All language subtitles for Chieko-sho.AKA.Portrait.of.Chieko.1967.1080p.HDTV.AAC.2.0.x264-SaL

A SHOCHIKU PRESENTATION

Chieko says there's no sky in Tokyo

She says she wants to see a true sky

Chieko says looking far into the distance

Over the mountain of Adatara

The blue sky appearing every day

Is a true sky for her

PORTRAIT OF CHIEKO

Produced by:
Masao Shirai

Based on the novel by Haruo Sato
Poems by: Kotaro Takamura

Screenplay:
Joe Hirose, Noboru Nakamura

Cinematography:
Hiroshi Takemura

Art Direction: Tatsuo Hamada
Music: Masaru Sato

Lighting: Hiroshi Iijima
Editing: Keiichi Uraoka

Audio: Toshio Tanaka

CAST

Shima Iwashita

Yoko Minamida
Eiji Okada, Mikijiro Hira

Kaori Shima
Takamaru Sasaki

Tetsuo Ishidate, Kinuko Obata
Yoshi Kato

Ayako Hosho, Nobuko Tashiro
Kakuko Motoyama, Nobuo Kaneko

Taketoshi Naito
Minori Terada

Hirayoshi Aaono, Jiichi Kitami
Tadashi Okuno, Shinji Tanaka

Nobuo Takagi, Yoji Doki
Shigehisa Furuta, Naoki Izumi

Jin Nakayama

Poems read by:
Hiroshi Akutagawa

Tetsuro Tamba

Directed by:
Noboru Nakamura

44th year of Meiji Era (1911)

♪ Without hesitation, the clouds part

♪ Abandon the home when
the divine fire descends

♪ Leaving behind your
wife and children...

Hey! Osato, are you there?

- Hey, do you know where Osato is?
- Yes, she'll join you soon.

Hey, Takamura, come here.
I have something to show you.

This is it.

It's Nishido's nude painting that
almost got trampled by the authorities.

Honda and I managed to
get it back safely

before they could come up
with an arrest warrant

for display of obscene materials.

After 40 years since
the Meiji era,

we can finally say that the Pan Society,
have produced a masterpiece.

You call this a masterpiece?

While I'm glad it didn't fall
into their hands,

I also wonder if we're drinking here every
night just to cultivate these kind of works?

- What are you trying to say?
- This is nothing more than a sketch.

If this is the result, I'd rather
use a photo machine.

I'm more interested in
who this model is.

- I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
- Excuse me now, gentlemen.

I also had the opportunity
of seeing that painting.

But I couldn't bear looking at it.

There shouldn't be any art that
makes you want to avert your eyes.

- It's nothing but an erotic painting.
- Please, come in.

How can you call something "new art"
without even discerning that?

- I'm dumbstruck by the Pan Society.
- Oh my!

Today, you seem to be in
a bad mood again.

Welcome!

Osato.

- You don't look so pretty today.
- Ah, is that so?

You're not pretty at all,
completely lacking in beauty...

I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
Have a drink.

Isn't it infuriating when
someone who is beautiful

doesn't take care of
their appearance?

Osato, go ahead and have a drink.
Drink more and more.

You become more beautiful
with each drink.

That's the kind of person you are.
Have another drink, here.

Mr. Takamura, Mr. Tsubaki
would like to see you.

Mr. Tsubaki?

"Ah, I ought to run somewhere."

"But I have nowhere to run to."

"Ah, guide me to the path
I ought to run on."

Oh, Mr. Tsubaki...

As I expected, you're here. How can you
go on like this, night after night?

I can't help but think you're forcibly
getting drunk every night.

- You know what's happening tomorrow, right?
- Tomorrow? Come again?

Ah, I'm glad I came here...

Tomorrow, November 3rd,
my wife will be meeting you.

That's right. To introduce Miss
Naganuma, if I recall correctly?

- Naganuma...
- Chieko Naganuma.

Miss Chieko...

Isn't she the talented woman who
drew the cover of "Bluestocking"?

I must admit, feminists are
not my type, though.

Takamura, this is for
your own sake.

Both me and my wife are concerned
about you lately, you know?

I'm sorry to worry you, senior.

My wife will meet you in the morning,
so make sure you are at home.

Understood?

- Oh, I'm sorry for this intrusion.
- Welcome.

- Are we not disturbing your work?
- Not really.

Please, come in.

Please, take a seat.

Let me make the introductions.

- This is Chieko Naganuma.
- I'm Chieko.

- And this is Kotaro Takamura.
- I'm Kotaro.

Uhm, can you please give him this?

Oh, please offer it to him yourself.

Oh, thank you very much.

Ah, they're beautiful.
Please, have a seat.

That's the chair my models use, but it's
more comfortable. Have a seat.

If you don't mind...

Today, I am extremely pleased to have the
opportunity to introduce the two of you

as it happens to be the
Emperor's Birthday,

and the weather is also favorable.

After graduating from
Mejiro Women's University,

Chieko is currently studying painting
at the Pacific Art Academy.

She is very fond of sport.
Horseback riding, cycling, tennis...

Well, let's skip the formalities today.

I would like to observe Miss Chieko as she is,
and I hope she can see the real me, too.

Oh, I understand.

I guess that's the kind
of person you are...

Let me get you some tea.

We can give you a hand.

I'm fine, thank you. I'm used to it.
You don't have to worry.

I take care of the household chores
myself for the most part.

