Original subtitles

NIKKATSU Presents

WHIRLPOOL OF FLESH

Cast

Noboru Nakaya, Tamio Kawachi Kazuko Inano

Directed by Kô Nakahira

Guests tonight?

Yes, Mr. Otani's party from 6pm.

Is my wife up?

Yes, she's in the living room.

Going out?

Take lunch if you're going to the library.

I'm going to a spa for 2-3 days.

Two or three days?

Really?

Enjoy yourself.

I may join you later.

I can't, I already have bookings.

Come if you can.

Goodbye, sir.

AOYAGI FOOD & BEVERAGES

KANAZAWA EARLY SUMMER 1948

Since returning from Manchuria, we have not been man and wife.

Since our restaurant days in Dalian...

I have known Sugako sleeps with her male customers.

I remember two such clients well.

Even now, she continues to see one regularly.

A big, bluff and tough construction magnate, Kohei Otani.

I picture her face as she writhes beneath him.

PART 1 THE WHIRLPOOL

Mie?

I'm going out.

Clean my room before Mr. Otani arrives.

Bye, Ma'am.

Not tonight, I'm busy with work.

You can't. I've got a taxi waiting outside.

I can use it to go to the station, but I've got the concrete to arrange.

I'm the only one who can do it.

Just throw the tickets away.

He's away, you can stay for a few days.

Who's that smirking over there?

That's Matsukawa.

He's rude, fire him.

I've reached my limit.

I'll hide here like a thief and wait for them.

But I'm not just here to watch them in secret.

Perhaps I need an excuse to divorce her?

Or I will I use the knife on Sugako?

Ours was an arranged marriage, in Dalian, Manchuria.

DALIAN EARLY SUMMER 1939

I found work in our Manchurian colony after graduating.

For over 10 years I taught English Literature at a college in Dalian.

Sugako was 23.

We never met, we chose from photographs.

Sugako's mother died when she was in high school.

Her father, a retired bureaucrat, worked for the Manchurian Railroad.

When I first saw the picture of her big eyes and smiling face...

I knew I had met my destiny.

Our first night together was my first with a woman.

I'd had no desire for cheap, tawdry liaisons.

So all through school, my lips had never touched a woman's.

Shall I switch it off?

Yes.

Her skin was cool, damp and odorous.

ONE EVENING MUCH LATER ON

Was it also her first time?

Or had she been with another before me?

She had unconsciously taken control of our love-making.

I'm home.

I didn't hear you.

I'm home.

You're early, I thought you had a meeting.

Postponed till next week.

Dinner won't be long.

We didn't have much of a social life.

Our neighbors considered her quiet and elegant. I liked that.

I only ever talked of literature.

Neither of us had any interest in local, or academic gossip.

We had little to say to each other.

The alcohol makes your face red.

You can hold yours better than I.

My father was a drinker, perhaps it's in the blood.

At first, I talked literature to her every night.

After a film, I'd always quiz her. Concerts, the same.

Proud of my intellect, I enjoyed it.

I bought a book I want you to read.

Read these, André Gide and DH Lawrence.

I'm now translating Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida.

It's an early form of European romance.

A French poet first wrote it down in the 1100's in The Story of Troy.

Troilus and Cressida was one episode from that.

Shakespeare and others used that as a base.

Over the centuries, writers have taken Cressida...

and adapted her story into their varied works.

She's been portrayed as both a goddess and a devil, so...

A cold wave gripped my heart.

I finally realized she wasn't even slightly interested.

I began to see her with a colder, dispassionate eye.

The latest two volumes, she never even touched.

Dreams of her sharing my enthusiasm for literature ended there.

I felt empty and cheated.

His conversation is like a difficult debate.

After dinner he goes straight upstairs.

He's more like a teacher than a husband.

I feel like laughing when I see him clutching his oh-so-precious books.

I should have gone back to Tokyo with you.

Instead of making this mis-matched marriage.

When he goes to work, I'm so lonely I sometimes cry.

As I write I hear the howl of a far-away dog.

"The howl of a far-away dog."

How clumsily she puts her thoughts onto paper.

With none of the qualities I want in a wife.

May I join you?

The woman within her is still sleeping.

Her chaste behavior satisfies me.

I made no effort to bring out the real Sugako.

Looking back on our 10 years of marriage...

I realize just how coldly I had looked at her.

Now these same eyes want to see her in another's arms.

I lack any passion and the ability to be excited.

These traits now take their revenge in me.

This is the devil in me. But what of the god in me?

Five years after our marriage.

AUTUMN 1944

An old classmate had published a successful novel.

He came to Manchuria and stayed with us for a few days.

Japan's done for, the war is lost.

Admiral Yamamoto is dead, the Allies are advancing.

The censors have closed down all the journals.

There's no way for a writer to be heard.

If we lose the war, what happens to us over here?

I'm impressed at how much the Railroad has accomplished.

Dalian's the heart, the railroad connects to everything.

Transportation, steel and other basic industries.

There are over 80 companies affiliated with the Railroad now.

It's a giant corporation.

This time they've got me working on their public relations.

