December 25, 1945
Tomoko, the sun is already completely submerged by the sea.
I really can't see the island of Taiwan anymore.
Are you still standing there, waiting for me?
Fuck...
Go fuck yourself, Taipei!
Whoa, we can't go through here.
Yes, we can just fit.
Yes, yes we can go through here.
No, it is too tight.
Yes, we really can!
Try it out. We really can!
What do you mean, "try it out"?
If we are stuck there's no getting out. What's there to try?
Are you getting in or what?
Alright...I am sorry.
Back off a bit more.
Go that way.
Uncle Mo!
Uncle Mo! Uncle Mo!
Registered mail!
Please.
It's so sad for an able young man to be unemployed.
It's not that, Chairman. Quit pushing. There's just no job opening.
How can there not be a job opening?
Take uncle Mo for example - he's almost 80 and still not retiring
He can't see it when I wave or hear it when I yell his name.
Isn't it dangerous to have people like him deliver the mail?
[Japanese Folk Song]
Hey! Hey!
You can't go swimming!
You have work tomorrow and later today
What if you get sunburned?
We're just taking a dip. What's the big deal?
Hey! I am also a model.
How dare you treat me like this?
What were you guys doing?
Damn it.
I told them they could get sunburned
They just wouldn't listen. What can I do?
You say it's alright to anything,
then hold me responsible for everything.
What do you expect me to do?
Hey!
You were smoking in my bathroom?
Aren't you afraid that I will tell your manager?
Just spray it on. Why bother patching? So much work.
Alright, here you go.
Grandpa, he's here!
Way to be late on your first day to work.
Speak for yourself. Aren't you late for school?
Start from Heng Chun technical school
Take Heng Nan road to the junior high, the North Gate road to the elementary
Take Jong cheng road to connect Shin Shin road
This needs to be returned. Hand it back to the front desk tomorrow.
Anything unclear?
That's it then. Hurry up.
Or you are going to be working till midnight.
Hey you left this package!
Fuck! He is dead.
God damn kid. He's an hour late on the first day!
What the hell? You carried me over and just left me here.
Where from?
The motorcycle from the post office crashed. It's going through repair.
Shit, I thought you were a mute.
Why aren't you wearing a helmet?
Show me your license.
What about that one?
That one.
And this one!
And she just ran a red light!
So many people weren't wearing helmets. Why do you only pick on me?
Because you seem to have the worst luck.
License!
You don't have it on you, do you?
Another ticket for operating without a license
What is your name?
What's your name?
What is your fucking name?
Shameless.
Fuck!
Fuck, you pushed me.
I am going to beat you to death.
What are you doing?
Lao-Ma, you need to stop.
Let me teach him a lesson.
You think you are still a SWAT?
Get over here.
I am sorry.
You, go take care of the traffic.
Shit!
What was that?
Sorry
He's in a bad mood lately.
You doing alright?
You just don't listen, do you?
Cut it out!
What's up?
It won't start.
You've got a tough one to fix here.
Why is it all patched up like this?
It has a shack too.
You've got mail for me?
Nope.
Can you fix it?
All the tools are inside.
Why don't you go get them?
The boss has the keys.
Did you just get back in town?
When is your boss going to get in?
He lives inside.
Don't you know what a doorbell is?
Greetings, my Buddha
Greetings, I am no Buddha
They call me the frog. I have no money.
What do you mean I will be your successor?
I've been in politics longer than you!
I will be your successor? This town mayor position was my gift to you
Sorry, Mr. Mayor. This document needs your seal of approval pronto.
Leave it on my desk first. -ok
Fine, you can just leave it.
Seals, seals, seals...how can there be so many deals to seal?
Japanese singer...concert on the beach.
Hey Mr. Mayor, if you put a seal on this,
my entire council will not let you get away with it.
Tomoko,
Please forgive me for being a coward.
I never had the courage to acknowledge our love.
I even already forgot
how I fell for that girl who wouldn't keep her hair tidy
and made me mad.
Tomoko,
You are stubborn and unreasonable; fun-loving and fashionable.
But I am so helplessly attracted to you
except now that you have finally graduated
we have lost the war
I am a citizen of the nation in defeat.
The pride of the nobility has instantly turned into the shackles of a criminal
I am just a poor school teacher.
Why should I be burdened with the crime of one entire race?
The destiny of an era is shaped by its sins.
I am but a poor school teacher.
I love you, but I must give you up.
Lord, our father in heaven,
we praise your name in unison.
A------
----men.
Brothers and sisters, let us lower our heads and pray.
Malasun!
How are you, Miss?
I have a meeting with a Director Huang. Could you let him know I'm here?
Please wait a moment.
Hi, Director Huang please.
Miss, this is a completely new brand.
Small grain rice wine of the Taiwanese aborigines, repackaged and ready to go global.
A thousand year old tradition with a brand new sensation. We call it "Ma-La-Sun."
Let me pour you a glass for a taste first.
No..No..hi, Director. There is someone here for you by the name of...
Malasun! Ma...La...Sun
A Mr.Ma-La-Sun here for a meeting with you.
Ok...the office in the basement level One.
Basement level One, okay.
You can ride the elevator down from over there.
Where's your senior manager?
uh..you....
Hello Mr. Chairman, how can I help? Why don't you have a seat? Sir?
What is love?
It is all but for fun.
Honey, darling, baby or you call me little honey.
What floor are you going to? -Basement.
Can't a young man like you take the stairs? Don't you have legs?
