Original subtitles

Shochiku Presents

Tokyo... After three long years.

It makes my head spin.

Just look at it.

Why so many people crammed into tiny cage-like boxes?

People...

Such strange animals.

What keeps them all going?

They look like they're half dead.

Making a frantic pretense of being alive.

What was so wrong about killing one of these stupid animals?

I served three years...

This is my territory...

With no second thoughts, I'm back again.

A strange feeling.

A hearse. Someone must've died...

Nothing has changed...

It'll be the same there, too...

Place your bets, place your bets.

Is that you?

- When? - This morning.

Seen the chief?

- Yeah, I just stopped by. - Good.

That was a tough sentence to serve.

Nothing's changed. But why should it?

Place your bets, place your bets...

No takers this deal.

We have a player.

I open.

Mayor card. For a total of four.

Hi, Muraki-san, when did you get out?

Make your choice, please.

The table is working.

Your call.

There it is.

She won again.

- I'm out. - Can I get cab fare?

Are you betting, sir?

Place your bets, place your bets...

All bets in place. Last call...

The table is in play.

- You're bucking a losing streak. - Shut up.

Table is closed.

Pale Flower

Original Story by Shintaro Ishihara.

Screenplay by Masaru Baba, Masahiro Shinoda.

Cinematographer Masao Kosugi.

Music by Toru Takemitsu.

The Cast.

Ryo Ikebe, Mariko Kaga, Takashi Fujiki

Naoki Sugiura, Shinichiro Mikami, Koji Nakahara, Chisako Hara.

Seiji Miyaguchi, Eijiro Tono.

Director Masahiro Shinoda.

You took a bad beating, didn't you?

It was like you took over her losing streak.

- Is she there often? - Maybe five or six times.

And she always gambles recklessly.

You certainly livened things up. It was great.

- Where's she from? - No one seems to know.

I saw her the first night.

Just like she was tonight.

She's quite a looker, isn't she?

Who introduced her?

I don't know. She looks way too innocent.

The boys are getting interested.

- Does she gamble elsewhere? - I don't know...

- Next game is Friday, isn't it? - Fancy her, do you?

- Meaning what? - That babe.

Don't be stupid.

- Want a ride? - No.

While you were in, I found a swell place.

Packed with dishy dames! See you.

Who is it?

When? When did you get out?

When? When did you get out?

When?

Let me look at you.

- Nothing's changed here, either. - We had to mortgage the shop.

Your old man... no better?

He showed some improvement last year but then had a relapse.

My brother keeps the shop going.

Is he going to die?

He's probably awake now.

But these days it's hard to tell.

I wish he'd die.

How long have you slept in the shop?

Eight years now. Since I was 15.

And you still hate him?

I'm only his stepdaughter.

Father and daughter!

But he's an animal.

And my dead mother... she knew.

He's no father. He's an animal. A pig.

That first time...

We were in that movie theater.

You gave in so easily.

We were like beasts, too.

I love you... so much!

I feel like going upstairs and saying hello.

- Whatever for? - I don't know myself.

Your skin is all parched. You must take care of yourself.

- Hi. - Hello, boss.

Tell me... what's going on here?

I ran into some Yasuoka mob guys and they acted strangely.

- Did they? - Yeah, grinning and smirking.

You haven't heard?

No wonder.

In your absence, we made a truce with Yasuoka.

When was it?

About six months after you killed Yasuoka's man, Kijima.

It's getting complicated. A third gang has emerged.

The Imai mob from Osaka were gaining ground.

So we joined with Yasuoka to modernize our operations.

Now we work together.

Hayate is coming along!

That lead horse belongs to the Yasuoka don.

- He's killing 'em. - It's an old man's pastime.

Now his own body is wearing out, he gets his jollies from the ponies.

How's Muraki doing?

I hear he got paroled.

I was planning to tell you later. Over dinner perhaps.

Things are just starting to go smoothly.

A truce is a truce.

Let's forget about Muraki.

But I will say... he's one damn lucky guy.

Place your bets.

Welcome, sir.

Hi there.

Finished gambling?

I'm Saeko.

I'm Muraki.

Jellied burdock root, please.

