All language subtitles for RIKUGUN.engl

Attention!

Present arms!

THE ARMY

In 1866,

the Kokura fortress

was besieged by
the Lord of Choshu.

In the same time,
in the Shimonoseki Straits,

Western ships were waiting
to attack.

Right then,

the fire of civil war was
raging in Japan.

Fratricidal fights were
the biggest danger for the country.

They're coming!

We're going. Take care.

- We'll catch up with you. Be careful.
- Yes.

Hurry up, there's no much time.
Take everything.

Hurry up, my daughter.

Come on,
their almost here!

Tomonosho, stop daydreaming.
Hurry up, we must leave!

Father, they'll win anyway.
There's nothing we can do.

Shut up,
don't talk nonsense!

Take care of the banner.

They're recruits,
they worship the Emperor. They're better

Haven't you finished yet?
Give it to me!

Our lineage is our wealth.

Don't forget this.

Takeuchi, what's happening?

I'm afraid everything's over.

Has the fortress fallen?
Is that it?

Yes.

We set it on fire ourselves.
Rather than...

Come.

Bring a bandage, woman.

It's only a scratch.

Thank you very much.

- Can you bring me a drop of tea?
- Yes.

I want you to keep the
"Great History of Japan" volumes for me.

Take them
as a token of our friendship

All right.

My father dedicated his life
to copying them.

The prince Mitsukuni compiled it
in order to show

the bond between
lord and subject.

I know that.
I'll keep them like a treasure.

As a samurai,
I'll die for my lord.

The situation will only get worse.

The Westerners are waiting
for their moment.

This war between the
clans must stop.

A lot of innocent blood
is spilled.

Count on my gratitude.

Mr. Takeuchi!

Mother! Fire!

Come on,
hurry up!

"THE GREAT HISTORY OF JAPAN -
BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

1896, AFTER THE
SINO-JAPANESE WAR

"THE GREAT HISTORY OF JAPAN -
BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

June will be here any moment now.
Then, July and August.

Summer brings change with it.

I ran away with my parents
and my sister.

This stain of sweat is
from that time.

You always tell this story
these days.

It was a crucial period for me.

For one, Mr. Takeuchi
gave me this book.

After that I met Mr. Yamagata.

I came to fraternize with
enemy soldiers,

among them Yamagata,
who was an officer.

While I was squandering my life,
Yamagata was going up.

He then got important positions.

Now he's running
the Defense Department.

Without any doubt,
a great man.

Mother,
is anything the matter?

- Why?
- Just asking.

What could have happened?
Waka went shopping.

- Winning the war is wonderful.
- Why're you saying that?

The winners' houses
are in a perpetual celebration.

- A pity nothing happens.
- Fool!

Would you prefer a death?

Listen, Tomohiko.

Winning or dying is all the same.
You have to fight for your country.

We must thank those
who'll die for us.

- Don't you think so?
- Yes.

- Mr. Takagi, are you in?
- I'm coming.

- Bad news.
- What? Please, come in.

Thank you.

You'll see: Russia, Germany and France
will want us to give Liaodong back.

I heard that.
It's only Chinese chit-chat.

I'm afraid you're wrong.

Bullshit!
Too many of ours died there.

China gave us Taiwan and Liaodong
in reparation.

The peninsula is ours.

- By the force of right.
- Sure.

Those countries shouldn't interfere.

- It's not their business.
- Categorically.

But I'm told officers and soldiers
cry when hearing that.

- Like anyone else would.
- I'm back.

- I'll make him his favourite dish.
- Very well, Waka.

Mr. Takagi,

in the candy store I heard
we were going to give Liaodong back.

That is not woman's stuff.

We must pay attention
to important things.

Very well. I'm going.

- Where to?
- Tokyo. To make myself heard.

- Tokyo?
- Yes.

I won't calm down. I'll tell Yamagata
what I think. He'll listen to me!

"Welcome home
town of Kokura"

Father'd like this.

- The Tokio parade must be better.
- That's for sure.

- Banzai!
- A cable, ma'am.

"Mr. Takagi very ill.
Come right away. Yamagata."

This way, please.

Come in.

Daddy.

Daddy, it's me.

- What happened?
- I'm happy to see you.

Call if you need me.

The cable said you were very ill.

When I was shouting at Yamagata,
I had a heart-attack.

