Original subtitles

A SHINTOHO-KOI COPRODUCTION

THE LIFE OF OHARU

Produced by HIDEO KOI

Screenplay by KENJI MIZOGUCHI and YOSHIKATA YODA

Based on a Novel by SAIKAKU IHARA Story Editor ISAMU YOSHII

Cinematography by YOSHIMI HIRANO

Lighting by KO FUJIBAYASHI Sound by MASAKAZU KAMIYA

Musical Director ICHIRO SAITO Production Design HIROSHI MIZUTANI

First Assistant Director RYOHEI ARAI

Assistant Director SEIICHIRO UCHIKAWA

Starring

KINUYO TANAKA

HISAKO YAMANE TOSHIRO MIFUNE

JUKICHI UNO, ICHIRO SUGAI EITARO SHINDO, AKIRA OOIZUMI

MASAO SHIMIZU, DAISUKE KATO TORANOSUKE OGAWA, EIJIRO YANAGI

YURIKO HAMADA HARUYO ICHIKAWA, KOMAKO HARA

KIKUE MOURI SADAKO SAWAMURA

TOSHIAKI KONOE KINNOSUKE TAKAMATSU

BENKEI SHIGANOYA UNPEI YOKOYAMA

TSUKIE MATSUURA

Directed by KENJI MIZOGUCHI

This way, mister.

Let me go home

You know what it means to come to this side of the gate

- I'm going home - Come inside, quick

Oharu?

You couldn't find a customer either?

A woman of 50 can't make herself look 20

If you feel that way, imagine how the rest of us feel

An old man took me to an inn for pilgrims

I was glad to get some business,

so I went along

Some pilgrims were gathered He held a candle up to my face

A candle?

Then he said to the young men there

"Look how she tries to hide her age!

Would you sleep with a woman like this?"

I think he was giving them a lesson in karmic retribution

You're off to a bad start tonight

Look, the old man's making a fire again

Let's warm up before heading home

Old man, let us get warm

You used to serve in the imperial court

Did you ever think you'd end up like this?

How did you fall so far?

Please don't ask about my past

Hey!

Making fires again!

I guess it's all right, but be very careful

We will

Don't worry so much or you'll go —

Oh, I guess it's too late to go bald

Where are you going in such finery?

To make an offering at the temple on behalf of my master

That's good of you

You should see the sights too, since you so rarely get out

I'd be scolded if I did that

Not at all Just pretend you didn't know any better

You're going home early, Lord Kikunokoji

I almost forgot

Nishinotoin is anxious for your reply to his poem

He can't keep anything a secret, can he?

It seems his poem was rather forward

What did it say?

I don't know

Please excuse me

Wait! Please wait!

Please wait!

My name is Katsunosuke

Lord Kikunokoji begs your indulgence to discuss a certain matter

Might I ask you to call at the house of his friend in Teramachi?

I'm sorry, but I've been sent to the temple on an errand

Then perhaps on your way home

We would be deeply grateful for just a moment of your time

Lady Oharu

Did you read the letter I sent the other day?

Of course not

Who would read a letter from a lowly retainer?

I burned it without reading a word

I have no talent for composing verse

I lack the wit even to tell jokes well

But my heart is true

You can look down upon my low rank,

but not upon my sincerity

The nobility makes sport of sincerity, turning it into mere wordplay

If that's how they define elegance, then I —

You'll never know the meaning of elegance

You can't understand the tastes of the nobility

Well, then

does any nobleman love you as truly as I do?

Has any asked to marry you and give you a happy home?

Please leave

I say this because I want to see you happy

I don't need your concern

If you truly dislike me as a person,

I'll leave you alone

Yes, I do!

But if it's my low rank you disdain,

then I'll never give up

Go away

Lady Oharu, a human being — no, a woman

can only be happy if she marries for love

Rank and money don't mean happiness

I asked you to leave I didn't come here to listen to you

I'll wait alone for Lord Kikunokoji

I said leave

My lord isn't coming

Please wait!

I'm sorry

I simply had to see you

Ever since you came to the court,

every glimpse of you has torn at my heart

Please at least consider what I've said

I did read your letter

But no matter what you say,

we can never be together

Why not?

Neither the court nor my father would ever allow it

Then we'll run away

We'll make a home of our own

I'll do my utmost

I'd gladly do anything to protect you

Lady Oharu!

