Original subtitles

You look unhappy.

- That's him. - No!

He is.

Shut up!

We're here for fun.

- Don't fight. - We're friends.

We aren't.

Hold on.

Another drink?

Thanks.

The same?

Yes.

I love you, Kasumi!

Me too!

Stay away from Mama-san.

What?

I'm serious but you're not!

Oh, yeah?

Don't look at me like that!

How dare you!

Knock it off, you two!

Act your age!

You're too old for this. Here!

Wipe yourselves!

You, idiot...

- Clean up! - Go away!

Sorry.

The boys won't leave me alone.

I'll have this.

Drink your own!

Are you meeting someone?

You look like you are.

Hello, I'm Dick Minenkov.

Great timing!

Sing us a happy song.

Sing me an Arashi song.

I don't do boy groups.

She's mean.

That's her charm.

Any requests?

Unlucky Woman's Blues.

You got the blues, Lady?

Why am I the one who has to kill?

Because no man responds to my love

Why do I feel that I'm the one being blamed

Couldn't I be a fallen angel?

It's their fault The men's fault

I can't be blamed for my bad luck with men

Wait! The toilet is that way.

Hey!

She's gone.

She'll be back for her stuff.

You're right.

Do you feel sick, Marunishi?

- Go home. - You sleeping?

I'll stay.

You're banned from my bar!

Stay away!

But there's a drunk woman lying out there.

Watch your step.

Alright.

This is steep!

I touched her tit when we carried her.

Thanks, boys.

You live here?

Home's where the heart is.

Why not sleep over?

Knock it off! Go downstairs!

Don't eat my tangerine. Move it!

I'm going home.

I won't.

Hi, Honey.

Were you drinking?

The Bar Owners' Guild like a drink!

How was the trip?

They were all so good to me.

They made me self-conscious.

Maybe you should have gone instead of me.

I bought you these.

Why don't we close up? Turn off the sign.

"Redemption Bar"

Unlucky Woman's Blues

Gunji...

Gunji.

Make love to me.

There's a guest in the next room.

My scar's itchy...

It's unbearable.

Come on.

Please.

Lick it.

Gunji.

Lick it more.

Toko, it's you!

I woke up and found myself here...

I hadn't had alcohol for so long

it went to my head...

Sorry.

It's OK...

You got out?

Yes, yesterday.

I see.

You look older.

Did you come here looking for me?

Yes, I heard a rumor.

What do you want?

Nothing...

To see how you were.

Did you see enough?

What now?

I'll go to my parents for now.

Then do that.

I'm going.

And stay away.

Are you leaving?

How about breakfast? I bought food.

Thanks for taking care of me.

It's nothing.

So long.

Hey!

I know you!

Sorry?

We met at the bar last night!

Oh.

My name is Yamashina.

Good to see you.

Get off me!

Hey! Got a minute?

No, I'm busy.

It's too early to make out!

Did you know that woman, Gunji?

Why do you think so?

Just a hunch.

A hunch...

You're right.

I knew it.

Can you open this for me?

Please.

Want to know how I know her?

Well...no.

Let's leave our pasts behind.

Can I help you?

Well, you see...

I live that way, too.

Go ahead.

Thank you.

Bon appetit.

Hey!

I just remembered I didn't pay at the bar.

You can pay her next time.

Can you pay her for me?

Is this enough?

I might take the money.

I have to go home.

Where to?

Yamanashi.

I'm Yamashina.

That's so funny!

OK, OK, I know what to do.

This is more than enough. How about a drink?

I can't go home drunk.

Just one then!

You'll sober up on the way.

Just one!

Let's go!

This isn't a bar!

Never mind.

In that case...

Whoa, hold on.

Here we are!

Go in.

Where's my drink?

I'm out.

Move.

I won't.

You...

I beg you!

Just once.

Let's have sex one time.

It's OK, right?

Take this off.

Hands up!

Hands up! That's good.

Go ahead.

Brrrr, it's cold.

It's freezing!

Hey!

Didn't you sleep?

