Original subtitles

Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard 1993

Produced by Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation

What?

You still eat so badly.

What will you do when you live on your own?

With meat,

I'm doing better.

I left work as soon as possible but the butcher was already closed.

If you had told me, I would have gone.

Ren, you talk too much tonight.

"Family meal: a moment of joy and sharing."

Dad, promise me that you'll eat vegetables.

Don't worry, I'll eat salad.

That reminds me,

how do you make the Chinese sauce?

So... There's ail...

What else, Mom? Ginger?

You can find it in the supermarket.

I know, but...

Stop it, will you?

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

To take a post-meal walk.

You haven't finished packing yet.

Ren.

Leave him.

I can't wait for the end of the rainy season.

I hate rain!

MOVING

Where are you going, Ren?

Help me. Quickly.

Quickly!

A responsible adult should not be here.

And you, why aren't you in school?

It's the lunch break.

You hurt me.

You're hurting me!

Ouch, stop!

You'll pay for this!

Head upside down.

Hurry up.

Go on, hit!

Get up now!

Hit.

Let's stop here.

If you want to stay in shape,

you will have to keep training.

Thank you for all these years, Coach.

Idiot.

Ken'ichi! We have to go!

Ren, go back to school or you'll get in trouble!

Mind your own business!

You're interrupting a moment

of family relaxation!

Come on, I'm going.

Look after yourself.

Dad!

What?

No, nothing. I just wanted to call you.

On the way.

Go away.

Go back to school.

You're overdoing it.

Do you miss Mom?

- What? - Do you want to go home?

Idiot.

Ken'ichi,

the tea is served.

I'm fine, I've got what I need. Thank you.

Ren, where did you go?

Have a tea.

- And finish it. - Yes.

Do you miss home?

What are you doing?

Nothing.

I'm taking this upstairs.

- Dear. - Yes.

Take this upstairs.

What are you playing at, Ren?

One day, suddenly,

this closet and my closet will be connected.

A supernatural phenomenon.

Great!

What if we dug a hole without telling your mother?

Where do we dig?

Here?

Ken'ichi!

This is your home.

Get a move on, stop playing.

That's right, it's my home.

I don't have to take orders.

How dare you.

You sound like Nazuna.

You sound more like her than her own daughter.

Right?

So where do we dig?

Here?

Ouch, you're hurting me. Don't push me!

Don't lock me in!

Where is my spare shirt?

I'm sweating.

It's in my bag, upstairs.

What, again?

How long have Yukio and Wako been together?

I can't remember.

When I was in third grade, Yukio and I got engaged.

Too bad for you.

You could cheer me up.

Listen, Ren.

Call me sometime, we'll see each other.

Don't change the subject.

You're right.

We were talking about Yukio.

Why are you burning this?

All right, I got it. Stop, it's dangerous.

I told you to stop, stand back.

It's okay, I'll get them back!

- Quickly! - I got it!

Ren!

Ren!

You aren't here?

I'm home.

Good evening, dear.

You know what? You know what?

You know what, Mom?

Dad's apartment is shabby.

Soon it will be a rubbish dump.

I take it you skipped school?

I bet it was your father who lead you astray.

It doesn't matter.

Let's have dinner.

You must be hungry.

Didn't you make anything?

No.

To celebrate our fresh start,

I'll take you to a restaurant.

Our fresh start?

Yes.

From now on,

I'll be the one to train you.

Really? I thought you didn't like it.

You were always complaining to Dad.

My waist and butt are bigger.

I want to tighten up.

No chance.

Every night, you come home exhausted.

It will kill you.

You're exaggerating. I never complain.

Of course you do.

So [I'll stop.

From now on, things will change.

We'll have to adapt.

What exactly will change?

For example, at mealtimes.

Let's say I leave the table.

Up until now,

your father would take over.

And now?

If only I had a sibling!

NAZUNA HOSHINO

From today, this shall be my name.

You're changing your name?

No, I'm taking my old one back.

But you're not divorced.

Would you mind if we got divorced?

Two separate houses is enough, right?

Come on, let's toast.

To our new life, Ren.

I'm single again!

Suddenly,

the house seems bigger.

You'll wake up the neighbors.

