All language subtitles for 1953 - j160kum0n (v053 1080).en

A DAIEI PRODUCTION

GATE OF HELL

EASTMAN COLOR SYSTEM

Produced by MASAICHI NAGATA

Based on the Play Kesais Husband
by KAN KIKUCHI

Screenplay by TEINOSUKE KINUGASA

Cinematography by KOHEI SUGIYAMA

Sound by YUKIO KAIHARA

Lighting by SHONOJO KATO

Production Design by KISAKU ITO

Color Consultant SANZO WADA

Music by YASUSHI AKUTAGAWA

Starring

KAZUO HASEGAWA

MACH I KO KYO

ISAO YAMAGATA
YATARO KUROKAWA

KOTARO BANDO
JUN TAZAKI, KOREYA SENDA

Directed by TEINOSUKE KINUGASA

THE ILLUSTRATED TALE OF HEIJI

TALE OF HEIJI, SCROLL 2

Kyoto, about 800 years ago.

It was the first year of the Heiji era,
or 1160 AD.

The ruler at the time was
Kiyomori the Monk of the Taira clan.

He took his whole family on a pilgrimage
to the Itsukushima Shrine.

In his absence, the Cavalry Chief,
Yoshitomo of the Minamoto clan,

and the Guard Chief,
Nobuyori of the Fujiwara clan,

attacked Sanjo Palace, the residence
of former Emperor Go-Shirakawa.

Their aim was to overthrow
the government.

This was the beginning
of the so-called Heiji Rebellion.

The South Gate and the Mirror Sanctuary
have been burned down.

The traitors are the Cavalry Chief
and the Guard Chief.

They saw their chance
in Sir Kiyomori's absence.

His Majesty has evacuated to the yard.
He must not be hurt.

Take him to Rokuhara right away.

His Majesty and his sister Her Majesty
must be taken away from here.

Someone must pretend
to be Her Majesty Muneko.

Ride the Imperial Carriage
out of the Southeast Gate.

We must fool our enemies.

Someone must go in place of Her Majesty.
Who will go?

We need to buy time.

Who will go? Someone?

If I may...

- Who are you?
- My name is Kesa.

I see. Good.

I'll order the carriage to be guarded
by an Endo clan warrior, Morito.

Look, Her Majesty's carriage.
Take it.

Come on!

Don't let the carriage get away.
It's Her Majesty.

Old Man, aren't you home?

Old Man!

Old Man, what happened to you?

Kakisuke! Kakisuke!

Hey, wake up.

Awake now?

Don't worry.
This house belongs to me and my brother.

Stay until you're rested.
I'm going back to the Sanjo Palace.

Who are you?

I'm Rokuro of Mutsu.

Rokuro? I don't know
anyone by that name.

Where's Moritada?

My brother isn't here.

Then l'll wait for him.

Don't worry.
I serve under the Cavalry Chief.

You serve under the Cavalry Chief?

What do you want with my brother?

Well, Moritada
carried out great exploits.

Both the Cavalry Chief and the Guard Chief
are exceptionally impressed.

My brother was a party to treason?

Who's that woman?

What's the idea?

That's Her Majesty Muneko.

I know that robe
belongs to Her Majesty.

Don't be ridiculous.

You're not with us?

I'm Morito, from the bloodline
of the Endo warriors.

I won't help traitors.

How impudent!

Damn!

Morito! What are you doing?

My own brother!
Aren't you ashamed of joining the traitors?

Morito, calm down.

From yesterday to today,
the world has changed drastically.

Counselor Shinzei the Monk
was beheaded.

It's more than that.

Rokuhara is already surrounded
by Sir Yoshitomo's men.

Brother, please don't be a traitor.

This isn't you.

I know what I'm doing.

What good will it do
for you to serve Kiyomori?

I don't know.

Once you serve him, though,
he's your master forever.

How can you betray him
in his absence?

It's not cowardice.
It's a shrewd strategy.

I'm sorry to tell you that Kiyomori
won't be coming back.

How can a pack of mutts
defeat the Taira clan?

What did you say?

Want a piece of me?

I'll show no mercy
even to my own brother.

Don't bother with my brother.

You should know that
we've blocked the Western Highway.

We'll welcome you anytime.

Sorry I kept you waiting.
We can't talk here.

