Original subtitles

A NIKKATSU PRODUCTION

OBEY FAMILY RULES

WITHOUT RULES, THE HOUSE WILL NOT FUNCTION

INTENTIONS OF MURDER

Oh, my!

Kinu!

Dear, even if the priest said to do that,

it's too cold today.

Kinu, take this to the shrine.

Dear, you go inside and lie down.

Do as I say. I'll bring Masaru in soon.

They say the master has no heir

because he was cursed by a white snake.

Kinu!

But I think the spirit of his father's dead mistress is bringing him bad luck.

Stop that. You'll upset him again.

Is here good?

That's fine, thanks.

I'm sure it's Matsu, the mistress.

It was her curse that killed the prior master's wife too.

Riichi, why not move into the family home when you get back?

It isn't that simple. There are things to consider.

I'll stop by soon to discuss it.

No, I'll be back anyway to collect money for eggs.

Don't bother. Let Sadako do that.

What if she miscounts the money?

She even forgot to bring you a change of clothes.

She isn't dependable.

Here comes Mommy!

It took that long just to go home?

Sorry. I ran all the way.

Thank you.

What's this? I said undershirts.

You did?

Another mistake.

I'm sorry. I'll run back.

Don't bother. It's too late.

Well, well! Good evening, Mr. Takahashi.

Off to Tokyo University?

Delegate to the National Library Association... that's a big deal!

I'm on my way to Zao.

Did you blab everything to him too?

- I didn't say a word. - Then how did he know?

Who is he?

A student who boards with the lady next door.

Sadako?

Where are you going? - For a platform ticket.

Don't bother. Mother's taking Masaru for some noodles.

Don't forget to help my boss Mr. Watanabe with his housecleaning tomorrow.

Don't worry about Masaru. He'll stay with us.

Bring some bean cakes back for your father.

Dad, bring me something too.

Only if you get rid of those mice.

Then I don't want anything.

It's so cold.

Let's go see Grandfather.

Sorry, Mother.

Stop it. You don't have to do that.

Masaru, behave yourself. Don't eat too much.

Don't worry. He knows.

Please take care of him.

Mommy, don't throw my mice away.

Dried sardines, 30 yen.

Beef, 130 yen.

Monthly payment on the TV...

1,800 yen.

Sadako, you're spending too much on food.

You and Masaru are too frail.

You need nourishment.

You have no education,

and that makes Riichi feel ashamed.

"It's the same in Aiko's case.

I don't think cigarettes are good for one's health.

Yet why is it all right for a man to smoke,

but not for a woman?

The question raises a large number of issues..."

When you get to their house,

pay attention to everything Mrs. Takahashi says.

Your grandma used to live there.

She was the previous master's mistress,

so you're related in a way.

The master's like a saint,

so help out in any way you're asked.

They're the only ones who'll take you in now.

Be a good girl and make your late mother proud.

Uncle, I want to go back to Tokyo.

Don't talk nonsense.

Your mother's dead. Where would you go?

Give me your money. Be quiet!

Hurry and give me your money.

Over there.

In the drawer.

Don't look at me!

I'll kill you if you do!

Help!

- Want me to kill you? - Help!

I'll kill you if that's what you want!

Sadako!

What are you doing, you idiot?

Get out, you child of a whore!

You're just like Matsu!

If you keep quiet, no one will know.

Nothing happened.

It was a dream.

It had to be a dream.

I have to die.

- Master Riichi... - No.

You wouldn't let me take it this morning either.

Sadako, I love you.

No, don't!

You mustn't!

- Sadako! - No, you mustn't!

Why not?

Sadako!

Sadako, can I come up?

Can I?

Who's there? Who is that?

Thief! Bastard!

Get out of here, you son of a bitch!

Bastard!

Come here again and I'll call the police!

Mean old hag!

You were waiting for him, weren't you, with the light on this late?

No, I wasn't.

Your grandma was my dead father's mistress.

Your mother was a caf� waitress

and had you out of wedlock.

Can't you see I don't want you to become a slut like them?

- I know. - Don't lie to me!

You opened the window for him!

- No, I didn't. - Liar!

I didn't open the window.

I'm always getting yelled at because of a grandma I never met.

Papa, forgive me.

I have to kill myself.

Masaru!

I have to die.

I'm going to die anyway,

so I might as well see Masaru first.

Mom, Grandma bought me some clothes.

Really?

Did you have fun at Grandma's?

You didn't get a tummy ache?

What's wrong, Mommy?

Nothing. I just fell down.

Wipe his nose.

Why are you crying?

He was only gone two days. You trying to imply something?

I paid the deposit. You take care of the rest.