Madam, we have guests

Welcome

The imperial magistrate sent us

We understand that prostitutes use this house

That's absurd! Who said such a thing?

I'll see for myself

Who are you?

I'm just passing through

Aren't you a retainer?

Yes

I belong to the Todo clan of Iga province

My name is Inosuke I serve Lord Senuemon Yasui

You dress like a noblewoman

Where are you from, whore?

How dare you! I'm not a prostitute

I'm the daughter of Shinzaemon Okui,

a samurai serving Chion-in Temple

Take her

I'm taking you to the magistrate

Go!

Oharu Okui, while serving in the imperial court,

you violated protocol

by associating with a personage of low birth

As punishment for this illicit liaison, you are sentenced as follows:

You are hereby banished from the city of Kyoto,

never to return

Your parents, for failing to provide proper guidance,

are hereby also sentenced to exile

This judgment is effective today,

the 7th of November, 1686

Katsufusa Itakura, Magistrate of Temples and Shrines

Stop!

Relatives may go no further Bid them farewell here

It's your fault we must live out here in the middle of nowhere

You've single-handedly destroyed this noble family's honor

You're a horrible child

Why is it wrong for a man and woman to fall in love?

Why is it immoral?

What?

You slept with a man without our consent

If that isn't immoral, what is? Stop talking nonsense!

So what if we differ in rank?

How can it be wrong if we truly love one another?

Silence!

Do you have any last words?

Yes

Please give Lady Oharu the following message

Very well

Proceed

"Please find a good man

and make a happy home

But be sure to marry

only for true love"

Is that all?

Anything else?

I hope the day will come

when people can love freely, regardless of rank or class

Oharu!

It was a messenger from the magistrate

He brought Katsunosuke's will

But you mustn't tell Father

Oharu, stop! What are you doing?

Let me go!

Stop!

Wait, Oharu!

Leave me alone!

I'm going to join Katsunosuke!

Stop!

You mustn't!

Let me go!

This isn't the end of the world!

If you kill yourself, that's the end!

- An express messenger has come - From where?

- Lord Matsudaira in Edo - Matsudaira? Oh, goodness!

What is it?

A messenger from Lord Matsudaira

Show him into the drawing room at once

I'll change into something else

Are you all right?

Oh, my!

Give him a hand

Now leave us alone

Thank you for your trouble

It must be a matter of grave importance

To tell you the truth,

I seek a concubine for Lord Matsudaira

- A concubine? - That's right

You rushed here from Edo to find a concubine?

This is no laughing matter!

Lady Matsudaira's illness has left her barren

The clan will be ruined if the lord has no heir

There can be no greater calamity

The retainers, sick with worry,

quickly found some suitable young women,

but they were all country girls

and not to the lord's liking

Give me that

The retainers were at a loss

and decided that since Kyoto is famous for its women,

there must be one here that he would like

They ordered me to rush here and find her

Is that so?

I was worried His Lordship was seeking a large loan

Your mission seems a rather simple one

I'm afraid it isn't so simple

He has some very specific requirements

Look at that!

To put it simply,

he wants a girl like that

I see

First of all,

"She should be between 15 and 18

Her face should be fashionably round

Her eyes must be round too

Thick eyebrows,

with enough space between the eyes

A small mouth, with a full set of even white teeth

Long ears with narrow rims

and detached, translucent lobes

A natural, unaltered hairline A long neck without wisps of hair

Long, slender fingers with diaphanous nails"

That's a tall order

- There's more - More?

"Feet smaller than eight inches, with nice arches

She must have a long, willowy torso,

a firm waist, but not too muscular, a plump bottom,

a pleasant demeanor,

a fine figure in whatever she wears,

noble in birth, meek in personality,

and without a single mole on her body"

Slender fingers

Let me see your face Her mouth is too big

How old are you? - Twenty-five

Oh, you're the leftovers

I'm her father, sir

No, her ears are too small

Her face isn't round enough - What about her?

She just might be it! Let me see the picture

Let's check

Her face is too long

Her face is round

Kahei, she may be the one

No, she has a mole

Her eyes are too slanted

Her nose is crooked

Her nose is flat

She has a mole

Her hairline is uneven - What about this one?

She looks promising!

She might be the one Turn her that way

Your foot size? - Ten inches

What a pity!

Let's see here

No, her chin is too pointed

No, her forehead is too broad

- Please look at my girl - She looks sickly

This one's ears are wrong

What about her?

