0
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000


1
00:01:08,668 --> 00:01:11,637
1630.

2
00:01:11,838 --> 00:01:15,239
13th day of May. Fair skies.

3
00:01:16,142 --> 00:01:18,633
Extremely hot from early in the day.

4
00:01:20,947 --> 00:01:24,041
10:00 a.m. - Master Bennosuke...

5
00:01:25,218 --> 00:01:28,551
pays a visit to the Kandabashi mansion
of the Honorable Lord Doi

6
00:01:29,556 --> 00:01:33,959
to present fresh river trout
from the Shirakawa River,

7
00:01:34,160 --> 00:01:37,095
which arrived from our domain.

8
00:01:37,764 --> 00:01:40,995
No other official business to record.

9
00:01:42,202 --> 00:01:43,191
However,

10
00:01:43,403 --> 00:01:45,371
at about 4:00 in the afternoon,

11
00:01:46,306 --> 00:01:51,300
a samurai claiming to be a former retainer
of the Fukushima Clan in Hiroshima

12
00:01:52,512 --> 00:01:55,379
appeared at our gate.

13
00:02:12,899 --> 00:02:16,198
HARAKIRI

14
00:02:26,613 --> 00:02:28,774
Produced by
TATSUO HOSOYA

15
00:02:29,182 --> 00:02:31,810
Original Story by
YASUHIKO TAKIGUCHI

16
00:02:33,253 --> 00:02:37,121
Screenplay by
SHINOBU HASHIMOTO

17
00:02:38,525 --> 00:02:42,393
Cinematography by
YOSHIO MIYAJIMA

18
00:02:43,796 --> 00:02:47,061
Music by
TORU TAKEMITSU

19
00:03:16,729 --> 00:03:18,822
Starring

20
00:03:20,233 --> 00:03:24,101
TATSUYA NAKADAI

21
00:03:25,505 --> 00:03:27,666
AKIRA ISHIHAMA

22
00:03:27,874 --> 00:03:30,035
SHIMA IWASHITA

23
00:03:31,511 --> 00:03:33,741
TETSURO TAMBA

24
00:03:34,047 --> 00:03:36,880
MASAO MISHIMA, ICHIRO NAKAYA

25
00:03:38,351 --> 00:03:40,683
KEI SATO

26
00:03:40,887 --> 00:03:43,685
YOSHIO INABA, YOSHIRO AOKI

27
00:04:03,876 --> 00:04:07,835
RENTARO MIKUNI

28
00:04:09,215 --> 00:04:14,346
Directed by
MASAKI KOBAYASHI

29
00:04:16,889 --> 00:04:19,323
SOTO SAKURADA-MACHI, EDO

30
00:04:19,692 --> 00:04:22,786
OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE IYI CLAN

31
00:04:25,632 --> 00:04:30,160
You were a retainer of the former
Fukushima Clan in Hiroshima?

32
00:04:30,370 --> 00:04:31,462
That is correct.

33
00:04:32,372 --> 00:04:36,001
My name is Hanshiro Tsugumo.

34
00:04:37,010 --> 00:04:40,173
Written with the character
tsu as in "harbor"

35
00:04:40,780 --> 00:04:43,112
and gumo as in "cloud."

36
00:04:44,717 --> 00:04:47,277
What is the nature of your visit?

37
00:04:48,054 --> 00:04:51,717
My master's house fell in 1619.

38
00:04:53,026 --> 00:04:56,223
I subsequently left the domain
and moved here to Edo,

39
00:04:56,429 --> 00:04:58,727
where I found shelter
in a back-alley tenement.

40
00:04:58,965 --> 00:05:01,263
While eking out a meager living,

41
00:05:01,701 --> 00:05:06,001
I sought connections
for employment with a new master.

42
00:05:07,140 --> 00:05:11,304
But try as I might,
we live in times of peace,

43
00:05:11,944 --> 00:05:15,038
and my every effort has been in vain.

44
00:05:15,648 --> 00:05:18,583
Failing to find employment
and with little to do,

45
00:05:18,785 --> 00:05:21,015
he finds himself in dire straits

46
00:05:21,220 --> 00:05:24,815
and believes
he can endure it no further.

47
00:05:26,526 --> 00:05:31,088
Rather than live on
in such poverty and disgrace,

48
00:05:31,597 --> 00:05:35,556
he wishes to die
honorably by harakiri

49
00:05:35,768 --> 00:05:40,102
and asks for permission
to use our forecourt.

50
00:05:41,207 --> 00:05:43,607
Such is his request.

51
00:05:45,812 --> 00:05:48,246
Not again.

52
00:05:49,382 --> 00:05:51,316
Will they never stop?

53
00:05:53,453 --> 00:05:55,819
How shall I respond?

54
00:05:59,425 --> 00:06:01,757
Fine. Show him in.

55
00:06:27,653 --> 00:06:29,143
This is the room, sir.

56
00:06:30,390 --> 00:06:31,652
Please go in.

57
00:06:36,295 --> 00:06:38,058
Thank you.

58
00:07:02,588 --> 00:07:04,818
I am a former retainer

59
00:07:05,458 --> 00:07:09,155
of Lord Masanori Fukushima
of Hiroshima,

60
00:07:09,662 --> 00:07:12,597
Hanshiro Tsugumo by name.

61
00:07:13,533 --> 00:07:16,161
I respectfully beg your favor.

62
00:07:17,303 --> 00:07:21,433
I am senior counselor
of the House of Iyi, Kageyu Saito.

63
00:07:21,641 --> 00:07:25,133
I am much obliged
for this immediate interview.

64
00:07:26,078 --> 00:07:27,602
The purpose of my visit -

65
00:07:27,814 --> 00:07:29,679
I've already been told
of your request.

66
00:07:31,651 --> 00:07:34,347
Rather than live on
in endless poverty,

67
00:07:34,887 --> 00:07:36,946
idly waiting for death,

68
00:07:37,156 --> 00:07:40,250
you wish to end your life in a manner
befitting a samurai, by harakiri.

69
00:07:41,627 --> 00:07:43,857
I believe that was the gist of it?

70
00:07:44,263 --> 00:07:45,958
That is correct.

71
00:07:46,732 --> 00:07:50,463
In these times,
it is a truly admirable resolve.

72
00:07:51,671 --> 00:07:54,105
I can only express the highest esteem.

73
00:07:56,108 --> 00:07:58,133
You mentioned

74
00:07:58,344 --> 00:08:01,404
that you served
the former Lord Fukushima.

75
00:08:01,781 --> 00:08:04,944
Did you happen to know
a man named Motome Chijiiwa?

76
00:08:06,219 --> 00:08:07,811
Chijiiwa?

77
00:08:08,888 --> 00:08:10,515
Yes.

78
00:08:12,525 --> 00:08:13,890
Hmm...

79
00:08:14,560 --> 00:08:16,494
You don't recognize the name?

80
00:08:17,096 --> 00:08:20,896
I'm quite certain he said
he'd served the former Lord Fukushima.

81
00:08:21,601 --> 00:08:25,401
In its prosperous days,
the clan's retainers

82
00:08:25,872 --> 00:08:27,965
numbered some 12,000 men.

83
00:08:29,375 --> 00:08:31,275
One could hardly know them all.

84
00:08:32,345 --> 00:08:33,676
I see.

85
00:08:34,247 --> 00:08:36,272
But never mind that.

86
00:08:36,883 --> 00:08:40,910
Earlier this year,
perhaps around the end of January,

87
00:08:41,754 --> 00:08:45,656
this ronin named Motome Chijiiwa
came calling,

88
00:08:46,092 --> 00:08:48,617
and the purpose of his visit
was the same as yours.

89
00:08:49,929 --> 00:08:54,025
He requested the use of our forecourt
to dispatch himself with honor.

90
00:08:55,468 --> 00:08:57,197
Is that right?

91
00:09:03,009 --> 00:09:08,208
Would you like me to tell you
what happened in that case?

92
00:09:09,549 --> 00:09:11,346
I would indeed.

93
00:09:11,751 --> 00:09:16,381
You say you were a retainer
of the former Fukushima Clan in Hiroshima?

94
00:09:17,256 --> 00:09:18,621
That is correct.

95
00:09:18,824 --> 00:09:21,054
I served the former
Lord Masanori Fukushima of Hiroshima.

96
00:09:22,562 --> 00:09:25,360
My name is Motome Chijiiwa.

97
00:09:26,032 --> 00:09:28,557
What is the nature of your visit?

98
00:09:29,835 --> 00:09:31,632
After the fall of my master's house,

99
00:09:31,837 --> 00:09:35,295
I moved here to Edo
and found shelter in a back-alley tenement.

100
00:09:36,676 --> 00:09:39,042
While eking out a meager living,

101
00:09:39,679 --> 00:09:44,013
I sought connections
for employment with a new master.

102
00:09:44,917 --> 00:09:47,408
But try as I might,
we live in times of peace...

103
00:09:49,455 --> 00:09:51,616
and my every effort has been in vain.

104
00:10:02,969 --> 00:10:05,164
So now it seems it's our turn.

105
00:10:07,974 --> 00:10:10,499
How shall we respond?

106
00:10:10,710 --> 00:10:12,143
Let me think.

107
00:10:14,680 --> 00:10:17,012
It's amazing how such foolishness
can take hold.

108
00:10:17,917 --> 00:10:20,351
Blame it on what
the Sengoku Clan did.

109
00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:23,917
Say what you will, that was a mistake.
- I disagree, Yazaki.

110
00:10:24,123 --> 00:10:26,956
That's not necessarily true.
- Why not?

111
00:10:27,493 --> 00:10:32,453
The fellow who went to the Sengoku house
was serious about disemboweling himself.

112
00:10:33,032 --> 00:10:35,364
There was nothing dishonorable
about his intent.

113
00:10:35,901 --> 00:10:39,462
Precisely because
they were touched by his sincerity,

114
00:10:39,672 --> 00:10:44,473
the Sengoku house decided
to take him in as a back-room retainer.

115
00:10:45,177 --> 00:10:48,340
That was good.
They made the right decision in that case.

116
00:10:49,882 --> 00:10:51,611
The problem

117
00:10:51,817 --> 00:10:55,548
is the shameless imitators
who have followed.

118
00:10:56,288 --> 00:10:58,848
They have no intention whatsoever
of performing harakiri,

119
00:10:59,225 --> 00:11:01,785
and just because they're hurting a little
for food and clothing,

120
00:11:02,228 --> 00:11:04,788
they show up at our gate
to practice their thinly disguised extortion.

121
00:11:04,997 --> 00:11:09,525
We can't very well allow him
to disembowel himself in our gateway.

122
00:11:10,670 --> 00:11:13,639
Our only choice is to follow
the example of other clans:

123
00:11:13,839 --> 00:11:16,899
Give him a little something
and ask him to leave.

124
00:11:17,643 --> 00:11:18,837
No.

125
00:11:19,378 --> 00:11:20,845
That will not do.

126
00:11:23,349 --> 00:11:25,408
If we give him money
and send him away,

127
00:11:25,951 --> 00:11:28,647
he'll soon be followed by others.

128
00:11:28,854 --> 00:11:30,913
One after the other,

129
00:11:31,223 --> 00:11:34,158
like ants drawn to a mound of sugar.

130
00:11:36,529 --> 00:11:38,156
Ever since the Battle of Sekigahara,

131
00:11:38,364 --> 00:11:41,697
Edo has been teeming with ronin -
masterless samurai.

132
00:11:42,535 --> 00:11:45,936
They're like wild dogs
roving about in search of prey.

133
00:11:48,441 --> 00:11:51,842
Think what people will say.

134
00:11:54,780 --> 00:11:58,477
"The House of Iyi has gone soft
like the others.

135
00:11:58,684 --> 00:12:02,051
Everybody thought they had backbone,
so until now, the ronin avoided their gate.

136
00:12:05,424 --> 00:12:07,392
But look what they've done now.

137
00:12:08,094 --> 00:12:10,756
They boast of their martial valor,

138
00:12:10,963 --> 00:12:13,090
but this is a time of peace,

139
00:12:13,299 --> 00:12:16,894
so they're just
living in yesterday's dreams."

140
00:12:18,170 --> 00:12:21,003
Would you have such laughable chatter

141
00:12:21,407 --> 00:12:23,034
spreading all over Edo?

142
00:12:24,610 --> 00:12:26,771
Especially when His Lordship
is away in his domain.

143
00:12:26,979 --> 00:12:28,537
Under no circumstances can we allow

144
00:12:28,748 --> 00:12:33,242
a stain to come upon our lord's name
while he's away.

145
00:12:34,954 --> 00:12:37,684
Giving him money
and asking him to leave -

146
00:12:38,324 --> 00:12:41,623
such lily-livered nonsense
is out of the question.

147
00:12:43,329 --> 00:12:46,526
He hasn't the slightest intention
of killing himself,

148
00:12:47,399 --> 00:12:49,196
yet he speaks of honorable harakiri.

149
00:12:49,401 --> 00:12:51,062
Counselor!

150
00:12:54,607 --> 00:12:56,040
If I may...

151
00:13:25,271 --> 00:13:27,068
My apologies for keeping you waiting.

152
00:13:36,315 --> 00:13:40,217
I am Umenosuke Kawabe,
a member of Lord Iyi's mounted guard.