But Manchuria is a Japanese creation, even their emperor.

It's the only justification for us to be fighting in China.

You were one of those fooled into coming to Manchuria...

and making a life here.

You couldn't go back to Japan, even if you wanted to.

It'll work out somehow.

If not, there's always death.

At college you started translating Troilus and Cressida, didn't you?

Then we all got sent to work in the factories.

Translating was the only thing that kept me sane.

After 6 years, I've finished half. You want to look at it?

Yes, go get it.

More sake?

No, I've had enough.

You have one. You drink, don't you?

Thank you.

The next day, he suddenly decided to leave early.

We had a beer on the way to the station.

Thank you. See you.

Listen...

I wasn't planning on mentioning this.

But I really shouldn't keep it from you.

What?

Your wife loves you, doesn't she?

I believed so, that's why I'm not hiding it.

But your wife tried to seduce me.

She asked me to my face.

Forget it, she was probably just joking.

Novelists have a bad reputation for that.

Even if she was kidding...

I don't think it's fair I should keep it from you.

Sugako?

It was then I realized that deep within Sugako...

there was a woman I didn't even know.

AUGUST 1945

The following summer, we were out walking.

We chanced across a recently-opened coffee house.

I like the atmosphere. Two coffees, please.

I'd love to have a place like this.

My first glimpse of a dream deep within her.

I realized she'd be perfect running a bar or a coffee house.

Having yours black?

She exuded the same compelling attraction that had gripped me...

6 years ago when I first saw her picture.

Look, your tie's all twisted again.

Why does it always go like that?

Leave it alone.

Then the Russians occupied Dalian.

Society women were reduced to selling their best clothes...

to Chinese who, yesterday, were their servants.

With no income, all were reduced to obsequious groveling.

My hard-won education and literary expertise...

was useless in the aftermath of war.

Former colonizers reduced to haggling to feed ourselves.

Once everything was sold, what would happen to us?

A wife of one of the leading Japanese intelligentsia...

prostituted herself to keep her children fed and alive.

A Railroad official, Matoba, had access to stocks of alcohol.

Through him, Sugako opened a private bar in our house.

The novelty of a professor's wife filled the bar.

Brokers and dealers downstairs restricted me to the 2nd floor.

Only Shakespeare kept me sane and busy.

One minute a saint, the next an evil whore.

The contrasting depictions of Cressida in ancient writings.

That was fast becoming my reality.

Why don't you come downstairs, dear?

They're so much fun.

They've all taken to calling me "Madame."

Buried in books all day long, what a boring life.

They all come just to see me, you know.

Now we can survive until we're repatriated.

Haven't you had enough of being an academic?

Get off me.

You're so fierce when you're buried in your books.

But you're so sweet when you allow yourself a smile.

You're like my little boy.

I've never told you before, but I've long wanted...

to cherish you as my little boy.

How boring, you don't even respond.

After Matoba left, I began noticing an ever-present pair of boots.

Sugako told me this army officer, Segawa...

had started supplying her with Japanese sake.

You shouldn't do that.

How about I get you some cheap rice?

You can do that? That's wonderful.

Serving rare Japanese sake, the bar was booming.

Excuse me.

LAOHUTAN SEASIDE (DALIAN)

I had good grounds for a divorce, but then I'd lose Sugako.

How could I forgive her and take her in my arms?

My pride would not allow it.

WINTER 1947

On return, we discovered Sugako's father was dead.

His home, her inheritance, had been lost in the air raids.

KANAZAWA

I'd inherited my grandfather's mansion, Sugako set up shop there.

My great-grandfather had been a high-ranking Shogunate official.

The grounds were extensive, the buildings impressive.

The one resident, my uncle, Sugako coldly sent away.

Shuffled off to live with his son.

When mother died, I'd come here to weep.

My father, a doctor, had led a strict life.

Perhaps because of that strict upbringing...

I never fell to drink or loose women.

Our maid, the widow Mie, followed us from Manchuria.

It operated as a private club.

Some couples took to having assignations there.

My previously plain, thin and pale wife Sugako...

filled out and entered the prime of her womanhood.

The once quiet, submissive wife of old became a different person.

Now a dewy-eyed, sensual temptress.

I lost the confidence to stand before a class of university undergraduates.

I found myself a home in the vast sea Shakespeare had bequeathed to me.

SPRING 1948

♪ When you sleep with another man's wife ♪

♪ Best you keep it quiet, you know ♪

Come on, let's drink up. Have another.

Where are you going?

For a leak.

Hello there, Prof.

Welcome home, sir.

The experienced geisha Kimiko had her own bar in town.

It was Otanio first brought her.

May I come in, Professor?

Please do.

More research?

I drank too much.

She was regarded as an intellectual geisha.

She often talked literature and philosophy with me.

You know the novel The Brother's Karamazov?

I borrowed it and read it recently.

What was that sweet boy's name?

Alyosha.

That's him.

That dirty old man, too.

And the son who was crazy.

Have you ever considered auditing college classes?

Right, now they let women go to university.

I did very well back in primary school.

I did want to continue my studies.

