Original subtitles

Tuesday Suspense Cinema

198X Setouchi City, Summer

Elegy for a Far Away Film

Legend of the Beautiful Ghost Cat

My name is Ryuzoji Akiko, a film actress.

Just 5 minutes from Setouchi City by ferry, through the narrow river like bay

lies Setouchi Cinema.

It used to be called Japanese Hollywood

and it was absolutely gorgeous,

though now this former kingdom of film lies deserted.

Only in this yacht harbour does there remain the shadow of its golden age.

Me...

I am also long gone from this small town, and now live on this small island...

Quietly forgotten.

But, there are sometimes still people

who make a desperate bid to visit here,

only to see me.

Chapter 1: A Mysterious lady by the window

A miracle. This is a miracle, indeed.

It must be said that a great star will never fade.

After the sudden retirement of the great star Ryuzoji Akiko,

leaving this last film unfinished, it has been...

30 years, how nostalgic...

Which means Akiko must be nearly 70 now.

Indeed she never ages...

The thing is, if she really does continue to look like this

it would be a real scoop.

Huh?

These days no project is really viable unless it's a real scoop.

I think she is indeed that scoop.

But it's impossible. After that sudden retirement

she keeps refusing to make a comeback, locking herself up on that small island.

No one has seen her since.

I came up with an idea while watching this 30 year old film.

Her films are legend, Ryuzoji Akiko might be re-born.

- Are you sure about that? - It's worth a try.

- A horse from a gourd. - More like trusting a cat with milk.

Oh, you got me there.

Setouchi Cinema

Jack!

Brother!

Finally a rose will bloom on my chest...

Cut! Cut! Cut!

Love-tan, how many times do I have to say it?

This is the final scene, right?

The audience won't leap in their seats with such a scream.

Can't you use your beautiful voice?

Sorry, one more time please.

Alright, one more take!

This has to be the last take for today,

she's got tight schedule with a TV recording.

Hey...

Is singing a pop song on TV more important than a film?

Of course it is.

She's a singer, if you keep doing this she'll lose her voice.

Don't you realise what a big 35 mm project this is?

People will pay good money to watch this in the cinema!

Do you think it's really so great to only shoot for the cinema?

I know that you still get money from your mum even though you're 60!

Hey, hey, calm down. There's no need to say such things here.

That's it, let's go, we're leaving now.

Directors used be treated like kings in the old days.

Ryohei...

I told you not to come to my work place.

No, the producer called for me today.

Never mind.

The sun will rise again someday.

You must be Ryohei Shimura?

Yes.

It's been a long time, how are you doing?

Fine.

Well that's good, actually we need to ask a favour of you.

I was thinking all the time when I was up here, looking down at the sea.

Someday someone will come and take me off this island.

Now I'm here, visiting you though?

Not at all, no, you've failed.

Because you also came here to see a dream.

I was born and grew up here.

People here have their souls taken by films.

But if you take that ferry, there is a real world outside,

which I have never seen.

Ryoko, being here with you is real enough, for me.

This is my reality.

But I'm scared,

someday this will end and you'll realise that you are old.

Look at this watch, it never works.

Isn't that the one you got recently? You need it for your work.

Want me to get you a new one?

It's fine, I'm happy just having this on my chest.

Right, that was your dad's, wasn't it?

Yes, and just like us it never starts ticking.

Anyway, I'll let you know tonight.

Can I come to your room?

Would you rather move in?

Are you sure? You've been saying it won't happen.

You can see the sea from the window. I can cook for you.

I think it's really good for writing.

You can do some nice work.

Ryoko.

A ghost cat?

Yes, that's what I want you to write about.

Oh, don't misunderstand me.

She used to be the Japanese Cleopatra and was one of the best of those times.

I really couldn't stay calm.

Ryuzoji Akiko, she was such a beauty, something out of this world.

Ryuzoji Akiko, I know the name at least. She was a big star wasn't she?

Yes.

So, who is the main actress in this film?

That's actually Ryuzoji Akiko herself.

It can't be, is she even still alive?

She is more than just alive...

Look at this, she is still so young.

No way...

Actually I couldn't believe it either, she is supposed to be over 70 now.

