Sansho the Bailiff
Produced by Masaichi Nagata
Based on a story by Ogai Mori
Screenplay by Fuji Yahiro Yoshikata Yoda
Director of Photography Kazuo Miyagawa
Art Direction: Kisaku Ito
Music: Fumio Hayasaka
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi
The origin of this legend of Sansho Dayo (The Bailiff) goes back to medieval times When Japan had not yet emerged from the Dark Ages and mankind had yet to awaken as human beings.
It has been retold by the people for centuries and it is treasured today as one of the epic folk tales of our history.
- Zushio, be careful. - Okay
- Mother. - What is it, dear?
How did it happen that Father ended up in faraway Tsukushi?
He's a great man, isn't he?
Certainly. He is a man of justice; a fine man.
I thought so!
Father!
Zushio-sama! Zushio-sama!
Don't be wild! Step back!
- We're not trying to do anything wild. - We came to appeal.
Then calm down!
You're the General?
Master, please show us your face!
We're all here for you!
What good will that do?
We'll have Master's transfer canceled!
Transfer is a pretense! It means exile!
What kind of nonsense is that?
They punished him because of us! We can't be silent!
Let's all go to the General's office to appeal!
Wait, hold it! I know you love our Master. But this would be against his wish!
- Be sensible and listen to us. - For thirteen years, famines have caused you sufferings.
To live, you need every working hand you have.
That was why the Master opposed the General's demand...
for more men to fight wars and more rice to tax.
His attempt to help you was overruled.
If you make a false step now, you too will be punished!
That's right!
If you riot, he'll be blamed!
He'll be accused of rebellion!
So return to your homes!
You're too lenient! This is a revolt!
Kill 'em!
What are you talking about?
I will not approve that! Never!
What insolence. You're no longer the Governor, remember?
Zushio-sama! It's roasted.
I am sorry I have caused you trouble, Uncle.
You're involved us all.
Aren't you sorry for your wife and children?
Peasants are to be pitied as well.
Nonsense! Peasants are peasants!
You fool!
- Take the children to your parents' home, to Iwashiro, Tamaki. - Yes.
Tell them... I'm sorry they trusted a man as I.
Zushio. You will become a stubborn man like me?
You may be too young to understand. But listen.
Without mercy, a man is not a human being.
Be hard on yourself, but merciful to others.
Men are created equal. Everyone is entitled to happiness.
Our family treasure..
The Goddess of Mercy.
keep it as a remembrance of my principle... and of me.
Now repeat what I've just told you.
Without mercy, a man is not a human being.
Be hard on yourself, but merciful to others.
Men are created equal.
Everyone is entitled to happiness.
- Do you remember your father's face? - Yes, Mother.
- And his teachings also? - Yes, Mother.
Zushio, you have to say goodbye to Father now.
You will be a lovely lady, Anju. Hmm?
- Take care of your sister and mother. - Yes, Father.
We're not parting forever.
Be hopeful and brave.
I never dreamed that I might have to leave this province.
Governor!... Master!
Master, don't leave!
Come on, let's hurry. We must find an inn.
We are traveling, children, the road Father walked.
- Father. - My lady! My lady! No lodging is available in this area.
Why is that?
Bandit gangs and slave dealers frequent this place, posing as travelers.
They've been kidnapping women and children.
So the Governor has prohibited accommodating travelers, I hear.
Bandits and slave dealers?
- What trouble we're in.
- What can we do?
Let's find a place to camp. We have no other choice.
Camp, ma'am?
Yes. Let's build a shelter before it gets dark.
Zushio, Anju, help us, will you?
- Here you go. - Mother, do you need more?
Yes, get more thatch and soft grass for our beds.
- Come, Anju. - Yes, Brother.
This branch, Brother.
You can't break it by yourself, Anju.
Mother is calling us.
- Come on, it's just the sound of the wind. - No, it's Mother!
Anju
Come back here quickly!
Zushio!... Anju!
You two must be famished.
This should help some.
What's that?
Wolves, ma'am.
Don't worry. They won't come near a fire.
