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SHOCHIKU PRESENTS

TWENTY-FOUR EYES

PRODUCED BY RYOTARO KUWATA

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAKAE TSUBOI

PHOTOGRAPHY HIROYUKI KUSUDA

MUSIC CHUJI KINOSHITA

EDITING YOSHI SUGIWARA

WITH...

CHISHU RYU TOSHIKO KOBAYASHI

YUMEJI TSUKIOKA

KUNIKO IGAWA TAKAHIRO TAMURA

USHIO AKASHI

SHIZUE NATSUKAWA NIJIKO KIYOKAWA

CHIEKO NANIWA KUMEKO URABE

HIDEYO AMAMOTO TOSHIO TAKAHARA

HIDEKO TAKAMINE AS HISAKO OISHI

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY KEISUKE KINOSHITA

AMONG THE ISLANDS OF JAPAN'S INLAND SEA,

THE SECOND LARGEST IS...

SHODOSHIMA

THIS STORY TAKES PLACE THERE

MORE THAN TWO DECADES AGO.

THE CHILDREN IN THIS VILLAGE ATTEND

A LOCAL SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST FOUR GRADES.

APRIL 4, 1928

Teacher!

Teacher!

You leaving?

I'm leaving you and the island today.

I'm moving out.

After I'm gone, I want you to study hard.

What's our new teacher like?

She's very nice.

You sure?

She's a fine teacher.

She's just a beginner.

So was everybody once.

Don't you make her cry like you did to me.

You'd better not.

She's my girl's teacher.

What's her name?

Miss Oishi.

That means she's big.

But she isn't. She comes to my shoulder.

But her name "Oishi" does mean Big Stone.

She's only a pebble.

Miss Oishi won't cry like I did.

I told her:

"If kids tease you, just think they're monkeys."

"If they're mean, just call them noisy birds."

All right, monkeys and birds. Get moving.

Ding-a-ling!

Ding-a-ling man!

Goodbye. Take care!

Have a nice wedding.

Good morning.

She's riding a bike!

She's awfully modern.

Foreign clothes!

She's got a new bicycle, too.

There's a woman in a suit on a bicycle!

Must be the new teacher.

Acting like a man.

The world's changing.

A woman teacher on a bicycle. In a suit!

It's pretty.

Haven't you seen a bicycle before?

Want a ride?

My house is near that smokestack.

It takes 50 minutes to get there by bicycle.

Yes, a fine day. Not too hot or cold.

Lovely for early April.

I'll go take a look.

I have a problem.

What's wrong?

It's the new teacher.

She's a graduate of normal school.

Smart?

I think so.

You didn't expect her to ride a bike?

Why'd they send such a teacher here?

What's the principal thinking?

It's time to go to school.

Don't get discouraged.

Better wear shoes today.

All right. I should look modern.

Everybody line up!

Attention!

You're all first graders, aren't you?

Is everybody here? 1, 2, 3, 4...

Are there 12?

They're all here. Let's line up.

Come here. Everybody over here.

You're going to study with me from today.

All right. Don't look the other way.

Where are your eyes? Look at me.

Look this way. That's it.

When I call your name, answer in a loud voice.

I want to learn your names.

Isokichi Okada.

Where's Isokichi Okada?

Answer "Here."

Answer, Sonki.

Everybody calls you Sonki?

All right. Sonki Isokichi!

Next, Takeichi Takeshita!

That's the way to answer.

Next, Kichiji Tokuda.

You're called Kich-chan.

Tadashi Morioka.

He's Tanko!

Answer when called. Tadashi Morioka.

You're called Tanko?

Nita Aizawa, you're talkative.

What's your nickname?

Nikuta? Does that mean you're a bully?

That's bad.

Matsué Kawamoto.

What do they call you?

Mach-chan?

Misako Nishiguchi.

You're Misa-chan?

I'm Mi-san.

Mi-san? That's nice.

Masuno Kagawa.

Don't say "yeah." It sounds funny.

She's Mach-chan!

Fujiko Kinoshita.

Your people used to be village headsmen?

Sanaé Yamaishi.

Kotoé Katagiri.

Kotsuru Kabe.

Your father is the delivery man?

The ding-a-ling man!

You mustn't say things like that!

Goodbye.

Big Stone! Pebble!

She wrote down all the nicknames.

She said Mi-san was a cute name.

She's playing favorites already.

How about Fujiko?

She asked if her family used to be headsmen.

Headsmen! They're bankrupt.

Where is the Emperor?

He's in the cupboard.

