Original subtitles

Stop it!

Cut it out.

Get ready. We're going out.

Where?

Put this on, Yoshiko.

Riichi, have Shoji take a leak.

We going to the park?

I don't think so.

THE DEMON

Based on the novel by SEICHO MATSUMOTO

Screenplay by MASATO I DE

Cinematography by TAKASHI KAWAMATA

Music by YASUSHI AKUTAGAWA

Trains, trains...

Look Mom. Trains!

Starring

SHI MA IWASHITA as O-ume

KEN OGATA as Sokichi

The Children: HI ROKI IWASE MIYUKI YOSHIZAWA, J UN ISHII

MIZUHO SUZUKI KEIZO KANI E

HI DEJI OTAKI, KUNI E TANAKA

SHI NOBU OTAKE

MAYUMI OGAWA as Kikuyo

Directed by YOSHITARO NOMURA

Turn to the right.

Thank you.

Take that street.

Thank you.

TAKESHITA PRI NTI NG

Whose house?

This place burned, didn't it?

Brother took some of mine!

He did it again.

Mom, he took some more.

Riichi!

What are you doing? Stop acting like a clown!

Good night.

We'll get a small order tomorrow.

Small orders don't pay.

We can't be choosy.

Be here at 8:00.

Is he in?

Who is it?

May I help you?

Is he in?

Who's "he"?

Daddy!

Could you come outside a minute?

Who's that?

Well...

Stop pretending.

You know!

You have no money?

So you just ignored us? How could you?

How can I support my children?

I'll see you tomorrow. Please go now.

I don't believe you.

I promise. I can get money by then.

How can you get money so quickly?

You're lying!

Don't shout.

Let's go home.

What am I to do?

Tell me!

Stop being childish!

Look. She's crying.

I'll go to the station with you. Come on, Riichi!

The neighbors will hear.

Tell her to come in.

She isn't some stray cat.

She needn't hide in the dark.

Come with me.

Where are you going?

Now is the time to settle this.

What are you saying?

Coward! Come on.

Stop!

My name is Kikuyo. Sokichi has been supporting me.

I'm sorry for that.

It started seven years ago,

when I was working -

In a restaurant?

Yes. I was a waitress.

I hear you were a good singer too.

What are you saying?

Keep out of this!

You've been deceiving me for seven years!

How did this happen?

Tell me about it.

The restaurant where I worked...

he often held receptions for his clients there.

He didn't know much about formalities.

I had to show him.

I taught him how to treat guests, how to make budgets,

how to do bills and so on,

and as I helped him,

he became a good customer.

Don't misunderstand.

It's a decent place.

I always behaved properly.

It's true!

He was the one who started it.

You were sound asleep. You don't usually do that.

Really?

What time is it?

A little past 12:00.

We're closed.

Can you walk all right?

You were really asleep.

What's wrong?

Are you serious? Or are you only teasing?

I'm serious.

I don't want to just play. I've never done this before.

I'm in love with you.

Mr. Takeshita!

Promise?

You'll really take care of me?

Trust me.

When I got pregnant, I quit the restaurant.

It started to show. Everybody working there knew.

So I asked him what to do.

I'm pregnant.

Really?

I'm three months along.

I can't work anymore.

Do they know it's mine?

Silly!

Who else's would it be?

So I'm going to be a father?

Kikuyo! Your guest wants you.

Can I have it?

Yes. Have it for me.

I always wanted a child.

Will you rent a house for me?

Yes. Don't worry.

Leave it to me.

He said he liked children and wanted me to have his baby.

Same when I had Yoshiko and Shoji.

But the money he gave me was barely enough to live on.

Now we can't even survive.

Didn't I tell you -

That your shop was destroyed by fire?

That business was slow?

But you have enough money to support your wife.

Why can't you give me at least enough to feed my children?

Big factories have good facilities.

They take the business from me.

So you don't care if the four of us starve to death!

It's hard on me, too.

You told me to have them.

You said you'd take care of me.

Was that a lie?

I thought you'd even steal to support us!

I can't steal from people!

You think you can get away with quick fixes.

You don't care about anything else.

Your children cry for food, but you don't care!