As soon as...

Ken'ichi signs this, I'll be free.

I'll do what I want with my time.

No one to bother me anymore!

Get off.

DIVORCE FORM Mother-in-law, your dear son has left.

He's got a nerve, right?

Since you've been gone, everything's gone wrong.

He left the house.

I want you to teach him a lesson.

Can you hear me?

Okay, that's enough!

Come on, everyone to your seats.

Page 62!

Open page 62!

I said: "Open page 62!"

Last time, we talked about Sankin-kotai and Sakoku.

Aoji, what is Sakoku?

Sakoku is... closing the country.

Shoot.

Today is Thursday.

I was right to ask you, Yukio.

I asked Ken'ichi a thousand times but he never took care of it.

He's lazy, you know him.

There was a time when I liked it.

If you married him, it's because he has qualities.

Ren is still young, why rush things?

Qualities? What qualities?

He doesn't dither, and he's tough.

He is impulsive, that's all.

He is a man of his word.

That's true.

In fact, he left the house.

He knows how to be nice.

Depends on his mood.

The day before yesterday,

I started taking classes.

The famous?

Yukio, I will teach you.

Yukio, come.

It's hot!

It's hard, isn't it?

Right?

What's wrong with you?

That feels good.

They are together.

Good evening, you.

Why are you sulking?

Yukio, I've served you tea!

Yukio!

All right.

CONTRACT FOR BOTH OF US

Ren!

What?

"On a daily basis:

as much as possible

talk about your day at school or at work.

Cleaning the bathroom:

on a daily basis, Renko,

together on Sunday.

Filling the bath: Nazuna.

Cleaning the toilets..."

Louder!

"Nazuna,

or either one, as soon as it's necessary.

Laundry: each does their own,

except the sweaters which Nazuna will wash because they are delicate.

Meals: Nazuna in the morning,

take it in turns at night."

No need to write it, I know.

It doesn't matter. Next.

Why do I have to read out loud?

To motivate and give you a sense of responsibility.

In exchange, I'll take care of everything your father managed.

"Mother and daughter:

Ren won't complain that her mother works too much.

When either one has a concern, she will speak without hesitation.

Father and daughter..."

Full stop.

Look, I've been working on this contract

till 2am last night!

- This is our constitution. - No, it's yours.

- Finish reading. - I don't feel like it.

Give it back.

The divorce form.

Do you want to fight?

What's that?

Ren?

Ren!

What is this contract?

And this division of chores?

There's no need to write it down, I know what I have to do!

Hello, Urushiba speaking.

Dad! Are you all right?

Yes, very good.

What about you?

I'm great.

How is Nazuna?

The giraffe?

I must have put it away somewhere.

It's all damaged.

I chewed it so much...

Why do you want this stuffed toy?

If you want, I'll try to find it.

Yes, okay.

Wait a second.

Mom.

It's Dad.

Why did you do that?

He hung up.

That call seemed to make you happy.

He was just calling to give us his number.

He asked me how you were.

And him, did he seem okay?

Hey, can you check if his number works?

I have nothing to say to him.

Here it is!

"Father and daughter:

Ren will not go to her father's house without her mother's permission.

In case of an argument with her mother,

she will not run away to her father's house."

Do you have an idea for the essay?

We have nothing to talk about.

I'm going to talk about my grandfather.

Again? About your senile grandfather?

You're repeating yourself, poor thing!

Anyway,

old people always do the same thing.

Yes, especially your grandfather.

Ren, I bet you're bursting with inspiration.

Why?

Your father works at home, right?

Come on, give us some ideas.

Actually,

my father found work outside the house.

Damn, we were counting on you.

Your parents get along well. You must have stories.

Sometimes,

they go to the cinema and leave me on my own.

If not, my mother cuts my father's hair.

It's disgusting, what you say.

We didn't call you.

What are you talking about?

Come on, let's go. Ignore Tachibana.

It's none of your business, okay?

I'm just saying it's disgusting.

Mind your own business.

You get your hair done by your mother every morning.

- Isn't that disgusting? - I do my own hair!

Stop fighting, girls.

It will make you ugly.

You are already ugly!

Urushiba,

what's going on with you?