Masaru, I said you could wear those until you got home.

Now take them off.

My goodness! What happened to this screen?

Well...

I went to set the time, but I slipped

and the clock fell.

Get it fixed soon. It's a disgrace.

Forgive me.

I hope you're not giving Riichi any ideas...

about not moving into our place.

It's an easy commute to the library,

and you'd pay half the rent you pay here.

You need to consider the little one's education.

He should really be with me.

You should be persuading Riichi.

I'll try.

I bought pesticide for the roses.

Let me see.

No! It's a scary poison. It's called "Bordeaux."

A little drop could kill you.

I want a snack.

Wash your hands first. You were just outside.

Kaki and Maki don't wash their hands.

Come here.

Don't imitate those slum kids.

You're a frail boy.

Go on now.

Are you waiting until tomorrow to hang out this wash?

It's such a fine day.

All right.

Morning. You're late today.

I have a splitting headache.

That's not like you. Didn't you get enough sleep?

I sure didn't.

She kept me awake all night

telling me all her troubles.

Idiot.

I hate old men. They're so persistent.

Oh, hello!

Your mother-in-law's here? - Yes.

Oh, about that knitting machine...

hurry and get your husband to buy it.

It's year-end and the company has to clear the books.

I'd pay for it for you,

but the old man's retired, and his son is so stingy.

I'd like to...

but my husband's against it.

Talk him into it.

You finished Mrs. Sato's sweater, right?

Finish more orders and buy the machine.

- Sadako. - Coming.

Sadako, Grandma's calling you.

Oh no!

The little mouse ate the big one.

He must have been hungry.

Masaru, listen.

Masaru, don't fall asleep.

I have to talk to you.

If Mommy decides to die, will you die with me?

Sure.

- Really? - Yeah.

But I can still go to school, right?

No, you can't go anywhere.

- Want something to eat? - No.

I'll tell him.

If he doesn't forgive me, I'll kill myself.

Coming.

Who is it?

I'm from the library.

Isn't Mr. Takahashi back yet?

Not yet.

Has something happened?

There was a little trouble at the library.

Sorry to bother you.

Hi, Dad.

Welcome home.

I got this vacuum cheap from Mr. Watanabe.

How nice.

You didn't go help at his house, did you?

No.

Why not?

Maki's wife and everybody else went.

Don't you care what happens to me at work?

Of course I do.

Then why didn't you go?

I had things to take care of.

Don't lie!

Why don't you do what I tell you for a change?

Bring that thing over here.

I swear, I have to be the unluckiest man alive.

My wife watches TV all day long,

and I buy her a vacuum cleaner.

Plug it in.

You use it like this.

Can I try it, Dad?

What happened to that screen?

Your mother told me to put on new paper for the New Year.

It's none of her business.

Can we afford it? Show me the household accounts.

What's this?

Still haven't returned this knitting machine?

I'll do it tomorrow.

You'll never learn to use it. Just take it back.

What's this? You went over budget again.

Why's the electric bill so high?

Because all you do is watch TV.

I don't watch that much. It's the refrigerator.

We don't need a fridge in winter. Unplug it.

And don't use the vacuum cleaner too much.

It's second-hand, but it's almost new.

Unplug it.

- You want dinner? - No.

That woman who came by last night... is she from the university?

Yes.

She said there was trouble at the library.

I know.

Maki was nominated to be head librarian while I was away.

What an insult!

The guy's family is a bunch of peasants.

You can't trust people.

Hell, there's no such thing as trust.

Hey, Mama-san!

It's that damned student next door again.

Are you asleep?

What happened to the cord?

It broke. I got it fixed.

What was wrong?

I wasn't sure, so I called the electrician.

Fool! Don't call him for something that simple.

How much did he charge? - A hundred yen.

Papa...

what would...

Spit it out.

What would you do if I had an affair?

Idiot.

As if you had the guts.

Go ahead, if you think you can.

But I...

You just sit around. You didn't even go help the Watanabes.

Watching TV is making you even dumber.

No, please don't.

Masaru might wake up.

It doesn't matter.

Papa...

Mama...

Eros and Civilization.

Riichi!

It's true Maki was nominated to be head librarian,

but it hasn't been decided yet.

Mr. Watanabe's disliked him since that thesis incident last year.

Besides, Watanabe's your relative,

so he won't endorse Maki that easily.

I heard a lot about it today,

and I wanted to tell you everything.

You haven't come to my apartment in a long time.

Be sure...

to stop by on your way home today.

It's not what you think.

Somebody help!

Listen...

if you go to the cops, I'll tell them all about you and your husband.