But...

you were always so hard on me when I'd visit.

How can I be nice when I'm starving to death?

I'm sorry. It's my fault.

Forgive me.

Apologies won't help!

If I hadn't married you, you'd still be a laborer!

You hardly made anything!

You got this shop because of me!

How could you have kept a woman?

I'm the one who's been cheated!

Why do you let a woman like that boss you around?

Where's your pride?

"A woman like that"?

You belong in a brothel!

I'm not a whore!

Really?

Are they really your children?

Are you sure?

What are you saying?

I'm asking him.

Sokichi...

Why do you keep silent? Say something!

She's saying they're not even your children!

They're my children.

You stayed with her three days a month at the most.

How can you be so sure?

What about it?

Stop it!

They're listening.

Let's go home, Mama.

There are no more trains.

We can't go home.

Let's go.

Don't you understand?

Aren't you kids hungry?

We ate noodles, didn't we?

I understand now.

You tricked me.

Being with you has ruined me.

Tonight is a good opportunity.

Your wife knows now.

Let's settle this for good.

Settle what?

This is too much!

Take responsibility for what you've done.

I have three of your children.

I can't work.

I have no savings.

Consider that.

We have no extra money either.

Borrow it for her. Steal it if necessary.

I'm staying here until this is settled.

As you wish.

But I can't lend you so much as a mosquito net.

Rotten devil! You aren't human!

Ma'am, I understand now.

I know why you're angry. Shall I tell you?

Because I have children and you don't!

I'll give him back. Keep him close to you!

They're his children.

I'm leaving them here!

Kikuyo!

The children...

The children...

Your children?

They don't look like you.

What's wrong?

Mama's gone.

She could be out shopping.

She's gone.

She asked me to keep something.

She said to give it to you.

I knew she hadn't told you.

She looked so upset that I suspected trouble.

She said she was going home.

To Yamagata or somewhere.

She has no family in Yamagata.

I don't think she went home.

A truck came this morning. It was so abrupt.

I was surprised.

She even left her children.

I can't believe it!

Young people do dreadful things these days.

It's not going to be easy for you now.

Shoji's so little.

Shoji...

They're brothers after all.

He knows what's happened.

Did someone come to help her?

The truck driver and two men.

Have you ever seen any of them before?

No. They were just movers.

Nothing unusual about them.

Otherwise we'd have suspected.

The moving company's near the station.

Why don't you go and ask?

- Shall we go with you? - No, thanks.

I can find the place.

Let's go.

Daddy!

We're over here.

Over here, Daddy!

Here, Shoji.

Eat this and then go ride on the train.

You'll have to pay again.

Don't worry.

Let's go home.

Let's go home.

Your mother is gone.

There's nobody in that house.

Has she gone far away?

Yes, somewhere very far away.

The three of you will stay at my house.

With me. See?

Will she come back?

Of course. That's why you're waiting at my house.

You know that woman at my house...

she'll cook for you.

She'll wash for you. You all have to be good.

Do as she says. Be nice.

Got it?

Okay?

Look, Daddy!

We look funny!

Are they your children?

They don't look like you.

I thought she hired the truck there,

but she sent for one from Tokyo.

Really?

It had a Tokyo license plate number.

Sure you weren't just too embarrassed to ask the movers?

No!

Watch out!

I don't like this either.

I tried to find out where she moved.

She's smart. She dumped them on us.

A stranger's children at that.

They're mine. Stop saying that.

You're so easy-going.

She was after you for the money.

She must have had other men too.

She's too smart for you.

It was all set up when she came by last night.

Otherwise it wouldn't be like this.

Let me tell you something.

I'm not taking care of some stranger's kids!

Do it yourself.

What's wrong?

Wee-wee, I bet.

Yoshiko, clean that up.

Get me his diapers.

His diapers!

Quick!

What a lovely sight.

Why don't we take pictures?

Daddy, here.

Okay, okay.

Look at those whelps.

My husband had them by another woman.

I remember he said strange things.

He said we shouldn't let our employees handle collections.

Now I know he's a consummate liar.

He said some of our clients went bankrupt.

He had to lower prices to compete. He stole the money.

