yuri...

I might have done the same.

I'll be honest.

There must be something inside me that really envies you.

She was there.

Yuri was standing here.

Silently watching me go.

It was after Yatabei's funeral.

I went as far as the village bridge.

I suddenly stopped...

thinking that my summer trip was over.

The sky and summer clouds were reflected in the stream below.

Did you...

Do you need something?

This was...

I wondered if you had forgotten it.

- I don't need it. - But...

Something is written on it.

It's the legend of the Demon Pond.

I heard it from Yatabei.

The villagers don't believe it,

so there's no use. Throw it away.

Goodbye.

If there were a flood and it destroyed this village...

I wouldn't care about the rest.

But she too would die!

So two, three, four and five days became a fortnight and, then, a month.

Lengthening into three years?

That's right.

It could have been three years. It could have been 30 years.

The disguise of the white wig...

became a part of me as time passed.

Yuri, place your hand on the moonflower for a moment.

Yes.

Is there dew on the flower and leaves?

My, it's so cold.

The flower is heavy with dew.

A sacrifice!

That's what we need now.

A sacrifice!

- What? A sacrifice? - A sacrifice?

That's right! A sacrifice!

To be offered to the Dragon God in the Demon Pond for rain.

Of course, a sacrifice!

A sacrifice! A human sacrifice!

Absolutely right! A human sacrifice!

The question is: who should be offered as the sacrifice?

In any case, it should be...

the most beautiful woman in the village.

Preferably she should be a virgin!

No, not my daughter.

That is... she isn't beautiful at all.

Someone else should...

No, she happens to be the prettiest one here.

- Speak up! - Yes...

Well, you see, that is... Your Excellency.

Besides, our daughter is no longer a virgin.

Isn't that so?

What?! Who have you given yourself to?

Those village youths who come at night!

Young women who haven't had such visits...

must be a rarity in this province.

I have it! The most beautiful...

in this vicinity is none other than Yuri!

Yes, but Yuri is Akira's wife.

That's wrong!

What do you mean?

While she was still living at the shrine...

I tried to steal in one night.

- You! - I didn't!

What I mean is I tried to.

When I went there, I saw clearly with my own eyes...

a long white serpent coiled around Yuri's body.

That's nonsense!

I'm not lying!

Others must have seen it too.

Yuri isn't human.

There are scales on her back. She's a serpent!

A snake!

Heave-ho!

Heave-ho!

You're a serpent! A serpent!

- Serpent! - Serpent!

How dare you intrude?

We have a right to enter!

For the village's sake.

The land is parched, the fields scorched.

Yuri, don't act unbecomingly.

Don't be so agitated.

We come as the result of a consultation.

The choice has fallen on you. It's binding.

We will now proceed up the mountainside...

to offer a sacrifice to the Dragon God of the Demon Pond.

Your life will be spared,

but you'll be tied naked to an ox that is to be slaughtered.

The horned head and tail will be offered to the Dragon God.

Villagers will partake of the meal!

If this is done, rain will fall for three days...

the paddy fields and farms will revive.

So, rise. Stand up.

Let's be on our way!

I won't say anything...

but please wait until Akira, my husband, returns.

Be patient with me, everyone, until my husband returns.

What?!

Yuri, what is this?

Have mercy on me! Until Akira returns!

Her husband again!

Akira, Akira! I'm amazed!

Shinto priest, sir, what should we do?

Take her outside.

Come! Hey, everyone!

Is she too much for you?

What's that noise?

It's coming from the belfry.

That's odd. A large gathering.

Oh, Akira!

Leave! What do you think you're doing?

Wait!

Akira!

We must ask you...

to leave this village!

- You don't want me here? - Correct.

You must be aware of it.

And if you aren't, you must be accounted as a fool.

We've had two years of dry weather.

A drought! One drop of rain would be worth a fortune.

Your superstition about this bell...

that, if it fails to be rung even once, there will be a flood...

that the village will become a lake. Fine!

We'd welcome that!

So, the bell need not be rung any more.

That is why... that is why...

you must not ring the bell!

At the same time, it is necessary that you leave the village.

- That's right! - That's right!

I'll be glad to go...

if you don't care whether it is rung.

I had promised. I had an obligation.

But if you say don't ring it, I won't.

I'll leave the village.

- Get out! - Get out!

Yuri, let's go.

At once.

Come barefoot.

I'll carry you.

Hey, wait! I said, wait!

- What for? - You bastard!

You can't take any village property!

Neither dust nor a leaf.

That woman belongs to the village.

You can't take her with you!

No, Yuri happens to be my wife.

Be quiet! She belongs here.

Don't be silly!

Yuri wants to go with me. That's all.

That's how it is, gentlemen.

If I leave her here, Yuri will die.

People must live as they think best!

Now, let's go.

Look here, young man.

It won't do to act rashly!

Yuri not only belongs to the village...

she means life for the 8.000 people of this region.

She's our sacrifice for rain.

