THE WATER MAGICIAN
Original Story: Kyoka Izumi
Director: Kenji Mizoguchi
Cast:
Tokihiko Okada as Kinya Murakoshi
Ichiro Sugai as Iwabuchi Hirohisa Murata as Minami Bontaro Miake as Shinzo
Kumeko Urabe as Ogin Suzuko Taki as Nadeshiko Koji Oizumi as Gonji
Joe Ohara as Tanjiro Etsuji Oki as Old Prosecutor
Nobuo Kosaka as Detective T akashi Kawase as Minami
T akako Irie as Taki no Shiraito
Early summer of 1890.
Among the troupes with tents up alongside Asano River in Kanazawa,
there was a water art.ist named Taki no Shiraito.
Rumor had it that no one in the area compares to her beauty or skills.
And she knew it too.
She had quite a following.
Come one, come all! Check it out!
The one and only T aki no Shiraito! Come on in folks!
Don't miss it! Come one, come all!
The highlight of the show! The main attraction now!
Shiraito, as an established artist, was a woman ofpride and impulse.
And was loved by her troupe members too.
But for the past few days, she 'd been smiling softly to herself.
It's a sin to s mi rk like that!
Come on. Share the fun.
What are you talking about?
But as certain as the sun rises, there was something.
Three days earlier...
Aboard a carriage headed from Takaoka to Isurugi.
This flower of modern civilization is said to be faster than a rickshaw.
But a rickshaw passed it before their eyes.
The passengers weren 't happy!
That ricks haw's passed us!
H ey boy!
You call this the "power of science"? What a joke! Shame on you!
If you're a man, prove it! Go faster!
Use the whip!
Come on, you fool!
Why don't you ask the horse?
I'm not the one pulling this.
Quite a character, this young driver.
Young sir, just a little faster.
Why not please the customers a little?
But Shiraito didn't even get a response from him.
Shiraito thought that he was waiting for a tip.
So she offers...
How about 50 sen?
Let her out a little!
Keep it!
Horses don't move for cash, so there's no use!
Little upstart!
Who do you think you are?
Outrun by a rickshaw!
The power of modern civilization?
You want me to pass that?
Out of spite and to take his revenge, he start.s running the horse for all it was worth!
Hey... hey there! Boy!
No tripping or slipping, right?
I don't know.
Guess it's straight on till the horse falls.
SIow it down a Iittle, you fool!
Quite a stubborn lad, this driver.
The horse at full speed now.
Passed the rickshaw in no time at all.
But one of the carriage "s axles gave out.
Shiraito figured he deserved it.
Now our young driver doesn 't look quite so proud.
W ell?
W e'll make it to I s urugi by evening?
Popped an axle.
Overdid it a bit.
What'II I do about this?
No good?
That's too bad.
Guess this'll take more than a tip.
"FIower of science"?
I'd heard it was fast, but never imagined this.
By evening, right?
Get down from there, sister.
What?
Come now, miss!
What are you doing?
Getting you to Isurugi by nightfall.
Now!
After dragging her down, he pulled her up behind him on the horse.
There he goes...!
What about us?
When they arrived at Isurugi, Shiraito was unconscious.
When Shiraito regained consciousness, he set off back to Takaoka.
He wasn 't like any other men she knew.
He left a great impression on her, who till now lived for her art.
What's his name?
Everyone calls him Kin-san.
I see.
Kin-san...
He left behind a book.
A difficult law book. Not typical reading for a carriage driver.
This was the reason for Shiraito 's little smile.
Three days had passed.
She wants to see him again.
Shiraito, your cue! You al right?
Y es, yes.
I 'm coming.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I bring you the pride of our show!
The one and only Taki no Shiraito!
We've been waiting for you!
A Goddess!
Taki no Shiraito!
A vixen playing battledore and shuttlecock!
Breathtaking!
A cascading goddess!
Like the Goddess of Crystal Palace.
She mesmerized the audience.
The curtain falls in the midst of this excitement.
The annual Asano River summer show.
Monkey acts, a girl acrobatic troupe, stunt performers,
knife throwers, living dolls, view boxes and electric magic.
Even among such a variety of spectacles, Shiraito was quite a crowd pleaser.
Still the day passes and night spreads her veil.
Almost like in a dream, the cheering crowds leave.
The night then brings the performers their first free time of the day.
The glimmering moon in the sky shines on the white peony that is Shiraito.
What a Iovely night!
T oo good for sleeping.
The only sound carried in the breeze was the water's meandering.
I 'm all worn out. So tired!
Dressed Iike a young girl when I'm already 24!
But still, what a night!
Shiraito let the breeze carry her away.
Her gaze moved up along Utatsubashi Bridge.
A young man sleeping peacefully under the moon.
Who's that?
Shinzo the barker?
What do you know?
It's cool up here with some breeze.
Shinzo, you'II catch a cold.
Go ahead, catch a cold.
See if I care.
She was convinced it was Shinzo.
But when the moon lit up the man's face
She saw...!
The pale face of the carriage driver she could not forget.
Oh my...
It's Kin-san!
Shiraito wondered if she was dreaming.
How many times had she thought of him?
Had the keeper of destiny heard her prayers?