Damn!

Counselor Shinzei the Monk's head
is on display at the Gate of Hell.

- Sir Shinzei's head.
- Let's go see.

- It's Sir Shinzei's head.
- Let's go.

Sanjo Palace is now at peace.

The enemies have taken both
His and Her Majesty somewhere.

What?

Counselor Shinzei's head is
on display at the Gate of Hell.

Sir Shinzei would never have imagined
that his own head would be on display.

He beheaded hundreds three years ago
after the Hogen Rebellion.

He called it the “Gate of Hell”
because of their heads.

You can say he was asking for it.

Look, here comes Sir Nobuyori,
commanding general of this war.

He's here to identify the head.

If we offend him,
our heads will go up there as well.

General of Guards,
people are watching.

Morito!

Oh, Kogenta.

What happened to Rokuhara?

I heard it was surrounded
by Yoshitomo's men.

Come on, what happened?

Aren't you on the same side
as your brother?

On the same side?

The order is to slay the brothers
from the Endo clan.

If you're with him, l'll slay you.

Don't be stupid.
My brother is on his own.

Morito, can you prove your loyalty?

Fine. I'll take the news
to Sir Kiyomori in Itsukushima.

To Itsukushima? Good, go.
Heiroku and Tadatsuna have left, too.

Heiroku's gone, too?

Father.

What carelessness allowed Nobuyori
to mount a surprise attack?

What happened to His Majesty?
Where is he?

Well...

You know nothing, old man.
Get Morito.

Yes, sir. Right away.

Nobody was guarding Rokuhara
in my absence?

What a bunch of fools!

Sir Shinzei's head is displayed
at the Gate of Hell?

Not only that, both His Majesty
and Her Majesty Muneko -

Have been taken by the enemies?

At one point, they seemed to be
leaving Sanjo Palace, but -

Who are the traitors?

Captain Nobuzumi of the So clan.

And Kanenari Sakagami
also joined them, you said?

Yes, sir.

And my brother Moritada
has joined in the treason.

Him, too?

I see. You're excused.

Time is of the essence.
Please hurry to Kyoto.

I know. I don't take orders.

Father, I think what Morito says
stands to reason.

If you hesitate,
you'll regret it for years.

We only have fifty-odd men.

We have no suits of armor.
How can we go to war?

Please do not worry about that.

I always carry weapons and armor
hidden in our horse carriages.

You brought them with us?

Yes, I thought an occasion
like this might arise.

Morito, why haven't you
excused yourself?

What are you doing?

How dare you!

Kiyomori the Monk led his clan
and stormed the capital, Kyoto.

He defeated Nobuyori and Yoshitomo's army
at Taiken Gate and Rokuhara.

It was the first year
of the Eiryaku era, 1160 AD.

Political power went back
to the Taira clan.

There it is.

That's Rokuro of Mutsu.
I slayed him at Taiken Gate.

You're lying.

I took his head.

What, you did?

Then did I get his brother Shichiro?

Sir Nobuyori's uprising was suppressed
by Sir Kiyomori in less than a month.

He wouldn't have imagined it.

There won't be
any more battles for a while.

NOBUYORI GUARD GENERAL FUJIWARA
YOSHITOMO CAVALRY CHIEF MINAMOTO

MORITADA

Morito.

They've got incense for their
eternal repose. Burn some for him.

What a fool my brother was.

There'll be a reward ceremony
at the Rokuhara Mansions tomorrow.

I'll beg for a suit of armor.

A suit of armor for what little you did?
Aren't you greedy?

I see you came through safely.

I remember you.

I'm glad I ran into you.

Thank you for that day.

Even though I didn't know these men,
I happened to be passing through, so...

This is my aunt.

My name is Sawa.

Where is your residence, madam?

On the outskirts, at Shirakawa, sir.

Famous for chestnuts?

Yes, in the autumn, we find
a lot of them on the ground.

Are you both from Shirakawa?

I raised Kesa at my place for years.

Is your niece's name Kesa?

She's been serving at the Palace.

Her Majesty Muneko gave her that name.

A good name.

It helped her get promoted.

I'm beaming with pride.

Aunt...

Would you stop by my house?
I'll have my servant prepare a meal.

Thank you, sir.

This morning, though,
she has to go to the Palace.