But we were too poor to afford secondary schooling.

I'm surprised you can concentrate at all.

That's how we make a living. I shouldn't complain.

That's what allows me to sit here and read.

I hate that crude song they're singing.

Otani is so disgusting.

What's your relationship with Otani?

Don't ask such questions.

I've long wanted to ask you.

I was his mistress, but not any more.

He's too much for me.

You know Professor, just once I'd like to have a true, male friend.

Can there be love without sex?

Would you like to take me to a hot spring sometime?

Share a bath and then sleep beside each other.

I'm sure I'd be safe with you.

You underestimate me. I'm not made of stone, you know.

I trust your honor. I'll even ask Madame's permission.

Professor.

I'm actually afraid of your wife.

Afraid of her?

Only a woman can truly know her.

Promise you won't get angry.

About her relationship with Mr Otani.

Do you know what's going on?

I know that I can do nothing about it.

Oh, I see.

Don't you get angry, Kimiko.

Perhaps you're still in love with him?

I wonder.

What kind of woman do you think I am?

How many men do you think I've slept with?

Why must that be the only act that defines us?

Aren't there other things?

I've never once enjoyed sleeping with a man.

Professor, may I invite you to my establishment?

To watch me dance.

I'm very accomplished.

Kimiko, Mr. Otani is leaving.

Coming.

I have to go. Goodbye.

Farewell, Madame.

Yes, yes, thank you.

Come again.

Where's Kimiko?

You first.

Thank you so much for coming tonight.

It's early to be leaving.

You can sit on his knee.

Come into my arms.

Thank you so much.

Take care.

See you soon.

That's for sure.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, gentlemen.

Just like back in Dalian, they all lusted after Sugako.

When I pictured myself as just another of her customers...

the attraction I didn't feel for her as a wife, began to appear.

What's wrong with you?

Have some shame.

Sugako, you're drunk. Go to your bed.

I don't want to.

Let me sleep with you.

Go back to your room.

Was she really sleeping with Otani?

My intuition screamed yes, but I had no proof.

I had to see for myself.

Go to your own bed.

You enjoy tormenting me, don't you?

You haven't slept with me since Dalian.

I'm switching the light on.

Yes, I'll go!

This room is your castle, next door is mine.

Let's not enter each other's space.

Good night.

Is the Professor really at a hot spring?

We don't want him turning up.

If you're that scared, go to your project in Hokkaido.

No need.

The maid will see you.

Welcome, sir.

I'll send the taxi away.

Listen, are you really sure about this?

Don't be so cowardly. Who cares if he comes home?

These intellectuals, they haven't got a clue, have they?

What do you mean?

He doesn't suspect a thing.

Who cares if he does? Most likely he does know.

Does he?

I've no idea what he thinks. He's as cold as ice.

As long as he has his books, he doesn't care.

I wonder if that's what happens after 10 years of marriage?

It's pointless to speculate.

I want to go to Tokyo, I'm sick of the countryside.

In Tokyo, I could prosper.

Would you loan me the start-up capital?

But if you go to Tokyo, will you divorce the Professor?

No need to divorce him.

I sat looking at Sugako through the hole in the wall.

More beautiful and desirable than I'd ever seen her before.

Rapture washed over her flawless complexion, her exquisite face.

The devil within her replaced by the saint.

Her calm radiance so evocative of Cressidia.

The helpless beauty and sadness of Sugako.

Hey, what's wrong?

Nothing. Forget it.

Tell me, what is it?

I want to die.

Please Mr. Otani, will you die with me?

Don't be silly.

Please, let's kill ourselves in a suicide pact.

I can't take it any more.

No longer my wife, just some woman writhing under a man.

The roar of the man as he took her.

Come on, you're spoiling it.

No, no. Please die with me.

Yes, yes, die with me. Die together.

I felt as if someone was watching me.

As if from on high, looking down on the entire scene below.

I began to tremble with fear.

Hey.

Somehow I found myself down at the library.

Have you been to see Professor Nakahara?

No.

He needs to know if you'll take the class.

If you don't, then I'll lose face for introducing you.

You'll have a full schedule from next term.

Give up that other business, it'll be the ruin of you.

Your wife's remarkable, building up a business like that from home.

My wife is very impressed.

Are you listening to me?

If you go back to lecturing, you'll make her very happy.

I have to go.

PART 2 DEPTHS

There's a unfathomable darkness deep within me.

An emptiness in my soul.

My body's ability to satisfy men.

Passed down through the bloodline from my wanton grandmother.

Madame, the Professor is home.

He's in his study.

I see.

Darling?

Welcome home, dear.

How was the spa?

His cold eyes sent a shiver through me.

Shall we eat together tonight?

I have some whiskey.

From the PX. You haven't had any for ages.

Does he know?

Then he should say so.

Did you get much work done?

I'll make something nice.

I'll go to the market.

No customers tonight?

The police are cracking down on unlicensed premises.

But they don't bother me.

What about Mr. Otani?

Isn't he coming?

Well, I'm not sure.

He still only suspects.

I'll join you in a drink tonight.