But sometimes films do let miracle happen.

Anyway, it's all so nostalgic.

Those memories from a golden age.

She often came here,

sitting at that table by the window over there.

Wait, what's going on there?

Ryuzoji Akiko...

Isn't that Mizu-san next to her?

It's a dream. How long has it been?

This is indeed what's called a miracle.

It really is.

I'll be waiting.

Yamada, negotiate now.

Hang on.

Good evening.

Welcome home.

Words are strange.

Just saying “welcome home” makes you look different.

Well then, “I'm home”.

Ryohei.

For me? Thank you.

Hey, does it look nice on me?

Ryoko...

I will write “The Japanese Cleopatra'.

A gorgeous set and lighting that deceives the night,

music that grips your heart

and, the eternal star, Ryuzoji Akiko.

Ryuzoji Akiko? Isn't she...?

She is astounding, beautiful,

so unreal.

And she gave this necklace to me.

Oh, did she? That's good.

So what it's like? The film?

A cat. No, a ghost cat. No.

It's a... beautiful mysterious cat.

But...isn't she too young? I think it's her daughter.

It doesn't matter. Anyway, I'll write it.

I'm full of motivation.

Well, congrats. I guess.

I want see it too, the film with your beautiful words.

Chapter 2: To the island

Go back now, I'll return by the star's yacht.

What movie star yacht?

My name is Shimura Ryohei, I'm here to meet Ryuzoji Akiko

She won't see anyone.

But listen, we met yesterday,

she smiled at me and gave me a red necklace.

Go home, that necklace and smile,

it's all just as fickle as her cat's eyes.

Wait, can you at least tell her.

The Grim Reaper, that's what you are!

What's that?

The Grim Reaper?

You can't get in. A rookie like you.

Huh? I'm just a screenwriter.

I know many of those who came here all full of ambition.

But none could make it.

They were all kicked out in the blink of an eye

by the weight of the legend.

Please tell me.

How do I get in, you know the way don't you?

It's a coincidence, us meeting like this, isn't it?

People shouldn't meet in such a coincidence.

You just have to wait, it's like life.

Until the right time comes along.

Wipe it.

- What? - You are bleeding.

That was the old man, he was so aggressive.

Didn't you know? He's Mizumori Kennosuke.

He was a great director.

As passionate as fire, but calm like ice.

As full of dignity and confidence as a dictator.

He used his cast like pawns and never compromised on tiny details.

Such a perfectionist.

People called him Hitler.

And Ryuzoji Akiko, she was the only one who made him kneel...

And he dedicated himself to her beauty.

What did you come here for?

I was invited by her, Akiko.

That's ridiculous. She'd never do such a thing.

Come to think of it, she seemed too young.

It might be her daughter.

She has no daughter.

She is alone in the world.

But films are like light and shadow.

They have no physical form. She is also a dream.

There must be a secret to her youth.

Do you hate that dream?

My wife died in a dream.

She couldn't manage...

and she took her daughter too.

Well, it's time to go, the tide is getting up.

How do we get back?

You made me speak too much.

My name is Hachihara Taku, what's yours?

I'm Shimura Ryohei. Anyway, you are so cool aren't you?

Nah, I'm just childish.

No! No!

Chapter 3: Grateful memories with pain

Please don't turn the light off!

How sad.

A movie set has to be in gorgeous lighting all the time.

I didn't mean to ask you to quit.

I know that, but I can't do this anymore.

It would be an insult.

You are such a skilled director, if only if you were a bit more fashionable.

Mr. Yamagata,

were you willing to let me shoot a film like young directors do?

I am pretty sure that you can handle it.

These days young directors

think they can shoot with just a zoom lens, a moustache and sunglasses.

Don't make the mistake of thinking I'm one of them.

But you know, this industry has changed.

It's dead more like.

Ryohei.

What happened? You are soaking wet.

How was it? Did you managed to see her?

No, I couldn't.

A guy called Mizumori Kennosuke literally kicked me out.

Ryohei, what's this scar?

He said I'm the Grim Reaper.

Mizumori... OK, can you give it another try?

But this time we will be there too.

Please don't stop me.

There is nothing more I can do in the film industry.

I'll go back home and live with my mother.