153
00:13:40,686 --> 00:13:44,178
My name is Motome Chijiiwa,
a ronin from Hiroshima.

154
00:13:44,657 --> 00:13:47,785
Kindly come with me.

155
00:13:48,093 --> 00:13:49,082
Excuse me?

156
00:13:49,295 --> 00:13:50,990
I am to show you to the bath.

157
00:13:56,035 --> 00:13:59,163
Since Lord Iyi is at present
away in his domain,

158
00:13:59,538 --> 00:14:05,443
Senior Counselor Saito conveyed your
request to His Lordship's son, Bennosuke.

159
00:14:06,111 --> 00:14:09,012
He finds your resolve most admirable

160
00:14:09,215 --> 00:14:11,809
and wishes you to be brought forward
for an immediate audience.

161
00:14:13,252 --> 00:14:18,554
I am to have an audience
with Master Bennosuke?

162
00:14:18,757 --> 00:14:20,122
That is correct.

163
00:14:21,627 --> 00:14:25,529
I must beg your pardon,
but your present attire will not do.

164
00:14:27,867 --> 00:14:30,427
While you refresh yourself
in the bath,

165
00:14:30,636 --> 00:14:33,730
we'll see to some new robes for you.

166
00:14:35,708 --> 00:14:37,608
I place myself in your hands.

167
00:14:39,245 --> 00:14:41,338
Your kindness overwhelms me.

168
00:14:55,361 --> 00:14:56,692
I must be dreaming.

169
00:14:57,863 --> 00:14:59,353
This is so...

170
00:15:01,300 --> 00:15:03,359
completely unexpected.

171
00:15:04,136 --> 00:15:05,364
Almost -

172
00:15:05,704 --> 00:15:07,296
Pardon me.

173
00:15:20,219 --> 00:15:23,188
My apologies
for keeping you waiting so long.

174
00:15:24,990 --> 00:15:27,185
I must ask you to change again.

175
00:15:28,627 --> 00:15:30,322
Your robes.

176
00:16:00,392 --> 00:16:02,121
Is something wrong?

177
00:16:02,394 --> 00:16:05,420
What about my audience
with Master Bennosuke?

178
00:16:08,701 --> 00:16:11,295
I was told
I'd be granted an audience.

179
00:16:11,670 --> 00:16:13,297
I don't believe so.

180
00:16:13,706 --> 00:16:17,073
You must have misunderstood.
- No, I'm quite certain.

181
00:16:17,977 --> 00:16:22,073
That was the word I received from
Umenosuke Kawabe of the mounted guard.

182
00:16:23,182 --> 00:16:24,877
Kawabe?

183
00:16:26,151 --> 00:16:28,483
Now that you mention it...

184
00:16:30,622 --> 00:16:31,884
Yes, that must be it.

185
00:16:34,093 --> 00:16:37,620
So I'm not mistaken?

186
00:16:38,097 --> 00:16:40,861
I believe I understand.

187
00:16:43,235 --> 00:16:47,535
When Senior Counselor Saito
personally conveyed your desire

188
00:16:47,806 --> 00:16:50,604
to Master Bennosuke,

189
00:16:50,943 --> 00:16:53,969
he noted how rare it is these days to find
men with such a great sense of honor.

190
00:16:54,179 --> 00:16:58,013
"I would like to add this man
to the ranks of our retainers," he said.

191
00:17:00,552 --> 00:17:05,421
"But when a man declares
that he wishes to tear his belly open,

192
00:17:05,924 --> 00:17:09,257
it can only come
from a most profound resolve.

193
00:17:11,630 --> 00:17:14,292
I am sure it would be no use
trying to dissuade him.

194
00:17:14,933 --> 00:17:17,697
Grant him his final wish.

195
00:17:19,905 --> 00:17:21,873
Although I would like to meet
this man of such uncommon valor

196
00:17:22,074 --> 00:17:25,407
and tell him how much
I admire his purpose,

197
00:17:25,611 --> 00:17:29,672
I am unfortunately scheduled to go
to Lord Doi's residence at this hour.

198
00:17:30,482 --> 00:17:33,974
Extend to him
every courtesy of this house,

199
00:17:34,186 --> 00:17:39,180
and have all our retainers
witness his final act,

200
00:17:39,558 --> 00:17:42,356
that they may remember it
as a proud example."

201
00:17:42,561 --> 00:17:45,621
Such were Master Bennosuke's words,
I was told.

202
00:18:03,215 --> 00:18:06,013
Tell me:
What do you think of this story?

203
00:18:06,585 --> 00:18:09,315
A most interesting tale,

204
00:18:09,755 --> 00:18:13,316
worthy of the famous red armor
that symbolizes the House of Iyi

205
00:18:13,725 --> 00:18:16,523
and its reputation for great martial valor.

206
00:18:17,729 --> 00:18:21,221
May I ask what your intentions are?

207
00:18:22,134 --> 00:18:23,601
You mean...

208
00:18:25,437 --> 00:18:27,337
about this?

209
00:18:27,906 --> 00:18:29,840
Exactly.

210
00:18:33,979 --> 00:18:35,947
You may set your mind at ease.

211
00:18:36,648 --> 00:18:39,776
I came here
with every intention of dying.

212
00:18:41,753 --> 00:18:43,653
Well, well.

213
00:18:44,156 --> 00:18:46,989
A most admirable resolve.

214
00:18:50,596 --> 00:18:52,496
In that case, Master Tsugumo...

215
00:18:53,665 --> 00:18:56,498
perhaps I should recount for you

216
00:18:57,136 --> 00:18:59,866
a little more of Motome Chijiiwa's story.

217
00:19:00,906 --> 00:19:02,635
By all means.

218
00:19:02,975 --> 00:19:06,604
Now then,
we must be aware of the time.

219
00:19:06,812 --> 00:19:08,575
Please change into those robes.

220
00:19:09,781 --> 00:19:12,477
All other arrangements
are already in place

221
00:19:13,185 --> 00:19:15,415
for a harakiri ceremony
with all the proper formalities.

222
00:19:20,726 --> 00:19:22,557
I have a request.

223
00:19:24,429 --> 00:19:27,626
I must beg a brief respite.

224
00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:29,524
Respite?

225
00:19:29,735 --> 00:19:33,501
I will not run or hide.
I will return to this house.

226
00:19:34,006 --> 00:19:36,133
But I beg you
for a day or two respite.

227
00:19:38,043 --> 00:19:40,238
I'm afraid it's too late for that.

228
00:19:41,380 --> 00:19:44,076
- But this is absurd!
- Absurd?

229
00:19:45,584 --> 00:19:50,385
We made the harakiri arrangements
at your own request.

230
00:19:50,589 --> 00:19:52,614
My most abject apologies!

231
00:19:52,925 --> 00:19:55,917
Just a day or two respite.
I will return without fail.

232
00:19:57,362 --> 00:19:59,557
A samurai's word is his bond.

233
00:20:00,599 --> 00:20:02,464
There can be no delay!

234
00:20:44,943 --> 00:20:47,503
Master swordsman Hayato Yazaki.

235
00:20:49,081 --> 00:20:51,811
Fit and eager,
his skills honed to perfection.

236
00:20:52,618 --> 00:20:56,054
One false step
and he'll slice you in two.

237
00:20:57,222 --> 00:20:59,156
The others will descend on you as well.

238
00:21:06,999 --> 00:21:09,331
Rather than being chopped up
like a dead fish,

239
00:21:09,635 --> 00:21:12,968
perform harakiri
and die like a samurai.

240
00:21:14,239 --> 00:21:16,935
Now, change into those robes.

241
00:21:47,906 --> 00:21:50,739
O ancestors of the House of Iyi...

242
00:21:52,144 --> 00:21:56,046
I must beg your forgiveness
for defiling the mansion courtyard

243
00:21:56,748 --> 00:21:58,739
with unworthy ronin blood.

244
00:22:12,964 --> 00:22:15,762
I do this to preserve
the honor of this house,

245
00:22:16,101 --> 00:22:19,093
as well as that
of the Tokugawa family,

246
00:22:20,605 --> 00:22:23,403
and of the samurai code itself.

247
00:22:25,110 --> 00:22:29,240
I beg you to be witness
to my decision.

248
00:23:16,395 --> 00:23:18,454
His short blade is the same.

249
00:23:18,964 --> 00:23:20,898
Look at it.

250
00:23:21,199 --> 00:23:25,067
It wouldn't cut tofu.

251
00:23:26,505 --> 00:23:31,067
He sells off his soul as a samurai,
replacing his blades with bamboo,

252
00:23:31,309 --> 00:23:33,971
and then shows up
saying he wants to perform harakiri?

253
00:23:34,179 --> 00:23:36,670
The nerve of the man!

254
00:23:39,851 --> 00:23:42,911
Everything is in place
for the ceremony to begin.

255
00:23:59,404 --> 00:24:01,804
Master Motome Chijiiwa...

256
00:24:03,875 --> 00:24:05,866
rather than sit and wait
for death in dire poverty,

257
00:24:06,077 --> 00:24:10,036
you've declared your wish
to die honorably by harakiri.

258
00:24:11,016 --> 00:24:13,814
It is a commendable decision.

259
00:24:14,152 --> 00:24:17,212
You are an example for all samurai.

260
00:24:19,658 --> 00:24:21,922
I am ashamed to admit

261
00:24:23,094 --> 00:24:27,622
that even in this house known for martial
valor since our ancestor Naomasa's day,

262
00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:32,036
the resolve you've shown
is seen but rarely.

263
00:24:33,738 --> 00:24:36,730
So that they may witness
the noble demise of a true warrior,

264
00:24:37,609 --> 00:24:40,169
and engrave a lasting impression of it
upon their minds,

265
00:24:40,645 --> 00:24:43,808
I've ordered all retainers
of this household to attend.

266
00:24:46,485 --> 00:24:49,818
May your heart be at peace.

267
00:24:53,492 --> 00:24:55,016
I beg of you!

268
00:24:55,894 --> 00:24:57,521
What is it?

269
00:24:57,729 --> 00:25:02,428
I beg for a brief respite -
a day or two's grace!

270
00:25:03,134 --> 00:25:06,365
I swear I will not run or hide.
I'll return to this spot without fail!

271
00:25:06,671 --> 00:25:09,105
Please! I implore you!

272
00:25:10,742 --> 00:25:13,302
This is most unexpected.

273
00:25:14,079 --> 00:25:17,537
I've heard lately
of incidents all across Edo

274
00:25:17,749 --> 00:25:21,207
in which ronin who don't deserve
to call themselves samurai

275
00:25:21,753 --> 00:25:26,349
demand the use of a clan's forecourt
to commit harakiri

276
00:25:27,425 --> 00:25:30,519
but are happy to walk away
in exchange for a few coins.

277
00:25:32,330 --> 00:25:34,161
Surely you're not -

278
00:25:35,333 --> 00:25:38,029
Absolutely not, sir.

279
00:25:38,270 --> 00:25:39,931
No, no.

280
00:25:40,338 --> 00:25:41,862
Of course not.

281
00:25:42,774 --> 00:25:47,211
I'd never believe that a man
of your noble character and mien

282
00:25:48,446 --> 00:25:50,676
could be such a despicable extortionist.

283
00:25:52,684 --> 00:25:53,912
Now then.

284
00:25:54,386 --> 00:25:56,013
You may proceed.

285
00:26:12,537 --> 00:26:15,438
Unworthy as I am,
I shall be your second.

286
00:26:17,509 --> 00:26:20,410
I am an exponent
of the Shindo-Munen-Ichi school.

287
00:26:25,417 --> 00:26:29,114
I imagine you are aware,
but let me note just to be sure.

288
00:26:30,455 --> 00:26:34,789
The rite of harakiri
has changed over time.

289
00:26:35,460 --> 00:26:38,520
In recent years,
it is often harakiri in name only.

290
00:26:38,964 --> 00:26:41,865
The subject reaches for the blade
on the wooden stand,

291
00:26:42,200 --> 00:26:45,761
and his second immediately
strikes off his head.

292
00:26:47,138 --> 00:26:49,766
In other words,
there is no disembowelment at all,

293
00:26:50,141 --> 00:26:54,942
and in fact sometimes
the stand holds not a short sword

294
00:26:55,146 --> 00:26:57,239
but only a folding fan.

295
00:26:58,750 --> 00:27:00,308
However,

296
00:27:00,518 --> 00:27:03,385
our proceedings today will not sink

297
00:27:03,588 --> 00:27:06,455
to such debased and empty forms.

298
00:27:06,691 --> 00:27:09,990
We shall adhere strictly
to the traditional ways.

299
00:27:12,564 --> 00:27:14,395
Is that understood?

300
00:27:15,567 --> 00:27:20,300
You will rip your bowels open
crosswise, like this.

301
00:27:21,706 --> 00:27:25,733
Once I see you have done so,
I will strike off your head.

302
00:27:29,781 --> 00:27:32,682
Until I'm satisfied
you've fully torn open your bowels,

303
00:27:32,884 --> 00:27:34,977
I will not bring down my sword.

304
00:27:35,186 --> 00:27:38,713
Is that understood?
Now then.

305
00:28:15,326 --> 00:28:17,260
It is your own sword.

