So he's a doctor?
Used to be on a deep-sea fishing boat.
A ship's doctor?.
When do I see today's footage?
I said we're not developing rushes.
So I was tricked.
Since they didn't get the goods. I'II Iet it go.
How was Della?
That guy's the real deal.
Laughing in the face of their bullets.
Mr. President, if you'll excuse me.
You know what to do next?
I've been told.
Take care.
I want to have dinner with Della.
Understood. We'II be waiting.
What now?
Boss wants to have dinner with Della tomorrow.
He's earning the boss's trust.
How Iong can you continue this?.
Think you'II keep the wool over his eyes?
AII I know is, if we don't our Iives are over.
The boss wants to hear you sing.
A rehearsal?
Before we shoot. An important heart-to-heart with the boss.
No camera but I want you to act as if it were Iive.
Which agency are you with?
Who's your agent? Are you freelance?
Are you really actors?
You come across so natural.
How is the food, Boss?
It's fine.
Thank you very much.
Seems you were in the thick of it.
Don't mention it.
I heard it was Iike watching something from a movie.
How's everything?
On a diet?
Why?
It's okay to eat.
But...
Consider it a take.
Kurosawa-style, huh?.
She'II begin shortly.
What style?
What did you say?
Come in.
I asked around the agencies who hire foreigners...
No-one had any jobs Iike that Iast night.
There must be other casting companies.
In any case. Let's go back to Tokyo.
And I got this thump in my chest. I'm worried.
My dad died young of a heart attack.
If you don't feel well, head home.
You guys haven't quite got it right.
If you ask me, you're not real enough.
Your boss has the town in the palm of his hand, right?
You just Iook Iike street punks.
Sorry...
Let's re-do your walk.
Up on stage, you're divine.
Thanks.
I've been thinking.
Cutting to the chase, I need you by my side.
I'II give you whatever you want.
Just be with me, that's all.
Don't assume you'II always get your way.
Hold it, hold it...
Like you've eyes in your chin...
And again, slowly...
Getting better...once more...
Project confidence.
Hold it...
Point with the chin...
That's great. Once more...
We're in for some trouble.
We're being audited by the tax authorities.
Owing to certain company activities
we need a secret book of accounts
to record the money flow behind the scenes.
Your illicit trading and such.
The authorities knuckled down and came after our accountant.
I took the initiative and hid what I could
but this guy, Sugawara, a really serious type
was apparently cooperating with the government all along.
EIiminate Sugawara before the night is out.
What will you do?.
Let it continue and Murata becomes a real murderer.
What are you going to do?
I've got no choice. I have to tell him everything.
Murata-san...
Della Togashi is the best character I've ever played.
Murata-san...the truth is...
It's my dream role.
Nobody thought to give me the chance.
I'm so grateful you called on me for this.
Not at all.
Apart from me, I know you're a bunch of amateurs,
but a film's success hinges on the spirit of its makers.
I'll make thisa success for you.
To show my gratitude.
And?.
You were about to say something?
Go easy on the make-up.
Understood.
Hey, over here.
Mind if I sit here?
A plan of the hospital where Sugawara is holed up.
It's a crappy map.
I drew it myself.
Get one of the crew to do it.
I don't trust anyone.
Where did they find a weird bastard Iike you?
It's Ebora.
If it ain't Kurokawa-sensei
Hey, kid.
Hello.
Who's this?
As if you don't know...
I don't.
Head of the Ebora gang says he doesn't know you.
What the hell does that mean?
Excuse us a moment.
What's the Ebora gang?
That guy's famous for rehearsing anytime, anywhere. Humor him.
Long time, no see.
I said I don't know you.
It's me.
Even so, you wouldn't know him with this face.
They call him "The Man of a Thousand Faces"...
Disguises?
Show him your real face.
Look the other way.
You recognize that.
Della Togashi, the assassin you hired.
Long time, no see.
It's okay.
You remember now?
Of course...
Della. Whenever you're ready come back to us.
Your courage is Iegendary.
Hey, you...
I made up my mind.
Let's Ieave this place.
That's impossible.
It's a matter of time before we're discovered.
Let's get far away now while we can.
What about Murata-san?
Just Ieave him be.
There are Iots of better actors throughout Japan.
Why did you turn down the boss's offer?
He just wants me on his arm.
But I'm not some doll.
For all his fine words, he's just a provincial hoodlum.
Mari-san.
He talks of money but there's a Iimit to it.
Worse still, he's on the way out.
Soon enough, the Ebora gang will take over the town.
I don't want a man whose days are numbered.
But you've got a future.
Let's flee together.
Live together some other place.
The two of us?
Start a new Iife...you and me.
Can we go ahead?
Whenever you Iike.
And the director?
Watching a monitor over there.
Okay...stay close.
Where is he?
I'II try calling again.
You don't have to answer.
It's probably Nat-chan...
You don't have to answer.
I said, don't answer.
Where on earth are you?
I understand.
PIease. Don't tell me we're going back.
Mari-san...
I beg you...
I can't leave Murata-san.
He's nobody to you.
I know he's a nobody but he's a fine actor.
So what?
So...
No matter how good he is, we can't get away with this forever.
We'II be found out.
Then what'II happen? Think about that!
Rest assured there's nothing wrong with your heart.
That's good.
However I am worried
about the bullet hole.
What are you doing?
Go on ahead.
What's going on here?
What's happening?.
Isn't it obvious. We're filming.
Filming? Nobody told me.
Perfect timing. Take over.
What's up?. No permit again?
Please delay them.
Wait please, they're filming...
Sorry, you mustn't.
A representative is on his way.
Where is he?
Stop him.
It'II be valuable footage.
Mr. Director...
Great performance.
You were good, too.
So true to Iife.
And that...?