We can make it a special night.

Alright?

His avoidance of the issue, is that to spur me to confess?

He's not quite sure, that's why he's acting like that.

I know he'd never leave me.

Mie.

I'm off to do some shopping.

I'll go, Ma'am.

No need. I'll be cooking for us tonight.

For the two of you?

I won't be long.

Sugako.

Yes, what?

Sit down here.

About our relationship.

I wish it could be reborn.

Do you mean we must die first?

No.

Just erase the past.

That's the same as death.

Darling?

He does know. But I don't care.

I will never, ever leave him. How could I?

And he can never, ever leave me.

How could he?

What are you looking for?

A latch.

For my room.

You'll lock your door, sir?

Yes, I will.

Madame bought this for the back door.

I'm going to bed. Tell her not to bother waking me.

- But dinner...? - No thanks.

She's gone out to buy something.

I'm not hungry. Bring me some water.

Sir.

What?

A phone call.

- Who from? - Kimiko.

Professor? Did you hear about Mr. Otani?

Otani?

He's been arrested.

Arrested?

Yes, they took him away to police headquarters.

You know how he's always bragging about his power...

over the bureaucrats?

That's because he's been bribing them.

It'll be all over the papers tomorrow.

Where's your wife? She's out?

I'll see you soon. Goodbye.

Dear? Open this door.

Wake up. Open this door.

It's me, open the door, will you?

I'm drunk.

Are you still asleep?

Don't be so mean.

I don't feel well.

I know you're only pretending to be asleep.

Why did you put a lock on the door?

You're so cold, you always were.

You poseur! Academic snake!

I can't sleep. The rain only makes it worse.

It feels like worms are writhing within me.

Such a strange, warm sensation.

I know he's not sleeping, either.

His eyes are open and he's staring at me.

You love me, don't you?

Before you became dependant on me, you taught university.

But since I started my business, you've become my little boy.

I love you. I do love you.

Please wake up. Open this door.

Let me sleep with you.

We can sleep together sometimes.

Why won't you sleep with me? Why not?

Are you really asleep in there?

Don't torture me like this. Say something.

You're awake, aren't you? You're behind the door.

Just woken up?

Hello there, Kimiko.

Another long night of study?

No.

It really is all over the newspapers.

I went to visit him.

In the cells?

Yes, at the district court.

I'm here as his messenger.

He wants me to speak to your wife.

Cigarette?

He wants her to visit him at least once.

It was pitiful. Tears rolling down his face.

He said he'll serve his time if she'll see him.

He's acting crazy.

Do you think she'll visit him?

Why should she?

Because he's a good customer of yours.

But I do think it strange for you to come here to tell me that.

I didn't mean it like that.

I feel bad now.

Now you know how I feel.

Who was that? Kimiko?

Yes.

What did she want?

She'd been to visit Otani.

You know he was arrested?

It was in the newspaper.

He wants you to visit him.

Why don't you? He cried when he asked her.

Why would he want to see me?

You were very drunk last night.

You're a nasty man. So cold.

You know I made dinner, yet you went to sleep.

I took a pill.

You put that lock there because you hate me?

Am I such a nuisance to you?

It's to keep out the maid and drunk customers.

I wonder.

Knock and I'll let you in. I was just asleep.

Don't say that, you were awake.

I've got something to ask of you.

I want us to sleep together.

It's insulting to me. What will the maid think?

Locking your door like that, it's not natural.

Sugako.

There's something I want to ask you.

You know perfectly well why I don't want to sleep with you.

I was wrong to just let it slide.

Back in Dalian, you thought I didn't know, but I sensed it.

You and that army fellow, that customer of yours.

Army?

In his arms, I breathed deeply and could smell acacia.

I remember thinking how sad to be a woman.

What are you talking about? What did I do?

You misunderstood that, did you? Alright then.

That was wartime, I didn't know what to do.

But the war's over and I refuse to self-destruct.

Not just me, you too!

You don't have to earn a living now.

You're free to do as you please.

That's enough!

Is that you think this is about?

And that other fellow, too. The Railroad official.

Who would that be?

He was an engineer, or something.

Oh, you mean Mr. Matoba?

You two were always together.

I'd come downstairs and you'd be all alone with him.

What was going on?

Such a good memory, such a nasty man.

He used to be a jockey.

He was as hard as a rock.

You think I didn't know anything?

Listen Sugako, what do you think I am?

You were with Otani.

- What are you saying? - I know you did it.

Stop it! Don't be stupid.

You're despicable, I hate you.

- What goes through your head? - Sugako!

Those two fellows in Dalian and Otani, it was only ever one thing.

They were just men, that's all I remember.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Hello, Nunami.

Professor Nakahara.

I was beginning to worry about you.

Sit down. Is your wife well?

I heard from Oikawa that you don't want to teach here.

I was going submit your name.

I appreciate your kindness.

You don't want the post after all?

I know we barely pay enough to struggle by.

I can't really blame you for not taking it.

Oikawa mentioned your wife's business is booming.

Sounds like a good provider, I must say, envy you.

Can I ask you something?

What should we do?