If you carry away that sacrifice...

you'll be depriving 8.000 people of their lives.

Leave Yuri here.

Otherwise, we can't let you pass.

Yuri means life for the 8.000 people.

Well, what will you do?

Wait a moment. Please wait.

Hagiwara can't answer easily. I'll reply for him.

Yuri is the village's life, like you said.

It was because of her that Hagiwara tended the bell.

If you persecute the two now, and the bell is not rung,

if a flood destroys this region with its 8.000 people...

you will have doomed yourselves!

A superstition too. A sacrifice is superstition too.

Why can't you let them go free?

That's enough from you!

Don't blabber so much!

Who are you anyway?

I'm... I'm Akira Hagiwara's friend.

You sound like a Buddhist priest.

I am a priest indeed!

Also a doctor of science.

I teach botany at University. My name is Gakuen Yamazawa.

This province has had...

many Shinshu Sect believers.

Are any of that sect here? Who will show sympathy?

You're a teacher too?

The same profession as mine. Intercede for me!

A Shinto priest teaches, too. Wise village headman...

Brawny wrestler... All men of chivalry, I presume.

Forego the sacrifice for rain.

He's an impostor!

Oh, it's the Diet Member!

Excellency!

Excellency!

That guy is a fraud!

And even if he isn't, what's a priest?

What's a scholar?

You face a food problem!

I'll assume responsibility.

- Take action! - Yes, sir!

Strip her naked.

One woman against 8.000.

Which will weigh heavier on the scales?

On with the sacrifice!

Bind me!

If you can't listen to reason,

tie me to the ox!

No! If it's as a substitute, bind me.

Kill me if you want to. I won't care.

Take me to the Demon Pond.

If it's rain you want, I'll negotiate with the dragon!

Akira, I'll go instead!

Take me there, please!

Stop!

I'll risk my life to protect you.

Who cares about the Dragon God?

Love cannot be bartered.

Even if you're willing,

I won't let you!

Calm down. Stop talking nonsense.

The woman too. Isn't a bath taken naked?

Huh? What a fool!

You, listen!

Some of the warriors of old...

killed their wives when starting out for battle...

so as not to think of home.

It exemplified the national spirit.

It was the way of the Warrior!

Saving the people and saving the village is exactly like...

serving one's country!

For such a service...

is putting your wife on the back of an ox so unconscionable?

You sniveler!

I'm broadminded,

but others might brand you as a traitor.

I, Kozo, am prepared.

For the sake of the village, the people, I would lay down...

my life at any time!

Hurrah! Hurrah!

Hurrah! Hurrah!

Then die!

Die! Die! Die!

For the people's sake.

Die splendidly, then, I'll die too and hand Yuri over.

Die! You don't want to die?!

If you're afraid to die, fight a duel!

Wait!

Stand back!

Your breath is foul.

You've been bought by this nouveau riche.

Have you forgotten the past?

A village maiden, Shirayuki, became a sacrifice.

She was tied naked to an ox and taken to the pond!

Humiliated, ashamed, the girl determined...

not to return alive.

Gathering firewood, she piled it on the back of the ox.

She set fire to the wood!

The ox raced madly down, setting the village on fire!

Seeing the flames leaping up at the foothills...

the maiden drowned herself in the pond.

Have you forgotten that?!

If you lay a hand on us...

this village will be enveloped in flames!

Stop talking nonsense!

The village is scorched by drought.

That's why we're praying for rain!

Don't dilly-dally. Take action!

This will never do!

Denkichi, come!

- Out of the way! - Scram, you!

Dispose of them. Kill them!

Of course!

Yamazawa, watch out!

Never saw such absurd people.

I'll take you on.

- Do it! - Do it!

Yamazawa, escape!

Good grief! Do it!

Everyone!

I will die!

Yuri! Yuri!

Akira, my love...

Akira...

I won't...

let you die alone.

Wait for me yonder.

What time is it?

Six AM.

Bell ringing time. I could tell by the morning star.

Yamazawa.

My intention is not to ring the bell.

How about it?

Hm... don't ring it.

Don't ring it. Think of Yuri.

What's that? What's that?

That rumbling, what's that?

Look over there!

Above the Demon Pond!

A waterspout!

It's the curse of the Dragon God!

A curse! The Dragon God is rampaging!

- The bell, ring the bell! - Save us!

Ring the bell!

I beg you, the bell...

Ring the bell! Please, ring the bell!

A flood!

It's a wave! A big wave!

Hagiwara, tie yourself to a pillar!

Yamazawa.

Farewell!

Hagiwara!

Nurse, I feel so happy now!

Princess.

What about the human beings?

They're turned into fish.

Some of them are swimming.

I can see a few minnows too.

The new Bell Pool can be kept for that couple.

Come with me, everyone.

I'm leaving for Kengamine.

I can move freely now.

Yuri... Yuri!

Let's sing together, shall we?

Directed by Masahiro Shinoda.

The End