Be careful. Someone might see.
I'll go see who it is.
I'm so sorry.
And the other matter?
I mean Della Togashi.
Didn't find him yet.
No easy task. After all...it's Della Togashi.
The boss said find him, so find him.
We're after Della Togashi.
Get the car.
Please. I'll never do this again. I promise.
He dragged me kicking and screaming.
But I didn't dare resist too hard...
Can you say this to his face?.
Kurokawa...
Boss...
Please accept my sincere apology.
It seems you made the first move.
Inwitchcase...
You're a dead man.
Just a minute!.
Whatever...
Things between Mari and l are not what you think.
How long's it been?
How long? Well...
How many times?
Please...
Give me a straight answer. How many times?
Or too many to count?
This was the first time.
This week.
You wanna know so bad, I'll tell you.
We did it a bunch. At his place...at my place...
In your car, too...
Boss, that's not true.
It was just to get your attention.
She felt ignored. She still loves you.
You're joking, right?
Mari-san.
I was fed up of being with him.
Watch your words!
I don't care. If you're killing us, get on with it.
It'scold.
- It's really daan cold. - No, it ain't.
Kurokawa-san, please... We were buddies, right?
Shut the hell up.
Excuse me. Feet a Iittle Iower please.
I just had my nails done.
Please.
It took ages.
- But normally... - "Normally"?
Call me when it's set.
Damn...if only Della Togashi were by my side...
Good old Della would help me.
You know him?
An acquaintance more than a friend.
For real?
Is this Della Togashi in the photo?
Probably...but the focus is awful.
Can you bring him here?
Della T ogashi?
I'm a big fan. I've always wanted to meet him.
If you bring him to me, I'll let you off the hook.
No problem, right?
Understood.
You've got 5 days.
He's probably busy... could I have a week?
If the boss says 5 days then 5 days it is.
5 days, then...
God, that was scary...
My feet are filthy...
Are you angry?
Damn right...after all those lies.
How lucky that you're friends with Della.
One we hook'em up, let's quit this town forever.
Who is he, though?
Della Togashi...
Where do I find him?
I thought he waas a friend?.
Never even met him.
Wait a damn second.
If I hadn't said that we'd be fish food...
I don't believe it.
I'll look for him. Who is he? Some fashion designer?
A hit man.
hit man?
The best sniper ever.
I'mokay,everyone.
Mr. Manager...
Not a word.
Let me use your shower.
My feet are crispy.
The boss did this?.
And he threw Mari out. Get her a hotel room.
A stiff drink for me.
You're lucky to get out alive.
It depends on this guy.
I'll be swimming with the fishes unless I find him in 5 days.
Who is it?.
Della Togashi.
The hitman?
Is he that famous?
I've hear do film
I'm the only one who hasn't. Where's he live?
Nobody knows his true identity. He works alone.
Hence, "The Phantom Assassin".
So how do I find him?
If you found him he'd stop being a phantom.
It's hopeless.
This was taken in town.
That's on this street.
Go check all the hotels.
You promised to find him, right? Didn't you?
What the hell do we do? I'm not going in the damn sea.
I'm in the same boat.
I knew something like this would happen.
I've been so worried.
That Mari is trouble. Everyone says so.
You should feel sorry for her.
Why her of all people?.
We've known each other for ages.
When I first started working here she was in the chorus line.
We kept each other's spirits up.
I worked like a madman and became manager.
She became the boss's girlfriend.
I'd rather you didn't speak unkindly of her.
It's like something out of a movie.
This place is always like that.
This view...
That building, the hotel...
doesn't it remind you of a film set?.
Now you mention it, yes.
I feel Iike I'm in a movie.
Gangs, a hit man, cement shoes.
It hardly seems real.
Lifeinthistownissodramatic.
If only it were a movie.
They're filming a commercial.
It'scommonthesedays.
Not many towns preserve this old look.
That's it.
You got it, Nat-chan.
What did I get?.
A movie. That's our salvation.
I don't understand.
We're saved!
A body double is out of the question.
Della Togashi is a matchless killer.
Nobody has seen his face... boss included.
But how to xxplain to any actor taking his place?
Imakehimthinkit'samovie.
What?.
From tomorrow, I'm a film director.
Interesting idea.
There's no way it'll work.
I once had a part-time job in a studio.
And if the boss knows the guy? He must watch films occasionally.
I use a lethal-looking totally disregarded actor.
If you canfindone.
As a matter of fact I already have.
