Original subtitles

Er, will it take much longer?

With traffic like this...

I could walk from here.

Akebono Trading? No no, no way.

Ma'am, don't be like that, sit back and relax.

Akebono Trading's taken off lately. Out of nowhere.

No one who goes there asks for change.

I'm not so lucky. I'm always fearing the worst.

The other day, I drove sumo wrestlers. Three at once.

That was a big mistake.

They busted my suspension,

but wouldn't fork out for repairs.

They really screwed me.

So... how much longer will it take?

Traffic's hell at this hour.

Ma'am, don't ever cross a sumo wrestler.

Remember that wrestler Fujinomaru?

Well, sumo's not my thing.

Three years ago, he killed his senior stablemate and his lover,

but he got off on an insanity plea.

It was on the news. Turns out it was actually premeditated murder.

You read gossip rags?

Damn, their bodies were a mess.

Every bone was broken, snapped like pencils.

Man, that stuff freaks me out.

Moving on.

Families of victims of ex-sumo wrestler A,

who committed two murders three years ago, but was acquitted

after a psychiatric test, are seeking a retrial.

They object to the prosecution's claim that A was temporarily insane.

Police are considering whether to re-arrest the now-rehabilitated A.

THE GUARD FROM UNDERGROUND

Makiko Kuno as Narushima

Yutaka Matsushige as Fujimaru

Hatsunori Hasegawa as Hyodo

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Oriental Security Service

Oh, wait, ma'am. Where are you going?

To see Mr. Kurume in Section 12.

Section 12?

There's no such section here. What's their specialty?

Art sales and acquisitions, I heard.

Art?

Ah, the new Section 12. Please forgive me.

- So, your name is? - Narushima.

Ms. Narushima?

Narushima... Ms. Akiko Narushima?

- Your first day. - That's right.

So, did you bring a photo?

Yes. Should I give it to you?

It's necessary, for security reasons.

Huh? Another newcomer? Why don't they get out?

This is all I have.

It's rather big. Business card size is best.

Well, it'll do. I'll take care of it.

- May I go in? - Sure, go ahead.

Well, I'll be seeing you. Pleased to meet you.

A Lautrec? Yes, I've heard of it, but...

Ah, I know. Mr. Sakakibara, that one in the weeklies...Yes, I know it.

Huh?

1.8 billion yen?

Mr. Sakakibara, that's a little too...

Picasso? 2 billion...

Mr. Sakakibara, we don't want to be stingy, but that's new territory for us.

How about something more accessible in the 20 to 30 million range...

No no, we're quick learners. We've hired an expert for that.

Sure. Sure, sure.

Redon? One moment please, I'll jot it down.

R-e-d-o-n.

Sure. Sure, understood.

Alright Mr. Sakakibara, we'll call you back.

Sure. Thank you. Much appreciated.

Kurume, a Redon sold at Sotheby's last year for 800 million.

Sonovabitch...

That damn Sakakibara. He was mocking me!

Oh, how about this? A Laurencin for 60 mil.

Surprisingly cheap.

No, steep! Yoshioka, that under 30 mil list?

Er, it'll be ready soon.

Well, in the 20 mil range... Oh, Chagall maybe?

Huh? A Chagall for 20 mil?

Only a fake.

Yoshioka, what auction?! Will the buyer sell?!

A lithograph.

A lithograph won't do!

Famous means expensive, huh?

But how can a Laurencin go for 60 mil and a Lautrec for 1.8 bil?

Narushima, what's your take as an art expert?

I was only a museum curator, so I don't know about market prices,

but Lautrec and Laurencin differ in historical status, so it makes sense.

Also, Chagall's lithographs have exquisite beauty,

and deserved value as fine art.

Hey, art is like women. No buyer, no value.

Yes sir.

You mentioned Redon on the phone earlier, so how about this?

What do you think?

It's a favorite of mine. It's been re-evaluated at last.

Van Goghs sell for over 10 billion, so a Redon could for 1.

Narushima, do you know what's worth I billion?

No, I just thought you might like it.

But a I billion painting's worth I billion.

How would you know? It's kids' stuff!

I want that under 30 mil list.

Kurume's like that. Irritable. Don't let it rile you.