- But now I'm much better.
- I'm so happy.

I saw the parade,
it was moving.

I'd have liked having
been there.

I got mad when I heard about the
Triple Intervention.

You see...

I was also very furious.
I came to Tokyo furious.

Yamagata received me
and agreed to hear me out.

I told him what was on my mind.

He said he shared
my point of view,

that it was a common sentiment.

That the entire Japanese people
shared it.

That he also found it intolerable.

What did he tell you?

When the three Powers intervened,

there were meetings hold
to decide what our position would be.

They shouldn't have interfered.

Our soldiers died
conquering that land.

We shouldn't give it back,
but the army is not strong enough.

We must put up
with this humiliation,

stifle our tears,

for the motherland.

On the 10th of May,
His Imperial Majesty

announced a retrocession
decree.

The burden of this terrible decision
fell upon his men.

That's why my words
were useless,

even if my ignorance made
me rush on.

I crossed the line.

But I can not
forget this imposition.

I'm sure that, in the end,
we'll win.

- We'll take revenge on the Russians.
- Yes.

Tomohiko,
what'd you like to be?

- I want to be a soldier.
- Really? Very well.

I want to go the
Military Academy.

All right.

In 1883, the Emperor promulgated
the Imperial Military Code.

Loyalty, courtesy, courage,
honor and temperance.

Being a soldier is the best way
to abide by His principles.

Yes.

Daddy,
are you feeling all right?

- Open the window.
- Yes.

- There's more hustle and bustle in Tokyo,
than in the fields... - That's true.

I hardly notice the difference.

- Did you pay your respects at the castle?
- No, I came right here.

Irresponsible!

On your first visit,
you have to honor the castle.

- Go right away.
- Good...

- Are you Tomohiko?
- Yes.

I did my very best.

His last words were:
"Be a good soldier, Tomohiko."

Unshakable
determination and perseverance.

1904- Orders are given to
destroy the Russians

While returning with his
father's ashes, Tomohiko enlisted...

as an infantryman, but...

What happened to you?

Nishina!

- You're alive!
- Yes.

Where were you wounded?

- I see they got you in the leg.
- Guess so.

They wounded me a couple of times.

I wasn't able to fight in the
Hoten campaign.

I'm worse.

Well, anyway, I'm here.
Ever since we got here I've got a fever.

Already in the Academy you used to
fall sick often.

I'm very unlucky.

Come on.
A good soldier doesn't grumble.

I know. But what kind of a soldier is one
that goes to war and can't fight?

I got the fever during the
Shaga battle.

I thought they'd send me to Hoten,

but here I am.

I'm a mess,
but I'm an officer.

My father'd be ashamed with me.

Enough!

It's not your fault.
One doesn't choose being sick.

I'm so ashamed, I didn't write
to my mother and wife.

- I haven't, not since I'm here.
- Stupid.

Don't you think?

Imagine how worried they must be.

- You're neglecting your duty.
- My duty is to fight.

- That's why I'd rather be dead.
- What're you saying!?

A soldier doesn't get to choose when
and where to die.

At least, you'll be able to fight when
you'll get well.

Look at me.

I lost my place on the battlefield.

But I'll get another one
in the future.

I have a goal.

Abide by the five Imperial
principles.

I could devote my life to them.

Don't worry.

There're thousands of ways
to serve one's country.

The sound of footsteps marks
the return of the soldiers...

...from a heroic battle.

But a sad Takagi Tomohiko
returns to his town,

not from the war,
but from the hospital.

Sir.

- Mr. Komatsu has arrived.
- Very well.

"The Great History of Japan -
BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

Mr. Takagi,

Mr. Takeya and myself
have talked about you.

Your shop is ancient
and it'd be a pity closing it.

We'd rather put it off a couple
of years,

and, in the meantime,
help you keeping it afloat.

- Thank you.
- Well, you have been sick.

It's not only about the borrowed money
you have lost,

but also about your guarantees.

We're not that strict.
Dedicate yourself to your shop.

I'm most grateful for
your help.

There's nothing to it.

You spend a lot of time reading.

It's important studying books,
but, as well, the real world.

You shouldn't guarantee too easily
others' debts.

That's how the real world is,
and its consequences.

- Have some tea.
- Shouldn't have taken the trouble.

We're very grateful for your help.

There's nothing to it.