I even chop daikon radishes
and make miso soup.

And, when I have free time,
I can even cook tempura.

When I get carried away
and make too much,

I take it over to my parents'
house and give it to them.

My father has never praised
the tempura I make.

However, he always eats
everything without fail.

Ah, Miss Chieko, do you like lemons?

Lemons are actually
Chieko's favorites.

That's good to know.

Chieko actually loves biting into round
lemons, savoring their crispness.

Is that so?

Lemons have a somewhat
melancholic taste, don't they?

When I was studying abroad in France,

tears uncontrollably streamed down
my face after taking a bite of it.

It reminded me of my mother.

It has been two years since
I returned from there,

and as you have probably
heard from Mrs. Kazuko,

my recent state has
been quite turbulent.

As it turns out, the Pan Society

is ultimately nothing more than
a gathering for personal venting.

In other words, I desire the
creation of a new art

that is befitting of the new era,
but its direction remains uncertain.

It fills me with anger
and impatience...

Mr. Takamura, today...

Oh, you're right, not today...
Please, go ahead.

Chieko, wouldn't you like
to talk a little as well?

Mr. Takamura said

that he wants to hear about you
directly from your own mouth.

I will speak to him directly
at some point, for sure.

- Oh...
- Ah, I'm sorry.

You've been visiting
Kotaro lately, right?

Yes, since Mr. Kotaro's atelier
doesn't have any decorations,

- I've brought this...
- I see.

Excuse me.

I haven't finished drawing it yet...

- You like Cézanne, don't you?
- Yes.

Do you intend to seriously
pursue drawing?

Yes, if possible.

I think the drawing is well made.

It's your own creation, no doubt.

However, the colors
seem to be overflowing.

That's a common weakness among
those attracted to Cézanne.

And that seems to be the case
for your painting as well.

Mr. Kotaro, Mr. Ishii is on the phone.

Oh... it's an invitation from those
Pan folks to their silly commotion.

I'm sorry, but please say that
I'm not here and decline it.

- You're having an important guest.
- Exactly.

Since my only disciple is here today,
I had no choice but to tell a lie.

You have the potential to
become a real artist.

It's not common to find women who
can look at this kind of painting

without a trace of shame.

My apologies, I think I said
something unnecessary.

Chie!
Chieko! Chieko!

- Are you okay?
- I...

What happened to that man?

He jumped out of a third-floor window.
He died instantly.

So, he committed double suicide
due to that painting,

or maybe it was out of jealousy
of its excessive beauty?

It felt like a sudden storm, right?

That was scary,

but I wish I could become at least
that passionate about beauty.

What happened afterwards to those two?
Has Mr. Kotaro said anything?

He didn't say anything else,

but they have become a topic
among our comrades.

It seems that they
often appear together

at places like exhibitions
or restaurants around Ueno.

I see.

Moreover, it seems that Takamura

has completely stopped showing
up at the Pan Society lately.

Ishii was lamenting about it...

Apparently, Chieko occasionally
goes to Mr. Kotaro's studio,

and what's interesting is that they are
acting like teacher and disciple.

Whenever they talk, it's always
about painting and sculpture.

Takamura is not easily distracted
from what he loves.

The People's Newspaper: "Once again,
the Emperor's condition is critical".

It's been almost a year since
I first visited your atelier.

I wonder what do you
think about me?

You always keep quiet about that.

I understand.
I get what you're saying.

However, to me right now, you are...

Please, wait a little longer.

Why do you want to leave home?
Please, tell me the reason.

I won't know if you stay silent!

Is it because you feel
awkward around me?

Or is there another reason?

I was going to build a new studio
for you in the vacant lot behind us.

You're no longer a child, be responsible
and settle down around here.

Avoid unnecessary rumors
being spread about you.

Father, I beg you.

I will pass the family inheritance to
my younger brother, and then...

You fool!

Brother!

I really don't have any filial piety.

My old man and mother

want me to marry someone from a
good family and take over this house.

However, I always end up destroying
each and every one of their expectations.

"No, no"!

"You must value stillness".

"Or else,
Be sure you're ready".

"For the ripples from that stone"

"Could overwhelm you,
drag you into their whirlpool."

"Slam into you a hundred thousand times".

"You are a woman".

"You'd have to draw on all your
strength to withstand this".

"Could you"?

This is a gentle advice filled with love...

Looks like Mr. Takamura is
in a difficult position.

I feel like I understand his feelings,

as it must be difficult for him
to speak openly to someone,

like his difficult father.

"You must value stillness".

"Or else,
Be sure you're ready".

- I'm prepared for it.
- I see.

I think you have come to
understand the life of an artist

through your association with him.

It's tough,
every day feels like a battle.

What Mr. Takamura is afraid of

is bringing someone as kind-hearted
as you into that kind of lifestyle...

I don't mind it.

I've already made up my mind.

I see.

- Where is Mr. Kotaro now?
- In Cape Inubo.

He's there in pursuit of inspiration
for his artwork.

You should go see him.

Go and give him the answer
to these verses yourself.

I will.

Master! Master Takamura!

You have a visitor!

I... I arrived.

Thank you for coming.
I'm so glad you came to see me.

Ah, I'm so relieved!

I was so worried that you
might get angry at me.

I'm not angry in the slightest.
I warmly welcome you.

If I were to get scolded
by you, I had planned

to dive into the ocean and
never resurface again.