Stop worrying. It's all right, dear. It's all right.
I'm sorry we haven't any hot food.
I'll get some rice gruel from a farmer.
And some bedding, if I can.
I'll be right back.
I appreciate your effort.
Who is it?
What on earth are you doing here?
We are travelers.
We are here as no lodging is obtainable.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
The cold night wind is harmful to children.
Come to my place.
I can give you some hot gruel.
I appreciate your kindness. But I don't want to involve you.
Just come quietly.
The authorities will overlook us, if it's only for a night, I'm sure.
Come, quickly.
Thank you.
But there is one more person with us.
Another person?
Is this person... a man or a woman?
A woman, the children's nurse.
Then it's all right. Imaging a man lodging with a priestess.
I was able to get straw mats, but no food, my lady.
That's all right.
The priestess has generously offered us shelter.
- Oh, really? - All right, let's go.
Thank you.
It's more than our pleasure. Thank you. Thank you.
How can I ever thank you enough!
No problem. Better than wasting my time serving God...
But even my family...
Hard times...
- You stayed six years at your brother's home in Iwashiro? - That's right.
Even brothers and sisters, when they get married...
Thanks to your meal, they could fall asleep.
And what's your plan of travel?
Go by sea. By land it's impossible.
Huge waves snatch the travelers away from the shore road.
And the hills are infested with bandits.
Is the sea quite safe?
Certainly. I know reliable boatmen.
- I'll ask them for you. - Thank you.
- I made all the arrangements while you were asleep. - How can we thank you?
Not at all.
Thank you. Here they are. Please take good care of them.
Come this way.
Please get on the boat.
I'll never forget your kindness.
Zushio, Anju, thank the lady.
- Thank you, ma'am. - Farewell.
Farewell.
I'll be praying for your safe voyage.
Come, lady, you are first.
Miss Anju, Master Zushio. Hurry.
Get back, I'll help the children.
The children will ride this boat. Sailing is faster with fewer people.
That won't do. We must ride the same boat with my children.
- Please! - Shut up!
- Mother! - Priestess, are you sure they're reliable?
- You'll be taken together to the right place! - Mother!
- I'll give you all the money. Please go back.
Please row back. Please!
- Mother! - Row back. Please!
- Mother! Mother! - Go back! Go back!
Those kids.
These kids? They're too small!
- They're smart, very useful. - How much?
Four-fifty for one. Eight for two.
They look weak.
Sick? Where'd I be? No way.
Enough of sobbing.
Your Ma's sold to Sado Island.
She cannot hear you crying.
Stop it! Or you'll get no food!
Please. I must dispose of them. Have a heart!
Go to Tango. See Bailiff Sansho.
Bailiff Sansho?
He's the richest there.
He'll buy from you. Don't waste your time around here.
Hurry! Hey! Don't be standing around!
The kids are here.
Bow to Master.
Paid for these weaklings? You fool? What can they do?
They're unfit for rough work, Pa. Let them sweep the yard.
No; they cost me money.
They have to work. They must!
What are your names?
They won't tell, Master.
Why not?
Stubborn kids, eh? Take them away.
Stand up! Go!
Have no mercy on them!
Walk! Walk!
Brother! Anju!
Brother! Anju! Where are you going? Come here!
Get this newcomer started.
- She should be playing with dolls! - What?
- No kidding. - Don't argue and put her to work.
I can't believe this!
- Come try. - Okay.
- Can you walk? - Yes.
Beast! That heartless demon!
I don't know who sold you, but... Poor thing!
Get up. Come on.
Brother!
Forgive me please! I beg you!
I wasn't trying to escape!
I really wasn't!
Those kids reminded me of mine back home.
I just went to the third gate.
Fool! That's as bad as trying to escape!
Forgive me! Forgive me!
What are you going to do?
Give her what's due, of course.
Namiji, eh?
Will they kill her?
Of course not. They won't kill us.
They hate to lose a hand.
Confine her?
Don't know what a caught runaway slave gets? Look at this.
I won't do it again!
