All language subtitles for 47.Ronin.1994.JAPANESE.1080p.WEBRip.x264-VXT

Toho Co., Ltd.

A Toho Ltd., Japan Broadcasting Ltd.,
Suntory Ltd. Production

Produced by Toho Films, Ltd.

100 year anniversary of the birth
of motion pictures: Chushingura

The 47 Ronin

October, 1702.

Oishi Kuranosuke, after crossing Fujisawa,
has infiltrated Kamakura.

Signpost (left): "Odawara Hotel District"
Signpost (right): "Shinagawa Hotel District"

Restaurant Kamakura Akashi

The Uesugi clan of Yonezawa,
worth 150,000-koku,

has a mansion in the
Sota-Sakurada district of Edo.

"Koku:" a measure of yearly income; the amount
of rice needed to feed one person for one year.

This Kamakura restaurant is managed by
people connected to the Asano clan.

Irobe Matashiro, the Edo chamberlain
of the Uesugi clan...

...is disturbed by reports
that Oishi Kuranosuke...

...has vanished from his lodgings
in Kyoto, and cannot be located.

Sir Irobe, Chief Inspector Yamazono
Shinpachi has returned from Kyoto.

This is Kira's new mansion?

This is not the mansion
of a samurai.

Correct, it's deliberately deceptive.
It's actually a fortress.

The walls that separate the
rooms are well-fortified.

They're designed to
block invaders.

The garden contains
a labyrinth of walls.

It's practically a maze.

And what's this?

A moat.

A moat?

- Is it deep?
- We don't know.

The Uesugi clan of Yonezawa used its
connections to get the materials.

The construction crews were
all imported from Yonezawa;

no local workmen were used.

The enemy is expecting
us to assault them.

They've constructed impressive defenses
while maintaining excellent security.

So the question is, how
do we assault it?

Shinpachi! What's the meaning
of this report?

Sir?

And you call yourself a spy?

Yes, sir.

Yoshida Chuzaemon, Onodera Junai, and
the entire core group... all gone missing.

But the chessmen
are unimportant.

What matters is the player.

Oishi is the player who
moves them around.

I ordered you to keep close tabs on them,
yet they've eluded you for 20 days.

My apologies.

Did you comb the routes
east of Hakone?

Certainly.

I have been summoned to
attend upon Sir Chisaka.

Probably regarding
this very issue.

Listen. Assign additional detectives
and scouts to the Edo area.

Immediately.

Damn him!

Huh?

That bastard Oishi...

Chamberlain, is the water
suitably heated?

Okuda, it's you.

I'm enjoying your luxurious Hinoki bath.
"Hinoki:" a high-quality, scented wood
that is extremely resistant to rot.

Could you use a back scrub?

Sure, thanks.

Yes.

Is this your first visit
to our restaurant?

Yes.

3 years ago, after Mori Yosuke, the Kitchen
Master of the Edo mansion, died...

...you arranged for his young widow
to be given this restaurant as a gift.

It's turned out to
be quite useful.

The walls of Kira's mansion are
something else, aren't they.

Our enemy is the wiliest of the
wily, the trickiest of the tricky.

The more we attack them, the more
elaborate their defenses become.

I see.

Now about this enemy.

Have you heard what Irobe Matashiro of Uesugi
has been saying about you, Chamberlain?

No. What's he been saying?

"That Oishi, he's a villain committing
one evil deed after another!"

"I'll eat him alive, and even that
won't satisfy my hatred of him."

It seems I'm intensely hated.

Okuda.

Life itself...

...cannot be bought
at any price.

It is precious.

But if taking the lives
of our enemies...

...knowing that doing so will
mean our own deaths...

...is evil, then let
me revel in it...

...let me be evil incarnate.

That's what I believe, that such
is my path as a samurai.

Miss Kiyo...?

I brought fresh clothes.

And Chuzaemon and Junai... what
are those old gentlemen up to?

They said they're going
to nap until dinner.

It has been a long time.

Mr. Okuda has been taking
good care of me.

Good.

It's getting rather chilly.

For the next four or five days,
all the employees will be trustworthy.

Everyone who's worked here for less than
a year or so has been given time off.

Please set your mind at ease.

You must be having a
run of good fortune.

I've heard business is thriving;
this Hinoki bath proves it.

Yes, thankfully... and the
tub arrived just in time.

Did you get it just for me?

And taking care of you... is that
also my good fortune?

I don't want to think
of it that way. I...

I believe that this is fate. That's
what I want to believe.

Ever since we met at
the Edo mansion...

It's our fate, and it's
what I live for!

In a rustic teahouse with
a thatched roof...

...we find the Head Chamberlain of
the Uesugi clan, Chisaka Hyobu.

His income is 10,000-koku, a sum
that many Daimyo would envy.

At this time, he was in Edo, away
from his home in Yonezawa.

Can you defeat Oishi?

What?

Oishi is renowned
for his cunning.

In that respect, you are
no match for him.

However, no matter what,
we must protect Sir Kira.

After all, our noble clan still
exists only because...

...of the influence of Sir Kira.

And so this former chamberlain
plagues our Uesugi clan.

He has forced us to spend so much
money that our fate is uncertain.

If I may speak in return.

Regarding the cost of the two
renovations to his mansion...

...and all the other expenses, I too feel
like I've been bitten down to the bone.

Nonetheless, I believe it's a
matter of samurai dignity.

Ah... It's true what they say...

"...a samurai who doesn't understand
accounting is useless."

Two days later, Oishi Kuranosuke moved
his team from Kamakura to Kawasaki.

The team consisted of men who
accompanied him from Kyoto:

Yoshida Chuzaemon,
Onodera Junai...

...Fuwa Kazuemon, and
Seo Magozaemon...

...as well as others who were based
in Edo: Okuda Magodayu...

...Horibe Yasubei, Ushioda Makanojo...

...Takebayashi Tadashichi, and
Maebara Isuke; ten men in all.

The team arrived at the Karube plantation
at Hirama Village in Kawasaki.

