"Toho Presents" "A Coproduction of Galeria and Seiyu" "Executive Producers:" "Takaoka Sueaki Kawaguchi Shoshi" "Produced by:" "Yamagami Tetsujiro Yamaguchi Kazunobu" "Screenplay by Higashi Yoichi  Kim Soo-kil Based on the novel by Sumii Sue" "THE RIVER WITH NO BRIDGE" "Director of Photography:" "Kawakami Koichi" "Art Direction by Naito Akira Music by Ernesto Cavour" "Ootani Naoko" " Fude" "Sugimoto Tetsuta" " Sei Watabe Atsuro" " Koji" "Takaoka Saki" " Nanae Yasunaga Ai" " Machie" "Tatsumi Takuro" " Hide Hagiwara Masato" " Sadao" "Takahashi Etsushi" " Iseda" "Nakamura Tamao" " Nui" "Directed by Higashi Yoichi" "Brother." "What?" " Matsu isn't coming." "I know." " Sakichi, too." "So what if we're last at the dance." "We're always last." " That's right." "1908" " Komori Village, Nara Prefecture" "The kids from Komori!" " Let's go!" "Hurry!" "G'morning!" " Hide, you're late today." "I'm tardy!" ""The dog came to a bridge, carrying a fish in its mouth." ""The dog saw his own reflection in the water." ""He thought he saw another dog with a fish." ""He wanted that fish, too." "So he barked." ""The fish in his mouth fell into the river..."" "OK, stop there." "You read very well." "Please sit down." "What a dumb dog!" "Koji, what did you think of this story?" "Teacher, I..." "I feel sorry for the dog." " You dummy!" "He's from Komori." " They all say strange things." "Quiet!" "You mustn't say that!" "What you say is interesting, Koji." "I understand why you feel that way." "But, this story is about the danger of greed." "Understand?" "Yes." "Good." "Who else can read this?" "OK, Machie." "Please." "Take, you're good to care for your brother." "Won't you have lunch with us today?" "I'll eat at home." "Well, how about next time?" "Mama..." "I dreamed about Shinkichi last night." "Did you?" "What about him?" "He was in pain, trapped in a large Siberian snowfield." "I called to him, but he couldn't hear, in the storm." "I never once bought him warm underwear." "But it's too late now." "Move!" "Army binoculars!" "Four soldiers stayed with us this spring." "Five at my house!" "Only officers stayed with us." "Line up, if you want to look through the binoculars!" "You in Komori got off easy." "Soldiers didn't go there!" "That's true, Senkichi." "We're too poor in Komori." "But Sei's family baked them sweet potatoes." "Komori is kind." "What?" "Sweet potatoes?" "Poor guys: they ate Komori food without knowing it!" "'Eta', meaning'filthy', was afeudaltermfrmembersf the Burakumin, agroupatthe bttmftheJapanese scialrder whworkedastanners, butchers, undertakers, etc." "They ate smelly eta sweet potatoes!" "'Eta', meaning'filthy', was afeudaltermfrmembersf the Burakumin, agroupatthe bttmftheJapanese scialrder whworkedastanners, butchers, undertakers, etc." " Forget it." " Why, Toyo?" "'Eta', meaning'filthy', was afeudaltermfrmembersf the Burakumin, agroupatthe bttmftheJapanese scialrder whworkedastanners, butchers, undertakers, etc." "Let him go, if he doesn't want to look." "They're just dumb binoculars!" "Let's go, Sei." "An eta and a bastard!" "You both stink." "A fight!" "Teacher!" "An eta is fighting!" "What's with you two..." "damned foolsl" "Stay here until you're ready to apologise for fiighting." "Don't drop the bucketsl" "Apologise to the Principal." "You shouldn't hit people." "Leave them be, Egawa." "We have to punish them." "We did nothing wrong, teacher." "What are you saying?" "You hurt somebody." "Stay there until tomorrow!" "This one is hurt." "Koji, your brother's late." "I'll go find him." "I see." "So that's why you hit Senkichi." "Yes." "He's always calling me "eta"." "I try, but I can't change being an eta." "Tell me how I can change, please." "I see." "I understand." "And Toyo, you got angry because he's your friend." "Anyway, put down the buckets." "Put them down." "I'll talk to the Principal." "Now, hurry on home." "Good night." "Well, good night." "I'll be going, too." "Not leaving yet?" "No, I'm going." "Koji!" " Sei!" "What're you doing here?" " Waiting for you." "Let's go." "Don't tell Ma or Grandma about today." "You had to stand?" " Don't ask, if you know!" "Koji, your cloth is torn." "Use this one." "Did you buy it, Grandma?" "I sewed the hem." "It's a good one." "Heating the bath?" " Yeah." "I'll come use it later." "Please do." "Where's Auntie?" "Here she comes now." "Welcome back!" "Ah, I'm home." "How was your day?" "So-so." " Well, come on in." "Kojil Dinner's readyl" "Sei, you were very late today." "Were you fighting again?" "I had an errand." "I thought they punished you again." "This is great." "I love this sweet potato gruel." "Grandma, what's a "bastard"?" "Bastard?" "Why do you ask?" "A kid called someone a bastard." "He's