She's apologizing. You don't need to stigmatize her!
Those ones should be given a lesson. You do it, Taro.
You weakling.
Don't look.
Eat your supper and start your night work, you!
Get in here.
Where were you sold from?
Come here... Tell me.
Don't be afraid.
You got parents? They sold you?
My father never would!
"Father" you say?
Evidently no peasant's kids.
How were you sold? Tell me everything.
Here, have some rice cake.
It's even roasted well.
When a messenger from the Minister of the Right is coming
Taro chooses to disappear!
Hey, Kichiji! Where is Taro? Go find him!
The vistor'll be here any moment. Bring the women, put some make-up on them!
Bring some sake! Are you ready?
Children like you are sold and bought...
...treated like animals and nobody questions it.
What a horrible world!
Tell me your father's words again.
"Without mercy, man is not a human being. "
"Be hard on yourself, but merciful to others. "
Wish I could get you to your parents. But Sado is far.
Tsukushi is further. No children can go.
Wait until you grow up! Be patient the while!
I see why you kept your name secret.
But you'll need names just the same. I'll name you.
You're... "Young Mutsu," after your birthplace.
You'll have hardships to bear with. So "Shinobu," To endure. All right?
Master Taro!
The messenger from the Minister is coming.
You have to go back to the Hall.
Tell my father that you couldn't find me.
He's an important guest from Kyoto!
Come with me.
I thought you came suddenly to reprimand us, sir.
Nonsense. Why reprimand you? We have to thank you.
You collect rice and tax for us most shrewdly.
You send us gifts and bribes more and more every year.
I feel honored, sir.
You're the most trusted man among all his bailiffs.
I've been instructed to carefully study your methods of handling your men.
Oh, heavens. I hardly deserve such praise.
I'm only doing my duty managing his Lordship's manor.
Which is seldom done nowadays.
The Minister appreciates your work so much...
...he said he'd like to invite you to Kyoto as a reward.
Oh, is that right, sir?
Yes.
My goodness! I appreciate his kindness.
Kichiji, bring the chest here!
As a humble token of my gratitude, sir.
I appreciate it.
May I present my son Taro.
Offer cordial thanks.
You are lucky to have such a good father.
Be a dutiful son.
Begin your dance, girls.
Gone to sleep?
Take care of yourselves.
Open the gate.
- Where to so late? - Shut up.
After ten years,
The young children have developed into sturdy young people in spite of their long hardship and misery.
The winter finds Zushio, Alias Mutsu, 23 years old. Anju, Known as Shinobu, is 18.
- Brother. Brother. - What? - The alarm.
- That way! He ran that way! - This way! This way!
Let me escape! Let me! For fifty years I've been working patiently!
I'm seventy. My days are numbered!
Let me die a free man... even in a ditch.
Young Mutsu, you handle this.
Who did the branding?
Young Mutsu.
How cruel of him!
He'll die a miserable death.
Mutsu is a bad one.
Must be the son of a bandit or brigand.
You're not to blame, so stop worrying.
- Teach this newcomer. - Pleased to meet you.
Take care of her.
Look. This way...
Try it.
- What's your name? - Kohagi.
- Your age? -16.
- From a peasant family? - Yes.
- Where were you sold from? - Sado.
Sado?
- You don't happen to know a woman named Tamaki? - No.
Sold to Sado ten years ago.
She was thirty-five, thirty-six... She must be forty-five or -six by now.
I don't know. Sado is a big island.
Feeling pain again Namiji?
I feel as though a heavy stone's in my stomach.
But you're getting worse...
I can't rest until I die.
We're not human beings.
Why does the rest of the world turn its back on us?
Don't be silly. You're talking like a newcomer.
Now work hard or you too will be...
'How I long for you, Zushio... '
'Isn't life a torture... '
'How I long for you, Anju... '
'Isn't it so hard?'
One moment. What was that song?
Say it again, will you?
It goes, 'How I long for you, Zushio and Anju. '
Who taught you that?
It was once popular in Sado.
Who first sang such a sad song?
A courtesan, they say.