Her chin isn't right

Even in Kyoto,

nobody could assemble as many beauties

as I have here today

There's nothing more I can do

Won't you choose one of them?

Are none of them suitable?

If the point is to produce an heir,

any girl should do, as long as she's healthy

"Thick eyebrows,

enough space between the eyes,

a small mouth, with a full set of even white teeth"

You have it memorized

I'll drop dead before I find such a woman

I sympathize

but why send a man your age on such a mission?

I'll tell you why:

A younger man might try something

But me? I couldn't do anything even if I tried

I see

What's that?

A blind man from Edo teaches singing and dancing

to the daughters of good families

Really?

The girls are popular among the samurai

and serve at their parties

Is that right?

The town

Is laid out in a grid

Just like a Go board

Facing

Each other

Your hand

Clasped in mine

All is well

Let us lie in each other's arms

Her!

Come here a minute

Let's have a good look at her

Face the other way

Turn her again

Do you have any moles on your body?

- Moles? - Do you?

No

- None at all? - I don't think so

Kahei, the search is over! I'll buy her!

Yes, indeed

The messenger from Edo is awaiting your reply

I'll rush back and tell him you consent

What a relief

If she bears him an heir,

it will bring even greater happiness

to you than to her

And to me as well, as her new godfather

Thank you very much

If you please

Thank you for everything

We must be thankful Things are looking up

I never expected anything like this to happen

Oharu, you've redeemed yourself

All is forgiven

Who would imagine mere dancing lessons could lead to this?

We certainly had no idea!

You'll get 100 ryo for clothing,

and an allowance too

What's wrong? Aren't you happy?

I'm to be a concubine, am I not?

What of it?

He's a daimyo with a stipend of 30,000 koku.

You were at the imperial court, so surely you understand

If a lord favors you, you'll be given high rank

Indeed!

You've been chosen to bear the heir to the line

You'll be a high-ranking lady-in-waiting

That's right

I must ask the court not to reveal her secret

before Lord Matsudaira begins his inquiries

- And the temple too - Yes I'll go now

Then we'll decide what to buy and what to take to Edo

Come, Oharu

- I don't want to go - What?

Going to a complete stranger just to bear his child!

It won't be just any child

He'll be heir to a 30,000-koku domain!

Katsunosuke would never approve

You idiot! Still going on about him!

I've accepted the offer!

You can't back out!

She's in excellent physical condition

She is capable of bearing a child

Lady Kasai

instruct her in our etiquette

and take her to Lady Matsudaira

Yes, my lord

The messenger has returned from Kyoto

with the girl chosen to be the concubine

Already?

She's waiting outside

Will you receive her?

Please endure this for the sake of the clan

Her name is Oharu Okui

Show your face

Won't you pay homage to Her Ladyship?

You may go now

Princess Morning Glory answered the nobleman

She plucked the flowers and offered them

Come sit here

For a long time

She stares pensively at the flower in her hand

Does it remind you of Kyoto?

You didn't expect to see Bunraku plays here in Edo, did you?

No, I didn't

Can this be real

It is her fate

To wither

In the shade

Day and night

She stares at the deutzia blossoms

They fill her heart

Can you eat the food here in Edo?

If you don't like anything, just say so

By good fortune

She is given

To the imperial palace

What a lucky flower

How enviable

How fortunate you are

Reluctantly

She offers

The flower in her hand

But this flower is only the go-between

In fact, your face is the flower

That captured my heart

She has given birth to an heir

Inform the head maid

Auspicious news: An heir has been born!

A boy! Auspicious indeed!

We must inform His Lordship at once

A lovely baby He looks just like you

Is that so?

Is His Lordship pleased?

He's delighted

I was so unhappy

when I was first brought here

But now that I've given birth —

No, you must say you were "allowed to give birth"

Now that I've been allowed to give birth,

I feel for the first time that this is my home

His Lordship must be —

Oh, pardon me

Nothing could be more auspicious for the clan

You have done well

Where are you taking my — I mean, the infant heir?

I'm going to nurse him

Nurse him?

But I can nurse him myself

Thank you

I'll make a tidy profit with this satin

You're worried about payment, aren't you?

Relax

I have Lord Matsudaira's 30,000 koku backing me up

My master's very strict about these things

You mean Kahei?