Seriously,

you've gone too far.

I'll tell you a secret, Minoru.

My father's gone.

Won't you ever...

see him again?

Of course I will, he's not dead.

Aren't you going to change schools?

I don't want to!

Come to my house, we'll stay together.

I'm not going anywhere.

I'll stay at home with my mother.

Are you sure?

It's not a joke?

I don't think so.

That's not an answer.

Are you sure, or not?

Will you be okay, Urushiba?

It felt good to talk to you about it.

I will always be there for you, Urushibal!

Thank you.

Rock, paper, scissors!

Rock, paper, scissors!

Paper!

When did you become like me?

What do you mean,

like you?

My parents are also divorced.

Who told you that?

No one.

You can tell.

Same for Yako Saitd, I bet.

No, not that one. It's almost out of date.

Mine are not divorced.

They live separately, that's all.

It's the same thing.

They aren't together anymore.

You speak with a Tokyo accent, it's annoying.

Do you think it's weird?

You too,

you must think we have a funny accent.

I got used to it.

Soon, without realizing,

I'll have the same accent as you.

To change without realizing,

that's weird.

Yes, a little.

Don't you ever want

to go back to your old house?

No, never.

Do you ever go to see your father?

I went once.

When?

In the spring, he asked me to come.

I accepted, to see what kind of woman he's with.

A woman?

My father remarried.

I went there without telling my mother.

It was emotional to see my old home again.

I wanted to meet

my father's new wife.

Ask her to take care of him.

But she was not there.

Where was she?

At the hospital.

In the maternity ward,

giving birth to their baby.

It's raining!

My father took the opportunity to see me in secret.

Isn't that pathetic?

I was infuriated.

The next day, I came home on the first train.

I'm home.

"Thank you for hanging out the laundry.

Sorry to break the contract, but I'm in a hurry.

I owe you one. Nazuna"

Yes, boss.

Ouch!

Hey!

What did your parents say?

Do they still think they need a better heir?

It doesn't matter.

If I get married,

it will be with the man I choose.

So what's the problem?

This child,

do you think he'll be happy to come into the world?

Of course!

I can't wait for him to be here.

He will have a cozy life,

and he'll be stuck in a rut here.

Don't you care?

You've been through it.

I didn't choose it.

I have an idea.

To start with,

what if I asked the baby

if he wants to be born?

Why?

Hey!

Can we light it?

Let's light it.

You made a fool of us.

Is she your friend now?

Did you think you could hide it from us?

Does it bother you?

If you continue, she won't question herself,

the pest.

Did she give you something?

No, she's not mean, just a little different.

Clearly,

as her parents are not normal.

They are divorced.

Her father is gone.

Shut up!

- Are you defending her? - Suck-up!

Stop it, Ren!

- Put it down, Urushiba! - Stop it!

Urushibal!

What are you playing at?

That's enough! Put it out!

Put it down.

Urushiba, this is serious.

Shut up!

Urushiba, calm down.

Give me that.

Give it.

Give it to him, Ren.

Give it to me.

Quickly, everyone out!

Hurry up!

Excuse me, let me pass.

This is a joke, right?

You didn't do it on purpose?

Sorry, but yes!

Why, why?

Why?

Forget it, Mrs. Hoshino!

Idiot!

I am your mother, you are my daughter.

Whether you like it or not.

So what, you don't know me!

That's true, but you don't put in the effort.

It doesn't matter.

We just don't get each other!

Wait!

Wait for me!

Ren!

Ren!

Wait!

Urushibal!

Urushibal!

You wanted to talk to me?

Why don't you love Mom anymore?

It's not that I don't love her anymore.

But your mother and I, we are better off apart.

That's all.

Why are you better off apart?

You used to get on well.

You know,

I always put up with your arguments without saying anything.

Why don't you make an effort too?

I'm waiting for an answer.

Sorry, darling.

I'm in the middle of a meeting.

This is what we will do.

I will think about it.

It will be my holiday homework.

All right?

Now!

Can't it wait?

It's not fair.

You didn't give me time to think.

Listen...

Ren,

where are you?

Stay where you are.

Do you understand?

Do not move.

Minoru.