In the cupboard?

Isn't he hiding in there?

That's not the Emperor. It's only his picture.

We don't have a proper place for his picture.

So we cleaned up the cupboard to keep it.

It doesn't mean he himself is in there.

I hope the rain stops. Your school's so far away.

I talked to the head teacher today.

I asked why people aren't more friendly.

He said it's my suit and my bike.

They're too flashy.

I don't know what to do about it.

Don't worry. People will talk regardless.

I can't wear kimono.

It's nine miles both ways.

You're not showing off.

It's too far to walk.

It's hard enough making payments on the bike.

You still owe a lot.

My colleague's saving all the money he can.

He must think I'm just a silly spendthrift.

The villagers think so too.

People say the head teacher is a miser.

That's why he came here.

I made my suit myself out of an old kimono.

Yet he still thinks I'm too "modern."

It can't be helped. They'll understand some day.

They say teaching here is hard on teachers.

They test young women teachers.

And they send older men here who

aren't able to become principals.

You're only here a year.

It'll soon be summer vacation. Time flies.

So don't worry. Be patient and cheer up.

My pupils and I were both new to school.

The experience made us all uneasy.

There were twenty-four beautiful eyes looking at me.

I'll never forget them.

My pupils are only first graders

but they have no time to play after school.

They have to take care of younger children.

Or help with fishing.

It's a poor village.

I shouldn't let the rain get me down.

Oh, my... You're talking so big now.

I don't care what they say.

That's it.

That's all for today.

That banker's wife wants me to hurry with the kimono.

But it won't make her daughter any prettier.

She's too fat, too plain.

It's stopped raining.

Good.

The stars have come out.

SEPTEMBER 1

Is it always like this?

You pick up the stones?

How was Nita?

The walls of his house fell down.

We could see inside.

Nita was sitting in the closet.

In the closet?

Pretending he was the Emperor.

What's so funny? Other people's troubles?

My husband fell off a roof. Is that funny?

I'm sorry.

Why'd you laugh then? Stop cleaning the road.

Leave it alone!

Making children clear the road for your bike!

I gave her a piece of my mind!

Let's stop. I was wrong.

Let's go to the beach.

Miss Oishi!

We found a pretty seashell!

What kind?

Come and look.

What'd you find?

I'm all right.

Go get help. I can't walk.

Miss Pebble is hurt!

Somebody come with us!

It's not broken. But take her to a doctor.

Take her to Naka-machi.

It's quicker by boat.

Not in this weather.

That sounds terrible.

Is it my fault? I only went to grammar school.

Miss Oishi's giving you a hard time?

No, it's worse for her.

Your organ isn't as painful as her leg must be.

I hear a tendon was torn.

She may not come back to school.

Her mother was angry when I visited them.

She doesn't want her daughter to teach such bad children.

I don't blame her.

Should we find replacement?

I'm tired of teaching sewing for free.

We can't save any money.

I'd better get back to practicing.

Oishi teaches them folk songs, not school music.

It's like a festival.

They'll respect you more if you play the organ better.

Let's sing it together.

Why don't you sing?

You're hard to teach. You can't learn.

Everybody stand. Stand!

Sing whatever you want to sing. I'll listen.

What should we sing?

Anything.

"Song of the Plover." I know that one.

I don't like that music class.

Miss Pebble's songs are better.

When's she coming back?

I'd like to see her.

At the hospital?

She's already out of the hospital.

She'll be coming back to school soon.

She can't even stand up yet.

Let's visit her.

Let's go!

Teacher's house is near that smokestack.

How long does it take?

It's not far.

I went by bus but didn't even have time to eat.

Not even one dumpling.

Liar! You can eat a dumpling in one minute.

Even a fast bus can't get there in a minute.

But I was still eating when I got off the bus.

It's true.

Swear?

I swear it's true.

I'd like to go to her house.

Let's go.

Let's run all the way!

We'll go after we eat.

Don't tell your folks.

Sneak out. We'll meet behind the bushes.

All right.

Let's go.

Kotoé! Aren't you going to eat?

My grandma won't let me out. I can't go home.

I'll bring something to eat. Wait for us.

Miss Pebble'll be surprised.

Does her leg hurt?

This is where she got hurt.

Big kids're coming!

Hide!

Quiet.

What're you doing in there?

Hello!

Have you seen our Kotoé?

I can't find Sanaé anywhere either.

Hello.

Did you see Sanaé?

I haven't seen our Matsué.

Where would Fujiko go?

I wonder.

Our children are gone. Is Takeichi around?