a bad kid." " What does it mean?" "It probably means a child with no dad." "So that means we're bastards." "But you have a dad, Koji." "No, Pa is dead!" "He's gone." "He was alive before." "But it's naughty to say that word." "I know." ""All classes will be allowed to realise their aspirations." ""Abandon evil customs and base everything on justice." ""Strengthen Imperial rule with knowledge from the world."" "Well done." "Can anyone else recite the Charter Oath?" "What, you'll let Hatanaka beat you?" "Hatanaka really appreciates the Meiji Restoration." "The Emperor made all classes equal:" "samurai, farmers, craftsmen, merchants." "In 1871, he issued the Emancipation Edict." "'Hinin', meaning'nn-human', was antherfeudaltermfrmembersf the Burakumin, thistime referringtthsewhworkedas twnguards, street cleaners andexecutioners He gave the eta and hinin commoner's rights." "'Hinin', meaning'nn-human', was antherfeudaltermfrmembersf the Burakumin, thistime referringtthsewhworkedas twnguards, street cleaners andexecutioners" "'Hinin', meaning'nn-human', was antherfeudaltermfrmembersf the Burakumin, thistime referringtthsewhworkedas twnguards, street cleaners andexecutioners We call them "new commoners"." "There are 400.000 of them." "Teacher?" " Yes, Toyo?" "You say everyone is equal, but I don't think that's right." "Why not?" "There's royalty, nobles, ex-samurai, commoners..." "Royalty and nobility are different." " But they're all Japanese." "They're different Japanese." "I just don't understand!" "Quiet!" "Sei, you memorised that well." "I wouldn't bother." " Why?" "It's not worth it." "But it might be on the exam." "You tell me why it's not worth it!" "Put down the bucket." "What's wrong with the Charter Oath?" "Can't you say?" "!" "We're "new commoners"!" "That won't change, even if we memorise the oath!" "You'd rather be an eta than a new commoner?" "You should be grateful for the Emperor's generosity!" "Take this!" "1, 2, 3!" "Aoshima's a shit!" "OK, let's take a break!" "Let's have some tea." "Machie, you're nice to help." "Here's some tea." "No, you use this cup." "Thanks, you worked hard." "You, wait around back." "What's this doing here?" "!" "Thanks." "I'll put it here." "Think we'll get 16 bushels this year?" "I wonder..." "I sure hope so." "We need five, after the rent." "The harvest is fun for Tosaku;" "it's his own land." "The landlord takes ours." "Hey, let me help you." "Oh, Kane, did you quit?" "I did!" "I'd rather make sandals and starve than work there." "So, we'll have to pay you?" "Not today!" "Just treat me to dinner." "We'll make a fancy gruel." "Right!" "Add a fish head!" "This is far enough." " We'll push more." "Thanks." "We'll go again." "You can push more later." "I want to push." "They're going to Senkichi's." "You want to see him?" "No." "So, we're off." "You push later." "If I put my shell in, will it go back to the sea?" "Of course; it'll walk back." "Grandma, I don't get it." "What?" "You're such a good student." "Japan beat Russia, so why did Papa die?" "Dummy!" "Even if you win, a soldier dies if he's shot." "But you lose if you die." "Japan won." " Even if Papa died?" "Of course." "Now, work!" "Looks like the rice is ready." "Koji, it was the Emperor who won the war, and your papa and many other soldiers who died." "Your mama's right." "I made a decision when my son was killed." "What decision?" "That I would absolutely outlive the Emperor." "That's what." "The District Governor's Prize." "First Grade:" "Hatanaka Koji." ""Award:" "Hatanaka Koji." ""Recognising excellence in study and work." ""February 21, 1909." "Signed, Governor lwamura."" "Same as above:" "Sugimoto Machie." "This is late for New Year's, but that's OK." "We'll celebrate Koji's prize." "I didn't win anything." "You weren't sick all last year," "A hari_atraditionalkimn jacket so Grandma made you a haori." "How's it look, Grandma?" "Perfect." "You are two handsome boys." "Sei, it's OK to go to Shimana, but... does the boy there know you're from Komori?" "It doesn't matter." "Toyo is my friend." "That's right." "Go with your head held high." "It's OK." "Nothing to be scared of." "It's Senkichi's house." "Don't cry!" "I ran 'cause I thought I saw a lark." "The clover's sweet, isn't it?" "Yeah." "Try some." "Sei, come in!" "You too, Koji!" "I'm not sure it's very good, but please have some." "Do you like sweet beans?" " Yes." "Then you'll have to come again, and I'll make them." "And you'll have to have Toyo over." "But we don't eat sweets." "You smarty!" "What do you mean?" "We're poor." "But, big boy, your family is the richest in Sakata, I know!" "Sei, don't tell her the truth, please." "Toyo, this is far enough." "I'm sorry, Sei." "My