Fifth Floor!
Oh, I love you so much I don't fear death
But if you cheat, then go die.
Wow...I love you so much I don't fear death, baby!
If you love me then please let me go wild just once.
A---Men.
Who said there's no talent in our Heng Chun town?
Da-Da, did you already finish church? -No, Not yet.
Then how come you are here? -God booted me out.
What's the matter, Mr. Chairman?
You may own the hotel, but we're in charge of the sea!
You think you can B.O.T. anything just because you have the money?
What's all this you vs. us talk? Times have changed. We need to think global!
We need to be part of the global village. -What global village?!
You out of towners come in here to start hotels and run the show.
Build-Operate-Transfer the land, the mountains, and now the sea, too!
What about us locals? We have to work out of town as someone's clerks.
Does it look like we live on the same planet Earth? -hey hey hey.
Hey, where are you going? It's this room.
... Well, then get the door already!
This water is so beautiful, but we don't get to see the view ourselves.
Why is that?
Because the rich bought out even the sea,
and didn't leave us with a tiny bit.
Every year our town Heng Chun hosts the Spring Scream concert.
But what about us locals? What joy did we get out of it?
Oh I know. We make noises off stage like the mockingbirds.
Our greatest benefit is a chance to pick up litter.
Oh please. Spring Scream has nothing to do with us.
This time we invited from Japan a real famous...what you call it...
A healing vocalist.
His voice sounds like the ocean.
I don't care if your Japanese star is here to be a doctor or a sailor.
What I want is a local band for the opening.
Do you not get it?
But there just isn't a local band!
This show I have is going to be very festive. So we'll need a very festive band.
You just ain't got that sort of talent around here.
Yeah ok, and what are you saying now? What's this you vs. us talk?
Didn't you say we were not going to discriminate? What's up with that?
Uh....
Alright...no matter what. We will find in this town a band that meets your standards.
That's just impossible! -It's possible
Impossible! -Possible!!!
I mean it when I say it is possible.
Or I will run against you in the next town mayor election. Let's see who'll win!
Oh give me a break. Don't be this way.
I already made the arrangment with the folks in Taipei.
Just cancel it then! -It's been paid for. How do we cancel?
Yeah. -It's alright. Let me tell you.
If the locals don't even get a chance to play in a band,
I will kidnap the mayor of this town and the county before I allow your concert to go on.
Let's go!
Whoa slow down...
Mr. Chairman, do me a favor alright?
Do you know how much money I spent on this?
I even invited many foreign models for the promo photo shoot.
This is what they call "holistic marketing." Get it?
Let me tell you. I have decided to run for the mayor next year.
I will give yon one minute to consider that.
Chairman, have you heard of an artist named Kousuke Atari?
You really don't understand the human language, do you?
Hold on just one second!!
Alright. We will use your band.
Our band...our band!!!
Ma----La----Sun
Give it a try.
How is it? Do you feel the aroma diffusing in your mouth?
Wow! Great tolerance...a true heroine.
Hello? -Let me pour you another glass.
Oh why?
Okay. I will be right there.
Hey!!
What's that? But they're leaving! Ok. Right away.
What are you doing?
I am also a model. Why don't I ever get to go on the runway?
Why do you always use me as a nanny or a translator?
I know, but the current fashion and style just isn't you.
Your style is actually quite okay. You are still young, alright!
I'm old! My frustration with you has made me age!
I only stayed in Taiwan after I finished school because you said that I was unique.
Now you tell me I am not trendy and I can only be a translator?
Missy, would you please just do me a favor? This project came out of nowhere, but it's a rare opportunity.
The record company in Japan does not believe that they could find talent in a small town like Heng Chun
So I am begging you. Just hang in there to supervise and check things out.
Anyway, you can't make me stay without asking me beforehand. You can't do that!
Room key for Miss Tomoko.
You know the Japanese are the most annoying and difficult kind to deal with.
Next time you bad-mouth the Japanese, please don't forget that I'm also Japanese! [in Japanese]
What's with all the last minute changes?
You are always so late and slow. What were you up to?
This is not where I go to work, you know.
You plan out the route yourself today. I will check it out after.
[Japanese Folk Song]
Day 3
How do I stop thinking about you?
You are a student raised under the bright sunshine of the South.
I am a teacher that sailed across the sea from the snowy North.
We are so different. Why are we so in love?
I miss the bright sunshine. I miss the warm breeze.
I still remember your look when the fire ants made you mad.
I knew I shouldn't have laughed at you.
But, the way you stomped on the fire ants was so beautiful,
like you were dancing some kind of magical steps
furious, intense, yet with a playful laugh.
Tomoko, that was when I fell in love with you.
Your attention please, eveyone in the South Gate area
At 7pm tonight in the community centre,
there's going to be a musical performance and an audition
Where's your ID?
Oh, you need my ID? -How else do I know if you're a local?
Out of the way! Don't you see I am crippled?
Piss off already!
This kid just won't listen. Get out of the way!
Hsian-Hsian, you have to eat on your own.
I am no. 10? Sure thing!
Alright. Alright.
Mrs. Shop Owner, my friend just signed me up for an audition to play the drums at the community centre.
Great, you should go ahead.
Would you like to see me perform? -If I go, who's going to take care of these three?
The community centre is for kids, too!
Want to go? - Yes!
Hey you, don't run away!
Don't run away!!
Everyone's always talking about Spring Scream, like it's this huge deal.
Really it's just right around here, on our stage.