I'd like you to confirm something.

I heard that two officers in Yoyogi
want to fly in an airplane.

- Is it true?
- It seems so.

They're no birds...

If they make it,
it'll be heroic.

- That's why they want to try.
- They'll surely crash.

Why take the chance?

They won't accomplish anything.

That's sheer madness.

They should better practice shooting
than play birds!

What you say is out of line!

Don't be that sure.
The army is not for playing around.

These men put their lives
on the line.

Know what?

You should shut up.

How dare you talk to me like this?

Brat!

Excuse me.

If you are so insolent,
don't expect me to help you.

Mr. Komatsu.

Forgive him, please.

Mr. Komatsu.

I'm sorry.

I know I shouldn't have,
but I couldn't help myself.

Don't worry about it. He was wrong.
But, sometimes, it's better to be quiet.

Yes. Anyway,
I shouldn't have got angry.

Don't say that.
You had your reasons.

I'll go right now and
ask him to forgive me.

- Don't talk about the shop.
- Why not?

The debts are not mine.

When I'll have paid my debts,
I'll make a fresh start.

- Did you think what we'll do
for a living? - Not yet.

But, first, I'll pay the debts and
buy a smaller house.

- I think that's a good idea.
- Really?

The shop's not working.
We'd be better of as shopkeepers.

Buying merchandise,
selling it, making a profit.

I'd feel safer like this
and I think you would also.

But it pains me to break off with the
tradition of our ancestors.

It is my fault.

I failed as a soldier,
and now as a businessman.

- I'm good for nothing. - That's not true.
You were a good soldier.

You always say, houses included,
that attitude makes the valor,

and that's what you show each and
every day.

I'm proud of the way you...

...stood up to
Mr. Komatsu.

"The army is not for playing around."

"Those men put their lives on the line."

"Don't be that sure."

Did you notice the way he looked?

Don't worry,
we'll be fine.

The boy will take care of us,
like you did, don't you think so?

Shintaro.

The boy will take care of us the
same way you take care of him.

Isn't it so, Shintaro?
You'll take care of us.

Ten years later

Fukuoka

- Nice, isn't it?
- I should say so.

Really beautiful.

- You said you wanted three, didn't you?
- Yes, three.

- And soap for the laundry.
- We've got a new one.

- O yes?
- You should try it.

- Mother.
- Yes?

- Can I put it down now?
- Wait, I'll take it now.

You're like a girl,
always at home.

- But he helps me a lot.
- That's lucky.

- Your change.
- Thank you. Goodbye.

Let me clean you,
you're all sweat.

Shintaro, are you coming?

You should go and play with them.

We'll be at the river.

I'll go change the baby.

Shintaro.

Go with your friends.

Children should play.

You stay all day long
shut in the house.

Come on, son,
go out and play.

Go, kid.
At times, he looks very frail.

- He's still young.
- That's not the only reason I say that.

Frail kids are more reliable.

Maybe so,
but you pamper him too much.

Leave him to me.

A mother knows what her child
needs.

Even so...

Don't worry.
This one'll be strong.

I can see that from the way
he carries his chest.

He'll be like a fairy tale hero.

He'll take care of you two.

You said
the same thing about Shintaro.

Be patient,
they're both very young.

You'll see how Shintaro
will be big and strong.

With a stubborn father
like his...

Leave it be,
or I won't find it later.

It's better here.

I'm running the shop.
Please, let it be.

- Hi, it's me.
- Let it go already.

- Hi, please, come in.
- Thank you.

Hi, doctor. How're you?
Have you come to challenge me?

No, I've been losing all the time lately.
Though a doctor, I haven't won even once.

Would you be interested
in teaching?

Teaching? What?

An old school mate,
Mr. Sakuragi,

has a foundation.

He's a good man,
he gives money for public works

He has more than 300 workers
in his factory.

It just happens he's looking for
a teacher for his sons.

You might be interested.

- Please.
- Thank you.

It's a good opportunity.

I've told him about you and
he wants to meet you.

I thank you, but...
I don't know if I'm qualified.

What?
You're too qualified.

Educating young people is
important.

What's the matter with you?

Don't cry, boys don't cry.
Tell me what happened.

He wouldn't dive,
so they picked up on him.

Diving would've been foolish.

Cone on, don't cry.

- Good afternoon.
- I'm coming.

