Original subtitles

Shochiku films I td

there was a father

original screenplay by tadao lkeda, takao yanai & yasuijiro ozu

art direction by tatsuo hamada

Original music by kyoichi saiki

cast:

Chishu ryu as Mr. horikawa shuji sano as ryohei horikawa

haruhiko tsuda as young ryonhei shin saburi as yasutaro kurokawa

takeshi sakamoto as makoto hirata mitsuko mito as fumiko

masayoshi otsuka as seiichi shinichi himori as minoru uchida

We've run out of shoe Polish

have we? I'll buy some today

my shoes are worn out. I'll never get them to shine

they'll do for now

but they're split

you can still wear them

you haven't forgotten anything, have you?

Right, then. You've left nothing?

Ethics, mathematics, history, reading, craft

- oh, I forgot my abacus - You see?

Smarten yourself up

- the area of a circle? - The square of its radius x 3.14

a cone's volume?

The square of its radius x 3.14 x the height

and divided by 3 - good

All right, the quadrangle aedc is inscribed in a circle

And the angles aec and abc are equal to this angle and this angle

- all right. Kato? - Above the line ac

yes, the angles formed above line ac are equal

the triangle adc is an isosceles triangle

therefore, this angle and that angle are equal

that means aec and def are also equal, right?

Understand?

Any questions?

Right, that's all for today. Now, about the school excursion...

Quieten down, quieten down

this class will be going to Tokyo

first we'll visit the imperial palace in Tokyo

then we'll visit meiji shrine and yasukuni shrine

finally, on to kamakura, enoshima and hakone

Ready? Everybody look this way

here we go

Hakone fass, the steepest in all of Japan

even the kankoku barrier doesn't compare

the highest mountains and the deepest valleys

tower before us and hold us up from behind

mountains circled by clouas, valleys cloaked in mist

the rows of ceoars

are gark even auring the aay

the winding path

[s soff with moss

if fakes only one man

[0 protect it from an army

stalwart warriors travelling the land

swords at their hips and clogs on their feet

stomping along

elght miles of boulders

such were the warriors of old

It's a stalemate with that move

- your blisters are huge - Do they hurt?

- Want me to burst them? - No

come on - I said no!

How are the blisters, Yamada?

All right, sir

- can you walk? - I'll be fine, sir

- try rubbing soap on your socks - Yes, sir

Aren't they our students?

They can't be. I warned them not to go on the lake

did anybody go out on the lake?

Do you know anybody out in the boats?

No, sir

- kinoshita? - I don't know, sir

- what about you, sato? - I don't know, sir

right?

- How much? - 50 sen

50 sen? Not bad. I wish I'd bought one

- you can have it for 80 sen - 80 sen? No way!

- Sir! - Mr. horikawa!

- What is it? - Yoshida's boat has capsized!

Yoshida's in a boat?

A telegram for you, sir

His family are coming on the night train

I understand how you feel. But I'd like you to reconsider

will you?

I understand that you consider yourself responsible...

Out you did your best as a leader

the boy's family knows that

I warned them it was dangerous...

But if I'd been more strict with them, they wouldn't have got in the boats

they would've obeyed me

I've had these children for 3 years but I became careless

yoshida wasn't a disobedient kid. But I've failed in my duty as a teacher

I was negligent

I think you're taking too much responsibility

I thank you for your concern...

Obut I've thought it over and made my decision

I realise that, but...

I've tendered my resignation to the headmaster

- you can rescind it - Listen, hirata...

Let me do it this way

the responsibility of taking care of other people's children frightens me

I'll never forget yoshida's parents

I have a son, I can imagine how they feel

it's unbearable suddenly losing a child you've raised for so long

he leaves on a fun trip and returns cold as stone

it's an unendurable sorrow, one beyond mere tears

he'd even bought his mother a souvenir from the trip to hakone

I'd despise such a teacher...

And never again leave him in charge of children

this job scares me now

it frightens me

I'm not suited for it

And what will you do about your own son, ryohei?

I'm thinking of returning to my home town

I have an old friend there

I'll stay there and think things over

I'm home!

Hello, sir

Is it far to ueda, father?

Another 40 minutes. Are you tired?

No. Is ueda a big town?

Of course, it's a city

what's the population?