Here they were, alone on this bridge at night.
Her cheeks blushing, Shiraito stared at his sleeping face there in the moonlight.
Ki n-san...
You sleep Iike a baby.
Sweet Kin-san!
Kin-san!
Ouch! That hurts!
You'II catch a cold sleeping out here.
Oh, did you put this cover over me?
I've been thinking about you. How've you been?
Huh?
Who are you?
I've never seen you before.
It's me. You remember?
How very kind of you.
I remember.
Kin-san.
Don't try and tell me that you don't remember me!
Wait! Wait a second.
I...and you...
I don't...
On the way to Isurugi, raced a rickshaw on a carriage.
Remember?
You pulled me down and threw me on a horse.
Don't you remember that woman?
That was you?
You mean I really had to tell you?
Stop being coy.
I'm not trying to be, but
with 20 or 30 customers a day,
am I supposed to remember all of their faces?
Oh.
But do you drag women away on horseback
every day?
Of course not.
I couldn't do that every day!
Kin-san! Hey Kin-san!
He surely isn't happy.
What brings you here to Kanazawa?
I Iost that job because of you.
Because of me?
You must be joking! Sure, because of me!
So you're angry at me?
I see.
Hey,
Iend me your pipe, will you?
Okay?
Pushy, aren't you!
What's wrong with this pipe?
You can't even taste the tobacco.
Look at that, you Iazy bum.
You're single, right?
But with such good Iooks,
you must have many women.
Ridiculous!
You mean...
Then...
There's no one?
Of course not!
Oh!
Really?
Can't you quiet down?
A bug! Help me!
Take it out!
Where?
Down my back.
Just a leaf.
Kin-san.
Kin-san!
So,
what did you say about Iosing your job for me?
Tell me more about it.
That time, it was fine that I overtook the rickshaw.
But after the broken axle, the company Iet me go the next day.
I see.
Then I guess... it really was my fault.
I see.
So now, what will you do?
What will I do? I have to eat.
I've got to find some work somewhere.
There are a Iot of high officials in Kanazawa.
I figured that I could find work on a carriage.
I see. Did you find anything?
Right, you kidding?
That's why I'm sleeping out here.
Maybe I'm out of Iine to say this, but
you're no carriage boy.
No, I wasn't born a carriage driver.
My ancestors were samurai.
Father died three years ago. I had to quit school.
Then two years ago, my mother passed away.
Left all alone, I had to work. I started out in that carriage company.
And here I am. Such a disgrace.
But I'm not finished!
I won't go to the grave a carriage driver.
I've got plans. PIans and hopes.
But still, I guess it all comes down to chance.
That's right. Chance.
She rules us all.
Chance and fate. That's all there is.
Kin-san.
You can't just give up. What kind of plans?
Is it going back to school?
Yeah.
I'd Iike to get a Iaw degree.
Well,
if it's schooling you want,
you ought to go to Tokyo.
Tokyo? I'd be there if I could.
But that's where chance comes in.
It's not that easy.
Come on! You go.
You've got to go to Tokyo!
Listen,
don't get angry with me.
What if I...
I helped you out? I mean, with money?
If only just your tuition.
But why? There's nothing in it for you.
That's...
For me?
That kind of talk is for strangers.
If you open your heart to mine,
then wouldn't
that be "in it" for me?
PIease!
Let me help you!
Bowed to the keeper of destiny, Shiraito said a secret prayer.
Then she led him back to her tent.
Don't be so quiet. Loosen up.
Let me help you with your schooling.
PIease?
I'll show you. I'll put you through school.
One day you'll be a great, famous man and make me proud.
Until then, I'll help you no matter what it takes.
Kin-san...
You've got to study hard and become a great man!
Miss...
Such a noble offer.
I'm indebted to you. I will do my best.
My name is Kinya Murakoshi.
Don't get all serious now. Lighten up a little.
My name is Tomo Mizushima, 24 years old.
You?
Oh I'm... 25 years old.
I see.
Then you're a year older than me.
Here, take this money. 30 yen.
The sooner you Ieave for Tokyo the better, alright?
Kinya Murakoshi never forgets a promise!
Some day, no matter what happens to me,
I will never forget you.
Whatever it takes, I will repay you!
I promise!
Repay me?
All I want is for your dreams to come true.
No, that's not fair. Can't accept that!
That's my obligation to you for believing in me.
What do you want for yourself?
PIease, tell me!
You sure?
Then... Iet me tell you.
Well I...
Look at me blushing Iike a shy innocent girl.
An old maid like me!
What I want is... My wish is...
I...I want... I want you to want me!
Blushing red, Shiraito finally got out those words.
Shiraito promises to see him through his schooling.
Shiraito and Kinya grabbed chance by the horns and joined their fate in love.
The sun start.s showing its face.
Near Utatsubashi Bridge.
The sun shines on the little tent pitched on the bank of Asano River.
There in the morning mist Kinya spots a signboard.
He discovers that Tomo Mizushima of the night before
was the famous water art.ist Taki no Shiraito.
No! No, Iook away!
I g nore what the sign says. T aki no Shiraito?
Here with you, I'm just an ordinary girl.
I am Tomo Mizushima.