mom's a fool." "It's OK." "But you shouldn't lie." "Why not?" " It's disrespectful." "Disrespectful..." "It's not always disrespectful." "Oh, it's Hide from the temple!" "Climb up, Koji." "Where are you coming from?" " From a friend's." "Hey, Komori kids!" "Look, an eta student!" "Put haori on an eta, it's still eta haori." "You kids don't tease eta." "Their parents will get you!" "Don't worry." "I'll scold those naughty kids." "You shouldn't get angry, Sei." "They'll just do it more." "I don't care what they call us, Hide, but they shouldn't call you eta." "You're not." "I'm an eta, too." "No, you're not." " Really, I am." "Your dad's a priest, and you're in middle school, so you can't be an eta." "Doesn't matter." "You're an eta, if you're born in Komori." "Why?" "It's always been that way." "Do they call you names at middle school?" "Yes." " How do we stop it?" "Nothing we can do." "What'll it take, Hide?" "I'm going away to school in Kyoto." "You're changing schools?" "What would you do, Koji?" "Fight?" "No." "I'd rather study." " Don't brag." "Sei, don't take it out on Koji." "What's that?" "The warning bell!" "Fire!" "Brother, the village is on fire!" "Let us through, please." "You children stay away!" "Move!" "It's dangerous." "Don't bother!" "It's just Komori." "I want to go home!" " Let's cross the river!" "Stay away!" "It's dangerous!" "Komori burns well!" "I hope it burns them all up!" "It's no good." "Let's give up." "Don't cry." "I'm so happy you're here." "We were so worried!" "Oh, good." "Our house didn't burn, only the shed did." "You're safe!" "That's all I care about!" "You'll be sorry when it rains." "Then I'll come stay with you." "Yeah!" "Come on over." " Thanks." "Lucky the temple didn't burn." "Still going to Kyoto?" "You won't be back?" "I'll be back someday, of course." "Listen!" "It was the Tosaku boy who started the fire." "He was playing with fire." "They found the brat under the temple." "Take!" " Out of the way!" "Don't lie, or we'll tie you up!" "OK?" "Where'd you get the matches?" "I didn't tell you to hit him!" "Sorry." "Got them in the kitchen, right?" "Then you lit the straw on fire?" "It was fun to watch, right?" "All right." "That's a good boy." "My father rebuilt the shed for us." "Three years passed." "At last, Komori returned to normal." "Koji, are you OK?" "Koji was in fiifth grade." "Sei fiinished school and began... work at a rice shop in Osaka." "The four of us became three, and I always felt lonely." "How do you work in this damned heat?" "And you're working, too." "It's boiling." "Won't you come in for tea?" "Not while I'm on duty." "And you're flying the flag." "I'm impressed." "Of course we are." "The Emperor died." "It's OK, he's gone." "I shake when I hear the sound of that sword." "It's OK now." "Let's go." "Do you think Sei will come home for harvest?" "I wonder." ""Time sure does fly." ""It's been two years since I left." ""Are Grandma and all of you fine?"" "Mother!" "Surprised, Fude?" "Koji's read it to me so often, I've memorised half so far." "Oh, I thought the heat was playing tricks on me!" "Stand there a minute, Koji." "You've really turned into a fine boy." "Grandpa has been waiting for you to visit." "Koji!" " Hello." "I'm glad you came." "We'll have a fresh melon." "Let's go fishing tomorrow." " Yeah, let's." "Is Koji here?" "Nanae, remember this kid?" "I think she's forgotten..." "Nanae, where are you going?" "She's old enough to be shy!" "Koji, will you explain something for me?" "Arithmetic?" "Reading?" "Something else." " What, then?" "Umm..." "How are children made?" "Do I have a baby inside me?" "A baby the size of a finger?" "No, how could you?" "Of course not." "Oh, that's a relief." "Dummy!" "But you know, I really was worried." "Why?" "If I had a baby in me, it would be born at eta." "Did you know, our families are eta?" "What's an eta, Koji?" "Machie!" "Wait long?" " Nope." "It is time to pay tribute to the late Emperor Meiji." "Face the palace!" "Bow your heads!" "About face!" "You can go home now." "Attention!" "At the moment the Emperor's coffin crossed the Nijubashi," "General Nogi and his wife took their lives." "The General left a death poem:" ""My Lord has departed this fleeting..." ""this fleeting... world..."" "He's going to cry!" ""I hasten to..." ""follow... him."" "He is crying!" "You think that's funny, eh?" "You damned eta!" "Stop it!" "No violence, Aoshima!" "Gonna go home, Koji?" "I'm never going back." "Sada, let's go back." "What are you saying?" "I quit." "But if we quit, we're the losers." "You want them to win?" "I guess not." "Let's go, Koji." "Your head's hard." "I got a lump!" "Yours is hard as a rock." "I'm sorry." "Forgive me." " I'm sorry, too." "Sure