- Coutesan? - One named Nakagimi.
Do you think she's still alive?
Well... I don't know.
You say it goes, 'How I long for you, Zushio and Anju,' right?
- Sing it again. - Yes.
'How I long for you, Zushio... '
'Isn't life a torture... '
'How I long for you, Anju... '
It's Mother!
'Isn't it so hard?'
Wait for me! Wait for me!
Take me along! Please take me!
Here's all I have!
Row off quickly! Quick! Please!
Nakagimi, for goodness sake! Let's go home!
She's impossible! Cut her tendon so she can't run away.
Please, Boss1 I won't do it again! Have mercy on me!
Shut up!
Forgive me!
Watch this, girls. All runaways meet this fate.
Too bad Nakagimi. You can't see the mainland today.
Stop it, Anju!
It's useless!
That was the first news about Mother.
You talk terrible.
Don't you think of Father and Mother anymore?
Don't you long for them?
What's the use of longing for them?
If we escape from here... there'll be...
How?
Without any money, how will we look for them?
Look at us now, better not meet them at all in the first place.
So, we'll first go to Kyoto and become somebodies.
Somebodies? Fantastic.
We're servants, despite our birth.
Slaves!
Who'd bother with us?
You'd be sold to a brothel.
I'd become a thief. Or we'd both be beggars.
You've the heart of a bandit already! A soul baser than that of a beggar!
How could you brand a man's forehead like that?
How could you be so brutal?
Did you forget Father's words?
Aren't you ashamed before the image you keep close to your heart?
Zushio! How could you?
The goodness did me no good!
It's better to be loyal to the Bailiff and look for his favor.
You have changed.
Mutsu, Namiji is past cure.
Dump her in the forest.
Namiji is like our sister.
Please let her breathe her last here.
- Take her, Mutsu. - Yes.
Don't take her, Brother.
She's still alive. Don't give her to wild birds.
It's the Bailiff's order.
Another dead one?
This one's still alive.
- You take her! - Yes!
Open the gate.
Not you!
Next time you're reborn. come to a family like the Bailiff's!
Be born to a rich family. remember!
Hey, hurry up.
I tied this to the Buddha, so hold it tight.
And this is an image of the goodness of Mercy!
You'll be born fortunate in the world to come.
Ready?
That's too ruthless. Can I at least cover her with a roof against the frost?
Then, do it quick. Brother.
Don't you remember the time when we camped off the Naoe Port?
Mother had us gather sedge and grass like this, remember?
Zushio!...
Anju!...
Oh, Mother is calling us!
Anju, let's run away.
- What? - Escape!
- You mean it? - Then hurry!
- Go alone. - What about you?
- We'd be caught if together. - I'll delay the chasers. Meanwhile run as far as you can
Go to the State Temple at Nakayama for protection.
I can't leave you. They'll torture you.
They don't kill slaves very often. Don't worry.
We couldn’t both get away.
If you go alone, you’ll be all right.
Save Namiji. Try your best to save her.
Go while I talk with the watchman.
The amulet is on Namiji's breast.
Wait for my return. I'll come back if it's the last thing I do!
My brother'll do the rest.
Sorry I'm late. Mutsu'll handle the rest. Let's go.
Let's hurry. I sure hope I don't end up like that. Let's go.
Come, Namiji, let's go.
Isn't your brother terribly late?
He'll come soon.
What's happened?
He's late.
You go look.
He's gone! He's gone!
You slut! You must be behind this.
Kayano, watch her!
Get more men!
Master! Bailiff!
- What happened? - What is it?
- Mutsu the slave escaped! - Mutsu?
- Shinobu too?
- No. She's at the gate.
How to deal with her?
Torture Shinobu. She must know.
Hurry and search throughout the village! Hurry up!
You know where Mutsu went, don’t you?
You're determined not to tell at any cost, I believe, but...
...you'll be telling after they torture you.
No torture can make a dead person speak.
It's too late for you to outrun them.
Tie me up here and go before it's too late.
Thank you, Kayano.
Now go.
Search throughout the gorge.