306
00:28:17,662 --> 00:28:19,527
That is the blade you will use.

307
00:28:22,333 --> 00:28:24,927
A samurai's sword is his soul.

308
00:28:26,604 --> 00:28:30,040
No blade could be more fitting
for this purpose than your own.

309
00:29:01,306 --> 00:29:03,934
Come. What keeps you?

310
00:29:06,344 --> 00:29:07,834
Proceed.

311
00:30:37,836 --> 00:30:41,169
Strike! Strike me!

312
00:30:42,040 --> 00:30:44,372
No, not yet!

313
00:30:44,742 --> 00:30:46,107
Pull your blade across!

314
00:31:08,733 --> 00:31:10,166
Why do you delay?

315
00:31:10,368 --> 00:31:13,098
Draw your blade across!
Pull it to the right!

316
00:32:01,119 --> 00:32:04,247
I suppose he had no other recourse,

317
00:32:04,722 --> 00:32:07,020
but even so,
to bite off his tongue?

318
00:32:07,225 --> 00:32:11,093
Would you say he was being resourceful,
or just unseemly?

319
00:32:11,663 --> 00:32:13,722
Then again,

320
00:32:13,932 --> 00:32:18,528
who in his right mind attempts harakiri
with just a bamboo sword?

321
00:32:21,572 --> 00:32:23,233
Now then...

322
00:32:24,475 --> 00:32:26,773
what are your intentions?

323
00:32:29,981 --> 00:32:31,949
You mean...

324
00:32:33,551 --> 00:32:35,178
about this?

325
00:32:37,789 --> 00:32:40,485
The account I've given you

326
00:32:40,892 --> 00:32:44,953
of Motome Chijiiwa's fate
is true in every detail.

327
00:32:47,198 --> 00:32:50,656
Take my advice, Master Tsugumo.

328
00:32:51,703 --> 00:32:53,170
Quietly take your leave.

329
00:32:54,072 --> 00:32:58,304
You need have no such concerns with me.

330
00:32:59,644 --> 00:33:03,774
Unlike this Chijiiwa fellow...

331
00:33:05,216 --> 00:33:08,049
the sword in my belt
is not made of bamboo.

332
00:33:09,387 --> 00:33:14,950
Rest assured, I will not bite off my tongue.
I will disembowel myself in grand form.

333
00:33:19,897 --> 00:33:21,558
Very well.

334
00:33:22,066 --> 00:33:23,658
Master Tsugumo,

335
00:33:23,868 --> 00:33:28,066
since you are unswerving in your resolve,
I shall grant your wish.

336
00:33:28,439 --> 00:33:30,100
Attendant!

337
00:33:35,813 --> 00:33:38,805
This ronin from Hiroshima,
Master Hanshiro Tsugumo,

338
00:33:39,017 --> 00:33:42,214
is to be granted use of the courtyard
to perform harakiri.

339
00:33:45,156 --> 00:33:47,989
His present dress will not do.

340
00:33:48,192 --> 00:33:50,422
Give him fresh robes befitting
one who journeys to the next world.

341
00:33:50,628 --> 00:33:51,959
If I may.

342
00:33:52,163 --> 00:33:53,460
What is it?

343
00:33:54,665 --> 00:33:57,361
Please do not trouble yourselves
over such things.

344
00:33:58,636 --> 00:34:02,072
For the final moments
of a down-and-out ronin like myself...

345
00:34:03,608 --> 00:34:07,874
surely nothing is more fitting
than the clothes I now wear.

346
00:34:25,430 --> 00:34:30,925
I am deeply grateful for the courteous
and considerate treatment

347
00:34:31,636 --> 00:34:33,797
you have accorded me today.

348
00:34:34,605 --> 00:34:39,042
I can find no adequate words
to thank you.

349
00:34:39,444 --> 00:34:42,072
Now then, I shall begin.

350
00:34:46,551 --> 00:34:48,246
Might I ask, Counselor,

351
00:34:48,986 --> 00:34:52,387
who will be serving as my second?

352
00:34:54,559 --> 00:34:57,995
I have assigned Ichiro Shinmen.

353
00:35:00,098 --> 00:35:01,895
Master Shinmen?

354
00:35:07,171 --> 00:35:08,798
Did you wish for someone else?

355
00:35:09,407 --> 00:35:10,772
Yes, sir.

356
00:35:11,309 --> 00:35:15,507
I would like Master Hikokuro Omodaka.

357
00:35:15,713 --> 00:35:17,510
You request Hikokuro?

358
00:35:17,949 --> 00:35:20,509
I believe he's a retainer in this house.

359
00:35:20,718 --> 00:35:24,916
I've heard he's trained
in the Shindo-Munen-Ichi school.

360
00:35:25,289 --> 00:35:26,984
Indeed.

361
00:35:27,191 --> 00:35:29,785
Hikokuro is a fine choice.

362
00:35:30,495 --> 00:35:32,019
Hikokuro.

363
00:35:35,333 --> 00:35:38,393
I'm afraid he's not
in attendance today.

364
00:35:39,637 --> 00:35:44,165
He sent a note saying he's ill
and requesting a few day's rest.

365
00:35:44,375 --> 00:35:47,344
I see. That's too bad.

366
00:35:48,679 --> 00:35:50,203
Master Tsugumo.

367
00:35:50,882 --> 00:35:54,409
As you heard,
Omodaka is not present today.

368
00:35:56,654 --> 00:35:58,713
You will need to make another choice.

369
00:36:00,491 --> 00:36:02,891
That is most disappointing.

370
00:36:04,662 --> 00:36:08,359
I had my heart set on Master Omodaka
performing the service.

371
00:36:08,566 --> 00:36:11,933
I wonder if I might not beg
his special consideration.

372
00:36:14,338 --> 00:36:16,033
Well,

373
00:36:16,374 --> 00:36:19,343
he says he's ill,
but he seemed fine yesterday.

374
00:36:20,645 --> 00:36:22,806
Surely it can't be anything serious.

375
00:36:25,183 --> 00:36:26,650
Messenger!

376
00:36:36,027 --> 00:36:39,758
Make all due haste
to Omodaka's residence.

377
00:36:40,131 --> 00:36:44,329
Tell him to come immediately,
if his illness permits. Now hurry.

378
00:36:52,243 --> 00:36:54,268
I'm putting you
to a great deal of trouble.

379
00:36:54,879 --> 00:36:57,143
Please accept my apologies.

380
00:36:58,149 --> 00:36:59,980
Now then,

381
00:37:00,384 --> 00:37:02,750
do you wish to wait here

382
00:37:03,054 --> 00:37:05,249
or would you like
to come inside and relax?

383
00:37:05,456 --> 00:37:06,855
No.

384
00:37:07,058 --> 00:37:10,721
The comfort of your residence
might cause my resolve to waver.

385
00:37:12,396 --> 00:37:17,800
My journey into eternity mustn't grow
distasteful. I shall remain here.

386
00:37:19,604 --> 00:37:22,038
You display remarkable discipline.

387
00:37:22,940 --> 00:37:25,340
I can but express my admiration.

388
00:37:27,778 --> 00:37:29,803
If I may, Counselor,

389
00:37:30,815 --> 00:37:35,184
it could be quite tedious for us both
to sit here and wait in silence.

390
00:37:37,455 --> 00:37:39,150
To pass the time,

391
00:37:39,357 --> 00:37:42,485
perhaps you'll allow me to tell you
a little about myself.

392
00:37:45,730 --> 00:37:48,392
About yourself?

393
00:37:49,133 --> 00:37:50,794
Yes.

394
00:37:51,168 --> 00:37:55,502
The hardscrabble tales of a half-starved
ronin don't amount to much,

395
00:37:55,840 --> 00:37:58,206
but what befalls others today

396
00:37:58,909 --> 00:38:01,469
may be your own fate tomorrow.

397
00:38:03,781 --> 00:38:06,011
Perhaps your retainers

398
00:38:06,217 --> 00:38:10,449
will find some small point or two
worth remembering

399
00:38:10,655 --> 00:38:12,623
among my otherwise
useless ramblings.

400
00:38:14,558 --> 00:38:17,322
"What befalls others today
may be your own fate tomorrow"?

401
00:38:24,168 --> 00:38:27,296
This could be amusing.

402
00:38:31,609 --> 00:38:34,305
I want everyone here
to listen carefully to this man.

403
00:38:34,645 --> 00:38:37,910
The words of one
staring death in the face...

404
00:38:39,583 --> 00:38:42,518
are unlikely to be useless ramblings.

405
00:38:44,322 --> 00:38:47,780
I'm sure we'll all learn something.

406
00:38:49,760 --> 00:38:51,227
Counselor.

407
00:38:56,934 --> 00:38:59,903
That tale you related earlier -

408
00:39:01,739 --> 00:39:05,300
may I be assured
it was true in every detail?

409
00:39:10,214 --> 00:39:11,340
Indeed.

410
00:39:13,217 --> 00:39:16,880
The ronin from Hiroshima
named Motome Chijiiwa

411
00:39:17,655 --> 00:39:20,954
was a man of some acquaintance to me.

412
00:39:40,411 --> 00:39:42,743
Motome Chijiiwa...

413
00:39:45,116 --> 00:39:49,746
was a man of some acquaintance to me.

414
00:40:27,258 --> 00:40:30,716
Motome was a lad of 15,

415
00:40:32,096 --> 00:40:35,691
and my daughter Miho
was an angelic child of 11.

416
00:40:36,967 --> 00:40:39,162
That was 11 years ago.

417
00:40:41,038 --> 00:40:43,529
But when I close my eyes,

418
00:40:44,108 --> 00:40:50,240
their images come back to me vividly,
as if it were only yesterday.

419
00:41:10,034 --> 00:41:12,400
- My turn again.
- Never mind.

420
00:41:13,070 --> 00:41:16,005
All we do all day is count stones
to repair the castle walls.

421
00:41:16,207 --> 00:41:18,505
We won't be needing bows and arrows
for a good long while.

422
00:41:18,809 --> 00:41:22,074
"The world is at peace.
The four seas are calm."

423
00:41:25,049 --> 00:41:28,780
Incidentally, this coming 22nd

424
00:41:29,019 --> 00:41:31,351
is the seventh anniversary
of Nui's passing.

425
00:41:32,389 --> 00:41:35,847
I knew it was coming up,
but is it seven years already?

426
00:41:36,293 --> 00:41:40,923
Yes, and I'm planning
a modest ceremony at my residence.

427
00:41:41,131 --> 00:41:42,860
Don't bring any offerings.

428
00:41:43,067 --> 00:41:44,534
Very well.

429
00:41:44,735 --> 00:41:47,329
I can hardly believe it.

430
00:41:47,538 --> 00:41:49,529
Seven years already.

431
00:41:51,542 --> 00:41:54,010
What never ceases to amaze me

432
00:41:55,145 --> 00:41:57,113
is how a rough warrior like you

433
00:41:57,314 --> 00:42:00,909
has managed to raise Miho all these years
without taking a second wife.

434
00:42:01,118 --> 00:42:02,517
Come, Jinnai.

435
00:42:03,354 --> 00:42:05,720
Look who's talking.

436
00:42:05,923 --> 00:42:10,485
When your Yuki died,
I wondered how you would ever manage.

437
00:42:10,895 --> 00:42:12,328
But look at you.

438
00:42:12,530 --> 00:42:16,466
You're a perfect example
of the kite begetting a hawk.

439
00:42:16,800 --> 00:42:18,062
Kite begetting a hawk?

440
00:42:18,402 --> 00:42:20,461
You were the widower kite,

441
00:42:20,671 --> 00:42:25,233
doting so on your child
in every aspect of his upbringing,

442
00:42:25,442 --> 00:42:26,773
that lo and behold,

443
00:42:26,977 --> 00:42:31,812
the child grew not into a kite
but a magnificent young hawk.

444
00:42:32,016 --> 00:42:33,506
Nonsense.

445
00:42:34,485 --> 00:42:37,682
He certainly keeps growing,
but he's got a long way to go

446
00:42:38,022 --> 00:42:42,254
before you can compare him
to a young hawk soaring freely overhead.

447
00:42:43,794 --> 00:42:45,284
You know,

448
00:42:45,496 --> 00:42:49,227
I never figured either of us would be good
for anything but battlefield laurels,

449
00:42:49,833 --> 00:42:52,393
but we haven't done too bad
at raising children.

450
00:43:00,010 --> 00:43:04,572
Had life gone on like that,
all would have been well.

451
00:43:07,051 --> 00:43:09,349
But it was not to be.

452
00:43:12,089 --> 00:43:14,853
When all is said and done,

453
00:43:15,626 --> 00:43:18,424
our lives are like houses
built on foundations of sand.

454
00:43:19,697 --> 00:43:22,097
One strong wind and all is gone.

455
00:43:25,135 --> 00:43:29,834
How my master's house
with its 498,000-koku domain

456
00:43:30,040 --> 00:43:31,974
was brought to ruin...

457
00:43:33,344 --> 00:43:37,610
I'm sure you already know
even better than I do myself.