Well, I was thinking about
finding another job.

I think I'll go speak with your friend
Sakuragi.

What a heat! Unbearable.

- A cigarette?
- No, I don't smoke.

Really? That's odd.
I couldn't live without smoking.

My wife gave me something
for you.

Please...

What a nice watermelon!

Thank you,
but I couldn't accept.

- Why not?
- I don't know if I'll hire you.

Accepting it would mean a compromise.

Don't misunderstand me.
It was my wife's idea.

Even so, I couldn't accept.

I've been told you fought
in the war.

- That's true.
- I did also.

- Really?
- As a performer.

My family has been in
haulage for years.

That's why I'm always in when
a war breaks.

I help the army with the
supplies.

Even then,

I knew Japan must strengthen its
military power.

Even if it was ten years later, that war
was different from the one with Russia.

In that one,
while going up the river Zin,

the foreigners resisted.
They wouldn't let us enter the city.

But we managed to get in
in the one with Russia.

We went in from everywhere,
until they offered us their houses.

I stayed with an Italian family.

And all that
thanks to the military might of Japan.

I'm afraid I've talked too much.
It's high noon already.

It's not much,
but, please...

- I came at the wrong moment.
- Not at all.

Besides, I've made you wait.
I haven't stopped talking.

Please, eat

- Well, then...
- Please.

Forgive me,
I've been wanting to ask you...

- How much do I owe you?
- What?

- For the food.
- Is this a joke?

You see...

You shouldn't have
invited me to lunch.

You thought the watermelon was
a bribe,

so I'll pay for my lunch.

Don't you think so?

Don't eat, then.

Nobody's forcing you.

I can't accept the money.
It'd be absurd.

You don't appreciate
kindness.

Neither do you.

There's nothing to be afraid of.
Close your eyes.

Come on, I'm here,
nothing will happen to you.

Please, try.
Don't be afraid. Dive.

Come on,
you can do it.

Come on,
dive.

Shintaro.

If you don't dive,
you'll never be a soldier.

Have you talked to Sakuragi?

Yes, he's an imbecile.

Mother, look!

Son, are you all right?

You have won a watermelon.

Come on,
eat it.

Hey, kids!
D'you want watermelon?

- So, you talked with Sakuragi, then...
- Yes, I went to see him.

- Please.
- Thank you.

He's working you work for him.

- This is impossible.
- Seems you've made quite an impression.

He wants to hire you
as a teacher.

I don't accept.
He's rude.

Don't judge him like this.

He's not a bad guy,
and not an arriviste.

He's a self-made man.

You should know him better!

I thank you for your interest,
but I'll reserve judgment.

Shintaro,
I've brought you an apple.

I'm through,
at last.

Moron!

How many times must I tell you?

Don't be so careless!

Don't you listen?

Ask for forgiveness
on your knees.

You're big now,
don't cry.

I've told you to put your soul
in what you're doing.

That's all your country asks from you.
You should've known that already.

You've treaded on the book. It's our
legacy, are you proud of yourself?

Tell me!
Will you be more careful from now on?

Come on!
Ask for forgiveness!

I can't go on anymore!

Woman, let the kid go.
He's heard you already.

- He only made a mistake.
- It was more than that.

He was wrong and he has
apologized.

- Leave him alone, he's sorry.
- You're too lenient with him.

What a sultry weather...

Shintaro,
why don't we go to the fair?

Would you like to?

Come on,
stop crying.

Eat it before leaving.

Look, daddy.

D'you see that one?
It's Sakuragi, from my class.

Mr. Sakuragi.

- What a coincidence!
- It's a pleasure meeting you.

Glad to meet you, too.

Thank you for trusting me.
I'll begin tomorrow, if it's all right.

It'd be a pleasure.
I'm happy you have accepted.

- Have you done your homework?
- Yes, but problem three...

You'll see you won't be sorry.

Ten Years Later

Shintaro!

Hi!

- Holiday?
- I'm going at the military checkup.

- A cadet can become an officer.
- Yes, but I'm not sure.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

I'd rather enlist as a soldier,
like everybody else.

There're two years as a recruit.

Yes, but he has to pass
the checkup.

They easy that afterwards
everything is easier.

I'll be happy to see you there.

- I have to go.
- Goodbye.

- Take care.
- Yes, sir.