"How I long for you, Zushio... "
"Isn’t life a torture?"
"How I long for you, Anju... "
"Isn't it hard?"
We're the Bailiff's men after the runaway!
He must be hiding here!
Give him up to us!
Or you'll be punished by the Minister.
Why come bearing arms like this,
as if a revolt had arisen?
Seeking one of your servants, eh?
No layman gets shelter here without my permission.
It's rules.
As I haven't give one, he can't be here.
And may I remind you this is an Imperial shrine.
Look.(THE IMPERIAL TEMPLE THE PROVINCE OF TANGO)
The Imperial autograph...
Trespassers will be severely punished!
Leave quietly. For your own good.
I saw such a man! He went in that direction!
Southward, along the wall! Hurry! You'll probably get him.
How's she doing?
Thanks to you medicine, she has rallied.
Good. I'm glad to hear that.
Thank you very much.
I'm so glad.
What is your plan now?
Master Taro. May I ask you a special favor?
Would you keep Namiji here in safety?
I can do that.
But what about your future?
I'm going to Kyoto.
Who's the most powerful there?
Well... the Prime Minister, I should say.
But why?
Master Taro.
With what purpose did you leave your father's place?
- You plan to appeal to him? - Yes, sir.
At that time I had the same idea as yours; I went to Kyoto.
But it wasn't as easy as I thought.
My single-handed efforts proved futile.
I found humans have little sympathy for things that don't directly concern them.
They're ruthless.
Unless their hearts are changed,
the world you dream of cannot come true.
If you're desirous of living honestly with your conscience...
...just hold close to the Buddha.
I hate to oppose you.
But I want to give my life to achieve my dream.
I see. Then... do as you wish.
It will be hard, though.
- I know. - I am well prepared for that.
Then I shall ask my bishop to write a special letter to the Prime Minister.
Thank you very much. Thank you so very much.
I have a petition, my lord!
Please, my lord! Please, my lord!
I'm the son of the former Deputy Governor of Mutsu!
Get back!
Please!
I have here a letter
from Bishop Donmyo of the State Temple!
I'm doing this as I was refused at the gate!
- Please! I beg you! - Call the guards!
You stole this?
No,sir! It's our heirloom treasure!
Return it to me!
That's my father's keepsake!
Please give it back to me!
Don't send me back to Bailiff Sansho! Please! Please!
Don't worry. His Lordship is going to hear you himself.
What a lucky fellow.
Come out.
I brought him.
Come this way.
- He's here, your Honor. - Good.
Raise you face. You claim you are the son of Masauji Taira,
of Mutsu Province,
is that true?
Yes, your Lordship.
The image you possessed originally belonged to
my forefather Michinaga.
He gave it to your ancestor in recognition of his good works.
You knew that?
I only know that it was our heirloom treasure.
My father left it with me when he was sent to Tsukushi.
Your Lordship! Was what he did a crime?
Is pitying and loving men so unlawful?
It is not.
Only one must obey his superior officer.
However,
your father reasoned with arrogant military men.
A man of extraordinary courage, I have to say.
You know about that, my lord?
Had I been in office, it would have been different.
Could you pardon him now?
It is too late now. That is impossible.
Zushio. Don't let this dishearten you...
Your father has already departed this transient life.
When did it happen, my lord?
I investigated, reading your appeal.
It was last spring that he passed away in exile.
I sympathize with you.
And about your own hardships too...
In recognition of hi achievement and efforts...
...I am arranging for you to succeed hi title. Would you mind?
For me? For me, my lord?
Fortunately, the post of Governor of Tango is vacant.
I will give you that appointment.
- Governor? - Right.
Masamichi Taira is created a peer of the Junior grade of the Fifth Rank.
"Masamichi Taira, of the Fifth Rank, is hereby appointed Governor of Tango. "
This is the Imperial Rescript of your appointment. Come closer.
I have chosen a name befitting a Governor.
Call yourself Masamichi Taira from now on.
Visit your father's tomb.
Thank you. My God.
Father is dead, but my mother and sister will be delighted.