We've got our home grown talent ourselves, too.
We just need a few good picks.
Can your townies please keep it down? Cut-it-out!
Shut up! Didn't you hear me?
Whose kids are those three?
Get them out of here!
Hey, Duck Tail, take it from me your grandpa
It's rude to interrupt someone's performance like that! - Uncle Mo!
How can it end so fast? It's over already? -Yeah, just clap.
Number 10, you're up. - Oh crap, that's me
Hey, sausage vendor! please look after them for a bit.
Number 10... -Number 10!
What was that?
No. 10! Hey! No. 10!
Why did you spill water on me? -Sorry! This isn't water. It's my spit.
Man, you're sick!
I thought you weren't coming.
Take it.
Or I will smash it.
Why don't you try and smash it? I dare you.
You see that? The drums of our Heng Chun town are open for business!
Keep up!
Did you sign up?
It's off. It's off.
Told you it won't hit us.
Hey, mailman.
Playing the guitar should be a joy.
[Taiwanese aboriginal music]
Uncle Mo, quit causing trouble. Put that away.
My ex-wife and your dad both died young.
All my other kids have left town for work.
You and your several brothers are all out of town.
Only your mom alone and I are left. It gets really lonely.
The house is so spacious.
The bed is so large.
Oh please, just the house pisses me off enough and you bring up the bed?
The pastor at the church also said that it is not good to be alone.
That's why their God created women.
People are meant to be together with one another.
That's all I am going to say.
I hope you can appreciate it.
Only this one can play the drums?
You can't pick a drummer because you have no better choice.
Is he not a good drummer or what?
A show is just not a matter of capability; it is also about stage presence.
But...he looks like an insepct.
What insect?
We haven't even started and you can't even tell a frog from an insect?
Hey Frog! There's a band practice tonight at 7 in the basement of the hotel.
You were our top pick out of a million. Do not let me down!
Remember, put some love into your drumming, alright?
Good luck!
Hey, the natives played good harmonica.
How can you hear harmonica in a rock band? -says who?
Those guys yesterday combined the harmonica with drums and guitar. It sounded good!
Everyone was clapping like this.
Oh, or we can get him to play the bass guitar.
How can a harmonica performer play the bass guitar?
Bullshit.
Aren't the harmonica and bass guitar based on the same musical notes? If you can do one, you'll know the other.
You think I don't know music? You looking for trouble?
You will play the bass guitar and your son will play the electric guitar.
But I can't play the bass guitar. - It's okay. You can learn it there.
Alright, so this is final.
As for the lead singer, we will get..uh..the Chairman's you-know-who.
Hold on, who is that guy? Did he come out yesterday?
That guy who lost it with the electric guitar.
That one can sing? -You really have no respect for people, you know?
He was a lead singer in a Taipei band to say the least.
He can compose. He can play. He can sing. Where else can you find this type of talent?
Are you looking for trouble?
Did I say anything?
Don't you see that this is a men's discussion.
Girl, you're making that noise like you have a toothache. Why don't you go see a dentist?
Hey -Let her be. We'll carry on.
The one is too old for the keyboard... -Too old? What about this one. This one's 40.
Check out how beautiful our water is. Why can't we keep some of our young?
Tomoko, have a look at our water...
I don't understand Taiwanese!
Excuse me.
Little sister, 7 o' clock tonight at the Summer Capital Hotel,
you will represent our town Heng Chun to play in a band!
What about my grandpa, did my grandpa get picked?
Oh, please. What we are doing here is Rock & Roll. Your grandpa Uncle Mo plays the Yue-Ching (Moon Zither).
Malasun!
Mala...what?
It is Ma-La-Sun.
What the hell, it is already half past 7. How can we wrap it up by 9?
Cut the crap. Let me talk to your manager.
Hey Frog!
Did you bring any love? -yes!yes!yes!
Put some love in that drumming, alright?
Hey! You guys made it, too! The name is Frog! I am the drummer.
FER-O-GGG!!!
Hey how are you? -Frog!
Hey! When did you get back?
This is my daughter.
So cute...
Don't mess with her.
I'm the drummer. I went to school with your mom.
Hello! I am the drummer Frog!
Take off your disguise and show yourself, you INSECT! [in Japanese]
Uh......sorry....[broken Japanese]
Where's our lead singer Aga? -God knows.
Okay! You can start practicing on your own.
Practice what exactly? Today's the first day.
Yeah, we have no notes and we are not that acquainted yet.
Hello, my name is Hong Kuo Ron. I am Chairman of the town council.
Hello, I am the drummer. They call me the Frog.
I know!! You were my pick!
I am the town council Chairman. I stand 170 cm tall and weigh 75 kgs at age 60 this year.
My biggest hobbies are fighting, killing and setting things on fire.
And my biggest wish? I want to burn down all of Heng Chun
and bring all the youngsters home to rebuild
so they can be their own bosses instead of working as someone's clerks out of town.
Now are we acquainted yet? -yeah! It hurts!
Alright, Mr. Chairman. Don't be mad.
You said some stuff, too!
What's going on downstairs? Band practice?
Mr. Malasun, can you please lower your voice going forward?
You are giving people a heart attack.
Take it!
So many people drank from the same glass. Did you even wash it?
Yes.
They already began to practice.
Oh, I see.
Yes. I will update you on our status in two days. I already spoke to the Taipei office.
Yes.
Yes, I understand.
What are you up to?
You are either playing too fast or too slow.
You looking for trouble?