The two held each other tightly as they headed for Kanazawa Station.
Their souls were as one as they made promises of a great future.
Kinya eager to acquire his law degree,
he left for Tokyo.
As if in a dream, two years passed since.
Kinya opened his heart to Shiraito and left for Tokyo.
How fast the time went by.
Shiraito continued to send Kinya money.
Kinya studied hard to finish school to begin his career and make her proud.
He was a serious student and planned each step
he took in meticulous detail.
Fortunately he could rent one of the rooms for the servants at a high official's residence.
There also was a generous old woman who took him on as her own flesh and blood.
The master arriving home from his office.
W elcome home.
Himself an ex-carriage driver,
and the master driven to his office every morning.
Kinya told himself that one day it would be him in that carriage.
M r. M urakos hi.
Look at hi m.
One day, you too will be a wise and important person.
Here's another letter with money from your sister.
Thank you.
It was the usual letter from Shiraito
with some money.
"I am enclosing a Iittle money with this Ietter.
PIease accept it with my prayers for your success.
My thoughts are only of you as I continue on the tour."
Even with her great appeal, the life of a traveling entertainer
is never easy.
There are good times. There are bad times.
But her love for Kinya had made her strong,
giving her the strength to withstand any hardship.
An esteemed water artist,
Shiraito known for her beauty and impulsiveness,
Ionged for Kinya far away in Tokyo.
"One day I'll become his wife. ""
Such thought sustained her as she continued on.
Still, the approaching autumn leads the way for the coming winter.
As white patches can be seen up on the mountain peaks,
the gem of the summer, Shiraito 's water act, loses its sparkle.
The crowds come no more.
This is a tough time for the performers.
In such times, they had no choice but to...
turn to a man like Gozo Iwabuchi, a loan shark.
H and it over.
My wife has it.
AII we've got.
This barely covers the interest. T o say nothing of the principal.
OId rag! Do something!
Now!
I'm broke!
Wait until our next show at Naoetsu.
I'll make enough there.
So please.
Naoetsu? I don't know.
You're touring with the water tricks. The summer's over.
A Iong winter for you. Problems, problems.
Don't jinx me! I need all the Iuck I can get.
Shiraito!
Let me have a cherry too.
Hands off!
These are my favorite. So hands off.
Instead,
why not ask your honey Shinzo to buy you some noodles?
Deal, Nadeshiko?
Not even one?
They all knew about Nadeshiko, the Knife Throwing Troupe's star,
and Shinzo the barker.
Buy your girl some noodles!
Today the monkey trainer was calling it quits.
Chomatsu, where are you headed?
I'll spend the winter at Daishoji Temple.
I see.
Well,
good Iuck.
Thank you so much.
You take care too.
The summer's over, so there's nothing left,
but to wait until the snow melts in the spring.
With your popularity, you'II be fine. No problem.
Finally winter came calling with a coating of white.
Unable to put up a show, they sit around like brooding hens.
But Shiraito never forgets about her love.
She scrapes some money together and writes him
for the first time in weeks.
"Winter has come and the audiences have gone.
The waiting season for performers. I hope for the spring to come.
I am very sorry.
I am enclosing this time half the usual amount.
This is the best I can do now.
For now please accept what I can give and study hard.
In the spring, I'll make up the difference
as soon as I can.
I have only the highest hopes for you."'
Finally she signed it "Tomo Murakoshi. ""
"Tomo Murakoshi"" She liked the sound of those two words.
What's this! Ogin!
Shiraito!
Hey!
Don't act Iike an idiot!
I thought that we were all friends here!
What's the idea, Ogin?
Forgive me, Shiraito!
Forgive me.
PIease forgive me, Shiraito!
I thought that even if told you why I need that money,
you'd say no, so... I...
I... I'm sorry.
So sorry.
Of course I'd say no.
You know how Iong it took me to put this together?
Do you think I'd let you drink it away?
Eh, Ogin!
Drink it away? Think I'd steal money for sake?
Do I Iook Iike such a hideous woman?
You broke my heart!
My mother... My mother is dying!
What, what shall I do?
My mother in Tokyo. She's dying and I want to see her!
I don't know what to do! I have to go to her!
Help me, Shiraito! I can't stay here!
Unable to see my dying mother,
and tortured every day by Minami, my Iousy husband!
Do me a favor and kill me!
I'd rather be dead! Kill me, please, Shiraito!
Shut up! What's all this gibberish?
Go ahead and cry!
It'II do you no good here!
Get out of my sight!
I mean now!
"Go cry your wicked heart out.
This money is for Kin-san. "'
"Like I might really give it away! For what?" she thinks.
But the thought of Ogin not seeing her dying mother touched Shiraito.
Without realizing, without knowing,
Shiraito tossed the money at Ogin. She was just that kind of woman.
T ake it.
Shiraito, this money! Really?
Shiraito, I'm so sorry!
I'll never forget this!
As long as I breathe, I'll remember my debt to you!
Thank you, Shiraito! I'm sorry.
That money means a Iot to my Kin-san, but it's for your mother's sake!
Take it and get out of my sight!
Out of here! Right this instant!
Can I really take this?
Still, for all her tears, Ogin
ran off with a young stagehand that same night.
