Original subtitles

THE 47 RONIN Part 1

Executive Producer SHINTARO SHIRAI

Original Story by SEIKA MAYAMA

Screenplay by KENICHIRO HARA and YOSHIKATA YODA

Photography by KOHEl SUGIYAMA

Fine Art Director HIROSHI MIZUTANI

Music by SHIRO FUKAI

Produced by KOA EIGA KK

Cast

CHOJURO KAWARAZAKI

KANEMON NAKAMURA

KUNITARO KAWARAZAKI

YOSHISABURO ARASHI

KIKUNOJO SEGAWA

KIKUNOSUkE ICHIKAWA

TOKUSABURO ARASHI

RYOTARO KAWANAMI

JOJI KAIEDA

HIROSHI OUCHI

ISAMU KOSUGI

MASAO SHIMIZU

UTAEMON ICHIKAWA

MITSUKO MIRURA

FUMIKO YAMAJI

Directed by KENJI MIZOGUCHI

The Land is at peace under the Tokugawa shogunate.

March 14, 1701... Tsunayoshi is the 5th shogun.

Kaji Kawa.

You must thank the Imperial messengers...

for Lady Tokugawa.

Why not ask me what to say?

What does Lord Asano know?

I have been Master of Ceremonies...

over 40 years.

Why did you ask...

Lord Asano?

Reception Committee member...

in name only.

I doubt he can...

carry out...

his various functions.

Former Lords carried out...

their assignments.

There was no one so ignorant...

or so rude.

This is the final day...

of the ceremonies.

The messengers have arrived.

After the shogun...

receives them...

I will tell you.

Kira, vengeance!

I am on duty here. Withdraw your hands.

A screen in the Palm Room.

Lord Asano...

take off your outer ceremonial robe.

We have been sent to question you...

About today's incident...

I speak as an official now.

You forgot where you were today...

and attacked Kira. Your reason?

I'm sorry. I have no excuse.

I bear no ill will toward the shogun.

I forgot myself over a private grudge...

and wounded Kira.

Did you intend to kill him?

My sword missed killing him.

I regret it.

Mete out my punishment.

A private grudge?

I have nothing to say.

I only regret I failed to kill Kira.

A slight wound.

Please laugh at my lack of skill.

Please punish me according to the law.

No, of course not.

I did nothing to have him bear a grudge.

That noise? Asano is coming! Be careful!

It is hard to believe. Such violence.

I can only think that Asano is mentally deranged!

Did you touch your sword?

Do you believe I did?

I am Master of Ceremonies and in the castle...

and this is an important day.

So I tried to avoid his sword as best I could.

That is why I was wounded from behind.

Very admirable of you.

Thank you for your words of praise.

My orders?

Very well done.

When my Lord left...

he seemed pale...

so I asked him...

to return early.

He smiled sadly...

and said his worries...

end today.

He will return soon.

We must cheer him up.

You understand?

A word, Lady Asano.

Vassals Horibe and Kataoka...

are here.

What is it?

Today in the Pine Corridor...

our Lord wounded Kozuke Kira.

Your questionings...

We reported it to the Elders in detail.

Kira, mindful of place, was lauded for not fighting.

Dr. Yoshida will give him medicine.

Dr. Kurizaki will treat his wound.

He can recuperate fully.

He can leave the castle with attendants.

Lord Asano...

to gratify a personal grudge...

he dared attack Kira in the castle.

So he will commit seppuku in Lord Tamura's custody.

Please wait.

Please give us time to think over your order.

I wish to express my opinion.

I agree to sending him to Lord Tamura.

But please reconsider the other point.

What?

As we have mentioned before...

Lord Asano's behavior has been of the best.

He cherished no ill will towards the shogun.

A true samurai, he admitted it was a personal grudge.

A great daimyo to be put into custody...

and to be ordered to commit seppuku at once is too much.

As superintendent and inquisitor...

I believe the judgment...

is unfair.

Unfair?

Lord Asano sacrificed family honor.

He was driven beyond human endurance.

Kira must have been at fault too.

Please use the samurai code in passing judgment.

The shogun praised Kira for his good behavior.

He did not even...

touch his sword.

What a world when such petty things are praised!

Wounded, all he could do was to run and fuss.

Too weak to draw his sword.

But I was wrong to call him a coward.

He was in the castle...

and near the shogun's chambers.

But a man like Kira...

We samurai would not call him our equal.

Family and fief are first with him.

Losing the samurai spirit, he only thinks of profits.

It has been decided Lord Asano became demented...

and resorted to violence.

I, Tamon, cannot easily agree to that.

It is only fair to inquire further.

You have a point in what you say.

But Lord Yanagisawa knows.

And it has been decided already.

We'll keep your request in mind though.

Please wait.

If Lord Yanagisawa decided it.

I must speak up.

In short, Lord Yanagisawa is Kira's distant kin.

It shows prejudice.

An affront to daimyo, not hereditary Lords.

Request his reconsideration.

You go too f ar. It can't be changed.

The more reason a f air judgment the first time.

If not, try until a fair one is reached.

Administrators decide it!

You've no voice in it!

Insist and you'll regret it!

I beg you!

I say it out of loyalty.

Announce me to Lord Mino.

No! Your position is too low!

Please announce me!

No! No!

Please announce me!

Chamberlain.

A word from Councilor Kofu.

These are peaceful times.

The samurai are becoming lax.

But your conduct was that of a true samurai.

These are his words.

You gave him leave to bid his Lord Asano farewell.

So I told Gengoyemon Kataoka.

He said he would be forever grateful to you.

I am overwhelmed.

I feel for Lord Asano's vassals.

I'm glad you came.

Kiyo, preparations.

Kiyo.

The time our Lord at Lord Tamura's mansion...

Stop it!

Would your death please our Lord?

Kira was not even reprimanded.

Lord Uesugi backs him.

We can't avenge...

Fool!