The Karube, while not samurai, had deep ties
with the Edo branch of the Asano clan.

The village was considered ideal for secret
meetings, as few people came and went.

At this secret conference,

they were joined by six men from Edo,
including Horibe Yahei.

Hey, Yasubei.

Yes, father-in-law.

The Kira mansion seemed impregnable;
they were outnumbered three-to-one...

...and any attack must
be launched quickly.

How would they overcome
these obstacles?

The conference continued
into a third day.

Hey...

What?

Where is the chamberlain?

Sir samurai, you should
make it wider.

Where?

Here, right here, see?

We've been looking for you.
What are you doing?

Well... I thought I had made arrangements
to obtain all the weapons we'll need...

...but it turns out I'd forgotten
something crucial.

Huh?

It's this. The kids showed
me how to make it.

A whistle...?

I get it. The Kira mansion
is huge... 2,500-tsubo.

"2,500-tsubo:" 89,000 square feet.

There's a good chance that commands
won't be heard during a night attack.

But coded signals by whistle would carry
much further. What a fine idea!

They say that the harvest will be poor
if the bamboo-flower blooms.

Huh?

That's what his Lordship said.

That was when...

...our Lord was but
ten years old.

"Kuranosuke...

"...they say that if the bamboo-flower
blooms, the harvest will be poor."

"Will the farmers survive?"

"Do they have enough rice?"

I...

...was moved by our
Lord's tender heart.

I said to his Lordship:

"For decades, the Ako clan has diligently
stored rice, salt, gold, and silver...

"...so, my Lord... you need not worry
about one or two poor harvests."

Our Lord then said:

"We are happy to have such good
citizens and ministers."

He held my hand with
tears in his eyes.

But his Lordship is
no longer with us.

It was one year and
eight months ago.

What happened to him?

1 year and 8 months ago: the 14th year of
the Genroku period, 3rd month, 14th day.

Edo Castle

Calm has returned.

Blood has defiled thirty
tatami mats.

Gentlemen whose garments have
been defiled by blood...

...please change your robes
in the inner room.

Calm has returned...

Sir Yanagisawa.

At your service.

I was told that the ceremony will
now be held at Kurosho-in Hall.

Such was the decision.

Has the Imperial envoy
agreed to the change?

Lord Asano will be replaced
by Lord Toda.

He, along with Sir Hatakeyama, will visit
the envoy in order to gain his assent.

Why did Asano attack Sir Kira? Have
you found out what happened?

It is currently under investigation. Please
excuse me, but matters are pressing.

Stay here.

Yes sir.

I came as soon as I got your order.

I will get right to the point.

We now find ourselves
in uncertain waters.

Yes sir.

Irobe...

...it is an easy matter to judge
Asano and Kira by law.

But our future prospects may well depend
on how this matter is handled.

You must decide, here and
now, how to proceed.

Here's a summary of the
Inspector's findings.

It is an Inspector's duty to
investigate such matters.

And yet you secretly summon me, of the
Uesugi clan, to this small guardhouse.

I assume that you have a good
reason for doing so.

It is as you suspect.
Now decide, quickly!

Asano said that he had a grievance,
and Sir Kira claims to not know why.

Either way, the true cause for
the attack is unknown.

And what would be the particular
advantage in finding the cause?

Hmm?

Firstly, Lord Asano...

...for the grave crime of inflicting a
sword wound in the castle sanctum...

...will be ordered to commit
seppuku tonight.

What? Immediately?!

If we let a night go by, Asano
will regain his composure.

I believe it is essential to execute
him while he's still upset.

You must ensure that he does
not write a final testament.

For now, I suggest that you keep the
details of Sir Kira's condition secret.

This will help prevent
the spread of rumors.

I understand... and
it shall be done.

Thus, the good names of Kira
and Uesugi will be protected.

And your authority, Sir Yanagisawa,
will also be preserved.

Everything fits together nicely.

However...

Kira is old and doesn't have
long to live in any case.

It's such a pity that
he survived.

Ei-ho, ei-ho, ei-ho, ei-ho...

Don't stop! Don't stop!

Clear the path! Clear the path!

Ako, Banshu Province

Master.

Seo, what is it?

Salt Shipment Records

We've received an urgent message
from Sir Mase at the castle.

What?

Yes... An express courier is expected
to arrive soon from Edo.

Will you be going to the castle?

Still awake?

Yes.

Kichichiyo is a little
under the weather.

Have you been called away?

An express courier is
expected from Edo.

Fuh was playing here,
and fell asleep.

Don't worry about her. Ever
since we adopted her...

...I've thought of Fuh as my own
child, just like Kichichiyo.

I'm grateful for all
your hard work.

Should I get your things ready?

Yes. Please.

Yes.

My hunches have been
accurate lately.

You expected an express courier?

It's approximately 155-ri
from Edo to Ako;

even an express courier
would require five days.

"155-ri:" approximately 380 miles.

Five days ago, so
that would be...

...the fourteenth day
of the third month.

That's the day our Lordship was
to entertain the imperial envoy.

Exactly.

Do you think something happened?

Ako Castle

Sir Oishi!
Sir Oishi!

What does the message
from Edo say?

The Imperial envoy arrived at the castle
on the 14th day of the third month...

...whereupon Lord Asano, who attended
the welcoming ceremony...

...inflicted a sword-wound upon Sir
Kira while on the castle premises.

Sir Kira? Wounded?

This doesn't explain anything!

Sir Ono, please calm yourself.

This is a dire crisis for our clan!

How can you tell me to be calm,
Sir Yoshida Chusa?

A second messenger is
bound to arrive soon.

The second express
courier is here!

Open the gate!

Lord Oishi ordered all 260 retainers
of the Ako fiefdom to assemble.

But where is he?

Has it been confirmed that our
Lord had to commit seppuku?

Doesn't the law say that all involved
must be punished equally?

What happened to Kira?

Kanzaki, what will become
of the Ako fief?