Listen, my daughter just gave birth

to the heir to the clan

You look surprised He'll inherit those 30,000 koku.

Heir to the clan?

Word arrived the day before yesterday

Money is no object

Bring me the finest you have, and lots of it

Congratulations

Look

It seems your worries are over

Shall I bring out the habutae silk?

- Don't be hasty - Bring out everything

I'm opening a shop on Muromachi Avenue

I want it to rival Sasaya's store, so show me everything

What's happened to the concubine?

His Lordship's love for her has grown since she gave birth

What's wrong with that?

It's just that

he seems to grow weaker by the day

The doctor says

if she continues to share his bed,

it may shorten his life

We can't let that happen

The heir has been born She's of no further use

Isn't that right, Isobe?

For the sake of the clan, send her home

- But — - Do it

She was dismissed?

Are you sure?

I don't know what to say

When she gave birth,

I was filled with happiness and pride

I'm very sorry

So now you're back

After you bore the lord an heir,

you should have withheld your affections a bit

Anyway, too late now

How much did they give you?

Three hundred ryo would be a great help

Just five ryo?

I thought you'd be rich

I bought a huge amount of fabric

Now I'm deep in debt

For our sake,

work in Shimabara as a courtesan

I'll buy your freedom when I sell the fabric

You mean you'd actually sell your own daughter?

There's no other choice

After everything she's been through —

and now this!

Welcome

I've always wanted

to live it up in Shimabara at least once before I die

I've risen every day at dawn

and worked hard until the stars came out in the sky

It must be 20 years

that I've been saving my money

I think I've finally saved enough,

so I've come all the way from Echigo

Unfortunately

we're full at the moment - Are you turning me away?

You're all as pretty as a picture!

Pardon me, sir,

but this is a particularly expensive establishment

Do you have a letter of introduction?

All righty

If it's money you want here's what I got

Enough to fill a five-quart container Is that enough?

More than enough!

Welcome, sir I'm the owner here

Is that so? So you'll let me stay?

Prepare our largest room

and lay out our finest food

Call for Shizuhata

Hurry!

Thank you for honoring us with your presence

See that my men have a good time too

They've come a long way

Your packhorse drivers? As you wish, sir

Hey, welcome them inside!

I have some sake on my horse

Sir, we serve the very best sake

Thank you

Shizuhata

our finest courtesan

All right, let's liven things up a bit!

Hey, why aren't you picking them up?

Here

Hey! Where are your manners?

It's he who has no manners

I'm not a beggar

Wait!

Stop! Come back here!

Just a minute

What do you think your job is?

Think you're too good to be here?

You're not here for your own enjoyment

Constantly carrying on about your pedigree!

For all I know, you could be a ragpicker's daughter

How dare you suggest such a thing!

You're bought and paid for

You're no different from a fish on a chopping board

We can serve you up any way we like

He offered you money What's wrong with that?

Fine, then

Never come back here again

What will your master say to that?

If I dismiss you,

no one in these parts will hire you as a courtesan

Now get out

It was all my fault

I'm sorry Please forgive me

I'll try to do better from now on

But please don't tell my master

It's too late now Get out

Master, the big spender is calling for her

I'll give him someone better

No, he says he likes this one

He's never known a girl who refused money

He wants to buy her and take her home

Buy her?

You heard her

He wants to buy you and take you to Echigo

Please put on a happy face and serve him

Let's go

He's buying your freedom

Be nice to him, please

Will you really buy my freedom

and take me to Echigo?

Yes, I'll take care of you

Actually, I came to Kyoto to find a wife

I won't go back without one

Will you join me?

If your feelings are genuine,

I'll serve you faithfully

Why are you laughing?

Money

Money!

As long as I have money,

I can have anything in the world

People see money and their eyes gleam

They crawl on all fours

Even a haughty woman like you smiles and sidles up to me

You think I'm greedy, but I'm not

I want to be with you because —

Because everyone has a price, and this is yours

Thanks to this money,

your fortune has turned

Lord Money!

Almighty Money!

You fraud!

No wonder you spend so freely!

He's a counterfeiter!

Your money is bogus!

You'll be beheaded!

Come quietly!

Don't resist!

Fool!

You're under arrest!

Please

try to smile

I'm begging you

You're our daughter again

You don't know how I've waited

for the day you'd return to us from Shimabara

We won't cause you any more suffering

Please forgive us and smile

Welcome

My sad fate

Is pitiful indeed

Where did you learn that song?