I'm betting everything on this guy.
Picture the twilight at the end of a clxar day.
The sun inches its way down.
It descends but its dying rays still illuminate our world.
It sinks further
half hidden by yonder mountains yet still casting light.
At last it is gone from sight
but dark is yet to be upon us.
There is a moment in time before darkness engulfs.
This is "magic hour'".
The moment 'twixt day and night when this world ias most beautiful.
If one films at this juncture
one gets marvelous footage steeped in that fleeting light.
So for us creators of filmic art
magic hour is the most precious time in the day.
Murata, you're next up.
KoichiSATO
Satoshi TSUMABUKl
Eri FUKATSU
Hakura AYASE
Toshiyuki NlSHlDA
I sympathize but the director requested you.
It's a rare chance so I booked the job.
Hey buddy, mind the tree.
Murata old friend, don't tease.
It is huge, though...
It's a Galaxy...goes to 45 feet.
Want a ride?
One of these days.
C'mon boys.
Everyone's so happy you could do it.
Director's personal request... what can one do?
Careful with the explosives. He's my best actor.
I've never harmed an actor yet.
He's Japan's best pyro-technician, right?
Thank god you were available.
Sir, Murata-san's here.
Hello there, I'm Taiki Murata. How do we play this?
Straight to set, please.
This fuss is our star's sudden bright idea.
Bending over backwards to keep him happy is all very well...
But this is too last-minute.
Hey there.
How are you?.
Murata-san's here.
Thanks for coming out.
Not at all.
Be careful, okay? They made it quite high.
Thanks for the concern.
Good luck.
It's not THAT high.
And...
Action.
Wait...
Let's talk it over.
We can work it out.
You bastard.
We got it.
Okay, honey?
Fine. Good for you, sir?
Thank you, everyone.
Well done.
Sure you didn't see my face?.
Why must I double for that asshole?
You always ask for roles only you can play.
Anyone could've done that.
That's not the case.
Same measurements, saae age...
Available at the drop of a hat. Sorry to say there's only you.
Good afternoon.
For an indie movie, there's a decent budget and good director.
It'llbetherealdeal.
Who is the director?.
I am.
You?
I've always been a huge fan of yours.
I've seen "Kanto Killer Team" countleasas times. My favorite film.
That's Kaae-chan, right?.
I'm sure it is.
It's him.
He'as doing well. Lead roles left and right.
He used to be with this agency.
Long time no see, buddy. Come, take a seat.
Hello there.
KantoKillerTeamhuh?
If I'm not mistaken, you played a hit man, correct?
The character Dxlla Togashi is modeled on him.
There's a hit man in it?
Legendary assassin Della Togashi, is the lead role.
And the script?.
We don't have one.
None?
The world-acclaimed Kitano works like this, too.
May I aask how many films you've made?.
This is my first.
Murata-san.
I'm sorry but my client is incredibly busy.
Won't you just hear me out?
Hurry.
Get aboard.
Come with me.
I can't do that.
Please.
Don't worry about me.
I'm not afraid to die.
What I fear is living on without honor.
We'll be together next time around.
Nico...
Wanchai...look after Sayoko.
We must hurry.
Quick, the boat's leaving.
Sayoko-san...
Farewell.
Nico.
Where the hell are you?
Makoto Takase is the best.
Not that old movie again?.
In "Underworld Sidekick" he's just superb.
And was never seen again.
Goodbye.
Get your ass back here.
Why?
There's a new scene in Yubeshi's latest. They need an actor a.s.a.p.
It's a no-brainer. Big names... the kind of mafia story you wanted...
This is picture.
And...action!
Itrackyoudownatlast.
Sorry.
Hold the rain.
Get the director.
Your performance was fine. Don't worry.
Could you be a little quicker?
I was slow?
Just whip it out.
Understood.
Thank you.
Candy.
You're hamming it up.
Let me do it my way.
Get in with this star and it's a chance for lots of work.
Sorry about that. I'll try it a different way.
Stick with your instinct.
Thank you for that.
Been back to that restaurant?
Where?
Remember...we met once. I was at the bar...?
Hey kid, what's the wait?
A quick re-light.
Let's get on with it.
Okay, here we go.
Cue the rain.
All set...
Roll camera, take 2...
And...action!
Itrackyoudownatlast.
Get the director.
Hold the rain.
He'soneofthose...
Just wait over here. I'll call you.
What the hell's up?.
No idea...
Seems he doesn't like my acting.
You try.
Go on.
