Original subtitles

Film selectionne au Festival des Arts 1960

SHOCHIKU presents

FUEFUKI RIVER

Produced by KINOSHITA Keisuke

From FUKAZAWA Shichiro's book

Cinematographer: KUSUDA Hiroyuki

Art Direction: ITO Kesaki EZAKI Kohei

Music: KINOSHITA Chuji

Sound: ONO Hisao

Editor: SUGIHARAYoshi

Costumes: YAMAGUCHI Matsuo

Cast

Okei: TAKAMINE Hideko

Sadahei: TAMURA Takahiro

Sozo, 1st son: ICHIKAWAA Somegoro

Ume: IWASHITA Shima

Jiro: KAWAAZU Yusuke

Heikichi, 3rd son: TANAKA Shinji

Yasuzo, second son: NAKAMURA Kanzaburo

Tokichi: WATANABE Fumio

Grandfather: KATO Yoshi

Tatsu: ARAKI Michiko

Hanzo: DAIGENJI Ryusuke

Katsu: ABE Toru

Lord Shingen: NAKAMURA Kanzaburo

The enemy General MATSUMOTO Koshiro

Screenplay and direction: KINOSHITA Keisuke

BATTLE OF IDAGAWARA 1521

Dreadful is

The place of slaughter

Wandering among the 5 viices

The World is pitiful.

Doomed to Hell are

Those Who livie the

Infamy

Is boundless.

Hanzo is back from battle.

Why is he squatting there?

They must have been vanquished.

I had told him so...

I was right.

Hanzo!

You can't win a battle all by yourself.

Nobody knows you were there. Don't worry.

No one gives a damn.

Battles are not important.

Did you do good?

No way! Those cowards from Suruga fled when they saw us.

Really? The enemy was that weak?

There were only 2 batallions left.

They all ran away.

We couldn't do anything.

Where did they go?

You fool! The enemy runs away and you ask where they were headed!

You must be stupid to ask such a question.

But you know, to be singled out, you must behead the enemy General.

I didn't behead him, but he is dead.

Did you kill him?

I didn't but I chased him.

And my Master killed him.

One of the banners of our Lord. The Takeda diamond!

If you want one, I can bring you lots of those.

But the enemy might come back.

If they know you're here, they'll want to take revenge.

You are silly really!

Fleeing troops coming back... what could they do?

You'd better shut up!

The Master has gone home, I've come to rest a while.

You're right.

I knew you'd do good.

That you'd be a great soldier.

There's a reason why they call you Fiery Hanzo. You're my grandson.

My Master might come here.

His name is Tsuchiya.

He's coming here? Are you sure?

He often goes by the house.

He knew it was called "The insect cage".

He knew it?

Lord Takeda Nobutora is 28

same age as your sister who married Takenohara.

When he was born, my son had only given me a granddaughter.

I was very disappointed. And then you came.

And now, you've just destroyed the enemy General.

This is all my doing. I encouraged him.

Stop this and go to the Takanoras'. Quick!

Tell them about Hanzo's achievement.

It's no use hurrying. They'll know about it soon.

We'll level this "Insect cage"

and build a big house.

I exhorted him to leave for battle.

Hanzo!The Lord is asking for you. Come with me!

I'm going, grand-father.

He'll probably get a reward. We're going to be lucky this time.

I was right to tell him to go.

You don't know how much I exhorted him.

You've just understood?

I've never said anything wrong.

I'll tell Mitsu to leave her in-laws.

These Takenoharas have always despised us.

Grandfather, where did Hanzo go?

Your brother was summoned by our Lord. He is a hero.

- Did he reward you? - He will.

He's going to think it over.

Take this, Father and come with me.

A mission of the utmost importance.

A son was born yesterday in the Lord's house.

You were chosen to bury the placenta.

You fool, you're unworthy of such honour.

Hanzo achieved a real exploit

and I'm the one to thank: I sent him to battle.

You didn't deserve that honour.

I will do it. Where, by the way?

The baby was born in Sekisuiji,

but it will be in lsawa.

Isawa is where the Takeda lineage was born.

Hurry, they're waiting for us.

Hampei!

Is that you, Takenohara?

Your daughter Mitsu gave birth yesterday.

It was a son.

- Yesterday? - He's very beautiful.

He was born yesterday? As our Lord's son?

Come on, grandfather, let's go!