I see.

That's too bad.

Some other time, sir.

Morito, it seems
you're quite taken with her.

Sadafusa, you're next?

I appoint you Governor of Ise,
and I give you a steed.

I am grateful and happy.

Next up is Tomoyuki? Tomoyuki!

Yes, sir.

I give you the Goka Manor
in Tajima Province.

Yes, sir. I'm grateful and happy.

Kogenta.

Yes, sir.

I remember you had a wish.

Yes, sir.

I'd like an Eight Battle sword
and your favorite doll.

Good. An unusual wish,
but you shall have them.

Thank you.

Is that you, Morito, over there?

Yes, sir.

You didn't join your brother in treason.

You slayed Masanaka.

Your feat at Taiken Gate
was exceptional.

State your wish,
no matter what it may be.

Will you grant it if I say it?

I, Kiyomori the Monk,
never go back on my word.

Unless you want
the heads of my clan.

Well, then.

I'd like to ask Kiyomori the Monk
to be my go-between.

What? You want me
to arrange your marriage?

Yes, sir.

I see.

This can only come from you.
Who do you want to marry?

A lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty.

Kesa is the name of the woman
I'd like to have.

Kesa?

I don't know her,
but she must be quite beautiful.

All right. l'll relay the message
to Her Majesty right away.

Thank you. I'm happy, sir.

How can you laugh?

Can any of you speak as frankly
as Morito on this occasion?

Morito, I promise to grant your wish.

My Lord.

Kesa is married to Wataru Watanabe,
lieutenant of the Palace Gate Guard.

What?

Morito, as you've heard,

Kesa is a married woman.

You can be so difficult.
You embarrass me.

Sir Kiyomori the Monk,
you promised me.

Unreasonable though I may be,
I want Kesa.

That won't do.

You said you'd give me your word.

She's a married woman.
You must give up.

Don't you have any other wish?

Well?

Morito?

Why don't you answer me?

Don't you understand?

I'm asking you. Will you refuse?

Oh, no. l'll do that, My Lady.

I have too much time on my hands.

Please don't.

The lady of the house
shouldn't be cleaning.

I wonder if it's in my blood
that I have to do it myself.

Tone, finish it for me.

You may not have intended anything,
but you shouldn't be too careless.

Did you hear what happened
at Rokuhara yesterday?

I hear the capital streets
are abuzz with the rumor.

The General across the street
mentioned it.

“He boasted of the little he did and made
an unreasonable demand of Sir Kiyomori.”

He was very angry-

How could he be enamored
of a married woman?

I wonder what kind of man
this bumpkin Morito is?

Master Watanabe laughed about it
and went to work this morning.

Tone, do not be so vulgar.

Oh, no.

Sir Wataru must be quite angry.

Like us, he's from the Fujiwara clan.

We mustn't allow a lowly warrior
to embarrass us nobles.

Besides, this man's brother
was Moritada.

I hear he was a ringleader
in the treason.

Please, say no more.

What awful times we live in.

Listen carefully, Kesa.

The lady of the house
must stand upon her dignity.

Otherwise,
unexpected troubles may befall her.

I see the Master has come home.

The widow from next door,
is she here chattering again?

Yes, she has a lot of idle time.

Welcome home.

Has Lady Mano gone home?

Yes.

She comes by all the time.

I'm not used to the household affairs
of this clan.

She admonishes me in many ways.

Oh, no. You seem to be upset.

No, it's nothing.

But are you worried about something?

Why do you ask such a question?

I'm afraid I've been careless.

They say you've heard a stupid rumor.

Please forgive me.

About Morito?

Yes.

Maybe my behavior was improper.

Maybe that was why
he was so unreasonable.

It lies heavy on my heart.

That's a needless worry.

How could you be at fault?

It appears that wild warrior
can appreciate your beauty.

You're my precious wife.

I won't let Morito
even point a finger at you.

How happy you make me
with those words.

I felt so remorseful that
I had a lump in my throat.

Force is the warrior's usual method.

Such an unlawful demand
can't be pushed through.

Come on, smile. Smile.

Come on.

Trying to be funny?

I shall have a drink. lt's been a while.
You drink, too.

Yes, and when I'm drunk,
l'll pester you for many things.

There you go again.

