A Dainichi Motion Picture Distribution Company Presentation
The Toho Company
and Katsu Production Co. Present:
Zatoichi: The Festival of Fire
Producer: Katsu Shintaro Assistant Producer: Nishioka Hiroyoshi
Original Story: Kan Shimozawa Screenplay: Takayuki Yamaguchi & Katsu Shintaro
Cinematographer: MiyakawaKazuo Sound Engineer: Masao Osumi Lighting by: Nakaoka Genken *Art Director: Nishioka Yoshinobu * Music by: Isao Tomita
Editor: Toshio Taniguchi * Costume Design: Yoshio Ueno * Sound Effects: KurashimaNobu Assistant Director: Toshiaki Kunihara
Starring
Katsu Shintaro
Ohara Reiko (Toei) Peter * Kazuko Yoshiyuki
Nishimura Ko Kaneda Ryunosuke * Kunie Tanaka
Nabe Osami * Nagasawa Jun Utae Shoji * Reiji Shoji
Kondo Yosuke * Kenzo Tatake Yoshida Yoshio KitamuraEizo * Okawa Osamu Akira Shimizu
Takumi Shinjo * KawasakiAkane Teruko Omi Mizukami Yasuhiro * Yoshitaro Asawaka Gomi Ryutaro
Hamada Yuji * Kazue Tamaki Horikita Yukio Kitano Takuya* Kuroki Gen Ibuki Shingo * Kanae Kobayashi
KatsumuraJun * NiizekiJunjiro Masaji Nunome * SatomiJun AkiraNitta* Kazuko Taniguchi Takadera Tadashi * Miki Yutaka
Masayuki Mori (Toho)
Nakayo Tatsuya
Directed by Misumi Kenji
Excuse me. Which Daimyo's procession is this?
In the 1830's, there was a great boss who systematically brought the Yakuza chiefs...
...of the eight provinces of the Kanto district...
...under his dictatorship, creating a powerful organization.
The organization used what they called "favor money... "
...that is, underground taxes, from farmers, traders, and merchants.
Not only this, but they also claimed the right...
...to skim a percentage from all gambling houses.
Needless to say, they amassed an exorbitant fortune.
People referred to the great boss as the "Dark Imperial Lord. "
Thus, he became the "Shogun of the Underworld. "
I will pay. I will pay the favor money, please have mercy.
Please hear me out. I beg you. I beg you. I beg you.
So you've come all the way here from Edo, sir?
Yeah. Women. I like 'em exotic.
I go through one every couple years or so. Get tired of 'em quick.
I'm here looking for a new one.
Here's one from Edo, raised in a teahouse.
Go on, disrobe her with trembling hands!
Skin as white as snow, bliss and medicine to your eyes!
Now take a gander at this!
Wow!
What'cha think of this?
Go together to bed, hand-in-hand.
Rise to the heights of ecstasy. Watch her tattoos begin to writhe.
As flesh touches flesh, feel her goldfish swim!
What man on earth can resist her?
You should take good care of your eyes.
I must admit, this is the first mistress- auction I've ever seen.
You've ever seen, huh?
50-ryo! Let's start there.
60-ryo!
Any other bids?
Sold to the gentleman for 60-ryo!
Wow, 60-ryo for that?
Did you miss a bargain?
Nah. But they'll tax at least 10-ryo as favor money.
Well don't just sit there sucking your thumbs. Have one these ladies suck where it counts.
They have amazing skills.
Why, to perfect their oral art, I've heard some have pulled out all their teeth!
They're all cut-throat seductresses.
A fine lady.
Exquisite appearance. Glowing skin...
Wow, what a fine lady.
She's gorgeous!
Ooh-la-la!
Now even I'm speechless.
The year was 1185, Genji, king of the land...
Hey, masseur. You can see?
...and the warships of the Heike clan were at a standoff.
At the Bay of Yashima, the forces of Genji and the Heike clan fought...
...and the icy cold light glinted off the arrowheads of Nasuno Yoichi.
Such is the light of her eyes; gaze upon them and see.
I'll just shut up.
But just one more thing you should know...
...standing before you is the actual young wife of a Shogunate retainer!
Now, what'll it be?
50-ryo!
50-ryo? Get real!