is nice to have light." " Sure is." "You can see right into the bath." "Koji sure is happy to read." "He studies well." "Not like our Kiyo." "Is he doing well in Osaka?" "Not in school, but he's a good shoemaker." "That's not bad, Kane." "Wiith Kokichi working on the tunnel, you must have money." "Yeah, maybe I'll build a fancy storehouse!" "Where'd Tosaku find money to rebuild his house?" "Only one way: he sold his daughter." "Kane!" "But isn't she obedient!" "So, g'bye, Ma." "Be good, everyone!" "Only one grandchild to make sandals for..." "Hello?" "Hello?" "Who could that be?" " Over at Kane's." "Good evening." "Can I help you?" "It's late, I'm terribly sorry." "Where is Kane?" "I'm Iseda, an in-law." "She went for a bath at her parents." "I'll go find her." " I'll come along." "Is something the matter?" "The tunnel has caved in." "Are you okay?" "I'm sorry, the lantern..." " I have matches." "I'm sorry." "It's just ahead." "Let me carry the lantern." "Oh, Fude, just in time!" "They were about to pull the plug." "Like in the song, "You pull out happy," ""but what about me?"" "Iseda!" "What are you doing here?" "The tunnel caved in." "Look, the mountain has sunk." "150 men were buried alive in that tunnel." "That wouldn't sink a mountain." "Only eta work in tunnels." "Who cares if they die?" " What?" "!" "You dummyl" "Who's a dummy?" "Don't use our bucket!" "Yours is over there." "It'll get stinked up." "Oh, it's you two again!" "We're not doing anything." "The bucket split itself?" " He kicked it over." "Why can't you behave?" "Hatanaka put his rag in it." "It's dirty!" "Of course the rag is dirty." " His are dirtier." "Don't say that." "Would you bathe with an eta, teacher?" "That's different." " No, it's not." "Stop that!" "I said, stop that!" "Don't die, uncle." "Don't die..." "Iseda-san!" "Hi, Koji." "After the fiire, we got together and bought a pump." "The day Iseda came to pay his respects to Kokichi, was the fiirst day it pumped water." "Get ready to start!" "Come on, brother!" "Good luck!" "Leave it to me!" "Get set!" "Komori!" "Fight!" "Komori!" "Come on!" "Komori!" "We did it!" "We won!" "What's up?" "He stole the flag!" "No victory flag for the eta!" "In the end, the mayor ordered the flag burned." "Iseda-san, are you all right?" "That was nothing." "I love the river." "It just keeps flowing, no matter what." "Do you have bigger rivers in Kishu?" "We've got the Kumano." "Big or small, a river is wonderful." "Thanks." "They're burning it." "Time passes, and we forget..." "But some things we must not forget." "I'll never forget this." "Does this happen in your town?" "No flag has been burned, but many other things have happened." "Well, we still won, so this is a celebration." "And with Kane's good food, we'll be spoiled." "There were just the two of us." "It tastes better with a crowd, right, Koji?" "Right!" "I came to pay my respects, and got a fight and dinner to boot." "Stay with us tonight, Iseda-san." "Koji, what are you saying!" "There's so much I want to ask him." "That's a good idea." "If you stay with me, there might be talk!" "We're in-laws, but we're both single, and I'm still young." "How's the water?" "Thanks..." "It's just right." "Fireflies..." "Help me with the mosquito net, please." "Oh, Take!" "Come on in." "Is Koji here?" "Take?" "Not coming in?" "Iseda-san, stop, you're a guest." "I'm leaving home, Koji." "Huh?" "Why?" "I'm going to Osaka." " Osaka?" "My dad says to quit school and learn to be a shoemaker." "But you're too young, Take." "Yeah, but everyone calls me a firebug..." "I can't take it..." "Who says that?" "I didn't set the fire." "I was cooking beans for my brother, and the match..." "I know, Take." "You don't need to tell me." "Iseda-san, are you asleep?" "Thank you very much." "Fude..." "Fude, I..." "I have family to care for... so I couldn't move here." "And you couldn't leave your home here." "If you asked, I'd go anywhere." "But it can't be." "No... it can't be." "So, then..." "Be well!" "What are you doing, old lady!" "Mama!" "What's wrong?" "It's Take... he's dead." "Dead?" "Why?" "He killed himself." "Killed himself?" "He cut himself all over with a razor." "Ah, Koji..." "It's a shame about Take." "What did he say last night?" "That he was going to Osaka." "He came to say farewell." ""Don't die!" "Don't die!" I told him." "And Take smiled at me." "Stop, damn it!" "If he really didn't want to go, he didn't have to." "Next summer, Sada and I went to Yoshino." "We ran into an old friend on the way home..." "Teacher!" "Miss Kashiwagi!" "Who are you?" "I'm..." "You're Hatanaka!" "And are you Shimura Sadao?" " Hello." "You've gotten big!" "Where have you been?" "To my uncle's house." "Do