Around 35,000

it's famous for its orchid market and its silk industry school, isn't it?

That's right

you forgot to cut your nails?

You should keep your nails cut and clean at all times

Were you born in that house?

- Is it still yours? - No, not any more

remember we visited your grandfather's grave and your mother's grave?

Your grandfather sold that house to put me through school

was grandfather a kimono dealer?

No. He was a teacher of the Chinese classics. He worked at the castle each day

The house used to have a big persimmon tree at the back

let's go later on to see the castle

yes, let's do that

chew it well

Ueda is quite a small town, isn't it?

I imagined it'd be bigger

well, kanazawa's much bigger. It's the largest on the sea of Japan coast

- don't you like this town? - Why?

I'm thinking of settling here

you mean we'll move here?

Will you teach here?

No, I'm not teaching any more

I've been trying to tell you...

I'll never teach again

- what will you do, then? - 1 don't know

I have this priest friend here, I'll live in his temple

- will you become a priest? - No, priests are much more virtuous

don't be upset

you'll have to attend school here

all right?

Be brave

schools are all the same, you'll soon make new friends

okay?

It'll be fine

you were nicknamed 'badger, weren't you?

I was always 'little badger". I hated it

- the people here don't know that - No, they don't

- How's work going at the town hall? - Fine, thanks

for such a small place, they have big families

- I registered three births yesterday - Really?

And the infant mortality rate is low

I should have been a midwife

Where's ryohei?

He went catching dragonflies with a friend

so he's making friends?

- No, he prefers killing creatures - Well, children should be active

It's a beautiful Sunday

You finished?

Then you can't go to the river tomorrow

it's the same as the problem last night

you're still stuck

it's proportional division. I explained it last night

a, b and c set out

a will take 12 days, b will take 15

oh, right

wrong again

just settle down and focus

you'll never get into a good school that way

you're not focused enough

you'll never amount to anything if you don't get into high school

study hard and I'll send you not only to a good school...

But to a school of your choice

just relax and concentrate

done it!

It's easy if you concentrate, right?

That's good. Easy, wasn't it?

Get the fishing tackle

Check the line for any tangles

- is this all right? - Yes

we'll get some worms early tomorrow

- there are loads under the fig tree - Really?

I hope you both catch plenty of fish tomorrow

I gave them their last rites a long time ago...

Obut the fish in these parts can be quite crafty

You must be happy now your exams are over

- what about that other lad? - Who?

What's his name? The soy sauce merchant's son

oh, toshi? He passed

he did? That's good

I don't know how I did it, though. I couldn't do question 4

well, just one doesn't matter

listen, ryonhel...

When you go to school, you'll have to live in the dormitory

the dormitory?

It's too far to commute every day

me? Alone in ueda?

I'll come and visit you once a week

come on, you'll get used to it

listen, it'll be the summer holidays soon...

And you can come home then

Does 'hen' mean a female chicken?

And 'cockerel' means the male?

- What's 'dog' then? - Inu

- is it male or female? - No idea

english is so difficult

- aren't you starving? - Yeah

- what's that yellow stuff with rice? - Rice with curry?

- Yeah, it tastes so good - Good but hot

horikawa...

What are you doing here, father?

Well, I happened to be in town

can you get permission to come out?

He'll probably give you some pocket money

no, he already gave me 50 sen last Sunday

buy us something, then - okay

is your dad here? Lucky you

- let's give his father a nickname - Like what?

- How about 'badger? - Yes, that's good

everybody has to help with the weeding

- again? - They grow so fast

This is really tasty. Have some

I'm supposed to be weeding with the other boys

- I feel sorry for them - That's all right

we'll buy them some sweets

- no, thanks - You've had enough?

I'm stuffed

- They have rice with curry, don't they? - Want some?

Too late now

- don't lie down after you eat - Don't worry

- there's only 53 more days to go - Till the summer holidays?

Father, can we go fishing in that river?

Course we can

we could drain the pond and catch loads

in the summer holidays, we can go every day

well, I'm afraid not, son

- I came to tell you, ryohei... - What?

I've decided to move to Tokyo

Tokyo? Great! When?

But you're staying here, you have your studies

I've thought it over, and I'm going to try to find work in Tokyo

I can't make enough money here...