We must expect the unexpected in life.
Winter drags on.
Run out on by his wife, Minami the Knife Thrower is not in a good mood.
While everyone grumbled about the season,
the only laughter came from young Nadeshiko and Shinzo.
The two always sparkled with their young love.
"How happy they look. "'
""Soon Kin-san will come back for me. "
Shi nzo, you two aren't alone.
Oh, I 'm real sorry.
""The renowned beauty I was, loved by all for my art as well.
He made me a woman, accentuating my charms and completed me. "
Memories of Utatsubashi Bridge warmed Shiraito.
"Just a little longer. ""
"My hair flowing in the air as we rode in the carriage.
You held me tightly as the horse went.
But you are now so far away, as I continue on my tour. ""
She's a Iooker.
No chance with her.
Lost in thoughts of her Iover in T okyo.
There's nothing doing with her.
Not a chance.
Come on. Money works wonders.
Nah.
Not with her.
But, look over there.
The young one there. What about her?
Nadeshiko. How about it?
Nadeshiko, eh?
She's pretty. No problem?
No problem. She's in my troupe.
It's a deal.
The weather cleared and the show was on.
Minami the Knife Thrower did his thing on stage.
The audience was small.
But Iwabuchi forgot about Minami's debts as he fixed his eyes on
young Nadeshiko, who was to become his tonight.
Even after a long closing, only this small turnout.
"Every year this location brought problems.
Farewell biddings and hopes for the year to come. "
Looki ng bad, real bad. We're out of Iuck here.
Look at those empty seats. This Iocation's finished.
I'm off for Kashiwazaki to see if we can get a show on there.
This is all the money we've got Ieft, alright?
Shiraito, remember this is our Iife blood for now.
Take good care of it, Shiraito.
I'm counting on you.
Bring back some good news.
I'II see what I can get going there.
Take care of the troupe while I'm gone.
Stay out of trouble.
Well, see you.
I'll be back in no time!
Take care!
Shiraito, it's your cue.
I'm coming.
Minami the Knife Thrower finished and Shiraito was on.
Shinzo was waiting for this moment to come up to call his Nadeshiko.
Is it true?
You really going to Iwabuchi's tonight?
Is it true, Nadeshiko?
Iwabuchi already paid Minami. He's my boss.
He's selling me off.
What am I to do?
That's ridiculous!
What kind of a beast is he?
I don't want to go. But what can I do?
But we need the money.
I just want to wash my hands of this filthy business.
What am I to do?
Same here. I don't want you to go!
For money? What a bastard!
If only I had some money!
If I did, I'd take you away from all these scum!
What am I to do?
I want money!
There she is. I knew it!
Gotcha this time! Caught you red-handed!
Not getting away this time!
Meeting behind my back! You brazen fool!
You're coming with me to see your boss.
Come!
Let him go!
Shinzo didn't do anything. PIease!
You shut up!
Wait!
Shut up and come with me!
Sir, keep an eye on her. She's a shifty Iass.
PIease Iet me go! Don't take Shinzo!
Quiet down. We're going to have fun tonight.
No! Get away from me!
Let go!
What are you gonna do!
He's been chasing my Iittle gem. Keep hands off her or I'll show him!
This fool's one of yours, ain't he?
They're young. What can you do?
That night was filled with shouts and threats.
In the end Nadeshiko didn't go to Iwabuchi's house.
But the two young lovers knew that they had to get away.
Although wrong to run out on Shiraito who had looked after them,
they made up their mind to elope.
N adeshiko!
Leave now, we can make the first train.
T ake only what you need.
Right or wrong, we're going. Hurry!
Not so fast!
Shiraito!
Don't be fools. You'd be caught at the station.
Come around back.
There's a boat waiting.
Shiraito, can you forgive us?
Do I have a choice?
Nadeshiko, here. Take this money.
You'II need it.
Money?
Shiraito, we can't take money from you!
After all that you've done for us!
The troupe will...
You'll need money until you find work somewhere.
Just Iisten to me. Take it.
This is the beginning of an honest Iife for you two.
I can't just Iet you go with nothing in your pockets.
Make me happy.
Shiraito!
We will never forget you!
But promise me you'II stay together.
Be happy together forever no matter what, alright?
As Shiraito helped the two young lovers get away,
she hoped her good deed would return as her happiness with Kinya.
What have you done now?
Where's my N adeshiko?
What have you done with her? It's all your meddling!
What about me? What am I gonna do?
Not my business.
Have you got any proof?
No clue what you're talking about.
Proof? What about your Shinzo? Where's he?
The two ran off together!
My wife elopes and now Nadeshiko.
What am I gonna do without her?
Can't put on a show!
This is all your fault! You gotta help me!
Without Nadeshiko,
Iwabuchi won't lend me anything for my next tour.
You've got to help me out of this one!
Shiraito!
What a crybaby.
Go ahead. Take it all.
Money! That's what I need!
Take that, get out of my sight and forget it.
We're through. That's all I got.
Come on, just get over it.
Money's all I need!
Can't Iive without it.
1 0, 20, 30...
38 yen and 60 sen. That's it?
It doesn't quite make up for Nadeshiko.
But it'II do. I'II take it.