- I'm home.
- Welcome.

Hi,
anything to eat?

Is that all you can say?

Reizo, if you don't wise up
you won't get your diploma.

The boy has taken after his father.

Yes. Had he been a different sort,
he'd have been a soldier.

He's frail.
He sells all day long.

He'll soon take the army checkup.

He should take care.

With such an ailing father,

it'll be hard for him to pass it.

We'll see if he's lucky.

Attention!

Salute!

Left turn!

At ease.

70 soldiers, captain, sir.
Count.

24 in section 2,
4 missing.

20 present, captain, sir.

Soldiers.
About-face!

Let's say the Imperial Code.

Bow!

Attention.

You must repeat the
corporal's words.

Is that understood?

Attention.

Begin.

First, Loyalty is a soldier's
first duty,

First. Loyalty is a soldier's
first duty.

All those living

on the lands

of our Emperor

must totally give themselves

in body and soul

to all actions

destined to serve Him,

There's quite some time
since you haven't sung this one.

I've at last broke free from the grudge
that had been eating me for a year.

Shall we toast for him?

It's time to turn the lights off.

Shintaro must be sleeping.

I feel relieved.

Like from a big burden.

True,
it's been hard for you too.

The boy is frail.
I was worried.

Had he not passed the checkup,
he'd have been ashamed.

That's what was worrying me.

As we've brought him up for 20 years,
people would've blamed us.

Yes, you're right.

They are not our boys,
they belong to the country.

We had to surrender them
in a good shape.

For now, all's well.

- I hope he'll do his best.
- I'm sure he will.

He's not ready.

The army is not for
sickly men.

Shintaro has our blood.

He won't shame us.
Take care of it.

Present arms!

At ease!

Hat's off.

Salute.

Someone was behind the
China Incident.

It happened three years already.

Now, the same thing happens

with anti-Japanese provocations

going ahead in Manchuria.

These are U.S. Manipulations looking for
a pretext to meddle in Japan��s interests.

In few words,

the fox and the badger are setting
us up.

All this operation is
designed to fight against Japan.

We must counter-attack.

650 years have gone by since
the intended Mongolian invasion,

and, ever since, we've shown that
no one messes around with us.

You're a good speaker.
I congratulate you.

Your allusion to the Mongols
has touched our very soul.

I've always liked this story.
It turns my patriotic feelings.

What d'you think about Manchuria?
D'you think Japan will attack?

Yes, if it goes on.
There already are more than 800 incidents,

and the government
is doing nothing.

If war breaks,
they'll send the army.

Yes, without any doubt.

My son fires a machine gun.
Will he go on the front?

Without any doubt.

Our sons start with
an advantage.

But I'm afraid that Tsunekichi's
shortcomings might keep him out of it.

If he were that feeble,
he wouldn't be among the candidates.

This is the land of the Gods.

Without any doubt, the Divine Wind
will blow for us.

The Divine Wind is not enough.

Think about the Mongolian invasion.
Japan was in danger.

They had good weapons and
a good strategy and we didn't.

But, thanks to the Divine Wind,
we won.

Do you mean we'd have lost without
the Divine Wind?

It was possible.

- And we'd have been a Mongolian colony?
- Without the Divine Wind, yes.

What're you saying?
You haven't heard my speech. I know...

I know we'd have won,
even without the Divine Wind.

We defeated their landing detachment
in the Bunei War.

We forced them to retreat to Korea,

and only a small number
landed in Shiga.

They feared us for the solidarity of
our troops, for their discipline.

- Have you forgotten that?
- Of course I haven't.

But,
no matter how brave you are,

with antiquated weapons
and strategy you are lost.

That's what I was saying.

Even so,
in the end we'll win.

Yes, but I'm saying it again,
it was the Divine Wind.

Enough already!

How many times must I tell you!?

We'd have won even without
the Divine Wind.

Calm down. These are old stories.
You take them too seriously.

It makes you laugh?!
You're so narrow-minded.

You base your patriotism on strength.
You underestimate your country.

I don't want to talk to you anymore.

Tomohiko.

How dare you talk to me
like this?

A Japanese having honor...

...would never say we won
thanks to the Divine Wind!

Don't you doubt my honor!

Of course I doubt it!
I'm sure your blood is not pure.

Shut up!

I fought as a volunteer in the
wars against Russia and China.