What kind of opening bid is that? Nothing less than 100-ryo will do!
150-ryo!
160-ryo! 150-ryo!
160-ryo! 160!
180! 160!
180! 180!
200!
201-ryo!
201-ryo, 2-shu! 201-ryo!
201-ryo, 2-shu! 201-ryo & two...
...hey, cut the crap! Have some balls!
250-ryo!
Is that all? Come on, what a fine gem. I think I'm gonna cry. Is that all?
280-ryo!
300-ryo!
300-ryo? 300-RYO!
Any others? Any other takers? No more bids? Going once... going twice...
Sold! We applaud you.
Congratulations.
Sir, if I may have my therapy fee now...
Um... the price is 23-mon.
I quit in the middle. That should be enough.
That woman is mine. She's mine, you hear? Hey, woman. Come to daddy!
What are you doing? That's my woman!
Silence!
Who're you?
Please sit. Please sit.
That was a close call. That dirty man would've been all over you.
What's the wife of a Shogunate retainer doing at a mistress auction?
Whoops, forgot about this thing.
Don't worry, I'm not a monster.
I'm just a traveling masseur.
Did someone kidnap you?
No.
I understand. It must feel weird to be rescued by a blind man.
Not here.
Dumb bastards.
They won't come back. You don't have to worry.
I am tired.
Oh. Please lie down and rest.
I'll just scoot over there.
Good night.
Just a pain in my side; it was this thing.
That smarts.
Hello?
Even if that lecherous bastard were all over you...
...you might have been better off.
At least you'd be alive.
Ouch! It hurts!
Hey, hey come on, don't cry.
Come on, don't cry.
All right then, just watch this.
Out of my way, move it.
Eggs, huh?
Yes.
You doing business here presents a problem.
Why is that, sir?
Because you can't. That's why.
We pay our favor-money dues with rice instead.
Must we pay favor-money to sell eggs, too?
As for today...
...it's a celebration ceremony honoring our boss.
That's right. Of our boss.
Do you understand? Do you?
Please, don't!
Shut up!
Please, don't!
Who do you think you're dealing with here?
What're you all gawking at?
Huh?
You taking me on, blind man?
H... Hey, that's my wallet.
Give it back!
Take me to this promotion ceremony for your boss.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Presented by boss Shibusa: 20-ryo.
Ichi.
Yes, yes.
Good of you to come. Yes, yes.
Good of you to come. Congratulations to you.
Relax and enjoy yourself. Congratulations to you.
Relax and enjoy yourself. Thank you.
Presented by boss Abura: 50-ryo. Thank you.
Banners: List of boss names & respective amounts presented.
Banners: List of boss names & respective amounts presented. Presented by boss Zatoichi...
...10-ryo.
Boss. I gave only 1-ryo.
Never mind, never mind, Ichi.
No, I don't accept it.
All you bosses own gambling houses.
You've got lots of minions. Just open a box and percentages fly into your pockets.
You impose underground taxes on farmers.
Oh, your boys are hard workers, all right.
10-ryo, 20-ryo, it's all chump-change to you.
I don't own a gambling house. I don't blackmail hard-working folk.
My money was earned massaging shoulders.
So please write, "1-ryo. "
Come on, Ichi.
And you. Come on, Ichi.
The supposed keeper of the law. You're in a lucrative business.
As for me, all I have are my ten fingers to work with.
Um... Will you re-write that as "1-ryo," please?
I was only being hospitable. How dare you?!
You. One who calls himself Ichi.
I've lived long.
But you always learn something new.
That was a good lesson.
You're my teacher, Ichi.
Yes, I am Ichi.
And you... who are you?
This man is...
The world is cold to the blind.
No matter how sincere we are...
...a sighted person won't give us the time of day.
Sometimes we get so lonely.
So we keep our comments to ourselves. But you...
...Ichi. You are an upstanding blind-man.
An upstanding blind-man...
You're blind, too?
It's rough to be blind.
But... Ichi...
...the more tribulations I have to face, the more penance I'm doing for my ancestor's sins.
That's my perspective. Not all people are good.
At least one or two of my ancestors must have caused others suffering.
So in a manner of speaking, I'm only paying my dues to the world.