We couldn't make it in time.

Farewell.

Shouldn't we stop him?

Don't worry, he'll be back soon, he's just moody.

- Shall we go? - Let's go.

Take care.

Ah, it's so bright and sunny. So bright.

Isn't it incredible?

This entire island is owned by her.

How rich those old movie stars are.

Oh, Mr. Mizumori.

You again.

I'm sorry for the late introduction. He is a young writer.

A newcomer, full of hope.

What trick are you trying to pull?

Let me tell you, I was just a newcomer too forty years ago

and the reason I'm still surviving in this dead film industry

is because of your great work.

And to repay you for that, I'm providing you with an opportunity

to shoot a film, directed by you,

with Ryozoji Akiko as the main actress and this young man as writer.

I am pretty sure this will be a massive hit.

The film industry is dead simply because of people like you.

She will see no one, go home.

But Mr. Mizumori, she is interested in him.

You fool!

Mr. Mizumori!

The Devil

A wish never fulfilled.

Page of Cups

He is coming back.

Mizumori Kennosuke, He's a tough one. He was a genius director.

He is the one who found and nurtured Akiko.

Every film they made together was a big hit.

Are they married?

I'm not sure, but it's certain that they have been living together.

Hold on.

Ryohei, isn't it?

Akiko said she wants you to write a scenario.

But under one condition.

Well, you can't argue with a great star.

Akiko wants to stick with him to make a great scenario.

We are here to explain directly to you,

as we thought he couldn't explain it well enough himself.

Isn't is strange? Staying there to write a scenario.

Isn't there another way?

Not at all.

You also said staying here lets me work better.

- Ryohei. - Easy now.

It's to make a great film you know. Here, this is your salary.

Here, take it, Ryohei.

I'm counting on you.

Well, it will be a sunny day tomorrow, perfect for shooting.

I'm counting on you.

Use this here, for food and expenses.

That's your money, do whatever you want with it.

Just go and have fun with the big star.

Don't be silly.

Ridiculous.

It's so ridiculous,

- completely ridiculous! - Shut up!

What can happen, she is 40 years older than me.

I believe you.

Chapter 4: Lovers from the sea

Please understand, I am nothing except writing.

Ryohei, do you love me?

- Yes - More than films?

Never mind, sorry.

Come down by yourself.

Wait, you forgot this.

Better keep it with you.

What are you doing, quick!

Take care.

Let me warn you in advance, don't fall in love with Akiko.

It's you.

I've been waiting.

Good afternoon.

Why didn't you bring him last night?

I'm sorry. Come in.

Take him to his room.

Carry his bag.

It's upstairs.

This is your desk.

How is it? Do you like it?

Yes, especially the view from the window.

That's good. I also love this window frame.

A window makes the scenery so much better.

A window makes you more beautiful.

A window is a screen.

A window is radiation.

A window is the burden of your heart.

A window is a person's dream.

A window is the memories of the olden days.

An illusion we once saw.

A dream that never comes true.

How handsome you look.

I'll write...

I'll do my best.

Chapter 5: Unforgivable days

Mister...

You look nice.

Thank you.

- Good afternoon. - I can see a ship.

Is director Takashima here?

I'm a director.

Are you looking for him?

Come in. Grandpa, there is a visitor for you.

Thank you for inviting me.

It's been a long time, Maestro.

Oh, please stop calling me that, I'm no longer a director.

Mr. Mizumori used to be called artistic,

and you were called passionate.

Well, I am just a man who lives here now.

Today I'm here to talk with you about our old memories.

Oh isn't that...

Ryuzoji Akiko?

Be charming and be still.

Baudelaire.

Those pictures and posters are all that's left now, my friend.

After three of them suddenly resigned, I felt so lonely too.

So I also ended up running away from the film set.

Three of them?

I thought there were just two, Mr. Mizumori and Ryuzoji Akiko.

And Tanuma Joji.

Tanuma Joji?

You know what I am, I'm a coward.

Indeed.

Even after running away and crossing the sea,

I still look at the film set every day.

An eternal dream, that's what films are.

All that we have seen, and wish to see again,

is just a dream that is in a dream.

Baudelaire, is it not?