And I'm now organizing the
local militia.

You've offended me.

I don't want you to go on here.

Neither do I.
With your leave, I'm going. Goodbye.

In the meantime,

China offends Japan
who answers with her troops.

The British and the American
are really to blame.

The crucial moment for
war in Asia has come.

The war breaks out.

The Japanese army enters
Hoten

China attacks Shanghai

Japan counter-attacks

The U.S. Impose
an ultimatum to Japan.

Mother.

- I'm back.
- I knew you'd come today.

Last time
I waited the entire day.

Oh my, oh my...

Daddy!

Daddy, he's an officer!

- I've just arrived.
- What a surprise!

How are you,
doctor?

How you have changed...
You're a real man.

You're so handsome.

And look so good.

You've been through
so much...

I'll make you a great supper.

You've made it,
after all.

- Yes, they took pity on me.
- Don't be so modest.

Won't your unit go to China?

Yes, of course.

Really?
This is wonderful.

- Tsunekichi has already left.
- Really? He went to the front?

Will you also go?

No.

- Why not?
- I'll train the recruits.

Who do you think you are
to train anyone?

Did you volunteer?

Lots of times.

I even begged,
but they wouldn't listen.

You must have not put
your soul into it.

How come Sakuragi's going
and you are not?

Even so,
I'm very proud of you.

My child, an officer.
That's fabulous.

One has to obey orders in the army,
you know that.

- Yes, that's true, but...
- Supper's served.

- Go it, come on
- I'm going.

I brought these for you.
Please.

Fujita-san,
why don't you let him win for once?

He's taking it on the whole family.

Make yourself at home.

Shintaro.

Congratulations.

I'm proud.
You have three stars.

I owe it to you.

Thank you.

Make some tea.

Mother.

There's something
I want to ask you.

Tell me.

I'd like father
to stop arguing.

Sakuragi and I are comrades.

Quarrels between
our fathers don't concern us.

Let them settle them
between themselves.

We're friends and now,
with him gone on the front,

I feel guilty.

I now it, my dear.

I know he understands what I'm
feeling in this situation.

On the other hand,
there's no room for sentiments in a war.

Of course.

You never know when the
end might come.

But I don't want to die worrying
about trifles.

D'you understand?

Daddy.

I want to talk to you
about Mr. Sakuragi.

- Don't mention this name.
- All right, but...

Our son and his
are comrades in arms,

and Shintaro wants you to make up
with Sakuragi.

Obey him.

You always talk about
the Imperial Code,

you say you have to act
with honor,

but, in Sakuragi's case,
you don't follow your words.

Don't lecture me.
Tell Sakuragi that.

It's his fault.

Tsunekichi might not make
back from China.

Shintaro could also die.

That's the price of wars.

It's not fair to make them worry
more than they have to.

Don't you think so?

Go and see Sakuragi.

He's in Shimonoseki,

supervising the loading.

Settle your differences.

This was your best play.

- Tell me, Sakuragi.
- Everything's loaded, sir.

- We can set sail whenever you want.
- Thank you.

You did a good job.

If I could,
I'd go to Shanghai.

I'm not much help
around here.

You're very brave.

Tell me,
how's the war going?

I only know what they tell me.

The artillery...

...sunk a ship,
a destroyer.

They landed

in a populated area,
on the banks of the Yalu river.

They sent the machine guns.

That's for sure.

There were artillery soldiers,
from the Ikari and Murakami battalions.

Wouldn't you know something about my son,
Sakuragi Tsunekichi?

I have no news
about individual soldiers.

It seems
we lost more than anticipated.

War is not like maneuvers.

But I put my faith in our army.

They're only 100 meters
away from the enemy,

and they obey the order
to fight until the end.

The last one alive is to throw the
weapons and ammunition in the river.

The men march forward
with a pride...

...only known to the Japanese.

Of course.

At last we've taken Lushunkou.

Those fighting in the first line
suffered a lot,

but on the 22nd,
before dawn,

the clouds thickened...

...and hid the moon.

The troops placed themselves
in an attack position.

They cut the wire fences,

and under a heavy fire
opened a couple of breaches.

Some from the engineering unit died,

but a very clever captain...

...threw a smoke screen

Even so,
the attack unit,

had numerous casualties.

- But then...
- One question, please.

What unit was that?

The Ikari battalion.