Tomimori.

What is it?

Magistrate's men came.

What about?

As previously stated...

the Asano Edo Mansion will be confiscated.

So Lord Asano's vassals...

must leave at once.

The Asano Clan Castle at Ako... 427 miles from Edo.

News reaches Ako of Lord Asano's attack on Kira.

Another mistake.

Why the rush?

Confiscating the castle?

Our Lord?

That courier's message was vague.

Does Chamberlain Oishi know?

Why check?

Our Lord?

You tell me.

Our work is to carry out the chamberlain's orders.

Forward of me, perhaps, but hasn't Oishi lost his head?

The worst possible news but he does nothing.

Instead, he's calculating.

It's beneath a samurai.

Is he a fit chamberlain?

We have many doubts too.

Yasoyemon Okajima.

Yes?

Who told you to count the castle silver?

I am in charge.

I have my orders from Chamberlain Oishi.

Yasoyemon... Yasoyemon.

How can you count money...

after hearing the bad news?

Oishi isn't Lord Asano's only vassal.

Others of high rank too.

He would not resort to such a thing.

I asked him to do it.

Thank you. How much?

The details are here.

About 900 kan, I believe.

900 kan?

It'll buy more than 20,000 koku of rice.

More than I had expected.

There was so much silver in the castle?

And how much gold?

7000 ryo.

7000 ryo?

Yasoyemon, what do you think?

Rate of ex change?

Chamberlain, the Asano clan f aces a crisis.

Your important duty's to calm the people.

True.

But if we must leave...

the most pressing need is money.

Before we think of ourselves...

we must look after the people in the Asano domain.

It's our duty to our Lord.

No, that is of secondary importance.

Think first of our quotas.

No.

The four Ako counties bolster us.

It is not the other way around.

The Ako farmers and shop people must bear no losses.

You're a chamberlain in charge of it. Help me.

Your pardon.

The second courier's arriving soon.

Know who he is?

Hara and Oishi, I think.

Hara came himself?

Why are you here at your age?

Edo Chamberlain Yasui's missive to you.

Seppuku that very day?

The shogunate showed no mercy.

Our Lord's dwellings were confiscated the same day.

The ceremonies for the Imperial messengers?

Were they postponed?

No, only a change in place.

Everything went as arranged.

It went smoothly?

I am grateful. I am very grateful...

for that.

What about Kira?

Not even reprimanded.

He wasn't?

Our Lord was hot-tempered...

but it was too cruel a punishment.

The verdict? I'd like to know the reason.

Here is it.

Read it.

Wait.

Is that all?

Yes.

Have you our Lord's last words?

Yes.

Is that all?

Yes.

Reading this must puzzle you.

Reading this must puzzle you.

His last poem?

Here it is.

Yesterday, it was to die...

holding the castle.

Today, seppuku for their Lord... no decision's reached.

Chamberlain Ono wants...

to make Lord Daigaku the heir...

and turn over the castle...

peacefully.

Loyal men...

like vassals Okajima and Takebayashi.

They watch him as a betrayer.

How will Chamberlain Oishi unify such difference?

Brother said he's going to the castle...

to commit seppuku.

Is it true?

Are you still awake?

It's late. Go to bed.

Sugi, are you there?

The children.

I'm not sleepy!

Are Father and Brother following our Lord?

I can't sleep.

A samurai's son must be calm.

It is most true at important times.

Forget your f ather's words?

No. Good night, Mother.

Good night, Aunt.

Chamberlain Oishi and I...

are cousins.

It's forward of me to say this.

But all the vassals are waiting for his decision.

Ushioda, my husband, too.

He doesn't say anything.

So I don't know.

I can only say...

he seems to be torturing himself...

in waiting for some news.

I think he'll make up his mind by it.

Important news?

I don't know what it is myself.

Retainer Onodera in kyoto...

came by sedan.

From kyoto?

When did you know?

Notified on the 18th...

by the shogunate.

Any gossip in Kyoto?

I've something to report to our Lord's grave...

and comfort his soul.

I called on Chief Councillor...

and other Lords...

and apologized to them...

for what our Lord did.

Representing Asano clan...

I fell down.

And told them I represent...

all the vassals.

I apologized and apologized.

Just as you told me to...

beforehand.

They all said...

they all feel sorry...

for our Lord.

We know how you feel.

I was overwhelmed.

They don't hate what our Lord did?

There's more of it.

It's unbelievable but...

rumor says...

the Emperor said to those close to him...

that he is sorry...

our Lord f ailed to kill Lord Kira.

What our Lord did this time...

It is an inex cusable crime.

There was a reason, but...

our Lord was rude.

He's deserved to be called a blasphemer.

But the rumor I heard...

And sympathy from nobles...

I, Kuranosuke...

I'm saved.

I don't mind other things.

Our Lord's house or fief.

If he's branded as a blasphemer...

Our Lord can't rest in peace forever.

Same to us.

We'll be unable to find a place to stay in Japan.

How seriously we think of revenge.

We couldn't avenge our Lord.

You said you feel sorry for our Lord.

I'm saved.

You return to Kyoto.

Sit down outside the palace.

And express feelings...

of gratitude.

For our Lord and all of us.

You do that.

I will.

When did you come?

We came too.

Return to Edo.

Why?

They're all cowards here.

We wasted our time.

Oishi?

Coward too.

We'll avenge our Lord.

On our own.

What you said makes sense.

But we must unite together.

Make up your mind...

after the meet.

No need to.

Wait.

Chuzaemon.

You're Chamberlain's right-hand man.

Why does he want to restore the House?

Is it true?

Tell us!

He's thinking it over.

No time to!

You know why we came in a hurry?

You don't feel sorry for our Lord?

I do.

Decide then!

You intend to give up the castle meekly?

It's up to the meet.

I can't say it now.

We're from Edo, so you don't trust us?

It's not true.

We've two different opinions yet.