458
00:43:40,384 --> 00:43:43,478
Owing to an unreasonable and one-sided
judgment by the Tokugawa shogunate

459
00:43:43,687 --> 00:43:48,215
regarding the repairs
being performed on Hiroshima Castle,

460
00:43:49,093 --> 00:43:51,527
in June of 1619,

461
00:43:52,029 --> 00:43:55,760
my master, Masanori Fukushima,
was ordered into exile at Kawanakajima,

462
00:43:56,133 --> 00:44:00,433
leaving his 12,000 retainers
without any means of livelihood...

463
00:44:01,538 --> 00:44:04,302
through no fault of their own.

464
00:44:36,273 --> 00:44:37,763
Jinnai!

465
00:44:43,180 --> 00:44:45,171
TO HANSHIRO TSUGUMO

466
00:44:49,687 --> 00:44:54,420
In view of our long-standing friendship,
I ask your indulgence in the following:

467
00:44:55,526 --> 00:44:57,790
The castle repairs commissioner,

468
00:44:57,995 --> 00:45:00,327
the Honorable Masakatsu Fukushima,

469
00:45:00,664 --> 00:45:03,599
will be electing death at any moment.

470
00:45:05,069 --> 00:45:09,301
Therefore, I will precede him
on his journey.

471
00:45:09,640 --> 00:45:12,768
My company alone will suffice.

472
00:45:14,044 --> 00:45:16,137
I beg you not to follow.

473
00:45:18,615 --> 00:45:20,981
Regarding my only child, Motome,

474
00:45:21,819 --> 00:45:25,448
he has grown tall,
but he is still only 15.

475
00:45:27,057 --> 00:45:30,356
Please look after him
as he finds his way in life.

476
00:45:43,207 --> 00:45:45,539
Why did he have to be so hasty?

477
00:45:45,909 --> 00:45:48,036
Committing harakiri
even before I have done so.

478
00:45:48,979 --> 00:45:51,948
Hanshiro, I forbid you to follow.

479
00:45:52,783 --> 00:45:55,752
If the house could still be saved, I might
wish you to accompany me in death.

480
00:45:56,520 --> 00:45:59,717
But with the house abolished,
it would be pointless.

481
00:46:01,525 --> 00:46:03,584
Jinnai's company will suffice.
- But, sire!

482
00:46:03,794 --> 00:46:05,625
Don't be foolish, Hanshiro.

483
00:46:06,864 --> 00:46:11,699
Jinnai died because he knew
you would if he didn't.

484
00:46:12,369 --> 00:46:14,929
He died to accompany me
on your behalf as well.

485
00:46:15,939 --> 00:46:17,998
Which means, Hanshiro,

486
00:46:18,575 --> 00:46:20,600
that you must now live on.

487
00:46:21,445 --> 00:46:23,379
Both for you and for him.

488
00:46:28,285 --> 00:46:33,222
And also for his son, Motome.
Who will look after him if not you?

489
00:46:38,529 --> 00:46:42,795
I go now to meet Jinnai.

490
00:46:43,567 --> 00:46:48,869
Hanshiro, is there anything
you'd like me to tell him?

491
00:46:51,942 --> 00:46:54,410
Do you have nothing for me to say?

492
00:46:55,179 --> 00:46:57,147
Tell Jinnai...

493
00:46:57,447 --> 00:46:59,608
Tell Jinnai this.

494
00:47:03,320 --> 00:47:04,912
Have no fears about Motome.

495
00:47:05,322 --> 00:47:08,485
I will watch over his every step
on the path to manhood.

496
00:47:09,793 --> 00:47:15,163
I will not fail him.
I swear this on my life.

497
00:47:16,900 --> 00:47:20,301
Go on, Master Tsugumo.

498
00:47:33,917 --> 00:47:35,680
What did you find out?

499
00:47:36,486 --> 00:47:39,478
It seems his illness
is indeed most serious.

500
00:47:39,823 --> 00:47:41,882
What's the nature of the ailment?

501
00:47:42,092 --> 00:47:44,617
According to his family,
a high fever

502
00:47:44,828 --> 00:47:47,922
and excruciating pain
in all his joints.

503
00:47:48,866 --> 00:47:49,958
Go on.

504
00:47:50,167 --> 00:47:53,500
I asked if I might visit him
at his bedside,

505
00:47:53,704 --> 00:47:56,605
but he sent word back
that his pain was so great

506
00:47:56,807 --> 00:47:59,674
that he did not wish to be seen
in his present state.

507
00:48:00,444 --> 00:48:04,039
All I could do was convey
the message you sent and return.

508
00:48:04,248 --> 00:48:06,808
It seems
there's nothing we can do.

509
00:48:07,451 --> 00:48:11,945
Perhaps he was overcome by
the relentless heat of recent days.

510
00:48:15,826 --> 00:48:17,384
Master Tsugumo,

511
00:48:18,495 --> 00:48:20,588
you heard what he said.

512
00:48:20,797 --> 00:48:24,597
I must ask you to select
someone else as your second.

513
00:48:28,372 --> 00:48:31,739
I am sorely disappointed,
but it appears I have no choice.

514
00:48:33,877 --> 00:48:35,777
In that case...

515
00:48:37,948 --> 00:48:41,384
I would ask for Master Hayato Yazaki.

516
00:48:43,654 --> 00:48:45,212
Hayato?

517
00:48:49,493 --> 00:48:52,951
Inaba, I believe he too
has been absent these four or five days?

518
00:48:53,163 --> 00:48:54,528
That is correct.

519
00:48:54,731 --> 00:48:58,758
He requested leave
because he wasn't feeling well.

520
00:49:00,437 --> 00:49:02,132
Master Tsugumo,

521
00:49:03,440 --> 00:49:07,171
I'm afraid Hayato Yazaki
is also absent due to illness.

522
00:49:10,013 --> 00:49:12,481
Master Yazaki is also ill?

523
00:49:13,583 --> 00:49:15,574
I'm sorry to hear that.

524
00:49:20,190 --> 00:49:22,055
Again it seems I have no choice.

525
00:49:23,260 --> 00:49:27,026
I request Master Umenosuke Kawabe.

526
00:49:31,868 --> 00:49:33,358
Counselor,

527
00:49:34,504 --> 00:49:37,667
surely it's not possible

528
00:49:38,675 --> 00:49:41,473
that Master Kawabe
is also under the weather?

529
00:49:55,392 --> 00:49:57,053
Well, well.

530
00:49:57,928 --> 00:50:00,328
It seems he is indeed indisposed.

531
00:50:02,466 --> 00:50:08,234
All three unavailable
on this particular day -

532
00:50:09,306 --> 00:50:12,070
what a very odd coincidence.

533
00:50:15,312 --> 00:50:17,041
Most curious.

534
00:50:25,288 --> 00:50:27,279
- He's up to something.
- Clearly so.

535
00:50:28,392 --> 00:50:31,384
Hikokuro was the one
who first insisted

536
00:50:31,928 --> 00:50:36,262
that Motome Chijiiwa
be forced to go through with harakiri.

537
00:50:37,300 --> 00:50:39,097
Yazaki was the one

538
00:50:40,137 --> 00:50:43,334
who discovered his blades were bamboo
and insisted he be forced to use them,

539
00:50:44,574 --> 00:50:46,735
and Kawabe was quick to agree.

540
00:50:46,943 --> 00:50:50,003
That's why I urged that he at least
be spared the bamboo blade.

541
00:50:50,213 --> 00:50:53,011
- Of what good is that now?
- Indeed, sire.

542
00:50:56,219 --> 00:50:58,744
But how shall we deal with him?

543
00:50:58,955 --> 00:51:01,219
I doubt he intends
to meekly disembowel himself.

544
00:51:02,392 --> 00:51:05,327
He obviously has something
up his sleeve.

545
00:51:08,065 --> 00:51:09,157
Whatever it is...

546
00:51:10,934 --> 00:51:13,732
he won't get away with it.

547
00:51:14,738 --> 00:51:18,265
We'll force his hand
and make him commit harakiri.

548
00:51:19,709 --> 00:51:22,177
In fact, if he refuses,

549
00:51:22,879 --> 00:51:25,939
we'll descend upon him in force
and cut him down.

550
00:51:31,621 --> 00:51:35,387
What happens within the walls
of this compound...

551
00:51:36,660 --> 00:51:39,857
is as secret as what happens
behind the walls of our castle back home.

552
00:51:44,101 --> 00:51:46,797
One signal from me
and everyone will know what to do.

553
00:51:50,574 --> 00:51:54,271
But I'm bothered
about Hikokuro and the other two.

554
00:51:56,813 --> 00:51:59,145
I need to send someone
to find out more...

555
00:52:00,417 --> 00:52:01,941
and under the circumstances,

556
00:52:02,152 --> 00:52:06,111
I'd like you to personally hurry
and find out the real story.

557
00:52:19,236 --> 00:52:20,635
Master Tsugumo...

558
00:52:25,075 --> 00:52:29,239
summer days are long,
but the hour advances.

559
00:52:34,050 --> 00:52:36,814
I must ask you to proceed
without further delay.

560
00:52:37,020 --> 00:52:38,510
But, Counselor,

561
00:52:39,256 --> 00:52:41,724
the ritual cannot take place
without a second.

562
00:52:41,925 --> 00:52:43,756
I understand your concern,

563
00:52:43,960 --> 00:52:46,861
but I've discussed the matter
with my senior colleagues.

564
00:52:47,931 --> 00:52:51,389
With all three men of your choice ailing,
we cannot accommodate your wishes.

565
00:52:52,702 --> 00:52:55,102
You will have to accept our selection.

566
00:52:56,473 --> 00:52:58,202
Ichiro Shinmen!

567
00:52:59,342 --> 00:53:02,709
I command you to serve
as second for Master Tsugumo.

568
00:53:04,114 --> 00:53:06,742
Perform your duty with care.

569
00:53:07,517 --> 00:53:09,109
I must protest!

570
00:53:11,087 --> 00:53:12,645
To act as my second,

571
00:53:12,856 --> 00:53:16,383
I have named
three specially selected men.

572
00:53:17,594 --> 00:53:21,291
I must have one of these three.

573
00:53:22,966 --> 00:53:25,093
Are you deaf?

574
00:53:29,339 --> 00:53:32,797
All three you name are ill
and are not present today.

575
00:53:34,077 --> 00:53:38,343
I explained this very clearly.
Did you not hear?

576
00:53:40,283 --> 00:53:45,084
Then in that case,
I have no choice.

577
00:53:46,456 --> 00:53:49,425
I must call off my harakiri for now.

578
00:53:50,894 --> 00:53:53,590
Enough, Hanshiro Tsugumo!

579
00:53:54,397 --> 00:53:56,797
Your extortion scheme
has gone too far.

580
00:53:58,501 --> 00:54:02,938
It's bad enough to march in here
demanding a place to perform harakiri,

581
00:54:03,340 --> 00:54:06,400
but then you quibble endlessly
over naming your second.

582
00:54:06,876 --> 00:54:09,902
You never intended to commit harakiri.

583
00:54:10,347 --> 00:54:12,008
All you really want is money!

584
00:54:12,215 --> 00:54:13,910
Counselor!

585
00:54:14,651 --> 00:54:16,676
If I were the extortionist you say,

586
00:54:17,254 --> 00:54:20,519
would I be calmly sitting here
on this platform?

587
00:54:20,724 --> 00:54:24,023
- Then why do you not quietly proceed?
- I am fully prepared to die.

588
00:54:25,762 --> 00:54:28,458
But cutting my belly open
does not in itself

589
00:54:28,665 --> 00:54:31,566
ensure smooth passage
to the netherworld.

590
00:54:31,801 --> 00:54:35,168
I need someone to expeditiously
strike off my head -

591
00:54:35,438 --> 00:54:38,532
a swordsman of reliable skill.

592
00:54:40,010 --> 00:54:43,104
I do not perform harakiri
to atone for a crime or offense.

593
00:54:44,080 --> 00:54:46,412
The least I can expect
is to choose my own second.

594
00:55:11,241 --> 00:55:13,732
Further debate on the matter

595
00:55:16,379 --> 00:55:18,939
is clearly a waste of time.

596
00:55:38,501 --> 00:55:41,493
You are a fraud,
a disgrace to our class.

597
00:55:42,472 --> 00:55:45,032
You never intended
to commit harakiri.

598
00:56:14,070 --> 00:56:15,401
Insolent dog!

599
00:56:21,945 --> 00:56:23,537
Stop!

600
00:56:24,080 --> 00:56:26,878
Wait!

601
00:56:27,217 --> 00:56:28,184
Wait, I say!

602
00:56:54,444 --> 00:56:57,470
I beg of all those present

603
00:56:58,381 --> 00:57:02,078
a moment - a brief moment.

604
00:57:02,952 --> 00:57:06,353
You can't possibly have more to say.

605
00:57:06,556 --> 00:57:10,083
But I do.
I do have more to say.

606
00:57:11,294 --> 00:57:14,388
I haven't finished my story.

607
00:57:14,798 --> 00:57:19,394
I have no ears
for your endless ramblings.

608
00:57:19,602 --> 00:57:21,194
Counselor!

609
00:57:23,540 --> 00:57:25,531
If you force me to,

610
00:57:26,176 --> 00:57:29,976
I will fight desperately to the death,
no matter the odds against me.

611
00:57:31,781 --> 00:57:36,150
Some of your men
will be wounded undeservedly.

612
00:57:37,086 --> 00:57:39,384
Some may even lose their lives.

