Original subtitles

In 1185, the once-proud Taira clan perished in the Inland Sea.

The victorious Yoshitsune Minamoto should have paraded proudly

through the broad avenues of Kyoto,

but his brother, Shogun Yoritomo, was famed for his suspicious mind.

His advisor Kagetoki Kajiwara falsely accused Yoshitsune of sedition

and convinced Yoritomo to have him killed.

With no place to hide in his brother's realm,

Yoshitsune took six retainers dressed as mountain ascetics

and went to seek shelter with Hidehira Fujiwara,

ruler of the semi-independent province to the north.

Our story begins as they approach a new barrier in Kaga province

with the unease of one about to tread on a tiger's tail.

A TOHO PRODUCTION

THE MEN WHO TREAD ON THE TIGER'S TAIL

Produced by MOTOHIKO ITO.

Screenplay by AKIRA KUROSAWA.

Cinematography by TAKEO ITO.

Production Design by KAZUO KUBO.

Edited by TOSHIO GOTO.

Music by TADASHI HATTORI.

Starring.

DENJIRO OKOCHI

SUSUMU FUJITA

KENICHI ENOMOTO

MASAYUKI MORI TAKASHI SHIMURA

AKITAKE KONO YOSHIO KOSUGI

DEKAO YOKOO CHIKAYOSHI NISHINA

YASUO HISAMATSU SOJI KIYOKAWA

Directed by AKIRA KUROSAWA.

Wearing the robes of a mountain ascetic.

Wearing the robes of a mountain ascetic.

Wringing out dew.

From the sleeves.

May I ask where you priests are from?

Seems like your first time around here.

Where are you headed?

I'm just glad the weather's good.

We don't often have such nice days.

Look.

The entire province of Kaga.

Over there is...

What's in here? It's so heavy!

Hey, what's...

"May my senses be purified!"

Silence!

Follow and be quiet.

The song of the bush warbler!

There are so many around here you could eat them.

You there!

How much further to the barrier?

Just over a mile, sir.

Let's rest a while.

On we go.

You men sure have strong legs.

I never thought anybody could outwalk me,

but I can't keep up with you.

Though this gentleman seems a bit weaker.

Actually,

he's nowhere near as strong He's like a girl.

Silence!

This path certainly is difficult.

Is there another route?

There is indeed

but if the barrier guards see us, we'll all be killed.

Two men were cut down just the other day.

It's quite a nuisance.

Lord Yoritomo believed that Kajiwara fellow's slander

and fell out with his own brother, Lord Yoshitsune.

Yoshitsune had to flee the capital,

and the barriers were set up to catch him.

I guess a fight with his brother is a big deal for a shogun.

But gentlemen,

don't you think a quarrel between brothers

could be settled simply with a punch or two?

It's horrible, hunting his own brother like a beast!

Poor Lord Yoshitsune.

The famed general of the Minamoto clan has nowhere to turn.

But there's no need to worry.

They say his bodyguard, Benkei, is incredibly strong,

so he's safe.

This Benkei fellow is a giant monk,

almost seven feet tall.

He swings a one-ton iron rod

and annihilates armies of thousands single-handedly.

It's unbelievable!

He pulls off men's heads like you pull up daikon radishes.

But I hear he's not real bright.

They're travelling in disguise,

but word has leaked out Even the barrier guards know.

Pretty dumb, eh?

How are they said to be disguised?

Let me see

I'm pretty sure I heard they were dressed as...

Not medicine peddlers

and not pilgrims.

Now I remember Itinerant priests!

Isn't that funny?

Someone could take you for Yoshitsune and Benkei's retinue.

Pretty funny, huh?

Isn't that funny?

But it can't be

can it?

Don't scare me by staring at me like that.

They know exactly how many there are.

A seven-man party headed by Yoshitsune,

whereas there are one two

three four five

six seven of you.

Right on the nose.

Benkei.

My lord.

Did you hear what this porter said?

If it's true, it will be impossible

to pass the barrier in this disguise.

It's just an improvised barrier guarded by a few hicks!

We can smash our way through!

Sounds like great fun!

We haven't had a good fight in ages!

We can easily break though that barrier.

But what about the other barriers sure to follow?

The important thing is to arrive at our destination.

We must pass this barrier as peacefully as possible.

Moreover

we only have to force our way through

if our identities are revealed.

For one thing, you are a priest, even if a wicked one.

No one could dare call you an impostor.

As for the rest of you

you could all pass for wandering ascetics.

If austerities in the mountains and plains

qualify one as a wandering priest,

then we've all earned the right to call ourselves that.

We have every kind of priestly face represented.

We may be able to get by safely.

Benkei

we may be all right,

but our lord looked suspicious

even to this foolish porter.

What shall we do?

As for that

Porter!

Come here.

I don't know a thing

I won't say a word Please spare my life.

Bring that basket here.

What's wrong with you?

Stand up.

I said stand up.

He's terrified.