Bitch! Look what you did!

I'll burn you.

Killing is nothing to me.

Mrs. Takahashi?

If you want to scream, go ahead.

Mrs. Takahashi?

I'm from lgarashi Appliances.

Anyone home?

You like me, don't you?

Are you crazy? You?

I'll tell them!

I'll tell them all about last time.

Is that what you want?

It's not what you think.

I love you.

You love me too, don't you?

A jerk like you?

Please...

I know I'm a fool.

But I'm going to die.

I just want you to be nice to me.

I...

Stop it!

No, don't!

No!

Riichi!

Your Yoshiko missed you so much.

Listen...

is it true Sadako's not registered as your wife?

That's not true.

You know...

I had that abortion for your sake.

Here I am, so unhappy.

I wish I'd had the baby.

Cut it out.

I'm your wife.

We've been together for ten years,

longer than you've known Sadako.

Isn't that right?

I'm your...

real wife.

Ouch! That hurts!

Mrs. Takahashi!

What's this cloth doing here?

Mommy, aren't you home?

She's home. I hear noise inside.

Mommy!

This is far enough.

But...

It's dark and dangerous near your apartment.

I don't care.

See you.

Riichi...

I bought this for Masaru.

It's a good book.

That's enough now. My neighbor just saw us.

What does that matter?

Listen, I want to raise Masaru

as if he were my own son.

Fine. Thanks.

That's why...

That's why...

I'm home.

What a nuisance!

A coworker kept asking me questions all the way home.

Really persistent.

Masaru, isn't that a new screen?

Here's a present for you.

Welcome home, Dad.

It's a good book. Treat it well.

What's wrong?

Are you sick?

Mr. Watanabe insisted I go drinking with him.

What a day!

I'll do it.

You get dinner ready.

You still haven't returned that knitting machine?

Hisako asked if I'd do some piecework.

It might be enough to pay the electric bill.

They sure are loud next door.

What's wrong with you?

Did something happen?

Why are you looking at me like that?

Hurry and get dinner ready.

Why did I smile like that?

Excuse me! May I -

Please excuse me.

Hisako! You slut!

Run, Hisako!

Come back here!

Bitch!

Whore!

Taking in that bastard!

Go to hell!

You don't even support me! Stop acting like you own me!

I earn my own keep! No one tells me what to do!

You bitch! How long have you been screwing that kid?

Stop it! You're on my property!

That's right. You're on his property.

Sorry to disturb you.

Come on.

- Arrogant ass! - Watch your mouth!

Hisako, hurry up. We have to talk.

Bad fight, wasn't it?

He found out she was cheating.

If they're going to fight, they should do it inside.

Damn it!

They broke the fence.

- What happened, Mom? - Nothing.

I'm terribly sorry.

Stupid bastard!

Look what you did.

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Cowering in a stranger's house.

Get me a rag.

Masaru.

Go home.

I said go home!

I'll do it.

It's just not right

bringing your quarrels into someone else's house.

It's fine.

Hurry and get dinner ready.

If I tell him, it'll ruin everything.

I'd rather die first.

But what if that man comes back?

- May I help you? - May I see some locks?

We have several kinds over here.

You better be careful. They didn't seem like just friends.

She must be a librarian.

They're always bothering him for help.

It was more than that! It was obvious.

You go ahead and do what you want.

You can make a living by knitting.

Sadako, get me a screwdriver.

See? He's worried about us talking.

- You'll get cut. - I don't care.

Wait, let me roll out the futon.

Stop...

Papa...

- It's going to rain. - Then maybe we shouldn't.

Let's have tea. I rushed over when I saw the time.

Ma'am, shall I place the side dishes here?

Yes, that's fine.

Young wives are so lucky these days.

They won't marry unless they can wear tabi socks in the house.

That's right. We had it the worst.

We couldn't wear tabi as young wives,

but now we have to buy them for our sons' wives.

That's democracy for you.

Mother, the beans are ready.

Then go get some eggs.

My daughter-in-law doesn't wear tabi, democracy or no.

- Isn't Sadako in your family register yet? - No.

Isn't it about time you registered her?

Things aren't that simple as head of the family.

Sadako, don't forget to come visit Matsu's grave on April 20.

It's been 50 years since she died.

Was she really my grandmother?

Of course.

Mrs. Takahashi and everyone say you look exactly like her.

If you don't visit her grave,

you'll end up like Matsu and put a curse on this family.

They say she was the prior master's mistress.

That's right.

Leave that. I'll do it.

The family took Matsu's daughter away, and it broke her heart.

She wandered around here every night

and finally hanged herself.

Hanged herself?