Now I can make these two happy.
Not only that...
...I can liberate the slaves from...
...the infernal house of Sansho.
What? Liberate slaves? Nonsense!
Yura Manor is the property of the Minister of the Right.
A Governor isn't authorized to interfere with a private manor.
You should know that to carry out your duty.
Reconsider your limitations.
Don't forget it.
Understand?
Imagine, the Governor of Tango coming all the way to Tsukushi.
His Lordship is the son of Lord Masauji who died here.
He came before going to his post.
A really dutiful son.
My regret is...
...that I could not come while he was still alive.
I see so many flowers.
Have you been keeping them on his grave like this?
No, sir. They're from those who remember his kindness.
Your father was kind to everyone he came across.
Especially those ill-fortuned peasants.
You father taught them how to read and write,
and...
...how to live a moral life.
I'm Police Chief Norimura, my lord.
Welcome, your Excellency.
Congratulations on your safe arrival.
Thank you for welcoming me.
I'm Murotsuna, my lord.
Narisada, my lord.
Toneyasu, my lord.
I want to do something in lieu of announcing my arrival.
All but Norimura and his staff may go.
I issue a decree.
Take this.
"In this Province,
the sale of human beings is forbidden on penalty of the law. "
"Both on Government land and in private manors,
the use of slaves shall be prohibited. "
Is that a Government order, sir?
No; it is my order.
Yours? Are you sure you want it published?
You doubt it?
I believe you know what you are doing.
But you must admit this is too reckless even if you are young.
Reckless? Never!
- I have more. - One moment.
A Governor's jurisdiction is only the Government land.
A manor is private property, sir.
Interfering with it can bring a difficult situation.
Especially...
...the large manor of the Minister of the Right.
Its bailiff, Sansho Dayu, is really tough to deal with.
I want to liberate his slaves.
What, my lord?
He is appointed by Minister,
an official, as it were.
All the slaves there belong to the Minister. The Bailiff, in charge, will fight you!
- I don't listen to that. - Not only that.
Should this reach the capital,
you will undoubtedly be discharged.
You may be exiled!
Your very life might be in danger!
I do not understand where you got such an extraordinary idea...
...but please give it up for your own good.
- Disobey me? - No!
Continue.
"The liberated ones, if they wish, will be sent home, or...
...permitted to stay and justly paid for their work in money or in land.
That is all.
Publish this throughout the province. All right?
Norimura.
Will you go to Bailiff Sansho's and fetch a girl named Shinobu
A girl named Shinobu, sir?
Yes£®
No such a girl here!
No? Are you sure?
Even if she were, a local official can't demand her.
Remember, this is the manor of the Minister of the Right.
No Governor can butt in here.
Go while the going's still good!
Off with you!... Go away!... Go!
Refused?¡ª I told him plenty, sir.
The fool.
Why did he demand Shinobu anyway?
Be on the alert.
What nonsense. Can't understand it at all.
Buying and selling of human beings and use of slaves
are prohibited in this Province of Tango.
violators will be severely punished.
November twenty-fifth, the seventh year of Kanji,
the Governor of Tango
Who is this lawless new governor?
He must be all-fired crazy!
Let him have it in a big way!
Dispatch a courier to Kyoto to the Minister at once.
Yes, sir!
Be sure the slaves don't hear of this.
Those morons are liable to start meaningless trouble.
And destroy the notice-board as fast as you can!
Go away!
Not to buy and sell slaves? What nonsense!
What does this sign say?
I can’t read!
Destroy it!
Governor's notice! We're free!
Hold it there!
Let's go!
Ready my men!
Please, sir! Noble as your idea is...
You won't understand! Never!
Think of those who rot in that earthly hell!
Are we ready? Yes, sir.
They've arrived, Master.
This is a privilege to welcome you here.
I'm afraid we've little to offer you, as this is too sudden.
Yes. Bailiff, we meet again.
Young Mutsu!
I am Masamichi, Governor of Tango.
You have changed. Don't blame me for not recognizing you.
Do make yourself at home, please.