613
00:57:41,691 --> 00:57:43,454
Would it not be better

614
00:57:43,927 --> 00:57:46,953
to simply hear me out?

615
00:57:49,999 --> 00:57:51,830
Once I have finished my story,

616
00:57:52,035 --> 00:57:54,299
I will disembowel myself
with no further ado.

617
00:57:54,771 --> 00:57:57,433
Or if you feel harakiri
is too good for me,

618
00:57:57,640 --> 00:58:00,837
you may turn your men on me
to do what they will.

619
00:58:03,213 --> 00:58:04,771
In any event,

620
00:58:05,682 --> 00:58:10,244
I would first like you to hear
what I have to say.

621
00:58:18,461 --> 00:58:20,759
As to these conditions you state,

622
00:58:20,964 --> 00:58:22,829
do I have your word?

623
00:58:23,800 --> 00:58:25,859
You have my word.

624
00:58:27,136 --> 00:58:28,933
And as a samurai,
you will hold true to it?

625
00:58:45,688 --> 00:58:47,280
Very well,

626
00:58:47,490 --> 00:58:49,253
but make it short.

627
00:58:49,726 --> 00:58:53,628
I will not listen
to your useless mutterings for long.

628
00:58:56,065 --> 00:58:58,033
Men, fall back.

629
00:59:14,417 --> 00:59:17,181
Now, where was I?

630
00:59:21,491 --> 00:59:23,288
Oh, yes.

631
00:59:24,093 --> 00:59:26,357
My master's house fell

632
00:59:27,030 --> 00:59:29,624
and Jinnai Chijiiwa died,

633
00:59:30,900 --> 00:59:33,061
but before doing so,

634
00:59:33,269 --> 00:59:37,865
he asked me to look after Motome.

635
00:59:42,312 --> 00:59:45,213
When my master's house fell...

636
00:59:46,482 --> 00:59:49,713
we immediately left the domain
and moved to Edo.

637
00:59:51,721 --> 00:59:54,656
The streets of Edo
were crowded with ronin,

638
00:59:54,857 --> 00:59:57,052
flotsam from the Battle of Sekigahara.

639
00:59:58,261 --> 01:00:00,024
In former times,

640
01:00:00,229 --> 01:00:05,292
other clans would have gladly taken in
any ronin who'd earned a name for himself.

641
01:00:06,669 --> 01:00:09,001
But in an era no longer in need
of warriors or horses,

642
01:00:09,205 --> 01:00:13,005
so peaceful that no wind
even rustled the leaves on the trees,

643
01:00:14,243 --> 01:00:17,838
it was a constant struggle
simply to find a meal.

644
01:00:18,047 --> 01:00:21,778
Indeed, it shames me to recall

645
01:00:21,985 --> 01:00:24,977
our miserable lives
of these last eight or nine years.

646
01:00:29,726 --> 01:00:33,355
But amidst all our hardships...

647
01:00:34,664 --> 01:00:38,100
my daughter Miho
was rapidly becoming a woman,

648
01:00:39,202 --> 01:00:42,797
and soon it was
the spring of her 18th year.

649
01:01:10,400 --> 01:01:11,662
Father.

650
01:01:12,935 --> 01:01:17,770
I've set your lunch out
in case I'm not back in time.

651
01:01:18,174 --> 01:01:23,134
The greatest delicacies
taste of nothing when eaten alone.

652
01:01:23,646 --> 01:01:26,240
If you're not back, I'll wait.

653
01:01:27,016 --> 01:01:31,510
I'll collect for these and then stop
by Yoshizakicho for dried fish.

654
01:01:33,556 --> 01:01:35,251
Hello.

655
01:01:35,458 --> 01:01:36,618
Welcome, sir.

656
01:01:36,826 --> 01:01:39,124
Busy as usual?
Looks like you're on your way out.

657
01:01:39,328 --> 01:01:41,592
Yes, to the wholesaler
in Kyobashi.

658
01:01:41,798 --> 01:01:45,393
The Mikawaya, I suppose.
Take care.

659
01:01:54,177 --> 01:01:56,270
Experience is the best teacher.

660
01:01:56,479 --> 01:01:59,346
You've become very deft at that.

661
01:01:59,549 --> 01:02:00,982
Forgive me.

662
01:02:01,884 --> 01:02:05,376
I hate asking you
for advances all the time,

663
01:02:05,888 --> 01:02:07,879
but my earnings
simply refuse to catch up.

664
01:02:08,091 --> 01:02:11,060
You disarm me
by beating me to the punch.

665
01:02:12,729 --> 01:02:16,358
I came intending
to lodge a complaint or two,

666
01:02:16,566 --> 01:02:20,662
but when you make the first move,

667
01:02:21,904 --> 01:02:24,202
what can I say?

668
01:02:24,874 --> 01:02:26,398
By the way,

669
01:02:26,609 --> 01:02:30,841
what are your thoughts
on that matter I raised the other day?

670
01:02:34,884 --> 01:02:38,411
Have you come to a decision?

671
01:02:39,622 --> 01:02:43,149
Yes, I have.

672
01:02:43,459 --> 01:02:45,825
Glad to hear it.

673
01:02:46,395 --> 01:02:49,990
It takes a load off my mind.

674
01:02:50,500 --> 01:02:51,797
No.

675
01:02:52,335 --> 01:02:56,032
I appreciate your proposal
regarding Miho,

676
01:02:57,440 --> 01:03:00,000
but I've decided to decline.

677
01:03:06,749 --> 01:03:10,651
In the end, her adoption
by the Joshuya family

678
01:03:10,920 --> 01:03:13,912
would be a mere pretext
lasting perhaps six months.

679
01:03:14,190 --> 01:03:16,385
Once established
as a member of their family,

680
01:03:16,592 --> 01:03:19,720
she'd be sent to Lord Sakakibara
as his concubine.

681
01:03:21,697 --> 01:03:23,187
Master Tsugumo,

682
01:03:23,399 --> 01:03:26,493
the Sakakibara are a family
with a domain of 110,000 koku.

683
01:03:26,702 --> 01:03:29,227
It may sound odd to seek benefit
from your daughter's connections,

684
01:03:29,438 --> 01:03:32,896
but you need do nothing,
and doors will open to you.

685
01:03:33,109 --> 01:03:35,009
I understand that.

686
01:03:35,978 --> 01:03:37,536
But, Master Seibei,

687
01:03:38,347 --> 01:03:40,611
no matter how far I've fallen,

688
01:03:40,817 --> 01:03:43,980
I cannot make my daughter a concubine
to profit from her connections.

689
01:03:44,220 --> 01:03:46,586
It's fine to uphold your pride.

690
01:03:46,789 --> 01:03:50,691
But as a parent, you must consider
your daughter's feelings too.

691
01:03:51,227 --> 01:03:52,660
What?

692
01:03:53,162 --> 01:03:56,393
She's young and beautiful,

693
01:03:56,699 --> 01:03:59,190
yet she doesn't have
a single fancy kimono to wear.

694
01:03:59,836 --> 01:04:05,035
She can only look forward to endless days
of slaving at her father's side.

695
01:04:06,142 --> 01:04:07,871
Master Tsugumo,

696
01:04:08,077 --> 01:04:10,739
you can't fight the world you live in

697
01:04:11,080 --> 01:04:13,605
nor go against
the tide of the times.

698
01:04:14,851 --> 01:04:17,911
It's a good proposal for Miss Miho,
and for you,

699
01:04:18,120 --> 01:04:19,917
no matter how you look at it.

700
01:04:20,890 --> 01:04:23,154
In fact, to be honest,

701
01:04:23,359 --> 01:04:27,193
is it not precisely because Miss Miho
was blessed with such beauty

702
01:04:27,396 --> 01:04:30,194
that an avenue like this
remains open to you?

703
01:04:33,336 --> 01:04:35,201
Confucius said:

704
01:04:38,107 --> 01:04:42,510
"He who knows not the will of heaven
is not a superior man."

705
01:04:49,252 --> 01:04:52,585
"He who knows not proper decorum
must not rise to his feet."

706
01:04:58,628 --> 01:05:03,588
"He who knows not the heart of words
cannot know the heart of man."

707
01:05:10,039 --> 01:05:11,404
That will be all for today.

708
01:05:11,607 --> 01:05:14,576
Thank you, sir. Good-bye.

709
01:05:14,844 --> 01:05:17,642
Hey, Katsuzo,
let's go sparrow hunting today.

710
01:05:31,460 --> 01:05:33,428
Hello, Uncle Hanshiro.

711
01:05:42,905 --> 01:05:44,395
It's good to see you.

712
01:05:52,748 --> 01:05:54,238
Have some tea.

713
01:05:56,152 --> 01:05:58,120
Much obliged.

714
01:05:59,055 --> 01:06:03,424
I know this house well enough
to at least boil water.

715
01:06:07,797 --> 01:06:10,027
As it happens, Motome,

716
01:06:11,133 --> 01:06:13,897
I came today to discuss
a matter of some weight.

717
01:06:15,571 --> 01:06:19,473
You sound so formal.
What could it be?

718
01:06:22,378 --> 01:06:25,313
How quickly the days
and months fly by.

719
01:06:26,148 --> 01:06:28,616
Miho is now 18.

720
01:06:29,352 --> 01:06:33,379
She looks more
like her mother every day.

721
01:06:34,423 --> 01:06:39,588
In fact, it's hard to see
how she could possibly be of my blood.

722
01:06:40,930 --> 01:06:45,230
If she'd taken after me,
she'd never have grown so beautiful.

723
01:06:45,568 --> 01:06:48,560
What are you trying to say, sir?

724
01:06:50,806 --> 01:06:53,274
Well, Motome...

725
01:06:58,047 --> 01:07:01,676
I'd like you to take Miho as your wife.

726
01:07:10,192 --> 01:07:12,717
I realize this is all very sudden,

727
01:07:14,196 --> 01:07:15,857
but what do you think?

728
01:07:16,966 --> 01:07:18,627
Will you do it, Motome?

729
01:07:19,035 --> 01:07:20,525
You know as well as I

730
01:07:20,736 --> 01:07:23,864
the state of my livelihood at present.

731
01:07:25,341 --> 01:07:29,243
I offer classes in the Chinese classics
to a handful of children

732
01:07:29,879 --> 01:07:32,939
and live from hand to mouth.

733
01:07:35,885 --> 01:07:39,116
How could I possibly take a wife?

734
01:07:39,321 --> 01:07:42,586
Do you dislike Miho?

735
01:07:45,127 --> 01:07:47,527
All I'm asking
is how you feel about her.

736
01:07:55,137 --> 01:07:59,972
It's not only because
of the promise I made to your father

737
01:08:00,176 --> 01:08:02,770
that I hope you'll marry Miho.

738
01:08:04,780 --> 01:08:07,146
Boorish and dull as I am,

739
01:08:07,716 --> 01:08:10,776
I'm not entirely insensitive
to your feelings for each other.

740
01:08:13,322 --> 01:08:15,813
It was more difficult than I expected

741
01:08:16,559 --> 01:08:19,323
to persuade Motome.

742
01:08:20,229 --> 01:08:21,821
I didn't realize

743
01:08:22,231 --> 01:08:25,792
he had such a stubborn
and willful streak.

744
01:08:27,703 --> 01:08:30,501
But I knew he loved Miho,

745
01:08:31,073 --> 01:08:35,237
and I knew Miho
would have no objections to the match.

746
01:08:36,745 --> 01:08:42,843
The crane that lives a thousand years

747
01:08:43,352 --> 01:08:49,882
A symbol of myriad joys

748
01:08:50,326 --> 01:08:57,596
The tortoise that lives 10,000 years

749
01:08:58,033 --> 01:09:04,700
Bears on its back the three worlds
of heaven, earth and man

750
01:09:06,108 --> 01:09:10,772
The sands upon the beach

751
01:09:11,080 --> 01:09:15,141
Numberless and smooth

752
01:09:15,351 --> 01:09:21,153
May they ever reflect the morning sun

753
01:09:22,391 --> 01:09:24,586
After two years

754
01:09:25,261 --> 01:09:27,525
a child was born.

755
01:09:28,931 --> 01:09:32,594
It was a boy,
and they named him Kingo.

756
01:09:34,036 --> 01:09:35,333
Of course,

757
01:09:36,272 --> 01:09:38,638
I was the one who chose the name.

758
01:09:54,690 --> 01:09:56,351
Hello, Father.

759
01:10:02,164 --> 01:10:04,758
What's this? Asleep again?

760
01:10:16,478 --> 01:10:20,073
Father, you're too generous.

761
01:10:20,916 --> 01:10:22,645
Nonsense.

762
01:10:22,851 --> 01:10:25,649
Even after I married you off,
you still cook for me.

763
01:10:25,988 --> 01:10:29,253
And besides,
I now have only myself to support.

764
01:10:29,458 --> 01:10:32,325
I save more money
than I know what to do with,

765
01:10:32,528 --> 01:10:35,053
and I can't take it with me.

766
01:10:39,702 --> 01:10:41,465
Well, well.

767
01:10:41,670 --> 01:10:43,797
Did you wake up?

768
01:10:45,874 --> 01:10:47,899
Now, none of that, you little rascal.