It's so beautiful

You must be an accomplished singer

I'm so ashamed

Back when there were pleasure quarters in Rokujo,

I was a courtesan named Katsuragi

Take care of yourself

Thank you

Here you are

My pillow is soaked

With tears

I'm glad you came

You were once Lord Matsudaira's concubine

I'm hesitant to ask for your help

Please don't feel that way

Try to think of me as your sister

We'll treat you well while you're here

and find you a good husband

I'm very grateful

My wife has few relatives,

so please be a good friend to her

May I have a word with her?

I must ask you something right away

Will you hear me out?

What is it?

Please write a solemn oath

never to reveal my secret to anyone

Why would I ever reveal your secret?

Please, just do it

Thank you very much

Now, how may I serve you?

There's only one thing I'll ever ask you to do:

Will you please dress and style my hair?

I expected you to ask much more

Then you'll do it? I'm so glad

The woman I had doing it

suddenly became indisposed

I'm not very good at it,

but I can try

The thing is, my hair's so

Your hair is beautiful

No, it's not

Come with me

I was seriously ill last year

This is what it did to my hair

I made this wig

while recuperating at my parents' home

I've tried to keep it a secret

I'm terrified that my husband will find out

He'd be revolted

Please don't tell him

I promise I won't

Having your hair dressed?

Very nicely done

Oharu's quite good

She did it for you?

Dear

what would you say to adopting Oharu

and finding her a nice husband?

Certainly

Perhaps a man from your store?

No, there's nobody good enough here

Pardon me

What is it?

Shall I send the bill to the customer?

Ask Jihei He knows

What are you looking at?

I'll do that

Now what?

What about the turmeric salesman's bill?

Don't ask me Ask Jihei

You're getting on my nerves

Fine I'll go to the shop myself

What are you staring at?

Bunkichi, stop staring and hurry up!

- Welcome - Good day

Oh, you're here

What a rare treat Please come in

- Sorry I haven't been in touch - Not at all

Bring some tea - Please don't bother

Looks like business is booming - I wouldn't go that far

Oharu, please make some tea for our guest

Shall I take it in for you?

No, thank you

May I observe you?

You're making me nervous

You do it so well

Stop that Get away from me

I just can't make any money these days

- I hear you do - Nonsense

People like to talk

Thank you

It's you!

I didn't know you were here

Won't you wait a moment?

Wait!

You know her?

What's she doing here?

I'm taking care of her

You make it sound so noble

What on earth do you mean?

Don't play innocent You bought her, right?

Bought her?

She's a Shimabara courtesan

Shimabara?

Shimabara, as in the pleasure quarter?

Where else?

So when Hishiya told you, that was the first you'd heard of it?

Yes

You knew before, didn't you?

That's why you took her in

Don't be absurd

You sent her to Lord Matsudaira

You must have known

I didn't know I was shocked

You saw her at Shimabara, didn't you?

What are you talking about?

I've never even been to Shimabara

You think I'd waste good money in a place like that?

I'm so tight I step carefully so I don't damage my sandals!

You're lying!

Stop this!

Excuse me.

What is it?

- A letter from the money exchange - I see

Be careful!

Watch what you're doing!

Cut your hair

Your hair — cut it!

Why?

You plan to use your beautiful hair

to steal my husband away!

I heard all about it

I know all about your past

You lied to me

I apologize But I swear I never —

Cut it Cut it!

Cut it! Go on!

That's not enough Cut off more!

Please don't, madam!

Cut it!

If you don't cut it, I will!

I'll cut it off Just watch me

Good morning

Oharu, where did my wife go?

To the cemetery

I see

Oharu

you're a naughty girl I heard all about your past

I'm sorry

I'm not scolding you

I'll bet you had some fun times, eh?

One would never guess just looking at your face

But you really liked doing those dirty things, didn't you?

That's how you twisted Lord Matsudaira

around your little finger

I did no such thing

It's all right

I understand completely

You can relax and be yourself around me

I can enjoy a top courtesan

and not even have to pay for it

Calm down!

Remember this smell

All right?

What's wrong?

My hair!

Where are you going?

Oharu!

It was you! You did this to my hair!