I track you down at last.
Pretty good.
A star is born.
Give me a damn break.
Everything's ready. A cargo ship is waiting in the harbor.
Hurry.
Get aboard.
Come with me.
I can't do that.
Please.
Don't worry about me.
I'm not afraid to die.
What I fear is living on without honor.
We'll be together next time around.
Nico...
Wanchai...Iook after Sayoko.
You seem miserable.
Naturally, I'm concerned. He hasn't shot a single movie.
Murata-san, you've never seen my work.
But I've seen all of yours. Doesn't that count for something?
Won over by that?.
He needs me. That's the kind of job I wanted.
Here's tomorrow's script.
Della Togashi meets the boss.
And the boss is...?
The gangster who rules the town.
It's avital partof the set-up.
Who plays the boss?.
You won't havx heard of him. He's a new talent.
This is just an outline.
When do we get the lines?.
We create the lines on set.
All ad-libbed?.
No placeforparroted
Something's fishy. It shouldn't be this haphazard.
My mind's made up. I stake everything on this film.
What's that?
My crew...they're getting ready.
Hey, guys!
Miki-chan.
Let's get ready. Call the actors.
Murakoshi-san, Takase-san, this way.
Makoto Takase-san?
Look what you did!
It's just a scratch.
You weren't looking.
Here's your key.
And yours...
May I have a word?
Sure, this way.
I'lljustbeasecond
Show him to his room.
Hey, buddy.
We're short-staffed. Can you carry your own bag?
Sorry about that. You're on the 2nd floor.
It's not that I'm doubting you...
Excuse us.
Thanks, my dear.
Take 'em to the sink, Doc'.
Sorry about that.
Being a guest here is hard work.
Listen, you've no plot nor script.
I need something to put my mind at rest.
I'm afraid, you'll have to have faith.
Murata fully intends to do it. He's on fire, in fact.
But I'm not like him.
What would you like me to do?.
Show me the camera.
The camera?.
Don't tell me you don't have one.
You can make a movie with no script...
but without a camera, it's impossible.
Such is my experience.
Of course wx have a camera.
Damn, we need a camera.
What are you going to do?
We've no choice. He demanded to see it.
- Where would one be? - Let me think.
It gets shakier by the minute.
Excuse me. I'm with the gas company.
Who is in charge herx?
What is it?
Sorry to interrupt your work.
But we've had a report of a gas leak nearb'y.
A gas leak?.
We'rx verifying right now.
Does it smell?
That would be too late!.
Move away from the danger. No-one within 100 feet.
Pleasefleetothenearbypark.
Hurry, everyone.
It's very last-minute.
Weather's good, so I thought we'd get Della's arrival in the can.
- No-one told us. - I just dxcided.
Here's your wardrobe.
- Make-up? - No make-up.
I want it as real as possible.
No time to get a location permit, so we shoot guerilla style.
Minimum crew. The bus Ieaves in 5 minutes. Thanks.
This is too sudden.
He needs time mentally to prepare.
That's all very well but...
I am a professional. I do what needs to be done.
Don't say that...
It's a vital scene. He meets the heroine.
Heroine?
MariTakachiho, the boss's gal.
Eventually, she falls in love with you.
Is that right?.
She's ready on set.
How dare you! Making an actress wait...
Let me change. I'll be right there.
Wait! He's not the real Togashi?.
Of course not.
The boss will kill you.
I've no choice but to deceive him
It's never going to work.
It's all over.
This is where I need your help.
I can't do it.
Don't you get it?. Our very lives depend on that actor.
If he leaves it's curtains for us
They're here.
Morning, sir.
Let me put a mic on you.
Why the tuxedo?
They alwayas wear tuxedo'as, right? Think of 007.
007 is a spy.
I stick out like a sore thuab. An assassin, right?
I've no idea what he's going for.
See?. Nice gear we've got, huh?
Okay, let's get on with it.
mari-san, when you're ready.
Is she okay?
Who knows...
Sir, camera's ready.
Murata-san, you walk this way
pass in front of the camera heading there.
Mari-san, you walk up,
then you buap into one another, drawn by fate.
We bump?
Sir, we should hurry.
Okay, please try it.
Here we go.
Sir, my motivation as I approach?
Your what?
My circumstance?
Newly arrived in town. What do you do?
Look for a place to stay.
Do that then.
Is that okay?
Whatever. Roll camera.
Let's try it. Relax.
This is picture. Scene 1, take 1.
What about lighting?
Natural light is best.