Where are they?

Where's Kich-chan?

He ate his lunch here.

Where'd they go?

The first graders are all gone!

Masuno's gone, too?

Excuse me.

Did you see a group of children go by?

I saw them near the store.

Did they go to the show?

Without any money?

Just to look at the billboards.

Wait till my girl gets home.

Should we scold them?

We can't praise them.

Wear this.

Just as long as it takes to eat a dumpling?

I was on the bus at the time, you know.

You lied?

No. But I was watching the scenery, not eating.

So you just held it in your hand?

Kotoé, we have to keep walking.

I'm hungry.

Come on.

Teacher!

What's happened?

We wanted to see you.

We didn't tell anyone we were coming.

Get in the bus, then.

Hurry up.

I made a lot so eat all you want.

You still have some.

I'm so glad I got back early from the doctor.

I want more!

Me, too.

Ready? Look at the flower.

Hisako. Why don't you answer the principal?

You've already decided who will take my place?

At a teachers meeting. Isn't that what you...

It's not that. But now I have a problem.

A problem?

I promised the children I'd return.

I'm surprised.

Can you go by yourself?

Your mother says you can't ride your bicycle.

Hisako. The principal's very kind.

If she transfers to another school

she can go by bus.

Can you transfer her?

Your successor is Mrs. Goto.

Normally, she has to retire next year.

If she takes your job she can work longer.

Three more years. She'll be happy to come here.

Isn't that nice?

She takes after her father.

Stubborn.

She does resemble him.

Your father and the principal were friends.

So he's so kind to you.

Thanks for treating the children the other day.

It was nothing.

I was happy to have them come.

Here are some presents.

From the families. Rice, beans, dried fish...

Miss Pebble!

Miss Pebble's coming.

Miss Pebble's coming.

How's your leg?

Can you ride your bike?

It may take half a year more.

Will you come by boat?

It's too far to walk.

Let's go to school.

Teacher!

How's your leg?

It's all right.

Thanks for the rice the other day.

I want to thank you for the beans.

I sent sesame seeds.

Then thanks for the sesame.

Thank you for your gift.

I was going to send you something.

But I was too late.

Sorry, I was mistaken.

Thank you for all of the presents.

Not at all.

I'm always meddling...

I can't ride on my bike for quite a while.

And yet school is so far away.

If I limped along, it would take a long time.

That's why I can't...

We'll come for you every day by boat.

And take me back home?

Thank you. I wish I had known that sooner.

I'm transferring to another school.

I'll be there when you're in the sixth grade.

I just came to say goodbye.

Another teacher'll take my place.

Study hard.

I loved teaching here.

But with my leg like this...

We're sorry.

It's all right. That hole was an accident.

It was my fault.

She came especially to see all of you.

Why not welcome her with a big smile?

Instead you're all crying.

Are you all right, Miss Oishi?

Thanks, yes.

Women and children are hard to handle.

Everybody cry. Cry.

It's too much.

Teacher!

Come again!

When your leg gets better!

Promise us!

Promise us!

Goodbye!

Let's sing her a song!

THE COLOR OF THE SEA, THE SHAPE OF THE MOUNTAINS.

REMAINED THE SAME BUT TOMORROW BECAME TODAY.

FIVE YEARS PASSED.

THE MANCHURIAN AND SHANGHAI INCIDENTS OCCURRED.

THE ENTIRE WORLD WENT THROUGH A DEPRESSION.

NOT KNOWING THE FUTURE,

THE CHILDREN WERE CAUGHT UP IN THEIR OWN JOYS AND SORROWS.

It's the principal!

Good morning.

Why did you come here?

We want to see Miss Oishi's husband.

How did you know?

Kotsuru found out.

He's an officer on a ship.

Everybody knows that.

We want to see him.

You certainly know how to stare, don't you?

Is Miss Oishi coming?

She's getting ready.

She's very beautiful.

Let's go.

I'm too bashful!

I got to go home.

Why? Today's special.

I already had a hard time sneaking out.

You all better go home and help your parents.

School starts in five days.

So we're playing now.

Is that any way for sixth graders to talk?

There's work at home.

The boat's coming!

He's so fat!

Her husband is the one in back.

He's okay.

Matsué!

What do you want?

Stop playing.

Your mother's having a baby.

Hurry home.

You can't walk all the way back!

Give your father plenty to eat.

Don't fill up yours. It's too big.

I want a new lunch box with a lily on it.

Buy me one.

I can't get up yet.

When you do get up.