Take your phone call outside!
This thing is inching closer and closer everyday. You might as well put it beside my desk today.
Aren't you going too far?
Malasun!
Hello, Mr. Chairman. I am a Hakka from Boli. Here's my business card.
This rice wine is a joint project between my company and the farmers' association of Hsin Yi township. We call it "Malasun."
A thousand year tradition with a brand new sensation. This bottle is for you to try.
He's already waiting for you upstairs.
Oh ok. Thanks.
Mr. Chairman,
so far I am the only sales rep. in the entire Heng Chun region.
I was hoping you could do me a favor
and hook up me with the other hotels.
Because this time around,
our boss would like to position this product on the high end.
Please help. Please.
Your hometown Boli is a motor city, but this is Heng Chun.
Why should I help you?
Young man, dream big.
Don't waste your time ass kissing for a living.
Yeah, it is not bad.
I've been watching them practice the new song everyday.
Yes, the first song will be ready this week.
The second will be done by next weekend.
The climate's gone mad and the ocean is boiling
So I'm going to play whenever, wherever.
Don't waste the joy in every moment.
Be the sky walker of your dreams.
Wait wait wait... -What is it?
I am going to add something here.
Be the sky walker of your dreams---
[Taiwanese aboriginal music]
A-----men----
Alright, whatever makes you happy.
One more time.
Heaven gets empty... -Wait, hold that thought.
I've got an even better idea. Here we go!
Yo!
Can we get through this once before we make any comments?
It's been 3 days and we haven't gone through it from start to finish.
You, on the keyboard! You always play too fast or too slow.
The bass guitarist can never keep up. And the drummer talks way too much.
Do you want to practice or what?
What's it to you? You think you're better than all of us. You're the best, right?
Only you get to have a say everytime. -Or what do you propose?
What? You want to smash the guitar again?
I've got 3 things to tell you.
Number one, I find the keyboardist too young and the bass guitarist too old.
I'd like you to get those two replaced.
Number two, you guys are a total mess right now. You need to spend more time to practice.
Number three!
The Japanese record company expects us to perform two tracks.
So far I've only heard one.
Besides, it is something you wrote a long time ago.
But, key thing is the other track.
Can you do it?
If not, can you take care of it?
I'm not in charge here.
Crash and burn!
Aga!
What time do you finish delivering the mail everyday?
Around 5 I guess.
5 O'clock? Aren't you fast for a newbie?
Hey, make sure you drop the mail deep into each slot. Don't let anyone take it.
Some people complained about not getting their mail.
Hey, young lady!
Who are you looking for?
Pardon me, does Aga live here?
He went to deliver the mail. Why? He's probably not coming back till the afternoon.
I am the coordinator of the band at the hotel.
I have a CD to give him as a reference for the song he is writing.
Would you be able to hand it to him for me?
Ohhh...you're that Japanese girl, right?
Come, come on in!
No, that's okay. I will just leave him a note.
You're really not going to come in? -No no, it's fine.
Whoa! You're Japanese, but your Chinese writing is so neat!
Sorry! Sorry! Are you okay?
I accelerated by accident.
I was just picking up my beatle nut.
What happened to you? Are you okay?
My eyes can't see anything. -Wipe it with tissues.
I can't see anything. -Come help him up.
My legs are fine.
Hop on already!
Wipe it clean!
Excuse me, looking for that patient...oh thanks!
What happened? Were his hands hurt?
What the hell! Why is his nose patched up like that?
He's already out of luck and you put an X across his face.
Well that's just where he was hurt. One bandage patches the eyes, the other's for the nose.
What can I do?
What are you laughing at? The poor guy's in pain and you're laughing?!
How is one supposed to climb stairs so steep?
Geez.
All these weird noises and tuneless strumming. Is that okay with you?
That's not what you think it is!
Aga!
Aga...
I beg you, please don't tell!
Young people just don't know any better. Can you deliver the mail as a favor?
Do I have nothing better to do?
I am old and crippled and now I have to work for you?
I've reminded you so many times and you still messed it up.
How are people supposed to get their invites to weddings, baby showers, or funerals?
People make phone calls for those nowadays. Who still writes letters?
What the hell? Do you work for the postal service or telecom?
Uncle Mo, please don't tell... -Forget it. I don't need money!
Go buy something you like! -I only like playing the Yue-Ching (Moon Zither)!
Then go get yourself a new Yue-Ching. -Who am I going to play it to?
At this day and age, who's going to want to listen to old fogies like us play music?
They call me the National Treasure in the papers. Treasure my ass! Who actually cares?
National Treasures like us should be out there, getting appreciated.
Not worshiped in the house like a statue on the altar.
Okay. It's just a few hundred letters. There shouldn't be a serious penalty.
Back in the old days I heard people could go to jail for opening private mail.
I told you this isn't what you think. -Then what is it?
It's yellow, right?
Yeah yeah.
How I wish there was a storm
that could drown me in the sea between Taiwan and Japan.
That way I wouldn't have to be responsible for being a coward.
Tomoko,
In merely a few days of travel,
the weeping of the sea has already aged me.
I don't wish to leave the deck. Nor do I wish to sleep.
Deep down I have already decided.
Once I am allowed to land, I will never wish to see the sea again in my life.
Why does the sea wind always make me weep?
We cry when we fall in love, when we wed, and when we give birth.
Thinking about the joy of your life ahead always breaks me down to tears.
However, the sea wind always manged to dry those tears before they brimmed over.