The shogunate sent its army.

They'll arrive...

the day after tomorrow.

Yet, no decision?

No.

You came here ahead of us.

What did you do?

We thought...

you'd make the shogunate's unfairness to the public.

We were glad.

And now...

I know it.

Wait awhile.

It's not that easy.

There's a reason.

For your own?

You go too far!

Look.

They've short swords.

They've families but they came here...

ready to die.

We're equally loyal...

not only you.

Seppuku won't comfort our Lord.

People will laugh.

I'm vex ed at it.

Lord Kira's hired 150 retainers...

to guard his house.

What for?

When we walk in Edo...

people seem to believe us to avenge our Lord.

We don't know how you feel.

But we must do it.

I know.

But Chamberlain's to decide it.

Don't bother him.

Trust Chamberlain and wait.

No, I can't!

We're here.

But he changes his mind too often. I can't trust him.

What is it?

Nothing.

But you're worn out.

You too.

Don't worry too much.

You came.

Why so formal?

Depending on today's meet...

we may never see you again.

Father, Tokubei Izeki came.

He did?

Is he well?

So he came?

He's shouting at the porch...

that he'd go to the castle if you don't.

He's willful.

We've enjoyed quarrels since we were kids.

Talking ill of me?

He said you must be scared...

and need a stimulant.

He gave me medicine.

It's like him.

You can't go to the castle?

I can't very well go there without fighting with him.

Kinai.

Tokubei.

Remember my face?

You left here. Why did you come back?

Why? I can't ignore the crisis of the Asano house!

Go away. There's no Asano house now.

Not going to hold the castle?

You're a fief-thief!

You're in charge of it...

and won't fight!

I'll decide it.

After the meet ends today.

What?

I won't take orders from you!

You...

You're his heir?

Yes.

Monzaemon.

Age?

I'm 14.

Your hair?

On my way here...

I made it like an adult's.

I'll die for the Asanos.

My father taught me so.

Let us enter the castle.

Father's been loyal to Lord Asano until now.

Very brave of you but I won't.

I won't let you enter.

Go home...

and live your own life.

Kinai!

I'm talking to your son.

You kindly came here today.

I appreciate it indeed.

But even if we hold the castle...

I won't ask jobless samurai to help us.

You're jobless, too, since you were expelled.

It'll be a disgrace to us.

But...

Think over what I said to you carefully, Monza.

I'll go with you.

No!

I will!

No!

I will!

No!

Chamberlain!

You came from Edo too?

I'd like to ask you a question.

Lord Kira's wound's been healed.

Trying to restore the house?

Real intention?

Intention?

You don't like my plan to restore the Asano house.

Our Lord's short temper caused this.

Restoring his house is loy alty too.

It's not loyalty, never!

Our Lord wasn't insane!

He knew his house would be abolished.

But he couldn't bear it.

So he did it.

It's our duty...

to wreak his grudge...

against Lord Kira.

Our Lord regretted...

he failed...

to kill Kira.

And he wept.

How'd you take it for?

Even if the house is restored...

we can't face people.

Only way for us is to kill Lord Kira.

I'm against your plan!

Even if all Japan were given to us...

I hate to spare Kira's life!

Tell us your intention.

I cannot, now.

What?

There are many different...

opinions among retainers.

So I can't tell mine now.

Promise me...

that you follow my decision unconditionally.

Through?

They all signed it with blood.

Number?

51 vassals.

Only 51 vassals who'll decide the fate of the house?

You sign with blood too.

For Chamberlain.

I'll do it later.

Yasubei.

Later.

Juroza.

I'll return to Edo, so I won't do it.

Magodayu.

I don't agree.

Gengo.

No.

Matsunojo, Chamberlain's son...

He's dead by now.

I'm a samurai's son too.

I wish to enter the castle...

and die like a man.

You're unlucky to be a son of this foolish father.

Even if you cry...

I can't be reborn to be wise.

You're plain unlucky. Resign to your fate.

Time to give up the castle...

is close at hand.

And many vassals have run from here.

Those who are ready to die among 300 retainers...

are only about 50 now.

You're all loyal men.

I didn't tell you anything...

and asked you to sign with blood.

I had to be doubly sure.

Now, I want to ask you the impossible again.

Please listen to me.

I want you to leave here.

As of now.

And go to Enrin-ji Temple.

Don't criticize the shogunate.

Close your mouth hereafter.

Please trust your lives to me.

It looks difficult but easy to hold the castle.

All we have to do is...

fight against the shogunate and die.

But give it up and avenge our Lord...

It looks easy but very difficult.

It requires determination.

I intend...

to choose the latter.

It's a hard way...

to take.

How about it?

Please tell me.

A question.

Wherever we are...

we want to avenge our Lord. Can we?

Of course.

As we remember our Lord...

we can't forget Lord Kira is alive.

We can't let him live on.

I'll join you!

Please let me sign with blood!

Me too!

I will!

Let me sign too!

We'll follow your instructions.

We trust our lives to you.

So you'll leave everything to me?

Very well. We'll wait for the right time to come.

Leave here quietly.

But we served here for many years.

Paintings are trees.

We loved them all.

This is our last chance...

to look at them.

Bid them farewell.

You hasty man! Killing your son too! A fool!

I admit I'm a hasty man!

A fool!

But please tell me clearly I was wrong.

Since you came out alive...

You must have a plan.

I know you aim high deep in your mind.

Remember, we were childhood friends.

Tell me your real intention.

You shine all the more when you're in trouble.

I know you won't back out.

I know it.

For my son's sake too, please tell me.

The shogunate favors Lord Kira.

If we kill him...

it means we accuse its unfairness...

And criticize it...

to the public.

Hurry, or I will be unable to hear you.

I intend to resist the shogunate administration.

Good! I'll go ahead of you.

Avenge our Lord for me.

I'll join you later, Tokubei.

Hurry and come.