No Daimyo that inflicted a sword-wound
has ever been allowed to live.

Good job.

In the third month, on the 14th day,
at the Edo castle, our Lord...

...wounded Sir Kira Yoshinaka
by means of his sword.

Our Lord committed seppuku
that very night.

The Ako clan has been abolished.

We would all like to know why this happened,
but for now, this is all we know.

All of you...

Let there not be the slightest misstep
in surrendering the Ako fief.

Let us flawlessly perform
this final responsibility.

That is all there is to say.

Chamberlain.

Ah... Kazuemon.

Did you make sure that
no one saw you?

Yes. I will travel the 30-ri to
Osaka as fast as I can.

Depart immediately.

I will ask Amakawaya Mercantile to
immediately settle our salt futures.

Ako, a producer of salt, has sold contracts
promising to deliver salt in the future.

The news of this incident will cause
a rise in the price of salt.

When they lose their fief, they will
not be able to fulfill these contracts.

For the samurai of Ako, the money we save by
settling now will make all the difference.

By buying back their contracts before the
price rises, they will avoid large losses.

I, Kazuemon, know that this is my last
opportunity to serve the clan.

I will exert myself to the
utmost. Goodbye.

Edo, Yanagisawa Mansion

It's been twenty days since the incident.
What's going on with the Asano?

Well... here in Edo, everything
is going as expected.

About twenty samurai
have returned to Ako.

Others have moved to outlying towns, and
are waiting for their financial settlement.

And... how about in Ako?

According to our spies...

...excluding the Edo retainers, there
are around 300 men at the fief...

...and, quite unexpectedly, they
have accepted the situation...

...and are busying themselves
tying up loose ends.

And so... the fief appears
to be entirely peaceful.

That's splendid!

Who is in charge there?

The head chamberlain, one
Oishi Kuranosuke.

"Oishi?" I've never heard of him.

It's said that no one can tell
if he's clever or foolish.

But, you say there
are 300 of them.

We can only spare fifty or sixty men from
Wakisaka to garrison their castle...

...and perhaps add twenty or
thirty more from Kinoshita.

What will happen if they
all decide to resist?

Sir Yanagisawa...

Such bravado would be futile
and doomed to failure.

At the fief, there's fierce debate about
the merits of surrender or resistance.

We will have to make
a decision soon.

I look forward to finding out
what provoked our late Lord.

I anxiously await news from Edo.

There must be a reason
for what happened.

A group from the Shogunate
has already arrived.

Yes, I heard that they'll be moving
into Ako castle on the 18th.

That gives us only five days...
there's no time to lose.

Father.

Yes, Chikara?

Sir Okuda, Sir Horibe, and Sir Takada
have arrived from Edo.

Oh, we've been waiting for you!

Tomorrow will be the final meeting...
I'm glad you got here in time.

Please forgive our
delay in arriving.

I know this was difficult
for you... thank you.

Yes... we now have a fair
idea of what happened.

Takada Gunbei's uncle, a high-ranking retainer,
was most helpful during the investigation.

Nobody in the government knows
the true facts of the case...

there was no investigation.

No investigation...?

Minister Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu
forbade all inquiries.

We've heard that anyone who tried
to look into it was disciplined.

We suspect that Yanagisawa did
this in order to protect himself.

We also discovered that someone was
discreetly telling him what to do.

Who...?

Irobe Matashiro, Chamberlain of the Uesugi,
a Yonezawa clan worth 150,000-koku.

There is no doubt that
he was behind it all.

Irobe...

This Irobe... do you know him?

No, I've never met him. But...

...he's considered to be the most
influential man of his generation.

Good job.

As you ordered, I have
sold all the salt.

I see.

Mr. Amakawaya told me
that I got there just in time.

Here's the accounting statement;
our balance now is 23,000-ryo.

23,000?

Yes... I, too,
was stunned by the amount.

Today is the final day
of the Asano clan of Ako.

Asano's Poem: "Like a petal, at the mercy of
the wind, I am buffeted by the winds of fate."

We have lost our fief,
and are now all ronin.

The Chamberlain will address you
as to what is about to happen.

But first, we have an announcement
regarding fief finances.

Some time ago, the Chamberlain created
a fund for use in times of emergency.

It now totals 16,300-ryo.

This money... is the legacy of the
hard work of our predecessors.

Needless to say, we shall not let
the Government steal it from us.

Hence we have decided to disburse
equal shares to everyone here.

Each person's share
will be 90-ryo.

As to how you spend
it, that is up to you.

We don't care about the money!

I'm ready to sacrifice myself!

Regarding that point...

I, Kuranosuke, have some thoughts.
But before I tell you...

...there is something that I would
like to ask of you. Sir Onodera...

Your lives, and your deaths...

...those of you who are willing to give
them to me, without question...

...must now vow to do so,
and sign here, in blood.

Why did the Chamberlain
summon us here?

Hmm... who knows?

Shindo, you're his relative.
Have you heard anything?

Well... I know nothing.

It's the Chamberlain.

Sorry to keep you all waiting.

I have gathered the ones named.

At today's meeting, I asked the
retainers for a blood oath.

But I have no intention
of counting on them.

What I propose to do will be done
by men I have already chosen.

You, gathered here tonight,
are those men.

Chamberlain! So... we will neither
resist, give up, or kill ourselves?

His Lordship has been taken
from us by deceit.

Our land has been taken... the truth about
our Lordship's attack has been hidden...

...and they have made us ronin.
The enemy showed no mercy and no honor!

We... shall take every opportunity,
use every possible means...

...to inflict vengeance upon Kira and
crush his clan. And that is not all.

We shall forever blacken the
reputation of the Uesugi...

...and shatter the dignity of the Shogunate
and Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu.

All of you must accept...

...that this crusade will
cost you your lives!

Agreed...?!

AYE!

Kyoto (the Capital,
home of the Emperor)

Excuse me.

Chamberlain.

Anyone with you?

No, I came alone,
but I got a little lost along the way.

That was risky.

I was told that the streets of
Kyoto were straightforward.