You'll bury it here.

Dig quickly, let's finish with this.

Ouch!

Grand-father!

Stop! You desecrated the ritual when you spilled your blood.

Move over. I shall do it.

Open up!

Grand-father, our Lord is expecting you. Come!

At this time of night?

Hurry up!

He's seriously wounded. I'll go in his place...

You fool. He might want to reward us, Hanzo and I.

Come up!

Groping their Way

in darkness,

The mortals

Wander in the mist

In the Wind of transience

The dew scatters.

How pitiful is

the end of man.

Father, come see.

Grandfather is dead.

The Lord was angry and had him killed.

The order was coming from the Great Lord of Kofu who was furious.

He had every right to be.

He spoiled a glorious mission when he spilled his blood.

My master Tsuchiya was very angry too.

Follow me.

The baby of the "house in the bend" is born.

He was expected for tonight or tomorrow.

Grandfather reincarnated!

Poor soul!

Being reborn in such a poor family.

BATTLE OF KAMIJOGAWARA 1521

Elder sister, are you there?

I won't go back at the Takenoharas'.

Your late grandfather was saying so.

Your in-laws have always despised us.

What was the battle like?

You killed a general?

Husky Mohei was there too

Husky Mohei was there?

He was proud because he had killed an enemy.

What about you? If Mohei killed one, how many did you kill?

I got three.

Three Generals?

You fool!There aren't three generals!

But when I left the Takenoharas I told them:

"Last time, Hanzo killed one enemy General.

"Next time, he'll kill three.

"He'll get the prize awarded to heroes.

"I can't stay here anymore."

You fool! A battle can also be lost.

You can't win always.

Hanzo will never lose. Am I wrong, Hanzo?

You're stronger than Mohei!

Anyway,I'm leaving my husband.

I shall find a better one.

Grandfather agreed.

I can tell my master Tsuchiya about it.

Really? That would be great!

You're really going to ask him?

He's going back to the castle tonight.

If he is there, I must be there too.

We are like father and son.

Some call me my lord Tsuchiya.

You're really important!

We have to rebuild the house.

Grandfather said so too.

The Takeda heir, born the same day as your son,

is called Katsuchiyo.

My Master Tsuchiya must look after him.

I'll live under the same roof as the heir.

My son's name is Sadahei.

Did you hear, Sadahei? You were born on the same day as theTakeda heir!

You will become a hero as your uncle Hanzo!

Don't be silly!

Go into the arms of your invincible uncle.

Come on!

Look how strong he is!

Farewell, Father!

I'm only 29 after all. I have prospects.

Yamaguchi is the most important silk trader in Kofu.

He is a good match!

We owe it to you, our hero!

You must thank my master Tsuchiya.

Go on killing enemy Generals.

Your master will be happy and our Lord stronger.

The castle will buy ten times more silk

and my husband will be the richest man in Kofu.

And I'll owe it to you!

BATTLE OF FUJI-SUBASHIRIGUCHI 1526

Mohei!

Mohei!

Listen to me.

When you grow older, you must never go to battle.

A farmer must remain a farmer.

Husky Mohei was full of ardour too.

He was killed in his second battle.

Even if you become a giant, never go to war.

BATTLE OF NASHIKIDAIRA 1526

Master!

Master!

Hanzo!

Master!

You hear me?

Even if you become a giant, never go to war.

Your uncle's master was eventually killed too.

That's the way it is with battles. One day, you die.

Even if you become a giant, you mustn't go.

Those who are full of ardour want to fight.

Your uncle Hanzo

is now called Tsuchiya Hanzo, he became a samurai.

Once, he was nicknamed Fiery Hanzo.

When he went into a temper he was extraordinarily violent.

That's why he liked going on battlefields.

Sadahei, beware of battles, don't ever think of liking them.

Since your aunts Take et Hisa have married,

we're alone together, you and I.

So, you too,

you find a good partner to marry

and live a good farmer's life.

You'll cultivate the land and live a long life.

Uncle Hanzo!

Father, are you doing well? Sadahei is big now.

It was a horrible battle.

There was almost 6 feet of snow.

And the snow fell so hard, you could hardly keep your eyes open.

Victory or defeat?

You fool! No way we could lose!

The enemy castle fell?

Of course!

For his beginnings, the young lord achieved a remarkable feat.

He was born on the same day as I.