Who's going to pay for it?

Wait until your father earns some money.

I'll buy you one.

You will?

Be patient.

Stay home today. I don't feel so good.

She can stay.

Times are bad. I need all the work I can get.

You'd better hurry to school.

Don't you need me?

Don't stay here.

It's your first day in the sixth grade.

Come home right away.

Don't mention the lunch box in front of him.

Your father is having trouble finding work.

The other girls have new lunch boxes.

You promised to buy me one.

I'm ashamed of my old one.

My mother had a baby girl.

Congratulations. What's her name?

Nothing yet. I'm going to give her a name.

Have you thought of a name?

I'm thinking now.

What's a good name?

You seem happy. What is it?

My mother is going to buy me a new lunch box.

With a lily on the lid.

That's nice. With a picture of a lily?

Lily's a good name.

Lily - Yuri. Name her that. Yuriko or Yurié.

Yurié is better. There are too many Yurikos.

It smells good.

You smell like a bride.

What's up?

Somebody's sick.

Appendicitis?

What's the matter?

You're very kind but unless the baby dies,

I can't let Matsué go to school.

I'm sorry for Matsué.

I'm a widower now. I don't know what to do.

Matsué, this lunch box has lily on its lid.

Use it when you come back to school.

Help your father at home.

I'll be thinking of you.

You're a good girl.

She wanted a new lunch box.

Thank you.

The baby's premature.

And she has no mother. She hasn't much of a chance to live.

She's better off dead.

What hope is there for poor families like us?

Matsué's baby sister died!

My grandma went over.

Matsué's father was drunk and crying.

The poor baby.

Good morning.

What is it?

Mr. Kataoka's arrested.

The police are here.

What did he do?

They say he's a red.

A red? How can they say that?

He'll be released soon for lack of evidence.

It's most unpleasant.

What's the complaint?

It's because of Kataoka's friend.

The friend tried to write against the war.

He and his pupils printed a little book.

The police thought Kataoka had a copy.

I've seen that book.

That's evidence?

Say that and they'll think you're a Red!

I was quite impressed with it.

My class read parts.

Some of the essays were very good.

But it's dangerous.

A copy was sent here.

Where is it now?

In my classroom.

Oh, no!

Where in your classroom?

We teachers must be patriotic.

You nearly frightened me to death.

"Dear Matsué: I heard about your baby sister.

It made me very sad.

Such things happen, but in our heart,

we can still love her. When will you be back?

I look at your vacant desk and think of you."

Who gets a newspaper at home?

Who reads one?

Only three?

Who knows what a communist is?

You don't know? How about a capitalist?

They're rich.

All right. What are laborers?

As your father's friend, I'm concerned about you.

Your mother will worry if you get into trouble.

My students knew about Kataoka and the book.

They asked me questions.

Tell them you don't know. That's enough.

You must be careful of what you say.

Proletariat, capitalists.

Don't discuss such things.

I'll be careful.

Do that.

It's foolish to be too outspoken.

Teacher.

What should we do about Matsué?

Did you give her my letter?

I saw some woman when I went over there.

She took Matsué with her on the ferry.

Matsué's being adopted.

Matsué cried saying she wouldn't go.

Her father was calm and nice at first.

She refused again. So he began to hit her.

She cried a lot but finally agreed to go.

Everybody was crying. I cried too.

I went to see her off but she didn't speak.

AUTUMN - OCTOBER

Fujiko and Sanaé should have come.

Mi-san too, even if she's an only child.

Why couldn't she come?

She might catch a cold.

They'll give her the trip money anyway.

Mi-san told me.

She could save money anytime.

But this trip is something to remember.

I'm using the money I got from fishing.

I sold eggs.

Sonki and I took out our savings.

I'm using my savings, too.

My folks paid.

My dad bought me this uniform for the trip.

Look at your shoes.

Can you walk in them?

My father said I grow fast.

What size?

Too big.

Fujiko's too poor so she couldn't come.

Her house is awfully big but it's empty.

They've got nothing left to sell.

Don't say such things.

If you want to be a mid-wife, don't talk too much.

Let's sing some more.

Let Mach-chan sing.

Masuno, you're our best singer.

Sing "Moon over the Ruined Castle"

"Song of the Beach."

There's the ship!

You'll fall overboard.

Don't bother me!

There he is!

It's her husband!

Wave to him!

You have to wave!

Look at him. He's waving!

At Yashimaura, the sea reflects

images of the dead.

The sea flows calmly for 760 years.

After the pitiful end of Heike family.