A messenger from Rokuhara
for the lady to come right over.

For me?

Tell him I'm sick in bed.

No.

It would be impolite to decline
a personal invitation from Sir Kiyomori.

And you know what?

You're no longer working for Her Majesty.

It'd be best if you visit him.

What could he want?

For some reason, I'm not up to it.

You're making too much of it.

Tone.

Tell him she'll
present herself right away.

Yes, sir.

No wonder.

Is Morito here?

Summon him.

No, I'd better not be here.

Do you hear that, Morito?
Kesa is playing the koto.

Since you insisted,
I'll give you one chance.

Meet with her and ask her
what's in her heart.

There's nothing you can do, however,
unless she has feelings for you.

If you must give up,
will you give up like a man?

Good.

Aren't you going? What's wrong?

What a coward.

Lost your courage
at the crucial moment?

Never

Excuse me.

What to do about that stubborn man?

My Lord.

Aren't you going too far
with your joke?

Stop-

Why don't you stop?

Stop it.

I'm a man who can't lie.

I made a request
of Sir Kiyomori the Monk.

That was the first time
I learned you were married.

For some reason, I can't give up.

You're being unreasonable.

I know it's unreasonable.

Lady Kesa, can't you see how I feel?

For you, I will do anything.

No, you mustn't.

Why not?

I have a husband.

Are you saying
I'm inferior to Wataru?

What are you doing?

Lady Kesa.

Lady Kesa,
His Lordship wants to see you.

Come on, Wataru.
What're you thinking about?

Might it be the rustic warrior
at Rokuhara?

You can't worry about him
falling for your Lady Kesa.

Stop it.

Wataru and Lady Kesa
are happily married.

How could she ever
be bothered with Morito?

Come on.
What are you talking about?

Tomorrow is the horse race at Kamo.

He's invited us to drink
for the occasion, as usual.

Change the subject.

You're single, Kanenari.
You don't understand.

- What did you say?
- Shut up.

Hey.

Did you hear?

That stupid Rokuhara warrior
has done something outrageous.

- You mean Morito?
- What did he do?

He's entered tomorrow's horse race.

What? He'll race against Wataru?

This is getting very interesting.

Don't be stupid.

He's such a ruffian.

We must watch out,
or who knows what he'll do.

If you want, Wataru,
l'll race in your place.

No.

Wataru beat the Rokuhara rider
brilliantly last year.

No way he's gonna lose to this Morito.

Right, Wataru?

It is true that the event is a race.

But we dedicate the race to the gods.

It doesn't matter who's riding.

We just need to press
our skills to their utmost.

You're wrong.

It's a matter of honor
for us nobles at the Palace.

You must win this horse race.

A good-natured man can't win.

You must hate that idiot.

Win or lose,
I leave it to divine will.

The Endo warrior is a samurai, too.
He must feel as I do.

Either way, there's never been
a match like this.

Surely there'll be an uproar
at the racing grounds tomorrow.

Tone, isn't Kesa back yet?

She came home a long time ago.

So you're back.

What did he want?

What's wrong?

He summoned me today...

to test my heart.

To test your heart?

Yes.

Sir Kiyomori had me meet Sir Morito.

And?

I made it clear that I rejected him.

But what could be more humiliating?

I see.

You endured it well.

No on can move
another's heart by force.

Sir Kiyomori and Morito
must've been impressed.

Come. Stop crying.

Yes.

Come to the horse race tomorrow.
It'll be a good diversion.

You'll be racing in the same round
as Sir Morito.

That's what I heard in Rokuhara today.

The horse race is a divine ritual.

No matter who you're racing,
you must test your skills.

Do you have to take part in the race
no matter what?

There's no need to worry.

I feel I'm going to win again.

Kesa, listen.

Retain your composure,
no matter who says what.

Drop your guard
and people will pounce.

I see.

Let's go out to the yard.
The moon is beautiful.

Has everyone left already?

They talked as they pleased
and left in fine spirits.

Listen, Kesa.

I won't let anyone else have you.

Understand?

It'll be a fine day tomorrow.

Is that Wataru Watanabe?

Yes, that's Wataru.

I'll make him sweat today.

But, Morito, do it fair and square.

Of course.

I'll even startle the onlookers
to their feet.

Kakisuke.

Go see who won, red or purple.