Is there any future for us?

I should have put it another way.

I really can't say what you should do.

You can read all the books and never learn about life.

I've started re-reading Shakespeare again.

Each time I find different meanings.

But nowhere in Shakespeare does he say suffering solves anything.

That's so different to modern literature.

I've been saying this to my students.

Shakespeare points out things in our own lives.

The tragedies of Julius Caesar or Macbeth are present in everyday life.

He wrote about nations and families on the same level.

Professor, I'm thinking of selling up and moving to Tokyo.

- To Tokyo? - Yes.

That could be just what you need.

Why are you out here?

I forgot my wallet.

Is that right?

Master?

Leave us alone.

Yes, sir.

Dear.

Whatever's wrong with you?

You're drenched with sweat.

I saw everything!

The night Otani came, I didn't go away.

I hid in here. I saw everything.

I watched through a hole I made here.

I kept quiet, but I know everything.

I don't understand.

- What? - I don't understand you.

Sugako.

Why didn't you say something?

Why didn't you beat me?

Why didn't you kill me?

What kind of woman are you, anyway?

What did you do before you married me? I want to know!

Was I your first?

Had you been with a man?

I know about the men during our marriage.

But what are you still hiding from me?

I told you it was my first time.

I knew you didn't believe me.

- But it was. - Tell me!

It was only ever you.

I have never loved another man.

There's always a part of me that is never satisfied.

If not my husband, then another man, and another.

Every time I reach ecstasy, I long for death.

Since I left school, many times I've wished to die.

It was back in 1931.

I was living with my aunt in Aoyama, Tokyo.

AUTUMN 1931

It was a Saturday afternoon.

I'd come home tired from playing volleyball.

It's still as clear as crystal.

My aunt was away for a week, visiting family.

There was no one else in the big house.

My uncle was absorbed in his Chinese Literature.

Sugako.

Come over here.

Lie down over there.

Lie down, I won't do anything.

It was just like when I went to see the doctor.

But strangely, nothing was wrong with me.

You don't realize, do you?

You have a strange power which you must learn about.

Don't be scared.

Don't worry, just stay still.

After a week, Aunty returned.

When she went out, he'd call me to his study.

I was a virgin, I didn't even know what men did to women.

Half-dazed, I'd lay on the floor of his study which reeked of tobacco.

My affections for my aunt began to change.

I felt like I wanted to die.

When I thought of him moving inside me...

at school, with my friends, I would begin to swoon.

And always, that over-arching wish to end it all.

Sugako.

I forgive you.

I want you to forget it.

You made a mistake and I'm not blameless.

I was too absorbed in my work.

I've relied on you financially since Dalian.

I went to tell all this to Prof Nakahara today.

But I couldn't say it.

Sugako, let's move to Tokyo.

I want to escape my sins and this depressing house.

I was unfair to you and I'm sorry I made you suffer.

If I really wanted to divorce you, I would have long ago.

Darling.

I forgive you.

I forgive everything.

PART 3 THE FLOW

TOKYO SUMMER 1949

Lunchtime, let's eat.

Good idea.

It's hot, isn't it?

That siren reminds me of the air raids.

I'll go ahead.

Miss Shimura, can you make tea?

Yes.

Do you know anything about her background?

She was repatriated from Manchuria.

Her father was in the government.

They must be suffering.

They most likely are.

It's a big family and her father doesn't work.

She never brings lunch.

Maybe they're all living on her pay.

Thank you.

Could you do me a favor, Miss Shimura?

Could you finish this off for me?

My stomach's acting up.

It's not much of a lunch.

♪ Solidarity with Train Drivers ♪

♪ Railway Killing Workers ♪

I need to ask something of you.

I really...

I don't want your charity.

Oh, the lunch, you mean?

I worried it might offend you.

That's not what I meant.

I ate it.

I thought it was a waste, since I normally eat out.

Don't worry, I won't do it again.

No, you don't understand!

I ate it because I was hungry.

What I said about eating out was a lie.

I never have lunch.

Some mornings there's no breakfast.

But still...

I don't want your sympathy!

You're very stubborn, aren't you?

To be honest...

I hate myself for giving in to hunger.

I'm so ashamed.

Why not accept it in the spirit it's given?

I know very well why you never have lunch.

So you knew all along?

I really hate people like that.

A wide range of people patronize this area.

From big-shots down to street scavengers.

Journalists talk philosophy alongside gangsters picking fights.

Shinjuku is a special place.

A melding of post-war joys and sorrows.

And those who come here to drown in drink.

That's Shinjuku for you.

Another White Lightning.

Just looking at those left-wing activists makes me tired.

What about you?

After the Greeks, man has only gone downhill.

It's like the Greeks were a totally different species.

From the 1st, to the 20th centuries, man has been in decline.

How come we live in an evil world totally devoid of joy?

Communism's not the answer, we need to get back to nature.

It's wrong to believe any philosophy could ever rule the world.

All philosophy has done is brought us war and destruction.

- You reckon? - I sure do.

All they want to do is blow it up in our faces.

Unlike us, they have something to fight for.