How much did you lose tonight?

- Three and a half big ones. - You're too reckless.

No more than you.

The pros say I'm a soft touch.

Do they?

But it's no fun.

What isn't?

It’s far too small time. It’s starting to bore me.

Win or lose, it's no fun.

Do you know of any bigger games around?

How big?

Say... thirty or forty.

- You do? You know of some? - There are some, sure.

Please, take me.

Is it possible?

Probably. I'll think it over.

When are you coming next?

Where can I contact you? At home?

- No, guess not. - I'll come to see you. To find out.

- Sure, OK... but... - Would I be intruding?

No.

Drop by in four or five days.

I'll be there.

Thank you very much.

You wanted to see me?

Someone's looking for a game.

- Know of any big ones? - Well, yes... but is your friend safe?

I'll vouch for that.

- What sort of player? - It's a girl.

A girl? Not an amateur?

That's right.

But she's not your normal babe.

- What? Is she a foreigner? - No, and she won't make any trouble.

- How much will she need? - The more the merrier.

Maybe 1-2 million yen.

- Muraki from the Funada mob? - That's right.

Drop it, kid!

I'll kill you! You're a dead man!

Move aside. We're throwing out the trash.

Sorry about that. Are you all right?

Who's the kid? Do you know him?

We'll make him talk.

I take it.

I'll fetch.

You can fetch me, honey. Anytime.

Try that one!

- Wait a sec. - Come on!

- I win. - I'm shocked.

I got one... two... three... four! Jackpot!

You're so lucky!

Hi, welcome.

- Hi, boss. How's the hand? - It's fine.

I hear Jiro from the Yasuoka mob cut you.

Muraki stopped him cold.

The chief wants to see you.

- Where at? - At his dentist's.

Toothache has made him unbearable.

He's a fast worker, our chief.

That dentist, I hear she's a hot number.

I'm almost done.

Yasuoka sends his apologies.

I understand it was his boy, Jiro.

I guess you know the score.

The Imai mob from Osaka is acting up.

And Yasuoka promised to forget what you'd done.

So I agreed to a truce.

It'll be tough on you.

But just restrain yourself.

While you were away, things have gotten tough.

OK? You understand?

Yeah, sure.

Just a minute, Muraki.

Weren't you fixing your teeth when they hauled you off?

- Yes. - Yes, I thought so.

Doctor, can you examine him, later?

How come you got off at this station?

Did something I say upset you?

I know I'm not doing this the right way.

I just can't act naturally. But I hope you'll forgive me.

Ever since you joined our staff, I began to find life worth living.

It's the truth...

Why lock yourself inside a shell and refuse to answer me?

Let's have dinner.

Excuse me.

Mis Furuta...

Was there someone while I was away?

Something about you seems different.

You're making me angry.

Not that it matters.

Someone wants to marry me.

A boy who works at my office.

Marry him. It's a good chance.

You think I could?

No. I love you too much!

Who's there?

You? What do you want?

I cut off a finger.

The guy you killed was my good buddy.

I had to get his revenge.

And it was a chance to make a name.

You fool!

I made a mess of it.

Why the finger?

Atonement for my sin.

You can have it.

May I come in?

Find a game?

- Where? - Down in Tsuna.

I'll take you.

You'll be there as my guest.

In two days, at 11 pm.

How much can you raise? You'll need quite a roll.

Let's see...

How high have you played?

Big stakes.

How is it to bet millions?

No different.

The trick is not to let it show. You'll be cool.

I wonder.

How about a little game with me?

Since that first night I saw you playing,

I've wanted a private game with you.

What stakes?

Up to you. I'll need some for the den.

I'd hate to just watch.

Whatever you're planning to raise, I can relieve you of it right now.

You're a tough one.

But I lost.

You love to gamble, don't you? Why's that?

How about you?

Why?

It's not something I can explain.

I'm so bored with life.

- What's this? - A finger.

Finger?

A human finger.

You want it?

I dunno... I thought you'd maybe keep it for me.

Whatever made you do what you're doing?

I hear you went to prison for killing a man.

Yeah...

- Such crimes must... - It was no crime.

It was just natural.

I had no particular reason to stab him.