I'm an insomniac.

Empty, isn't it?

What work do you do?

I transport money.

From the horse races to the slot machines.

And vice versa.

How about you, Toko?

It's not important.

If you're not in a hurry we can go for a drink.

I'm going home.

Who gave you that?

This? My beau.

- You have a beau? - For some time.

Oh, no... What about me?

I'll think about it.

- Hello. - Hi, again.

This is for last night

and tonight.

Thanks for last night.

Don't mention it.

Gunji wants to talk to you. He's outside.

OK.

So she knows your man.

Looks that way.

Aren't you worried?

What do you mean?

Nothing.

I thought you'd gone home.

I will.

You're drinking the moment you get out.

Serving time in jail doesn't mean it's over.

Manami wouldn't be happy to see you like this.

You can talk.

Why?

Because...

It's not all my fault.

If you have so much time, go see her parents.

And apologize.

They told me not to go near them after I got out.

That's what they said.

You could at least go to her grave.

How about you, did you go to her grave?

Yes.

Liar!

Let's not do this.

What did you tell your woman about me?

About you?

I just told her that I knew you.

You did...

Toko!

There you are!

Let's go to another bar.

Come on.

...leave it to me.

There you are. Did Yamashina find you?

They went off somewhere.

Right.

Hi, there.

Hey.

Shizuku says she'll tend the bar if we open on Sunday.

Is that OK?

Please let me.

It's not for me to decide.

He means yes.

Did you leave your husband for an old lover in Tokyo?

That sounds OK.

I don't get it. What do women see in that guy?

How long has he been around?

Mama-san met him in the year of the earthquake, at the shrine.

On the day of the Rooster.

Oh...

Lucky these bars weren't open when the earthquake struck.

3 Rooster days in November means fire...

Oh my God! Put that out!

If we had a fire the whole neighborhood would go!

The Golden Gai back alleys on fire!

We don't want that.

Smoking should be prohibited in bars.

You're smoking now!

Whoops, I have to open my bar.

- Come over, OK? - Will do.

See you at my bar, Professor.

I'll be there.

Bye.

300 bars on 1 and a half acres of land.

The Golden Gai is cluttered and chaotic.

Some say it's like the black market alleys after the war

but that's an illusion.

It's not like skid rows in other big cities.

With no underworld presence.

Women and children walk around here safely at night.

Young men won't be tempted by seductresses of the night.

If you don't know this area's reputation it looks clean.

No trash or hookers in the alleys.

The neon lights just add color to the night.

It has class unlike other drinking districts.

You wrote that?

Certainly not.

Akiyoshi Nosaka wrote it.

"The golden days of Golden Gai have passed."

"The party is over and we're sober."

"I want to see the 1.5 acres vacated"

"and all the bars demolished."

"And when they dig a hole for a high rise's foundations"

"I want to look into the gaping hole."

Leaving?

- To another bar? - No, home.

I doubt it.

Thanks for coming.

See you!

Closing up already?

Isn't it too early?

What's going on?

You're drunk.

Do you know my full name?

It's Wataru Gunji.

What's wrong?

Hey, that hurts.

Easy.

Not in the bar...

Let's do this upstairs later.

Gunji?

Not here...!

Gunji.

Gunji?

Really?

Gunji.

Oh, Gunji...!

What a big eater!

Only 2 bowls!

2 is enough!

I'm still growing.

Yes...?

If I'm wrong, I'm sorry...

Really sorry.

I like to go to courtrooms and sit in the gallery.

A while ago... I guess it was years ago.

There was a female defendant

who meant to stab her cheating lover

but accidentally killed the woman he was with.

Her attorney claimed that it was unintentional.

That she'd gone there to scare them.

You look like her.

I'm not her.

There. I'm so sorry.

I saw her man testify for both the defense and prosecution.

It broke my heart...

Can I go to the toilet?

Go ahead!

What were you whispering about, Professor?

We're going to Kakiko's bar. You coming?

Until death do us part.

Let's go.

Kakiko's asleep!