Yesterday they were at war, now they're fighting for a revolution.

As long as they're battling someone, they don't care.

They like to see blood flow.

Fight, you say? But some are old men.

Do they like the sight of blood?

By the way, how's your wife doing?

We built a house in Aoyama on her uncle's burnt-out mansion.

So you're living with him?

No, he escaped to Hokkaido. He's too old to come back.

Things are settling down now.

Are you still translating Torius and Cressida?

No, that was just my way of blotting out the war.

So Japan's defeat didn't affect me.

No matter how tough things got, that was my safety valve.

But that entire psychology was purely egotistical.

That's how I see it now.

You're not drinking.

Slowly and surely.

This is powerful hooch, it doesn't take much.

It's not methyl alcohol, so I believe.

A lot of killings around here, it's quite dangerous.

A microcosm for all Tokyo.

No, all Japan, I reckon.

Listen, Tadokoro.

I don't reject the aims of the May Day protestors.

But I can't join them.

Strangely, when I see that red flag...

...it brings tears to my eyes.

Why is that?

Are you alright?

Excuse me?

Get your hands off me.

Just leave me alone, Kenichi.

I moved in next door, Nunami from Kanazawa.

It's late to be out here.

I'll take you in.

Get your hands off me.

Leave me. I'm not going in there.

You're him, aren't you?

You want to do me, don't you?

Wait up.

I need to talk to you.

Won't he come back now you've built a new house?

Who is he?

Your wife's uncle, the Chinese scholar.

Scholar? He's a filthy beast!

My mother said you must never let him come back.

But I know that she still pines for him.

What are you talking about?

You really want to know?

I saw them do it.

I saw him in bed with my mother.

I was in high school.

That's how I ended up a prostitute.

But I never told my dad, he died without ever knowing.

Please, you mustn't let him come back.

Or I'll burn you down.

I understand.

I promise I won't.

Really?

I'm just renting the land from him.

How about it?

Would you like to have some fun?

Please!

In here, that way you save on a hotel.

I've made nothing tonight.

Don't go.

Mrs. Sekiguchi?

Mrs. Sekiguchi?

Who is it?

I'm from next door.

Your sister is sat outside near the gate.

It's dangerous out there.

Who is it?

The gentleman from next door?

Thank you for your concern, sir.

I'm sorry my daughter troubled you.

Well, then.

He's wasting my time.

I'm home.

HOLY BIBLE

Sugako?

Hello, dear.

You're late tonight.

I went out with Tadokoro.

- Did you eat? - Yes.

The bible, is it?

- Reading about the resurrection, eh? - I like that bit.

"Mother Mary stood outside the tomb and wept."

Why?

I just like it.

Does it matter?

You can be strange sometimes.

I borrowed it from Kenichi, next door.

He wants you to teach him English composition.

Let's not get too familiar with them.

Two lessons a week, he said.

He's going to study in America.

He attends church every Sunday.

That what they call a Christian, is it?

The priest arranged a school for him in America.

He shops for you, does he?

He can get black market meat and sugar.

On a different subject, what's your uncle like?

What's he like? He's a scholar, like you.

What about those statues in the garden?

In China they put those by the graves of the illustrious.

They represent their loyal servants.

Or, they're meant to guide the deceased towards Heaven.

Sometimes they're statues of people who were sacrificed.

He studies Confucius and Mencius, so he must be a moralist.

I wonder.

You were too young to know.

Why do you ask?

I heard something quite disturbing.

I wasn't going to mention it.

Apparently, he was having an affair with the lady next door.

Stop it you're hurting me. Let me go.

Be quiet.

The neighbors can see you sitting there.

You're to blame, you made me what I am.

You were such a good girl, what happened to you?

You're the one who needs to be punished.

I only do it to feed you.

I whore myself for you.

You stupid girl!

She's worried he may come back to Tokyo.

I said he won't.

Sorry about the disturbance.

Is she safe inside now?

Yes, sometimes she seems to go crazy.

Please come in, Kenichi.

Excuse me.

I'll get you a cold drink.

Do you have any other sources of income?

No, just my sister.

What does she do?

I don't want to shame her.

I already know.

She told me in no uncertain terms.

It's the only way we can survive.

I wonder.

She can't marry now, so eventually, I'll look after her.

You make her do that so you can go to school?

I want to be a doctor, then I can save many people.

I don't get it.

Your ideas and mine are totally opposite.

Sorry, but I place my trust in science.

Science? A noble profession, indeed.

Test tubes don't need love. Like atomic bombs.

Professor, penicillin and antibiotics are also science.

You're a Christian, aren't you?

I have a scholarship to a US Christian college.

Listen, Kenichi.

Isn't there a contradiction between religion and your sister's activities?

As long she doesn't get syphilis, it's alright.

And?

Japan lost the war, my sister is a casualty of that.

Have it while it's cold.

The war was better than this.

We owned a cannery, so we never wanted for food.

These days I long for those sweets.

I envy those who didn't lose their homes.

Now English gets you anything, like him next door.

Yoko, what are you crying about?

Once Kenichi graduates, you won't have to work.