To send you to good schools

so, I need to work harder

I think you're mature enough now to understand what I'm saying

I'll go to work in Tokyo, and you'll continue your studies here

it'll be like having a contest between us

you mustn't let me win, okay?

I'm still young enough to give you a run for your money

you mustn't get lazy

there's no need to cry. It's nothing to be sad about

we're not saying goodbye forever

I'll be waiting for you to come and visit me in Tokyo

we'll soon be back together again. Understand?

You understand?

Now, stop your crying

I won't be seeing you for a while, so I've brought you some things

shirts, pants, tissue paper, and three pairs of socks

wear the socks in turn and wash them occasionally

These are cold remedies...

And these are for if you get stomach aches, all right?

And don't drink any unboiled water even when it gets warmer

don't catch a chill while you're sleeping

and keep your stomach and chest warm at night

here's some spending money

Don't waste it

spend it wisely

I'll write as soon as I get to Tokyo...

And you write a letter to me every week

we'll correspond by mail like we do now, all right?

Understand? There are some stamps in here

Stop crying now

it's nearly time for you to go back

what time did your teacher say to return?

- 7 o'clock - Well, we still have some time

You have to work hard

- Yes, sir? - Another one of these, please

hey, do you want curry and rice?

Just sake then

Hey, ryohel, come here

It's unbecoming for a man to cry. Men shouldn't cry

I hear your son graduated from school?

- Which university will he attend? - Sendai city

I thought we'd live together in Tokyo, but it's not worked out that way...

I see. But it must be exciting, all the same

still, as long as he works hard at his studies

Fxcuse me a moment

Mr. hirata

fxcuse me

- well, well! - It zs you. It's been a long time

how strange, bumping into you here

I thought it might be you...

But I never imagined you'd be in Tokyo

what an odd place to run into you. Have you been in Tokyo long?

Yes. Do you often come here?

Is that so”? I've been coming here a lot since last Autumn

- it's strange we didn't meet sooner - Isn't it?

- I'm glad you're well - Good to see you

the last time I saw you was at that temple in ueda

that must be 12-13 years ago

such a long time

when I first came here, I was a total stranger

but as the days passed, I just got busier

I haven't kept in touch with any of the others, though I meant to

we're both guilty of that

- A little something for you - Please don't go to any trouble

- there's none left? - There was...

Fine

please.

You've grown. I can hardly recognise you now

you've grown into a very beautiful girl

how old are you?

Twenty-one

she only looks grown up

here.

She's very beautiful

seiichi...

Come and say hello to our guest

- don't want to! - Seiichi!

I said no!

He's such a handful

at least he's got plenty of spirit

that's very naughty, seiichi

you silly boy

- what's that? - I want money for films

no way!

Not until you greet our guest properly

- come on, sis! - No way

you're working at the town hall?

I'm compiling material on the history of Tokyo

here.

It's not a bad job for a washed-up old teacher like me

hello there

what are you up to?

I'm going to see a film

what a rascal!

How's your ryohei?

He's fine, thank you

he graduated from tohoku imperial university this year

he's 25 now

already 257 and what's he doing for a living?

He's teaching at an industrial college in akita

that sounds good

fate is strange. I myself gave up teaching...

And I never thought I'd let him enter the profession

I guess it's a case of 'like father, like son'

it's a good thing, I envy you

but you must be lonely living alone

no, I've grown used to it

we've been apart for such a long time

I thought this year we'd be together, but it's not worked out like that

you're still in good health. There'll be plenty of chances to live together

I hope so - I mean it

ryohei's grown into a fine young man. I envy you

I still have all that to come with my kids!

They'll always be children in our eyes

I just hope he's doing all right for himself

When you mix nitrate toluene three times with nitric and sulphuric acids...

You get trinitrotoluene, or tnt

see the three nitrogen dioxide particles here?

The solid is yellow in colour

it melts at 81 degrees celsius, and it combusts if heated to 295 degrees

when it combusts...

Two molecules of tnt decompose to three of nitrogen...

Five of water, seven of carbon monoxide...

And seven carbon atoms

its use as an explosive derives from the energy released

A steam train...

Wish it was taking me home

I could get home on that train

if my home were a little closer, I could commute to school

it's a long train

makes me want to go home

- who's the dormitory master today? - Mr. horikawa

- you think he'll allow us? - You went home just last Saturday

but my baby brother's just been born

Permission to enter, sir

- Sir! - What is it?