Tears that could not flow freely only made me age even quicker.
This hateful wind. This hateful moonlight.
This hateful ocean.
I already told you last time.
The bass guitarist is too old. And you brought in someone even older today.
I didn't find this guy. What does this have to do with me? I am not reponsible for this band.
You're not responsible?
Ok. Let's see how you're going to perform on stage then.
I love you, my little sister. Brother really loves you.
That time in the park,
did you know how I felt?
Seeing the moonlight turning bright...
You...
Are you really going to let him use that as a bass guitar?
I'm willing to bet that old fogey
has never even picked up a bass guitar since he was born!
The Japanese artist is due to arrive in just a few days.
What do we do?
And where's your second track? Not even a note was done.
Have you listened to the CD I gave you?
Take a look at the way he is!
Don't tell me that song writing was not part of your responsibility!
What are you doing?
Look! Sea salt!
He couldn't write any songs but he had the time to go for a dip at the beach!
I was easy on you every time you were late to practice because I thought you were busy writing songs.
Now I know you were busy having fun at the beach!
You guys are really pushing it.
I quit!
Go away!
Hey, why didn't you say something?
Do you understand her Chinese?
Man, the Japanese would taste anything.
Seeing that the moonlight is getting bright
I have things to tell you.
Sister, please give this a thought.
What are you doing? -You play this instead.
Which way do I hold it?
Hey! What's all this noise about? What the heck is this?
Hey, you're just going to walk away like that?
Hey, you Japanese! How can you leave before fulfilling your promise? [in Japanese]
Miss Tomoko, what happened to you? Miss Tomoko!
Miss Tomoko, my brother's oldest grandson is getting married today. [in Japanese]
We are having a dinner banquet by the temple tonight. [in Japanese]
Please come and enjoy an evening of celebration with us tonight. [in Japanese]
Congratulations. [in Japanese]
I play the bass guitar in the band. I have some time today I thought I'd come to practice.
Hey, Mr. Chairman. Check it out.
Whoa, this Hakka guy works hard!
He visits the hotel by night, and the local shops by day.
He's just a depserate fly looking for dog poo.
Check out how may visits he's made today. It probably outnumbers the pile of mail at Aga's place.
Oh fuck. Nevermind.
Hey! Malasun!
Summer Capital Hotel, how may I help? Yes.
60 bottles?!!
Sure, sure, sure! Thanks, bye!
No, let me do another demo for you.
It's never right no matter what I do.
Malasun!
Hey, what are you doing? -Let me show you.
Malasun! You scored a major deal. The Chairman just called to place an order
for 60 bottles of rice wine for the dinner banquet by the temple.
60 bottles!
I'm sorry...
Yeah! 60 bottles! 60 bottles!
Malasun, do you know the Chairman of the town council well?
I beg you. Give this old man a chance. Don't tell anyone that you can play. Please.
Malasun! Greetings everyone! This one is on the Chairman. A new rice wine from my company.
Aga!
Here you go, the dishes are here.
Miss Tomoko, this is Aga's mom.
Oh we've met. She's been to our home.
Have a seat over there.
A little bit harder!
Next up is Mr. Chan Kwan Hui. Please be ready. -Yes, this is Chan Kwan Hui himself here.
Daddy, my head hurts I don't like it!
Alright alright. -No need to help!
Idiot.
Yeah? You think you can drink?
Whoa, what a make-over for the frog! Way to show off!
I didn't mean to. I thought I'd just... -Have a seat over here.
Hey. There are no more seats here. I will go over to that table.
Hello, Mrs. Shop Owner
How come you're dressed like this?
Uncle Frog, you look really slick.
Aren't you such a cutie?
I will remember that, you chicken. Watch it!
Aww...let me rub that off.
Go, go cheer for Daddy.
Now I will be singing "Spin those rainbow neon lights"!
Where did you find this outfit?
The boss is drunk again?
Mrs. Shop Owner, this is for you.
The sea in December always carries rage.
I am enduring the taste of disgrace and shame
in the unsettling pendulum.
I don't quite know if I am getting closer to home...
or further away from it.
My friends,
This is my Princess of Lukai (Taiwanese aboriginal tribe). She is pretty, yeah?
If you ever see her, tell her ...
I am no longer risking my life. I have returned to being a content small town cop.
Can you tell her that?
Mr. Chairman, last call!. I'll drink to you. -Oh, we still have plenty here. You're too kind.
Or I will have it to myself!
I will leave this bottle here
Take it slow, thank you.
This Hakka person is really something...
It's okay. I will look after this. You haven't even eaten yet.
He does that a lot, taking falls at will. Let's drink... -Hey Mr. Chairman!
How are you? Been a long time!
Alright alright...
This is a picture of my wife! Is she hot or what?
Oh, yes, yes yes.
Yeah that's right.
Take this bottle and treat the table behind us.
You've been neglecting them. Hurry! -Sorry, sorry...
He used to be a SWAT in Taipei.
You know the type, like half way into the grave.
They step out in the morning and sometimes don't make it home at night.
His wife couldn't take it, so she left him.
He got quite upset, of course.
Once on a mission, he fell from a 3 storey building. - How I wish to sing...
He injured his spine, and got hospitalized for half a year.
He had no choice, but to transfer back to his hometown afterwards.
Poor guy.
Tomoko...
Tomoko! -Don't touch me. [In Japanese]
Tomoko!! -I told you not to touch me!!
[The taste of first love is bitter-sweet with 5 flavors.]