It's really touching what he did.

He gave the money to that woman.

This went on for seven years!

You have every right to be mad.

You're really something.

While I was working,

slaving over the printing machines,

he was keeping a mistress.

Just like that!

I wish I could afford a mistress.

Ass! Who knows if they're even his kids!

You envy him?

Be quiet! Make him shut up!

Finish eating and get upstairs!

This is for this month.

Hey!

Watch where you're going!

What's that look?

That hurts!

What's going on?

He's evil.

He looks just like his mother.

Go upstairs.

Little pests!

I'll be going.

Here's the statement.

Get us some orders, huh?

At your price? The union will complain.

I can't help it. We're poor.

Very well.

Understand?

Thank you.

What are you drawing?

Us going home.

It looks funny.

Don't use the shop's paper!

- Come here! - That hurts!

Let me go!

You little brat!

You're just like her!

That's like living in hell!

Something seems wrong with this.

No, there's nothing wrong.

I have to buy new machines to stay competitive.

I'll be able to repay it with interest in three years.

I'm afraid it's not that simple.

You've missed interest payments,

yet you want to borrow more.

I promise I'll pay on schedule.

Please help me.

Show me how I can borrow more money.

It won't be easy.

We're friends, right?

I helped you increase this bank's deposits.

And I've helped you personally in many ways.

Don't talk like that.

I'm sorry.

Please help me.

We're friends, but business is business.

We can't make an unsound loan.

I wasn't going to say this,

but frankly, what you're doing is unethical.

You hurt other printers by dumping.

The union is complaining.

I suggest you start over.

Like you did ten years ago. Your wife's a hard worker, too.

I'll try, but don't expect too much.

I'll bring it back as soon as you pay.

Don't bother.

Aren't we friends?

We're finished with you!

Great! My boss will be glad to hear that.

Good-bye.

Stupid ass!

Eat, you little brat!

I said eat!

You hear me? Eat!

What happened?

You spoil him!

I'm teaching him a lesson!

Stop it!

I said stop! Stop it!

Don't you want some more? Eat!

Eat it!

Stop it!

Stay out of this!

Do something! He's your kid!

Are you blaming me?

Wait!

Again?

Is something wrong?

There sure is!

It's only a proof.

I gave it to him.

That's not the point.

That brat!

I didn't say a word, and he pushed it in my face!

Is that true?

Come and apologize.

He looks just like her.

Apologize!

Come here.

Do as I say!

Come.

I said come here.

Come here!

Daddy.

Wake up.

What's the matter?

- It's the middle of the night. - It's Shoji.

What about him?

He's foaming at the mouth.

What's all the noise? Strangle the goddamn brat!

Do something!

How long has he had diarrhea?

You didn't know?

He's had it for some time.

He's undernourished, too.

Now that you mention it...

Chronic indigestion.

You may not think it serious, but it can be fatal to small children.

It will take time before he can regain his strength.

I'll give him a shot for now.

Pick up your medicine at the counter.

Thank you very much.

I'm Mr. Takeshita.

Thank you. Hold this.

Drink this.

We've got stickers to finish by 3:00. Will we be on time?

I know.

There's too much red on the calendars.

Where's Akutsu?

He hasn't come back yet.

Loafing again.

What if they refuse the order?

Riichi.

Help feed Shoji!

Yoshiko!

Drink it!

Her hair stinks!

I ought to put her in the washer!

Didn't I tell you to keep away from her?

I'll wash you off.

Riichi.

Your supper is ready.

Time to go home.

Where is she?

What is it?

What do you want?

Can I have a word with you?

I've thought it over.

I've decided to resign.

I hate to say it at a time like this.

What's wrong?

What did you say?

Weren't you listening?

Yeah, right.

How do I get to Shimaura?

Go along the river and turn to the right.

That way? Thanks.

She only stayed here two weeks.

She'd go out looking for work.

Any forwarding address?

Did she leave one?

Anybody know?

I don't think so.

She had no friends.

Did she stay here alone?

Not exactly alone.

Sometimes a man came to see her.

Right?

How old a man?

I don't know. The apartment faces the street.