I'm requesting permission to go home, sir

But you've just recently been home

yes, sir, but we just had a new baby, so I'd like to go back again

with a new baby brother, there'll be no mother's milk for you, you know?

I know that, sir

how old is your father, then?

You shouldn't forget your father's age

your elder brother was drafted, wasn't he?

- How's he doing? - Fine, sir

how are your parents managing?

Not too well. But the neighbours help out a lot

well, I'm glad to hear that

your duty is to study hard

don't cause your parents any worry

all right...

Permission to leave, sir

Permission to enter, sir

what is it?

We're planning to go to mt akiba next Sunday. Will you join us, sir?

I can't make next Sunday

- can't you, sir? - You sure, sir?

- I'm busy - Please, sir, won't you reconsider?

Sorry, but I'm going to see my father

- I see - You still miss your father, sir?

Of course, I still do. And I always will

is that so?

- That's that, then - Guess it is

permission to leave, sir

- perhaps another time - We hope so, sir

Ah, that feels good

it does, doesn't it?

Thanks for coming this far

not at all. The train wasn't crowded

- the water here is beautifully scented - Tis

I haven't been in these parts for a long time

you've put on weight - have I?

Being the dormitory supervisor suits me perfectly

I get up early in the mornings and do exercise

it does you good to have regular habits

- how are you, father? - Excellent. Never had a day off sick

really?

You've more meat on you than I have

- shall I wash your back? - That's all right

I'll wash yours - no, I'm fine

I haven't been here for such a long time

I came here once before, when I was at utsunomiya high school

your mother was still alive then

- I don't think you were even born - Really?

So Mr. hirata's well, too?

He's still quite active. We often play go together

- do you? - He's a better player, too

I'd like to see him again

- remember his daughter, fumiko? - I'm not sure

she used to be a slip of a girl this tall

I remember, a little girl in a yellow sash

well, she's grown into a real beauty now

really? She used to be such a cry-baby

was she?

I've drunk a lot tonight. It feels good

you can hold your drink, can't you?

Not at all

I couldn't drink this much every night...

But this is a special occasion

- Oh, do you smoke? - A little

I'll just have the one

- When did you first start? - I don't smoke that often

good. Best not to, they'll send you stupid

is that right?

Listen, father...

I've given it some thought, and I've decided to give up my job

- why? - To move to Tokyo

why? Are you unhappy in your job?

No, it's not that

it's just that with me working up north...

Who knows when I'll be able to move to Tokyo?

Ever since school, 've always wanted us to live together

I thought we could do so after I graduated, but I ended up in akita

I hate living apart from you like this

I appreciate how much you sacrificed for my education...

And I shouldn't be selfish...

Out I want to work in Tokyo and be with you

what do you think? There are jobs available in Tokyo

no, out of the question

I would like to live with you too...

But we both have our jobs

no matter what your job is, it's your calling in life

we all must do our duty...

And we must do it to the best of our ability

there's no room for personal feelings

do your best, work all you can...

And you'll maintain your position in the world

sometimes work can be tedious...

'Lasting happiness only comes about from the alternation of pleasure and pain'

work isn't worthwhile if it isn't hard

you'll only be happy if you see it through

stop being selfish. Let go of the self

you can't do your job with such a nonchalant attitude...

Especially in a profession as important as yours

the parents of those boys have made great sacrifices...

To send their boys to your school

shaping their characters should be your prime concern

your every action is an example to them...

And that responsibility is not to be taken lightly

I failed in my responsibility, so you must succeed

you must do your duty for both of us. I want you to give it your all

we can occasionally meet like this

isn't that enough?

Isn't life better when we're both working as hard as we can?

Isn't it? Isn't that enough?

You understand

do the best you can

It's a pity, though

I wish we'd had more time to fish

we should have gone fishing yesterday evening

time flies

as soon as we meet, we have to part

we waited a long time for this chance

but at least we had a night to talk

I really enjoyed it

when's your train?

- Not for a while - We'll meet again soon anyway

look after yourself and don't get sick

at a time like this, we all must do our part

I will

take good care

Father...

Do you need some spending money?

Spending money? For me?