- That man's name is Taro Inubo.
- Taro, the howling dog?

There's a reason why he's doing that.

Three years ago,
at the Autumn Festival,

a circus troupe girl came to town,
and he couldn't forget her.

He's been doing that ever since then.

Her name was Osome,
and she was a gentle dancer.

Weak-minded Taro became the
town procession flag bearer.

Everyone made fun of him,

but Osome always stood up for him.

As a result, he developed
strong feelings for Osome.

However, the circus troupe faced
financial difficulties,

and, one stormy night,
they secretly fled town.

In the morning, Taro ran around searching
for Osome, who had disappeared.

Unable to bear seeing Taro
crying and shouting loudly,

the townspeople comforted him by saying
that Osome had left on a horse,

and gone far away over the sea.

Taro believed this tale.

From that day on, he started to
resent the sea that took Osome away.

Hitting on empty cans was his
way of expressing anger.

Someday...

Someday, I'm sure Osome will
hear that sound and come back.

Ah, welcome back.

Could you please provide
one more room?

What? A separate one?

- Yes, please.
- Certainly, sir.

We'll have our meals together
in my room, though.

Yes, I understand, sir.

I hope you had a good dinner.

I've read your poem.

"Fear" by Kotaro Takamura

Is that so?

And that's why I came here.

I...

My father brought me here before,
when I was a child.

He used to take a chair out on the beach
and watch the sea all night long.

I was so scared of him.

- I wonder what that person does at night?
- Huh?

Taro, the howling dog.

Well, who knows?
He's probably sound asleep by now.

I'm sure that Osome will definitely
return to Taro, the howling dog.

No matter how far apart they are,

there's no way that intense heart
of his won't reach Osome.

Chieko...

Sir, your bath is ready.

All right.

Chieko?
Chieko, is that you?

You're Chieko, right?

You are mine,
I have you

In you there is a great world of love

When I'm separated from others

Thanks to you, I am able to
breathe the breath of life

You were born for me

You are mine,
I have you

I have you

4th year of Taisho Era (1915)

Excuse me.

- Excuse me!
- I'm coming.

Welcome.
Please, wait a moment.

Mr. Yamazaki has arrived.

Tell him to come another time.

Mr. Takamura, you're only causing me
trouble by saying such carefree things.

I have been instructed by the company
to make sure you finish in time

for the unveiling ceremony
next month.

I do recall that we made a promise to have
it completed within this month, right?

The 20th of next month commemorates
the company's 10th anniversary.

We absolutely cannot postpone it.

- Can I have a look?
- Sure.

I'm well aware that such a nouveau riche
entrepreneur's bust is not going to inspire

creative enthusiasm in
someone like you.

However, in order for a sculptor
to make a living,

it is necessary to take on such
jobs and earn money.

Otherwise, your wife will
be worried, right?

I've known your father for a long time,

so that's why I have asked
this favor of you.

- I know you have your own opinions...
- I get it, believe me, I do.

- If you do, then...
- I'll do it, I promise.

- What is that thing?
- It's a cicada.

- Who ordered it?
- No, it's not an order.

Isn't it unfair to work on something
other than our order...

I am really sorry, but I just...

In that case, you give me
no choice, Mr. Takamura.

I'll grant you a period of five
days prior to the ceremony.

- Make sure to have it done by then.
- I understand.

In return, I want to buy
this cicada piece.

Ah, that would be problematic!
Chieko has a soft spot for it.

That's the mother cicada,
and this one is her child.

If one of them is gone,
Chieko will be sad.

Please, leave it there.

It's incredible.

Indeed, this is a work that truly reflects
your fascination with Cézanne.

- I wonder if I have improved?
- Yes, it's a huge difference from before.

I feel like it has become more
authentic in a way.

What did Mr. Kotaro say about it?

- I still haven't shown him.
- Why not?

You even said you're getting married with
the intention of becoming his disciple.

I'm scared...

He sometimes says that married couples end
up holding the smoking pipe the same way.

It's fine if it's something like smoking
pipe-holding, but if it extends to their art,

it's better to quit before they
become too similar, he says.

So, that's why...

- Sorry to interrupt.
- Oh, thank you.

Mr. Kotaro, please take a look at this.

Oh...

That's good.
This will do!

Here it is, Chie.
This is your painting!

You've finally unearthed it, haven't you?
The treasure within you.

You didn't show this to
me for a long time,

because you were nurturing it with
utmost care and affection.

For me to achieve this, I have
caused you nothing but trouble...

Sometimes, I get so engrossed in things
that I forget about mealtime.

When that happens,
he does the cooking.

And that's the best case when
one of us realizes it and cooks.

Sometimes, we get so absorbed
in our work that we forget to eat.

Unable to bear it any longer,
we both stumble into the kitchen.

We meet in a dazed state
and burst into laughter.

My, my, you two just couldn't wait
to tell me that story, right?

Say, Mr. Kotaro.

What if you submit this to the upcoming
exhibition at the Ministry of Education?

- The exhibition?
- We should do it.

Don't hide her blossoming talent,
let's make the most of it.

Come on, let's show it to the world.

The birth of Japanese female
Cézanne, Chieko Takamura.

Yes, I agree that the
exhibition is a good idea.

Considering the uninformed judges
in the Fine Arts exhibition,

acceptance isn't guaranteed.

If you acknowledge it,
I'm sure it will be fine.

Let me handle the paperwork.