Convenient for secrets.

A good place for love affairs.

I don't pry into other people's business.

If I find out where she is...

Give her a message.

One of my children -

the youngest - he's sick.

Tell her that.

Sick, eh? That's too bad.

You need a woman's help at a time like this.

Daddy...

welcome home.

- Did you feed Shoji? - I gave him milk.

When?

In the evening.

You're drunk.

O-ume!

So now I'm the cook.

Hello!

Help me please!

Did you leave him there?

He's dead.

He died of indigestion.

The doctor bawled me out.

He asked why I didn't bring him back sooner.

That reminds me...

I have to get up early.

The crematory and all. I'll be busy.

You must be relieved one of your burdens is gone!

Those damn brats!

They remind me of that bitch!

They're driving me crazy!

Where did you go today?

Did you meet her?

I know all about it.

The mover phoned me.

Your woman's bill - They want us to pay it for her.

That's ridiculous! I refused.

I wanted to give Shoji back to her.

I went to see her.

But she'd already moved out.

You sure you're not just still in love with her?

Tell me the truth.

Stop it.

That damn woman!

Some flowers.

For you.

For you, too.

I'll get some water.

I'll water them too.

Yoshiko.

Where's Yoshiko?

Over there.

Let's buy some toys.

Supercars. Go play with them.

Go ahead.

Go on.

How about these? They're cute.

You like this one?

Shall I buy you something?

I want some dresses

and dolls.

A kitchen set, too.

Mama, I want some dresses,

dolls and a kitchen set.

I like you a lot, Daddy.

Listen, do you know Daddy's name?

You do? What is it?

Your name is Daddy.

Where do we live?

Could you say it if you lost your way?

My house...

There are lots of papers in my house.

There are lots, aren't there?

Are there? I doubt it.

But there are. Lots.

What a darling girl! How old are you?

Three.

What's your name?

Yoshiko.

She's bright.

Where's your mother? At home?

Ginza's that way.

Here. Look.

What do you see?

Buildings.

- What else? - Lots of trees.

A red tower.

What else?

Cars.

You can see cars, can you?

A bridge.

Well, you've got good eyes.

I can see ships, too.

What else?

Look over there. What do you see?

Mama's house.

I can see Riichi. I can see Shoji, too.

Nonsense! Stop lying!

I'm not. It's true.

I can see "Gatchaman," too.

Take a look.

Once more?

No.

I'm gonna use the bathroom. Take another look.

Can you see?

Hey...

Yoshiko is gone.

I'm busy right now.

I said I'm busy!

Yoshiko's gone.

Where did she go?

Run along and play!

She lives with someone else now.

Be good, or I'll send you to live with someone else too.

Yoshiko's gone.

So I heard.

She's not coming back anymore.

Where did she go?

To her mama's?

I don't think so.

Sure. She's with her mama.

No.

Hey!

You're in the way!

Where did Yoshiko go?

Probably to her mama's.

No!

Where did she go?

No! Don't!

Potassium cyanide.

The engraver left it.

Give him small doses.

He'll weaken and die. Nobody will be able to tell.

He won't be as easy as Yoshiko.

He's six. He can say our name and address.

No. He's too stupid.

I haven't told him our address.

Have you looked him in the eye?

His eyes say he knows about Yoshiko and Shoji.

He could tell about us.

I don't want a repeat of this morning. He scared me to death!

He's only six.

He scared you too. I know he did.

You were afraid he might talk.

But I'm not responsible for Shoji's death.

You think I did it?

Are you blaming it all on me?

I didn't do a thing.

Stop lying!

You were delighted the brat died.

You wanted that sheet to fall on him.

I know it.

Fine! I don't care about Shoji.

But I had nothing to do with Yoshiko.

You did that yourself.

I've had enough!

Hey, that's cold!

Won't you subscribe to our newspaper?

Just try it for a month. Just one month!

Please accept this as our way of saying thanks.

I can't find him.

He's not at the park, either.

It's not my fault. I don't know.

Could your woman have come and taken him?

She'd never do that.

You know her so well, do you?

Good-bye.

Bye.

What if he talks?

Don't worry.

Don't you care?