That's right. He's 16 and has just been given a new name.

The Shogun has said he must be called Harugen.

What about you? are you ready?

Don't talk nonsense!

Being lame is not enough for you?

That left leg...

won't heal?

Limping is not a problem.

When lord Katsuchiyo was born...

His name is Harunobu.

When the young lord was born,

the blood of your grandfather's left leg desecrated the ritual.

In the young Lord's first battle,

you were wounded in the left leg.

From his grave your grandfather wanted to apologize to him.

Praised be the Lord Buddha's name...

BATTLE OF SHIOJIRI 1544

They say it happened near Shiojiri,

in the end of april.

The messengers told me

they buried hilm there alongside his horse.

When I saw him on New Year's day,

he told me he was about to get married.

Hadn't I told you?

Grand-father exhorted him to go

while I tried to make him stay.

Now that he's dead what good are exploits and privileges?

And the "insect cage" has not been rebuilt yet.

Mitsu is the only one who took advantage of the glory

when she married wealthy Yamaguchi.

All the more reason to marry Sadahei quickly,

so that he does not go to battles.

You are quite right.

Sadahei is full of ardour too.

He could marry my young sister-in-law.

She is lame but I know no better girl.

She is very pretty and will be fifteen soon.

Would her family agree?

My mother in law was very happy when I told her about it.

No use to look elsewhere then.

She's really a good girl.

She's lame but she works hard.

Hampei! Come quick! Sadahei is causing a rumpus.

What? Once again?

Look! The Lord is coming out!

How lucky we are! Let's have a look!

Mitsu!

We're going with our lord at the foot of Mount Fuji.

She is your Sadahei's wife.

I'm escorting him to the wedding.

What a pretty wife!

Poor Sadahei grew far away from his mother.

Replace me beside him.

Right, I have to go.

He seems to be sleeping.

At the start of summer, the river overflew.

Father came with Sadahei and Okei at our place.

And he told us:

"Sadahei is still without child at 21

"I hope he won't go to battle like Hanzo."

He's been married for five years.

Why haven't they got a child?

She did not bear him a child, but she works hard!

She has not never removed her apron in five years.

She has to remove it when she sleeps!

Of course! Noone sleeps with his apron on!

If Okei went to Nishiyama thermal springs, she would bear child.

Good idea. You should go!

And stay a whole month.

I don' feel good in hot water.

You don't like warm water?

You've never had a bath?

Be quiet please!

Come here.

Sadahei, we have got problems. People envy us.

We've become too wealthy.

Who envies us?

Lord Takeda himself.

He's going on a trip, and bought no silk from us.

His followers envy us

and say bad things about us.

Grandfather said that the lord did not like your in-laws.

That should restrain themselves quickly

and not grow too wealthy.

As if he were an example!

He killed his brother because he didn't like him!

How many of his own blood did he kill?

He even killed my grandfather!

And didn't the young lord, Harunobu,

chase his own father to seize power?

Did he decide this by himself?

Not at all. His advisers decided in his place.

What a nasty bunch!

He's feeling really bad.

- Father! - Grand-father!

Let's call him back down here!

- Father! - Father!

Grandfather!

The old woman from the house in the bend said a short while ago

that a colt was born at dawn.

Father did not reincarnate as a horse, I hope!

Mother, don't be silly!

A new battle is close.

When I went to the village, the other day,

one of the young men had been killed.

And five others were wounded.

In spite of that, they all want to go!

Being a farmer is tough.

I understand why they want to leave.

What? You'd like to go too?

I sometimes think of going too.

To prevent me from going, grandfather made me marry young.

He was thinking that, with children I'd want to stay alive.

But we've been married 10 years and have no child yet.

The Lord is as old as I,

but he's already got 5 or 6 children.

I'm unlucky.

Does your neck hurt?

You always rotate your head.

I'm looking towards Nishiyama. I'd like to go to the springs.

To the Nishiyama thermal springs?

I want to bear a child.

The Therms might help me.

You were looking at the mountain?

I want a child so much.

If we were with child you wouldn't have said what you said.

Why don't you go? I thought you hated thermal waters?

I would like to have a child too.

I need it!

It's coming nearer. Or so it seems.

They're not losing are they?

They could not! Not with our Lord.

Since he's become a monk

he is ten times as strong.

- Looks like a new-born baby. - He's born.

It's not the right moment.