Her daughter was your mother.

The fact this house has no heir

is due to Matsu's curse.

Even now,

on every anniversary of her death,

you can hear her footsteps click-clacking outside at night.

Stop it! You're always trying to scare me.

Make a scene if you want, but we have to talk.

Masaru!

Let's go. - To the cafeteria?

We're going home.

Train fare, 25 yen.

Green onions, 30 yen.

Monthly payment on the TV...

1,800 yen.

This one looks great on you.

I wanted one with more red, but this one's flashier.

What did the man do then?

- He followed her outside. - And then?

I followed for a while, but then I lost them.

Don't lie to me. It's all nonsense.

It is not nonsense. - It is too.

Your eyesight's too poor to be reliable.

But I can see things up close.

I did it for you.

You fool. Stop talking nonsense.

Are you trying to wreck my home?

How could you!

You know it's true.

I called but there was no answer.

Won't you come over today?

I'm thinking of moving closer to your house.

Don't be stupid!

I love you.

First do this, then turn this dial in.

Pull the lever, then turn the dial out.

- On the old machine... - Well, not on this one.

See?

Strange. Like this, and then...

No, this way.

- And then... - Turn it again that way.

- See? - You're right.

Welcome home, Dad.

Hello, sir.

My inhaler.

It's dangerous leaving scissors around!

I was just asking your wife.

The thing is...

I've missed too many of Mr. Watanabe's lectures.

I wondered if you'd talk to him...

I don't approve of favoritism. I won't do it.

Go home. - I'm shocked!

Go home!

Was he here all day?

No, just a little while.

Where'd you go today?

First to the department store, to the yarn section.

I asked about knitting work.

Then I bought Masaru a coat in the bargain basement,

and then...

You didn't meet anyone?

No.

Is that the truth?

It's true. I didn't meet anyone.

Dad, look what Mom bought me.

Did you go to the department store with your mother?

Did she meet anyone there?

I don't know.

Does that student come over a lot?

Yeah.

Doesn't he, Mom? - Yes, sometimes.

Now put your coat away.

Mrs. Takahashi?

I'm here for your savings deposit.

- What? - Your savings deposit.

That's a nice coat, young man.

Sorry to come by so late.

No one was home this afternoon.

I'm sorry. Here you are.

Thank you.

Thank you. See you next month.

Thank you.

Let me see that.

28,000 yen.

You've hidden this from me for three years.

Why?

It's in your name, and it's all my money!

I'm sorry.

But that's all money I earned from my knitting.

Here's the household account.

You calculated wrong here.

Look. 8,560 minus 5,220 is...

Isn't it 3,340?

I know that.

What's this?

Have you got lipstick on?

Mommy, this is awful!

My mouse is dead!

You asked me an odd question a while back.

What?

About having an affair or something.

I never said anything like that.

You've forgotten already?

You did say it.

I said something like that?

Sure it wasn't about something on TV?

Three months pregnant - so you conceived around mid-November.

The sooner the better. You want to do it now?

How much would it cost?

4,000, plus 500 for incidentals. So 4,500 yen.

The 12:50 train for Tokyo is running three minutes late.

It will arrive shortly.

Three months pregnant. The sooner the better.

Could it be that guy's baby?

I haven't gotten pregnant in six years.

I followed you all the way from Sendai.

I wasn't sure when to approach you.

You're pregnant, aren't you?

Is it mine?

It is, isn't it?

I know everything.

That's why you came out here to see a doctor.

Isn't that right?

Hey!

Stop!

Please wait!

Listen...

will you run away with me?

If we stay on this train, we'll get to Tokyo.

I don't know about the future,

but even if it's just for a while...

let's live together.

Let's go to Tokyo.

We can get by there.

Please. Come with me.

Oh, yeah, your son. You can bring him along.

I like kids, and they take to me too.

Don't you dare talk about my son!

It makes my skin crawl to hear a man like you even mention him.

This baby isn't yours!

It's my husband's. His and mine.

Now go away!

You promised never to come again! Now leave!

Go away!

I can't take it anymore.

You're all I ever think about.

Nothing you say will change that.

Come away with me! - Let me go!

You bitch! I'll kill you!

What's wrong with him?

Ampule...

in my pocket...

medicine...

Is he going to die?

In my pocket...

Break it open.

- No, I'm not going. - Then I'm not either.

I've fallen on that slope before.

Stop it!

Fine, I'll set him straight today.

It's actually a good opportunity.

I can't let it slip by.

It's 400 yen an hour, in advance.

She says it's 400 yen.

Thank you.

Shall I bring tea? - No.

I get like that once in a while,

but it's nothing serious.