It's nothing

Go back to bed

She's just mumbling in her sleep

Here you are

- More? - No, thank you

Don't worry

It's too soon to despair

If one god forsakes you, another will save you

Yakichi here works in the fan shop He's singled you out

His boss is going to help him

set up his own shop

He's asking for your hand in marriage

I think I'll excuse myself now

What about your proposal?

Perhaps you could discuss that with Oharu

Look how naive he is

I hear he's devoted to his work

He's never once been to the pleasure quarters

You couldn't hope

for a happier life than as his wife

I'm hardly worthy of such a man

After all, my past

He knows all about you

We told him everything Didn't hide a single detail

He said,

"I don't mind

I want to make that poor, unlucky girl happy"

He's in love with you

- Going out so early? - Yes I won't be long

You were up late last night working on the books

Yes, it was nearly dawn when I finished

I'm quite sleepy

Why don't you rest for a while?

I have to deliver these today

Really?

I'll buy a sash for you on the way home

How nice! Thank you!

Wait a minute

Face this way

Perfect

Hurry back

Excuse me.

Welcome

I'd like a dancing fan for my daughter

Certainly

It's very hot today

These are some of our best

I see

You have a lovely shop

Thank you

You should marry soon and run a shop like this

Running an honest business is a good life, isn't it?

Your husband has accomplished much

at such a young age

He's just an honest, hardworking man

I envy you

You're so pretty

You two make an ideal couple

Any children?

Not yet

Is that so?

- Madam! - What is it?

Awful news!

It's your husband!

What's happened?

He was probably killed by a robber

He died clutching this sash

Yakichi!

A handsome youth at morn

is by dusk a heap of bones

All is truly impermanent in this world

What do you plan to do now?

My late husband's uncle

sold the shop

Where does that leave you?

I'm going back to my parents

Did he leave you anything to remember him by?

No, nothing

Nothing?

I don't need anything

I want to become a nun and serve Buddha

A nun?

Please show me the way!

Bunkichi?

Hey, where's Bunkichi?

Here I am.

Look at this

Who's this charge account for?

An acquaintance of mine

I've told you repeatedly: We don't extend credit

This is unacceptable Go collect the money tomorrow

Can't it wait a month?

No If it's too awkward for you,

I'll go myself

Where is he?

You refuse to tell me?

You won't tell me?

Excuse me

Jihei!

It's been such a long time

You're incorrigible,

luring poor Bunkichi to a place like this

What do you mean?

He heard I was here

and kindly brought me some fabric

Fine I'm here to collect for what he gave you on credit

If you don't have the money, return the fabric

I already made it into a kimono

Already?

In that case, I'll take the kimono

Jihei, you and I aren't strangers

How can you be so cold? Here you go

Cold?

I'm not Bunkichi

I can't be seduced by a whore like you,

so pay up

What did you call me?

Fine, I'll return it

Is that the kimono you made?

And the sash too

No need to undress

Here's the kimono

Now hurry up and leave

This is going to take longer than I thought

Take this money

and get yourself some tea and cake

Drink as much tea as you can, okay?

Understand?

Oharu, you must be very tired

Please leave!

I don't want to see your face Leave at once!

I'm not the kind of woman you think

He was trying to rape me

Please believe me, sister I beg of you!

I really believed you wanted to become a nun

You were just making a fool of me

Did you really think you could get away with it?

What kind of person are you?

Get out!

Get out!

Oharu

What's the matter?

I've been driven out of the temple

What? You too?

I was dismissed too

You were?

Oharu, come with me I know I can make you happy

What?

Don't worry about money

When I left, I stole 50 ryo in gold

What? Bunkichi!

They all think I ran off with you anyway

No! I won't go with a thief like you

I can't! No!

Would you like some?

It's very good

Wait a moment

How about an egg?

I'm at a loss

May I have one of these?

Oharu, these are good!

- Bunkichi! - Jihei!

He's the thief! Catch him!

Stop! Come back!

Jihei!

Stop!

Please let him go!

Out of the way!

- Oharu! - You wench!

Go off somewhere and die, you rotten whore!

Oharu!

This fleeting world

Is full of pain

And I, oh I

Am a thing of pity

This life

So full of regrets

Will vanish

Like the morning dew

What's the matter?

What's wrong?

Come along with us and take a rest

Yes, let's go

Come along

I'll carry it for you

I'll get that too

She hasn't eaten in three days,

and she's chilled to the bone

Help yourself to the food

Your hair's turned really gray

Yes, it has

Here we are, covered with wrinkles

yet we try to coo like young maidens:

"Hey there, handsome!"