- The Red Team won.
- Off to a good start.

Morito, listen here -

I know.

Forward. Go.

This will be a great race.

You can't miss this duel.

How ironic that the two subjects
of the rumor are to race side by side.

Good, good.

- Well done, Morito.
- You did great.

How disappointing.
Why did you spare the whip?

Did you let him win?

How dare you accuse me.
He was more skilled.

No, it didn't seem that way.

Excuse me, your lady
is waiting for you over there.

Is she?

It's time for the “Forget
the Race” festivity.

Best forget everything.
Right, Morito?

The “Friendship” ceremony is over.
You must not hold grudges.

Everything is informal now.

We have people from both
the Palace and Rokuhara.

Only once a year do you sit together
and share a meal.

Enjoy yourselves without reserve.

Well, wasn't it a great race?

Yes, surely Wataru let him win.

Everybody agrees on this.

I bet Wataru was asked by Lady Kesa
and made a shrewd move.

He sure did.

Otherwise, he'd have used the whip.

What do you say, Wataru?

No, I just couldn't catch up.

Don't you play innocent.

“A wise man stays away from danger,” huh?

- What're you saying?
- Hey.

It strikes me as laughable
for you to say he let me win.

I'm ready to do it again.

This is fun. You wanna do it again?

Yeah, let's have a real duel
in the garden.

Fine. If you wish, I don't mind
a real sword fight.

Running away?

All of you, out into the garden.

I don't think he let me win.

Gang up on me, and I'll beat you.

Morito, what do you think
the “Forget the Race” festivity is?

No violence is tolerated. Sit down!

Won't you sit down?

Fool.

It's inexcusable for a Taira warrior
to lose his composure over a woman.

Go home and await orders.

My Lady, please hide somewhere.

What's wrong, Tone?

“I'm Morito the Endo warrior,” he said.

"I must meet with the Lady of the House
and ask her a question.”"

He's here, making threats.

And what did you tell him?

The Master is still out.

I said, “The Lady went out
and hasn't come back.”

“I'll wait,” he said
and planted himself at the inner gate.

I asked the servant
who accompanied her.

The Lady went to visit her aunt.

She isn't coming back today.

She went to her aunt's house?

Yes.

I see.

No, Lady Kesa is surely here.

So I was told
at the Watanabe mansion.

No, she isn't here.

Fine, l'll search your house.

You can search all you want,
but Kesa isn't here.

Aren't you lying?

Why should I lie?

So she was at the mansion.

I'm not giving up.

Oh, yes.

Bring Kesa over here.

I must see her.

That won't do.

I'm risking my life for her.
Can't you help?

Kesa is married to Master Watanabe.

I can't bend her to my whim.

I know it's a lot,
but I'm asking you.

Anything but this.

- Do you refuse?
- Yes.

Fine. I won't ask.

I'll slay anyone and everyone.

Even if I went for her, I'm afraid...

Kesa wouldn't come here.

She'll come if you send word
that you're sick and dying.

- That would be a lie.
- Do you still refuse?

Oh, my. You're back.

What's wrong?

I hear you've been holed up in here.

Yes.

A messenger is here.
Your aunt is ill and she wants to see you.

My aunt?

Should I go pay her a visit?

No.

I'll go to her.

Will you?

Go right away with the messenger.

If you need me, I'll be right over.

Oh, my.

Your aunt must be lonely.

Be careful on your way.

I will.

Thank you very much.

Lady Aunt.

Kesa is here.

Light a lamp.

Lady Kesa.

Your aunt isn't sick.
You can rest assured.

He insisted on seeing you, so -

Lady Aunt, leave us alone.

Don't do anything unreasonable.

I know.

Come on in now.

Let me hear what you want.

Tonight is the night
I want you to hear what's in my heart.

It's fruitless for me to listen.

Lady Kesa,
l'll throw away everything.

You'll be the only one for me.

Respond to what's in my heart.

You're disgracing yourself.

I'm grateful for your help, yes.

But this -

What are you doing?

You refuse, no matter what?

Yes.

Then I'm ready.

You're mine now.

No matter what you say,
female virtue won't allow it.

Drop your husband. Leave Wataru.

I can't do that.

Why Can't you?

I, Morito, will slay Wataru.

I won't stop with Wataru.