My doc says it's my heart or something,

but sickness is all in the head.

I need to talk to you.

You mean... about Tokyo?

I knew it.

You want to go to Tokyo too.

Come on.

Let's not act like strangers.

Stop it. I need to talk to you.

Talk to me? About the baby?

I have to talk to you.

Don't start that again.

Let me talk.

No.

Stop it.

I got you a safety pin.

I lose my temper easily.

I know I shouldn't, but I do.

You're just the kind of woman I thought you'd be.

I wish you'd go to Tokyo with me.

I'll leave first.

I play drums at a joint called the Chicago in Imakitamachi.

If you decide...

to go to Tokyo with me, let me know.

Okay?

I'm going now.

I won't come by your place again.

This is good-bye.

What if the baby is his?

What if...?

Next stop: Hirose Bridge.

"Idiot! Running off in the middle of the day!

Father died this morning.

Bring Masaru and come quickly. Riichi."

Excuse me.

Mr. Riichi left work early for the funeral.

Mr. Watanabe asked me to bring this over.

Thank you very much.

Even a good man like him couldn't live forever.

He was a handsome man when he was young.

My condolences.

Thank you. Sorry I'm late.

- Where were you? - The yarn shop.

You've disgraced me.

Look, Grandpa's crying!

Masaru.

Where are Grandpa's false teeth?

Riichi.

Come here a moment.

Sadako, you too.

We've got to decide who'll look after Mother.

I really can't afford...

That's why we should all talk it over.

All he left was this house and one rice field.

If you come to live here,

I'll only ask for what's mine by law.

I won't mind if you take the rest.

When Mother dies, it'll all be yours.

Namie married into a rich family.

Right, Namie? - What?

About the house. You don't mind, right?

Fine with me.

Just make sure I get the big chest of drawers.

For our drawing room. It feels so empty now.

The thing is...

commuting from here to the library is a problem.

It's still closer to your work than to mine.

I'd like to move here, but I'd have to drum up new business from scratch,

and changing schools for the kids would be a pain.

Excuse me.

I understand all that, but what does Mother say?

I'm not a bachelor.

Masaru was put in the register as the rightful heir, wasn't he?

Yes. Mother insisted, so I registered him that way.

Sadako, you were raised in this house.

Wouldn't you be more comfortable here?

Shall we do it, Sadako?

Say, aren't you Sadako?

Yes. It's been a long...

What a surprise!

Wow, you've turned into quite a knockout!

If I'd known back then,

I'd have made you mine, even if your grandmother killed me.

You opened the window for me.

I thought I had it made, and I got careless.

You're a lucky guy, Riichi.

All the neighbors are here. Come say hello.

Well, I...

Don't worry about your pasty-faced husband.

Come on. Let's go!

Sadako, what's wrong?

What's the matter?

Sadako.

How are you feeling?

I'm fine now.

Is it morning sickness?

It must be. How far along are you?

I'm not sure yet.

Let me see.

Yes. I'm sure of it.

Does Riichi know?

Not yet.

You should see the doctor.

It's been six years, hasn't it?

Sadako, give us a boy.

Masaru's frail.

If something should happen to him, there'd be no heir.

You understand?

Try not to catch a chill.

Mother, I'll do that.

No, you just lie down.

But you must be tired.

Thank you.

A woman's lot is tough.

We struggle to raise our children,

but once they're grown, they think only of themselves.

All I want is to die here in this house

and not be a burden to anyone.

You're not stopping Riichi from moving here, are you?

Of course not.

You should be the one persuading him.

If it's all right with him, then I...

Really?

Thank you.

Now I'll go and tell Riichi

about the baby.

On the 50th anniversary of Matsu's death, you must visit her grave.

Sadako!

Sadako, can I come up?

All right? - But I...

All right? I'm on my way. Just wait.

Who's there? Who is that?

Had I forgotten?

That time...

I actually did open the window.

But why am I remembering it now?

- Why don't you go? - No.

I don't want to go to Akita.

Can you get by if you don't?

I'm turning in.

Where in Tokyo do his folks live?

I don't know. Why?

Seems the son of a bitch has a bum heart.

No one to notify even if he does die.

IN MEMORY OF MATSU INAZAWA

What about Masaru?

He's registered as the son of Seizo, recently deceased,

and his wife, Tadae.

And Riichi?

Riichi is Seizo's second son

and therefore an elder brother to Masaru.

Isn't the name Sadako in there?

I don't see it.

But Sadako is Masaru's mother.

The family register says that Tadae is Masaru's mother.

Can you correct it to say that Masaru is Sadako's child?

You'd have to go to court for that.