Please, come in.

This is Ichimonjiya, maker of fine brushes,
and official supplier to the Konoe family.

This is Sir Oishi.

I hope you found the residence
at Yamashina to your liking.

Ichimonjiya was the one
who found it for you.

I was told that you desired something
between Ako and Edo...

...so I thought Yamashina
would be best.

I'm much obliged. It's a quiet area,
and my family is happy there.

Please.

Do we need to speak in private?

Oh... I need some more
brush hairs.

Genshiro, I must ask you
to apply for a position.

Are you asking for me
to leave the group?

The Kanpaku is a Konoe, and
your uncle is one of his officials.
"Kanpaku:" the chief advisor to the Emperor.

And...?

None of the Ako and Asano ronin must
be allowed to fall into poverty or crime.

If you go to work for your uncle, you may be
able to find positions for some of them.

You're very worried about them.

I know that it will be hard for you to
leave here, but I must ask this.

A guest? Welcome!

- You were sound asleep.
- If you say so.

Come now, get our
guest some tea.

Sure.

Mr. Shindo, you're forgetting
your promise!

Promise?

You promised to take me
to Kurama Temple.

Did I?

How disappointing... I guess
you didn't mean it.

- Is she your daughter?
- Oh... well...

Yes...

Her name is Karu.

Yamashina

My lady! Let me do that.

- It's all right.
- Um...

Why have you sent your servants
away all of a sudden?

Was it your husband's idea?

It was my idea.

What?

We're not in Ako any more.

I can't let us be surrounded
by strangers.

From now on, we have to be careful
about who comes and goes.

Sorry to barge in. I announced myself
at the door but no one answered.

And you are?

Gihei of Amakawaya
Mercantile of Tenman, in Osaka.

Ah... I'm honored to meet you...

"Assault Weapons List"

Amakawaya, what we
need from you...

...are the weapons, armor, clothing, and
other supplies listed in that book...

...delivered, of course,
in complete secrecy.

As nothing we can pay you in this world
will cover the debt we are incurring...

...we pray that you will continue to assist
us, as you have for over twenty years.

For you to ask a mere merchant such as
I to assist in such a great undertaking...

...is to do me an honor that
fills my heart with joy.

I, Amakawaya Gihei, will gladly
give my life to help you.

Ah... No, please don't bow! It
is I who am grateful to you.

Well then, let us get on to
the business at hand.

We'll need light chain-mail aventails
that are proof against swords.
"Aventails:" armor that hangs down from
a helmet and protects the face and neck.

Those things get too hot.

Perhaps the raid can take place
when it's cold and snowy?

We don't know yet. However...

I want there to be no casualties
on our side.

I'm most impressed by how much
you've thought this through.

By the way, what will be
the pretext for the raid?

We don't need one.

No.

Amakawaya makes a good point.

The abolition of Ako and Asano was the
Government's decision, not Kira's.

So what then is our pretext for
vengeance against Kira?

Well, no one knows the true reason
behind our Lordship's assault.

So anything we come up with that
sounds plausible will work.

We'll spread rumors that will
invoke scorn and disgust...

...from the Shogunate right down
to the common townsfolk.

Kazuemon.

Yes.

Here's 200-ryo in silver.

Send it, plus another 800-ryo, to Okuda
in Edo. Use it to spread the rumors.

What? Extortion?

Yes. A malicious rumor
is running around Edo.

It says that Sir Kira demanded
money from all the Daimyo...

...whom he was instructing in the
nuances of court etiquette.

Lord Asano didn't pay, so Kira made sure
he made embarrassing mistakes...

...until finally, unable to stand it
anymore, he lashed out at his tormentor.

It's being spread in small theatres in the
Ueno, Ryogoku, and Asakusa areas...

...as well as hairdressing salons
in the same area, correct?

Yes.

Has word of this reached
the Shogun?

Yeah. He is exceptionally displeased.

"Sir Kira is avaricious and wicked,
Asano is the epitome of integrity"...

it's utterly absurd!

Irobe, have you investigated
the source of the rumors?

What?

There are those who would
be happy to see Sir Kira disgraced.

- You don't mean...?
- That's right.

I do mean.

Ako and Asano...

This must be Oishi's work.

- What do you think?
- It looks like they're going to attack.

They've been observing us for several
days. And they're clearly from Edo.

And the sea-shells?

Scattered, as ordered.

Everybody ready?

Yes.

All right.

Kazuemon, you wait for
them in the hallway.

- Chikara, give me your sword.
- Yes.

- Relax.
- Yes sir.

You must be Oishi Kuranosuke
of Ako! You're mine!

Did you get him?

Yes. Father... I killed him!

It's all over.

Kichichiyo, all of you...
don't come out yet.

Yes.

The garden and living room
are a little messy.

This is the first time I've
seen you kill anyone.

What?

I'm sorry, I was peeking
through the gate.

That was dangerous.

And to be honest, this
was my first time too.

Riku...

You have to take the children and
move. More assassins may come.

No.

I will see this through
to the end.

Sir Kira.

Ako-Asano ronin have spread out around
Edo, waiting for their chance to attack.

It is dangerous for
you to go out.

I, Kobayashi Heihachiro, Chamberlain of the
Kira clan, must take full security measures.

The rumors have deeply affected me. I
came to the temple to ease my mind.

The prelate of this temple and I have
been acquaintances for many years.

Nonetheless, it is a horrible rumor.
Accusing me of extortion...

The Shogunate doesn't
believe it, I hope?

Alas... I regret to report... that
Sir Kira will be made a supernumerary.

"Supernumerary:" an extra hand who is available
if needed; in this case, effectively unemployed.

How can this be? A supernumerary
cannot hold governmental office.

What crime did Sir Kira commit
to deserve such treatment?

He asked them to reconsider,
but they are adamant.

Yanagisawa asked on my behalf?

False rumors infect the populace...
"Asano must be pitied..."

"...and Kira must be despised."

But I too have my pride.

Yes sir.