So it is for you as well. It's as if we're paying our dues to the world.
Interesting... what a fine perspective that is. I have seen the light!
"You have seen the light...?"
Treat my guest Ichi well.
Yes, sir.
S... So, so sorry...
I am so late...
E... Everyone. My apologies.
Palanquin: An inclosed carriage used forthe conveyance of a single person from place to place. You came by palanquin?
Palanquin: An inclosed carriage used forthe conveyance of a single person from place to place.
Palanquin: An inclosed carriage used forthe conveyance of a single person from place to place. Yes. Yes.
I was sick in bed, but...
...hearing about this emergency meeting, I...
...I hired the fastest bearers available and flew over here.
Kouden: Money-offering to the deceased that attendees give at a funeral. Kouden.
You're constantly goofing up at the mistress auction.
You don't even show up to the promotion ceremony.
And now, it seems, you are a sick invalid.
No wonder.
If that's the case...
...you're probably not long for this world.
Take this offering and scram.
Hey.
Give him a proper funeral.
All right. Let's begin.
What shall we do with Zatoichi?
Those who are opposed, carve a mark.
Only one opposes.
The result is in. He is to be killed.
Decision!
Two fives make even!
Yes! I'm on a roll. Thank you, thank you.
I see you're hot tonight.
I know this is your promotion ceremony and all; I hope you don't think I'm audacious.
Mind if we join you?
Go on, go on. Go right ahead.
Place your bets.
Ready.
Odd!
Place your bets.
Excuse me.
Any more bets? Last call for bets.
Pardon me.
No problem at all.
E... Even.
Can I stack mine with yours?
Please go ahead. Can I stack mine with yours?
Everyone ready?
All set.
Rolling. Decision. All set.
Snake-eyes, even!
We did it!
I knew it was even! Thank you, thank you.
Good for you.
It's because of you.
Go on, bet away. It's because of you.
Go on, bet away. I'll leave a winner.
Place your bets. I'll leave a winner.
Place your bets. Thank you so much.
Here you go.
Place your bets.
Even.
Place your bets.
Not just the night, spend two days, four days here. Relax and enjoy.
You've entered my house, Ichi, and that means you've moved up the social ladder.
At the gambling house...
Huh?
She sat next to me. That pretty lady.
Boss.
He's here again.
He wants the boss's approval, he says.
Pesky guy.
I tried to throw him out, but he's clinging to the doorjamb.
There's this kid who wants in.
He practically breaks down doors and doesn't take no for an answer.
Wearing slick clothes, wearing the topknot sideways...
...walking the streets with a swagger, oh yeah...
...it's all so impressive.
Boss.
Boss. This is my one wish in life. Let me join your family. Make a man out of me.
A man out of you?
Shut up, anma. Keep your yap shut, asshole.
Hey, Ume, this here is Zatoichi.
He's a force to be reckoned with, even in our yakuza world.
I'm Umeji. How do you do?
My work is pimping women. I'm looking for a more honorable profession.
Don't get cocky.
There's no use pleading your case to him.
I'll do a divination for you. Let's see if you'll become a fine yakuza.
How many women do you pimp?
I got four.
Wait, a newbie joined today, so I got five.
Ichi, what's your type of woman?
What?
I'll let you lay one of mine.
Whoops, we're here.
Oh.
A blind guy.
He's our precious guest.
Thank you for waiting for us!
Yes, please drink to your heart's content.
Yes, please! Go for it! Yes, please drink to your heart's content.
Yes, please! Go for it!
My, what a strong body you have!
Give me some! I want some!
Wow!
Thanks!
You're so good! Thanks!
It's on the house tonight. Drink away.
How wonderful! How nice!
This huge cup?
Good for you!
You're so cool!
All right, what the hell. Here goes.
Go for it, anma!
"Hey, anma... "
Ichi, put in a good word to the boss for me.
Fine. But first, you bring me 100-ryo. Tonight.
100-ryo?
That's impossible.
Hey!
A yakuza has to have the guts to steal from his own parents.
So there. I'll be waiting in the guest room.
Ichi. Get up.
What?
I got it.
100-ryo.
So you got it, huh? There's a rope there. Bring it here.
This thing?
What are you doing?
What a nice sound.