Go to court?

You can't just let them take your son like that.

But I'm afraid to take it to court.

Don't be. Stand up for yourself

or they'll treat you like a maid again when you move in there.

I know a lawyer. Shall I ask him for you?

No, please don't. I couldn't...

Don't feel you owe me. I'm doing it for selfish reasons too.

I could rent some space on their grounds for a branch of my school.

You know, there's no knitting school near their house.

If there were, a lot of people would go.

I'd be causing trouble.

Your socks stink. Take them off.

Don't hand over your child, no matter how angry your husband gets.

There's plenty of other men out there. - Mommy!

Mommy!

I'll be done with the sweater in four days.

Fine. Oh, wait a minute.

Here's the money for the last one.

- Sadako! - Thanks for the tea.

I'm coming.

KARIHARA KNITTING SCHOOL

A strange man asked me to give this to you.

A strange man?

"I need to talk to you. Meet me at the Hirose Bridge. "

- Where did you get this? - Over there.

- He gave you this too! - He did not!

Liar! Hiding things from your mother!

Masaru!

Stop!

Give it to me! - He gave it to me!

You idiot!

- You're a liar too! - What?

You know that man!

You little idiot!

How dare you!

- Get in the house! - No! Liar! Fatso!

What did you say?

You're a bad boy!

Sorry to bother you, but is Eiji in?

Yes. What is it?

- He's not there, is he? - I think he is...

What is it?

What's this?

How did it get torn like this?

I was in the Higashi district a couple days ago.

I fell and caught it on a hook.

I know everything.

Tell me the truth.

I am telling the truth.

Listen, Sadako...

you know that man, don't you? - Who?

Don't play dumb! Who threw those stones just now?

What kind of signal was it? Tell me!

I really don't know.

Dumb bitch!

Stop pretending and tell me the truth.

You met him last month at the department store, didn't you?

Isn't that true?

You met him again somewhere a couple days ago.

He tore your skirt.

Speak up! Say something!

Well? Isn't it true?

It's true, isn't it?

He threw those stones just now, didn't he?

Damn you!

How can I be sure whose baby you're carrying?

Say something! Tell me the truth!

You're awful! How can you say such things,

while you do whatever you want?

What?

Watch your mouth! Don't try to make a fool of me!

I only let you stay here out of pity!

Mother doesn't want you in the family either.

Not in front of the child!

Don't forget your place!

You're just a maid, damn you!

Damn you!

Stop it!

I said stop it!

Masaru, stay where you are!

What could I do?

There was nothing I could do.

What did I do to be so unhappy?

Good morning.

What's the matter? You're late.

Something came up.

Congratulations.

What?

It's practically decided. They're making you head librarian.

Really?

Mind if I bring some of the guys by tonight?

Tonight's not so good.

But you leave tomorrow for a week at Kyoto University.

- So how about tonight? - All right.

Stop telling tales.

About Sadako.

What I told you isn't proof enough?

It's one thing if you have hard evidence,

but stop spreading baseless slander.

Mr. Takahashi, your wife's on the line downstairs.

Congratulations on the news.

See you later.

It isn't slander...

and I'll prove it.

Is that you, honey?

Hisako and Mr. Hara stopped by a while ago

with a petition protesting the rent increase.

Is it all right to sign?

Of course it is.

My name, of course.

Listen, I leave on business tomorrow, so buy some sake for tonight.

Nitta and the gang are coming over.

What? The cheap stuff.

Around 6:00.

Thank you.

I'll pay him to go away.

If I plead with him, I'm sure he'll understand.

Mr. Hiraoka...

a large woman is here to see you.

Hey, Hiraoka!

Son of a bitch.

Hope you drop dead of a heart attack.

It's all right. No one will see us here.

I'm sorry about last night.

I really didn't mean to go.

So it was him after all.

It's taken me three years to save this.

It's yours if you'll never come by again.

Here, take it.

You even tricked my son. You monster!

You're just a thief.

You broke in for money. Why don't you take it now?

Wasn't it money you were after? You idiot!

Wait!

You're wrong. It's not money I want now.

Let me go!

Please wait. I'm dying.

I don't want to hear it! Let me go!

No! I don't want it to end like this!

I won't do anything.

Please just stay with me one more minute.

Take this back.

I know you need it. You'll be in a fix.

I'll be in a bigger fix if you don't stop coming by.

Please forgive me.

I'm a fool, a madman.

But I can't help it.

There's nothing left for me in the world but you.

When I first went to your house, I wanted money for medicine.

That was the day the doctor told me I was going to die.

I wanted to live no matter what.

But I don't care anymore.