Forget the yakuza code, or even obligation or face.

I didn't have to kill him.

It was just a matter of whose number came up... whose turn it was.

But... even as I stabbed him,

I knew that it was the only way I could survive.

As I stabbed him, he said...

"You have no wife or kids..."

Just then, I found myself actually hating him.

As I stabbed him, it made me feel very much more alive.

Were you happy?

I suppose so.

And now?

I gamble... what more is there?

There must be a decent way for people to live.

No matter how you look at things... Even myself...

I'm nothing but a bum.

Nothing about me qualifies me as human being.

And yet...

I can forgive myself.

I know.

No matter what others say, I forgive myself, too

I'm Muraki. We're Aikawa's guests.

- Hello. Welcome. - Hi, there.

Come on in.

Place your bets, place your bets.

Hello, sir. This is a friend.

This is Don Mizoguchi.

Go sit down.

Don Mizoguchi. We have rare guests tonight.

Place your bets, please.

Cards are in play.

Bets closed. It's a four.

We now move to a new game and a new deck.

- What's next? - Matched Draws.

Dealer holds 20.

- You know the game? - It's OK. I think I can manage.

Lets start.

Table is ready. Your bets.

Table is closed.

Draw!

Open the table.

Open the table.

Table is closed.

Draw!

Don't touch the cards, please!

I'm cleaned out!

Open the table.

In play.

Don't touch the cards please. Draw!

She got me!

Today we're privileged to witness a rare event.

Open the table.

Why so silent?

Open your eyes.

What time is it?

Two thirty.

I've no use for the dawn.

I adore these evil nights.

An unusually good day.

It certainly is.

Your baby, when's it due?

Another to weeks.

That's great.

How's it feel to finally have an heir?

It's my first, I'm past fifty! It's almost embarrassing.

You should be proud.

No... but I'm feeling my age.

You and me both. All I want is to keep the peace.

That's right.

That rat Imai is becoming intolerable. He's moving in on the Cliffside Club.

He wants to do business in our territory.

Finally making his bid, eh?

Yasuoka watch your manners.

Bring the spoon to your mouth.

Like this?

How is the Cliffside taking it?

Playing it safe. Won't commit themselves.

No room for negotiations?

Virtually impossible at this stage.

Shall we move first?

I'll negotiate with the Cliffside.

Really? To square our accounts?

No, let's forget the past.

Let Muraki handle it. He might welcome the chance.

CABARET BLUE BIRD

The don has really taken to her.

He wants her to come again.

I've never seen a babe like her.

Who was that new kid?

- Which one? - The one right down at the back.

Oh, that was Yoh.

He's half Chinese. From Hong Kong. The don found him in Yokohama.

Carries a sword plus an automatic. And he's fast.

He's on the lam for murder in Hong Kong.

Some say they saw him four or five years ago, in Tokyo.

No one seems to really know.

He's a weird one.

That wan, sickly face would curdle anyone's blood.

- I guess you noticed. - Noticed what?

It's the dope.

That face is a dope addict's brand.

He's no professional. Just a bad amateur.

Why does the chief keep him around?

Sooner or later he'll run amok.

Can I have a word with you?

- It's the chief. - What's he want?

We got that show deal.

So suddenly? They're up to something.

We get to handle Matsuyama, too.

- Who's he? - The lounge singer.

- Lounge singer? - Get real!

Akira Matsuyama is one of the top singers.

- That work ain't my line. - It'll be OK.

- We're just proxies for the don. - No thanks.

Come on, don't be difficult.

- Still not finished? - In a minute.

I'm buying a ring. If I don't hurry, it'll be sold.

Why not phone them?

Sure. A phone call will fix it.

There are other reasons aside from his full schedule?

Our president, you see, he's from Osaka.

I'm sure you can understand his position.

- Liar! - Enough!

I wish you'd reconsider.

I hate to seem ungrateful to Don Funada.

but pressure from Osaka cannot be ignored.

- I understand that. - And should there be any trouble...

Don't let that worry you. Well pay you any price.

Such generosity really puts me in a corner.

Think it over.

Place your bets.

He bothers you?

Those eyes. They're sick!