Music to the ears.
What's the idea?
It's a magic talisman. It'll divine whether or not you're going to be a real man.
Now, let's get some sleep.
How are you doing?
Sleep well?
Nah, you probably couldn't. But that's all right.
If you could sleep through the jingle of 100-ryo...
...you'd no longer be human.
Take this money and go back home to your dad.
Become a man of good conscience, with nothing to hide under the heavens.
There's plenty of pretty bath-house girls there.
I'm looking for the lady who sat next to me at the gambling house.
These bath-house girls'll take a bath with you, too.
Oh yeah, you'll have a good time at this bath-house, all right.
Be careful, it's slippery.
Yes, ma'am.
Welcome.
"Odd, even. Odd, even. "
"Can I stack mine with yours?"
"Thank you so much. "
Ichi.
Phew. What a relaxing bath.
Go on, have a seat.
I'd like a cup of tea.
Go get some!
Yes, sir!
We heard you got ambushed, so I got the whole gang together to come to your aid! Right?
Put down your blades.
Whoops.
Sorry about that.
Your death is reserved to my sword.
That Zatoichi is getting on my nerves.
He's like a pebble in a bowl of rice.
Men the Loan Shark has gathered a troop of able killers.
I prefer someone who wields no sword. Someone who's not a killer.
The blind are starved for love and affection.
Let us kill him with kindness.
Why aren't you using her?
Who?
Oh, yes.
Who is it?
Thanks for the big win the other day.
Oh. You, from the... Wow. You remembered me. Hello there.
This might sound strange, but I feel that I owe you one. Will you accompany me?
Welcome.
Thank you very much. Come again.
Enjoy yourself.
Thanks.
Please.
Thanks. How kind of you.
Miss, I was wondering...
Okiyo. Call me Okiyo.
Okiyo?
What a fine name. Okiyo.
You're wondering why a girl like me is traveling alone.
Yes. Why is that?
I...
I don't really like gambling.
I hate yakuza.
I... Is that right?
I hate men, in general.
Well, even if Miss Okiyo hates men, they just won't leave her alone, I'm sure.
But... Ichi...
Yes?
You seem to be a hard catch.
Oh no, I'm very easy.
Because it doesn't matter how much I primp and preen, you'll never see me.
Nah. I can always tell a pretty lady, just by her smell.
This?
What a nice fragrance.
Your cup's empty...
Miss Okiyo, you're such a kind person...
Oh, excuse me!
Sorry I made such a big mess!
Wait!
Pardon me.
Madam, the bill please.
Right away.
What do I owe?
I'll get your change.
Keep it.
Thank you so much. Keep it.
Thank you so much.
I'll tie your laces.
Thank you very much. I'll tie your laces.
Thank you very much.
Take care.
Come again. Take care.
Come again.
Thanks.
We need to talk.
Excuse me for a moment. Please wait for me.
I remember that I've met you before...
Why are you after me?
Because of this.
Chrysanthemums?
She liked chrysanthemums.
You. You slept with my wife, didn't you?
Never. Nothing's further from the truth.
Nonetheless... I know how you feel. I, too, am a man...
You won't believe a word I say. You want me to confess that I slept with your wife.
It doesn't matter who does it.
Like they said, it doesn't matter who kills him, as long as he dies.
I have killed them all.
You are the last one standing.
The last one?
If I kill you, my dream will be fulfilled.
Go.
Am I pardoned because I'm innocent?
You're my only reason for living.
If I killed you now...
...you'd have nothing to live for.
I will kill you. Eventually.
Thanks.
Thank you so much. Have a safe trip.
Hello. Great weather today.
Hello. It certainly is, yes, sir.
Oh it's you. Lazy twit!
All you do is goof off!
Now listen...
Why aren't you here working?
A man has his friendships. Why aren't you here working?
"A man has his friendships?" Why aren't you working?
Come on, sweetie.
Don't call me that.
Come on. Don't call me that.
Show me that shapely ass of yours.
Not here. No way.
Come on.
Why should I? Come on.
You're the twit.
That hurt, jerk.
Eat shit, why don't you? Idiot!
You're gonna get it, punk.
Get it my ass.
Come on. Get it my ass.
Come on. Come on.