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA

Lighting a fire in this heat.

He should be worrying about his wife, not you.

Her uncle molested her, too.

What if he comes back?

What were you doing?

Burning our past.

I reduced Dalian and Kanazawa to ashes.

But we're still ruined.

I'm a fallen woman.

That's all burned to ashes.

Yes, but you still saw me that time, didn't you?

Sugako.

Such a lovely breeze.

Tokyo is too hot and humid to sleep.

Sugako.

When I think of the test I put you through, it chills my heart.

You didn't know I was watching.

The day I showed you my hiding place.

Your face became wreathed in helpless despair.

I gave my lunch to a girl at work today.

Perhaps I was testing her, too.

I put it on the desk, right in front of her.

Her intelligence and her pride battled it out.

Never in my life have I suffered from hunger.

But, once again, I ruined another's dignity.

What's wrong?

Confucius is watching me.

When I was looking at those foot-binding shoes.

Foot-binding?

What will become of us?

Sugako.

I think it's better if I'm not with you.

Sugako, I don't blame you.

Darling...

Years ago...

The past is gone.

We will make a new start.

A new start?

You'll be reborn.

Your body, too.

It will also be reborn.

Why don't we end it all?

Die together.

Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb and wept.

Amidst her tears she stooped and looked in.

She saw two white-robed angels where Jesus had lain.

One at the head, one at the foot where He had lain.

"Woman, why do you weep?" They asked of her.

"They have taken away my Lord." She replied.

"I do not know where they have put Him."

She turned to leave and saw Jesus standing there.

But she did not recognize him.

"Woman, why are you crying?" He asked of her.

Our typist, Shimura, came from Manchuria.

Yes, you've mentioned her before.

Have I?

A dedicated girl, supporting her entire family.

A good worker and she has the most beautiful, compelling eyes.

I'd like to see her at university. I'm sure she'd do well.

She could work part-time for me to offset the fees.

You always seem so happy when going off to work.

Good morning to you.

Good morning.

I'd be more than happy to do your washing.

It's very hot, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

Summer makes me lethargic.

Before the war, we'd summer in the mountains.

I don't suppose your uncle will ever come back, will he?

No.

Yoko won't leave her bed to go to work.

She's our only breadwinner, I'm too tired to go out to work.

Your uncle often spoke of you.

About your high school days.

He was such a noble, accomplished gentleman.

Yes, those feet-binding slippers he had on display.

Do you remember them?

Don't you feel well?

No, I'm fine.

Tokyo heat is very draining.

You know...

One of those statues reminds me of your uncle.

The one in the middle.

Arms crossed over his chest, that little hat and the long beard.

That one reminds me of him.

Same narrow eyes, too. I always think they're looking at me.

I don't suppose we'll see him back there, though.

I wonder if Kenichi can get his hands on some potassium cyanide?

Would you ask him for me?

I can pay for it.

What will you do with it?

I just want to have it.

But, Ma'am...

If I tire of living, I'll use it.

I can pay you 5,000 yen for it.

I don't have much cash, so you can have this ring, too.

It's a diamond.

A diamond?

I'll leave you to it.

Miss Shimura.

Can I invite you home?

To your home?

For dinner and to meet my wife.

Sir, I need to talk to you.

I wanted to apologize.

What for?

I behaved quite irrationally.

I hope you can forgive me for what I said.

You needn't apologize for that.

Can you come tonight?

You're very sensitive to keep worrying about it.

I was being overly sensitive, but it was wrong of me.

Your kindness is very touching, I just rebelled against that.

I know I shouldn't.

My mother always said I was too stubborn.

- A first daughter's trait. - What of your mother?

She died in Manchuria.

She had three other children?

Yes.

That must be hard.

Yes, but Father is still alive.

Don't you miss Manchuria?

Ever thought about university?

I planned to take the entrance exams.

What subject?

English Literature.

Really?

I'm so pleased we had this chance to talk.

Have you considered night school?

I couldn't afford it.

I'll cover the fees.

Don't immediately reject the idea.

No. I couldn't do that.

Back to stubbornness, are we?

If you keep this up, I'll have to leave.

I'm home.

Hello, dear.

You don't look well.

I'm just tired.

Are you ill?

Summer fatigue.

Miss Shimura, come in.

You've brought home a guest?

Yes, Miss Shimura. Prepare a plate for her.

I'm home.

- Did you get it? - Get what?

- The cyanide. - Not a chance.

But you have it in the school lab, don't you?

I'd be an accessory to murder.

No one would know.

What if you were arrested?

It's a fantastic diamond, we'd get a fortune for it.

You'd even kill for money, wouldn't you?

Shut up!

Give me that poison, I want to die!

Die? Then damn well die!

Yes, of course I have sympathies with communism.

Most Japanese intellectuals do.

It's the pressure of being occupied by the Americans.

That makes the alternative, communism, attractive.

I recently saw my first ever May Day march.

I was moved to see all those workers protesting.

Free at last from the claw of Japanese imperialism.

They marched past Occupation GHQ.

The red flag, juxtaposed against the US flag, symbolizes current Japan.