Here, have some.

How about having a shave? She used to be a fine make-up artist.

Oh I've had one already.

This is so sweet and delicious.

I've forgotten the taste...

of sweetness.

Takashima director, farewell.

Ready, action!

Walk.

Turn around.

The last film was unfinished, the final cut was left behind.

Before the wrap they had a big party

and the next day, Ryuzoji Akiko and Mr. Mizumori left all of sudden.

Wasn't there another person who also left?

Tanuma Joji.

Tanuma? I heard he crossed the sea to Hollywood.

Can I have a look at that unfinished film?

No, our company's keeping it a top secret.

If you do, I can take some nice pics of Ryuzoji Akiko in return.

Oh, that's actually a good idea, it might be useful for commercial purposes.

Look...

He's just like that young writer.

You realised, just as I expected.

Ah, yes.

I can see now...

Just what is it you are planning?

You've deceived us.

What is this nonsense?

No, not at all.

I thought Ryohei would be better than anyone else,

to remind her of the good old days.

Ryohei is now standing at the point where he can pan out or not.

The important thing is,

what happened on the night of the party thirty years ago.

Chapter 6: Temptation

I like it, please continue.

I'll do my best.

I need to go back to my room.

I'll accompany you.

No, it's fine.

But I'll feel bad if I don't treat you well.

Can I go with him?

I don't mind.

This is my room. Please come in.

But I...

Don't be shy.

To write a good scenario, you need to know everything about me.

Oh yes, you're right.

You look good in this suit.

It's cold here.

But we are hot aren't we?

I've been waiting for you...

For so long.

But... This is fun.

Chapter 7: Reminiscence 1

Cut!

Well done, nice work.

We shall have a party now.

Finally we've managed to be all alone.

Joji.

That looks gorgeous.

This is to prove my appreciation for you.

Appreciation, not love?

No, appreciation.

Because I've made many films with you,

and I've become quite popular.

Not at all.

Hey, does it look nice on me?

I hope you are happy to hear this, I'm going to Hollywood.

Hollywood? I haven't heard anything yet.

No, I'm going by myself.

I've got a role as the boyfriend of Greta Garbo.

It's ridiculous,

there is no way you can stay away from me.

Akiko,

it's over.

I'm not your pawn.

I am going to Hollywood,

there will be glory days awaiting me.

Don't go!

What are you saying?

Aren't you happy for my success?

I don't care about such things.

Such things?

Yes.

But it wasn't your success that I wanted.

It is you, Joji.

I love you.

Don't go!

This is how I became trapped in a dream.

Look, Joji loves me so much.

And so Mizumori too, he abandoned his life.

He decided to protect me and live with me on this island.

The party is over.

Sealing everything into this legendary dream.

Chapter 8: A circle of time

This is a film about beautiful love.

Akiko is now playing exactly as I taught her.

This is my film.

I have been teaching her everything about how to become a lady

since she came to the studio, knowing literally nothing.

She is now complete.

The sea, the sun and you.

Everything is shining. I haven't felt like this in ages.

When you look at me, everything does seem to shine.

You are the very radiance.

It feels like I can kill even you now...

I am so happy.

Kill me, you can kill me now, with those soft fingers.

I will... hold me now.

I am scared.

Akiko.

Akiko.

When I am with you...

Chapter 9: Two loves

I feel like I am shrinking

and becoming a tiny bird, flying away...

It feels like going back to old memories.

Ryohei...

I will try to become a little girl again.

This is love, it has to be.

I will become a girl who is in love again.

Do I look nice?

Do I look nice?

I will write, I will, just for you.

Ryohei!

He went home.

He has someone inside of him.

He is not the one we are looking for,

he is not meant for you.

No, oh no, he can't have gone just like that.

He is no longer here.

Chapter 10: Reminiscence

That's right, I was waiting for him in my dream.

Give up.

I was hoping he would come back from Hollywood for me.

He will come back.

Come back to me.

That is impossible, Akiko.

He will, someday...

And so time passed...

Chapter 11: Return

How is going with Akiko's picture that we were promised?

Don't rush me. The island is well protected.

Hurry up, anyway, we have to spread it to the media as soon as possible.

So we can announce the film.