Hi, what a coincidence...

Today,

you...

It's not your fault!

I assure you, that's what I think.

Why do you think that?

Because...

My parents are separated so I have the right?

No, but...

In this case, I was wrong.

Right?

You want the truth?

I think you were...

a little bit wrong.

Hey,

if I ran away, where could I go?

Running away is petty.

I've got something better.

I've been thinking about it.

Since we last talked,

I haven't stopped thinking about it.

What is it?

The solution

to your happiness.

Lock myself in Dad's room.

Fix the problem quickly, before losing the advantage.

But make it seem like I'm ready to be locked up for life.

Make threats loud enough for the neighbors to hear.

If the television comes,

answer as many interviews as possible.

Trigger: the last day of school.

What a surprise!

Are you making food for us?

I think it's going to rain.

Show me your report card.

Did you get good grades?

Have you made progress in math?

What is all this?

Hey, Ren!

Ren!

Tell me what's going on.

Hey...

What's that?

What are you playing at?

Stop it, Ren!

Ren!

That's enough.

Stop your circus.

Come back here!

What are you playing at?

That's enough!

Open up!

- Ren, open the door! - No!

What do you mean no?

Idiot!

Takes one to know one!

GIVE ME BACK MY OLD LIFE!

NAZUNA AND KEN'ICHI: SEPARATED!

Ren!

Nazuna!

Nazuna, where is Ren?

Let me pass.

Where is she?

You're all here.

She's locked herself in, she refuses to be disturbed.

In there?

It's been two hours. She won't even answer anymore.

Ren.

It's Dad.

Ren.

If you have something to say, come out of there.

Staying locked up won't help.

I'm ready to listen to you.

Come on...

Ren!

What happened

to your usual cheerfulness?

Did you forget it somewhere?

Forget it.

No, I'm not like you.

Ken'ichi!

You should have

paid more attention to her.

- Yukio. - Yes.

Again.

In that case, let me ask you something.

You,

what did you pay attention to?

Sorry?

Wako.

Don't get married lightly.

You are still young.

Nazuna.

Nazuna.

What's that tone?

This guy...

This guy here.

When I was pregnant with Ren

and I had terrible nausea,

he spent his time in front of the TV.

At that time, I was not working.

So as not to bother him,

I avoided complaining.

Except...

just once,

when I asked him for help.

Do you know what he said to me?

"You,

you don't contribute financially,

so don't you dare complain."

I didn't contribute financially!

You're evil, Nazuna.

That's all ancient history.

You're right, it's old.

But you changed.

When I started making a good living.

- No. - Yes.

- That's not true. - Yes, itis!

Get out the way!

Stop it, you know I'm right.

You see, Wako. This is what marriage is all about.

Fighting over who is right until they kill one another!

Run, Nazuna!

What are you playing at?

Why did you have me?

Why did you have me?

Nazuna!

What are you doing?

Enough, let her go!

That's enough!

Let her go!

Leave her alone.

Stop it!

Why...

are you doing this?

Stop.

Stay there.

That's enough!

What's that look?

Run!

- Ren! - Calm down!

I want you to stop confusing Ren.

You're the one who's disturbed.

In that case, stop disturbing me.

Don't say another word

in this house.

You decide.

Do...

as you please.

Ren.

Even today, the train is crowded

As the rails stretch out, it accelerates its pace

Urushibal!

I've been looking for you!

I waited all day by the phone.

How did it go?

The breath taken away by the speeding train

Unable to move

We are on our way to our dreams

So, courage!

Courage to all

The train of our dreams goes east and then west

The plan failed.

It's not my fault.

I didn't tell anyone.

I know.

Full moon, in the sky the full moon

Tomorrow, I will finally see the one I love the most

The alarm clock

Reminds me of my mother and makes my hair stand on end

The only one I can count on is myself

I haven't been sleeping

So, courage!

Courage to all...

Thank you.

- Thank you ladies! - Goodbye!

Hey.

What?

Can I put some mayonnaise on?

I thought you didn't like it.

It's your father who doesn't like it. He thinks it's trashy.

So, can I?

Yes, no one will complain anymore.

You should stop smoking.

- You're annoying me. - Here you go!