Vanished like a dream.

The battlefield remains;

With cool waves

and wind washing their past glory.

Voices can be heard.

Stories are all that remain.

Ritsurin Park is in Takamatsu.

An area of 190 acres.

Its beauty is equal to the top three national parks in Japan.

Do you feel ill?

I'm all right.

Mt. Sozu is famous

for its best scenic view in Shikoku.

Halfway up, 251 meters above sea level,

is the original shrine to the beloved Kompira.

Rising from the bottom are 785 stone steps.

Next are 583 more steps to the inner shrine.

Kompira is a deity who protects ships, homes and business.

Many people come to worship.

You look pale.

I'm tired and cold.

Medicine?

I took some.

I want something warm.

Let's eat.

We have time. I'll tell the others.

How about some noodles?

Try over there.

Mach-chan!

Please come in!

You've been working as a waitress all along!

Who are you? Don't bother my employees.

She's my teacher. She was very kind to me.

I'm from Shodoshima.

Oh? Come in.

Her teacher? Serve them some tea.

Shall we go in?

Thank you.

I was worried about you. But you seem all right.

She was one of my pupils.

You're working hard.

She's a good worker.

We're busy here.

An order's ready.

Are you sightseeing?

A school excursion.

I'm glad to meet you. You both must be tired.

It must be trouble travelling with kids.

Will you have something to eat?

What do you want to do?

Noodles...?

I'm sorry...

We have egg, shrimp, and rice dishes.

We only want a snack. There isn't much time...

Then have some tea.

Going on the next ferry?

It'll leave soon.

We should go.

Want to talk to her?

We're busy here.

Don't stand there.

Say goodbye to your teacher. She's leaving.

Please excuse me.

We haven't been very hospitable.

Mach-chan. Take care. Write to me.

Goodbye.

"MY HOPES FOR THE FUTURE"

MATSUÉ KAWAMOTO

"I'm an only daughter.

That is why my mother wants to send me away

to a girl's high school on the mainland.

Just looking at numbers gives me a headache.

I really want to go to a sewing school.

They don't have entrance examinations."

"Women ought to have regular jobs.

Without a job a woman will have a hard time

like my mother did.

That is why my sister became a nurse.

She will help send me to a normal school.

I want to become a teacher..."

Fujiko, why don't you write something?

What's wrong?

What is it?

Can't you tell us?

Come along with me.

There's nothing I can write about the future.

Don't write then.

You don't have to write. I understand.

I wanted to go on the school trip.

We can't stay in our house much longer.

Somebody bought it.

It's all right. Don't say any more.

I don't know what to do,

but you're not responsible for the hardships.

It's not your parents' fault, either.

That's the way things are in the world.

Don't be discouraged. You must be strong.

Maybe I'm making you do the impossible.

But I don't know what else to say.

If you feel like crying, come over to my house.

We'll cry together.

You're going to quit? Don't you like school?

Why don't you stay at least one more year?

You've got ability. It's a shame to quit.

I've already promised.

Who'd you promise?

My mother.

I promised I'd quit if I could go on the trip.

There's nothing I can do that would help?

My sister'll be in the fifth grade this year.

It's my turn to stay home and cook.

Your sister cooked the meals until now?

Your mother has to fish?

Almost every day.

That's why you wrote that

you're sorry you weren't born a boy?

Yes. I feel sorry for my mother.

You were born a girl.

Being a girl isn't your fault.

It's sad that you must leave.

When my sister finishes sixth grade,

my mother will let me work for a dressmaker.

When I'm 18, I can be a maid in Osaka.

I'll buy clothes. Like my mother did.

Then you'll marry?

You'll get married? Just like your mother?

I'm going to middle school.

I'll fish and study until I'm drafted.

Then I'll be a sergeant.

An officer?

You get paid monthly.

I'll go to college and become a lieutenant.

Stop bragging. I'd go to school if there was no exams.

Why join the army?

It's better than being a poor fisherman.

I'd rather be a soldier than run a rice store.

You'd better think about it carefully.

You hate soldiers?

I prefer fishermen and storekeepers than soldiers.

You're a coward.

Yes, I'm a coward.

Mother! I've brought the teacher.

She just won't listen.

I don't care if she has a good voice.

Lots of girls in Japan have good voices.

She's the daughter of a restaurant owner.

Learning the samisen is more appropriate.

Instead, she's trying to study foreign music.

That's why she wants to go to high school.

Please talk some sense into her.

She's being difficult and won't eat.

You listen to what your teacher says.