you know how Egawa-san is?" "It's very sad, but Egawa-san died." "He did?" "He had lung disease." "He was a nice man." "Miss..." "Do you remember Nagai Take?" "Was he in your class?" "No, a year behind." "I don't recall." "Was he from Komori?" "Yes." " What happened to him?" "He died last year." "Suicide." " Suicide?" "He cut himself with a razor." "He didn't want to go apprentice in Osaka." "If he didn't want to go, his parents shouldn't force him." "A 10-year old... suicide." "Most kids couldn't do it." "Hurry, Satomura!" "You're heavy, Machie." "Machie was in ourclass in high school, too." "Koji couldn't get her out of his head." "Koji has always wondered... why Machie held his hand that night." "If you know, tell me, Satomura." "I will, if you won't get angry." "Why should I?" "I want to know." "Machie says it's not 'cause she likes Hatanaka." "She wanted to find out..." " Find out what?" "I won't say if you get mad!" "I won't." "Please go on." "She'd heard that Komori people turn cold at night, like snakes." "She wanted to see if it was true." "Oh, Koji." "Machie, wait!" "How is he?" "Is the fever down?" "He seems much better." "And he's rarely sick." "Ah, paradise!" "And free of charge!" "Y'know, Fude..." "You..." "You're still young." "Don't you want to have a man in your life again?" "What foolishness!" " No, I'm serious." "This home is my life." "So someone could come live here." "Mama, no." "I'm happy with my memories of Shinkichi." "But he's no longer with us." "You're alive." "I'm going to get angry!" "How about Iseda-san?" " Stop it, Mama!" "Ow!" "That hurts, Fude!" "Koji!" " Nanae!" "We came to see you, Koji." " Grandpa, too!" "Who's this?" " Hello, Grandma." "Well, come in;" "Fude will be back soon." "She's not a nice girl." "She made fun of you, 'cause you're from Komori." "Boys in my school come and touch my hands." ""Show us if eta hands are cold", they say." "She's different!" "No, she's not." " Really, she is." "Koji, do you still like her?" "I guess." "Nanae..." "Hey, Koji!" " Wa'ichi!" "Is your mama home?" " She's there." "Nanae, you've grown." "Wa'ichi's village is a very old one." "It's awful to expel them to enlarge an imperial tomb." "And then they frame anyone who raises his voice." "Lucky they let you out in 10 days, Wa'ichi." "10 days, framed for stealing melons." "It's crazy!" "You have to move your graves?" "They say eta graves defile the Emperor's tomb." "They don't treat us as humans." "But some people must be happy to get relocation money." "Maybe some are." "The power of money!" "Even chicken-feed." "Would you leave Komori for chicken-feed, Kane?" "Well, that depends on how much was offered!" "Thanks, that's enough." "I feel much better." "Who's the letter from?" " My brother." "Show me." " No." "Meany!" "I'm kidding." "You can read it." "I don't want to!" "Oh, that's great." "Osaka" "Give me five go of rice." "Five go?" "Twenty... three sen." "That's not enough." "Rice is 50 sen for a sho, so five go is 23 sen." "My papa said to get five go." "Where's your mama?" " At work." "Papa's sick in bed." "That's too bad." "Even so..." "Measure the rice." " But, Sei-san!" "Give it to him, don't scrimp!" "Start giving discounts..." "Hand me your bag." "That's a great deal." "Now, go right home." "Isn't that kid an eta, boss?" "Don't you have deliveries?" "Yes, I do." "So, I'm off!" "Come back quickly." "Things are getting real bad." "Wiill the price go up again?" "The big growers are holding out." "The importers are in with the government, so they won't sell." "Of course it'll rise." "I wouldn't be surprised if there were riots." "If there are, the police'll come after us eta first." "Well, we're off to the bathhouse." "See you later." "What's the news from Komori?" "The shop in Takada has stopped selling rice." "What'll people think if there are riots here, or in Komori?" "I'll rub your shoulders." " Thanks a lot." "It's nothing." "I'd sure like a grandchild giving me a backrub." "Why don't you bring forward the wedding?" "Huh?" "Well..." "I still have my military service." "There's some other reason you're hanging back." "The master kept our birthplaces secret... from his daughter, Asako." "That was my biggest worry." "Hide...?" "Is that you, Hide?" "You're..." "Koji!" "You came back!" "I told you a long time ago that I'd come back." "I'm tired of the life of an escaped convict, Koji." "What do you mean?" "Have you read Shimazaki's The Broken Commandment?" "Yes." "Ushimatsu in the book is on the run, concealing his identity." "For 10 years, Wa'ichi has been telling me..." "I'm like Ushimatsu." "Tonight I'll sleep well, for the first time in a while." "Away from Komori, I'm Ushimatsu." "Here, I'm Murakami