You need a good whippin'.
You go eat shit. That's what you get.
Who're you calling a punk, wench?
That's it, asshole!
Come on, let's do it.
Yeah, let's do it. Come on, let's do it.
Yeah, let's do it. Shut up.
I know what you're up to. There's another woman, isn't there?
No way.
You're lying!
This is ridiculous. You're lying!
This is ridiculous. Now you've done it.
Help! Now you've done it.
Help! I'll kill you!
Kill me? I'll kill you!
Kill me? You're dead meat, sucker!
You're scary! You're dead meat, sucker!
Come here you! Get your ass over here! You, you're in the way!
Please...
Come here so I can kill you!
A cup of tea, please. Come here so I can kill you!
Can't you see he's a customer?
Oh. Well, well. My apologies.
Hey you! What are you doing?
Nothing.
You flirt every chance you get! Nothing.
You flirt every chance you get! You're jealous!
I'm not jealous! You're jealous!
Why should I be jealous?
That hurt!
Take that! That hurt!
Take that! Stop it!
I'm gonna hurt you! Stop it!
I'm gonna hurt you! Don't hit so hard!
Ooh! That felt good! Don't hit so hard!
Ooh! That felt good! You're kinky!
Go get our customers some tea. This way, ma'am.
Hurry it up! Really.
Here's your tea. Thank you for waiting.
Thanks.
Hey, anma. You know a guy called Zatoichi?
Yes, that's me.
I finally found you. Man, I was searching up and down every road in the world!
I got express mail for you.
Thanks.
Please confirm receipt.
Yes, yes.
Good work.
Miss Okiyo, if you don't mind, please read this to me.
Sure.
Ichi, I can't read this kind of letter.
What?
No wonder. Yes, you wouldn't be able to read this one.
Is it from someone nice?
A lady friend, perhaps?
No, this is from no lady. It's...
It's from someone who's like a god in the yakuza world.
Someone I want to see...
I mean, someone I want to hear, one of these days.
They're having a big annual celebration, and I'm...
Invited? It's an invitation letter?
Yes.
And you're going?
Well... And you're going?
Thank you. I'm just a blind and aimless wanderer, anyway.
I'll try my luck and see what happens there.
Thank you. Happy trails.
Thank you. Thanks for your business.
What a cool breeze! Gosh, that feels good.
A... Are you all right?
Allow me.
H... Here, I'll...
Saliva's good for wounds, you know.
Y... Your other foot's all right, I hope.
Can you walk?
Ichi, may I borrow your walking-stick?
Sure.
Miss Okiyo!
Miss Okiyo! Miss Okiyo! Oh, shiiit!
Ichi!
H... Hey, thanks. Oops...
Take this... take...
Please take this.
For me?
Um, yeah. Well, I mean...
You didn't get hurt, I hope.
Goodbye.
Don't go. Please don't go to the place in that letter.
Miss Okiyo!
Miss Okiyo?
We've got vacancies, stay the night here.
So since then... my parents have disowned me. I'm still not a real man.
The women have left me. It's all your fault.
I'm begging you. Let me join you.
So you got dumped. Big deal. Buck up.
I once got dumped by seven women, all at once.
Ichi, I've heard rumors that all kinds of people are after you.
As long as I'm at your side, you'll be safe.
I like you.
Hold me.
Hold you?
Yes.
Hold you... and then what?
I'm lonely.
Well, I'm not.
What're you doing?
What the...
If I kill you, I'll become a real man.
Boss Kuroko promised me. If I kill you, they'll let me join.
You dumb bastard!
A real man is someone of good conscience, with nothing to hide under the heavens.
If you stay any longer, I'll lop off your head.
Start your life new. Become that real man I'm talking about.
Do you understand? Now go back home for real this time.
But I am a man. My honor's at stake.
You won't go home? What must you do, then?
Let me hit you.
What?
Let me hit you!
So you'll really go home this time?
I'm a man. I won't go back on my word.
All right.
No one's looking, right?
There's no one around.
You dummy. I didn't do anything yet.
See ya.
Ichi!
See ya.
Where is Okiyo?
Yes.
What is it, sir?
Just the other day...
I dropped in to visit someone.
Though his feet were bare...
He came running up to me...