I'm not bothered at all. I'm still learning sales.

You'll pick it up.

But maybe you shouldn't get used to a cutthroat business like ours.

Narushima, have you met Hyodo in HR?

No.

Oh. But weren't you hired on Hyodo's recommendation?

I was. I only heard that though.

You'll meet him eventually. He's scary.

Is he really?

A weirdo in a way.

Always acts alone, and has no staff of his own.

He suddenly takes charge of big jobs unrelated to HR.

Taking on art sales was actually Hyodo's idea.

Compared to him, Kurume's easy.

Promise you won't let Kurume's tantrums get to you.

Nonomura, a client's waiting! Come!

But I have to show Narushima...

That can wait! Right, Narushima?

She hasn't met Hyodo...

Hyodo?! He's HR! Nothing to do with Section 12!

Nonomura, don't tell me you're Hyodo's boy now?

Of course not, sir.

It's fine, please go. I'll return the key.

Do you know where...

Just come.

- Okay, sorry... - Shut up and come!

Hyodo, our CEO's on the line.

Tell him I'm still asleep.

Security Office

Excuse me!

I came to return this key.

Can I help?

I'm returning this key.

Is that so? No one's in there?

That's odd. Anyway, I'll take it.

Thank you.

Fujimaru, you were in here?

How's it going? Got the hang of it?

Oh, her. She joined Section 12 today. Akiko Narushima.

Her photo's too big, so I stuck it in there.

Quite a classy lady.

Who's there?

Oh, Shirai probably.

Hey.

Mamiya, how about the Japanese St. Leger?

I don't bet on horses anymore.

Ah, what a waste.

I got a tip from the top of Central Betting.

I'm out.

Oh yeah?

I'm going to stake all my money on it.

So pay back that 9 mil already.

9 mil?

It was 8 mil a little while ago.

Like I told you, 15% interest gets added monthly, yeah?

Win it back on the horses, okay?

Shirai.

Can you wait some more?

I can wait. I can, or pay me back another way.

The deed to your house, or something.

Like that. Yeah, like that.

Shirai, let me introduce you.

He's new here. Fujimaru.

Fujimaru? Is that his real name? Or a horse's...

You... trying to threaten me?

Are you crazy? Of course not.

Then why this freak?!

Narushima, I think I billion for a Redon is fair too.

You do? Then again...

I can talk Kurume into it.

But I'll need a list of 10 paintings for 30 mil, and 5 for 100 mil.

Quantity over price first. That'll lower the risk.

Tell me. What's worth more?

A first-rate artist's mediocre piece, or a second-rate artist's masterpiece?

I'd say the latter.

You would?

Yes. The status of an artist can change easily with the times,

but the status of a masterpiece doesn't change at all.

Got it.

Try these Canadian sausages. Food Section samples.

Try some.

- Takada? - No thanks.

Thought so.

Wow, great! Want some, Narushima?

Oh, thank you.

Okey doke, I'll go make some coffee.

Yoshioka, for all of us.

Yeah sure, sure.

Shirai's late today.

Fujimaru.

Fujimaru?

I know you're there.

Yes, you're here.

Ah, Fujimaru, listen.

Be careful with this lever. The switchboard's old and dangerous.

Don't ever switch it on, okay?

Anyway, Shirai sure is late...

Open it.

Open it.

What the hell?!

What have you done?!

I know why Shirai had to end up like that.

What's your game?!

What's my game? That's for you to figure out.

Narushima, right?

Yes...

I'm Hyodo.

Oh, Mr. Hyodo! Sorry for not visiting you.

That doesn't matter. How's everything going?

Well, it's going.

I see.

Tell me something.

A Christie's auction is in NY this weekend.

Cezanne's Cracked Walls. Is 8 billion a ripoff or a bargain?

What? Well...

The House With Cracked Walls?

It's a fair price.

Got it. Thanks. See you tomorrow.

Mr. Hyodo, Section 12 policy forbids buying expensive artworks.

Section 12 isn't involved, okay?

It's not some top secret project. Just a personal one.

So tell Kurume if you want, or whatever. Fine with me.

No need to worry.

Are you sure?

But if you have 8 billion to spend, Kurume might change his mind.

You believe that?

Unfortunately, Kurume's a no-hoper.