769
01:10:48,110 --> 01:10:51,637
A warrior's son
should not be flashing dimples.

770
01:10:51,847 --> 01:10:53,542
What did I tell you now?

771
01:11:02,691 --> 01:11:06,024
Really? Even the Matsudaira Clan
of Dewa province?

772
01:11:06,228 --> 01:11:07,126
That's right.

773
01:11:07,329 --> 01:11:10,423
I can understand abolishing
the domains of newer vassals,

774
01:11:10,633 --> 01:11:14,865
but to treat vassals who've supported
the Tokugawa for generations so harshly?

775
01:11:15,938 --> 01:11:21,570
The shogunate's policy toward
the warlords is completely beyond me.

776
01:11:22,311 --> 01:11:25,747
We'll see another jump
in the number of ronin.

777
01:11:32,288 --> 01:11:33,812
Did you hear?

778
01:11:34,156 --> 01:11:37,785
One of them tried to commit harakiri
at the Sengoku Clan's gate.

779
01:11:38,093 --> 01:11:42,291
A ronin named Shume Ooi,
formerly of the Kurume Clan.

780
01:11:43,465 --> 01:11:46,491
I heard the Sengoku
were so impressed

781
01:11:46,702 --> 01:11:48,294
that they offered him employment.

782
01:11:48,504 --> 01:11:51,302
That much was fine.
It's what happened next.

783
01:11:51,674 --> 01:11:53,335
Yes, I heard.

784
01:11:53,809 --> 01:11:56,744
Other ronin who got wind of the story

785
01:11:56,945 --> 01:12:01,644
began presenting themselves at the gates
of daimyo houses all over Edo,

786
01:12:02,117 --> 01:12:04,517
insisting on committing harakiri
and refusing to budge.

787
01:12:04,720 --> 01:12:07,848
In order to get rid of them,

788
01:12:08,324 --> 01:12:11,259
the houses offered them money
to leave.

789
01:12:12,461 --> 01:12:15,259
It's a shameful turn of events.

790
01:12:15,464 --> 01:12:17,523
It certainly is.

791
01:12:17,733 --> 01:12:20,463
No matter how hard-pressed
they may be,

792
01:12:21,136 --> 01:12:23,001
it's a despicable thing to do.

793
01:12:24,340 --> 01:12:29,334
In these difficult times,
it's no help growing desperate.

794
01:12:31,380 --> 01:12:34,247
Becoming too impatient
in seeking employment

795
01:12:34,783 --> 01:12:37,581
is a danger we must all
take care to avoid.

796
01:12:38,420 --> 01:12:41,821
You are absolutely right.

797
01:12:43,092 --> 01:12:45,151
If you stop worrying so much
about finding employment,

798
01:12:45,728 --> 01:12:49,425
you can sit here like this
without answering to a superior,

799
01:12:49,631 --> 01:12:51,997
at no one's beck and call.

800
01:12:56,405 --> 01:12:58,805
What's the matter there, little one?

801
01:12:59,007 --> 01:13:02,170
It's time for his milk.
I'll nurse him.

802
01:13:02,378 --> 01:13:05,040
You mustn't give him
your breast every time he cries.

803
01:13:05,247 --> 01:13:07,181
He'll develop bad habits.

804
01:13:07,383 --> 01:13:08,782
Lookee here, Kingo.

805
01:13:08,984 --> 01:13:12,181
Ready?
See my funny face?

806
01:13:15,858 --> 01:13:17,382
All right?

807
01:13:17,860 --> 01:13:21,057
Upsy-daisy. Here goes, Kingo.

808
01:13:22,131 --> 01:13:26,830
In Kanda

809
01:13:27,469 --> 01:13:32,372
At the Myojin Shrine

810
01:13:35,611 --> 01:13:39,513
There's a festival

811
01:13:40,015 --> 01:13:43,644
Tonight

812
01:13:45,587 --> 01:13:48,078
Kingo was the center of our existence,

813
01:13:48,457 --> 01:13:51,858
and the three of us lived happily

814
01:13:52,060 --> 01:13:54,494
with the constant sound
of warm laughter

815
01:13:54,696 --> 01:13:58,132
raising peaceful ripples around us.

816
01:13:59,368 --> 01:14:02,929
It truly was
a time of greater happiness

817
01:14:03,138 --> 01:14:06,403
than I'd ever known in the domain.

818
01:14:12,181 --> 01:14:13,739
However,

819
01:14:14,383 --> 01:14:18,752
good things never last for long.

820
01:14:47,850 --> 01:14:51,650
One day, Miho suddenly coughed up
profuse quantities of blood.

821
01:14:53,188 --> 01:14:55,986
She had always been
of weak constitution,

822
01:14:56,191 --> 01:14:59,024
and with the endless burden
of our piecework labor...

823
01:15:01,396 --> 01:15:06,333
she'd driven her frail body
too hard for too long.

824
01:15:40,269 --> 01:15:42,294
Motome panicked.

825
01:15:46,275 --> 01:15:48,004
The poor fellow.

826
01:15:49,044 --> 01:15:52,536
Date Clan construction site.

827
01:15:53,048 --> 01:15:56,279
Fifty laborers at 40 mon.

828
01:15:57,119 --> 01:15:58,780
Fifty laborers at 40 mon.

829
01:16:02,424 --> 01:16:04,756
Just a minute, samurai, sir!

830
01:16:05,027 --> 01:16:06,892
Are you trying to get me in trouble?

831
01:16:07,095 --> 01:16:09,188
There isn't enough work
even for the townsmen.

832
01:16:09,598 --> 01:16:11,589
If the authorities spotted
a two-sworded laborer,

833
01:16:11,800 --> 01:16:14,701
I'd be in for a real dressing-down.

834
01:16:15,871 --> 01:16:18,066
Hosokawa Clan construction site.

835
01:16:18,407 --> 01:16:22,400
Twenty laborers, 45 mon.

836
01:16:25,914 --> 01:16:28,974
PAWN SHOP

837
01:16:39,895 --> 01:16:42,625
Poor Motome.

838
01:16:43,465 --> 01:16:46,457
He tried everything, but to no avail.

839
01:16:47,603 --> 01:16:50,629
Miho was gradually wasting away,

840
01:16:51,573 --> 01:16:54,838
and the worst was yet to come.

841
01:16:56,144 --> 01:16:58,237
It's seared forever in my memory.

842
01:16:58,447 --> 01:17:01,575
We'd just barely made it
through the end of the year,

843
01:17:01,783 --> 01:17:04,251
and the plum blossoms
had begun to bloom

844
01:17:04,453 --> 01:17:07,217
shortly after the beginning
of the new year.

845
01:17:30,012 --> 01:17:31,172
What's wrong?

846
01:17:44,126 --> 01:17:45,650
Is it Miho?

847
01:17:49,164 --> 01:17:50,791
Is it Miho?

848
01:17:52,234 --> 01:17:53,792
It's Kingo.

849
01:17:54,102 --> 01:17:56,434
What? Kingo?

850
01:17:59,941 --> 01:18:01,408
A fever.

851
01:18:03,011 --> 01:18:04,808
Like he's on fire.

852
01:18:09,851 --> 01:18:12,251
Why, Miho?

853
01:18:12,454 --> 01:18:15,116
Why did you just sit by
until it came to this?

854
01:18:16,558 --> 01:18:20,494
I thought it was an ordinary cold.

855
01:18:20,862 --> 01:18:23,490
What did the doctor say?

856
01:18:26,635 --> 01:18:29,798
You did have a doctor see him,
didn't you?

857
01:18:41,450 --> 01:18:45,614
You haven't had a doctor see him?

858
01:18:46,822 --> 01:18:49,757
Why haven't you had
a doctor look at him?

859
01:19:08,610 --> 01:19:11,078
Kingo, fight it off.

860
01:19:15,083 --> 01:19:19,884
Your grandpa,
like your mom and dad,

861
01:19:20,088 --> 01:19:23,353
has already sold off
everything of value.

862
01:19:23,992 --> 01:19:25,482
There's not a thing,

863
01:19:26,461 --> 01:19:29,089
not a thing we can do for you.

864
01:19:34,035 --> 01:19:35,525
There's nothing...

865
01:19:36,938 --> 01:19:39,429
nothing we can do, Kingo.

866
01:19:41,576 --> 01:19:43,510
But you're the son of a samurai.

867
01:19:44,346 --> 01:19:46,507
You can't let a little illness
get the better of you.

868
01:19:53,655 --> 01:19:55,782
Don't let it beat you.

869
01:20:18,380 --> 01:20:21,372
Don't let it... Don't let it...

870
01:20:28,023 --> 01:20:29,650
Father.

871
01:20:35,697 --> 01:20:38,962
I have an idea.

872
01:20:39,434 --> 01:20:40,867
What?

873
01:20:41,069 --> 01:20:43,230
I need to go out.

874
01:20:44,206 --> 01:20:45,867
Please look after Kingo.

875
01:20:49,945 --> 01:20:51,310
What do you have in mind?

876
01:20:55,383 --> 01:20:58,875
A former retainer of the Kato Clan
now lives in Nihonbashi

877
01:20:59,087 --> 01:21:01,612
and makes his living
as a moneylender.

878
01:21:01,823 --> 01:21:04,656
His rates are so high
that I didn't dare go to him before,

879
01:21:04,860 --> 01:21:08,921
but I can't worry about that anymore.

880
01:21:09,130 --> 01:21:13,931
You're right. If you know such a man,
hurry and go!

881
01:21:14,135 --> 01:21:15,625
I'm on my way.

882
01:21:16,171 --> 01:21:19,368
I'll be back by evening at the latest.

883
01:21:22,210 --> 01:21:24,405
As you can see, Miho is too weak,

884
01:21:25,480 --> 01:21:28,278
so please take care of Kingo.

885
01:21:28,483 --> 01:21:31,043
Of course.
I know what to do.

886
01:21:31,920 --> 01:21:33,751
But, Motome,

887
01:21:34,122 --> 01:21:36,056
you can see
he's barely hanging on.

888
01:21:36,791 --> 01:21:41,125
You must be quick,
and you mustn't fail.

889
01:21:43,164 --> 01:21:45,325
I'll return by evening without fail.

890
01:21:46,935 --> 01:21:48,766
I'll be off, then.

891
01:21:54,576 --> 01:21:57,101
We're depending on you, Motome!

892
01:22:35,450 --> 01:22:37,577
No, no, I'll do that.

893
01:22:53,201 --> 01:22:56,295
It won't be long now, Kingo.

894
01:23:29,938 --> 01:23:32,099
What's taking him so long?

895
01:24:08,476 --> 01:24:09,943
He's getting worse.

896
01:24:13,314 --> 01:24:15,441
What could Motome be doing?

897
01:24:44,846 --> 01:24:49,215
No, no. Your getting up won't do
Kingo's fever any good.

898
01:25:06,034 --> 01:25:09,367
Where can Motome be?

899
01:25:10,705 --> 01:25:14,732
He swore he'd be back by evening.

900
01:25:14,943 --> 01:25:18,970
What could he be doing?

901
01:25:21,216 --> 01:25:23,309
I waited.

902
01:25:25,553 --> 01:25:29,045
Every moment felt like an eternity.

903
01:25:30,925 --> 01:25:32,859
But Motome did not return.

904
01:25:33,061 --> 01:25:36,121
We never saw him again.

905
01:25:38,833 --> 01:25:43,736
"I'll be back by evening,
so please look after Kingo."

906
01:25:45,106 --> 01:25:48,701
Those were his final words
as he went out the door,

907
01:25:48,910 --> 01:25:52,869
and that was the last I saw
of Motome Chijiiwa.

908
01:26:03,391 --> 01:26:05,086
But then...

909
01:26:06,161 --> 01:26:10,894
around 9:00 that night,
he did return home.

910
01:26:12,600 --> 01:26:14,625
Only not on his own.

911
01:26:15,103 --> 01:26:20,040
He was borne home by a party
of retainers from the House of Iyi.

912
01:26:22,076 --> 01:26:24,101
Most courteously.

913
01:26:26,681 --> 01:26:28,706
This was the request

914
01:26:28,917 --> 01:26:31,442
with which Motome Chijiiwa
came to us.

915
01:26:32,220 --> 01:26:35,781
But our forecourt is a busy place
and would have been most inconvenient,

916
01:26:36,524 --> 01:26:40,392
so we offered him our courtyard and saw
to his needs with all due propriety,

917
01:26:41,162 --> 01:26:44,563
thus allowing him to fulfill his wish
and perform harakiri.

918
01:26:46,935 --> 01:26:50,200
We understand there have lately been
incidents all across Edo

919
01:26:50,605 --> 01:26:53,472
in which ronin present themselves
at the gates of daimyo houses

920
01:26:53,675 --> 01:26:58,112
and threaten to commit harakiri
unless given money.

921
01:26:59,514 --> 01:27:04,542
This disgraceful practice has put
many houses at a loss as to what to do.

922
01:27:05,553 --> 01:27:10,650
But now we have Motome Chijiiwa,
a samurai of true valor,

923
01:27:11,359 --> 01:27:13,987
who carried out his resolve
to die honorably.

924
01:27:14,195 --> 01:27:18,063
And we have
the members of the Iyi Clan,

925
01:27:18,633 --> 01:27:21,830
who responded appropriately
to facilitate his wishes.