I will be waiting for you, Kuranosuke.

Oishi's Home In Yamashina

Oishi Lives In Seclusion Here

Thank you for everything.

I'm sorry he did not come home.

Thank you for letting us eat our fill.

But we want Chamberlain to explain to our fill too.

We came here representing others.

I don't know where he is.

But we must see him before we return to Edo.

He deceived us.

It's our fault to be deceived too.

We'll talk it over.

We may never see you again. Please be strong.

Mother, I'll take them to Father.

Please do that.

Have you made up your mind?

I may be importunate...

but as your real father says...

leave this house...

and return to your own home in Tajima.

I came for you from Tajima.

Your husband didn't return for three days from Kyoto.

I know what he really is now.

I started to serve your house when you were born.

And saw you grow up.

When you married into his house...

I handled everything too.

I can't leave you as it is.

I'll follow you back to Tajima.

Please take your children.

You can feel free to leave them.

As long as he is alive...

I won't leave him.

People may criticize him.

But I trust him as his wife.

And walk the same road of his.

He's living a gay life alone.

He forgets you...

and loyalty.

I know him best...

as his wife.

His real self nobody else knows of.

If you ask me...

he's not rotten to the core.

There's some reason he's suffering to death.

And for that reason he's pretending to be like that.

He doesn't tell me...

but I can feel it.

And I want to share the pain with him.

Please don't ever say it again.

I want you to tell my f ather...

what I've just said.

He's with Majordomo Endo, the Emperor's advisor.

So wait here for a while.

While we suffer dire poverty...

he enjoys his life.

No wonder he hates to stake his life.

Well, well, I'm glad you came.

It's nice of you.

Kuranosuke.

Make up your mind.

Serve Emperor's Chief Advisor Konoe.

You should realize he's serious about you by now.

I'm overwhelmed, but as I told you many times before...

I can't face my late Lord...

if I serve Advisor Konoe so soon.

Please don't press me for a while.

Girls, bring sake! We'll have a party!

Stay away, girls.

The reason you don't agree with me...

Is it restoration of the Asano house?

Advisor Konoe told me today...

he'll help you restore the Asano clan...

through Lord Tsunatoyo in Kofu.

I'll go to Edo for it.

To Edo?

Yes.

As you know, Lord Tsunatoyo will enter Edo Castle...

and become the 6th shogun.

It's easy for him to do it.

We're relatives.

So I don't want to see you being jobless.

Besides, my master wants to hire you.

That's why I'm going to Edo.

Don't ever think to avenge your late Lord.

Be tactful.

I've been drinking since morning...

and I've got pain here.

If the house is restored...

you serve my master.

If you make trouble...

after we take steps...

it means trouble for all of us.

Don't forget it.

Don't forget it.

Don't forget my kindness.

Chamberlain!

Who?

I've heard everything!

Oh, Yasubei and Kazuemon? Are you here?

Tell us!

Is it true?

You'll sacrifice us and serve Konoe?

Only a year and you forgot everything?

Enough!

Rotten from sake and women!

You call yourself Chamberlain?

Don't talk!

We came here representing others.

But we'll avenge our Lord on our own.

We wish you a peaceful life.

Kazuemon.

I can't stand it!

Shut up!

Father!

I'll go to Edo with them!

My son.

A talk with you. Come closer.

How well it's made, a plan is a plan.

It can never be perfect.

When it took place in March last year...

I've decided to kill Lord Kira...

and avenge my Lord.

My Lord's father died when he was a kid.

He became our Lord at nine.

My father died young.

I became a chamberlain when I was only 18 too.

For more than 20 years since then...

I took care of him...

as my younger brother...

or son.

When he died last March...

it pained me more than anything else.

I gave up the castle to avenge him...

and I recommended his brother...

to restore the house.

Since the shogunate hates our late Lord...

I knew my petition wouldn't be taken up.

But people are funny.

They like our late Lord.

They even made a song for it and hate Lord Kira.

Former vassals want to seize this chance.

But it troubles me all the more.

Even the shogunate official...

Superintendent Araki...

Submitted a petition for restoration of the house...

and he informed me of it.

I thought it meddlesome.

Yet I have to wait for his next report.

Our Lord's relatives started actions too.

And now, the Emperor's advisor too.

A drop at the beginning.

But...

But it's a big stream...

even I can't stop it.

I started it all.

But it was...

a big mistake.

Why not avenge our Lord soon?

I won't be suffered so if I can do it.

I submitted a petition.

If I avenge my Lord in spite of it...

It's inexcusable.

People won't call it a clean revenge.

I just sit and wait the tide to change.

And wait for the orders.

I came, Kuranosuke.

Good news.

Important news from Edo.

Chamberlain.

I'll listen.

Tell me.

No greetings.

Our Lord's brother was ordered...

to leave Ako.

He'll be taken in custody in Hiroshima.

I see.

Taken in custody?

Yes, in Hiroshima.

No hope for restoring the house now.

Let's avenge our Lord quickly.

People in Edo want you to join them.

I pretend until now.

You must've hated me for what I've been doing.

I'll leave for Edo right now.

Will you do it?

It's bad news for the Asano house.

But...

we've reason to avenge our Lord now.

Yes.

Now...

we'll kill our enemy Lord Kira.

Even if Lord Uesugi helps him...

we won't be afraid.

I've a favor to ask you.

We're busy, Riku.

No, we don't mind.

I see.

What is it?

My father sent a messenger to me.

He said it's inexcusable, forgetting your house.

And told me to leave you.

I'd like you to divorce me as of today.

You mean you want to leave me?

For my sake?

Yes.

Matsunojo's the heir, so I won't take him.

I'll take Yoshichiyo and Kura with me.

I see.

You thought that f ar?

Yoshichiyo's weak.

Have him become a priest and pray for us.

I mean he can't become a samurai.

No.

You're not in an ordinary condition.

Be careful on the way home.