Hideaki." "Wiill you stay in Komori?" "Such rich paddies, and so little rice for us in Komori." "There's none at the Yorozu shop." "The shop in Takada won't sell to us." "I can't be Ushimatsu forever." "G'morning." " Morning." "Come on, let's go out to Takada tonight." "I said I have to work tonight." "You can do that tomorrow night." "But Inokichi, you don't have anything to eat tomorrow." "Mine-san's got hereyes on someone better!" "What are you saying?" " Who's better?" "His name is Sada..." " Toki-san!" "Inokichi!" "Leave the flirting until after work, will you?" "Sorry!" "See you later!" "He's so ugly!" "So, Hide has come back?" "That's good to hear." "He gave up his art studies in Tokyo." "Couldn't make a living!" "Nah, he's not like you!" "My ma's upset 'cause there's no rice left." "Come by my place." "We can feed one more." "Seriously?" "I'll come then." "There was a riot in Toyama, Sada." "I knew it." "What's going to happen here?" "That's hot, Mama!" "Hot?" "You're a man now." "Man or not, it's still hot!" "Youth Reform Society Komori Branch" "But, Abbot, I don't think a public bath will change things." "That's because you have a bath!" "I don't." "Just think about it..." "Even though the Emperor issued the Emancipation Edict, eta are still looked down upon, because we haven't changed." "That's why, if we built a public bath here in Komori, and bathed at least once in five days, and lived cleanly, then it would have to improve our lives." "But that's not what I want most." "Inokichi wants money!" "No, rice!" " No, a wife!" "I want a wife, too!" "What I want is to go to the bath in Takada." "I want..." ""Freedom", right?" " That's it, freedom." "We can only take the last bath at Takada." "I'm not opposed to building a public bath, but that's not as important as food to eat tomorrow." "That's right!" "That's a separate problem." " No, it's not!" "They won't sell us rice in Takada." "They wouldn't sell to us, even if we had a bath." "Even with a bath, there's no rice." "Why won't they sell us rice in Takada?" "They're rioting in Toyama." "Why not here?" "They're coming." " Coming here?" "You two, get upstairs to Sei's room." "OK." "Asako, come!" "Master, I think we should open the shop." "Open it up." "We've got to." "They're coming!" "They just got lto-san's." "Relax, both of you." "Seitaro, just follow the plan." "We're opening up?" " That's right." "You understand, we've come to buy rice." "Yes, I understand." " That's good." "But we're not paying 50 or 60 sen a sho." "How much, then?" "Quiet down!" "This shop will sell at our price." "25 sen per sho 25 sen per sho" " This is the price." " All right." "This is the price." " All right." "But one at a time, and nobody takes any for free." "Quit jabbering and measure the rice." "We'll pay." "A limit of two sho per person." "Stop, right now!" "Who should we?" "If you sell rice to a mob, you're as guilty as they are." "What d'you mean, "mob"?" "!" "You, come here!" "Officer, wait a minute." "What do you want with our customers?" ""Customers"?" "These are customers?" "These people brought money to buy rice." "They're customers..." "What's wrong with that?" "He's a good man!" " He's right!" "You want to come down to the station, too?" "I don't mind... but first, tell me what's wrong with selling rice... to customers who pay?" "Tell me right here." "We're not a mob!" " We're customers!" "Why can't we buy rice?" "!" "If you get rough, the army'll be called out." "The army?" "I'm a reserve soldier!" "I'm a Private, First Class." "Got a problem?" "Hey, bring out the rice!" "Sorry, we're sold out." "Are you really?" " I'm very sorry." "Now the fires are starting." "That's Suzuki's storehouse." "Fall in!" "Ready arms!" "Sei-san, you needn't work this late!" "I'm almost finished." "Wiill my husband be all right?" "Sure." "They just took him in for questioning." "I hope that's all it is." "Imported rice" "I'll help you." " Are you sure?" "Thanks." " Not at all." "Well then, could you clean out these bags?" "Wiill my father really be all right?" "It's nothing much." "But I'm afraid the police will harass my father." "They've got no reason to." "The police are trying to blame Koreans and eta," "Like us..." " What?" "!" "Did I say something wrong?" "No..." "Sei-san..." "I've know for a long time." "Like a baby knows its mother and father," "I just knew, instinctively." "Asako..." "Luckily, no blood was shed in the rice riots in Komori." "The dealers at last released the hoarded rice, and calm returned." "But soon after, my son Seitaro was drafted into the army." "Two years later" "Sei, here are your favourite rice cakes, though you're far away." "You should eat as much as Sei." "I'll never match him." "New