[If one hears "I love you", the entire face goes bloodshot.]
[Especially for the young lady, she's real happy inside.]
[But, she still pretends to be mad on the surface...]
[Ah...yeee....she will go ba-bee-bo]
[The taste of first love is bitter-sweet with 5 flavors.]
The name is Malasun... -Shit, I am just reading what's on your shirt!
Your boss' wife is older than you.
And she is married with three children.
Above all, her husband is still alive.
What the heck do you think you're doing?
Have you seen frogs having an intercourse?
A female frog with two or three males on her back.
Do you ever see those males fight with each other?
Never, yeah?
Then why should the humans care about this monogamy vs. polygamy business?
Yeah, you the man.
Aga! Come out!
Get your butt outside!
Why are you scared of coming out?
Who do you think you are?
What's with that face you put on everyday?
Aga!!
What are you so cocky about?
Why do you like to bully me?
I've just been doing what I am supposed to.
What are you laughing at?
Damn you!
Oh...busted.
Look!
This is my Princess of Lukai.
She's pretty, right?
Really, she's quite pretty.
If you happen to see her, tell her that...
Why do you like to bully me? [in Japanese]
Why do you like to bully me?
A girl like me,
being so far away from home,
has to put up with so much to work here.
Why would you bully me?
Why would you bully me? [in Japanese]
This late afternoon, we sailed into the sea of Japan.
During the day, my head hurt like it could explode.
The hateful mist has blocked out my view for the entire day.
The stars are truly beautiful now though.
I remember, as a little girl in the first grade in junior high,
you already had the audacity to use the farmer's tale of a moon eating monster
to challenge my astronomical theory of lunar eclipse.
I'll tell you another theory that can withstand your challenge.
Did you know the starlight that we see in the present
was projected from planets tens of millions of light years away?
Wow, lights that traveled for tens of millions of light years
finally came to our view now.
What might the islands of Taiwan and Japan be like tens of millions of light years ago?
The mountains would still be mountains, and the sea would remain the sea
except there wouldn't be people anywhere.
I want to have a few more looks at the starry sky.
In this world of mortals where everything changes,
I would like a glance at eternity.
I ran into a school of mullet fish on their winter migration to Taiwan.
I deposited my thoughts of you in one of them.
Hopefully, your fisherman father will make the catch.
Tomoko, though the smell of it may be sour,
you must have a taste.
You will then understand...
I didn't mean to abandon you. I was reluctant to give you up.
Lying lone awake on this sleepy deck, I repeated under my breath
I didn't mean to abandon you. I was reluctant to give you up.
That girl looked nice to me. But after a few drinks, her temper just went out of control!
Did you really expect a lot from a bunch of damaged goods like us?
But I've struggled for 15 years,
I am still a failure all the same.
But I am really not that bad.
It's bright out, but why does it matter?
Daylight always brings back the thick mist anyway.
In a trance before daybreak,
I saw the future you, looking past your youth's prime,
while my head went bald and eye bags hanged low.
The morning mist covered my wrinkles like snowflakes falling.
The bright sunshine scorched the darkness in your beautiful hair.
Then the last bit of warmth in our hearts withered away.
Tomoko, please forgive this useless flesh of mine.
You...
Those letters are very important.
No matter what, you have to hand them to that girl.
Crap...
Who did this?
Fool! You can go to jail for this!
I told you to have it returned to Japan and you still opened it!
Cape No. 7, Heng Chun district.
Koshima Tomoko?
How come I don't remember this person? She can't be much older than me if she's still around.
The temperature at sea is 16 degrees.
Windspeed - 12 knots. Depth of water - 97 meters.
I already saw a few seabirds.
We are expected to land before nightfall tomorrow.
Tomoko,
I left all my photo albums in Taiwan with your mother.
But I secretly kept one photo.
It was the one of you playing on the beach.
There was no wind or shower on the water in that picture.
You were laughing like you were in heaven.
No matter whom your future will belong to,
no one can make a worthy match for you.
I thought I could thoroughly pack up my beautiful memories
In the end I found out that the only thing I could carry with me was emptiness.
I really miss you.
Ah, rainbow.
I wish that this rainbow
could cross the ocean to bridge you and me.
When the sunshine returns again
to that rainy South of the border.
I will make an attempt...
to finish telling the story of that year.
When the sunshine once again...
There are so many strings. This thing really isn't easy to play.
Hey, this is a slow song!
it's a simple piece and it doesn't even have that many chords!
Give me a break!
Or...would you come in early to practice tomorrow? -ok ok...
These two strings didn't have any use. Can I cut them off?
Hell no! Cut what off?!!
Alright! alright! Don't get so excited!
Did you go look for the girl of the letters?
I tried, but I haven't found her.
I'll keep trying.
Uh, the lyrics...
I know. I'll revise it again.
So...I'm going back to work on the lyrics now.
The lights...
Let me. I'll do it.
Fine! You guys check him out and see if he can play my part.
Sure, he looks alright to me.
He should be fine.
Fuck!
Must you answer so fast? You said it without any hesitation.
I'm a senior! My heart is not made of iron. I've got feelings, too!
Uh...you recruited him, not us.
Yeah! We don't even know him that well.
Uncle Mo, I can do without this.
Drop the act, you desperate phony!
You think you're the man because you can play the bass guitar?
Can you serously not have two bass guitarists at once?
I don't care, just give me any instrument.
I am going to perform on that stage.
Fuck! I am a National Treasure!