Strange lullaby,

those noises of weapons and drums.

The old abbot is dead.

He was 99.

He reincarnated in that new-born child then...

All man is mortal

shadow and light

Are but illusions

Changing forever

Liviing in this ephemerous World

Meeting is already parting.

Hold on, Mother.

- It's useless. Flee without me! - Grandmother!

Kill them all!

Kofu is burning. What a tremendous fire!

Only a few houses left.

I hope it is not your mother's house.

The Yamaguchi Mansion is further up North.

Still... I'm worried.

Sadahei!

The Yamaguchi Mansion is on fire!

I knew it!

It's been set on fire on the Lord's order.

They've been exterminated.

It's terrifying.

You should try to get some sleep.

In the east, you can already see the day rise.

The night when grandfather died,

mother spoke about this.

Those close to the Lord were jealous.

Her husband was too wealthy.

He was said to be richer than Lord Takeda.

Mother feared such a death.

She feared that would happen.

She should not have married in Kofu.

Who's there?

Sadahei, open up.

Tatsu!

You didn't die!

I want revenge.

Our great grandfather was also killed by the Takeda clan.

our house was burned to the ground.

My father, my mother and my husband were murdered.

Even if I am pitiful, I'll have my revenge eventually.

Don't say such nonsense.

Have you lost your mind?

You'll see.

I'm only a woman,

but be sure I'll have my revenge.

You should be happy to be alive.

I don't care about living,

With my daughter Nobu I'll do my duty and have my revenge.

Nobu is safe too?

Where is she?

She was exhausted.

I hid her downstream on the river bank.

Go get her quickly. You'll hide here.

They'll come and get us here.

I'll go into hiding with her.

I'll be back.

Little sister!

Actually, my elder son

is the reincarnation of the abbot of this temple.

Taking advantage of this invisible link,

I'm asking advice about something that I'm worried about.

What is it?

My younger sister Tatsu

is pursued by the Takedas.

Her whole family has been murdered

and her house burnt to the ground.

Tatsu alone with her daughter managed to escape.

What can be done?

Are they the Yamaguchis of Kofu?

I see.

Tell her to go to the Azumas.

You mean the priest from the Shizume shrine?

Indeed.

I'll write him a letter.

You'll show him the letter.

Hide your identity. No one must recognize you.

What a shame!

How dare they treat the scions of the Yamaguchis of Kofu that way.

Stop complaining!

Go quickly!

What is this procession?

Is it not Katsu in front? Katsu from the house in the bend?

Look! This Katsu is preparing something.

You're joking!

Anything is possible, coming from him.

You're wrong. It's different now.

He's carrying the altar of the main temple on his back.

He's the only one riding a horse.

He's followed by 10 monks!

Is this true?

He's taking this altar to Lord Takeda's temple.

He's just turned round the bend.

I'll say my prayers.

That way my baby will keep well.

Wait!

Katsu!

Beware!

The Lord is too awesome. I won't get drunk.

I'm carrying the sacred altar.

Katsu!

Watch your mouth!

Why would I? I'm carrying the sacred altar.

Neither Takeda nor anyone will dare touch me!

Let's stop the nonsense.

Celebrating and not inviting me!!

They're building a temple without a sacred altar.

It's disrespectful!

Katsu!

Rubbish!

How could the temple take fire?

It was such a beautiful temple!

The fire seems to stop.

There are guards watching all night long.

It must be arson.

Katsu seems to be gone. Odd, isn't it?

It's odd indeed.

He's always bitching. He should be here.

You'd better not watch the fire.

The baby might have a birthmark.

If it's arson,

wouldn't Tatsu...?

My sister hates the Takedas so much.

We are relatives. We won't be spared.

- What's wrong? - Katsu is wanted.

The guards will be here soon.

Is he dead?

My grandfather told me of the death of his own father,

killed by the Lord's father.

He was brought here,

and abandoned at the foot of the bridge

where Katsu's body is lying,

his eyes wide open.

Stop!

You scare me!

Actually,

Katsu of the house in the bend

was the reincarnation of my great grandfather.

Praised be the Lord Buddha...

Here you are, Tatsu!

What happened?

Nobu was abducted.

They found who she was?

The guards took her?

She was taken to Kofu Castle.

Will she be killed?

They want her to become a servant in the castle.

They took her without knowing who she was.