Hey, Ise, how do you cure a coward?

Leave him, Hitachibo.

He was startled, so his legs gave out.

Startle him again and he might stand up.

On your feet.

Get up or I'll yank your head off!

You're really testing my patience!

A crimson blossom cannot be hidden.

Even in a garden filled with flowers.

But a simple porter.

Plain as the mountain weeds.

Will go unnoticed.

He removed his ascetic's robes.

And donned the rags.

That the porter had worn.

His face hidden under a sedge hat.

He leans upon a staff.

How heartbreaking to see.

This porter on tottering legs.

Walking up the hill.

How heartbreaking.

Seems his love of money is stronger than his fear.

Breathe a word to anyone

and you'll pay!

It's not that I just couldn't stand by and watch.

What's that?

He doesn't look like a porter at all.

Even a blind man could see that.

First of all, that's no way to carry a basket,

like some greedy old crone running off in the night.

Silence!

You again?

I'm a worrier by nature

I couldn't just leave, knowing Lord Yoshitsune is with you

I can't rest easy until I see you past the barrier

I'd never be able to face myself.

"Even a hunter won't kill a bird seeking refuge in his bosom."

You talk big.

"Even a chance meeting is the product of karma."

Let me help.

You're all right, despite your looks.

What should we do with this fellow?

We appreciate his sentiment, but he's an insignificant nobody.

So you won't accept my help?

Your darting to and fro is making me dizzy!

Scram if you value your life!

But I went to check out the barrier.

You did what?

Wait, you!

Come here!

What's this about the barrier?

It's no good.

Kajiwara's messenger is already there.

Kajiwara's messenger?

I heard him say

that Yoshitsune's party must have taken this path,

so the barrier guards are on the lookout.

Impudent fool! Benkei!

Benkei.

What do we do?

Advance or retreat?

If Kajiwara's forces are in the area,

we're as good as dead whatever we do.

If we're trapped, then we must break through.

We'll spare no one, not even Yoritomo himself.

We'll break through, go to Kamakura, and kill Kajiwara and his sons!

Well-said, Ise!

We'll kill everyone in Kamakura,

then go to Tsurugaoka Hachiman shrine and cut our bellies open!

Don't be absurd.

I might overlook young warriors talking like this,

but you ought to know better, Kataoka.

If we'd been this overzealous before,

we'd have died many times already.

As I said earlier

this barrier is not the last.

The important thing is what happens to our lord.

Bravery comes after that.

First of all

here's what we'll do.

We'll say

we are travelling to solicit contributions to rebuild

the Todai temple in Nara.

I am the steward of Kaga province.

My name is Saemon Togashi.

I am responsible for this barrier.

We are travelling

to solicit contributions

to rebuild the Todai temple.

We've been assigned to the Hokuriku road,

and we wish to pass here.

Surely a laudable task.

However, we've been ordered not to allow itinerant priests

to pass this barrier

I find that rather hard to understand.

May I ask why?

Lord Yoshitsune, who has fallen out with Lord Yoritomo,

is travelling in a group of seven men disguised as priests.

It is Lord Yoritomo's strict order

that this barrier be carefully protected.

This is inconvenient indeed.

I gather that you were only told

to stop those disguised as priests.

Surely it cannot be an order

to stop all real priests who may pass here.

What insolence!

Especially since there are seven of you!

Please don't lose your head.

Take a closer look.

We are six itinerant priests.

And two porters.

Quiet!

An amusing fellow!

Enough talk!

As long as I'm here to exercise my lord's command,

not a single one of you shall pass!

You look suspicious, no matter what you might say.

Lord Togashi

you must arrest them!

Lord Togashi!

Lord Togashi.

What are you waiting for?

These are Lord Kajiwara's orders! Lord Yoritomo's orders!

Nothing wrong with killing one or two of these "priests"

I order you to arrest them.

What are you waiting for?

I must say

this is quite unexpected.

Killing a servant of the Buddha for no good reason...

It's absolutely preposterous!

Nevertheless

there's no sense in quarrelling.

If it has come to that,

we will surrender quietly.

Gentlemen.

Let us offer our last prayer.

Acala, Immovable Wisdom King, be my witness!

In the name of the Avatar of Kumano

may divine punishment visit us should our pledge be false!

Om avira hum kham!

Let me be the first to be bound.

I admire your resolution.

I doubt a bogus priest would display such bravery.

However

you said you're soliciting funds to rebuild the Todai temple.

In that case, you must have the prospectus.

Let me hear you read it.

You want me

to read the prospectus?

I do

Porter.

Bring that basket here.

"Hear, all ye assembled"

the autumnal moon

of Shakyamuni Buddha

is hidden behind the clouds of nirvana.

Nobody remains to jolt us awake

from this long, dark dream

of birth, death, and rebirth.

In the not-too-distant past

there was an emperor

who embraced

the Three Jewels of the Dharma

and showed benevolence toward his subjects.