We can't report it to the police.

So we're just gonna do nothing?

He won't talk.

Even if he talks, he doesn't know exactly what happened.

Don't worry.

BITCH

Damn it!

Look.

Is this the place?

Hello!

Mr. Takeshita!

Riichi!

Are you Sokichi Takeshita?

- Is this your son? - Where were you?

Don't scold him.

Children are so hard to understand. Don't be too rough on him.

Apologize now.

Thank you very much.

I found him on Route 245.

He was walking alone around 9:30.

Do you have friends in that area?

We used to, but they moved away.

Did you ask the police to search for him?

I didn't realize he was gone until noon.

I was wondering what to do.

I've been looking for him myself.

He gave us your exact name and address.

He's a bright boy!

Better teach him your phone number too.

Where's your wife?

In bed. She's ill.

I see.

He has a sister and brother. Their names?

Yoshiko and Shoji.

Shoji died just the other day.

Yoshiko lives with my relatives.

I suppose he was lonely.

So that's how it is.

Well, I'll be going.

Thank you very much.

Good-bye.

What'll you do with him?

I'll get rid of him somehow.

Where are we going?

Come on, hurry!

My feet hurt.

Don't be a baby.

We're going to the zoo.

You're lying.

No, I'm not.

Really? To the zoo?

Really?

Wait. I'll buy some bread.

What'll it be?

Bread with jam, bread with custard...

bread with melon...

How about bread with beans?

These here. Two of each.

I can't see very well.

Step forward.

Give me a bun.

Which one?

Come on.

Are we going home?

Let's finish this first.

Behave now. Sit down and eat.

It's bitter!

What are you saying? It's good!

- Eat. - No!

Hurry up and eat it!

Let's go home.

Let's go, Daddy.

Let's go home.

There's a high cliff at Atami.

Bodies are never recovered there.

But...

there could be a lot of traffic passing by.

So find a spot further up!

That way they can't identify him.

We didn't stop!

An express train doesn't stop at smaller stations.

Great!

There are no grade crossings, so it's fast.

But the fare is high.

Tokyo Tower!

Now I see it, now I don't.

Now I see it, now I don't.

Look!

There it is again.

Daddy, Mt. Fuji!

A fare adjustment.

Your son?

How old are you, boy?

You're five, aren't you?

Are you really only five?

Where are you going?

Where are we going?

To see Yoshiko?

Hurry!

Let's see the ocean!

This table, please.

Yakitori and some sake, please.

Some juice for the boy?

Come on.

Let's go.

FUKUURA I NN

All your daddy ever knew was work.

I just worked and worked.

I started working when I was ten.

At a printer's.

In those days, they didn't treat me like a person.

It was hard polishing those stones.

I had to polish lithograph stones...

all day long for years and years.

That's why my fingers are smooth now.

So smooth.

Smooth and flat.

I believe I'm the best lithographic printer in Japan.

I'm an expert.

My father disappeared before I was born.

I never knew what he looked like.

When I was six, my mother went off somewhere.

She never came back.

After that, I was passed around from one relative to another.

They were all poor.

I was always a burden.

None of them wanted me.

I was embarrassed of the rags I wore.

But what shamed me the most was going to school without any lunch.

I'd sneak off somewhere at lunchtime.

I'll never forget that.

The sight of the empty playground.

Riichi, are you sleepy?

Eat this.

Two years after I started working, I was supposed to get my first pay.

I thought I'd buy buns and noodles with it.

I was so happy.

I could hardly wait for that first payday.

But I didn't get paid. I was the only exception.

My uncle, who sent me to work there,

had borrowed my pay in advance.

All my pay for years to come.

I was so disappointed.

My uncle was deeply in debt.

He couldn't pay.

He finally ran away.

He left me behind at that shop.

I was abandoned like a stray cat.

What a thing to do!

He was an awful man.

He was so mean...

Here you are.

Which train do you plan to take?

Daddy.

Come and look.

Good-bye.

What is it?

Let's take that boat.

A lighthouse.

An island over there.

Look, a crab.

You found one, eh?

Hurry, Daddy.

Be careful!

What's wrong?