Whatever he does, he's bound to fail.

Then, what about Section 12?

That's... up to you.

I don't understand...

Section 12's all losers.

Sir!

Like Hanae Takada. She's ambitious, but just too bigheaded to succeed.

How rude...

And Ken Nonomura. A nice guy but just an errand boy.

The worst kind.

And Minoru Yoshioka. His problem's obvious.

He's just a loser.

I'm sure you sensed it.

So Mr. Hyodo, you created Section 12 just to destroy it?

Why do such a thing? For the company's sake?

What gives you the right? I can't believe you.

I'm sorry. I said too much.

No, it's fine.

Thanks for your Cezanne advice.

Narushima.

Narushima. A moment.

Narushima.

Sit here.

Insulin. I'm somewhat diabetic.

Post Office savings accounts give good interest.

Really...

Be good to your parents.

I will, thank you.

Relax.

Narushima.

There's nothing to fear.

Just sit there and watch me.

Hello, Security Office?

I'm in the File Room, but the door's locked and I can't get out.

I'm sorry, but could you open it for me?

I'd appreciate it.

Oh, Narushima's not with you?

She's not back yet?

Gone all afternoon.

Hmm. She takes her time.

Er, are you a guard?

Something wrong?

That door at the back...

Did something strange happen?

Someone was there, on the other side.

That'll be the new guy.

He doesn't know the ropes, but give him time.

Are you sure...?

Hey, what's wrong?

She got stuck in the File Room.

Ah, we all did at first.

Thanks for your help. I'll be okay now.

Okay, here you go.

Narushima, sit here.

What did I do?

Don't tell me you tried something with her.

O-Of course not!

If she was just stuck, she was gone for a strangely long time.

I've done nothing. That's the truth.

You use the security cameras to peep.

- I do not! - I know you do.

I know.

If you want to feel somebody up, stick to old biddies.

My young ladies are off limits.

Got that?

Narushima, go home early if you like.

No, I'll be fine.

When you get stuck, call security's extension.

Yes, I did that, but...

Something else happened?

A security guard came, but something seemed off.

A new guard? Did you see him?

No.

Takada, have you?

No.

I saw him. He was huge.

He could probably break down a door.

He's that huge.

Two meters?

Not much of an IQ though. He couldn't open the door.

That can't have been nice.

Nonomura, get that file for me.

Your gallery check?

An update regarding the sumo wrestler acquitted of murder three years ago.

Pressure from the victims' families has urged police to re-arrest him.

He is currently being traced.

This is him!

Kurume in Section 12!

This jerk!

He's with other staff during the day,

but he always does overtime alone.

You know, I could keep an eye on him using our monitors.

No need to kill him.

Death's too good for him.

Just beat him severely.

Severely.

Enjoying yourself?

Since I met you, I've been enjoying myself.

Especially today.

What's that?

You stole it?

No. I didn't.

Someone left it for me.

Do you know why they did?

They're trying to test me.

However, I don't have time for that.

Oh, this is the File Room key.

Right.

Excuse me, I'd like to ask you something.

Has anyone found a lost earring?

An earring?

Yes. One just like this.

I see. If it's found, I'll call you right away.

Please do...

Narushima, I saw the new guard this morning.

Wow.

Man, he's big. You'll be amazed.

Oh.

And, I just heard, he was a sumo wrestler. No wonder he's big.

No kidding. He was a sumo wrestler?

But I've never seen him on TV.

If he had been, why would he work here?

Good point.

He's a washout, huh? Poor guy.

Actually, he's kinda weird. Wears an earring on one side only.

Not stylish, just funny.

Oh yeah?

Hey, you two. Cut the idle chit-chat.

Yes sir.

Excuse me.

Oh, the guard just went to the basement.

He did?

Basement machine room entrance

That's off limits!

- Sorry. - What's up?

- Nothing. - You work here?

Section 12.

Section 12...

Never heard of it.

You can't fool me, lady!

What?

Um, have you seen a guard here?

Nope. They wouldn't come here.

I see...

If you see one, tell them. Clean the breakers and switchboard.

My job's hard enough.

I came to do electrical work, now I'm cleaning.

I'm very sorry.

Don't you apologize.

Hold this for me.