Thank you.

- Are you helping your parents? - Yes.

Well done! What grade are you in?

- Fifth grade. - Fifth grade?

Sorry for the delay.

I wasn't able to call you.

- Another plate, please. - Yes!

And...

- Mayonnaise, too! - Yes!

For our family dinners,

rather than on Fridays,

I would prefer the start of the week.

Or, we can call each other on Sunday to decide on the day.

Have a drink.

We didn't toast.

Damn, I forgot.

Let's do it again.

I'm sorry.

Come on, let's toast.

Cheers!

Let's drink.

By the way,

didn't you tell Mr. Yamazaki?

He called me at the office.

He couldn't believe it.

Nothing is settled yet, there's no need to shout about it.

But he's helped us out so much!

I'll go and thank him later. All right?

Later, when?

Once a month is enough.

Every week is too much. Once a month is fine.

Don't worry about me, I'll get used to it.

Here you go.

Thank you.

In that case,

how about we go on a trip like we do every year?

The three of us could go back

to Lake Biwa.

What do you think?

It seems that the hostel has closed.

They made it into a hotel. I received an advertisement.

Can I leave?

Can I go home?

Stop...

You can see each other once a week, but...

I will only come once a month.

You're really impossible.

It's heavy.

It's heavy!

You are heavy, Ren.

Your father's telling you it's heavy.

Are you done? What are you playing at?

It's beautiful.

Will you take us home?

It would be heavy with you both.

Come on!

You never took me on your bike.

- That's true, but... - Go on.

I will take the metro.

Take her.

Are you sure?

So let's go, Ren.

Get on, quick.

Ready?

Ready, Ren?

Sure?

Off we go.

The key is in the same place as usual.

I'll be quick.

Next year, can we go to the Daimoniji fires all three of us?

Hey, Dad.

Is it really over?

If I do that, Ken'ichi will kill me!

- You don't want to cooperate? - No, definitely not.

- Get down from there. - Why?

Because...

Hey, you.

Urushiba.

Ah, hello.

What are you doing on this desk?

Oh, I see. Nice to meet you.

I am Mr. Kimekome, Urushiba's teacher.

Nice to meet you. What's going on?

He refuses to do as I ask.

Sir, do something.

Mr. Urushiba, I know this is hardly the place, but...

In her own way, your daughter is worried.

Where are you going?

Stay here!

This is not my...

Hey, Mom.

Come and eat.

- I have a favor to ask you. - What is it?

I want us to go to Lake Biwa, this Saturday.

You're dreaming, I hope?

No, let's go.

See the festival, the fireworks, and take a bath.

Me too,

I'd love to go.

Next month, I'll take a day off, and...

I've already planned everything.

I even booked the train tickets and the hotel.

You bought tickets?

And booked a hotel?

Really?

I'm proud of you.

Too late!

You dared to spend my money?

This card is in my name.

Every year you say you'll give it to me the next year.

Yes but....

So, is it okay?

It's okay, right?

Okay?

Don't run, Ren!

It's dangerous.

But yes, it's here.

This is the place, right?

What a change!

It's beautiful.

Which way is it?

I don't know.

Ren.

What took you so long?

What are you doing here?

Sit down, will you?

Ren.

I did my homework.

I have something to tell you.

What?

I'm thinking of coming home.

I want to give us another chance.

Go away.

I know it's too late.

Then what are you doing here?

I didn't want to tell you over the phone.

The other day,

when I took Ren on my motorcycle,

I felt her warmth against me.

I knew that was all that mattered.

What are we doing here?

Right?

We're here, all three of us, as if everything was fine.

Like when things were so good between us.

Can you tell me what we're doing here?

You are so selfish!

So selfish!

So selfish...

Ren!

Don't run away!

The jump rope.

Where several people jump together, have you ever done it?

I've jumped with 13 people before.

Me,

all I had

was a short rope.

With this rope,

I tried to make

all three of us jump.

But today,

I am tired.

All you have to do is connect it

to someone else's rope to make it longer.

I am tired

of turning the rope.

But it would be unfair

for only one of us to rest.

Is that all?

You came to tell me this nonsense?

This is the homework you gave me.