...and washed my feet.
Who was it?
It was Migi.
Migi, the loan shark?
In bare feet?
Looks like you've come into your own, eh, Migi? Your future as a yakuza's looking brighter.
Oh no, sir, I still have a ways to go.
Oh, by the way.
After the annual celebration tomorrow, I plan to announce my retirement. What do you think?
Retirement?
Yes. I plan to hand over my entire operation to my successor.
Please reconsider. Who else could oversee such an operation...
...one that spans all eight provinces of Kanto?
You think so?
Indeed.
Indeed so.
There's always you.
That is absurd.
I've already decided. You are going to be my successor. I can trust you.
Are you serious, sir?
I'm going to announce it at tomorrow's gathering.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much!
It was to hear you say such words that I've labored... labored hard, to this very day.
To mark my succession, I promise to oversee with diligence.
I will endeavor to walk a righteous path of chivalry.
I humbly ask of you to accept my nomination.
Congratulations! Congratulations!
"A righteous path of chivalry," eh?
Congratulations!
Sire.
Okiyo. It's you. Glad you're back.
I decided to make your father my successor.
Thank you very much.
About that Zatoichi... You did as I asked, did you not?
I'm asking you a question. What happened to Zatoichi?
Ichi is not the kind of man who will oppose you, sire.
He's not the kind of man who will attack someone first.
He was so happy to receive your invitation. So please...
Sire, please forgive Ichi. Please.
So Ichi gave this to you, huh?
Did sis come home?
Men.
What's up?
Our boss wants to personally propose a toast to you tonight. After all, you're a bigshot now.
Come on, let's go.
Greetings.
So he's here.
Well, we have an all-star gathering here today.
I've never seen a gathering of this magnitude. Probably never will again.
Indeed. Only our great boss has the power to make it happen.
I'm just a blind man.
Just a powerless and simple blind man.
We still have a little time before the annual celebration begins.
Please relax and enjoy yourselves.
We are grateful for your hospitality. We shall enjoy ourselves, as you say.
So you want to challenge me, head up.
Is that the theme of tonight's entertainment?
I want you to bet your life.
I, too, should bet something. What should I bet?
I accept the challenge.
What have you done with Miss Okiyo?
Odd!
Decision!
What turned up?
Ichi. About this challenge.
It's a lose-lose proposition.
Everyone. Here's the best part of tonight's entertainment.
Do enjoy.
Look! Look! All of you! Look carefully!
How did it go?
What's happening? Check to see if he's roasted.
B... Boss!
Everyone!
Now the real entertainment is about to start.
What are you fools waiting for? Kill him!
Ichi!
If you don't come out, innocent people are going to die.
Ichi! Please come out!
You're alive...
Ichi!
Ichi! Please help us! Come out! Please come out!
Boss! I'll kill that Ichi!
Please lend me a dagger!
Father!
We yakuza...
We walk the back alleys, away from the law.
But you... you ride palanquins, you make underlings kneel as if you're royalty.
You murder innocent people like they were bugs.
Is that how you repay the debts of your ancestors?
We don't need lowlifes like you.
I'll bring down heaven's justice on you...
Ichi. Listen well to Okiyo's death scream.
Stop it.
That's good.
Now walk this way.
That's right. Walk this way. Nice and slow.
The fun's all in the anticipation.
So you're just a blind loser after all.
Did something happen?
Did something happen to me?
To me? Me?
It's so quiet...
Why are you all so quiet...?
Zatoichi's death belongs to me.
Please don't kill Ichi!
Thanks for rescuing me.
Are you still going to kill me?
My hatred is bottomless.
Through and through.
You sure loved your wife, didn't you? Through and through.
Love... Hate...
I should've never fallen in love.
Ichi.
I know how you feel.
You hate me, don't you?
Hate you?
That would mean I've fallen in love with you.
Don't flatter yourself.
Ichi. You're all I've got.
Take me with you.
You can't pull the wool over a blind man's eyes.
Ichi...
Hey, anma! How 'bout a ride?
I'm fine.
I'm on a return trip.
I'll give you a bargain. Take a ride.
No. I'm fine.
"No. I'm fine. " Suit yourself.
I'm fine.
Everything's fine.
The End