Year's cards!" "One from Sei!" "Says he's doing fine." ""I'll soon be able to see your healthy faces."" "He doesn't say, but maybe he'll be discharged soon." "My, my!" "Mama, Iseda-san has remarried." "Well, that's good news." "So, Iseda-san has found himself a wife..." "Mama, I'm off to the house in Ino." "Wait, you have to eat more rice cakes." "Thanks, I'm full." "So, Wa'ichi, you say it's a lie that we're born vulgar." "Do you think you're vulgar, Grandma?" "I don't think so, but other people do." "It's a lie that some people are born noble, and it's a lie that we're born vulgar." "That's right, but I still shudder when I hear "eta"." "eta is a hobgoblin that the authorities created." "There's no reason to fear that spook, Grandpa." "What's this about spooks?" "You're late, Nanae." "There's a visitor waiting." "Hi." " Hi, Nanae." "What a surprise!" "Koji and Wa'ichi!" "That's nothing to be surprised about." "I didn't know Koji was coming." "When you were sick with a fever," "You kept calling for Koji." " I don't remember!" "Grandpa, I think I'll be going now." "Oh, and I thought we'd sleep together tonight." "I'll come again." "Are you leaving, Koji?" "I'll walk you partway." "Take care." "Come again, Koji." "See you later, Wa'ichi." "Koji, wait." "I want to apologise to you." "Apologise?" "For what?" "I once said that the girl who held your hand... was a bad girl." "Do you remember?" "Yeah." "I was wrong to say that." "No, you weren't." "It was just like you said:" "that she held my hand as a test." "But when you squeezed her hand, she left it there, right?" "Yeah." "If she was just testing, she wouldn't do that." "I think she really liked you." "That was long ago." "But your feelings haven't changed, have they?" "I bet her feelings haven't, either." "Nanae!" "There is an order to everything." "The noble and the vulgar, old-young, man-woman..." "Maintaining this order is key to the nation's peace." "Machie sure is pretty." "There is no denying that some are born noble," "Others mean..." " Koji?" "Murakami Hideaki has called this "feudal thinking"." "But nothing is more dangerous than ideas like his." "That's right!" "Each man should know his place, and obey the lmperial Prescript." "I believe that is how order is maintained... among our people." "Sada, I'm going to speak!" "Yes, please do!" "Next is..." "I am Hatanaka, from Komori." "You all know about Komori." "Since grade school, I have been branded an eta, and I have been numbed by human coldness." "This is still true today." "But am I a pitiful person?" "Not in the slightest." "There is not a single reason to discriminate against me." "Ogaki says hierarchy is important to society." "But do the lowly carry a mark at birth that identifies them?" "There is nothing of the sort!" "Humans are all naked babies at birth, and we all die alone." "There are no high-born or low-born." "Just like everyone else, warm blood flows... through my veins." "I absolutely..." "I absolutely do not turn cold like a snake at night." "Well... next?" "Uncle, buy me one!" " Later." "I want an ice!" " After we visit the shrine." "Teacher!" "Teacher!" "Koji, it's Machie." "Are you going to the shrine, Shota?" "Yes, with Uncle Koji and Uncle Sada." "That's nice." " You've been good to Shota." "I'm still new at it." "I'm afraid she's not yet used to teaching." "Please be supportive." "Not at all." "Everyone says you are a wonderful teacher." "Excuse us." "Koji!" "Wait!" "It's been seven years." "I wanted to see Take grow up." "Oh, Take!" "Are you resting well?" "By the way, Koji..." " Yeah?" "I ran into Machie yesterday in Takada." "She's going to Tokyo." " To Tokyo?" "She wanted me to give you a message." "Kind of odd..." "What?" "She said to tell you she hopes you live a long life." "A long life?" "Y'know, Koji..." "Machie has suffered for a long time." "Since grade school, Machie has been drawn to you." "But other people always got in the way." "I didn't know it back then, but I was wrong to slap her." "Koji." "Y'know, you're a very lucky person." "Don't you think so, Take?" "Ooh, looks good!" "What smells so good?" " Oh, Kane!" "Help us." "Red rice?" "Isn't Sei here yet?" "Any minute now." "C'mon in." "I brought along a bottle of sake." "Thank you, Tosaku-san." "Is it really full, Tosaku-san?" "Of course it is." "What do you think I am?" "!" "Army Private First Class, Hatanaka Seitaro has returned!" "Enough of that nonsense, Sei!" "Welcome!" "Welcome home!" "Koji, please bring in the flag." "Grandma, the pole broke." "Well, that's good timing." "We'll never fly a soldier's flag again." "Anyway, I'm glad you made it back safely." "Is Siberia on the edge of the Earth?" "Have you never seen a map?" "Anyway, you