It sucks!

You may think it sucks,

I have no other answer.

At the beginning,

it was only a dream.

Then it became obsessive, I couldn't contain it anymore.

I wanted to live alone.

It was necessary.

Don't come any closer!

Dad!

Do you love me?

Yes.

I love you.

I love you very much.

Thank you, sir.

Leave them there.

Excuse me. Are they for rent?

Yes.

I take 3,000 yen as a deposit.

I'll be right back.

Sorry...

Excuse me.

Was this Keiichi's kimono?

No.

It was Daisuke's.

It seems to me

that this is not the first time this has happened.

I remember hosing

a local rascal from head to toe.

It wasn't a rascal,

it was me.

Really?

Don't you even remember what you did to your own daughter?

If I remembered

everything I've done,

I probably wouldn't have lived as long as I have.

You are probably right.

Sorry, did I wake you?

Isn't it sad to forget?

No.

It's better to forget.

Memories of the past

must fit on the fingers of one hand.

It's not enough.

Here, eat this.

Thank you.

It was my son's favorite dessert.

He could eat a whole bowl of it.

Isn't he here today?

Is he at the festival?

Is he upstairs?

Higher.

Much higher.

Thank you for the meal!

Go on, eat as much as you like.

It's beautiful!

Ren!

Ren!

Excuse me.

Ren!

Ren!

I was worried sick!

I never asked you to worry about me.

What if we tried, just you and me?

No, wait.

Wait.

Wait!

Wait!

I thought I knew you but I was wrong.

I thought being together would be enough.

Maybe it wasn't your father,

but me, who ruined everything.

Don't worry.

It doesn't matter anymore.

You know, Mom...

I promise I'll grow up as fast as possible.

What?

I'll become an adult as soon as possible!

What's wrong with you?

Wait, I'm coming.

Ren,

don't move.

What's wrong with you?

I promise, I'll come back next year.

Look after yourself.

Don't die before then!

Look after yourself.

Go back to your mom.

Where are you going?

Dad!

Mom!

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

Don't leave me alone!

Dad, Mom, where are you going?

Where did you go?

Don't leave me alone!

I beg you!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Were you imitating the comedians Somenosuke and Sometare?

But the New Year is still far away.

Here.

It's all crumpled up.

Do you think Dad went to work this morning?

I'd say he's still sleeping.

When will I give it to him?

We'll come back next year, okay?

Yes.

Next stop, Kyoto.

Do you want one?

One beautiful day

In the forest

I met

Mr. Bear

On a flowery forest path

I met Mr. Bear

Mr. Bear

Told me

Young girl

Run away then

So I ran for my life

So I ran for my life

"So now you know about the curious adventures

of the Urushiba family.

You could say that my family is a little different from others.

My mother and I have signed

a new contract.

We wrote it together, all night long.

This time, I think I'll be able to stick to it.

It's still a bit tough,

but I'm smiling more and more often."

Komura.

GOOD LUCK, WE ARE ALL WITH YOU!

- Hello. - Hello!

Where are you going?

To the future.

Be careful.

He's so cute!

- How old is he? - Ten months.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Bye Bye!

With Kiichi NAKAI as Ken'ichi (Renko's father)

Junko SAKURADA as Nazuna (Renko's mother)

Tomoko TABATA as Renko

Mariko SUDO Taro TANAKA

Tsurube SHOFUKUTEI

Can I take one?

Thank you.

This is for you.

Executive producers: Kei ljichi Masahiro Yasuda

Producers: Hirohisa MUKUJU Hiroyuki FUJIKADO

Planning: Shinichi OKANO Shuntaro YOSHINO

Hirotsugu HORII and Tatsuya OHKI

From the novel by Hiko TANAKA

Screenplay: Satoko OKUDERA Satoshi OKONOGI

Director of photography: Toyomichi KURITA

Art directors: Shigenori SHIMOISHIZAKA Hidemitsu YAMAZAKI

Lighting: Norihiko KURODA

Sound: Hidetoshi NONAKA

Music: Shigeaki SAEGUSA

A film by Shinji SOMAI

Adaptation: Lea Le Dimna

Subtitles: Mecal Subt Josephine Irving