Suppose she graduates from a conservatory,

how could she help us in this business?

It's not proper for me to express an opinion.

I understand what you say

but I know how Masuno feels too.

What Masuno says is just not realistic.

I've known her since the first grade.

She was so small, like a doll.

Masuno. Your happiness means a lot to me.

I'm ashamed I can't say anymore now.

All the boys want to be soldiers.

That scares me because they may be killed.

You're a girl so I don't worry about that.

I want you to be happy and healthy.

I want to help you realize your ambitions.

But I can't say anything else today.

That's all I can say.

What is it?

Oishi...

Please sit down.

I've heard rumors that you're a Communist.

You should be careful.

I don't understand. What have I done?

I warned you before, didn't I?

There are things you must not say to the pupils.

I don't know what I said.

I didn't tell them anything that's wrong.

That's the trouble.

You're young.

You discuss everything that comes to mind.

You do better or you'll be in trouble.

What do you mean by that?

You're aware of recent events in Manchuria.

There may be war with Russia.

We have air-raid drills here.

Japan is now threatened by its enemies.

Yet you keep saying it's stupid to become a soldier.

I don't want my students to be killed.

You're wrong.

All I said was...

Say nothing. Don't see, hear, or talk.

Teachers have a duty.

We prepare our students to serve the nation.

We are all grateful to our teachers

to whom we feel forever obliged.

We have passed many years in this garden of learning.

In the future, we shall cherish memories of here.

Now is the time for our farewell.

We shall honor the appreciation of these days.

Although apart we shall not forget you.

"Be ambitious, go forward,"

are words that we shall heed.

Now is the time for our farewell.

Both dawn and twilight

come through the school windows.

We worked by light from fireflies and from drifted snow.

We won't forget through all the months and years.

Now is the time for our farewell.

Mother?

Are you awake?

Where's Mother?

She went shopping.

How do you feel?

Better. I slept.

You seem weaker since the school trip.

No, it's the baby.

You'll be all right.

Men think it's easy.

Have it soon.

Don't be silly.

I'm looking forward to the baby.

It should be adorable.

School's probably made you tired of children.

The truth is that I'm fed up with teaching.

School starts in two days. Should I resign?

Why?

I'd like to quit and start a candy store.

I think I've done my best for my students.

But, it's impossible to have strong ties between us.

Teachers and students are untied by the official textbooks.

It's always "loyalty and patriotism."

Half my boys want to be soldiers.

It's the times.

Can you end war by running a candy store?

My mother told me not to marry a soldier.

You wanted to marry me.

I hate to think of what happens if war starts.

You'll be called into the Navy.

I could be widowed.

We have a baby coming. Why don't I resign?

You can quit your job. We could be farmers.

No. You do what you want to.

I'm quitting. I'll tell Mother.

You're too impulsive.

I'm not.

Your mother is too old for surprises.

She still working, you know.

You've got a nice job on that boat.

But I'm serious. I hate being a teacher.

Hisako.

She's back.

Some students are here.

Hello.

Sorry, I'm like this.

I'm glad you came.

Come in.

We have to catch the next bus.

Catch the one after it.

It'll be too dark then.

I'll walk you to the bus stop.

What's that cap for?

I'm quitting school.

You're quitting.

I want to thank you for all you did for me.

Wait. I'm walking with you.

What'll you do now?

I'll go to work.

My employer'll send me to night school.

It's very sudden.

What kind of work?

A pawnshop.

You'll become a pawnbroker?

No, just a clerk. I'll work until I'm drafted.

Well, be a good clerk. And write to me.

Takeichi, when's school?

In two days.

You're quitting school?

Yes. I'll tell you about it later.

You're quitting school?

You won't be there anymore. Why should I?

Come on in.

When you come back, be sure to visit me.

I've watched you all grow up.

You were my first and my last students.

Now we're just friends.

You, too, Takeichi.

Fujiko and her family moved away yesterday.

Yesterday?

They went in a small boat.

They didn't have much left to take with them.

Her parents never did any hard physical work.

Everybody's afraid they'll become beggars.

That's terrible. I pity Fujiko.

Thanks for everything.

Good luck.

THE COLOR OF THE SEA,

THE SHAPE OF THE MOUNTAINS REMAINED THE SAME.

TOMORROW, TURNING INTO TODAY.

BUT THE LIVES OF PEOPLE ON SHODOSHIMA

DRIFTED IN THE CURRENTS OF THE WAR

AND THE LARGE WAVES OF HISTORY.

EIGHT YEARS LATER

Excuse me.