Bring some drinks. Don't bother.
I am not here as a friend.
You and your men are under arrest.
Preposterous! What have I done wrong?
Destroying the Governor's signpost is enough of a crime.
Oh, you mean that lawless notice, eh? I see.
Now I know how that was conceived. But this manor belongs to the...
I know! It's much the worse!
Such recklessness is sure to rebound on you!
Cancel the proclamation at once.
Then I might intercede for you with the Minister of the Right.
I don't know how you rose to this position of yours.
But it's like a fairy tale! A slave becoming a governor!
Don't spoil it. That's all you have to say?
That's my affair. If that's it, come with us.
Your property is confiscated and you'll be exiled. Arrest him!
Release me!
Whose house do you think this is? Attacking a manor like this...
Prepare yourself for punishment!
Release me!
Listen carefully, friends.
In this Province of Tango, the slave trade has been banned.
Both on government land and in manors, the use of slaves is forbidden.
From this minute, none of you belong to Bailiff Sansho.
You are now all free men!
You may go home
You may stay here and work if you wish.
And you'll be paid.
Or you'll be given land as your own.
Nior.
Oh, Young Mutsu!
My sin in stamping that iron on your forehead cannot be erased, but...
...I hope you'll let this make up for a fraction of it.
Anju.
You heard all this?
Shinobu, I mean. You heard that?
Where is my sister?
Where is she?
What happened? Tell me.
She's no longer alive.
He killed her?
No.
She's drowned.
Why didn't you wait for me?
I truly believed you would.
It was your great faith that gave me back my life.
But I'm hopeless now.
Why didn’t you wait for your brother's return?
Sansho's house is on fire, sir.
What?
He and his family have already been exiled, sir.
Submit this letter to the Prime Minister.
It is my resignation.
Perhaps you may think it very strange.
But those who have suffered here will appreciate my action.
I am going to Sado tomorrow, so help me pack.
Yes, sir.
All aboard.
We are leaving now.
You are not coming aboard? What's the matter?
I'm looking for a woman named Nakagimi.
Can you help me?
Nakagimi? Hmmm, she must be a courtesan.
There're brothels over there.
They can tell you.
I want to see Nakagimi. Is she one of you?
Yeah, she is
Where?
That house.
She's making up her face now.
Nakagimi?
Nakagimi? Who is it?
Welcome. Come here.
Are you really Nakagimi?
Of course.
I'm the one and only Nakagimi. Come on.
Well?
What's the matter? Come have a good time.
Why? Are you leaving?
Why, you brazen...!
Are you penniless? You big prize fool!
He didn't like you!
What happened to you?
Not that one. I'm looking for a woman over forty.
Oh, you mean the former Nakagimi, eh?
You know her?
She's dead now, I think.
She was found dead by the cape.
Or was it she jumped into the sea?
You're all wrong.
She was killed by the big tidal wave two years ago.
Are you her relative or something?
Where did it happen?
Beyond that there cape.
I've heard that this area was hit by a tsunami.
Uh-huh. Eight, nine out of ten were killed by that devilish wave that time.
Many bodies haven't been discovered yet.
Why do you want to hear about that tidal wave?
"How I long for you, Zushio... "
"How I long for you, Anju... "
"Isn't life a torture?"
"Isn't it so hard?"
"How I long for you, Anju... "
Mother!
I'm Zushio.
Scram!
You can't fool me anymore.
Go away!
You can't fool me again and again like that!
Mother!
Here.
The sacred image Father gave me.
Zushio. Are you truly...?
Do you recognize me?
I came to take you with me, Mother.
Zushio. Are you... alone?
Anju is with you, right?
Where is Anju? Bring her to me. Right away.
Anju has gone to join Father.
How is Father? Is he all right?
No, Mother.
Just you and I.
We're all alone now.
I could have come as a governor to take you away.
But I had to choose between Father's teaching and my position.
Please, Mother, forgive me!
Forgive you? I don't know what you did.
But I do know that you followed your father's teaching.
That is, maybe why we can meet here this way now.