I just want you to be nice to me for a little while.

Let's go up on the roof. I won't do anything.

People are coming. You want them to see you?

In Tokyo I got by pretty well playing the trumpet.

But my bum heart put an end to that.

I've been here eight years now.

They send me to places like Akita and Aomori.

I'm not very bright, and I can't do anything else.

I didn't even go to junior high.

My old man was killed in the war,

so my mom became a hooker to raise me.

I remember one time...

I saw her kill her own baby.

Well, I didn't exactly see it...

Why am I here, listening to him like this?

Why should I feel sorry for a thug like him?

I have to give him the money and hurry home.

I made some money playing trumpet,

and I bought women... women like my mother.

When I had that attack on the train,

and you gave me my medicine,

it made me really happy.

I haven't cared about anything but you since.

Come with me to Tokyo!

We'll get our own place, and you can have your baby.

You'd never manage.

Yes, I will. I have friends in Tokyo.

- You're full of lies. - It's true.

They'll find me a job. I'll do anything for you.

You can't, not in your condition.

What do you know? I'm telling you I can.

That's enough.

I'll forget what happened, and you do the same.

Here, take this.

- You're going home? - I'll leave it here.

Wait.

Please!

There's something else I have to tell you!

Hey!

It's over now. He's just a common thief.

What a relief.

I'll never see him again.

I don't have to see him ever again.

Please! There's something else I have to tell you!

Why feel sorry for him? All he does is lie.

Hirose Bridge.

I don't have to listen to what he says.

That fool!

Fool!

I knew you'd come back.

You're just the kind of woman I thought you'd be.

Only because you said

you had something else to tell me.

I couldn't help it.

This is the last time, the very last.

I'll never let you go.

Let's go to Tokyo.

Tokyo...

Tokyo...

Tokyo...

It's Tokyo.

No, it's not!

It's not the Tokyo I know!

Let's go to Tokyo.

No! I won't!

I see. Then go home...

to the family you care about more than yourself!

Go home!

No!

I won't go!

Stop it!

No, I won't let them have Masaru.

I won't give him to anyone.

Daddy!

You'll be late for kindergarten.

See you later.

Morning.

Morning.

There's no other way to save my family.

I'll kill him

and get as far away as I can before I kill myself.

Only when I'm gone

can Masaru and Riichi be happy.

Why is my life so miserable?

He buys new clothes with my hard-earned money - what nerve!

You look beautiful. Just beautiful.

Two for Tokyo.

We're sorry for the delay.

The snow has caused a derailment.

The train ahead is disabled, so we'll be here for some time.

At the moment we do not know

when service will be restored.

A bus can't make it up the hill to the hot springs.

How long would it take on foot?

It's only two miles, but it would take a long time in this snow.

Well, we can't just sit here.

Have any messages come through? I have a special delivery package -

Let's go.

- I can't say for sure. - Why can't you?

I have to do it soon... before we get there.

Now.

I'll get him to drink it now.

Is that tea?

Would you like some?

No, don't!

I was ready to die anyway.

The way you were shaking gave it away.

You couldn't kill anyone.

Do you hate me that much?

I guess you do. I understand.

Where have I brought us?

This was supposed to be a happy elopement.

But I couldn't help it.

Hey...

come over here.

Come here!

The ampule!

The pain!

The ampule!

Hurry!

Please!

I don't see one!

I don't want to die.

Get me the ampule!

I don't see one anywhere!

The pain!

I don't have it!

No, don't!

Let me go! - Give it to me!

Bitch!

Fat cow!

I don't have it!

I'm begging you... the ampule.

There is no ampule!

I don't know what to do!

Stay with me...

I beg you.

I love you...

I love...

Please...

Let's get her to the hospital.

What's the matter?

Watch out!

They have to acknowledge it.

It's just a formality.

Once that's done,

register your marriage at city hall and-

Hello, Mr. Takahashi.

How are you feeling?

They say my test results are normal.

The doctor says she can go home soon.

You're fine, aren't you?

Your son and mother just left.

Well, I'll be going.

I'll take care of that matter.

Excuse me.

What matter?

It's about Masaru.

Don't ask her for favors. It'll cost a fortune.

Boss, you're already here?

I was waiting for you at the station.

I wrapped up my work there in four days.

I was worried, but I couldn't make it any earlier.

Quite a shock, wasn't it?

Miss Masuda was brought in just minutes after your wife.

When I got here, she was bleeding heavily.

She landed on her head right here.

She was all purple and puffed up and wouldn't stop bleeding.

- I heard she died. - Yes.

She was always so careful. I wonder how it happened.

Boss...

may I have a word?