What nerve we have!

You wanna earn some money too?

It'll take your mind off things

I'm too old for that, unlike you

Listen to her, acting all innocent!

It's a pitiful life we lead,

but nobody's going to help us out

Ain't that the truth!

It would be easier just to die, but we can't even do that

Drink the sake while we have it It'll lift your spirits

We've fallen this far

Might as well do what we want

I can get you some clothes

What do you say?

Come on

Whatever we do, the world's not about to change

That's right!

Old man, we've got a newcomer

Bring her something to wear

Are you the newcomer?

You could probably make good money

I'll rent you a kimono and undergarments

for three bu a night

A sash and socks will be one bu.

Footwear will be five mon.

This is so gaudy

What's wrong with it?

You can't make money if they don't notice you

I expect payment soon,

so hurry up and get to work

If you're done here, go away

Nasty old man

Come on I'll help you get dressed

Hey, mister, wait a minute

Why don't we have some fun?

Old hag! Are you crazy?

Hey, handsome!

Come on, let's have some fun

Go away!

- I'll give you your money's worth! - I said no!

Madam, would you come with me for a moment?

Certainly

Come in

Sit down over there

Cold, isn't it?

Shall I sing you a song?

Is there something wrong?

Your silence makes me uneasy

Don't worry about it

You can just sit there

Please drop the fake voice

I'd really prefer it

if you spoke in your natural voice

Come this way

Everybody take a good long look

You see that?

You still want to sleep with women now?

You all want happiness in the next world

That's why you're on the Thirty-three Temple Pilgrimage

However

if you'd rather steep yourself in the impermanence of earthly life,

then follow the example

of this goblin cat in human form

Thank you for coming That will be all

Now please go

When you return to your homes,

you can tell everyone how you met a real goblin cat

Thanks a lot

What are you doing?

Looking at a statue of an arhat

It looks like him

Like who?

Think of men you know

and try to find their faces among the statues

You'll find quite a few

She's right!

They all have such funny faces!

Oharu, what's wrong?

Look, it's your mother

I think she's waking up

I'm so glad to see you

Why have you come?

Someone told her they saw you around here

She's been looking for you

I'm glad to know you're safe

How is Father?

He passed away

He worried about you to the very end

But don't cry

You'll find happiness again

Me? Happiness?

It's true

You won't have to suffer anymore

You'll live in a big manor

A messenger came from the Matsudaira palace

He said Lord Matsudaira passed away

The young lord has succeeded him

My son?

He's Lord Matsudaira now

The messenger said

the young lord wants his mother to live with him in the palace

You mean I'll get to see my son?

I can live with him?

Thank goodness

He's grown into a good young man

I'd like Shinozaki and Tashiro to deliver a stern rebuke

Have you forgotten your debt of gratitude

to our late lord?

Who do you take us for?

The family line runs from Tsunemoto Genji,

grandson of Emperor Seiwa, through the Nitta clan

The lords of our clan are direct descendants

of the great Ieyasu Tokugawa

The late lord was fourth in line

His son Yoshitaka is fifth

You were the late lord's concubine,

but you reduced yourself to a courtesan

and finally a prostitute

Do you have any excuse? Are you not ashamed?

If word of your vulgar behavior were to get out,

it would besmirch the clan's name,

and the shogunate's punishment would be severe

We cannot allow you to come and go as you please

You are sentenced to lifetime confinement

You must spend day and night repenting for your sins

and beseeching the spirit of our late lord for forgiveness

Now

in an exceptional display of mercy,

His Lordship will grant you a brief viewing

so that you may bid him farewell

Keep your distance! This is a serious affront!

Please allow me to approach him

He's my child I gave birth to him

Remember our orders!

I'm going after her!

You there!

Isn't she ready yet?

- Any minute, sir - What's taking so long?

What is it?

We've lost her

How can that be? Spread out and find her

Inform the others!

Spread out and look for her!

The woman has disappeared!

Disappeared?

Find her at once!

Sentient beings are innumerable

I vow to save them

Delusions are inexhaustible

I vow to extinguish them

The teachings of the dharma are immeasurable

I vow to master them

Buddhahood is incomparable

I vow to attain it

Buddhahood is incomparable

I vow to attain it

THE END