Kotoé, it's me.

Don't get up. I wanted to visit you sooner.

But the baby keeps me busy.

Thanks for coming.

Are you alone?

Everybody's away fishing as usual.

I'm glad you came.

I wanted to see you.

So did I.

I look at our first grade picture all the time.

I take it out and look at it too.

Everybody's so young.

We were so hungry when we came to see you.

I was the first to cry.

You were all crying when I met you.

The noodles you gave us tasted so good.

I can still taste them.

Now you've all grown up.

I hear that Misako had a beautiful wedding.

She's lucky to be an only child.

Sanaé's now a teacher at our old school.

She was an honor graduate from college.

I met Kotsuru in Osaka.

She did very well at the midwife's school.

Yes, she writes to me.

I'm the worst...

I don't have long to live.

Why say that? You'll be all right.

I've been unlucky.

You had very hard times.

Do you remember when I was in the sixth grade?

We talked once about...

I remember.

I wanted to be good to my mother when I grew up.

So I was happy to go away and become a maid.

Yes, I remember that.

You were the brightest girl in the class.

I hoped you'd go on to high school.

Teacher...

I worked hard but got sick and was sent home.

Since then, my parents won't come near me.

I'm left alone all the time because I have TB.

There are others whose lives are difficult.

I saw Mach-chan eight years ago on our school trip.

She had a hard life as a waitress.

Fujiko and her family had to move, too.

Kotsuru's been writing to me.

She's now working in a cafe in Kobé.

Masuno's the only one who should be happy.

But she can't stand her parents' restaurant.

There aren't that many lucky people.

So don't think you're alone.

Cheer up.

I'll visit you more often.

Take this.

Thank you.

KICHIJI TOKUDA

NITA AIZAWA

TAKEICHI TAKESHITA

TADASHI MORIOKA

ISOKICHI OKADA

How about some saké?

You think we should celebrate?

I didn't mean that.

Why must he go? He's still sick.

Stop arguing. I'd like some saké.

It's war. It can't be helped.

Look at the children!

Be quiet.

They don't even know how I feel.

Let them have some fun.

Come to your father.

Don't you be sad. You'll make me feel worry.

I want you to grow up

and take care of your mother and grandmother.

I'll be leaving for the army, so sing for me.

A FULL FOUR YEARS HAVE PASSED. THE WAR IN ASIA BROADENED.

THERE WERE MANY MORE GRAVE MARKERS FOR SOLDIERS.

I wish I was bigger so I could enlist.

You want to die?

After all the pain I had to bring you up?

You want me to cry for the rest of my life?

You'd be the mother of a patriot.

I don't want you to die.

I want to be an ordinary mother.

All I want you to be is a human being.

Just an ordinary person who values living.

Nobody else talks like that!

They may not say it but they think it.

My teachers don't!

That's why I quit.

Coward!

You're a coward!

I don't care if I am. Who cares?

I love my children, that's all.

Hisako...

Mother? Can't you sleep?

Is it painful? You'll be all right.

I'll make some soup.

What's wrong? Is the bedding too heavy?

Daikichi, come here!

Go get the doctor. Tell him to hurry.

Mother... You'll be all right.

Have him come at once!

Your mother's here.

Over there.

What do you want?

Your father's dead.

I just got the notice.

We must be strong. You understand?

AUGUST 15, 1945

Attention!

Eyes front!

Today we have an important assembly.

You will soon hear the voice of the Emperor.

He will address the entire nation by radio.

Listen respectfully.

There's no need to worry about it.

Children can now be children again.

Let's eat.

Didn't you hear that we've surrendered?

I heard. It's good the war's over.

It's the end of killing. People will return.

We didn't die for our country.

And that's good.

Are you glad?

Stop talking like a fool. What do you think?

Your father was killed. He won't ever return.

Won't you cry because we lost?

I cried for the dead. I cried and cried.

Please help!

Doctor!

She fell out of a tree! Please do something!

Yatsu!

Mother!

Doctor!

You were so small. And so hungry.

No wonder you climbed that persimmon tree.

It wasn't your fault.

You just wanted something to eat.

THE YEAR FOLLOWING THE END OF THE WAR.

APRIL 4

It's clearing up.

Your first time over this way?

No reason to come.

It's something I hadn't thought about.

Teaching at the local school again.

It's been 18 years. Almost two decades.

I can take you by boat in good weather.

If there's a storm, I'll walk.

You'll get tired.

I intend to work hard.

I still have to take care of you and Namiki.

You need a bike.