"Kaohsiung" - "On time" - "Arrived"
Tomoko, I have safely landed.
After 7 days at sea,
I finally set foot on my war ravaged homeland
but I have begun to miss the sea.
Why does the ocean always stand between such extremes as hopes and destructions?
This is my last letter to you.
I will be mailing these out in a moment.
In this body of water that has no room for love,
at least my thoughts of you can still fit.
Tomoko, you must receive my thoughts.
This way you may forgive me a little.
I believe I will keep you in my heart for my entire life.
Even if I get married and have kids.
At every important turning point in life,
what will resurface is an image of you
running away from home with your heavy luggage
standing alone in the crowd of repatriates.
You were wearing the white knitted hat that you saved up for so long to buy
probably so I'd notice you in the crowd.
I saw it. I saw it.
You stood still in silence. -Excuse me, do you know where Cape No. 7 is?
It's an old address. Cape No. 7 -Cape no. 7....Cape....Not sure.
Thanks anyway!
As if facing the scorching sun in July,
I dared not give you another look.
You stood so quitely.
My heart, which I intentionally tried to cool, was reignited in an instant.
I was sad, but I dared not reveal my regret.
My mind was whispering, but my lips were sealed.
I know a vulgar phrase like "I miss you"
will turn into the dark shadows beneath the sunshine.
It will haunt me no matter where I go
all my life.
Why the long face?
Is it relationships? Is it work related?
Is it our fault?
I am just worried about what to do if it rains like this on tomorrow's concert.
Miss Tomoko,
But don't you look forward to the rainbow?
Tomoko,
I have written my guilt into this final letter,
which will repent before you on my behalf.
so I may forgive myself a little bit.
Hey, you two work horses.
Are you really content with your roles for tomorrow?
I was up all night thinking about this.
For 50 odd years I've played the Yue-Ching.
Tomorrow is my first time on stage and I'll be shaking this?
Hey you!
You sing pretty well, too! Don't you wanna give it a go tomorrow?
I feel that... -You be quiet, I wasn't asking you!
Hey, Dennis Rodman.
Red head isn't cool anymore.
Aga said he will revise the lyrics at home first.
He told us to go ahead.
I bought some gifts for you guys at the airport today.
Da-Da, this is the ancestral eye. It will protect your health and growth.
Thank you.
Ma---------La--Sun!
This amulet symbolizes the cocoon of a butterfly. I hope your hardwork will bring you great, and greater wealth.
Thank you, thank you...I can use more wealth.
FERRR-O-GGG!!
This amulet symbolizes your limbs. It will improve your craft.
Lao-Ma.
This is the amulet of the peacock.
It will protect your unswerving love for your wife.
This is the amulet of tear marks.
This, my most reluctant thoughts for my wife.
Just put it on anyway. I already bought it.
You need to love before you can reminisce.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Uncle Mo!
Duck Tail's grandpa only plays the tambourine now!
So what? Is there something wrong with that?
Uncle Mo! This is the amulet of sunshine. It represents your esteemed greatness.
I'm already wearing the Chinese sea goddess here. Wouldn't there be a clash?
No way!
We are all one family. Why would there be a clash?
Speaking of family,
I actually prepared something.
We are a band after all, right?
We want others to see a sense of unity in us.
so I ordered something beforehand.
Anyway, I think today's the best day to show it.
I made a special customized order of these ...uniforms for us to wear when we perform.
Uniforms?
Malasun! A thousand year tradition with a brand new sensation!
Uniforms for the whole family!
Sorry, please let us stay for a bit.
You guys keep busy. I'm going to sleep first.
That's just wrong!
Lord, this is your beloved little daughter.
I finally know why they used to say that I pushed too hard when I sang.
Aga,
I...
Hey, is everyone of you here? You're up next.
Everything okay? -Kosuke, ready?
Yeah. Good to go. -Ok. Thanks.
Can I ask you about another idea?
I am going to burn a CD in a bit.
Could we project our logo on the big screen?
In front of so many people, the impact must be...
Don't push your luck. I already let you get away with this.
You've worked hard! -You too!
Let's take a break in the hotel first.
Miss Tomoko, could you ask the chef to start preparing the meals?
Yes, no problem.
That police officer is the guitarist of the local warm up band.
A police? -Yes!
Wow, I didn't realize you are so popular in Taiwan.
Miss Tomoko, - Yes?
The Rainbow.
Can I have a cigarette?
Don't tell me that you don't understand Japanese.
After today,
You won't have to see us the people you dislike.
I fell in love with Aga.
It's not like I never had a relationship.
But this time is the strangest.
Not sure if it even counts.
What do the Japanese know about love?
Did a Japanese break your heart?
Why do you have so much prejudice against us?
Was it Da-Da's father?
That man must have hurt you badly.
My heart was completely broken long ago.
I am also looking for another Heng Chun girl with a broken heart.
By now she is probably 80 years old though.
Her name is also Tomoko.
I saw a mail package at Aga's.
It was a pack of mail from Japan that couldn't be delivered.
To be precise, it was 7 love letters.
After the author in Japan died with old age,
his daughter found them in his closet
and mailed them on his behalf.
Unfortunately, no one remembers the 60-year-old address.
I.... have secretly read those love letters.
They were the most truthful and beautiful thoughts of love I have ever encountered.
They can definitely heal an old person's broken heart.
What's up with you?
Deliver the mail to this address.
That other Tomoko girl lives here.
...How did you know?