Well, I don't come cheap.

A few days' switchboard repair fees would sink a small company.

Done. Thanks.

Actually, somebody was in here somewhere. Guard or not.

That sounds bad.

The company outsources security, so I don't know who to talk to.

Maybe call the security company. Or better, the police?

It's not having my earring taken that bothers me.

Your photo?

I'm sure I'd be upset too.

But you gave up your photo, and you dropped your earring.

I guess I'm just being too uptight.

I know.Why not talk to Hyodo in HR?

Hyodo?

Yeah. He'll help. He's eccentric, but he's got connections and clout.

If you can't, I will.

No, it's okay. I've met him once, so I'll tell him directly.

Hang in there.

Mr. Hyodo, Narushima from Section 12 for you.

Wake me at 6 p.m.

Seriously? Nah, it's no problem.

Yeah yeah. Okay, see ya.

Yoshioka's not coming back.

Really?

Everybody's so cold. Today's your welcome party.

It's just you and me.

Sure, but I still have work to do.

Overtime? It's dangerous to work alone.

That guard...

Hey Nonomura. We're going.

Oh, but...

You've got work to do?

Yes, a little.

See?

I'll keep her company. Kurume, after you.

- Nonomura. - Yes sir?

Let's go.

Yes sir.

Okay Narushima, sorry.

I forgot something.

Nonomura, you go ahead.

What? Go on ahead.

Yes sir.

Shut him up.

No need to kill him! You know, right?!

No need to kill him!

Please, noooo!

Excuse me, I'm with Section 12. Seen Kurume?

Kurume? I haven't.

I see...

Human Resources

Narushima? What's up?

Have you seen Kurume?

No.You should've called my extension.

But I can never get through.

My secretary's day off?

What's the time?

11 a.m.

11? 9 p.m. in New York. Too late to call.

Sore throat.

No more cigs for me!

If you hear from Kurume, please tell him to come to Section 12.

Yeah sure.

I'll be going now.

Oh, wait, Narushima.

Sorry, got something I can drink? Anything?

Ah, that's good.

Hyodo.

Do you know about the new guard?

No.

Oh.

Something wrong?

He's extremely large. You'll know if you see him.

That man, he wears an earring of mine that I lost.

It's really creepy.

I'll look into it.

The security office is empty.

Alright.

I'll sort it out later.

I'd appreciate it.

By the way, Narushima. Tell Takada in Section 12 for me.

In Kurume's absence, she's in charge. Okay?

Sure.

Well done, Narushima.

The dealer will sell the Chagall for 25 million.

They will?!

Lots to do. Nonomura, hurry up with that buyer list.

Hello, Akebono Trading.

Oh, Mr. Sakakibara! Yes it's me, Takada.

Yes. No, Kurume is taking the day off.

Yes, so let me help you on his behalf.

More overtime, huh?

So it seems.

Narushima, can we talk?

Can we talk?

What is it?

Trouble last night?

What? What do you mean?

Kurume isn't here today because of last night.

He's human too, you know.

I bet he can't bear to look you in the eyes again.

What happened last night?

He came to you, while you worked overtime.

He didn't.

I know he did. I knew, but I couldn't do a thing.

Really, he didn't come.

But he headed back to the office.

He did?

I should've tried to protect you.

Nonomura, you've got the wrong idea.

Kurume never returned last night at all.

Then...

...where has he gone?

Fujimaru! Why do that?!

That girl did nothing wrong!

Why... would you...

It seems you still don't understand me at all.

No, I understand you.

All too well.

Sorry I interrupted you.

Fujimaru...

Let me go...

I-I won't do anything...

Forgive me!

For what?

J-Just... let me go... please!

I-I'm begging you!

You said you understand me.

How is that?

M-My spine... My spine... You're crushing it!

Trying to understand me is beyond your tolerance.

I'm alive...

Thank you...

I'm alive...

Want to call the police?

Even if you don't, they'll come soon enough.

Why be so impatient?

I'm not... I don't mean to be...

Honestly.

Burn me into your memory.

Of course...

Are we clear? Don't ever forget me.

Okey doke, I'll go make some coffee.

Yoshioka, it's okay. I'll make it.

- I will. - Really.

Sorry. Go for it then.