THE 47 RONIN Part 2

Directed by KENJI MIZOGUCHI

March 1701 at Edo castle.

Lord Asano brought his sword down on Kira...

after being repeatedly insulted.

He was ordered to commit seppuku...

and his house was abolished...

while no charge was laid against Lord Kira.

The news shocked the Asano clan.

Chamberlain Oishi yielded the Ako castle...

and vowed deep in his heart to avenge his wronged Lord.

He pretended he wanted to restore the house...

in order to shield his real intention.

To his surprise, public opinion sided with him.

If Asano house could be restored...

his revenge couldn't be justified. It worried him.

Just then Lord Tsunatoyo was in Edo.

Emperor's advisor konoe wants to hire Oishi...

so he asked me to help restore Asano clan.

His messenger came here.

But former Asano vassals want to avenge their Lord...

headed by Oishi, don't they?

Even I have heard it, sire.

If I ask the shogun...

Asano house will be restored.

So I'm hesitating all the more.

Sages said...

respecting our ancestors is the first step of filial duty.

I may venture to say this...

but I think we must step over this teaching now.

Please tell me.

I lectured on Japanese history to you.

You must have seized the essence of it by now.

We're not Chinese.

Before the teaching...

we should be samurai of Japan.

Well said.

You're right.

We must act like samurai first...

then follow the teachings of the sages.

If the shogun...

permits restoration of Asano house...

there will be no revenge.

Oishi will lose his excuse for revenge.

What happened?

The messenger of Konoe is here...

paying his respects on his way back.

His master agreed to convey your words.

May I answer him about it?

Otherwise...

Enough! I've an idea of my own.

Brother. Is he the Lord?

Is he master of this place?

I heard he is a bookworm, but he is no mouse.

He is not like other masters.

Brother!

I'm new here, but since you asked me...

I gave you a chance to speak.

It's an important occasion.

Please behave yourself.

I know.

It's you?

You there.

You served the Asano clan once, didn't you?

Who is the man with you?

He insisted on seeing a Noh stage today.

He is my brother, Sukeyemon.

Your brother?

He was an Asano vassal, wasn't he?

Does he know Kira is joining the party?

Sukeyemon, you are?

What was your position in the Asano clan?

I was of no account... a man with a pittance.

No, you were not.

You represented Lord Asano sometimes.

You were not an underling.

Come closer. I'll offer you sake.

I beg you to excuse me.

Come, talk with me.

There's still time before Kira appears.

Hesitate to join me?

Frankly, yes.

I guess a drink offered by Daiymo won't be so tasty.

Interesting. You're so straightforward.

Then just talk a while.

You're wrong if you think...

the rat called Kira would stay in Edo.

He could be f ar away in Yonezawa any day...

where his son Lord Uesugi rules...

with his loyal men.

It could be any minute.

No use glaring at him after that.

Here in your palace...

you're in a position to say anything.

Is that so?

I can see how stubborn Oishi is, too.

Letting my words go...

and thinking what'll be done.

But I say he's making one mistake.

Oishi's Oishi, we're us.

I don't believe Oishi changed so suddenly.

Must be a good reason.

I only know his behavior is a fact.

Oishi changed.

So... will you?

You know something...

about a wooden tub?

If the hoop loosens so does the whole tub.

You can't expect to fill it again.

Sukeyemon...

if you have something hidden in mind...

don't think the ideas are yours alone.

If you avenge your Lord...

it will encourage many samurai.

I won't meddle with you.

As samurai I won't thwart your plan.

We must help each other.

It is the samurai code.

He has enough time and thinks many things.

I'm not asking you...

merely out of curiosity.

We're enjoying peace now.

No more samurai spirit.

I beg you to tell me...

your real intention.

I know you're determined not to tell...

but I'm eager to know.

Look at my eyes, Sukeyemon.

I want to believe you are all loyal samurai.

Then please tell me one thing.

I hear the shogun is a suspicious man...

and hates popular Lords.

Over 20 houses were abolished.

All with good reputations.

Ill-f amed houses remain intact.

When my Lord Asano drew his sword in Edo castle...

you were also present...

and involved in the judgment.

Asano's house cut off...

and no charge on Kira.

You overlooked it.

Is it because you'd be...

suspected by the shogun if you cared?

Brother! Too much!

Wait. Sukeyemon, continue. I'll listen.

Nothing more.

If only you, a direct grandson of leyasu...

would have put in a word...

Lord Asano may not have died that way.

And now...

you're mentioning our knighthood.

It's only your willfulness.

Maybe you're right.

I won't ask you any more.

You must have elaborated...

a secret plan until now.

I should have known you won't tell me.

I've no right to ask you, I suppose.

Trouble is, Konoe is urging me to appeal...

to the shogun for Asano...

in the intention of...

acquiring Oishi.

Oishi has been appealing for the restoration.

If his appeal...

is received by the shogun...

you can't attack Kira, no matter how you wish.

My Lord.

You can't let it pass if Oishi's intending revenge...

while he's appealing on the other hand.

Then you would... I'm going to ask the shogun.

My Lord, I have something...

Lord Kira is arriving. Ready to receive him.

Brother.

Are you out of your mind?

Let go!

No chance after today.

We can't bloodstain the palace.

Isn't there any other way?

Let me go!

I can't let him live on!

You also owe a lot to Asano. Don't stop me.

I won't, but I have an idea. I'll help you.

Kira is on stage tonight. Mark him then.

Insolent!

Let me go.

Aiming at Kira? Fool!

Putting Oishi and others in a dilemma?

Please let me go, or I'll have to...

No matter who...

Have you gone mad?

Is it only Kira's life you want?

If you offer his head...

and Asano's anger appeased?

Why is this?

Why not do it in a big way?

That way you can hold your head high...

fail or not.

While appealing for the restoration...

aiming for Kira's death.

It will mislead the thought of the people.

Don't you understand?