What's this?
You talk big, don't you?
Have you got anything else to say?
I've gotlots to say!
One day you're gonna pay for your meddling!
You wait and see!
I'll show you your place!
I hope they're alright.
I feel good.
I did something good.
I wonder how far they've gotten by now?
Gonji's back from his negotiations at Kashiwazaki.
He can't believe that Shiraito used up the money.
Really? AII of it?
Are you crazy?
What got into you? How could you do that?
Really none left? At all?
Come on, congratulate me.
I did a good thing. I helped someone.
Kashiwazaki is no good. There's nothing going there.
Another Iow point.
No good?
Really? You're not kidding, Gonji?
Another Ietter from Tokyo.
Shiraito, this is no time to be sending money to Tokyo.
We don't even have any money for the troupe members!
Think about that!
Shiraito hadn't sent anything in a while.
It"s almost time for his graduation, but
she had no money left to see him through.
Let's go to Kanazawa!
It'II be just the same in Kanazawa as here.
But we're from Kanazawa.
Something'II come up. We have the regulars.
Let's go!
This winter's no good.
Shiraito writes Kinya a letter.
"'With no prospects for a show in Sado Island,
we're heading back to Kanazawa where I'm sure something will turn up.
As soon as I get something going, I'll send you the money that I promised.
Until then, please be patient."
Realizing that she was having trouble sending him his allowance,
Kinya sent Shiraito a response to the effect that
he would get by from then on by himself.
"I n arrears i n tuition payments, I 've decided to work.
Even if I have to quit school for the time being to support myself,
I swear to you that I will fulfill my promise to you.
Don't burden yourself with worries for me. I'II get by."
What am I to do?
I've got to send him money.
Shiraito, this is no joke!
Money to send to Tokyo? What about our salaries!
Shiraito!
""I can"t send him the money he needs. ""
Shiraito resigned herself to the hopelessness of it.
Shiraito.
What?
Come here.
What?
T ake a Iook.
In the fourth...
No, seventh aisle from the front.
That man.
He's a rich merchant.
Extremely Ioaded.
What?
What are you getting at?
No, no. You've got it wrong.
If Taki no Shiraito is asking, he's saying he'll Iend money
with no strings attached.
Come on, it's worth a try. AIright, Shiraito?
It is so nice of you to come today.
I've always watched you perform on stage.
But now sitting here with you!
What a beauty you are! A Goddess!
Have some tea.
In need of financial assistance? You've come to the right man.
Anything for Taki no Shiraito. For you, the sky's the limit.
So gorgeous!
It's Iike seeing an angel!
A sight to behold!
Just a second.
Not quite.
Could you hold it Iike this?
We're traditionalists in this house.
So, how much do you need?
30 yen? 50 yen? Or 1 00 yen?
Shiraito...
Name your price.
Get away from me!
Don't play innocent.
I came here to borrow money! I've got nothing to sell.
Come off it.
You know the score. Come on.
Shiraito...
Who do you think I am?
Forget it!
Shiraito!
Wait now.
Shiraito! Wait!
Ouch! That hurts!
Calm down! Take it easy!
Taki no Shiraito
sells her art, not her body!
"Taki no Shiraito sells her art, not her body!"
She left on a memorable note, but found no means of getting money.
At the end of her road, she came back to Kanazawa.
She went to Iwabuchi the loan shark, interested not in her art.
But 300 yen buys a lot more than a water act.
Iwabuchi the loan shark tossed 300 yen at her as if it were nothing.
And fixed his evil eyes on her like a viper.
He was as evil as his glare. Many women have fallen prey to him.
Poor Shiraito was dragged into a real-life nightmare.
On the way back,
right around Kenroku Park.
What're you...!
Give me the money!
Money? I don't have any!
You've got 300 yen in your breast pocket!
What!
Hand it over! Now!
Let go! Rotten bastards!
Let go!
But Shiraito had no chance against six men.
Knives glistened in the moonlight as they thrust them at Shiraito!
Give me the money!
Get away from me! Rotten villains!
That's mine! Give it back!
I need it! Give it back!
Shut up!
Give me back that money! Please!
Shut up!
She lay there in the night mist.
When she woke up, she knew
her 300 yen was gone.
Instead there was a knife.
That money...
That money was for Kin-san!
Those bastards! How dare them!
It was one of the knives that Minami used on stage!
Iwabuchi! Ganged up with Minami!
He set me up!
Bastard Iwabuchi!
Her whole body shook with anger!
With the knife in hand, she didn't have to think about where to go.
Iwabuchi!
Where are you! Iwabuchi!
You're back.
J ust as planned.
Give me my money!
You and Minami! You scum!
Give it back!
A knife?
Threatening me?
I had it all planned out for you to come back here!
Get your hands off me!
Let's see what you're Iike a second time around.
My Shiraito.
Let go of me!
Let me go! Get away from me!
Bastard!
Come over here!
Let go! Let go of me!
Iwabuchi had met his destiny in Shiraito's hands
as the knife sunk deep into his belly.
I've...killed him.
I killed him.
I'm a murderer.
Shiraito was dazed.
She was in a panic.
She grabbed the money stacked on the table.