The infantry cut the wire fences,

while the engineers corps...

...made bombs from whatever
they had at hand.

Three men died while making them.

They were looking for
the smells of openings.

Finally,
they got on the other side...

...and took the fortress.

Were there many casualties?

Yes,
unfortunately.

In the machine gun
squadron also?

I do not know
much about that.

Have you seen a list of casualties?

I'm telling you I
don't know anything.

What do you know about
Sakuragi Tsunekichi?

Imbecile!

You only care about your son.
Alive or dead is all the same.

What matters is winning the war,
don't you think so?

Behave like a man.

Here's a real man.

You were alive!

Why didn't you tell me anything?
What a joy! How are you?

I don't complain.
I was in China.

- Serving your country?
- Sit down.

Thank you.

Years ago I lectured you...

...about how a soldier dies.

Until now,
I haven't done much.

What're you saying!

You were close,
why didn't you say anything?

They sent me here five days ago.

I see.
All right then...

You haven't aged much.
Well, maybe a little.

Sakuragi.

I've come to apologize.

We should make up.
We owe it to our sons.

It's I...

...who asks your forgiveness.

Mr. Nishina thinks the same way
about this...

...and he made me reconsider.

My belated apologizes.

And I also ask for forgiveness
from Mr. Nishina.

Quite the contrary. You shouldn't raise
your voice, nor allow me to get mad.

It's touching to see
two old comrades,

like you,
getting together.

It almost makes me envious.

I don't have any
old comrades.

And what about me, then?

Am I not your comrade?

We're comrades for life.

- Isn't it so, Nishina?
- Of course.

All Japanese,
we comrades.

Sakuragi, is of a great help
to the country.

Thank you.
Thank you a lot.

Yes?

Sakuragi speaking.

Yes, he's just come.
Don't hang up.

Takagi,
your wife's on the phone.

My wife?

Hello, yes.

Hey, I can't hear you!

Wait!

Don't hang up.

- Fantastic.
- What happened?

My son
left for the front.

- Congratulations!
- That's great.

- You must be very proud.
- Yes.

The truth is that
I'm relieved.

My darling.

Hello?! Darling?!
I'm coming to dinner.

- It was really good.
- There is more, if you want.

- You eat, mother
- No, I don��t want anymore.

All right.

- No one cooks like your mother.
- I'm stuffing myself.

I'm full.

Very good.

- It was delicious.
- Yes, very good.

Father, would you
like me to rub your back?

No. Let your mother have one.
You're not her son for nothing.

- Come close, mother.
- No, let your father have it.

Come on,
let me massage you.

All right,
but only a little.

- Reizo, take these away.
- Yes.

More gently.

You're very strong.
That's so good!

Is it all right here?

Further up.

- Here?
- Yes, there.

D'you like it?

Yes, very much.
It makes me sleepy.

- I'll give father one.
- All right.

In times of war,
dying is a natural thing

but it shouldn't be useless.

Remember the five principles.

Don't think...

...about conquering fame.

Leave behind all selfishness.

Dedicate your entire life...

...to the service of your Emperor,

or you won't be a worthy soldier.

Watch your health;
a sick soldier is a burden.

Yes.

Don't drink water
if it's not boiled.

I won't.

- Take good care of yourself, son.
- Don't worry.

Everything will be fine.
You should take care of yourself.

I'll live to be 80,

or 100 years,
won't I, daddy?

Reizo, you do what mother tells you,
all right?

Reizo, your brother took care
of you when you were a baby.

- You must be grateful to him.
- Yes.

He is a mature and honest man,

and that thanks to your mother.

Mrs. Takagi.

Are you going to see them off?

No, I'd rather stay at home.
I always end up crying.

That's not a bad thing.

My nose reddens
and men don't like that.

Don't say that.

These are only excuses.

I'm sure he'd like to see you there.

No,
he's life belongs to the Emperor.

I don't wear any makeup anymore.

- Darling, the parade!
- I'm coming.

"First principle: A good soldier

must loyally serve his country."

"Second principle: A good soldier

must follow the rules of decency."

"Third principle: A good soldier

must respect heroic acts."

"Fourth principle: A good soldier
must never forget

that loyalty can never be betrayed."

"Fifth principle: A good soldier

never boasts about
his exploits."

"The Great History of Japan
BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

Shintaro.