Since when?

Wake up!

Leave her. Let's go to Tsuyako's bar instead.

OK!

She'll still be open.

She's the third hostess to leave this month!

Not that I don't feel happy for them.

It's a chain reaction.

I wonder who the next lucky girl will be.

Me, me!

What!

I'm going to accept a proposal.

- Who is he? - A regular.

The geek?

He's nice! And he's loaded.

Good heavens.

What will you do with this old man?

He wants to leave his wife for me but no thanks!

Let me know when the wedding is.

Okay.

You didn't ask about my plans!

You said you'd never marry.

I would if I had the chance!

I want babies too!

You're greedy.

I might get lucky too.

I don't think so!

Now who's greedy?

You're being mean!

I'm so cold.

You have a cold?

That woman's still hanging around.

I saw her with Yamashina.

Those two...

Gunji.

Who is she?

Why ask now?

Is she your ex-wife?

I didn't want to marry.

I'm sure she did.

Oh, did she?

Can I kiss your scar?

No, it's not itchy.

Just kiss it.

I'm a little scared of her...

She looks like the woman who stabbed me.

What?

Isn't it an appendix scar?

I never said that.

The appendix is on this side.

It's different.

You knew that.

At least you survived.

So her name is Toko?

Right.

Is it good?

You're a beautician?

I...

killed someone.

I meant to kill my boyfriend for cheating on me.

But I killed her.

I learned hairdressing during my 5 years in prison.

Now I'm qualified.

I see.

Back in the 80s

there was a fire in the Golden Gai.

I started it.

Since then I hang around the Golden Gai, like I'm possessed.

I'm afraid that someone will find out.

Sometimes I want to tell them that it was me.

Resisting the urge gives me an adrenalin rush.

Let's burn it down.

What?

The Golden Gai.

Great.

We'll do it.

Kasumi!

Groceries?

- I'll carry them. - But you're working.

I'm done today.

Thank you.

I've never seen you sober.

Am I different?

A handsome businessman!

I don't have to be drunk to say

that I love you.

I'm sorry.

Don't apologize.

And?

I know you love me now.

Then what?

What do you want with me?

I want to take you away.

Go ahead.

Did I sleep...?

Toko?

No...

She didn't!

This is a sleepy neighborhood.

Home is where the heart is.

Excuse me.

Is it him?

It's OK. Keep this for me.

Go home!

I can't...

Why not?

I don't know!

There you are. Come for a drink.

This is my home.

You mean, you own this?

Yes.

You live alone?

Of course.

Wow, it's so spacious!

You must be up to something illegal

to get a house like this!

No way!

Can I look around?

Gorgeous kitchen.

Thanks.

What a big bath!

And the closet...

I wish I had a place like this...

- You like it? - Yes!

What's that?

The bedroom.

Big bed!

It's so soft!

You sleep alone?

Of course.

Hold on, I want a shower.

Why are you two together?

He followed me here.

I just wanted to drink here.

A bar fight! Cool!

- Where's my shochu ? - You finished it.

You'll pay, too!

How boring!

That's your scar.

The stab wound.

Who told you that?

You did.

Did I?

You took a woman's man and she stabbed you.

But you two didn't last.

He left you when you started the bar

so you named it, Redemption Bar.

That's right.

Maybe Kasumi has run off with a man.

- Why do you say that? - It's just an idea.

Idiot.

You deserve it.

But it is worrying.

If she was abducted she might be dead already.

She's just at a bar. She wouldn't give up her bar.

It's all she's got.

Don't be so sure.

You'd be in a fix if she left you, pimp!

It's a scary prospect.

You son-of-a-bitch...!

Hey, how about Toko?

What?

- She told me. - What?

About her past. You know what I mean.

She told you...?

You're behind it, aren't you?

Who is Toko?

You know nothing!

Don't run away.

Us losers need each other.

I'm going to another bar.

I'm hungry.

That's not it!

I can do it!

Wait.

- You sure? - Yes!

- Hello! - Are you still open?

Yes.