I will retire before they strip
me of my authority.

Shumokumachi, Fushimi

What? Kira retired?

Correct.

Here's the report...

As of the 26th of the 8th month, our enemy
Kira Kouzukenosuke was relieved of his post.

His adopted son, Sahei Yoshichika, took
his office, after he was forced to retire.

So our ploy has borne fruit.

Kira's mansion is within the outer
ramparts of the Edo castle.

It is behind the gates of Gofuku-bashi,
amidst the mansions of the Daimyo.

Hence, we must induce Kira
to change residences.

How?

Once again, rumors
will be our allies.

Daimyo and Shogunate retainers with mansions
behind the gates of Gofuku-bashi...

...have deployed round-
the-clock security...

...in case the Ako ronin act
on the extortion rumors.

This has been extremely
costly for them.

Since the request for moving residences,
over ten places have been checked.

Irobe, I do hope that the consequences
are obvious to you.

Soon Kira will be
ordered to move.

The Ako-Asano lost their Teppo-zu mansion
in a single night. Now it's your turn.

Excuse me sir, but...

What is it? The Shogun has ordered
me to attend him at the castle.

Can't the Shogunate do anything
to quell the rumors?

They will do nothing. The government
abolished the Asano clan...

...and Asano's officials complied without
resistance; the rest is a private matter.

The same goes for me.

So this will be a private battle between
Kira, Uesugi, and the ronin of Ako.

And we're left to deal
with it on our own.

Oishi will assuredly assault us
if we move outside Edo castle.

How did it come to this?

Anyway...

We won't lose.

Gunbei. Draw your sword!

- I won't.
- Then die.

Stop it, both of you!

Yasubei. Listen to what
Gunbei's got to say.

He swore a blood-oath. I
won't allow him to leave!

Gunbei has no choice, he has to
leave for the sake of his uncle.

It's true. My uncle is a Shogunate retainer.
He's over 70, lives alone, and is sickly.

He wants to adopt me, so that his
family line will not die with him!

Yasubei, please understand!

We all have problems.
I do, Okuda does too.

Gunbei, is there a job
waiting for you?

I'm to be a librarian.

What's it pay?

250 koku.

Did someone suggest
this to your uncle?

I don't know.

Was it Yanagisawa?
Or maybe Irobe?

How am I supposed to know?!

Kill me! Yasubei, if you do
it, I'll have no regrets!

We've walked the road of the sword
together for a long time.

Forgive me! Money
has corrupted me!

I, Horibe Yahei, leader of the Edo group,
am ashamed by all the recent dropouts.

I've been driving myself
to distraction over it.

Someone is behind it all.

Many are being offered unusually
high-paying positions.

I expect that the dropout
rate will increase.

Welcome back.

Yasubei, how's Gunbei?

So they got to Gunbei too...

What will Oishi think
when he reads this?

- Oh... your tea is getting cold.
- No, no, I like it tepid.

Sir Yasubei will walk the road of
vengeance again, won't he?

Hori.

Yes?

When I heard of Yasubei's famous fight
at Takada-no-baba, my heart soared.

That was why I arranged for you to marry
him. Did I do the right thing?

I'm very happy.

Really?

Yes.

Oh... you startled me.

I need a brush.

Welcome. My father's gone to deliver
some brushes to the Konoe family.

I see. I'll come back later.

You're... Mr. Oishi, right?

Yeah.

I got some delicious pickles.
Want some?

Pickles? That sounds good.

I didn't pickle them, but
they're delicious!

Here.

Where did you learn to do that?

I hold a certificate from the Togun
school of swordsmanship.

Huh?

Here.

Thanks.

I'm a lousy cook.

Does your mother do the cooking?

Yeah.

But we don't get along.

Why?

She's not my real mom.

My dad had me with a servant
who was working here.

Where's your real mother now?

She got sent back home, and they
said she got sick and died.

Oh... I'm sorry for prying;
I shouldn't have brought it up.

Here, enjoy.

It's just as you said,
it tastes very good.

Did you get to go to Kurama?

No. Mr. Shindo is all talk!

Do you want me to take you?

What? No kidding?

When I get back from Edo.

So you're going to Edo, huh?

It's urgent.

It's very far away, isn't it?

Yes... very far...

I know what, why don't you write something
with the brush you're going to buy?

Just a second, I'll
be right back.

And whatever you write...
I want to see it!

"Karu"

That's my name. Such large
and gentle characters...

"Ka-ru..." What a nice name.
For the first time, I actually like it.

Nanbuzaka, 2nd Asano Mansion

Sir Kuranosuke, I am gladdened
by your visit.

It has been almost a year
since the incident.

But as to why our Lordship
lashed out...

...no one would tell me.

Do you not know either?

Even now...

...no matter what I say...

...I am unable to ease your
Ladyship's sorrow. But...

I believe that a person's
life depends on fate.

Your Ladyship, the day will come when
you are free to live your own life.

I believe that with
all my heart.

I ask that you live in anticipation
of the happy days to come.

Sir Kuranosuke...

The words you have spoken
shall sustain me.

You have something to
tell me in confidence?

I came to make a request of you.

Let's hear it.

I want to rebuild Sir Kira's original mansion
at Honjo Matsuzaka-cho.

Rebuild? Does Chisaka
know about this?

I will ensure that Sir Chisaka
approves of it.

But... it will cost a fortune.

I am quite apprised
of that fact.

In that case, do what you want.

Thank you very much.

Who are you?

I believe you have Irobe Matashiro
in that palanquin.

I am an Ako ronin, Okuda Magodaiyu.

What?!

Wait.

Indeed, I am Irobe.

I apologize for stopping you. Could
you spare me an hour?

A certain gentleman wishes
to meet with you.

I'm coming out.

Yes, sir.

Well, then... what's
this all about?

You will find him over there.

He is the former Chamberlain
of Ako, Oishi Kuranosuke.

Wait here.

Please...

Something to warm
you up. Please.

What is it that you want?

Actually, I want nothing
at all. But...