He happened to have

an inspired dream

and for the sake of peace in the realm

he erected a statue

of the great Vairocana

and a temple to house it.

However, the temple was destroyed

during the turbulent Jisho era.

Our reigning emperor deeply laments its destruction.

By imperial decree, we are recreating

this temple of temples

by soliciting contributions

from all parts of the realm.

Those who contribute,

however small the amount

will henceforth enjoy

virtuous pleasures in this life

and find a seat

among the thousands of sacred lotus flowers.

Bow to the Buddha!

We reverently beseech you...

That was indeed a genuine prospectus.

However, let me ask you a few questions

Buddhist orders wear various robes,

but none as ostentatious as the ones you wear now.

What is the reason for that?

It goes without saying

that just as different orders have different regimens,

they also wear different attire.

Our ascetic practices are oriented

at both the Womb Realm and the Diamond Realm.

Thus we cross steep mountains and passes,

destroying snakes and evil animals,

out of love for humanity.

We call upon divine protection

and pray for the peace and welfare of our land.

Therefore

inwardly we are forgiving and merciful,

but outwardly we combat evil.

Why do you wear a peaked cap?

It symbolizes a warrior's helmet.

Our robes symbolize suits of armour.

Your iron staff?

It is based on the staff of Arada Kalama,

a hermit of Mount Dantaloka.

It helps us attain the merits of the Womb and Diamond Realms

by striking the earth with it

to punish evil and heresy.

- And your sword? - The sword of Amitabha!

That sword

may cut through things in the world of form,

but what of the formless world of evil spirits and ghosts?

We banish them with the Nine-Syllable Mantra.

What is that?

The Nine-Syllable.

The Nine-Syllable Mantra

consists of:

Rin, Pyo, To, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen.

When one chants this mantra

one stands reverently

and clenches one's teeth 36 times.

Then, with one's right thumb,

one draws four vertical lines and five horizontal ones

and then shouts, "Obey forthwith!"

All manner of devils, apparitions, and heathens

will immediately be delivered from evil.

If you have any further doubts about our training

I'd be happy to answer your questions.

No, I have nothing else to ask.

Judging from your replies,

you must be a distinguished teacher.

To have doubted a man of such knowledge

is the greatest error of my life.

As a gesture of apology,

I will make a contribution

to your campaign.

That is indeed commendable.

I assure you of pleasures in this existence and the next.

You there! Prepare an offering.

Wait.

We are on our way to the northern districts

but we will be back in early summer.

Please keep your offering until then.

Very well.

But we have tarried here too long.

We shall be on our way.

Gentlemen.

Walk slowly.

Restrain your eager heart.

As if drawing back from the viper's mouth.

Or treading on the tiger's tail!

Stop that porter!

Not that one! The one with the sedge hat!

Wait!

What is this?

That porter resembles someone!

A resemblance between two men... That's not unusual

I mean he looks like Yoshitsune.

What?

This porter looks like Yoshitsune?

You weakling!

Staggering along under such a light load.

No wonder people think it strange.

Always lagging behind and holding us up.

You're always getting us in trouble.

I will tolerate it no longer!

This isn't right!

Don't be so unreasonable!

Have you learned your lesson, you shirker?

Now get up and move!

I won't allow you to pass!

He looks more like Yoshitsune every minute!

So you've been eyeing his basket.

Are you a thief?

Now I see why you've been so unreasonable.

You reveal your true motives!

Barrier guard, eh?

How dare you!

This is wicked audacity indeed!

On guard!

Had this porter been Yoshitsune

none would have dared strike him.

- But Lord Togashi... - No.

No vassal would strike his own master.

You may pass.

Lord Togashi!

I'm the one in charge here.

What a relief!

We're safe now.

Let's rest a bit.

I must say I was truly surprised

when Benkei raised his staff.

Only Benkei could think that quickly on his feet.

Now I see!

I thought he'd suddenly lost his mind

I'm such a blockhead!

It was an unforgivable impiety

even if it was meant as a ruse.

Benkei

do not apologize.

May my crime cause my arm to rot!

It is not this hand that struck me.

It was heavenly protection.

The hand of Hachiman himself, god of war.

I am most grateful.

Let 'em all go to hell, including Yoritomo!

Let 'em eat shit!

Uh-oh!

I am steward Togashi's vassal

I bring you sake on his orders.

He apologizes for our discourtesy.

Much appreciated.

First, please accept these sake cups.

Indeed, indeed.

How welcome it ls.

To receive.

A cup of human kindness.

Here, at the end.

Of the northern road to Hokuriku.

How glad I am.

To partake of the kindness.

Contained in this cup.

Another?

Very kind of you.

Who will dance?

You there, porter.

Dance to celebrate our feast.

Hurrah!

Banzai!

There lived a turtle atop a rock.

Get lost!

I too will dance

before we depart.

Even though the waterfall roars.

Even though the waterfall roars.

Even though the sun shines.

We continue on without rest.

We continue on without rest.

THE END