As soon as they know,

they will kill her.

Not a chance. They took her without knowing.

She's safe there.

That's right, you mustn't worry.

As soon as they know,

they'll kill me too.

But before they do, I'll have my revenge. I'll avenge my people.

BATTLE OF KAWANAKAJIMA 1561

As brisk as the Wind As silent as the forest,

As destructivie as fire As unmoviable as a mountain

Lord Takeda was in great danger and I helped him.

I hit at his enemy's horse.

The horse reared and the enemy fled.

We were surprised to learn he was a genaral.

He was Uesugi Kenshin, the best of the enemy's generals.

Lord Takeda was only slightly wounded,

but were it for me, he might have been killed.

So I have been promoted chief of the weapons'valets.

Many men now call me "Master".

Just a while ago, when I was on the way to see you.

Nephew,did you see the general?

You think I had the time?

I was on the horse.

Sadahei...

Who's that?

We can tell you,

but you must keep it secret.

You've never seen her, but you must have heard of her.

Her mother was your elder aunt,

the one who had married a Yamaguchi from Kofu.

I know the name.

Your aunt Mitsu had a daughter who's my husband's sister.

Your cousin Tatsu.

She survived?

Your daughter ran away because she'd been recognized?

Not at all.

Nobu was pregnant and ran away from the castle.

Who's the father? Someone from the castle?

Not at all. It's a man from the village.

She was pregnant when she was taken to the castle as a servant.

When she could no more hide her pregnancy, she left.

Nobu has no desire for revenge.

Where is she now?

She left with the villager.

He was distraught when he learnt she had run away.

If they're caught, they'll die.

You should have run away with her.

No way. I don't want to live elsewhere.

If I can't have my revenge,

it would have been best if I had died in the fire.

Living is a good thing!

Stop talking of an impossible revenge.

I'll succeed one way or the other.

Where are you going? You can't go back to the temple.

They'll look for Nobu there.

I'll find a place a hiding.

Don't go!

Nobu has renounced revenge.

The crazy woman of the banks!

Sozo! Yakuzo! That's enough!

Comme on, eat while it's still warm.

Well! She does not have to pretend she is crazy.

No one will suspect her.

The guards have certainly forgotten Tatsu.

She runs no risk.

Who's there?

Uncle!

Who are you?

Uncle, it's me, Nobu!

Nobu! Where have you been?

Quick! She's passing out.

Uncle... where's Mother?

Not far from here. I built a cabin for her on the river bank.

Upstream.

Go get her.

I'll go get her.

She must be angry.

I left her alone.

Tell me, where's that man you ran away with?

He's run out on me.

What about your baby? When was it born?

I abandoned it.

Really? Where?

Upstream.

Near the gate of Enzan Temple.

When?

I left Jiro there yesterday.

I went there today.

Jiro was being taken care of by a bonze.

They will find a wet-nurse.

I was reassured.

Nobu!

Quick! Go get Tatsu!

Nobu!

Tatsu!

Nobuis at home. She is dying.

The rivier of death

Everybody must cross it.

In the last breath

Life goes away

In the abyss of tears

The spiral coils up

The World is but a veil

Everybody must cross it.

Already there, father?

Go wash your feet in the river.

I'm exhausted.

You should have waited for me for water.

Dinner will soon be ready.

I have already had dinner, in the other house.

They don't pay you much...

They can at least feed you.

I won't take you long any if you fight.

You won't have antything to eat.

Rather than helping in the fields,

taking food to the soldier is more profitable.

You earn more doing this or going to battle.

It is either war or misery for us farmers.

And as every year the river overflows we're left with our eyes to shed tears.

Who's that, over there, going into the river?

The crazy woman of the banks.

Tatsu!

Tatsu!

Are you really crazy?

I say prayers.

I have no other means to have my revenge.

BATTLE OF MITAGAHARA 1572

Is that you, nephew?

I was at Mitagahara.

Oh, you were?

Lord Takeda is dead.

Lord Shingen...

the lord is dead?

You mustn't talk about it.

I'm the only one who knows.

He was killed in battle?

I am the only one to know, with those close to him.

How do you know it?

I brought the body back.

You brought it?... Where from?

From lna, in Shinshu Province. He died in Ina.

He got ill while bivouacking there.

He's dead then.He was born on the same day as you, Sadahei.

It was his fate.

Tatsu. Listen.