It's not much, but please take it

I wasn't sure, it's such a small sum

- well, I'd be honoured to accept it - Please do

thank you

I'll offer it at your mother's altar when I get back

thank you

Father, I'm sorry about last night

I was being selfish

I was perhaps a little too abrupt, but I'm glad you understand

please do your best

there is no time for idleness now

I'm still capable, so I'll work hard too

I et's both do our best

yes, let's do that

don't forget anything

The nightingales are singing

Some visitors for you, sir

Mr. kurokawa? To see me?

Send them in

It's been a long time, sir

I'm yasutaro kurokawa. You taught me at kanazawa high school

is that right?

And I'm minoru uchida

well, well. Have a seat

- you're looking well, sir - Thank you

you're looking well yourselves. Do sit down

thank you, sir

it's been a while

I ran into Mr. hirata yesterday and he told me about you, sir

oh, is that right?

- He told us all about you, sir - Did he now?

About you both playing go together

he was my go partner back in our teaching days

then we ran into each other in Tokyo and started playing again

- I bet you're a good player, sir - No, far from it

there are a number of our old schoolmates here in Tokyo...

And we're planning a party in honour of you and Mr. hirata

we can all talk about the old days

we'd be honoured if you could attend, sir

that's very kind of you

what day would be convenient, sir?

Mr. hirata said any day was fine by him

me too. I'd be glad to come

really? Well, then, the sooner the better

how about this Saturday or next Wednesday?

Let's see, which day would suit you, sir?

Well, next Wednesday would be best for me. Is that possible?

That's best for you?

You see, my son's coming to visit me this Saturday

your son? I heard he's up in akita

is that ryohei? He must be all grown up by now

- how old is he? - He's 25

Welcome - I've just got back

master ryohel is here, sir

really?

Welcome home

- when did you arrive? - About an hour ago

you're earlier than I expected. I thought it'd be tomorrow or the day after

are you planning to stop over in ueda?

Yes, the priest offered to let me stay

why didn't you stay?

Well, I wanted to come as soon as possible

I see. And how is he?

He's very well. He gave me some cigarettes for you

- that's nice of him - He's still fond of his tea

and you passed the physical for the draft?

Well, that's good

go and tell your mother

I'm so relieved

you were a sickly child...

But I'm glad you've grown out of it

you've grown into a strong young man

- how long can you stay? - I have 10 days off

well, that's long enough for us to enjoy ourselves

you look younger than before

do I?

- You still have it - My bald patch?

- You remember? - I fell off the porch

- will you take a bath? - You go first

are you sure? Very well

I'll have one later

Please get out a cotton kimono for ryohei

we'll have dinner after our baths

Mr. hirata, do you still remember...

How you punished Iwamoto and me for fighting in year 3?

- Did I? - Yes. Isn't that right?

That was an awful day

you made us stand outside the staff room, and then forgot to dismiss us

did I? I'm awfully sorry

Mr. horikawa, sir, you used to scold me a lot too

that's right, you were always dozing off in class

now he's famous for dozing off at work

- oh, dear - You should give him a talking-to, sir

- he'll never change, sir - Give me a break

I'd like to say a few words

we're very grateful that both of you could spare your valuable time

we greatly appreciate it. Thank you

more than 10 years have passed since our graduation...

And nothing could give us greater pleasure...

Than sharing this evening together with you

we'd like to take this opportunity...

[O ask that you continue to offer us your guidance

please eat and drink to your heart's content

let's enjoy ourselves like we did in the old days

I'd like to add something

two more old boys were expected this evening...

But sasaki was called away on business to Kobe

he's sent the following telegram, however, which I'll read for you now

'pleased to hear you're both in good health

'hope the reunion is a success

and nakanishi called to announce...

The birth of his baby boy earlier this evening

mother and child are fine

he said he'll try to make it later on

well, that's wonderful news!

Cheers!

It was very kind of you to organise this wonderful reunion

we are deeply grateful to you

it makes us very happy to see you all as healthy and active as ever

all those years ago you nicknamed me 'the badger

but the badger is old now

and now it's time for me to ask you for your help and guidance

I sincerely hope that all of you enjoy good health...

Push yourselves to the fullest...

And be successful in your chosen professions

I express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you

Mr. horikawa has said everything I intended to say

not only 'the badger' but I, 'the chicken'...