I wanted to meet you.

I confess to the same desire.

Townsfolk settle their differences by
bickering, but not so for samurai.

Be that as it may, your riposte
was quite stinging.

The same goes for us as well.

From now on...

...we just want to live honorable
lives, as true samurai.

When will you be returning
to Yamashina?

Indeed...

...that must be left up
to the winds of fate.

Why did you want
to visit Kurama?

I didn't care, anywhere
would have been fine.

What?

Anywhere that isn't that house.

That's good.

Another scoop?

Sure.

Your hands are so cold.

Karu, you ask nothing about me.

Do I have to ask?

No.

I don't know how much time
you can spend with me.

But I want to make a
lifelong memory...

...together with you.

Indulge me...

...my Lord.

There. Look how pretty
you've become.

Well... looks like
fine work to me.

Good. Go show it to Magosa.

Yes.

Now then, go out and play.

Okay.

You look so pretty, Fuh.

Fuh! Fuh! Come over here.

Okay!

Autumn comes early to these
mountain valleys.

Riku...

It seems...

...the time has come
for us to part.

Yes.

I deliberately didn't
tell you anything...

...but I know that you're
aware of the situation.

You're talking about
attacking Sir Kira?

If we...

...make war during these
peaceful times...

...win or lose, the Shogunate will
inflict a severe punishment.

This punishment will fall
not only upon us...

...but also upon our
heirs and relatives.

I am sorry.

I have...

...made you suffer so much.

I want all of you to live on.

Chikara... he's going
with you, isn't he.

Forgive me.

Does Chikara know he's going?

I told him this morning.

In this undertaking...

...many fathers and sons
are fighting together.

As their leader, I cannot make
an exception for my own son.

We'll have to have a manhood
ceremony for Chikara.

Let me give him his
manly haircut.

All right.

Mimasakaya Mercantile

Hey... Kanzaki.

That's Zenbei of Chojiya
Mercantile to you.

Oh yeah... and I'm Gohei of
Mimasakaya Mercantile.

What's the status of
the Kira mansion?

Looks like they're close
to finishing it.

Can you believe our luck, getting
a place right across from it?

What've you got?

I had these checked out by a carpenter
friend who's working there.

My... this is quite detailed.

There's a well between the plaster-wall
route and the samurai quarters.

- What's the well for?
- Let's combine the maps.

Sagano, west of Kyoto

So, almost everyone should
be at Edo by now.

Yes.

It's such a pity. You've just
found her this cozy house.

Karu is so happy.

My Lord, you're here!
And Seo too.

Where did you go?

Oh... I went to buy some fish.

I have to get prepared for the trip
to Edo. If you'll excuse me...

Do you have to go to Edo again?

Only for a while, so
I came to see you.

I haven't seen you in twenty
days. How sad for me...

Has it been that long?

When will you be back?

It'll be around... the
end of the year.

You will be returning
to Kyoto, won't you?

This trip should settle matters.

After I return, I'll never
leave again.

I plan to live here for
the rest of my life.

Please... Please come back!

I'm going to have a baby.

What?

I've been sick recently, but it turns
out it was just morning sickness.

I see...

Isn't it happy news for you?

Why didn't you tell me right away?
It's cause for celebration.

Oh good...
I'm glad!

I'll go get some sake
so we can celebrate.

15th year of the Genroku period,
11th month, 5th day.

It is the year 1702 in the western calendar,
the 15th year of the Genroku period.

Early in the 11th month,
Oishi Kuranosuke...

...after a secret meeting at
the village of Hirama in Kawasaki...

...infiltrated Edo along
with his comrades.

Kuranosuke went to the home
of Koyama Yahei...

...at Nihonbashi-kokucho, where
Chikara had been staying.

He traveled under the pseudonym
of Ikeda Kyuemon.

Several shops along the canal were used
to secretly prepare for the assault.

Maebara Isuke's Mimasakaya
Mercantile was one of them.

Amakawaya Mercantile was thus able
to make good use of the canal...

...in order to smuggle in weapons,
armor, and other materials.

It's here.

By day, they laid low, doing all their
work in the dead of night.

"Please allow Sir Kira to retire early,
before the spring, at Yonezawa."

The letter's from Chisaka Hyobu.

It reached us today
from Yonezawa.

Are you going to agree to it?

Yes...

But it can't be done before
the end of the year.

I'll get the Shogun's permission
first thing in the new year.

Hara Souemon, are you home?

Chamberlain.

Are you alone?

Yes, my wife and daughter
went back to Yonezawa five days ago.

My wife's originally from Yonezawa,
and so she was getting homesick.

Doing maintenance on your bow?

Yes...

It's nearly time.

I've heard that a lot of
us are dropping out.

To trade all of your hopes
and dreams...

...in return for an early death...
that is not an easy thing to do.

Why hasn't Lord Chisaka of Uesugi
offered me a position?

- You didn't get an offer?
- I didn't.

When my father lost his position
with the Uesugi...

...Lord Chisaka provided him
with a secret pension.

When my father died and I was
summoned to the Ako fief...

...Lord Chisaka said to me: "The blood
of Uesugi courses in your veins."

"Always keep in your heart the memory
of the land of your forefathers."

"But now you must dedicate
your life to Ako-Asano."

To this day, I haven't forgotten
Lord Chisaka's advice.

Chamberlain.

Can you pull it?

How many Uesugi will be transfixed
by this bow at the Kira mansion?

Splendid.

Kira Kouzukenosuke's new mansion
was 2,550-tsubo in size.

"2,550-tsubo:" 90,400 square feet.

Apart from the main wing, on three
sides, east, west, and south...

...two-story apartments had
been built for his samurai.

The broad garden was the focus of
their defensive arrangements.

So Yonezawa it is...?

It is in snow country, and inconvenient,
but it is merely a temporary measure.

Irobe... are you speaking
from the heart to me?

Pardon?

I wonder. For what have I suffered
this past year and nine months?

We have both been afflicted
by many troubles.