Scene 1, take 1.
And...action!
Excuse me.
Is therea hotel near here?
As I'm new in town.
Would you show me...
Perfect. We got it.
Now do you believe me?
Sir, could I try another take?
Why? That was perfect.
Sir...
Happy with her performance?
Why not?.
She seemed kinda awkward to me.
That's her individuality.
Okay, back to the hotel.
On the move!
Back in the bus, everyone.
What about my mic?
A gimlet, please.
Well done, today. May l?
I didn't introduce myself. I'm Taiki Murata.
I'm Mari Takachiho.
Mari?
Isn't that your character's name?
Oh, I see...
T aking your stage name from your charactxr.
Were you nervous today?
Everyone is, at first.
Best not to worry about your performance.
Just be yourself. Reveal the real you.
Does that help at all?
Completely.
Sometimes I think about
how a film set draws so many people together.
Folk of all ages, some with money, some without.
With one goal, pooling talent sharing the same food...
There's nothing like it.
In the end, it's the process I like more than film itself.
Eisenstein once said...
Tell me nxxt time. Good night.
The action takes place over there but the camera's here on the 3rd floor.
So we shoot across the street through the window.
All on a long lens?.
I want the actors to forget the camera.
No crew in the room so the cast can really focus.
Our focus would be fine anyway.
I don't want "fine"... I want your very best.
Where will you be?
Next to Murata-san, playing Della's minder.
You act as well?
Murata-san, I remind you again do not call me "Sir"'.
I'm counting on your best performance.
I'll give it a shot.
Sir...
I've been on many sets in my time
but this is the most thrilling.
Same here.
Don't do anything stupid.
I can see you're risking your life.
I've got no other choice.
I'll miss you.
Did you have to say that?
Sir, if I could make a suggestion...
With my background in stunts I'd like so show off my techniques.
Do nothing unnecessary.
Like the special way I handle this...
Out of the question!
I always prepare my own hand props.
This is the last thing I need.
Mr. Mayor, please hurry our next appointment awaits.
He plays the aayor so well, the crew must treat him like one.
Murata-san, is that make-up by any chancx?
It's just a little foundation.
I said not to, didn't l? Eyeliner, too? Good grief...
The cameras roll as soon as we enter.
I present Della Togashi.
You're the Della fellow?
Indeed, I am Della Togashi.
Hey, kid...
Well done. You are free.
Thank you very much.
Whaddya need with me?
For starters...
Do you mind getting off my desk?
Togashi, my lad. You think we'rx totally in the dark?
That we don't know why you're in town?
Kurokawa...
We know everything.
You're making no senase.
Last month, in this very room the boss was shot at.
From across the street.
The bullet grazed his ear and ended up
here in the wall.
It was you who shot him.
No idea what you're talking about.
You were hired by Ebora & AZssociates.
Never heard that name.
They're planning to muscle in on this town.
Their first step, hiring you to eliminate me.
Y'know...I never forgive those who threaten me.
In that caase, get this.
I'll tell you a little secret.
When you pat someone down do it properly
or don't do it at all.
Put the guns down. Quick.
You, too.
Do as he says.
Farewell.
When did you aset this up?
You didn't tell your director?
I wanted to show you what I can do.
Murata-san, that's a wrap for today. Let's go.
Is it my fault?
Not exactly.
Wait here.
Boss wants to see him.
Filming restarts.
I'll get it right this time.
Not you.
- But... - Scram.
Is it that tasty?
Indeed, I am Della Togashi.
Whaddya need with me?
Is it me or did we just go through this?
Hand me the gun.
Well spotted.
It's made of rubber.
We're going in that direction?
Young Mr. Togashi... I want to ask you something.
What about?
I'm greatl'y impressed by your boundless courage
and your varied sense of humor.
I like you. Would you join me?
As ay guest, it would be worth your while.
Not a bad proposition, I think.
I must refuse.
Let me hear why.
I cannot betray a client.
Trust is everything in my line of work.
It would be bad for future business.
That's a shame.
Come here.
I'll be right back.
For chrissakes, at that point you've got to agree to join.
But...
If Della dies, the movie as over. Surely you get that?
I didn't think that far ahead.
Why does he do that?
Why? T o get in with them.
Shut up and get on with it.
Explain something to me.
What?.
This "Cut" bussiness.
You just yelled "Cut, Cut".
That's Della T ogashi's nickname.
Nickname?
His close friends all call him "Cut".
After his special throat-slashing technique.