Shiraito still in a state of panic, ran away from Iwabuchi's house.
She 's a murderer!
They'll execute her!
Before they get me,
I j ust want to see Kin-san one more time.
Desperate to see her lover one last time, Shiraito ran straight to Kanazawa Station.
She caught the night train and headed for Tokyo where her love is.
It wasn 't long before the police discovered the murder.
W e arrested Minami.
His knife was at the crime scene.
Still, it is not an open and shut case.
Three years had passed since that night under the bridge.
With only an address to go on,
Shiraito finally makes her way to Tokyo.
She searches for Kinya Murakoshi's place.
Where does Ki nya Murakoshi Iive?
Kinya Murakoshi?
Mr. Murakoshi Iives in a room by the gate over there.
You'II find an old lady who runs things.
Excuse me. Is there anybody home?
Who is it?
Does Kinya Murakoshi Iive here?
Oh?
Is he home?
PIease come inside.
Are you a friend of Mr. Murakoshi?
Come in. It's so cold outside.
Please, come on in now.
Is Mr. Murakoshi home?
I'm sorry, he went somewhere with his boss.
He didn't say where they were headed.
Not here? Until?
He didn't say. I really don't know.
Mr. Murakoshi... He's really not here?
Oh...
Your kimono is soiled.
Please, don't mind that.
Fleeing from Kanazawa and finally finding his room, but Kinya"s not there.
Not here?
Kin-san's...
... not here.
Shiraito was speechless.
She just blankly stared at the room.
Kin-san's... not here.
PIease, make yourself comfortable here.
You must have come a Iong way.
When he gets back, please give him this.
PIease keep this money safe for him.
You sure? I'll hold on to it for him.
It's really too bad that he's not here now.
She wanted to give him money no matter what.
See her love one last time before she got caught.
But her wish was not met.
But in this room...
Shiraito could feel him here.
Is this...
This is where Kin-san studies...
So this is it? This is Mr. Murakoshi's room?
Y es.
He's such a serious man, Mr. Murakoshi.
Every night he stands at the door watching the master return and
says softly to himself, "One day that'Il be me."
It seems that he's got
a terrific older sister somewhere in the countryside.
An older sister?
Y es, he never stops talking about her.
Whenever he talks about her, he studies even harder.
He goes on and on about how he's got to work hard
to make her proud of him, to make up for her help.
He talks on and on about her. AII the time.
Really?
He does?
He's already started working. Become a wise man.
His sister must be very proud of such a brother.
You're absolutely right!
She's a special woman with a wonderful heart!
I always tell him so. It's all thanks to her.
If it weren't for her, he never would have made it.
I hope that you can stay a Iittle while and wait.
I'll bring us some tea.
Three years had passed.
Shiraito had been afraid, sure that he had forgotten her.
But no, every day here in this room, he sat thinking of her as he studied.
But maybe it would be better if she didn 't see him.
She was no longer the same Tomo Mizushima he knew.
She had killed a man. A murderer.
Shiraito knew that it was better if they didn 't meet.
But Shiraito was overcome by a blinding wave of intense joy.
Kinya thought of her as he studied hard.
He had taken up a post.
There she saw Kinya 's certificate of appointment.
But her fleeting dream was stolen away
by a detective who had followed from Kanazawa.
Shiraito had escaped as far as Tokyo, but was finally arrested.
A falling star blown away by the wind.
On the train back to Kanazawa.
"I have nothing to live for. ""
"Better to just end it. ""
She made up her mind and threw herself to her death.
Stop the trai n!
Suicide!
A woman!
Suicide!
By pure chance and luck,
the small nearby restaurant she fled to was run by
none other than young Shinzo and Nadeshiko.
She really hasn't come?
T ell the truth!
There's no point hiding her.
Search the place!
Shiraito wasn't their only visitor.
No one else she knows around here.
You're all she's got.
Don't try to play the hero.
Tell the police if she shows up!
Got that? Understood?
Be sure to report!
Shinzo closed up shop early today.
But of course Shiraito was hiding inside their place.
Shiraito!
Pull yourself together!
Look at you, so worn out.
I'm sorry.
I just wanted to see Kin-san.
I'm so ashamed.
I've Iet him down, caused you trouble!
Wait a minute, Shiraito!
Don't go outside! It's dangerous!
I can't impose on you two.
You've got your Iives here. I'II only be trouble to you.
Just stay a Iittle while!
Pull yourself together, Shiraito!
Think it out. You've got to stay here!
We're not the kind of dogs who'd forget your kindness!
Whatever it takes, we'II protect you!
They won't get you. Never!
Shiraito! You must pull yourself out of this.
PIease be strong.
I'm sorry...
I'm so sorry...
The warmth of the young couple reached Shiraito's heart.
Shiraito, Iook what I've got for you. Your favorite cherries.
Go on, have some. Cheer up.
Shinzo.
Forgive me.
Open up! Shinzo!
Open up here!
Damn!
We'll break in! Open up!
It's the police!
If you don't, I'll see that you're
tried as an accomplice!
I'll never open it!
Tear down this door!
Went out the back!
Freeze!
Not her! Just the wife.
You lousy rat!
Shiraito! Quick, out the rear!
Shiraito!