Why don't you consider Oishi's feelings?

He's drinking...

his bitter sake.

After he's submitted the appeal.

Oishi must be Ionely.

He must be sad.

You inexperienced men can never understand him.

Even if Kira dies...

a natural death...

it does not matter.

Just so you do your best to avenge Lord Asano.

And your action stands to reason.

Killing that miserable old man is of secondary importance.

I think this way about vengeance.

It is to do your duty heart and soul for revenge.

And the result should not be criticized.

You want to be deaf to reason?

You want to work against Oishi and others?

I was wrong!

It's my turn.

Have you decided?

We brought an important message.

Wait. Come this way.

I can do it.

We don't need the formal greeting...

for such a brief meeting.

Koshatei was allowed to reclaim his power...

after what happened in March last year.

He also received 300 Goku...

but before Master Asano returned...

he was ordered confined.

Koshatei is confined...

before Master Asano has returned...

he has been confined...

really...

Oishi...

It's time you should stop...

suffering.

I've led a loose life.

You must have...

wondered why.

Even though it was a lie.

To appeal the restoration of Asano...

was my misjudgment.

I should not have done so.

But if I had been given a fief...

we would have lost the reason...

to raid Kira.

However...

the people sympathized with us.

We could not have revenged Kira.

Our late Lord would not have forgiven us.

Even if I had committed seppuku in front of his grave.

We've suffered.

I've...

suffered.

Oishi.

Your intention was understood by the people.

Thank you.

All we have to do is raid Kira.

We're not afraid of anything.

Please tell my intention...

to your Lord.

Lady Asano's residence December 14, 1702

On the day of the Lord's death.

And such a fuss!

Thoughtless people they are.

They're young girls.

Happy about New Year.

They can't conceal their joy.

All I have to do is pray for his soul.

Oh, you're the maid from Ako.

I see your trip here is rather sudden.

I appreciate your care and service.

How's my lady's feelings?

She'd be happy to see you.

Will you tell our lady, Godayu?

Oishi, the former Ako chamberlain's here.

He wishes to salute Lady Asano.

Is it all right for you to handle this matter...

on your own decision?

I see no reason why I should deny him.

Please.

No.

Ochiai.

Do you not remember...

since Lord Asano's death...

relatives of Lady Asano...

have been suffering?

Even to relatives remote as her cousins...

and many others, too.

Suffering has not yet stopped.

Don't show him in.

If former Ako vassals...

attack Lord Kira...

it will cause annoy ance...

to Lady Asano's relatives.

Now the appeal's turned down.

Why should he come at a time like this?

What if seeing him affects the shogun?

I see your feelings as being of long service.

I've my stand as a vassal of this Miyoshi house.

Where's Oishi?

Here.

Our lady will see him.

Lady Toda, wait.

Our lady is here.

Nice to see you.

You're too far. Come closer.

We haven't met for so long being far apart.

Three years now?

I'm glad to see you...

as well as before.

I'd like to say so, but everything's been changed.

I deeply sympathize with you, my lady.

You must have been suffering since then, too.

There is a worn-out look about you.

Have a drink first.

You came all the way in the snow.

I'd appreciate it.

Some more?

No, although I'm a sake lover.

Please take some food then.

Take them as you do the enemy.

Your words make my sake bitter.

But I don't think you've come...

for an ordinary job at this season.

Nothing is so pitiable as a masterless samurai.

Only a few can get along.

All the rest are worn-out shadows of their past.

Can't even support their families.

These people ask me for help, saying this and that.

I was once a chamberlain...

and spokesman for my Lord.

I cannot look away, and so I am here.

Then some hot-blooded men fuss...

wanting to seize the chance to raid their target.

Rather than starve, they'd like to get revenge...

and be on the lips of the masses.

I pity them.

Oishi.

I hate to be intrusive...

but I hear rumors that come next spring...

Lord Kira will go into retirement at Yonezawa.

His son's domain.

I've heard that, too.

The Kira family is afraid of us...

and plotting many things, I suppose.

Are you letting Kira...

go into retirement?

Too late after he has run...

into his son's domain.

Unless you raid him at his Edo residence.

Things are not that simple...

I'm afraid.

Really think so?

As a true samurai?

Kira's aged, and anything can happen, even today.

We have old men among us like Horibe and Hazama.

They can't be sure of tomorrow.

Too much for me to care...

about that far.

Trying to excuse and discourage the loyal ones?

Enough, Toda.

I can't bear it any longer.

No matter what...

he is our former chamberlain.

Restrain words of dishonor.

Oishi.

I feel so sorry for our Lord now.

His spleen destroyed himself, as well as his clan.

His vassals became...

masterless.

He was a fool, trying to kill Lord Kira imprudently.

People will make a jest of him eternally.

That is...

Before he died...

he said he didn't have a chance to tell you.

But Oishi must be confused if he hears about this.

When I heard it...

I thought he counted on you alone.

And he regretted you were away from him.

I still remember his every word.

But no one wants to avenge him now.

I heard what people are saying.

They call him a careless man or a testy man.

Although he had brought himself to his death...

I feel sorry for him.

I didn't mean to complain.

I'll bid you farewell.

May I ask you a favor?

Today's the 14th.

May I offer incense to my Lord in parting?

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid not.

I do not mind, but...

I don't think our Lord would be pleased if you do.

Lady Toda.

Overcome with ennui...

I made poems.

They are unskillful ones...

but I will be happy...

if my lady...

will see them.

Farewell, Lady Toda.

Are you asleep, my lady?

Who is it?

It's Toda.

I'm sorry to interrupt your sleep, but...

Something I must tell you now.

I was feeling that I wanted to talk with you myself.

Have you not slept, then?

Matter of fact, no.

I couldn't believe Oishi yesterday.

I stayed awake wondering all night.

He came here on our Lord's death day.

But he acted as if he wanted to discourage us.

It was not like him.