- Then, it's decided, Chieko.
- But...

Don't worry, have more
confidence in your own talent.

You're Mr. Takamura's
number one disciple.

Since you've been so dedicated,
would you like to give it a try?

Yes.

Chie... forgive me.

I'll be back soon,
so please wait a moment.

I'm going to my father's place.

No, you can't!
Please, don't go to your father's place.

I know how inferior you feel like
in front of your father.

Whether it's about art or about me, you've
been going against your father's wishes.

Chie...

I understand very well
that your father and mother

are not satisfied with me
as your wife, at all.

That's why we have to persevere together,
even if we have to bite the bullet.

Am I not right?

Please, forgive my lack of skill in managing
our finances while I focus on painting.

No...

If I take on every task and work diligently
to earn, everything will be fine.

I came here to be an artist's wife,
not to become a paint shop owner.

You know, dear, my oil paintings might
start selling more and more in the future.

Until then, let's be patient.

I'm going to buy this.

Take it and keep it. I'm not doing you
a favor, this wood carving is worth it.

During the winter, the kettle
should be whistling on the stove

to show that there's
people living here.

Chie!

Chie!
Here!

Here you have!

Here's more!
And more!

Please, let me know if you're tired.
I can take a break.

I'm still fine.

When even the money to
hire models vanishes,

they say that the poverty of a
painter becomes genuine.

I guess that turned out to be
true for us, didn't it?

You've been put through a series of
painful experiences from start to finish.

Mrs. Takamura!

Mrs. Chieko Takamura!
Telegram for you!

What does it say?

"Unfortunately, your work
did not pass the selection."

"Juror of the Fine Arts Exhibition,
Kobayashi."

Of course, this was the
expected outcome.

That's not necessarily the case!

The judging committee lacks
discerning individuals...

No one truly understands art there!

They're just talking nonsense,
those people!

Due to their influence, Japanese painting
will always remain stagnant.

I realized how green I was when
I submitted my work there.

It would have been sufficient for me
if only you had praised my painting.

- Please, proceed with your work...
- No, I can't agree with this!

They are unable to see the emergence
of a new talent with fresh eyes.

- This is harmful for Japanese painting.
- Don't mention it anymore!

Go on with your painting...

I'm sorry, I need to be alone!

Chie! Chie!

Good morning!

- Did you see Chieko pass by?
- No...

Chie!

What are you doing here?

I've given up on searching
for the true sky in Tokyo.

The sky?
But the sky is right there.

That's not the sky,
it's just an empty space.

Tokyo doesn't have it, you know?

The true sky where this cicada
can spread its wings and fly freely.

Where I was born,
there is the true sky.

It's situated on top of Mt. Adatara,
visible from Nihonmatsu.

Wider than the sea,
bluer than the sea,

and gentler than the sea...
That's the true sky.

- Thanks for coming from so far.
- It's nothing.

- Shall we go to my father's room first?
- Yes, we should go and greet him.

You see...

- Kenji is here right now.
- Ken?

- Ah, her younger brother, right?
- That's right.

He's a bit eccentric, you see?
He doesn't visit home often.

Well, follow me.

I won't allow it! Absolutely unforgivable!
Don't return to this house ever again!

Who would come back here?
There's no way I would!

It would be better if this
house just collapsed!

Ken...

Kenji!

- Father.
- Is that you, Chieko?

Kotaro is with me.
Do you mind if he sees you?

Of course not.
Well, make yourself at home.

You can come now.

I'm Kotaro, pleased to meet you.

I am Chieko's father.

I apologize to host you in such
a unslightly place.

After all, I have an uncontrollable
prodigal son...

Mr. Kotaro...

Please, keep taking care of Chieko.
I humbly ask for your kindness.

Of course.

My daughter is quite peculiar, you see.

Whenever she's in Tokyo,
her health deteriorates,

but, when she comes back
home, she gets better.

Sometimes, she has to return here
to breathe the rural air,

otherwise, her body cannot
endure it, you know.

However, I don't know how much
longer this house will stand.

It has changed completely
since the old days...

I have decided to quit painting.

I guess my talent wasn't
good enough, after all.

But it was something you've been
passionate about for a long time.

You used to say that painting was
your only source of fulfillment.

But is it fair to quit just because
you didn't pass the art exhibition?

And isn't that unfair to
Mr. Kotaro as well?

I'm quitting because I
feel sorry for him.

While I indulge in my hobby of painting,
I'm causing nothing but trouble for him.

Chieko, was painting just
a hobby for you?

I thought that wasn't the case.

But I'm going to quit, regardless.

I'm going to quit painting and
become a good wife.

The daughter of Naganuma saké brewery,
the finest in town, will make the best wife.

Just like my mother, right?

Will you truly be content
with that decision?

You're not going to regret it, are you?

Tomorrow, I will show Kotaro my sky.

The sky above Mt. Adatara,
my real sky.

That's Mount Adatara over there,
And there's the shining River Abukuma

This is where you were born

Those small dots are the white walls
of your family's saké storehouse

So, with our legs stretched out

Let's breathe in the scent of these trees
under the big sky of the north country

Let's soak up this atmosphere

As supple and lively, cool
and delectable as you are

That's Mount Adatara over there

And there's the shining River Abukuma

Hello, uncle!

Ah, Fumi, it's good to see you.
Come on in.

Yes!

You've grown quite a lot, Fumi.

I'll be graduating in March!