That Yoh fellow... He isn't a decent type, like you.

But he could be fun.

- I'm a decent type? - Certainly.

No use, it’s hopeless.

That Yoh, something's driven him to such recklessness.

His whole being exudes despair.

That could be.

That's his way of living.

- Is it true that he's a dope addict? - Yeah.

- You ever tried dope? - No

- Why not? - I hate dope addicts.

Why is that?

They're a bunch of cowards.

In what way?

- They can't pull their own load. - Really?

Is everyone capable of that?

Steer clear. Anyone strong enough to regulate his dope has no need for it.

I wish you wouldn't say such things.

I saw you the other day at the hotel.

Were you meeting a potential husband?

Haven't seen Saeko for a while.

Haven't been able to raise any money

Recently he's here every day Wanting to play for minor stakes.

It does help keep me occupied

What's on your mind, boss?

I just rolled a drunk for this. Cheap bum This is all he had.

- I wish you'd take it. - Keep it. I don't need it.

I offered it in apology.

Apology?

I'm just beginning to realize the position you're in.

Our boss mentioned that Muraki of the Funada mob is twice indebted to them.

First for that killing, then for my finger.

That's not why I lopped it off!

But the boss has his own agenda.

Enough! That tongue will get you into trouble.

I'm sorry.

I accept with thanks.

I really am so damned stupid!

It wasn't your fault. I'll take good care of your finger.

I can't make it tonight.

- Why not? - The chief has a job for me.

You're not angry... about the other night?

No.

Will you go alone?

I hear your show-biz deal has hit some snags.

That's the trouble...

Muraki is no slouch.

He knows how to settle such matters.

Yes, we can depend on him.

But be prepared for the worst.

We couldn't kill Imai...

Such wonderful weather we've been having.

Great day to be out fishing.

Want to go to Oga Peninsula?

- Oga Peninsula? - In Akita.

The sea bream will be biting now.

Take a plane. Make it a real holiday.

In the meantime, Muraki can settle scores.

That's not for me. How come you're so jittery?

What makes you so bold?

Hello, chief.

Having trouble, I hear.

His manager, Goto, is a rascal.

Yes. I'm sorry for the delay.

Maybe we should toss a bomb.

A woman. I just heard something.

Goto's mistress works at the Blue Star.

We just might introduce her to his wife.

Let's see if we can't screw up their schedule.

Traveling expenses. Leave tonight.

Chief...

- Not tonight... - What? Well, OK. Make it tomorrow.

- I need some money... - How much?

Five big ones.

Sure. Why not?

I open.

The table is now open.

Cards as they are.

The draw!

Wisteria six...

It's a raid!

Hurry!

- Who's there? - The police.

Were making inquiries.

- About gambling? - So you know?

No, but a while back

I heard what sounded like gambling.

What kind of inn is this?

Well, please forgive the intrusion.

Want to make a bet?

- A good idea. - OK, I open.

The draw!

Pine and peony.

I bet 10,000 yen. OK?

Sorry about the raid.

- The chief sends his apologies. - It didn't worry me.

We've picked up a new site. We hope you will come again.

Sorry about the young lady, too.

It was quite a shock.

Plus it caused you to lose face.

Don't let that worry you.

Please extend our sincerest apologies to her.

I can't. I've lost contact with her.

We had some complications, so I haven't been gambling.

She hasn't been, either.

Really? That's too bad.

When she shows up, it's quite a difference.

Her vitality attracts clients.

Even me, I enjoy just watching.

She's somehow... different.

If I see her. I'll bring her.

Perhaps Yoh can tell us.

Yoh?

Well... Just recently I heard from some of the boys

that they've seen him and her going around together.

That night... I had a nightmare.

Hey, boss!

Come on, wake up!

- What is it? - Tamaki has been murdered!

All I know is he was knifed!

Morning, chief.

Reiji, go cut it up in the kitchen.

Give everyone a slice.

Sabu? How'd the races go?

Well, you see, sir...

Hello? Is that you, Yoshiko?

It's me. Are you busy today?

What? Well, I thought maybe...

First a hotel, then a movie, then dinner.

Then back to the hotel. OK?

What? Just turn them down!