I was going to give you this at the station.

Miss Masuda's camera.

She kept insisting it be given to you until the moment she died.

I wonder why.

Me too.

They just came out, so they're still wet.

Some are double-exposed.

Isn't that you?

Who took these?

Never mind that.

Look. This one's very clear. It's definitely you.

No, it's not.

Yes, it is.

It's your kimono. And not many women are that fat.

Still, it's not me.

What were you doing at the station?

Isn't it a little strange?

Isn't it?

Why did you go to the station?

Why?

You had so little faith in me.

I decided to go far away.

Alone?

You couldn't have come up with that idea on your own.

This guy asked you to, didn't he?

I just met him at the station.

He said he was going to Tokyo too.

Who is he?

Just someone from Tokyo.

I didn't care who he was.

I decided to go to Tokyo with him,

but the train was held up in the snow,

and I don't know why, but he died.

I got scared and came home.

And your abdominal pains started at the station?

Then this is you in the pictures.

No, it's not.

These are too small, but I can enlarge them.

I'm telling you, it's not me.

Even if it were, what would you do?

I wouldn't let a woman like that stay in the family.

Why not?

Why not? Isn't it obvious?

A married woman having a cheap affair.

I wouldn't do such a thing.

Who can believe you? I have proof right here.

But it's not me. Who took those?

Never mind. We're talking about the pictures themselves.

Then maybe I should just leave,

since you mistrust me so much.

I'll take Masaru with me.

He'd just be a burden to your next wife.

Idiot! This isn't about you leaving or not!

I want the truth! - Doctor's rounds.

So you'd like to know if you're the father of the fetus?

Yes.

If you could run a blood test or...

In some cases we could,

but this fetus was disposed of five days ago.

There's the station where the choo-choo comes in.

I know that.

It was right around here.

Miss Masuda was hit by a truck right around here.

Why was she taking pictures outside the station?

Boss, did you get the film developed? What was on it?

Nothing at all. Maybe it got exposed when the camera fell.

You think so?

Such a careful person running into the street like that.

She was an odd one.

I hear you're moving to your mother's house over spring break.

I'll bring a few friends to help.

It says to come before 9:00 a.m.

It'll take Mother half an hour to walk to court.

We have to leave here by 8:30 at the latest.

She said it's just a simple formality.

I hate green onions. You take them.

Masaru, that's bad manners.

You should talk. You used to steal food.

He has much better manners than you did.

The nerve, taking your own family to court.

It's unbelievable.

That's enough, Mother.

There's nothing we can do.

We registered Masaru as our son for his own sake.

What's wrong with that?

I'm sorry it had to come to this.

Then why don't you withdraw the suit?

Should I go ask Hisako

to get the lawyer to withdraw it?

Don't be stupid.

It wouldn't do any good now. The hearing's already scheduled.

The mourning period for Father isn't even over yet.

I really had no idea it would go to court.

How stupid can you be?

Stop that racket!

Just a little longer.

I have to earn money for Masaru's school things.

Sadako...

are you happy I've been promoted?

Of course. Very happy.

Listen...

quite a while back,

didn't you say you had something to tell me?

Well? Didn't you?

I wonder what it could have been.

Sadako.

Mother was very understanding about things today.

Shall we move in with her?

I guess.

I can stop going to the hospital next month,

and the family register will be fixed by then.

That would be a good time.

If we move there, we'll have the field and the silkworms.

We can rent out some space for knitting classes.

We'll be pretty busy.

What's the matter?

What's that?

It sounded like you were laughing.

Honey, isn't it time for your medicine?

Yeah.

Here.

Let's take your temperature.

Don't bother with that.

You caught a cold. Here.

It was cold in that courthouse.

Sadako.

Later.

Soon you'll officially be a member of the family.

Later, honey.

That hurts.

Produced by MASAYUKI TAKAGI and JIRO TOMODA

Original Story by SHINJI FUJIWARA

Screenplay by KEIJI HASABE and SHOHEI IMAMURA

Cinematography by SHINSAKU HIMEDA

Production Design by KIMIHIKO NAKAMURA

Music by TOSHIRO MAYUZUMI

Edited by MUTSUO TANJI

Starring

MASUMI HARUKAWA KO NISHIMURA SHIGERU TSUYUGUCHI

YUKO KUSUNOKI RANKO AKAGI

TANIE KITABAYASHI KAZUO KITAMURA SHOICHI OZAWA

SEIJI MIYAGUCHI YOSHI KATO

HIROSHI KONDO FUMIE KITAHARA TAIJI TONO YAMA

Directed by SHOHEI IMAMURA

THE END