I feel the same way.

As he left...

he handed me this for you to have a look...

when you feel like it.

Said they're only poems.

It has weighed on my mind until now.

Open it.

Gold!

This is the account book since Ako...

has been in Oishi's custody.

Details of use are kept...

for the former vassals of the house.

I wonder...

Lady Toda.

What?

Lady Toda.

What?

Report from the front gate.

Someone in strange garments threw in this thing...

without telling who it was.

This is from Yoshida, a former vassal at Ako.

Read it for me.

Last night, 47 men headed by Oishi...

raided Kira's residence.

Oishi and men?

They attacked in two parties:

From the front and the rear...

as they had so planned.

They raided Kira's chamber...

but his bed was empty...

and only his sword was left.

They searched everywhere, but...

Kira was nowhere in sight.

They missed him?

After searching three times...

they heard a voice from...

behind the chamber, in a shed.

Takebayashi and Hazama broke the door.

They killed the man inside who was Kira for certain.

They looked for the scar on his back...

where our Lord brought...

his sword of rage. It was there, it was Kira.

The head.

I have brought the head...

of Kira.

Our enemy, my Lord.

Since what happened...

at Pine Corridor last March...

to revenge your humiliation...

we, who owed our Lord...

in all ways of life gathered...

in determination.

How we looked forward to this day.

Through various hardships.

Humiliated, despised.

Some lacked daily meals.

Some impatient braves couldn't bear...

waiting.

Old men or sick men...

they hated to die of age or disease.

They wanted to die for loyalty.

Success was their second importance.

I suppressed them...

and finally succeeded...

in raiding Kira's place.

We brought his head here.

I hope it will satisfy your resentment now.

I report representing 47 loyal samurai.

Ever since the unhappy accident...

I feel for you all and thank you on the Lord's behalf.

You saw many hardships.

Our Lord must appreciate what you have done.

From so old and to so young...

good of you to have accomplished it with me.

Let me express my thanks to you all.

Chuza.

Suke.

Now that we've done what we should...

I want you to go to the officials.

Report all that happened since last night.

Sukeyemon.

What's wrong?

I must stay with the others.

All that is left for us is...

to commit seppuku.

I wish to stay here with my comrades.

How we have succeeded with heaven's blessing.

No hurry in dying.

What are you...

We saw many hardships...

in order to show...

true samurai spirit.

It's easy to commit seppuku now.

After all, we've violated the law.

We must respect the law.

We must obey it as good citizens.

We should calmly wait for the law's judgment.

It is the only way left for us.

This way we can take our stand as samurai, I think.

I understand. I'm glad to do my job.

Ako vassals had been kept in the custody...

of the house of Lord Hosokawa and other daimyos.

And the judgment had not been made for some time.

After 50 days sentenced to seppuku.

Time: February 3, 1703.

Place: Lord Hosokawa's mansion

No, sire. I cannot do it.

I beg you to ask someone else.

You've been visiting the Atago shrine...

praying for the life of Ako men.

I know your feelings.

But the messenger will come any day.

I don't want to surprise them.

Ex cuse me. There are some flowers...

sent from Lady Asano...

for the former vassals.

Asking your permission to present them.

What shall we do?

Flowers from Lady Asano for Ako men?

She must have heard of the judgment.

She meant to bid farewell...

with the flowers.

It's such a tender thought of Lady Asano's.

Denyemon...

take those flowers to Oishi and others.

Under the circumstances...

they'll know what is coming...

when they see it.

I see.

How sweet of her.

Hurry, Denyemon.

From our Lady Asano?

How beautiful!

A farewell gift for us?

So that we could surmise a judgment on us.

In return for your kindness toward us until now...

we will entertain you.

Splendid idea.

I'll do my best.

I'll take the first show.

No, I'm the first. I will sing.

I'm afraid we would upset captious old men.

Never mind. Our last fuss.

Everyone...

to the thoughtfulness of our lady.

Let us bid farewell.

I mean, say thanks for the flowers.

We couldn't miss Mr. Hara's dance.

Mr. Hara!

Here I am!

Dance!

How skillful!

Play your flute, Juroza.

Oishi.

I want to express our gratitude...

for your kindness...

to your Lord since we came here.

How nice.

I have a favor to ask you.

Could I have some tea?

Certainly.

Someone prepare tea.

Now all seems...

to have been settled at last.

You've been very kind all the way.

I don't know what to say.

Please have some tea.

Thank you.

What I said was about this boy.

This son of mine.

Your kin?

Not my real son.

His f ather and I are friends since childhood.

His f ather is not very well off nowadays.

But he wishes his son to become a fine samurai...

and wants him to spend even a half day with you.

To teach him...

the way of samurai.

I pity him, so I am asking you a f avor.

Presuming he's my son.

I want you to let him serve you today.

Do you play samisen?

Your fingers show you do.

I learned a little while working to be a page.

I appreciate your kind care, but...

I don't think we can accept.

I don't know what is on your mind.

But you went too f ar.

Please, I apologize. She is a woman.

You are right.

But she was driven by the stress of circumstances.

So she disguised herself as a man...

and tried to serve you.

What a woman needs for...

I imagine there's someone she wants to be near.

I won't scold you. Say it.

Who is it?

It's Isogai.

Please let me.

It will be the last.

I mean the nightingale.

Nightingale?

If you care for the girl so much...

send her a letter.

Too late if you've gone to the grave.

I dare not.

I used her to approach the enemy.

She's nothing now.

Think of a girl's heart whom you once promised to marry.

Please stop despising me.

A stubborn youth.

The messenger was sent.

When was it?

Sometime last July.

He was on a mission of investigation...

which I learned later.

I remember he wrote to me In Kyoto about that time.

He said being single was...

disadvantageous and was looking for someone.

He said to become a respectable samurai.

He was looking for a good relation.

He was sincere in proposing to marry her.

That was how he asked her father for her.