926
01:27:22,637 --> 01:27:26,835
In contrast to many disgraceful ronin,

927
01:27:27,041 --> 01:27:30,841
and the spineless timidity
of other daimyo households,

928
01:27:31,145 --> 01:27:32,669
both parties in this instance

929
01:27:32,880 --> 01:27:37,146
acted in an exemplary manner
that will open eyes and clear the air.

930
01:27:38,019 --> 01:27:42,353
It is truly an occasion
for mutual congratulations.

931
01:27:43,758 --> 01:27:45,385
We bid you -
- Wait.

932
01:27:47,428 --> 01:27:49,293
To avoid any misunderstanding,
we must show the blades.

933
01:27:50,164 --> 01:27:52,029
Oh, yes.

934
01:27:52,500 --> 01:27:56,402
For the record, we wish you to examine
the swords Chijiiwa was carrying.

935
01:28:01,542 --> 01:28:03,100
You will note

936
01:28:03,478 --> 01:28:05,070
that both blades are of bamboo.

937
01:28:06,247 --> 01:28:08,215
Bamboo?

938
01:28:25,166 --> 01:28:27,828
As you can see,
both are made of bamboo.

939
01:28:28,036 --> 01:28:32,097
No one must accuse us later
of having switched blades.

940
01:28:33,341 --> 01:28:35,275
So take a good look.

941
01:28:39,781 --> 01:28:41,646
Is it clear?

942
01:28:46,554 --> 01:28:48,021
In that case,

943
01:28:48,222 --> 01:28:53,717
Motome must have borrowed
a blade from your household?

944
01:28:54,429 --> 01:28:56,920
No, he did not.

945
01:28:57,398 --> 01:29:00,890
He died magnificently
using his own blade.

946
01:29:04,839 --> 01:29:06,306
Motome killed himself

947
01:29:07,241 --> 01:29:10,005
with that bamboo blade?

948
01:29:11,679 --> 01:29:13,374
Exactly.

949
01:29:14,449 --> 01:29:17,816
The entire household
witnessed the spectacle

950
01:29:18,119 --> 01:29:20,519
of harakiri performed
with a bamboo blade.

951
01:29:20,955 --> 01:29:23,185
As you may imagine,
it was an unsightly affair.

952
01:29:23,691 --> 01:29:25,818
It would have been more fitting
for a samurai

953
01:29:26,227 --> 01:29:30,095
to end his life with a true blade,
which is a warrior's soul.

954
01:29:32,433 --> 01:29:33,957
Now then.

955
01:29:34,435 --> 01:29:36,096
We bid you good night.

956
01:31:25,680 --> 01:31:27,443
Miho wept.

957
01:31:30,585 --> 01:31:32,109
She wept...

958
01:31:34,622 --> 01:31:35,418
and wept.

959
01:33:12,019 --> 01:33:13,646
Motome!

960
01:33:16,057 --> 01:33:17,615
Forgive me!

961
01:33:21,929 --> 01:33:23,362
I...

962
01:33:24,198 --> 01:33:26,632
I had no idea.

963
01:33:36,010 --> 01:33:38,103
You had even sold your blades.

964
01:33:40,114 --> 01:33:43,572
For Miho's sake
you even sold your blades.

965
01:34:02,770 --> 01:34:06,501
But I... but I...

966
01:34:08,743 --> 01:34:11,109
I would never let this go.

967
01:34:12,813 --> 01:34:14,713
It never entered my mind.

968
01:34:16,317 --> 01:34:18,444
The stupid thing
was too dear to me...

969
01:34:19,854 --> 01:34:22,015
and I clung to it.

970
01:34:23,724 --> 01:34:25,988
To this stupid -

971
01:34:42,810 --> 01:34:47,247
With his fever still raging
and in a coma,

972
01:34:48,783 --> 01:34:52,480
Kingo died two days later.

973
01:34:53,921 --> 01:34:55,855
Three days after that,

974
01:34:57,158 --> 01:34:59,649
as if chasing after him,

975
01:35:00,294 --> 01:35:03,058
Miho died as well.

976
01:35:06,867 --> 01:35:08,926
Thus did Hanshiro Tsugumo

977
01:35:09,570 --> 01:35:12,971
find himself utterly alone in the world,

978
01:35:13,174 --> 01:35:17,577
having lost every last person
he had ever cared about.

979
01:35:18,279 --> 01:35:20,110
Master Tsugumo,

980
01:35:22,850 --> 01:35:25,478
does that conclude your story?

981
01:35:27,521 --> 01:35:30,649
Yes, I suppose so.

982
01:35:35,629 --> 01:35:37,995
There's just one more thing.

983
01:35:42,002 --> 01:35:45,938
May all those here listen carefully
to what I'm about to say.

984
01:35:48,609 --> 01:35:52,101
No matter how grinding
his poverty and hunger,

985
01:35:52,913 --> 01:35:56,349
for a samurai to present himself
in someone else's entryway

986
01:35:56,684 --> 01:36:00,211
and declare that he wishes
to commit harakiri there

987
01:36:00,421 --> 01:36:05,688
is an unspeakable act
that can in no way be excused.

988
01:36:07,695 --> 01:36:09,925
However...

989
01:36:12,099 --> 01:36:16,900
the manner in which
the House of Iyi handled the matter...

990
01:36:18,939 --> 01:36:23,376
surely left a great deal to be desired.

991
01:36:26,247 --> 01:36:28,943
If a samurai risks shame and ridicule

992
01:36:29,517 --> 01:36:34,955
to beg for a day or two's grace,
he must surely have good reason.

993
01:36:35,823 --> 01:36:37,586
A simple inquiry

994
01:36:37,792 --> 01:36:41,319
as to the reason for the request

995
01:36:41,529 --> 01:36:43,963
would have told so much...

996
01:36:45,199 --> 01:36:47,531
yet with this many
witnesses present...

997
01:36:49,036 --> 01:36:51,698
not a single one among you
had the consideration to ask.

998
01:36:56,043 --> 01:36:59,103
His wife lay gasping for breath,
on the very verge of death,

999
01:36:59,647 --> 01:37:04,050
while his beloved son burned with fever,
in dire need of a doctor.

1000
01:37:05,252 --> 01:37:09,052
Motome no doubt wished
to explain the situation to me,

1001
01:37:09,256 --> 01:37:11,850
make whatever last effort
he could for his son

1002
01:37:12,059 --> 01:37:14,926
before turning all further care
over to me,

1003
01:37:15,129 --> 01:37:17,359
and then return here
to the House of Iyi.

1004
01:37:17,565 --> 01:37:19,089
Hanshiro Tsugumo!

1005
01:37:20,734 --> 01:37:23,100
Enough of your self-serving excuses!

1006
01:37:24,371 --> 01:37:26,134
What?

1007
01:37:27,007 --> 01:37:28,907
As to Motome Chijiiwa -

1008
01:37:30,511 --> 01:37:33,947
the circumstances that drove him here
were no doubt complex.

1009
01:37:35,482 --> 01:37:38,383
But it was he who declared
his wish to commit harakiri.

1010
01:37:39,687 --> 01:37:43,885
What followed upon that request
may not have been what he intended,

1011
01:37:44,091 --> 01:37:46,116
but he reaped
what he himself sowed.

1012
01:37:47,628 --> 01:37:52,156
He was in no position to complain,
or to blame or condemn anyone.

1013
01:37:53,601 --> 01:37:55,125
At that point,

1014
01:37:55,336 --> 01:37:59,500
his was but to cast all else aside
and die a magnificent death.

1015
01:38:00,608 --> 01:38:03,304
To face death without wavering -

1016
01:38:03,911 --> 01:38:06,573
that is truly the way of the samurai.

1017
01:38:06,780 --> 01:38:08,441
But what did this man do?

1018
01:38:09,216 --> 01:38:12,117
He cravenly asked
for a day or two's grace.

1019
01:38:13,287 --> 01:38:16,051
One might well accuse him
of having gone mad!

1020
01:38:16,590 --> 01:38:18,558
True enough.

1021
01:38:19,593 --> 01:38:21,925
Motome had indeed gone mad.

1022
01:38:23,230 --> 01:38:25,528
But I say good for him!

1023
01:38:25,933 --> 01:38:27,992
I praise him for it.

1024
01:38:29,770 --> 01:38:31,601
He may have been a samurai,

1025
01:38:31,972 --> 01:38:34,270
but he was also
a man of flesh and blood.

1026
01:38:34,475 --> 01:38:37,273
He could not live on air alone.

1027
01:38:39,513 --> 01:38:41,811
When he has reached
the point of no return,

1028
01:38:42,016 --> 01:38:45,349
even a man as strong as Motome
will go mad trying to protect his family,

1029
01:38:45,552 --> 01:38:47,179
and I would praise him for it.

1030
01:38:49,023 --> 01:38:51,014
They'll call him "the bamboo ronin."

1031
01:38:52,126 --> 01:38:57,564
Not only samurai, but townspeople, too,
will scoff at his wavering.

1032
01:38:58,632 --> 01:39:01,567
But let them laugh all they want.

1033
01:39:01,902 --> 01:39:06,339
Who can fathom the depths
of another man's heart?

1034
01:39:08,409 --> 01:39:11,401
Thanks to the shogunate's ruthless policy
of wiping out the provincial lords,

1035
01:39:12,046 --> 01:39:14,207
countless samurai lost their masters

1036
01:39:14,415 --> 01:39:18,545
and were cast out
to wander the depths of hell.

1037
01:39:18,953 --> 01:39:22,116
How can those who never wanted for food
or clothing understand their misery?

1038
01:39:24,325 --> 01:39:28,318
To those who find Motome
loathsome for his pleading, I ask:

1039
01:39:28,529 --> 01:39:31,225
What if you found yourself
in the same position?

1040
01:39:31,432 --> 01:39:34,526
Would you do any differently?

1041
01:39:37,371 --> 01:39:41,137
After all,
this thing we call samurai honor

1042
01:39:42,176 --> 01:39:44,872
is ultimately nothing but a facade.

1043
01:39:45,479 --> 01:39:47,037
Is that your grievance?

1044
01:39:47,948 --> 01:39:49,108
Grievance?

1045
01:39:49,516 --> 01:39:51,450
Is that what you're trying to tell us?

1046
01:39:52,653 --> 01:39:54,883
That samurai honor
is nothing but a facade?

1047
01:39:56,190 --> 01:39:57,748
Yes.

1048
01:40:00,761 --> 01:40:02,888
"Even if I say I want
to commit harakiri,

1049
01:40:03,864 --> 01:40:05,957
they surely won't actually
make me do it."

1050
01:40:06,367 --> 01:40:09,700
Such wishful thinking
is where these ronin go wrong.

1051
01:40:11,005 --> 01:40:13,735
If a man says he wants
to commit harakiri, we will let him.

1052
01:40:13,941 --> 01:40:17,138
In fact, since he has proposed it himself,
we'll make sure he does.

1053
01:40:17,344 --> 01:40:20,040
That is the policy of the House of Iyi.

1054
01:40:20,514 --> 01:40:23,540
For us, samurai honor
is no mere facade!

1055
01:40:41,769 --> 01:40:44,567
And so Hanshiro Tsugumo too

1056
01:40:45,372 --> 01:40:48,671
has come here
with no intention of committing harakiri,

1057
01:40:49,743 --> 01:40:52,803
but rather out of deep bitterness

1058
01:40:53,013 --> 01:40:57,575
over the manner in which the Iyi Clan
treated his son-in-law Motome Chijiiwa,

1059
01:40:58,085 --> 01:41:01,145
and the desire to vent
his many grudges.

1060
01:41:02,056 --> 01:41:04,286
Is that what you think?

1061
01:41:04,725 --> 01:41:07,216
That's not for me to say.

1062
01:41:08,262 --> 01:41:10,526
You can only look into your own heart.

1063
01:41:11,632 --> 01:41:14,100
But all the same,

1064
01:41:14,301 --> 01:41:17,031
you have no intention
of letting me leave here alive?

1065
01:41:17,404 --> 01:41:19,565
That is my decision to make.

1066
01:41:20,240 --> 01:41:23,141
I need make no excuses to you.

1067
01:41:24,211 --> 01:41:25,803
Counselor,

1068
01:41:26,447 --> 01:41:30,440
there is a proverb, "The suspicious mind
conjures its own demons."

1069
01:41:30,984 --> 01:41:33,043
Do you know it?

1070
01:41:34,988 --> 01:41:39,152
When I say I will disembowel myself,
I truly mean it.

1071
01:41:45,132 --> 01:41:48,329
Yet, even after all I have said,
you still refuse to -

1072
01:41:50,771 --> 01:41:54,332
Suppose I were to go on living.

1073
01:41:54,875 --> 01:41:57,810
What could I possibly have
to look forward to?

1074
01:42:00,514 --> 01:42:02,379
The fact is, I can hardly wait

1075
01:42:02,583 --> 01:42:06,314
to join Motome and Miho and Kingo

1076
01:42:07,621 --> 01:42:11,489
in that world to which
they have gone ahead.

1077
01:42:13,393 --> 01:42:17,454
But I would never be able
to face them

1078
01:42:17,965 --> 01:42:20,297
were I to go empty-handed.