We've endured terrible rumors and unjust
punishment by a deceived Shogunate.

I've been unable to go out in public, and
I've spent a fortune on this mansion.

And finally, to top it all off,
I get sent to Yonezawa?

Tell me!

What have I done
to deserve this?!

Sir Kira... may I ask
a question?

What?

What was the real reason
for the incident?

Why did Lord Asano
attack you, Sir Kira?

So you want to know
what happened?

Yes. If I know the reason, it
will help me block Oishi.

Even I don't know. Let's
leave it at that.

But...

So I'm going to Yonezawa?

Irobe... to bid farewell to Edo,

I want to host a tea party for my friends.
What do you think?

No, you mustn't!

But I'll be moving far away; it would be
improper not to make formal farewells.

Ako ronin have infiltrated Edo.

They'll certainly use it as
an opportunity to strike!

Your safety is my utmost...
my utmost priority.

A tea party...
of course!

Back to Sir Kira's mansion,
as fast as you can!

Huh?

We're having two tea parties each day,
one at noon, another in the evening.

Of course, Sir Kira, as the host,
will stay at the mansion.

As soon as we start inviting guests,
the Ako ronin will hear about it.

They are out in force, watching
Sir Kira's movements.

And we, in turn, are
watching them.

Indeed.

And...? When?

Three days of the 12th month:
the 5th, 14th, and 22nd.

The 5th would be the
most dangerous.

On December 5th, 1702, the moon would
be almost full and shining at night.
That night, the Kira ministers
will run the tea party.

Over 100 Yonezawa samurai will
lie in wait for their attack.

It's getting down to the wire.

You must ensure that Oishi Kuranosuke and
his men discover what we want them to.

12th month, 5th day

The tea party on the 5th ended, and
the next day dawned without incident.

Sir Irobe... Oishi didn't
make his move.

It's cold. Shinpachi, close the shoji.
"Shoji:" sliding paper partitions /doors.

Yes sir.

There are still two more
opportunities.

The guards kept vigil all night;
they're exhausted!

It cannot be helped.

The Ako samurai are determined
to attack, so we must defend.

So... will they attack
on the 14th?

Impossible!

Why not? The month is different, but
the 14th is the day Lord Asano died.

It's a fitting day.

Hence they will avoid it, because they
will infer that we will expect an attack.

So they'll pass on the 14th, and
launch an all-out attack on the 22nd?

At which time, we
will crush them!

The 14th...?

No, I was right the first time.

What's up, Yasubei?

Everyone... the date
has been set!

12th month, 14th day

Ah...

It's starting to snow.

Magozaemon. Are you awake?

Yes.

Good morning to you.

And you too, sir... couldn't
get to sleep until dawn?

Seo, I... have a favor
to ask of you.

Of course, just name it.

I want you to flee.

What...?

My time in this world
is about to end...

...so I will confess
to you my shame.

Karu is... is going
to have my child.

R... R... Really?!

You must return at once...

...to Kyoto.

I want you to watch over Karu and her
child for the rest of your days.

As you'll be deserting your comrades,
history will not treat you kindly.

Of this I am aware, and yet
I must ask this of you.

Here's 300-ryo.

Please tell yourself that your master
was unworthy of you.

No, no... Sir! Please don't bow!

Forgive me.

You have shown me
too much kindness!

You're asking young master
Chikara to give his life...

...but you're asking
for me to live!

You're the only one who
can do this for me.

I, Seo Magozaemon...

...will protect Miss Karu, even
at the cost of my own life.

I am much obliged.

Mago.

No!

Give this to her.

The snow fell until past noon.

That night, the Ako ronin hidden
in Nihonbashi, Shinkoji-machi...

...Hacchobori, and
other areas...

...traveled by boat to the Mimasakaya
warehouse in Honjo Matsuzaka-cho.

The second Kira tea party started at the 6th
evening hour, and ended four hours later.

After the guests had left, silence
pervaded the mansion.

The Ako force had gathered
at Mimasakaya.

It was the Hour of the Boar,
just after 10:00 p.m.

Snow...!

Since our late Lordship's
assault, his seppuku...

...and the abolition of our clan,
a year and nine months has passed.

Thank you, all of you,
for following me.

I am most grateful!

Tonight, we are going
to kill Kira.

Within his mansion are over 100 men,
including many Uesugi clansmen.

Kill them all!

Follow the orders of your commanders,
and you will destroy the enemy.

Yoshida Chuzaemon will now
explain your assignments.

Thank you.

Assaulting the front gate: Commander,
Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshitaka.

Lieutenant: Onodera
Junai Hidekazu.

Sword Assault Squads,
first squad:

Tomimori Sukemon Masayori,
commanding...

...Hazama Jujiro Mitsuoki and
Hazama Shinroku Mitsukaze.

Second squad: Otaka Gengo
Tadakazu, commanding...

...Maebara Isuke Munefusa.

Third squad: Akabane Genzo
Shigekata, commanding...

...Oishi Sezaemon Nobukiyo and
Hayami Tozaemon Mitsutaka.

Lancers: Kataoka Gengoemon
Takafusa, commanding...

...Isogae Jurozaemon Masahisa, and
Ushioda Matanojo Takanori.

Archers: Kanzaki Yogoro Noriyasu,
commanding...

...Muramatsu Sandayu Takanao,
and Kayano Wasuke Tsunenari.

Reserves: Hazama Kihei Mitsunobu,
and Mimura Jirozaemon Kanetsune.

"Seo Magozaemon"
Reserves: Hazama Kihei Mitsunobu,
and Mimura Jirozaemon Kanetsune.

Reserves: Hazama Kihei Mitsunobu,
and Mimura Jirozaemon Kanetsune.

Messenger: Terasaka
Kichiemon Nobuyuki.

Rear Gate Squad: Oishi Chikara
Yoshikane, commander.

...Yato Emoshichi Yorikane.

Ambushers: Tsugino
Juheiji Tsugifusa...

...Fuwa Kazuemon Masatane...