I heard you're planning
to become a nurse?

Yes, I passed the exam, so I
came today to pay my respects.

I see, congratulations.

I know it's nothing special, but here's some
dried persimmons from Nihonmatsu.

Thank you very much.
Please, have a seat.

And where's auntie?

Chie, Fumi is here!

- Chie!
- I'll see her myself.

- Auntie?
- Oh, it's you, Fumiko.

Auntie, you're really
skilled at weaving.

What happened to your
oil painting, auntie?

Well, more importantly, Fumiko,

do you still hesitate between
becoming a nurse or a pianist,

like you did during the summer?

- I passed the nursing exam.
- Those are great news!

But, even now, I still have the
desire to become a pianist.

I envy the way you can continue studying
oil painting even after becoming a wife.

After painting for so long,

I realized that I had forgotten
something very important.

What is it?
What's so important?

It's not easy to explain, but it's about
the various aspects of being a woman.

Someone already as
feminine as you?

No, no...
That's why I intend to regain it back.

And first, as an atonement...

Look, I'm weaving this
kimono for your uncle.

This pattern is called "daimyo stripe", it's
the simplest weave among all the textiles.

I see.

I learned to weave by watching my
grandmother when I was little.

Grandma used to say,
"I'll make grandpa wear this".

She looked the happiest
when she was weaving.

I completely forgot about
this kind of joy.

Devastating fire outbreak
in Nihonmatsu

The entire city was nearly consumed by fire,
resulting in numerous casualties.

Hello? Hello?

Oh, is that you, Chieko?
It's your mother.

There was a fire...
Your father... your father...

What happened to father?

While he was asleep, your father...

Your father was engulfed in flames...
Engulfed in flames...

He passed away.
Your father's dead...

What's wrong?

Hello? Hello?

7th year of the Showa Era (1932)

- Here's the mail.
- Thank you.

"Chieko, could you please watch
the house together with Fumiko?"

"It's been ten days since I've been away,
but nothing unusual has happened, right?"

"You haven't caught a cold
or anything, right?"

"I will finish my work in
about three more days,"

"so please bear with it
a little longer."

"Fumiko, have you been learning
weaving from Chieko?"

"Chieko has become quite lonely lately,
so please be her conversation partner,"

"and talk about anything with her."

Auntie! Uncle sent a postcard!

Auntie is such a sleepyhead.

Auntie, you have a postcard.

Auntie?

Please, let her sleep like
this for a while.

- There's no need to worry.
- All right...

I'll leave the rest to you, then.

Chie! Chie!

- Chie!
- Uncle, silence...

Chie... Chie!

Let her rest a little longer, please.

- Will she be okay?
- Yes.

Thanks to the prompt care, her
consciousness is soon recovering,

and, by the evening, she had regained
a significant amount of energy.

Fumi, do you have any idea
what happened?

I don't know...

Yesterday, after a long time, auntie
said that she wanted to draw a picture,

so she went to Ginza and
brought back some fruits.

Draw a picture?

Uncle, auntie just...

- Chie, it's me.
- Welcome back.

I'm glad, Chie.
Fortunately, nothing happened.

I'm sorry to have worried you.

That's okay.
I'm glad it was nothing.

I really gave a hard time to Fumiko.

Fumiko even arranged
those flowers for me.

They're beautiful, aren't they?

Oh, I have to continue my weaving...

Auntie, you mustn't get up yet!

It's all right.

Chie, you mustn't push
yourself too hard.

I promised that I would finish
weaving this before you're back.

Chie!

I'm not sick.

Uncle...

- Uncle, you're probably not aware of it.
- Of what?

I heard that auntie's
family went bankrupt.

Huh?

I found out when I received
a letter from a friend back home.

That after my grandfather
passed away in the fire,

they discovered he was
buried in debts,

and that the mountains and fields
were all handed over to other people.

"The Naganuma Sake Brewery, which boasts
a 200-year tradition, finally goes bankrupt."

That was the big headline in the
Fukushima newspapers, apparently.

Auntie didn't say a thing to anyone.
She suffered silently, all by herself.

She remained silent
towards you as well...

In retrospect, that matter must
have weighed on auntie's heart...

Auntie no longer has a
home to return to...

Are you alone? What's up?

- Ah, give me some saké, too.
- Right.

What seems to be the matter?

You're a strange guy. If you don't speak up,
I won't know what happened.

- Why do women commit suicide?
- Huh?

Why would a woman want
to take her own life?

What are you on about?

It doesn't matter, just answer.
Why do women commit suicide?

It's a complicated matter.
Unfortunately, I am a man,

and, also, I have never experienced
thoughts of wanting to die.

However, there's a woman
who attempted suicide...

Why did she do it?

Are you talking about Chieko?
Did Chieko commit suicide?

Why did she do it?

Chieko has changed me.

She changed that irresponsible youth
of mine that I had with you guys.

And I was always grateful for that.

However, one day, Chieko
suddenly tried to commit suicide.

When I saw Chieko's sleeping face after
she failed to kill herself, it struck me.

I wondered if it was me, this time,
who completely changed Chieko.

Maybe I've turned her into a
woman who attempts suicide

for no apparent reason.

You're overthinking.

Maybe Chieko just had a seizure,
a kind of menopausal fit.

Everyone will try to comfort
me by saying that.

As if all menopausal women
commit suicide...

Don't think about it too much.

With that mindset, even Chieko will
have a hard time recovering, right?