made it back, you have a pretty bride... who could ask for more?" "Asako-san, today you're a guest." "Sit." "Fude..." "It's hard for every mother when her son gets married." "I know." "Early in the new year, Seitaro was married." "Nanae was engaged to Nagashima Yotaro." "The wedding was set for the following fall." "The 'Suiheisha'wastheJapan LevellersAssciation, set uptadvancethe rightsfthe Burakamin Suiheisha National Organising Headquarters" "He's late." "What's he up to?" "You're late!" "It's finished." "Take a look." "Good!" "The people should be charitable... toward the new commoners, and our minority brothers should cease... deprecating themselves, because they have been discriminated against." "We must progress toward harmony with all people." "This is the spirit of the Equality Association." "The founding convention is hereby adjourned." "Wait a minute!" "That's Hide!" " It is!" "It is not sympathy or pity that we require!" "Many people have supported harmony and reform, and offered us their sympathy." "But is it we who should be reformed?" "Shouldn't we reform the society that treats... the three million of us... as different, lesser human beings?" "That's right!" "Absolutely!" "There is just one principle:" "That all people on Earth be treats with equal respect." "That's self-evident." "Wiith this single principle as a foundation, we have organised the Suiheisha." "The founding meeting will be held on the third... of next month." "We ask you all to attend." "That's Wa'ichi!" "Don't pick up those leaflets!" "Ignore them!" "Those men are traitors!" "Koji, Sada!" "Read this!" ""Suiheisha Declaration" ""Burakumin throughout the country, unitel" ""Let there be passion." "Let there be light."" "Attend the Suiheisha Founding Convention." "March 3rd, Kyotol" "Koji." "It's heavy." "It's not an ordinary lunch." "It's steeped in women's tears." "It'll be salty!" "It's provisions for a man's battle." "Eat well." "Are you ready?" " Let's go." "Those are good sandals." "Made 'em myself." "The best." "They're well-made." "Be careful!" "So that's what was written in this leaflet." "Yes, Mother." "It says we should take pride in being eta." "I still can't quite imagine it..." "It says, "Let there be light."" "Many people assembled in Kyoto... for the Suiheisha Convention." "The papers reported," ""Over 2000 people passed the Declaration."" "Shota!" "Hurry up, little kid!" "Komori!" " A Suiheisha?" "This eta umbrella stinks!" "What're you doing?" "Smelly eta umbrella!" "Stinky!" "As Principal, I can't accept this kind of thing." "What kind of thing?" ""Elimination of Discrimination."" "What's the idea?" " Just what it says." "Are you saying there is no discrimination here?" "We wouldn't allow it in this school!" "Don't play dumb!" "Yesterday..." "Aren't you Hatanaka?" "You're Ogaki's father." "I'm Ogaki." "This is Shibata, of the village council." "You came to observe?" "It seemed things were getting out of control over here." "You aren't acting peacefully." "What do you mean?" "You know very well, you're threatening us!" "We know what you're after!" "Now, get out!" "Suiheisha, ha!" "Get out!" "Principal, come on." "Damned eta!" "What're you doing?" "!" "Brother!" " How are you, Koji?" "OK." "And you?" " I'm fine." "I'll be a father soon." "Is Asako's belly getting big?" "This big!" "I read the papers..." "No talk about the incident!" "How're Ma and Grandma?" "Fine." "I'll go to Komori tonight, and tell them you're OK." "I'd like a book to read." " What?" "I'd like Whitman." " OK." "Time's up!" "Are you eating well?" "Yeah." "How are you, Grandma?" "I'm fine." "I've..." "I've got this." "Not allowed!" "The visit's over!" "Koji." " Nanae!" "Suiheisha branches are starting all over." "No talk about the incident!" "Yotaro was also arrested, over in Otsuji village." "Stop!" "No talk like that, I said!" "Guard, please, it's family..." "What about your wedding?" "I'll go ahead." "I can have a wedding without him." "He's my husband, but I've got one other mate." "Another?" "I'm going to marry the Declaration." "Here's our flag!" " Stop!" "What are you doing?" "I won't let anyone call my kids "eta"." "My kids'll be human kids." "Hey, why aren't you sitting up straight?" ""The time has come for us..." ""to be proud of being eta."" "Pride" "Fude, we can cut the rice tomorrow." "Sure." "Now, Gen, be very careful." "Don't worry." "I'm a good rider." "It's a long way, so don't tip over." "But, Grandma, a wedding with no groom is a strange affair." "A couple like this will get along a lot better than most." "I suppose so." "So, let's go!" "Be careful, Mama!" "Steady, Gen!" "Steady!" "English translation:" "John Junkerman Subtitles ripped/retimed by lordretsudo"