She is my grandmother.
Then...I will give you the package.
I did a very terrible thing to her.
She didn't want to hear from me anymore.
Hurry up and go!
Hurry!
Aga!
I found out whose mail it was!
Can you go right now?
Is there such a rush?
Aga,
After the show tonight,
I am going back to Japan with the crew from the record company.
They offered me a PR position in the Japanese record company.
Did you take the job?
Remember to tell me,
what the other Tomoko girl looks like!
This is the amulet of the warrior.
It will protect your honor and courage.
I shall pretend that you'll forget about me.
I shall pretend that your memories will move on from our past like the seasonal birds will migrate,
and as if you have already gone past the harsh winter to welcome spring.
I shall pretend until all of this seems real to me.
And then,
I will wish you a forever happy life.
Anybody home?
Hey!
What exactly did you say to Aga?
Those of you by the water, could I ask you to come in a bit closer?
The tide is on the ebb. Would the ones over here come in a bit? Thank you!
Careful! A little bit closer.
What's wrong with you? You told him to deliver mail at this time?
Where's your focus?
Boss,
Perhaps we can contact the Chairman of the town council? He might be in the crowd.
What good can he do?
You need to come up with a solution now, you hear?
Miss Tomoko,
Can any of them sing?
I can sing very well! [in Japanese]
If you don't believe it, you can ask him, or ask him! [in Japanese]
Ah, Aga's back!
Hurry! To the stage!
What took you so long?!
Hey, aren't those two supposed to be enemies?
Stay...
Or I will go with you.
Don't be nervous. Take it easy!
Who's nervous, you crazy?
Ten...
Nine..
Eight...
Seven...
Six...
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two!
One!
I want to enjoy the heat of summer
and cross a river called happiness.
I want to be the snake that swallows elephants.
It's way beyond my power, but really why not?
I want to write a song
When heaven gets empty and earth runs dry
I will dump my passion on you,
making you wild, making you thirsty
so the whole world will know that you belong to me
Now the climate's gone mad and the ocean is boiling
so I will play wherever, whenever.
Don't waste the joy in every moment.
Be the sky walker of your dreams
An angel like you
should have a set of wings and a name
You should have a stinger beneath your beauty
and you should seriously consider being mine just once.
When heaven gets empty and earth runs dry
I will dump my passion on you
making you wild, making you thirsty
so the whole world will know that you belong to me
Now the climate's gone mad and the ocean is boiling
So I will play whenever, wherever. -Grandpa! Grandpa!
Don't waste the joy in every moment.
Be the sky walker of your dreams.
When heaven gets empty and earth runs dry
I will dump my passion on you
making you wild and making you thirsty
so the whole world will know that you belong to me.
The End of Days can come however it wants
I'm going to keep playing whenever, wherever.
I won't waste the joy in loving you.
Be the sky walker of your dreams
Gotta be happy, oh...
Don't be nervous. What are you afraid of?
Here you go!
If the sea could speak, if the wind could fall for the sand.
If some nostalgia was left forgotten in a long vacation somewhere
I would listen to the splashes and let the wind blow by my hair.
I'd let the love in my memory clamour freely in the tides of time.
Must spring be so far gone for summer to come by?
And so looking back I finally realized
When the sunshine returns again
to that rainy South of the border.
I will make an attempt...
to finish telling the story of that year.
When the sunshine once again departs
from that far too sunny South of the border.
Would you return with a smile
all of the love that you once took away
before your farewell?
The ocean is quite blue. The starlight glitters.
Still, there's emptiness in my arms.
The sky is wide open on this night I sing to myself.
Please forgive my love for the delay...
Hey, over there!
This is the amulet of the peacock.
It will protect your unswerving love.
When the sunshine returns again
to that rainy South of the border.
I will make an attempt...
to finish telling the story of that year.
About the rainbow, thank you!
Don't mention it.
Before your farewell,
would you return all of the love you once took away with a smile?
Encore! Encore! Encore!
It's alright. Let them do another one.
No! They only prepared two songs.
Get over here! Uncle Mo!
Lao-Ma! Lao-Ma!
Lao-Ma!
Oh, I know this song, too.
[Japanese folk song - performed in Chinese & Japanese. Original title: Heiden Roslein by Franz Schubert]
Dear Miss Tomoko,
I am the daughter of the teacher who wrote these letters.
I found this box of letters in Father's bedroom closet.
My father already passed away due to illness this past January.
I have carefully read through every letter in the box.
It's hard to imagine that the box contains such beautiful yet painful secrets.
Now, let me take my father's place and mail you all of the 60 year old letters.
I am sorry that you've had to wait for this long.
"Taiwan Retrocession" (From Japan)
[English translation & subtitles by: Thomas Lin]
[In loving support for Cape No. 7's 2009 Academy Awards bid]
It's a paradise over there.
The sunshine feels cozy and the ocean is so blue
Two or three lazy native dogs nap in the middle of the road.
It's a paradise over there.
There are endless songs to sing and music to play.
Neither the beer nor the cigarettes intoxicate
The country music never ceases to sway
It's a paradise over there.
With that in mind, then you should put your troubles behind.
Embrace the sensations of getting baked under the sunshine.
The moon can take on different shapes like the tides can change.
You still have to try to appreciate the beauty of imperfection.
It's a paradise over there
depending on how you'll pursue it.
It's a paradise over here
depending on how you'll appreciate it.
[Special thanks to the members of various local communities in Heng Chun, Taiwan and many, many others]