What a cute baby!

- Here you have.
- Thank you.

- Can I hold him for a second?
- Yes, go ahead.

Yes, it's your mother.

What are you doing with my son?!

Fumi, what's wrong?

What's wrong?

I won't understand if you're crying.
Fumi, what happened?

- Auntie... auntie...
- Did something happen with Chieko?

♪ Hush, hush, hushaby,
hushaby baby

♪ You're a good baby, so sleep tight

Fumi, what happened
with her earlier?

Did something happen with Chie?

- I can't tell you.
- You won't tell me?!

Then, I'll be even more
worried, won't I?

Come over here and tell
me what happened, okay?

Auntie was cleaning my ears.

Cleaning your ears?

At first, auntie started singing a lullaby
to soothe my ticklish sensation.

But suddenly...

Suddenly, she pulled out her
own breast and said to me,

"Be my baby, and drink
from my breast".

I... I thought she was just joking.

But, when I looked into the her eyes,
they shone intensely, frightening me.

I'm... I'm starting to be scared,
whenever I'm around her...

Ah, Chie, you've started again.
I'm so glad.

It's a little dark here.
Why don't you turn the light on?

What are you painting?

What is this?
What is this, Chie?

I can see it.
I can see it with my own eyes.

Even when my eyes are
closed, I can see it.

Don't look!
Don't look at my painting!

Chie, come on, try to draw it again!

Try painting exactly as you
see in your mind's eye!

Apparently, she has both visual
and auditory hallucinations.

Sometimes, she scolds and yells,

complaining about the
loud voice of a baby.

At times, she spends the whole
day gazing at flowers like that,

and other times, she becomes
excessively talkative.

Whether this can be simply attributed
to menopausal symptoms alone...

is uncertain.

Hold on to me!
Hold on to me tightly!

What's wrong, Chie?!

What's the matter?

Shall we go to Nihonmatsu again?
Let's look at your sky atop Mt. Adatara?

I no longer have a home in Nihonmatsu.
Neither do I have a father...

You're right.

But I still want to see it one more time,
that vast sky above Mt. Adatara.

Yes, let's go.

Even if it's not Nihonmatsu, there are other
places where you can see that mountain.

Let's go there again and make you
become the lively Chie of before, okay?

That's Mount Adatara over there.

And there's the shining
River Abukuma.

That's Mount Adatara over there.

And there's the shining...

Your face resembles that of a horse.

You resemble a gentle,
gentle horse.

Hey, become a horse.

Turn into a horse and let me ride
on you. Come on, quickly!

Come on!

Run, run!

My gentle horse
Run, run!

Run, run!
Run, run!

Go! Go! Go!
Go! Go! Go!

My sweet horse, run!
Run, run!

Run! Keep running!

Kotaro, the horse, is running!

Run more! Run more!

Run! Kotaro!

Go! Go! Go!

Run faster!
Faster, faster!

- Go! Go! Go!
- Chie!

What did I do just now?

Hey, what did I do?

I'm glad we came here.

For Chie, being in nature is the best.

Let's forget about Tokyo for a while.

You always feel refreshed when
you breath the rural air.

Didn't your late father
always say that?

You look like a newborn!

Mt. Adatara...

What's wrong, Chie?

What's wrong?

It won't be long now...

I'm cracking up!
It won't be long now!

Chie! Chie!

It won't be long now...

I'm cracking up!
It won't be long now!

Chie... Chie!

It won't be long now,
I'm cracking up

Looming inevitability, cornered

By the demons crowding her mind

There's no escape,
her soul severed away

It won't be long now,
I'm cracking up

Chie!

I'm afraid... I'm afraid of myself.

I know... I know that I'm cracking up.

I'm cracking up, I know I am!
It won't be long now!

I'm cracking up... I'm cracking up...

It won't be long now,
I'm cracking up

The mountain wind blows coldly
on my hands wet with tears

I gaze at my wife without speaking

She looks back for the last time
from the edge of consciousness

And clings to me

Nothing now can bring my wife back to me

Anyway, in the early stages
of mental illness,

the symptoms are the
same for everyone.

So, for now, we'll just have to
observe her progress a little,

and provide treatment accordingly.
That's all we can do at this stage.

So, does that mean there's no choice
but to wait for further deterioration?

To be honest, that's correct,
especially in present-day Japan.

Do you have any French or American
literature regarding mental illness?

Yes, I do have some.
About three to four books.

Can you lend them to me?

I would like to read them
as a reference for caregiving.

Very well, then.

Well... how much awareness does Chieko
have about her own condition?

Most patients with mental illness are
unaware that they have a disorder,

but, in Chieko's case, it seems like she has
momentary awareness of her symptoms.

It is indeed very unfortunate for her.

Patients will not experience distress
if they have no self-awareness.

All right, you can take these.

I feel sorry for you.

If I were to become like this,
you would be the one to be pitied.

You're crying, you're crying...

I can see you crying because I
will end up becoming like this.

Poor thing, poor thing!
You're the one who is pitiable!

Chie, it's your mother.
Your mother has come to see you.

Mother?

Mother...

Ah, Chie, come downstairs.

Lately, she's been unable to distinguish
people apart, except for myself.

Your mother's here.

Chieko, I'm your mother.

Mother?

You look like her.
You look like my mother.

A person who resembles my mother,
a kind person...

Chieko...

But you seem sad.

Chie, next time, you should
go visit your mother.