...and Okuda Magodayu Shigemori.

This morning, Seo Magozaemon deserted.
In all, we are forty-seven in number.

Chikara.

Yes sir.

- Rope-ladder.
- Yes sir.

Okuda, get the mallet.

Get the mallet and axe!

Yes sir!

It's open.

Get in, go!

Rear-gate squad, charge!

Sir!

Lamp.

We are the former retainers of Ako-
Asano in Banshu province!

We are here to collect a debt, under
the samurai code of honor!

If you have any pride,
come out and fight!

What's going on?

What's that whistle?

At this ungodly hour...

It's the Ako ronin!

Let's go!

It's a trap!

There they are!

Kill them!

I am a former retainer of
Ako, Horibe Yasubei.

Charge!

- Follow me!
- Sir!

Kill them!

Don't retreat!

We retreat into hell, or
stand and conquer!

Chikamatsu! It's not a deep cut!

It's another trap!

This room is made of barrier
walls, it's a trap!

Get out into the yard!

- It's a dead end.
- Go back!

Stop them!

Don't let them through!

Give me a lift.

It's the moat...
jump in!

Come on, the Ako
folks are waiting.

The unfiltered sake is ready.

Hurry! Get it to the Kira mansion!

Come on! Keep them coming!

Alright!

We're from Mimasakaya.

Okay, come in.

Eat as much as you want!

When you're done, change places.

Alright.

I feel revived.
Here I go!

These blades are dulled;
change swords.

Are you of the Uesugi clan?

Indeed. I am Chugosho Shinsaka
Yashichiro. And you are?

Hara Soumon. I come here walking
the path of the samurai.

Block them!

You won't get out of there!

There's Yasubei!

Let's die! Let's die! Let's show
them how Ako samurai die!

Chamberlain! There you are.

How's it going?

The rear gate squad
has broken in.

Good... move our main force
next to the library.

Oh you shouldn't, it's
dangerous there!

- So what?
- Chamberlain!

A nightmare...?

Sir Irobe! It's a disaster!

The Ako ronin have assaulted the Kira
mansion, at the Hour of the Rat.

One of our men escaped
to convey this report.

What are you doing?

Please don't!

You can't go to the Kira mansion!
You'll get killed! Please, stop!

Unhand me!

Sir Irobe!
Sir Irobe!

You must stop!

Is Kira going to die...

...without disclosing the
reason for the assault...

...to a living soul?

That night...

I should've killed Oishi.

- Muramatsu...
- Sir.

So Irobe failed.

He's useless to us now.

Attend me!

Send a messenger to the Chief
Inspector, Lord Sengoku.

Yes sir.

Have him send a squad to Honjo
Matsuzaka-cho, to stop the battle.

Make sure that the fighting
doesn't spread. Hurry.

Sir!

It's going to be a long day.

It'll be dawn soon.

Are we any closer
to getting Kira?

Our target is Kira alone.

We don't have enough time.

We need more troops.

How's it going? It'll take at least another
hour to penetrate the inner halls.

What are we going to do?

The sky...

Huh? Chamberlain...?

We'll break through the roof
and attack from above!

Careful, it's slippery.

It's around here.

Bust it up!

Right!

This is the bedroom...
Kira's not here.

Ah...

An escape passage.

There's a new, dry well near
the samurai quarters, right?

- What about it?
- That's the escape passage.

There's a saikachi tree by the
well, that's the marker.

Inform the first and
third squads.

Hurry!

Over there!

Is that Kira?

See the a scar on his forehead?
It's him, no doubt about it.

Ronin scum!

It's Kira!

Chikara...

Who are you?

You must be Lord Kira.

I am the chamberlain of the Ako-Asano
clan of Ban-shu, Oishi Kuranosuke.

I am here to take your life.

W... Wait. I... I've done nothing
to deserve death.

In the castle sanctum... Asano
suddenly assaulted me.

Listen to me!

There was no animosity
between us.

What... What happened...

I'll tell you what happened, why
Lord Asano assaulted me!

You must want to know why.
I'll tell you why!

In exchange for...

I don't want to know!

Wait... wait...

Wait... wait...

Has my Lord returned with you?

Calligraphy: "Karu"

Takakura Ken: Oishi Kuranosuke

Nakai Kiichi: Irobe Matashiro

Miyazawa Rie: Karu

Iwaki Koichi
Uzaki Ryudo

Matsumura Tatsuo
Igawa Hisashi

Yamamoto Gaku
Kouyama Shigeru

Kuroki Hitomi
Shimizu Misa
Kotegawa Yuko

Ishikura Saburo
Ishibashi Renji
Bito Isao

Hashizume Jun
Onoe Ushinosuke
Sato B-saku
Yokoyama Michiyo

Imai Masayuki

Nishimura Kou: Kira Kouzukenosuke

Kobayashi Nenji
Bando Eiji
Nakamura Atsuo

Ishizaka Koji: Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu

Asaoka Ruriko: Riku

Morishige Hisaya: Chisaka Hyobu

Producers:
Horiuchi Jitsuzo
Urushido Seiji
Nagai Kiyoshi

Producers:
Takai Hideyuki
Hagiwara Toshio
Inami Munetaka

Executive Producers:
Hashimoto Toshiaki
Takahashi Hiroshi
Sakai Toshihiro
Associate Producer:
Takei Hidehiko

Producers:
Nabeshima Hisao
Shindo Jun-ichi
Shimatani Yoshishige

Original Work by Ikemiya Shoichiro
(Shincho Publishing Co.)

Screenplay by:
Ikegami Kaneo
Takeyama Yo
Ichikawa Kon

Assistant Director:
Yoshida Kazuo
Cinematography by:
Isohata Yukio
Art Director:
Muraki Yoshiro

Production Manager:
Maeda Koji
Editor:
Osada Chizuko
Assistant Director:
Tezuka Masa-aki
Production Coordinator:
Sato Yuki

Music by:
Tanigawa Kensaku

Directed by Ichikawa Kon

The End