Isn't that Ryohei?

Ryohei...

What happened?

I can tell you are doing well.

I've come to inform you of the progress made.

It doesn't matter, we trust your work.

You just go back and look after Akiko.

Let's go home.

Ryohei, Production has been determined. You need to write a good one.

- I have to go back. - Yes, let's go home.

- I need to write. - Ryohei.

| have to write.

We are finished.

There is definitely something going on with her youth.

I will expose it for you too.

See, maestro, he is back.

Ryohei!

I have to write.

I have to write, I must.

This time for sure, you are mine.

I have to write, Shimura Ryohei must write a good scenario.

Maestro, I've won.

And as there is an end to film, there is also an end to life.

Chapter 12: Reminiscence 3

It's been 30 years.

and finally I have woken from this dream

and recalled everything that has happened in the past.

Who are you?

Who are you?

Where am I?

Where am I?

I see now...

This is me now.

I see...

It has been a such long time.

I am shocked.

I have been waiting for you.

I have been waiting for you for such a long time.

It is all a dream.

A wonderful dream, to wait for love.

How sad it was.

Not so much the dream as the waking.

There is no sadness in me.

It is just my body.

But this...

This, what is this?

It's not like me, not like me at all.

Where have they gone, all those crazy days?

I chose to have a crazy, passionate love.

If death was but another dream...

then that would be my choice.

Joji.

With you, Joji,

a passionate love once more.

Those days... they can never return.

But how I want them again.

Life is indeed a dream.

It is only the death of my aged body

after the dream is over.

Chapter 13: Resurrection

Even if the body dies, love can never fade.

Love can always create miracles.

Akiko.

Is that you?

Yes it's me.

You came back.

I'm back again.

To act a love story with my love.

And so I met him.

Sadness is now starting to become a habit.

Chapter 14: A smile before farewell

You must be Ryoko.

It seems like Ryohei is in spell or something.

Poor him, he looks really shabby now.

Yes, it's all gone too far.

He looks like a corpse.

I just want you to check if he's fine and tell him that I care for him.

Even accessing the island is hard,

the mansion reeks of death.

Once you get in, you become enchanted and it's impossible to leave.

I have money.

There isn't very much.

But this is all I've got.

What do you think, it's also a chance for you.

If you can get that scoop you've always wanted.

Think about it, something like this...

A boy tempted by the great star, or that sort of thing.

Alright then.

Let's do it. I'll get my big scoop.

The big scoop...

that one only gets...

once in one's life.

What was that?

You look just like my dad.

Your dad?

What happened to your dad?

He was a director too.

He didn't do great, but he's my dad and I'm proud of him.

Sorry, I talk too much.

Don't worry, little girl.

I'll do what I'm asked, after all, that's my job.

Be careful!

And she dreams, over the blue glass of ambition.

A love, brilliant heart, shining over the rainbow.

Chapter 15 Temptation in the night

This legendary afternoon, you visit with a pure heart.

And her presence will be held by warmth.

And the scene will be faded and faded out.

People cannot stay in the dream forever.

Let's finish for this evening,

and we'll have a fun night.

Just a bit more, now I'm in a groove.

Well then, take this.

The temptation to sleep, a smile of a dream.

Did you put something in it?

A love potion.

It's made me sleepy.

I'm writing for you, understand?

No, you are writing for yourself.

Now, shall we go to my room?

I must write.

Ryohei...

Chapter 16: Sneaking in

Chapter 17: An expected encounter

You fool, go home.

I have to do this, you won't let me in. Let me see Ryohei.

- Ryohei? - I have to see him no matter what.

I can't let you see him.

You have no right to stop me.

Why don't you let her in.

Akiko.

Come in.

Are you also from the studio?

How is shooting going?

We're having some time off.

It feels so nostalgic to see someone from there.

Come on in.

He is upstairs.

This way.

Ryohei, you have a visitor.

She has something to tell you.

Ryohei?

He is so cute.

Leave the two of us alone.

Fine, take your time.

Poor you, you look so shabby now.

Let's go home.

It will be done by tomorrow.

There is nothing for you to be worried about.

I read your old script last night. It was really good.

I really like your words.

So, please don't forget, and do good work.