Wouldn't you like to see
your mother's place?

Chieko is not going to
her mother's place.

I'll be staying here.
I'll stay right here, together with you.

But, you see, Chie,

Kujukuri Beach is, by far,
a much better place than here.

There's a vast, wide sea there,
and lots of birds chirping away.

It's a very nice place.

- Do you hate me?
- Of course not.

Then, I won't go to Kujukuri Beach.

Chieko, if you stay here,

Kotaro won't be able to work.

At Kujukuri Beach, I'm sure
you'll recover soon.

And then, you can come back here.

Okay? Come with your mother.

If it's about my work, I'm fine
with Chieko being here.

But, most importantly, for Chie,
being in nature is the best, right?

Whether it's Cape Inubo, Nihonmatsu,
or Urabandai,

you always become lively and full
of energy, isn't that right?

Right? This is to turn you into the
cheerful Chie of the old days.

Right? You'll go, won't you?

Chieko, you were a bad girl.

You really were a bad girl.
That's why you're going to the beach, right?

Chieko, what kind of bad
thing did you do?

Say, Chieko, what kind of bad thing did
you do that makes you go to the beach?

But I will go. I'll go to the beach.
I'll do as you say.

May I come in?

Well, hello.

Thank you very much for coming here.

I don't know what I would have
done if you hadn't come today.

- Did Chieko cause a commotion?
- Yes.

Yesterday, my daughter was
restless since daytime,

thinking that you would be coming.

When it became evening, and it was
clear that she wouldn't see your face,

she began to tarnish
everything around here.

I apologize.

You don't have to, but
please go see her quickly.

- My daughter's at the beach now.
- I see.

Chie!

You shouldn't act so roughly.

- Where did Taro go?
- Taro?

Taro, the howling dog.

Oh my, you remembered Taro,
the howling dog.

Where did he go?

At the time, Chie,

you said that Osome would surely
come back for Taro, right?

I knew she'd come back to him!

So, now, the two of them went
across the sea together, right?

Yes, that's right. Those two went
happily across the sea together.

Chieko sees what cannot be seen,
Hears what cannot be heard

Chieko doesn't see the physical me,
She yearns for the me behind me

I hear her voice calling over
and over to me

But Chieko no longer has a
ticket to the human world

- Hi.
- Chieko!

- You've came from so far away.
- It's fine.

That's Mrs. Kazuko, and that's
Mr. Tsubaki over there.

It's been a while, hasn't it?

Chieko, it's me.

Unknown person, please leave.

What are you talking about?
Don't you remember Mrs. Kazuko?

- Unknown person, leave! Leave!
- Ah, Chieko!

Well... please don't take
it the wrong way.

Lately, she completely lost the
ability to distinguish people.

- Well then, come inside. Go ahead.
- Thanks.

Chieko, since you couldn't
have a baby,

you became like a baby
yourself, didn't you?

Every two weeks,
Mr. Kotaro comes to visit us,

and my daughter is the most happy
when he feeds her like this.

As a craftsman, I have always yearned for
continuous change and transformation.

However, my love for Chieko has always
been unchanged from the very beginning,

and I continue to have
unwavering confidence in it.

I am filled with gratitude towards Chieko
for being able to provide me with that.

- Mrs. Naganuma, telegram.
- Coming.

Tomorrow, let's go all to the beach.

Why don't we introduce your
friend to both of them?

- And who's her friend?
- It's Chidori.

Chidori and Chieko have become
great friends at the beach.

Mr. Kotaro, can you come here?

What is it?

Father's condition is critical.
Come back home.

- You should leave immediately.
- But Chieko...

If you tell her you're going
to leave now,

my daughter might cause
a commotion again.

Please, go home.

Chieko has already caused enough
troubles between you and your father.

Then, I will put her to bed
before I leave.

Is something wrong?

Here you go!

Come on in.

Come on, go to sleep now.

- Together?
- Yes, together.

Until the very end,
dad kept asking,

"What has happened to Kotaro?
What has happened to Kotaro?"

Brother, you never mentioned
anything about Chieko,

but dad knew everything.

"I hope Chieko gets better soon."

"If Chieko recovers, then Kotaro
will be able to do great work."

He kept saying things like that...

Chieko.

Chieko!

Kotaro!

Kotaro!

Kotaro!

Kotaro!

Kotaro! Kotaro!

Kotaro!

A bird starts up from my foot,
My wife goes mad

My kimono become ragged

Gunsight at 3.000 metres

Ah, the rifle aimed too far away!

13th year of Showa Era (1938)

Zemusuzaka asylum

Uncle is visiting today, isn't he?

Whenever auntie puts on makeup,
uncle always comes.

I wonder if your heart is
connected to his?

Or maybe, it's uncle's heart
that is connected to auntie's?

Diagnosed with schizophrenia, huh?

An illness that creeps into
the innocent hearts,

or a disease that grows within the hearts
yearning for an unconstrained beauty.

It's nothing pretty like that.

You might be right. It could be
something much more hideous.

However, to me who has seen
the two of you all this time,

I can't help but think of Chieko's
madness in that way.

You are someone who has
always loved beautiful things,

a man who gets angry when beautiful
things don't appear beautiful to him.

And much like yourself,
Chieko also loves beauty...

So, she tried her best
to create beauty.

However, she may have secretly
thought at some point...

"I can't create beauty..."

"the same way he does."

And this is that outcome.