That's the Japan of today.

Welcome to our home.

He often talks of you.

Thank you for having me here.

I feel left out that I can't join the ranks of those marching.

We academics can sympathize, but never mix with them.

I'm ready to serve dinner.

In Dalian, I realized workers survived where intellectuals couldn't.

I know exactly what you mean, Professor.

But I must disagree.

I think it's only post-war Nihilism.

Nihilism creates nothing, it's for observers only.

I fully agree.

- It's nothing fancy. - Thank you.

Nihilism, eh?

We work, too.

Intellectuals have our roles to play.

Your work is of great importance to the workers.

European intellectuals give great support to the working man.

I've been thinking about writing critical essays.

I gave up teaching to do exactly what you say.

Dinner's getting cold.

I'm thinking of having Shimura work for me.

That's nice.

I'll write a book, she'll enter university.

Do what you can to help.

You'll easily get in.

You were repatriated from China?

You must have suffered.

My father was in the government there.

We left with only the clothes we wore.

I thought we we'd die many times.

That broke my father's health.

Now you support the family? I'm very impressed.

It's nothing really.

Dear, I insist you do what you can to support her.

Yes. Anyway, let's eat.

I'm so pleased I got to meet your wife tonight.

Good.

She's just as I pictured her.

Oh, hello.

Come in.

Mom told me. What's the cyanide for?

What's it for?

I can't say.

Why ask me for it?

You have access to it. Don't you need the money?

It's not that easy.

But it's available on the black market.

Giving Mom your ring, that means you despise us.

Kenichi, I've no wish to talk about this.

But you'll try another route?

I won't implicate you.

I'll say it's from Manchuria.

Why do you have to die?

Let's not talk about that.

All this talk of death and dying.

Go on home with you.

I have some.

But I want something from you.

I'm in love with you.

Just once, I'd like to...

Not that!

Never say that again.

Do you want more money?

No. What I want is you.

Really.

I'll tell your husband about you and your uncle.

I know everything.

Mother told me.

You've done it before...

You are evil.

You know how much I want the drug.

You're a monster.

I don't care.

Only man defines good and evil.

Without the definition, we're still human.

I only believe in what I believe.

If you really want to die, I won't stop you.

My sister whores herself so we can live.

What else can we do?

My friend sleeps around with married women.

You're going to die anyway, so why not sleep with me first?

It's only friction on mucous membranes.

I'll do what I have to do.

I'm not really a Christian.

It's just an excuse to go to America.

Even evil can spawn a great doctor.

Morals and science are separate issues.

I'll go back now.

Look, won't you reconsider?

Please don't kill yourself.

Sugako.

You're back.

You're pale, what's wrong?

Was I wrong to bring her here?

- Why say that? - Well, you...

I've only met her once, but I really like her.

That's good.

But I couldn't understand a word you said.

She seems very bright.

Do you talk like that at work?

She's so fresh, she inspires me. How wonderful to be young.

Yes, indeed.

She's very together, too.

She's rightly critical of current conditions.

She's the wave of the future.

I might take a bath.

It's ready.

Will you join me?

I think I'll take a walk in the evening breeze.

Alright then.

It's so humid.

Sugako, you have a strange power.

My husband has found someone else.

Hey, Sugako.

Excuse me.

Has Kenichi gone out?

He's gone to church.

When he returns can you ask him to come see me?

And bring that thing I asked him to get for me.

Yes, he's got to take something for you?

What's wrong?

There's a rat here.

Scared of rats, are you?

They're cute, I really like them.

I often hear you crying.

Nasty Gl's, some of them don't pay.

They say I'm not an adult.

Soon things will improve and you won't have to work.

How's that?

I'll organize something with your brother.

I promise.

Goodbye.

Madame.

I really like you.

Please come again.

You came to my place.

I made a promise to your sister.

I said you'd see to her.

Did she tell you?

She did.

You've sacrificed her so you can become a doctor.

But you won't need to any more.

You have money now, she needn't sell herself.

You can't use her as an excuse any more.

I know, she's not well.

I'll take her to a doctor.

You know, I never really wanted her to work.

Did you bring it?

I threw it away.

My sister picked it up.

She wanted to kill herself.

Do you really want this?

I do.

I didn't want the money but Mom insisted I take it.

You want more than just the money, don't you?

That statue does look like your uncle.

Your husband doesn't know, does he?

Kenichi.

Go wash your body.

Madame... really?

I love you. I really love you.

Hurry, you're all sweaty.

Right away.

Soon I'll be free of all this filth.

A calm place like the blue sky.

Let us both die together.

Darling, you know I loved you.

That sweet young typist can now share your life and your work.

She has no dark past, she can devote herself to you.

She'll make you happy.

Darling, you were the only one I ever loved.

Truly, it was only ever you.

That was refreshing.

Madame?

HOLY BIBLE

My mother always said I was too stubborn.

English Literature.

I'm so pleased we had this chance to talk.

No. I couldn't do that.

If you keep this up, I'll have to leave.

THE END

Subtitles by Stuart J Walton (Sprout)