We can't afford one.

They're expensive. Are you tired?

No.

You're good at rowing like your father.

Anyone can row.

I remember I had a first grader named Takeichi.

He once offered to take me home in a boat.

That was long ago. He was killed in the war.

Somebody you taught?

When I call your name, answer in a loud voice.

Satoru Kawasaki.

You all seem healthy. Your voices sound good.

You're Kotoé's sister?

Kotoé died, didn't she?

Are you related to Matsué?

My mother's in Osaka. She sent me this dress.

So you're Matsué's daughter?

Is your mother Misako Nishiguchi?

You look like her.

TADASHI MORIOKA'S GRAVE

Misako!

My daughter said you went home this way.

It's good to see you.

I wanted to meet you again.

My daughter will be in your class just like I was.

Please take care of her.

It'll be a pleasure.

When I heard you were back teaching, I cried.

Two generations... it's a rare thing.

I owe it to Sanaé.

She's a teacher. She recommended me.

I thought I was too old but she said I wasn't.

Sanaé, Kotsuru, Masuno and I got together.

We want to have a party for you at Masuno's.

You're all very kind.

We're grateful to you and happy.

It'll be wonderful to see all of you again.

Tadashi always wanted to be a soldier.

I wonder if he's satisfied?

Over here.

TAKEICHI TAKESHITA'S GRAVE

The army was better than a rice store.

And so he ends up here.

There's Nita's grave.

I remember him... he was big, and loud.

He was a very good boy.

On our school trip, his shoes were too big.

Crybaby!

Crybaby!

You've got another nickname already.

It was Miss Pebble. Now it's Miss Crybaby.

Crybaby! Crybaby Teacher!

The bus is quicker.

Are you tired already? You're such a weakling.

I'm not tired.

I don't mind walking.

All right. Today's a picnic so we'll walk.

The bus costs money.

If we took a bus, it wouldn't be a picnic.

Mother, we'll play in the shrine grounds.

What if your party lasts a long time?

Play on the beach below the restaurant.

What if the kids tease us?

Then tease them back.

Maybe they're tougher.

If you two can't beat them, cry.

They'll laugh...

I'll laugh at you, too.

I'll clap my hands and laugh.

Will you be able to see the beach?

Probably. I guess so.

Will you look for us?

I'll look out and wave my hand.

You can go. Don't leave your lunch boxes behind.

Mother! What if it rains?

Do something about it.

Teacher!

We have an unexpected face. Guess who?

Unexpected?

Can you guess right the first time?

You scare me. Do you trust me or don't you?

Unexpected, you say. Can it be two people?

Fujiko or Matsué?

Oh my goodness!

Right?

One. Guess which one.

Then it's Matsué.

It's Matsué. She came from Osaka.

Matsué is here? That makes me happy.

I haven't seen her so long.

We've been expecting you.

You're all looking well.

Kotsuru, you got fat! Just like a mid-wife!

Watch what you say...

I'm Matsué.

I'm so glad you came, Mach-chan.

I'm really glad.

Misako wrote. I had to forget my shame.

I had to come to the party this time.

Or I'd be left out in the future.

Let's go.

Teacher!

I could hardly wait for you to come.

Please come in.

We're meeting at your place?

Sonki and Kich-chan?

They're late. They haven't come yet.

It's from us.

Because you've come back to our school.

Please come in. How about a drink?

Sonki's coming.

Sonki's blind. It must be difficult.

It's good he could come.

He came back but he's blind.

Sonki's studying to be a masseur.

He used to say he'd rather be dead.

Poor boy.

That means there's nothing left to live for.

What's kept you?

I'm sorry to be late.

Sonki, it's been a long time.

A very long time.

Five years.

And now I'm like this.

So let's have a good time.

Sonki, you sit by the teacher.

Kich-chan hasn't come.

Who wants a soft drink?

I'll have saké.

So will I.

Sonki, you want saké?

I'll have some since it's your party.

I want to thank you all for the bicycle.

Don't thank me. I only gave a little.

Thanks to you all, I can ride to school.

You're all here?

You're late!

What a big fish!

It's good to see you.

It's been a long time.

Kich-chan, don't leave the fish here.

I caught it especially for our teacher.

I'll have it cooked.

Thank you, everyone. You're very kind.

May I see the photo for a second?

Let him see it.

Can you see it?

This picture, I can see well.

Teacher's in the center.

Takeichi, Nita and I are in front.

Mach-chan is to the right.

Fujiko's over here.

Matsué has her arms folded.

THE END