This is just my hypothesis, though.

And the result of that is the
Chieko you see today.

Chieko desired to become the
embodiment of beauty itself.

Madness might be...

the singular means by which humans
can metamorphose into beauty itself.

- Is that supposed to comfort me?
- Perhaps.

However, I can't help but think
of it in this manner.

Thank you.

Sorry for being late, sorry, sorry.
I brought you some things.

Good evening!

Cake.

Paper napkins.

Biscuits.

Fruits.

Eau de Cologne.

Have you stopped folding
paper cranes?

I see.

I wonder what's inside?

Oh my, this is wonderful!

That's great, Chie!

This is a magnificent design,
with a wonderful sense of color.

This is Chie's poetry!
This is your art!

I'm home.

Oh, uncle, welcome!

Hi!

Wow, it's so beautiful!

Auntie seldom allows me to
see what she's doing.

Is that so?

Whenever I try to peek while she's clipping,
she gives me a glare and shoos me away,

as if she's writing a love
letter to you, uncle.

Even though auntie seems to have
lost touch with everything else,

she's able to convey her feelings to uncle
through these paper cutouts alone.

Now that Auntie can no longer paint,
she has started creating things like this.

What are you making now?

Ah, it's a horse!

Great, I'll join you in making it, too.

I will create a figure of
Chieko riding a horse.

Here...

I wonder how you do this?

It's quite complicated.

I want to die beautifully.

What did you say just now?

Beautifully, beautifully...
That's how I want to die.

What's wrong, Chie?

I will soon become ugly.
Paint me. Please, paint me.

To remind you of the time
when I was beautiful, too.

Paint me!
Please, paint me!

I'll paint you, Chie.
I'll paint you as much as you want.

But, you know, there is
no need for it now.

Chie, I'm sure you'll recover soon.
When that happens, I'll draw you.

I'll draw you when you're
completely healthy.

No, it has to be now!

That's no good, Chie.

You shouldn't say childish things
like that without listening, okay?

Go to bed now.

Chie, you will surely get better soon.

We shall wait, yes?

Chieko hates lies!

Let's go to bed, okay?

- Together?
- Yes, together.

Kotaro?!

Chie!

Paint me.
I beg you, please paint me.

Beautifully, beautifully,
beautifully!

Paint me!
Paint me beautifully!

No, Chie, you shouldn't be
wandering around like that.

Look me straight in the eye.

Chie is doing something wrong now.

She's doing something
that makes me sad.

- Paint it!
- Chie!

I said that I would draw Chie
whenever she recovers.

Yes, I said I would draw
her beautifully, right?

Until then, I wish for her swift
recovery at the hospital.

- Paint me, paint me beautifully!
- Chie!

I'll be dying soon,
so please leave me behind.

For your sake, leave me behind
in a beautiful, beautiful manner.

So, even if I die, you may be
able to see me forever.

Paint me!
Please, paint me!

Am I dirty? Is that why
you won't draw me?

I'll paint you, Chie...

I will draw the current beautiful
Chie with all my heart.

So, that's where she was!

Come on, let's go back
together to the hospital.

No! I don't want to go to the hospital!
No way! I don't want to go to the hospital!

No! No! No! I don't want to
go to the hospital. No way!

Hello?

Ah, Fumi? Yes.

Huh? Chieko?

Yes... yes... yes.

I'll go right away... yes.

- Uncle!
- How's it going?

A complication in the form
of acute pneumonia...

Chieko... Chieko!

It's me.

Stay strong, Chie.

Yes, I brought a lemon.

What?
What did you say, Chie?

Chieko, don't cry...

Chieko, don't cry...

Don't cry, Chieko...
Don't cry, Chieko...

Chie?

Chie!

Chieko!

Chieko!
Chieko... Chieko...

Oh, Chieko...

To her own home,
To where she had so wanted to return

Chieko has come, dead

People put up funeral screens

People light candles and burn incense

People make up Chieko's face,

Things take care of themselves

A new day dawns, then night falls

Everywhere comes alive,
The house fills up with flowers

It begins to look like someone's funeral

And, before I know it, Chieko is gone

Dear...

Dear...

Is my face smiling?
Or am I crying?

That's right, I'm smiling? I'm glad.

You always brought me joy,

yet I must have always
had a sad face.

But, from now on,
I won't be sad anymore.

All of our sorrow, we have
returned it back to the sky.

- Is Chieko beautiful today?
- Yes, you're beautiful.

- More than usual?
- Yes, more than usual.

As beautiful as when we
were at Cape Inubo?

Yes, just as beautiful as that time.

Darling, can you hear that sound?
It's Taro, the howling dog.

Taro, the howling dog?

See?
Right? You can hear it.

Ah, I can hear it.
I sure can.

All of our sorrow,

we returned it all back to my sky,
back to the sky of my Mt. Adatara.

Chieko and Kotaro...

don't cry anymore, don't cry anymore.

Oh, that sound,
that's the sound of Chieko.

Close your eyes and listen to it.

"Kotaro, Kotaro..."
Can you hear it echoing?

Chieko! Chieko!

Chieko!

Chieko!

Kotaro and Chieko lived
here long ago

They created a dreamworld
beyond compare

The mountains in Iwate are rugged,
beautiful, unsullied

And ruthless, surrounding me

Falsehood and indolence
perish in this soil

Naked, reckless, I march ahead

Without waiting a moment,
like nature

THE END