Lord Takeda is dead.

He fell ill while on bivouac.

You did it, with your prayers.

I thought it was better not to say anything.

That's why I didn't tell you.

You know why Tatsu went mad?

Of course I do.

You do?

And in spite of that, you still want to fight.

You know the Takedas exterminated her mother with all her folks?

I know and that's why

I've thought it over for so long.

If they were all exterminated, they probably deserved it.

You fool!

They'd done nothing wrong and yet they were killed.

I once had an uncle called Hanzo.

He went to battle and got killed.

He captured an enemy General.

I want to do it too.

You fool!

What good will it do to you.

You'll die on the battlefield.

Don't you get it?

Working in the fields, pulling carts,

I've had enough of that.

I prefer going to battle.

I carry the supplies

or the swords.

That's what I want to do.

So you've made up your mind?

Indeed!

What a pity!

When I was young, I was full of vigor too.

I was involved in lots of plunders.

But when you were born, I changed.

It seems our blood is vigorous.

What's going on?

When a child reaches 20,

it's a normal thing for him to choose his way.

What are you talking about?

Our Sozo wants to go to war.

Sozo will fight?

Sozo!

I was told you want to go to battle!

Sadahei! Sozo is gone!

Sadahei!

Sozo!

He's gone.

Children...

when they grow old, they don't listen to advice.

He went to battle,

it's like losing him.

Like sending him to his death.

BATTLE OF NAGASHINO 1575

Mother!

I'm serving under my cousin Torakichi.

So, you could say we placed you in his care,

don't you think, Okei?

He's not called Torakichi any more.

He's known as Lord Osumi now.

He's an important man now.

Has he been made a General?

He told me he'd found a wife,

the daughter of a distant relative of his late master.

Well, that's good news!

He's going to marry and have children.

That's right, but... Even with wife

and even with children,

he'll remain a warrior.

He will stilll go to battle.

Of course. In fact the brothers of my wife to be

all died in Nagashino battle.

She has no one.

I'll also get her house.

A huge garrison house.

Like uncle Hanzo who had distinguished himself

and had been given the name of his master Tsuchiya,

I'll be called Tsuchiya Sozo.

Uncle Hanzo was also full of vigour and courage.

You might succeed in distinguishing yourself.

Yasuzo! What do those looks mean?

What are you thinking of when you look down?

Don't even think of going. Our elder one is enough.

If Torakichi was promoted a General

it's because Nagashino, most generals died,

and they were too few.

There's few of them now.

That's why Torakichi is taking me along.

I'll tell you a secret.

We were vanquished at Nagashino.

The enemy is preparing another attack.

I might be able to distinguish myself.

You should join us then.

Be ready!

Yasuzo!

Yasuzo?

I saw him at the quarry. He was cutting stone.

Why are you leaving in this way?

If you want to work, why don't you say it?

I heard he's taking care of horses in a carter's inn.

It's no good leading him back. He goes away immediately.

He changes bosses all the time.

He's living and working near Kamijo

at a arrows' and swords' maker.

Kamijo?

He's 19 and he wants to go to battle.

He'll end up, one day,

buried in a forsaken place with the carcass of a horse.

Either he goes away as a soldier,

or he becomes a day laborer.

He does not want to live in the same way as us.

You never know.

He might become a great general.

Like Torakichi.

It's as though we'd lost another son.

Heikichi seems different It reassures me.

He'll become a day laborer

and stay with us.

But he'll grow older too

and he will not stay here.

If he wants to leave, let him leave.

Quand Ume is fifteen,

we'll find her a husband who will live here.

I won't go fighting.

Ume can go and marry somewhere else.

Where did you go in this rain?

When I brought you your meal this morning,

I've seen you had not eaten yesterday evening.

I was told you were once seen near Enzan temple.

You didn't go that far, did you?

Nothing happened

to your grandson fostered at the temple?

Don't stand there. Come and eat.

You're soaking wet!

You're not at your place very often these days.

He is not dead, is he?

Well... he is alive?

These days, no one is able to resist the call of fighting.

Heikichi himself might finally go.

Both Okei and I accept it.

That's why

if Nobu's son, raised at the temple,

would be willing to marry our daughter,

we think it'd really be for the best.

All young men go to battle.

She has no place to go as a daughter in law.

Tatsu, you're not going to Enzan temple?

He's at the Erin temple now.