1079
01:42:21,335 --> 01:42:23,565
I think you can understand that.

1080
01:42:28,709 --> 01:42:33,408
I thought perhaps once I had explained,
then even members of the Iyi Clan

1081
01:42:34,648 --> 01:42:36,946
would surely say,
"Oh, so that's how it was.

1082
01:42:37,151 --> 01:42:43,181
Perhaps we were overzealous that day
in rushing to that end.

1083
01:42:44,024 --> 01:42:47,790
Anyone can see that our handling
of the situation was less than ideal.

1084
01:42:48,495 --> 01:42:53,489
Perhaps there were ways
in which we carried things too far.

1085
01:42:54,835 --> 01:42:59,772
No doubt both parties could have
conducted themselves to better effect."

1086
01:43:00,807 --> 01:43:04,903
If I could take with me
even a single word in this vein,

1087
01:43:05,112 --> 01:43:07,603
it would be a comfort to Motome.

1088
01:43:10,717 --> 01:43:16,713
Was this not the most fitting gift
I could hope to take him?

1089
01:43:16,924 --> 01:43:19,154
Such were my thoughts,

1090
01:43:19,359 --> 01:43:22,692
but I see now it was nothing
but wishful thinking.

1091
01:43:23,096 --> 01:43:25,963
If you can see that,
then it makes the rest easy.

1092
01:43:26,166 --> 01:43:28,634
This world does not bend
to sentimental tales.

1093
01:43:31,905 --> 01:43:34,237
If you really think
that samurai honor

1094
01:43:34,474 --> 01:43:38,308
is ultimately nothing more
than a facade...

1095
01:43:39,713 --> 01:43:42,580
then you never had a chance
of swaying us.

1096
01:43:46,186 --> 01:43:48,347
So in the end,

1097
01:43:48,555 --> 01:43:52,184
these have been nothing but the
useless grumblings of a cranky old man.

1098
01:43:54,394 --> 01:43:58,854
But it does no good
to lament that now.

1099
01:44:04,338 --> 01:44:05,771
Well, then,

1100
01:44:05,973 --> 01:44:08,737
forgive me
for my long-winded recitation.

1101
01:44:09,376 --> 01:44:12,243
I will now proceed with the ritual.

1102
01:44:16,617 --> 01:44:18,346
Wait.

1103
01:44:20,721 --> 01:44:22,382
Before that,

1104
01:44:23,357 --> 01:44:27,691
I must return some items
that belong to this house.

1105
01:44:48,615 --> 01:44:53,552
For easier identification,
I have placed name tags on each.

1106
01:44:53,754 --> 01:44:56,222
Please examine them carefully.

1107
01:45:03,597 --> 01:45:05,929
Master Hayato Yazaki,

1108
01:45:06,533 --> 01:45:10,128
and Master Umenosuke Kawabe -

1109
01:45:10,570 --> 01:45:14,700
I understand they're both among
the best swordsmen of the Iyi Clan,

1110
01:45:14,908 --> 01:45:18,435
held in high esteem
for their bravery and honor.

1111
01:45:19,146 --> 01:45:21,011
But, Counselor,

1112
01:45:22,182 --> 01:45:25,481
gentlemen,
let me set your minds at ease.

1113
01:45:26,253 --> 01:45:30,121
I took only their topknots,

1114
01:45:30,624 --> 01:45:33,218
not their lives.

1115
01:45:39,766 --> 01:45:42,530
In the case of Hayato Yazaki...

1116
01:45:44,471 --> 01:45:45,631
it was six days ago.

1117
01:47:41,888 --> 01:47:43,753
Hold it!

1118
01:47:53,333 --> 01:47:55,893
In the case of Umenosuke Kawabe,

1119
01:47:56,670 --> 01:47:59,730
it was five days ago, on May 8th.

1120
01:49:08,508 --> 01:49:10,169
However,

1121
01:49:10,377 --> 01:49:14,746
when it came to that master swordsman
of the Shindo-Munen-Ichi school,

1122
01:49:15,282 --> 01:49:20,777
Master Hikokuro Omodaka,
I had a little more difficulty.

1123
01:49:21,655 --> 01:49:25,955
Perhaps aware of what had happened
to Yazaki and Kawabe,

1124
01:49:26,326 --> 01:49:29,022
I could not catch him off guard.

1125
01:49:29,329 --> 01:49:33,766
In fact, to be honest,
I found myself at quite a loss

1126
01:49:33,967 --> 01:49:38,631
as to how to deal
with Master Omodaka.

1127
01:49:42,742 --> 01:49:44,266
May I enter?

1128
01:50:35,662 --> 01:50:38,859
If you reach for your sword,

1129
01:50:40,000 --> 01:50:43,436
I'll slice you in one motion
from shoulder to waist.

1130
01:50:53,346 --> 01:50:54,973
But I fear...

1131
01:50:56,383 --> 01:50:59,409
the lintel will catch
the tip of my blade.

1132
01:51:03,690 --> 01:51:05,988
If you lunge to the side,

1133
01:51:07,627 --> 01:51:10,187
then this pillar will get in the way.

1134
01:51:14,000 --> 01:51:17,492
It took a few days to locate your home.
My apologies for the delay.

1135
01:51:19,806 --> 01:51:21,797
I ask you to make ready.

1136
01:51:25,178 --> 01:51:27,578
This is obviously no place
for a sword duel.

1137
01:51:27,981 --> 01:51:31,280
It's a bit far, but I must ask you
to accompany me to Gojiin-gawara.

1138
01:51:35,288 --> 01:51:37,119
As miserable a hovel as this is,

1139
01:51:37,824 --> 01:51:41,157
your landlord will be inconvenienced
if you do not return.

1140
01:51:43,963 --> 01:51:48,024
And without someone to retrieve your
remains, your soul will wander aimlessly.

1141
01:51:50,704 --> 01:51:53,172
I suggest you leave a note.

1142
01:51:59,479 --> 01:52:03,347
It should indicate you're going
to Gojiin-gawara

1143
01:52:03,550 --> 01:52:06,849
for a duel with Hikokuro Omodaka
of the Iyi Clan.

1144
01:56:43,196 --> 01:56:46,290
Taking advantage of the wind
was brilliant,

1145
01:56:46,499 --> 01:56:49,093
but a blade can do more than cut.

1146
01:56:49,302 --> 01:56:52,669
It can also stab,
or even snap another blade in two.

1147
01:56:53,272 --> 01:56:55,900
Swordsmanship untested in battle

1148
01:56:56,109 --> 01:56:58,543
is like the art of swimming
mastered on dry land.

1149
01:57:20,700 --> 01:57:22,691
On the other hand,

1150
01:57:23,169 --> 01:57:25,433
I had not seen battle either

1151
01:57:25,805 --> 01:57:30,674
since the siege of Osaka Castle
16 years ago.

1152
01:57:31,377 --> 01:57:33,675
Taking his head
would have been difficult enough,

1153
01:57:33,880 --> 01:57:38,010
but taking only his topknot
proved more difficult still.

1154
01:57:43,489 --> 01:57:45,787
Whatever the differences in skill,

1155
01:57:45,992 --> 01:57:49,018
for a samurai to have
his topknot taken

1156
01:57:49,228 --> 01:57:51,924
is the same
as having his head stricken off.

1157
01:57:52,331 --> 01:57:54,492
It is an ineptitude, a disgrace,

1158
01:57:54,700 --> 01:57:57,794
that can scarcely be atoned for
even by death.

1159
01:57:58,938 --> 01:58:02,806
Yet these men claim illness
and shirk their duties

1160
01:58:03,009 --> 01:58:06,945
while waiting for their topknots
to grow back. Counselor!

1161
01:58:11,217 --> 01:58:14,277
This house boasts of its red armor
and martial valor,

1162
01:58:14,921 --> 01:58:17,219
but it seems that even
in the great House of Iyi,

1163
01:58:17,423 --> 01:58:20,881
samurai honor is nothing more
than a facade.

1164
01:58:35,675 --> 01:58:37,370
Maniac!

1165
01:58:37,910 --> 01:58:39,844
Cut him down!

1166
02:05:33,893 --> 02:05:35,656
Fall back!

1167
02:06:46,265 --> 02:06:49,291
Hanshiro Tsugumo
has been killed, Counselor.

1168
02:06:52,605 --> 02:06:54,539
And our casualties?

1169
02:06:55,874 --> 02:06:58,308
What were the casualties
among our men?

1170
02:06:59,712 --> 02:07:02,306
Masakatsu Sugita, Sobei Uemura,

1171
02:07:02,848 --> 02:07:05,316
Ichiro Shinmen, Uemon Yoshioka -

1172
02:07:05,517 --> 02:07:06,916
four dead.

1173
02:07:07,553 --> 02:07:09,987
Eight more seriously wounded.

1174
02:07:12,491 --> 02:07:14,254
The ronin from Hiroshima...

1175
02:07:16,528 --> 02:07:19,190
Hanshiro Tsugumo,
committed harakiri.

1176
02:07:22,034 --> 02:07:25,094
All our own men died of illness.

1177
02:07:27,172 --> 02:07:29,732
The House of Iyi has no retainers

1178
02:07:30,743 --> 02:07:34,736
who could be felled or wounded
by some half-starved ronin.

1179
02:07:37,816 --> 02:07:41,217
Former retainer of the Fukushima Clan,
Hanshiro Tsugumo,

1180
02:07:41,820 --> 02:07:44,516
committed harakiri honorably,
according to his wish.

1181
02:07:45,391 --> 02:07:47,621
All our men died of illness.

1182
02:07:47,960 --> 02:07:50,827
Their deaths have nothing to do
with Tsugumo's.

1183
02:07:55,534 --> 02:07:59,095
Furthermore, we cannot allow
any more to die of illness.

1184
02:07:59,705 --> 02:08:03,641
See that the wounded
are treated immediately.

1185
02:08:15,154 --> 02:08:17,315
I have just returned, Counselor.

1186
02:08:21,026 --> 02:08:24,120
Hikokuro Omodaka,

1187
02:08:25,297 --> 02:08:27,492
last night at his home -

1188
02:08:31,904 --> 02:08:37,467
Kawabe and Yazaki both claim illness,

1189
02:08:38,143 --> 02:08:40,202
but in fact -
- Fool!

1190
02:08:42,247 --> 02:08:45,045
Why did you not order them
to commit harakiri on the spot?

1191
02:08:46,385 --> 02:08:50,048
Go back immediately
and order them to do so.

1192
02:08:52,224 --> 02:08:54,124
And take some skilled swordsmen
with you.

1193
02:08:55,094 --> 02:08:59,690
If they fail to willingly disembowel
themselves, make them do it by force.

1194
02:09:01,467 --> 02:09:07,201
Of course, these two men, and Omodaka
too, did not officially commit harakiri.

1195
02:09:08,507 --> 02:09:10,099
They died of illness.

1196
02:09:10,309 --> 02:09:12,300
- Sire?
- Imbecile!

1197
02:09:15,647 --> 02:09:20,243
You weren't born yesterday.
You know the ways of the world.

1198
02:09:21,053 --> 02:09:24,489
How can you not realize
the implications? Idiot!

1199
02:09:25,057 --> 02:09:26,820
I am on my way, sire.

1200
02:10:56,615 --> 02:11:00,517
The former retainer of the Fukushima Clan,
Hanshiro Tsugumo,

1201
02:11:02,020 --> 02:11:05,456
died by harakiri
at 6:00 in the evening.

1202
02:11:07,092 --> 02:11:10,459
His speech and behavior
had been somewhat erratic.

1203
02:11:10,662 --> 02:11:14,996
Many of those present felt
he showed signs of derangement.

1204
02:11:17,002 --> 02:11:19,402
Furthermore, it has become clear

1205
02:11:19,605 --> 02:11:21,698
that when another former retainer
of the Fukushima Clan,

1206
02:11:21,907 --> 02:11:25,138
one Motome Chijiiwa, asked to commit
harakiri in January of this year,

1207
02:11:26,011 --> 02:11:28,309
we did not err in our chosen response.

1208
02:11:28,881 --> 02:11:31,748
Word of the martial rigor of this house
echoed throughout Edo.

1209
02:11:34,753 --> 02:11:38,553
In the present case too,
word of our resolute handling

1210
02:11:39,057 --> 02:11:43,323
spread across the city
before two days were out.

1211
02:11:44,563 --> 02:11:48,522
As a result, on the third day,
in a formal session at Edo Castle,

1212
02:11:49,701 --> 02:11:53,660
Lord Doi took the occasion
to confer words of praise

1213
02:11:54,139 --> 02:11:58,940
upon our young master Bennosuke
as follows:

1214
02:12:00,345 --> 02:12:03,212
"'At peace, yet ever vigilant. '

1215
02:12:04,483 --> 02:12:06,747
Let the House of Iyi
continue to embrace this principle,

1216
02:12:07,386 --> 02:12:11,550
and your fortunes are sure to prosper
for ages to come."

1217
02:12:13,125 --> 02:12:15,423
The 16th day of May,

1218
02:12:16,428 --> 02:12:18,362
1630.

1219
02:12:39,318 --> 02:12:41,115
HARAKIRI

1220
02:12:41,453 --> 02:12:44,354
THE END

9999
00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:02,000


10000
00:00:03,000 --> 00:00:13,000