Are you alright?!

I'll call an ambulance, so please stay still.

Yoshioka! Oh my god! Run! Oh my god...

W-Wait a minute! What are you talking about?

Hey, Nonomura! She's here after all.

You okay? I was wondering why you didn't come back.

There's been a murder!

That guard. You know, the big one.

Watch out! He might be there.

Narushima, go back to the 4th floor.

Yoshioka!

This is brutal...

Call the cops quick.

What the...

No good. Line's cut.

Find an exit!

No good.

Let's go back to the 4th floor. Our workmates...

Unbelievable...

Takada!

You came here?

I had to! What's going on? The power won't come back.

Forget that, let's run!

There's been a murder. We'll be next.

Who'd do that?

That guard.

Don't be ridiculous.

Nonomura? Where is he?

Beats me. He came back, said he'd go make coffee, then left again.

The kitchen!

Wait!

What is this? What is it?!

We're screwed.

What now, Yoshioka?!

Okay. Let's break a 2nd floor window and jump.

You're that guy. Your reputation precedes you.

This is even worse though.

Do you know what you're doing? Huh?

You don't.

Fine. So basically, you're sick in the head.

I'll go call the cops.

Give me your key.

Okay, let's try this.

Put your key on this wagon.

Then you can go. You can do that, right?

Come and get it.

I'd rather not.

Change of plans.

I'll look for a way out. So long.

It's no good.

They're all locked!

That one?!

No good either.

Why no lights?! Somebody do something!

No use! The power's turned off!

We're done for! We can't escape!

Hyodo!

Working late too?

All doors are locked.

They are? He's a clever one.

He's killed twice. We must do something.

Nobody else left?

No.

Okay. Come to my office.

It's the only door he can't open.

Hyodo, how long do we stay here? Any good ideas?

I'm trying to think.

How do we reach out for help?

Wave out the window?

Only if somebody's looking at this hour.

The phone line's cut, so no fax either.

Hey. What about telex? That doesn't use the phone line.

Unfortunately, this is HR. No telex.

- Section 12 has it. - Who'll go?

I'll go.

Yoshioka, don't go alone.

We'll all go.

Bad idea.

Narushima, I'm a fast runner. I'll be fine.

He won't catch me.

But who should I send a telex to? It's midnight.

New York.

Narushima.

I told you Yoshioka's a loser, but let me take that back.

Great, it'll work!

Hyodo.

I know. He's been gone too long.

We need to go help.

Might be too late.

I can't go alone. If he's hurt, I can't carry him.

That's true.

Takada, listen.

Is it over? Are we saved?

Not yet.

Oh...

Hyodo and I are heading out, but you stay here.

This room is safe.

Keep the door locked. We'll knock three times.

Then open it. Okay?

Damn. No telex now.

Oh! Yoshioka!

Yoshioka. Yoshioka!

Did you send a telex?

Good, good! Way to go.

Who's there?

Narushima?

Hyodo?

Who's there?! It should be three knocks!

No. I won't open it!

Wait! Don't go!

Stop!

Don't! No!

Don't!

You bastard!

Narushima! Quickly!

Stop. Please stop!

Why? Why do this?! For what?

To understand requires courage.

I have courage. Please tell me.

You were unlucky.

Meaning what? That's no explanation.

I want to understand you.

You can't explain. So stop this! Please!

You suddenly appeared before me.

This began from that moment.

I knew this would happen.

The time flowing within me is unlike that of your kind.

What kind of time?

Desolate time.

That can't be.

You're human just like me.

Time flows the same for us all.

You're utterly wrong.

Try using your brain.

Fine. I don't want to understand you anymore.

So leave me out of this.

Hurry back to your lair. And never come out!

You're just like them.

You can't believe humans like me exist in this world.

I won't believe it.

But here I am.

Here ends my explanation.

Don't ever...

...forget me.

Good news.

Yoshioka's alive.

Plus, we got a Cezanne for 8.5 billion.

You see, we got a strange phone call from New York.

Something about...

Makiko Kuno

Yutaka Matsushige

Ren Ohsugi

Takeshi Naito

Hatsunori Hasegawa

Screenplay by Kunihiko Tomioka & Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

English subtitles by Don Brown