I'm hungry. Can you fix me something?

How about fried rice?

I ate fried rice for lunch...

Try her fried noodles. They're great!

It's actually pasta.

Oh, pardon me.

Want some?

Yes, please.

We haven't met before... You live around here?

I'm visiting a friend. This town is new to me.

We have two new customers tonight!

How unusual.

Yes, I got it working!

Here's your song. Go for it!

Why am I the one who has to kill?

Because no man responds to my love

Why do I feel that I'm the one being blamed

Couldn't I be a fallen angel?

It's their fault The men's fault

I can't be blamed for my bad luck with men

Guild Leader, Sir! Give me one more.

Me too.

You've had enough.

I can handle it!

And me!

You'd better not.

You owe your life to her, you know.

Don't you lecture me.

If anybody should go, it should be you and Toko.

Fuck you.

Stop living off Kasumi.

You understand nothing!

Oh, yeah?

That's it.

He's not giving you any more drinks after this.

She's right.

OK!

What a coincidence! Why are you here?

No reason...

Sorry! I overcooked it so it's mushy.

I thought it was your specialty...

I have instant noodles.

It's OK, just give me some nuts.

I'll have that.

- Thank you. - No problem.

You saved me.

Peyang is best overcooked.

It's pasta, not Peyang.

P...p... It's Peyang!

This is great.

That stingy asshole!

Are you OK?

I don't live off Kasumi by choice!

Hey.

I'll show you what I'm capable of.

Follow me.

Oh, I feel good!

What's that for?

Keep watching.

Hey, stop it!

Oh, come on!

Don't just sit there!

I'm watching!

You have to stop him!

Why don't you knock it off?

- Do inside too. - Thanks.

The other bars will catch on fire!

They won't.

You can have anything if you stop!

I want you.

Okay so stop!

Come inside.

Mind if I sit here?

So you're Toko?

Gunji told me.

My name is Kasumi Mizusawa.

Toko.

I want you to give up Gunji.

Please.

Once...

someone asked me the same thing.

And I...

I ended up killing her.

I'm sobering up.

- I'm going. - OK.

My niece died 7 years ago.

Oh...

It was 7 years ago today.

How old was she?

She was 29.

So young. Was she sick?

No. She was killed.

Oh, God!

She was stabbed by her lover's ex.

Oh, no!

See you.

- Take care. - Wait.

What?

Is this because I helped with karaoke?

See you.

Is it really OK?

Gunji, you're the best!

To the next bar!

Go home!

No way!

Which way is it?

I'm totally lost.

If she hadn't died, Gunji and I wouldn't have met.

So they keep the urn in here?

I think so.

What are you doing? You can't move that.

Help! Gunji's women have to stick together.

Impossible.

Please! This is so heavy...

One, two!

One, two!

I finally made it back!

I thought you'd gone home.

I guess I should.

I woke up and you weren't there.

I was convinced that I'd dreamt it all.

It was a dream come true.

I'm sorry.

Just once, OK?

I got it.

I'm cold!

Brrr, it's cold...

Shizuku.

Who's that?

I have to go!

Lucky!

Shizuku!

Thanks for having me.

I tried to set the bar on fire last night.

But I didn't ignite it.

You did?

Do you like it?

This?

I love it.

Good.

You smell kerosene?

Thanks to Yamashina.

Is she here?

She came back but then she got angry and left.

She'd be at a bar.

Oh.

You leaving?

Yes.

What's this?

It's a bone.

Whose bone...?

Is it hers?

Yes.

Keep it.

What have you done?

This is not funny!

Goodbye.

Toko!

I'll walk you.

Don't.

I'm going home.

Take care.

I stabbed you...

I'm sorry.

Why am I the one who has to kill?

Because no man responds to my love

Why do I feel that I'm the one being blamed

Couldn't I be a fallen angel?

It's their fault The men's fault

I can't be blamed for my bad luck with men

"Shinjuku Golden Gai"

The movie is dedicated to Kamo-san

Directed by Shinji Imaoka