Boss, you'll be pleased to hear, Cut...
I mean Della T ogashi and l just spoke and he agreed.
How did you persuade him?
He does whatever I say.
Why?
He's like my kid brother.
Get in here.
Sorry about that. I hadn't thought it through.
Forget about that.
I'll get it right now.
Camera's rolling.
Young Mr. Togashi...
If you like it that much, take it.
Indeed, I am Della Togashi.
Whaddya need with me?
Back there, are we?
Go on ahead.
You'll join forces with me, right?
From this day forth I call you "'Boasas"'.
Kurokawa, drinks...
Kiddo...
You're his minder.
Understood.
I will inform your previous client.
Want one of these?
Let's drink an oath, Cut.
Who the hell said "Cut"?
Who was it?
Who the hell are 'you to say "Cut"?
Can't l?
Whaddya think?
Goddamn amateur.
Listen...and you listen well...
the only man to say "Cut" is this man here!
When do we asee the footage?
No rushes.Wait 'til it's finished.
Tomorrow's scenes?
I'll let you know. Wait in the hotel.
It's terrible.
You were found out?
The opposite.
Opposite? What on earth's that?.
We were hired.
But I've got to hand it to the actor.
When he plays Togashi, he really becomes a killer.
I almost believe it myself.
Marching in here with a toy like this...
That took balls of steel.
Hey, it's me. Long time, no see.
That Della Togashi of yours came gunning for mx.
He's one tough cookie.
So I decided to hire him.
From today, I'm telling you he's with Tessio & Co.
They hired Della Togashi to their side.
Seems someone's going around impersonating you.
If I have a nightmare, may it soon pass.
If I h'ave a dream, may I never wake.
Hey, come back!
How grand to have men risk their lives for your sake.
Not just for my sake.
Why don't you just stick with the boss?
It's complicated.
Can you lend me some money?
You're broke?
Sorry. My policy ias not to lend to those who won't repay.
Ask the boss for some.
A call from the hotel.
Kurokawa from the boss's office
came and took your assassin away.
It's very sudden. I was told it's tomorrow.
What?
The next scene.
Scene?
Whatever...
So what's the story?.
Come on...
We got this hi-tech weapon from the Hong Kong mafia.
We're selling it to some guerillas from Southeast Asia.
I see. A common-enough scenario.
A state-of-the-art rifle.
Is it okay for me to be there? I've only just been hired.
It's what I wanted.
You? How come?
I want to see what you can do.
Is that any business of yours?
Just when I'd turned in for the night.
Not that I mind more chances to act.
Sorry.
Move your leg.
Want some?
One's appearance is important.
If you don't mind...
Get out.
My agent's on his way with hair tongs. For my bed-head.
They'll be here soon.
Have them wait.
Why bring him?
I'm slow to trust anyone.
Is it okay to give him a gun?
I've taken precautions.
If he puts a foot wrong
he'Il be dead before he knows it.
Did you color your eyebrows?
This is damn heavy..
I don't need this to act like a suitcase is heavy.
Who do they think I am?
Kurokawa-san...
Get out.
Can we go ahead by ourselves? Is everyone ready?
The kxy actors are all here.
Not just actors...
I'm entrusted with this matter.
You arx?
You're higher up than I thought.
Whatever...
What's the set up?
I'll do the talking. Stick by my side.
Where are you shooting from?
What do you mean?
Are you dumb? Which direction will you shoot me from?
If I don't know, I won't know how to move.
I can pretty much guess.
Over there, right?
How did you know?
Jerk. I've been in the biz a long time.
If you shoot from over there, he's in the way.
That'd ruin the mood.
Let's go.
Hand over the cash, first.
Do you have to open it?
Listen...I thought...
Wait a second.
They've started, huh?
Can I get a receipt?
Watch out.
How did you know?
That they weren't going to pay?
Seems I owe you big-time.
Ain't no big deal.
Let's hit 'em where it hurts.
Impressive stuff, eh?.
I'm after realism.
I said stop, okay?
How was it?
Pretty good. But don't over-do it.
I get carried away. Bad habit.
Too late now.
It was a hell of a fight, eh?
It's the first time for me
Tell'em to show their faces. It's a great chance for screen time.
What are they doing?.
It's over. Stop it.
They're not Japanese. Do you understand?
We're taking a break.
I told you to stop!
You're with which caasting company? Who's your agent?
Nothing that needs hospital. Just a slight concussion.
Thank you very much.
Look after yourself.