Shiraito, you've caused us enough trouble with your drama.
Finally Shiraito was brought back to Kanazawa.
When the news that Taki no Shiraito had been
charged with the murder of Iwabuchi the loan shark got out,
the whole town came alive.
They've arrested Shi raito!
Minami says he robbed her,
but Shiraito says he didn't.
Doesn't make sense.
Exactly.
At any rate, it means that
she's no innocent virgin herself.
You agree?
What are you talking about!
I don't care what you say! It's certain that Minami did it!
I know it!
Examination by thejudge.
Hey,
Minami! Look at this knife.
This is one of your knives.
You still say you didn't do it? Think anyone will believe you?
Come on! Confess!
Your Honor, I just don't understand. I didn't do it!
You've got to believe me!
You say you stole money from Taki no Shiraito.
Nothing more?
No, sir.
And you dropped this knife when you were running away?
In Kenroku Park?
That's the truth.
That just doesn't fit!
Then what was this knife doing in Iwabuchi's house?
Lying will get you nowhere!
Come on Shiraito, be a good girl. Tell me what happened.
Minami claims that he stole money from you.
You say he didn't. Do you expect me to believe you?
He robbed you, didn't he?
There must be an explanation.
Go ahead, you can tell me if Minami robbed you.
It doesn't mean that I think you killed Iwabuchi.
There's something strange about that money.
What was that money for?
If you tell the truth, I may be able to get you off.
Don't you want to be free again?
You...do you mean
an acquittal?
This cloak is yours. Look at that blood.
What can you tell me about this?
And this knife?
You can't still claim that you weren't robbed!
You were robbed by Minami in Kenroku Park.
Where was the money from? What for?
There must be a reason here.
There's no doubt that you were robbed by Minami!
Tell me what happened!
Tell me the truth!
What was it for?
Tell me!
I don't care what you say. I wasn't robbed by Minami or anyone!
It was a complicated case.
Who is the real murderer?
The town was abuzz with speculation as to who really killed Gozo Iwabuchi.
Shiraito gave up. She knew that there was no way out.
But she dreamt only of escaping for a short time.
If only she could see Kinya once before her execution.
The murder trial to find the killer of Iwabuchi was near.
The word was that the new prosecutor coming from Tokyo was
a young man of great talent.
I see! Starting to make sense.
So, the result of the preliminary hearing.
They found Minami guilty. Look!
See here?
It's not so simple.
There'Il be a new prosecutor from Tokyo at the trial.
They say he's quite something. Must go watch!
Sharp as a knife I heard!
What are you talking about? You young fool!
A young prosecutor? Another young fool.
The truth's only known by God and yours truly!
Shiraito's innocent! Case closed.
It's Minami!
Who else but him!
Shiraito's no murderer!
Quiet down, old man.
I only speak of the truth!
No way that Taki no Shiraito killed that Iow-down Iwabuchi!
OId man. Isn't it time you went home?
You've been here since this morning.
The price is the same for one hour or ten hours!
Come on old-timer. It's dinner time.
Shiraito's no criminal!
Winter's cold must precede the blossoms of spring.
A time of joy, a season oflife. Here and there new faces appear.
Her soul cleansed with clear water.
She is smiling happily somewhere.
An eternal dream.
The new prosecutor
wants to see you right away.
Move it! Let's go.
Come now!
Taken to the prosecutor's office.
The trial date was nearing mercilessly.
Brought her, sir.
You may go.
PIease sit down.
That voice!
Shiraito felt a chill.
Couldn't believe her eyes.
There was Kinya standing before her.
He now an elegant prosecutor.
While she was...
How miserable she felt.
She was a sinful murderer.
What a cruel and twisted fate.
Her pride as the top beauty of the Hokuriku region was now shattered.
The joy of seeing him
came to shatter her pride and confidence.
But Kinya 's success today was because of her years of support.
She brought him to the world.
That is when a new pride
and joy grew in her heart..
Can you sleep well?
I s the food alright?
Do you Iack for anything?
I would still be driving a carriage if not for you.
You made me everything I am.
Thank you very much.
Look at you.
A nobleman. What more could I ask for?
Congratulations!
I Ionged to see you.
I Ionged to...see you...
You must have suffered for me for so Iong.
I'm sure you must hate me now.
PIease forgive me.
I Ionged to see you, just once before I died.
Had only that thought these past days.
My wish has come true. I'm here with you.
I have no more regrets.
Go on! Question me.
You're the prosecutor!
I'm a criminal!
Question me! Do your job!
Question me!
How could I investigate you?
I can't. How could I?
All that came out was tears.
The time passed.
Time's up, Your Honor.
Take her away.
Could there be a more cruel reunion for two lovers?
The murder case of Iwabuchi the loan shark.
"Was this case linked to that money?
If that had been her. ""
Ca me from far. H er clothes were soiled.
A nice Iooking woman. About 25 or 26.
There were tears in her eyes as she asked about you.
"The money that was left behind that time.
If that money is related to this incident
then all that she had done was for my sake.
How could I prosecute her?
It is I who ought to stand before the judge. ""
An honorable man, he made up his mind. Kinya would resign and stand trial.
Both the crime and the punishment were his.