No, I was just kidding. Work comes first.

Actually, I'm busy today myself. OK, see you.

OK, fellas, help yourselves.

Thank you, sir.

Looks delicious.

Who's it to be?

I want someone to avenge Tamaki's death.

He'll be well taken care of.

We'll exempt those who have a wife and kids, OK, Reiji?

I'll do it. Please, let me.

It's not your type of work.

Too big a job. And Muraki's just come out.

All right. Who's it to be?

Yes? What!

What? This ain't no beauty parlor!

I'll do it.

- I said I'll go. - You just got out.

No matter. I was planning to do it, anyway.

Where are you going?

I can handle it.

It's Imai... it's the chief himself we want.

I won't fail you.

Just give me to or three days.

I'd like to see a friend first.

No, no sign of her.

I was going to ask you.

The game doesn't seem the same without her.

Hi there.

Nope. Haven’t seen her. Have we?

- No, afraid not. How about you? - Want to look around inside?

That's Muraki of the Funada mob.

Place your bets, place your bets...

The draw!

- How's your wife doing? - She'll be fine.

- She. Il be out in two or three days. - Is that right?

- Chief, I need a couple more days. - Sure. Why not?

There's no hurry. Enjoy yourself while you can.

But no guns! Stab him and rip out his guts!

She's very rough with babies.

Place your bets, your bets, your bets...

Are you alone?

- They're all newcomers. - But they're all introductions.

Where's that Yoh guy?

Probably out on a dope binge.

- Hi there, Muraki. - Forgive my intrusion.

- Is Funada well? - Yes.

Sit down. I'll stake you.

Sorry. Next time, perhaps.

"Tomorrow at three. In front of the church. Saeko"

Is that you?

Stop chasing me.

Find someone. I'm headed back to prison.

OK, don't believe me.

I don't! Who is this Saeko?

Go on... go where you like.

Take your Saeko and go!

But you won't get rid of me. I'll still follow you.

I can't live without you!

Upset stomach?

You have bad breath...

I am headed for prison.

As I've said before...

It's about time you settled down.

Lead a decent life.

Are your affairs all settled?

I'm not rushing you. There's no real urgency.

- Is your wife safely home? - The baby is a spitting image.

An odd-looking critter.

My congratulations.

I settled my affairs.

No need to rush matters.

Did you enjoy yourself?

Muraki. Get those teeth fixed before you go.

Just a couple more visits.

Reiji, let's go.

Jiro, try this on.

Wow! That's some cool suit.

How do I look?

- It's yours. - No kidding?

Your finger's in the pocket.

That's a filthy trick!

I had a shot of dope the other day.

You fool!

Wasn't much to it, really.

Where at?

A doctor friend shot me up.

How come you're so concerned about me?

Stay away from that stuff! You understand?

OK, I will.

Here's a kick which even beats dope.

I'm killing a man.

Killing?

Want to come?

It's so meaningless.

Yeah, it sure is.

The Wild Goose.

That's the place where he'll be.

The Wild Goose?

As a kid, I loved watching geese.

Not many around any more. They're all gone.

My mouth is so dry.

Somehow I feel quite good.

Even though I'm about to do...

...something I must do.

That's fate, I guess.

But it's also part of my life.

It's not difficult. It'll soon be over.

Right. In just a few moments.

You know... I really like you.

He did it! Muraki pulled it off!

Not as neat as his last one...

Two Years Later.

Place your bets, your bets, your bets...

Hi, how are things?

- Just so-so. How about you? - I'm getting by.

Hey, come on in.

Hi, boss.

When did you come in?

About a week ago.

How long have you been in?

How's the world? Changed?

Remember that girl, Saeko?

What was she to you?

Just a client. Why?

She's dead.

Dead?

- She was murdered. - Who did it?

Remember that goon, Yoh, the one the don picked up?

Yoh?

It was quite a scandal.

A mix of dope and passion.

And because of all the scandal we learned who she really was.

- That girl, Saeko, she was... - Muraki, your time's up.

Saeko is dead.

It's no longer important who she was...

With Saeko dead...

I now yearn for her, body and soul.

The End.

Subtitles by Toede - Rushdie.