Also ask for your favour

It's been such a long time, sir. I didn't expect to see you in Tokyo

- another drink, sir? - Thank you

you've grown into a fine young man. Are you married yet?

Yes, indeed

most of us are

is that so?

Everybody, raise your hands if you're married

- We're the only bachelors here! - It appears so

and those with children, raise your hands

congratulations

those with two children?

Anyone with three?

- It's a little soon to have three - Indeed it is

just a moment!

I have four

congratulations

isn't it amazing, Mr. horikawa, how time flies?

Most of them have children already

time certainly does fly

one more, sir?

- And for you, sir? - No, thank you, I've had my fill

just one more

- life's so unpredictable, isn't it? - It certainly is

it's been over 10 years since you gave up teaching over that accident...

And now, here you are enjoying this reunion

quite so

do you still make offerings at yoshida's grave every year?

Someone told me that when I went back home

I do what I can, out of a sense of remorse

but making such offerings isn't easy

I can still picture you all as students, just as you were back then

I know what you mean. Strange, isn't it?

When I resigned my position and returned home, Mr. hirata...

You held a party for me

yes, I remember

I often recall that night

the primroses were in full bloom all along the river

yes, they were

I was deeply moved...

By the Chinese poem you recited

- do you recite poetry, sir? - Yes, and very well, too

- we'd like to hear some - Please, sir

yes, please, sir

listen, everybody

If you insist...

- Welcome home, sir - Sorry it's so late

- welcome back - You're still up, then?

- 50, how was the party? - I thoroughly enjoyed it

that's good

my old pupils have grown into fine young men

is that right?

I'm just grateful that they still remember me...

Even though I wasn't a very good teacher

they were extremely kind and thought of everything

did they?

It was a very nice evening

were there many there?

Yes. And they were all very pleased to hear news of you too

really?

You must work as hard as they do

We should endeavour to do our best in everything we do

What do you think of Mr. hirata's daughter?

What do you mean?

What would you say to marrying her?

I'm still too young

I think fumiko's a lovely girl

Mr. hirata was the one who brought it up in conversation

don't be so shy

you can read that book later

what do you think? Or is there someone else?

No

Then marry her

you passed your army physical with flying colours...

And the single life is hard in the countryside

well?

I'd marry her if I were you

all right, 'll leave it your hands, father

you will?

She'll make a good, hard-working wife

she's the type 've always wanted for you

now I feel relieved

and very drunk

would you get me some water?

Oh, I feel wonderful

Are you off anywhere today?

- I'm going to buy a book - Again?

Yes. I need a certain chemistry text

I found one last time, but it was falling apart

I'm going to look for a better copy today

you should visit the museum in ueno as well. They have a fine collection

really?

Where else can you see so many beautiful things for 10 sen?

There's an exhibition of paintings by kazan watanabe

really?

You should see them

when you see his paintings, you'll understand...

The profound beauty of traditional Japanese art

I'll go and see them

I'm bringing Mr. hirata over tonight...

50 try to be home for that, all right?

Master, there's something wrong with your father

Father, what's wrong?

What happened?

I feel a little pain, here

are you all right? Father?

I'm fine

Father, why don't you take the day off?

No, I'm fine

I've never missed a day of work in my life

Father. Father!

Quickly, call the doctor!

Father! Father!

Help me get these clothes off

I feel strange

father! Father!

Father...

Can you hear me?

Mr. hirata's here

Kind of you to come

Mr. horikawa. Please try to hold on

thank you

fumiko...

Look after ryohei for me

That's my wish

father...

I feel good

I feel sleepy...

Very sleepy

father...

Be strong

it's nothing to be sad about

I did the very best I could

I'm happy...

Father!

Time of death: 3:16

there's nothing more I can do

Ryohel, please don't cry

your father died with great dignity

only people who do their utmost while alive...

Can die with such dignity

Mr. horikawa was a great man

you were lucky to have him as a father

please, don't cry

I wonder if seiichi is asleep by now?

I bet he misses you terribly

and your father will be helpless without you

Perhaps we could ask them to come and live with us in akita?

It'd be good, us all living together

yes, I think so, t00

I always wanted to live with my father, ever since I was little

unfortunately he died before we could live together

but it's all right. At least we had a week together

that was the best week of my life

He was such a good father