And remember, there's no need to love me.

Come down, both of you, Akiko is waiting.

Come over here, it feels so good.

It's like we are swept up by the waves.

Do you hear? The lullaby of the seagull.

A red flower by the ocean,

what could be better? Now, go and get changed.

Ryohei...

You too.

Chapter 18: Temptation to sleep

What is this?

"Speaking in French"

Disgusting.

We invited some people from Hollywood a long time ago.

This is the meal that we served them.

That was so much fun wasn't it, maestro?

Just like this, being around the same table as them, eating cod cheeks.

With Buster Keaton.

Ryohei.

I feel drowsy.

I have to write.

That's right.

Chapter 19: Sorrowful afternoon

Entering someone's property should be punished.

You can do whatever you want to me,

but please, leave Ryohei alone.

There's nothing special about him. Is there? Is there?

You sound like the guy who came yesterday.

What's so important about him? Why does everyone protect him?

Akiko, Akiko...

I have loved you now for 40 years,

and now I've finally lost my virginity.

Chapter 20: Look with sin

Ryohei!

Mr. Tachihara... No...

Ryohei?

What's wrong?

It's nothing at all.

Nothing at all.

You are such a bad woman.

He is fine with it.

So you have never done it with the director?

No, not even once.

Ryohei!

She is gone.

I'm sorry.

Chapter 21: Escape

The ocean setting suits her.

She is going back to the bright lights.

She will never be able to have him.

From now on he is mine.

I shall sleep now...

And live with him forever in a dream.

You will die sooner or later.

I would be happy to follow after.

You should stay.

You are the one who creates dreams, not the one who has them.

Do not miss me, you have your films.

Thank you for coming such a long way.

Nice to meet you, sorry to have you under such troublesome circumstances.

Our previous director has spent most of our budget.

It's fine, we'll make do with what we have.

I've come to finish the film,

otherwise you'll be in a mess of trouble.

Now. Come on. We're starting again.

Get ready you lot, lights!

Ready, and action!

Jack!

Brother!

Finally a red rose will bloom on me.

Please help!

Ryohei will be killed.

Cut! Okay, that was...

unexpectedly wonderful.

Ryoko.

Legend of the Beautiful Ghost Cat by SHIMURA Ryohei featuring RYUZOJI Akiko

Chapter 22: Reminiscence and despair

Where are you going?

I've finished the scenario so I'm going to the studio.

They can come here to get it.

No, I want to deliver it,

my first scenario, and it will be on screen.

Please don't go now for Akiko's sake.

You are the only one who can keep Akiko in her dream.

In fact, you are no longer able to leave here.

Thank you for everything, I am finally finished.

Is that so?

I will deliver it now.

I shall be forever grateful.

Don't go.

What are you saying?

You were excited too for this scenario to be done.

But that doesn't matter.

Doesn't matter?

No, “doesn't matter". It wasn't the scenario I wanted...

But only you.

Joji.

Joji?

Come here now...

Joji.

I love you.

Joji.

Joji.

Joji.

Joji.

This is it, it's a miracle.

This is exactly what we mean by film.

Shimura Ryohei?

That's all it says.

Joji.

Joji.

Joji.

Joji!

Joji.

Do I look good?

Yoko.

Joji, don't go!

Some of one's memories

lie forbidden in one's heart.

And now you have recalled them.

Joji...

Because of you...

I am lonely again because of you.

Yes, that's right.

Now at last, You may rest easy in my heart.

Cut!

Chapter 23: Company

Ryoko, you have to be sure about it now.

I'm not lying. I'm not.

It doesn't matter, the media likes it.

Just get a scoop of Akiko.

Right, I've made up my mind. You can count on me.

Ryohei.

Listen to me.

How many times do I have to say this,

Akiko did not kill him.

She had left this world already, a month ago.

Then how do you explain this, Mizumori?

The truth, it always only exists in films.

Camera stand-by.

And... Action!

And so this is how the story ends.

Was I just only a dream?

Was I just a hallucination?

Look at you. You are alone too aren't you?

However, this is just a film.

And when a dream speaks the truth,

then it is the legend that people ought to believe.

Original English subtitles revised by corvusalbus