The Erin temple?

It's the Takeda family's temple, isn't it?

The famous Kaisen is abbot there, isn't he?

Jiro!

Jiro, come here.

You must leave the temple.

You must fight the lord

and join his enemies.

To avenge us.

You must take revenge against the Takedas.

The young Lord Katsuyori

has moved to his new castle in Shimpu.

Staff is wanted at the old Kofu castle.

What about Ume, if she goes there, what will she do?

She'll clean the rooms.

It's best to be in the company of relatives.

Torakichi says so.

She could go until she's of age to marry.

Precisely, your father and Tatsu went...

I don't agree.

I don't want the house to be given to aunt Tatsu.

Ume, how do you feel about it?

Torakachi sent you a beautiful kimono,didn't he?

Oh, you're back, Father?

You were there?

So how was it?

No chance. No chance at at all.

What happened?

No chance.

Heikichi! Ume is only a woman but she leaves for the castle.

You should serve too.

Stop trying to influence him!

Don't listen to him.

Don't worry.

He's always been doing as he pleased.

It's me, Sozo.

Heikichi, you must come to battle.

Sozo!

One after the other, they all betray the Lord.

They join the enemy.

Yesterday night, a messenger from Shinshu came.

The Lord's own uncle has joined the enemy.

Torakichi is fighting in Shinsu.

The Lord will join up with him and they'll attack.

Heikichi, get ready.

Don't waste time. The Lord won't wait.

- I won't go. - Heikichi!

You fool!

Why don't you leave him alone. He won't go!

We must fight and push them back.

You may come later. Don't forget.

You want to see him dead.

You can fight without dying.

Are yousure you won't die?

The outcome is always uncertain.

Even victory does not protect from death.

You can say what you want. I won't go.

Heikichi!

Sozo!

Heikichi refused to go with him.

He is very angry.

It's too bad.

He can't always be right.

BATTLE OF TAKATO 1582

Shimpu Castle burned down yesterday night.

The enemy did it?

Lord Takeda gave the order.

Where's Ume?

Ume is safe

but Torakichi is dead.

He got killed?

In Takato casztle in the Shinshu province,

I heard they were all killed.

So, the young lord is in danger?

Why are you alone?

Where are Ume and Yazuzo?

I didn't run away.

I'll go join the lord's army.

We're leaving for Mount Gunnai where we're going to entrench.

Ume and Yasuzo are coming with us.

You fool!

You remember what you said?

The outcome can be uncertain

There's nothing left not even a castle.

You will follow the lord?

Yopu will bring Ume back quickly and hide here.

There's no way I'd do that.

The Takedas are our benefactors...

Our benefactors?

The Takedas, Shingens and the others our benefactors?

All the families around owe everything tothe Takeda clan.

What we owe the clan

is not gratefulness but resentment.

The Takedas our benefactors?

Crazy old woman. Yes I dare say it. They were our benefactors.

You're ungrateful.

Sozo, bring Ume and Yasuzo back here!

Ume and Yasuzo...

Mother!

- Sozo! Bring them back! - Let him be, mother!

I'll go get them.

You'll bring them back to us?

Yes.

Even if you must force them, bring them back!

You've got all you need?

Katsuyori will soon be killed.

My prayers will be answered to.

Older brother!

- Here you are! Where's Sozo? - At the rear.

You're coming home. With me.

- Mother's waiting for us. - You fool!

We're going to Gunnai. We'll hide and then fight.

The Takedas are our benefactors. We must not be ungrateful.

Come with us!

Older brother!

I've come for you. Let's go home.

You fool! Everyone has brought his wife and children.

Ume's coming with us too.

In truth, let's enjoy

thisprecious moment.

Nothing in our hearts

but this moment of beauty

To the flowers, pure fragrance,

to the moon, its brightness

In truth,

for nothing in this World

Would I trade this moment

this time, this moment...

That a no play

was one of those the former lord Shingen liked best

Yasuzo, Heikichi, listen to that passage

This Kofu Castle...

might be burnt to the ground tomorrow.

The soul of Shingen is chanting tonight.

I've come to bring all of you back

- Older brother... - Shut up, fool!

What can I do?

Master!

My Lord!

Master!

VICTORY

What's going on?

He cut his throat,

and asked that they wrote "Victory at all costs" with his blood.

He was old.

He could not fight for his lord any more.