If needed, your aunt, too.

I might have to kill you, too.

Are you ready to do all that?

Do you want me that much?

I want you.

I can't live without you.

What do you say?
Can't you grant my wish?

Eh?

Why don't you answer?

Do you want...

Wataru, yourself

and your aunt, all dead?

Kesa.

It all depends on your answer now.

Please let me go.

All right.

I'll do as your heart desires.

Good. You'll grant my wish?

For that, my husband -

l'll slay him.

Tonight.

Yes.

Will you help me?

- Yes.
- Good.

At the nine bells, at midnight.

Blow out the light
in Wataru's bedroom.

If you fool me, l'll kill you all.

If you take a step outside tonight,
l'll lop off your head.

Yes, sir.

Oh, my. Are you back?

Where is the Master?

He was over there, reading a book.

Is he?

Was your aunt terribly sick?

No, it seems it wasn't that bad.

That's good to hear.
I was worried about her.

Tone, bring some sake here.

Yes, My Lady.

Once it's ready, you may go
to the staff house and sleep.

Yes, My Lady.

Tone, wait a moment.

You can have this.

My, such a fine piece.

To keep me always near you.

Yes, l'll take good care of it.

Kesa, is it you?

Yes, I'm sorry I'm late.

How was your aunt?

Well, maybe she was lonely.

She was so glad to see me.

Was she?

Go to sleep soon. I will, too.

I feel as if someone's in my bedroom.
I'm too scared to sleep.

Who could be there?

I can't shake off the feeling.

All right. I'll go take a look.

Nobody's here, you see.

Maybe it was my nerves.

Would you like some?

What is it?

No. Nothing.

Are you worried about your aunt?

No.

What are you worried about?

It's nothing, really.

I sure hope so.

Why don't you play if you feel gloomy?

It's been a while.
I'd like to listen.

Yes.

Why play such a sad song?

Are you crying?

No.

I think you're tired.

Have a cup, to relax.

Yes, I will have a cup.

All in one gulp?

Let's go to sleep now.

No, please stay awake.

And please sleep here
in my bedroom tonight.

Sleep here?

Yes.

I'll lie down and listen to you play.

Hey, what time is it now?

Soon we'll hear
the nine bells of midnight.

Nine bells, is it?

A healthy life for you, My Lord.

Kesa!

YOU!

I didn't know.

You'd die for him?

I never knew!

Forgive me.

Forgive me, Kesa.

I'm -

What an idiot I am!

I couldn't even see into your heart.

I crushed a precious flower
in full bloom.

Sir Wataru.

Sir Wataru.

Where's Sir Wataru?

Sir Wataru!

Sir Wataru!

Sir Wataru!

Morito!

Sir Wataru.

Cut off my head.

What?

I was lost in the darkness of love.

I thought it was you.

I slayed Lady Kesa.

She resigned herself to the misfortune
that I, Morito, was smitten with her.

Lady Kesa died in your place.

Lady Kesa was an admirable,
faithful woman.

And I who slayed her
am a despicable idiot.

I tried to use brute force.

I'm a fool who was convinced
he could usurp her heart.

Go ahead.

Trample on me.
Chop me to pieces.

Do your worst to your heart's content.

Kesa.

Was that your farewell?

Why didn't you confide in me?

Now I see you like this.

Did you think I'd be happy?

Kesa.

Listen to my voice.

Do you know how a wife
can please her husband?

It's when she trusts him
with everything.

Why didn't you trust me?

Why didn't you ask me to help you?

Go on, Sir Wataru.

Do as you please.

I'm Morito the contemptible.

Rend me to pieces.

Aren't you mortified to see
your wife slain?

Don't you hate me?

It would be pointless.

What?

Why should I cut off your head?

It wouldn't bring back Kesa.

Your wife's murderer is before you.
Don't you want revenge?

Are you afraid of my swordsmanship?

It may well be over for you
if your head is lopped off.

But...

l'll be left alive.
What am I to do?

My beloved, only wife.

Yet she didn't confide a word to me
even as she faced death.

What am I supposed to do?

Sir Wataru, you're right.

Then I, Morito, must live on.

I'll endure the torments of hell
for the rest of my life.

I, Morito, have made up my mind
to start over as a monk.

Kesa...

THE END