My friend loved the man deeply, too.

Son-in-law to be proud of.

Money he had been saving...

and even sold his armor...

he loved so much.

He spent them all to prepare for the wedding.

He engaged the best houseboat on the river...

and held a big feast on it.

But no sign of the groom...

on the very day of the wedding.

He was not at home, either.

Completely missing.

The old man was so straight-minded and raged...

in so much disappointment.

He heard about the men who raided Kira last December...

and he found Isogai's name.

He cried and cried...

that it was his son-in-law to be.

I couldn't stand watching my father that way.

So I came here disguised like this.

Please permit me to see him.

Please do not...

overestimate us.

People are calling us nowadays...

as if we were the incomparable loyal samurai.

Out of the sentimentalism of a young girl...

forgetting the past...

isn't that the way you are now?

It's a fickle feeling of yours.

He is the man who betrayed you.

The man who put you to shame.

You should resent him for the rest of your life.

You don't know a woman.

It's a cruel thing to say.

I just want to know one thing as a woman...

and as a human being.

His real heart.

Was I only a tool of his plan?

Did he not love me at all?

Or did he do it for his mission?

That's the only thing I want to know.

Omino...

do me a favor.

I'm sorry, but will you sacrifice yourself?

For the sake of my men.

Isogai is prepared...

and nothing will confuse him now.

But he is young.

If he met you and heard your words...

he might f ail at the most important moment.

It's not so hard for a man to rise for justice...

but keeping it up is...

much harder than one would think.

I don't want him upset at this last moment.

You're young, and you've everything before you.

Forget him and live a happy life.

Bear the bitterness you felt...

on the wedding day.

Please despise Isogai to the end.

Look down on him.

Is samurai honor so important?

You only think about his honor.

What about my lasting humiliation?

Must I live with the doubt...

that he may not have loved me?

Horiuchi...

Otomeda's daughter.

I'll explain later. Something?

Omino, I can't accept it.

Isogai is to blame for fooling you.

But there are times one is forced to.

As you have come here dressed as a man.

It may have been...

your inevitable ruse.

I suggest that you leave the matter as it is.

You'd better go.

Tell me.

You can torture people for a shift?

I feel so sad.

A lie isn't a lie if turned to the truth in the end.

My lie, to fool people in a man's disguise...

will turn to the truth if I see him.

I can change his lie into the truth, too.

Change his lie into the truth?

Please let me see Isogai.

The messenger has already left the castle.

Please be ready.

Will you please tell Isogai to come here?

Yes.

Isogai's here.

Come in.

I'd rather stay here.

Juroza!

Do you know the daughter of Otomeda?

I haven't the slightest idea.

Juroza!

The messenger is sent from the castle.

Not that. I'm asking you about Omino.

I don't know her.

They're waiting for you.

It is time now we should get ready.

Wait.

The messenger...

Don't be confused.

Take out the paper you keep in your bosom.

You must have a plectrum...

that you treasure there.

I'd like to see the crest on it.

The reason I sent you down from upstairs...

was because of the plectrum.

You are young and hungry for affection.

I've no intention of reproaching you for that.

But we have an important thing to do.

If it made you...

waver in your resolution when you looked at it.

That was why I did it for your sake.

Take it out. I want to see it.

Please spare him now. I beg you.

He kept it close to his body;

even until now. I feel so happy knowing it.

No need to ask him more than that.

You tell me not to ask?

Will you let him off without asking?

It's I who have to beg you.

Juroza!

Tell your f ather I'm his son-in-law.

Just tell him so.

I'll bid f arewell, Omino.

Lord Asano in charge of ceremony...

resorted to an outrageous deed and was punished.

No steps were taken on Lord Kira.

Claiming the revenge for their Lord, 47 men...

headed by Oishi...

banded together and raided Kira's residence.

Their act was insolent defiance of the shogunate.

So they are sentenced to seppuku.

No matter how heavy...

the punishment may be, we deserve it.

Be it decapitation or death by hanging.

We are grateful we are ordered to seppuku.

Hear this unofficial message.

Kira's son has been deprived of his fief.

House abolished.

And he is to be confined to the house of Suwo.

For your information.

Everyone...

my Lord wishes to express his regret.

That it has come to this...

despite his efforts.

His regret is deep.

Since matters have come to pass...

I'll give you my Lord's message:

To quietly prepare yourselves as brave men.

Did you hear, men?

You've taken every possible care since we came.

We all are deeply grateful.

Please give our regards to Lord Hosokawa.

Here's something my Lord offers you.

Please take your time in preparation.

I cannot find a word...

to express our gratitude.

Chamberlain... and all you honorable men.

Omino, why did you do this?

As I told you a while ago...

I have made it the truth.

The lie for convenience's sake.

What?

The house that drove my f ather out.

The reason I came here in a man's disguise was that...

I intended to the end...

to show the truth this way.

Omino!

Juroza!

Too hasty.

As we told our Lord what happened today...

he was moved.

His anger toward your f ather has abated.

He even ordered to make him a vassal again.

I'll call a doctor.

No, no. Thank you, but no.

Then the lie will remain a lie.

If my f ather heard of my death, he'd die too.

Only by ending our family...

we can carry out the chamberlain's request.

For the sake of loyal samurai...

we would gladly sacrifice ourselves.

Please abolish the family of Otomeda.

I beg you to.

Omino!

Please commit seppuku with composure.

I will follow you soon.

It's time, Isogai. Don't delay.

After you.

You go first.

I have my responsibility until the last moment...

in making certain that all keep in step.

Gengoyemon kataoka has committed seppuku.

Junai Onodera is next.

Jurozayemon Isogai has committed seppuku.

Chuzayemon Yoshida has committed seppuku.

Moriguchi.

It seems that they all died...

without being disgraceful.

We've carried out our intention.

Next...

Kuranosuke Oishi.

My turn. Excuse me.

THE END