Heikichi.

And you want to go home?

You will fight for the lord with us.

I wonder if he managed to find them.

Heikichi is a serious and strong-willed boy.

I'm sure he'll find them.

He is great.

But if they all come back...

Sozo with his wife and two children...

The house will be too small.

We could put planks downstairs

and add another room.

Good idea. We'll do that.

It's the only thing we can do.

We mustn't attract attention.

You're right.

Let's start building it.

I'm going to help you.

Early tomorrow morning we'll buy some planks.

It will be much too small when they're all here.

Will they come back?

Tomorrow I'll go into the forest early

to cut down some logs.

Neighbour!

I saw Sozo.

Where?

The lord was fleeing away upstream

The battle was going bad.

- Sozo was running away with him? - I went and saw him.

I wanted to watch the procession.

Sozo was there, I'm quite sure.

They can't be cery far.

Sozo! Yasuzo!

Mother!

Heikichi!

Mother!

I was unlucky! Even Ume wouldn't come.

You're carrying a sword!

Where are they?

Ume! Older brother!

Ume!

Come home with me.

Mother we're going to Gunnai.

Damn fool!

You're going too, Ume?

I'm going with lady Takeda.

Where's Sozo?

Where did he go?

He's riding in front.

You're taking them all with you?

You're taking them away from me?

Tell me!

Mother!

It's awful!

We were supposed to go to Gunnai and entrench there.

But the favorite liege of the lord,

who was to wait for us there, revolted and betrayed us.

He won't let us get into Gunnai.

He'll draw his sword if he sees us coming.

We've just been told.

How ungrateful!

Tell me when you'll bring them back home.

Mother, you must go away.

We're staying with the lord. We'll find another mountain.

Don't tell such nonsense!

I've come to get you. Don't you know where battles lead?

Come home before it's too late.

We're staying with the lord.

There are too many renegades.

The lord depends on us.

I'll go see him.

Yasuzo and Heikichi want to follow him too.

The lord cries out of joy.

What about? What will she do?

You can go see her. She's crying with lady Takeda.

So...

you all want to die?

The morning star that rises

in the eastern sky

How pitiful it is

When he sinks in the West.

Go on flowing

Fuefuki River

Your melancholy melody previails

Evien though the dead can't hear it.

Your father's waiting for you.

Let's go away under the cover of night

Your Tenmoku Mountain is far away yet?

We'll see it soon.

Mother!

Half the men have fled.

They ran away durring the night.

It's normal. Let's all go home.

No way!

So you choose your lord

over the parents who raised you tenderly?

I'd rather die...

You should go.

I can't go back without you.

Your father's expecting you.

I can't leave you. I can't leave Ume.

The enemy!

Heikichi, come!

Heikichi! Yasuzo!

My unfortunate grandson, we may die soon.

Mother!

We're leaving for Kofu.

We'll drop you at home on the way.

You're leaving Ume here?

The lord so decided.

He's sending Yazuzo and Heikichi to Kofu, to his brother Shodo's

He's worried about his elder brother.

Lord Shodo is blind and should the enemy capture him,

the worst can be feared.

We must tell him to choose his death as soon as possible.

Go with them. Don't stay here.

Go quickly, both of you.

What happens to me does not matter.

Fulfill your mission and go back home.

Go with them!

Stop procrastinating.

Go!

Your brother was not able to go neither to Gunnai nor to Tenmoku.

He was killed?

No, he's looking for a place to die.

The enemy will soon be here.

I'd rather die than fall into their hands.

Go tell my brother that I'm determined.

You won't go forth!

My Lord!

The men from the escort ran away to the Erin temple.

We were told there's fighting in Tano too.

Where are we going?

To the Takedas'temple.

That's probably where he chose to die.

It won't take long.

You'll soon be warm.

Up!

Put it on fire!

The peace of the soul can be reached

only by meditation.

Havie faith and you'll find

that even the burning flames are cool.

The fire's lighted.

I'm thinking of father...

I wonder where our lord is.

Older brother, I'll kill you.

Jiro!

My revenge is fulfilled.

Katsuyori is dead.

The Erin temple is burning.

The river never stops flowing

The Water never comes back Where it ran

Indifferent to the tears and imprecations of human beings

The water bubbles, foams and disappears.

Where are yesterdays dreams gone.

Subtitles translated from the French by Cinephage.