He would stand before court..
Kinya came to Shiraito 's cell.
Everything that you did was for my sake.
It's only natural that I stand trial for you!
I couldn't stand there and watch you on trial.
That's too hideous!
I'll...I'll stand trial!
What are you talking about?
You're a coward!
What about me? What of me after they execute you?
I beg you! PIease don't say such a thing.
PIease!
I've given up all for your success. I have nothing Ieft but you.
I have no regrets dying now!
Be a wise, honored man, and a respected prosecutor!
Grant me my Iast request!
Fulfill your role as a wise and honored prosecutor!
I beg you!
Don't feel sorry for me. But if you do, do your duty.
For me, do it for me! Let my death be meaningful!
Her piercing words sunk deep in his heart.
To prosecute her was to return her love.
Kinya gave up his noble plan,
and resolved himself to do his duty as a prosecutor.
The trial date finally came.
A new prosecutor from Tokyo, a man of talent and insight was coming.
And with the word that the great Taki no Shiraito will appear in court,
there was a scramble for seats.
First of all came in Minami the Knife Thrower.
Everyone waited, holding their breath.
Silence filled the air.
Minami the Knife Thrower.
This is one of the knives you use in your show.
Show us how you use it.
I get up on stage and take it Iike this.
Just Iike that.
That's my show right there.
You've stated that you Iost this knife in Kenroku Park.
But it was found Iying next to the victim.
You deny killing Iwabuchi with this knife?
Do you?
I'm no murderer! I Iost that knife!
I've no part in his murder!
I'm no such devil as a murderer!
Why would I kill Iwabuchi?
I'm no monster! I'm innocent.
AII I did was... steal from Taki no Shiraito.
You stole her money?
What about Iwabuchi?
I may have stolen some money, but I'm no murderer.
I'm a good man at heart.
Have you got anything else to say for yourself?
No, Your Honor!
Your Honor.
As prosecutor, I'd Iike to call Taki no Shiraito,
her real name Tomo Mizushima, to the stand.
Granted.
The court calls
Tomo Mizushima.
There was a stir in the room as Shiraito entered.
Tired and haggard,
her beauty has not escaped her.
Rather she had the dignity of a person facing her own fate.
T omo Mizushi ma.
You'II be questioned about the murder of Gozo Iwabuchi.
Follow your conscience.
Tell the truth.
"Tell only the truth.
Add nothing and omit nothing. Speak openly and honestly."
Prosecutor Kinya Murakoshi.
Tomo Mizushima.
I, Kinya Murakoshi, as the prosecutor, ask you to tell me the truth.
Speak only of the truth.
His resolute voice echoed in the room.
Kinya was now filled with dignity.
Shiraito was filled with joy.
"How wise he 's become!"'
You say that you have no recollection of a robbery.
I 'll stand for no Iies.
Even if you get off on a Iie, the truth will be known
in heaven or hell someday.
A common man can hide behind a veil of silence, but you're not ordinary.
Think about it. Who are you? You're Taki no Shiraito!
Would you dare soil that name with a lie?
Does it mean nothing to you?
Men are mortal, we must die. But a name is forever.
With fame like yours, you must have many patrons.
But imagine one of them watching you here today.
What if he saw you Iie and send another to his death?
Would he praise your deed? Be glad you were found innocent?
Would he smile?
If I were that man, and if you did such a thing,
I would bid you farewell here and Iook away should our paths ever cross.
If I were your patron, I would not want that.
Before things got to that, I would beg you to be strong.
I would beg you to be honest and do what is right, no matter the cost.
I urge you to tell the truth.
After she had Kinya fulfill his duty as a prosecutor,
Shiraito finally told the truth.
I was robbed.
Minami robbed me in the park that night.
See, Your Honor?
I'm innocent!
So you were robbed?
Y es, Your Honor. I was robbed.
What's the point in hiding?
I had an obligation to my Iove.
A student who I pledged my Iife to supporting.
For the first two years
I got by somehow, sending him what I could.
But the third, I was at my wit's end. Couldn't scrape any money together.
I had to help the man I Iove. So I agreed to sleep with Iwabuchi.
For 300 yen!
That money meant more to me than my Iife!
But Iwabuchi and this Minami here plotted to rob me.
Minami knocked me out in Kenroku Park!
I wanted to kill myself. But I couldn't.
What would happen to him who depends on me?
No, I couldn't die.
Without thinking, I grabbed the knife Minami had Ieft.
I went back to Iwabuchi's.
He grabbed me and threw me down. He was going to rape me again!
I struggled to free myself.
And then...
You stabbed him?
You killed him?
I killed him.
There was all that money on the table.
I needed that money!
How I wanted that money!
Did you take it?
I took it.
After seeing Kinya fulfill his duty, Shiraito
bit out her tongue in the courthouse and wrote her own ending.
Not long after, Kinya followed her out of this world.
He took a pistol to his head on the bank of Asano River.
The spring moon still glows. The snow still sparkles.
The river flows on as before and as it always will.
Crimson tears shed for love that was not to be.
On snowy nights when the gales blow hard,
people in the Hokuriku region still
tell the sad tale of Taki no Shiraito and Kinya Murakoshi.
TH E E N D