- Be careful. - I'm all right.

It's dangerous.

Look.

We've got to go.

Wake up.

Did you find anything?

Did you find anything?

Come this way!

Hello.

Bring him a cold drink.

They searched in the water, but they didn't find anyone else.

The boy was pushed for sure.

This was no double suicide.

He's a fisherman.

He found him in the roots of a pine tree.

I was the one who contacted him.

We sent our men out to get him.

Is it true someone saw him at the bus stop?

Yes. He was with a man. He looked like his father.

He must be having a nightmare.

Poor kid.

I'm glad he was saved.

Luck was with him.

This is just evil.

No labels.

The shirt, too.

The labels have been cut out.

How terrible.

It was no accident.

Shirt, pants, one shoe...

cheap clothes.

Worn, too.

What's this?

It was in his pocket. It's for playing hopscotch.

That was the only question he answered.

He wouldn't answer any others.

Not his name, address or parents.

He's keeping silent on purpose.

Is he protecting somebody?

Here. For you.

Go on, eat.

I'm disappointed. Can't we be friends?

Let's be friends.

Don't you remember your name?

Let's see...

I bet it's Akihiro.

Haruki?

How about Masaya?

How old are you?

This many?

Aren't you five?

The inn where you stayed with your father.

Near the port. Remember it?

The maid there said you were five.

Did you forget?

You mustn't lie.

Were you with your father?

Where'd you come from?

Did you come by train?

Was your father on business?

Or perhaps...

I've got it!

You came for an outing.

Sure. I thought so.

Did you ride on a boat?

Was the sea nice?

After you got off the boat, you took a bus, right?

You came to that field above the cliff.

What did you play there?

You played there, right?

Tell me.

"Gatchaman."

"Gatchaman."

The character on TV? What else?

I found some crabs.

Do you know where they went?

Then what?

I got sleepy.

You fell asleep? What then?

I fell.

That's odd. You fell by yourself?

Were you walking in your sleep?

I don't think so.

Didn't your father wake you up?

Try to remember.

How could you fall while you were asleep?

Where is your father?

Did he go home?

Why don't you say something, kid?

You know very well, don't you?

It's very bad to keep secrets.

Tell us about your home and your father.

We know all about them already.

Talk!

Hot, isn't it?

- Hello, sir. - What is it?

Mr. Aoki's business cards are ready.

Leave them on his desk.

How'd it go? Find out anything?

No, and the boss is upset.

What are you doing?

Hello, sir.

This is a rarity.

A rarity? Why?

It's for lithography. Just a fragment, though.

It's rare these days.

There's a design on it, too.

Can you print the design?

Yes or no?

May I take a look?

If I apply a little paste, I think I can manage.

Thank you, ma'am.

Must you return home?

I have to take care of my parents. They're old.

My son isn't healthy, either.

I know it won't be easy starting over at my age.

Good luck.

Thanks for everything. Good-bye.

It's the heat. Sometimes I feel so listless.

I understand now.

Everybody's struggling to get by.

Are you Mr. Takeshita?

He's a strange one.

He tried to kill his son,

yet he seems happy the boy's alive.

NOTO POLICE STATION

We'll bring your son here.

He said nothing about what you did.

Not your name or address. Not your business, either.

We tried to make him talk, but he refused.

After what you did to him, he tried to protect you.

This will come back to haunt you!

How will you apologize to him?

Nothing you say will be enough!

Take a look.

You know this man, don't you?

Tell us who he is.

He's your father, isn't he?

What's wrong?

No use hiding anything anymore. We've found out.

He's your father, isn't he?

No! He isn't my father!

What are you saying?

What's wrong with you?

He isn't my father!

I've never seen him! He isn't my father!

He's a stranger.

I don't know him. He isn't my father.

Forgive me!

Forgive me!

Are many children abandoned?

Not so many.

But the number of young parents who don't know how to raise their children

is on the rise.

They don't even want to raise them.

So all the orphanages are filled.

Finished?

The place where you're going now

is full of children like you.

You'll soon have a lot of friends.

You're a man. Be strong.

We'll find your mother for you.

Be patient.

She'll come for you.

Understand?

THE END