From the same crew.
Don't tell me...
Another gas Ieak.
Sorry to make you worry.
On the move!
When do we see rushes?
How many times do I tell you there aren't any?
Why is that man with us?
I asked him along. No point him staying. Was it bad?
There's no room.
What will become of me now?
Good evening...
Murata-san, which agent are you with?
I'd Iike to join, too.
Are you freelance now?
Something Iike that.
You really want to be an actress? It's tough.
I want to qauit this town... sing on a bigger stage.
My dream is to end up at the Budokan.
What is it?
Do you know this movie?
The first film I ever saw.
Is that right?
My dad took me to a cinema when I was Iittle.
Makoto Takase is superb as the assassin.
Cool, kind. Yet solitary.
My hero...
This movie made me decide on this career.
I'm not afraid to die.
What I fear is Iiving on without honor.
Dialog from the film. I memorized it.
2 adults, please.
Now, the boss is history.
What the hell's going on?. I had a terrible time.
You didn't have a permit. I was put through the wringer.
Wait!
I said wait!
What's wrong.
Something terrible happened. Togashi messed up.
And Sugawara?
He escaped by a whisker.
That's bad.
The cops have got him. What shall we do?
I'II Iet the boss know. Stand by for now.
I understand.
I joined the industry at 18...
Dreaming of sitting with an audience
and seeing my own face on the big screen.
No matter how Iong it would take.
I'II show you something special.
It stinks.
I found an old blanket in the corner of a stage.
Some crew member said it'd been there 30 years or so.
Maybe it once warmed Toshiro Mifune.
During "Underworld Sidekick"" maybe even Makoto Takase
Iay down on it for a nap.
This is a piece of that blanket.
In other words it's steeped in the sweat
of those actors and the crew who stood by them.
It's my Iucky charm.
Wanna skip town with me?
Me?
Take me away from here.
Now? We're still filming. I can't.
When we wrap, eh?.
You're a simple soul.
It's starting...
I'm si sorry it turned out like this
Togashi messing up Iike that.
No problem. Nobody's perfect.
What do you intend to do?
Nothing, really.
But...
You're worried my accountant is in police hands?
That's no big deal.
I'm more worried about betrayal from within.
This is a nice town.
You've gone pale, kiddo.
One piece of advice.
When you stake everything,
be 100% sure of victory.
Gambling's iron clad rule.
No...Iife's ironclad rule.
On this point, it can be said you've been na ve in the extreme.
It's like a scene in a movie
What kind of a movie, eh? Kid?
Sorry to say but...
this is a comedy.
A comedy pure and simple.
A big shoot-out at the docks yet no police show up?
You should've asked yourself why.
The Police Chief and I were at school together.
Ain't that right, old friend?
So...
What are we to do?
It's terrible. They've got the manager.
He's a fool.
But he was trying to help you, too...
He should've escaped days ago.
And Murata-san?
Watching a movie. Some crap thing...
I left him to it and came home.
You feel fine doing that?
She disgusts me.
Her parents died when she was Iittle and she was all alone.
I guess she came through some hard times.
She relies on people but doesn't trust 'em.
That's what Iife taught her.
Okay then. I'II rescue him.
A sudden change in schedule.
We've got to shoot the boss's scene first.
At this time of night?.
The actor playing him goes back to Tokyo tomorrow morning.
Get over there and shoot him dead, please.
Why the need to kill him?.
Lots of reasons.
This is all too random. I don't Iike it.
I demand to see my director!
The boss begins to despise Togashi.
He orders Kurokawa to Iock him up and work him over.
Togashi realizes he's being used by the boss.
He escapes their jail, barges into the boss's office
and draws his gun on the boss at Iast.
How about that?
Could be a good scene...
How dare you trick me.
What did you do to your face?.
You broke my heart.
You were Iike a father to me.
I had no idea.
I believed in you.
There's something in your mouth.
I never thought this day would come.
Togashi, my Iad. Er...Mr. Togashi... what's up?
At Ieast die Iike a honorable man.
Farewell.
Father.
Drop the gun. Cut!
Are you trying to hurt me?
Maybe I am.
That's dangerous.
Get me the director, now!
Director, sir?
What's with the tying up? I told 'em it hurts.
Can you have a word with 'em?
What are you doing here?.
Murata-san...
I owe you an apology.
How could you do that?
No point in asking me...
I was Iooking out for you.
I don't understand. What are you doing?
Have him pay my room.
They've got Murata-san.
Please help them both.
I feel sorry for you, Mari-san.
You're always alone because you don't Iove anyone.
Those that can't Iove can never be Ioved.
Are you my Mom?
Have you ever really cared about anyone?
Go talk things over with the boss.
Why me?.
It's obvious. You're the only one who can.
I'm so sorry I got you caught up in all this.
I can't apologize enough.
What the hell are you doing?
It's beginning to harden.
This is real cement, y'know?
We can't wait or it'II never come off.
Put your feet back
But it's about to set.
Put 'em back!
Director, sir...
It just occurred to me... this isn't a movie.
Everything we shot so far?
The big shoot-out?
No movie, after all that...
My performance isn't on film.
I'II never give another Iike it.
What are you talking about? Just shut up.
Don't say a word.
- But... - Forget it. Just run.
- But... - Shut up.
Don't worry about me. Go.
What about me?
Okay, okay...
Might I trouble you, too?
Wait your turn.
Mari-san...
Save falling-out for Iater.
No...I deserve it.
Just get out of here.
Come with us.
That's impossible.
But if we Ieave you...
I'll be okay.Don't worry.
I'll take care of the rest
Now I've paid you back.
If I see you again...
I'II kill you.
Get a move on. Quick.
I promiseI'll rescue you.
Piss off.
Excuse me
I think it's set.
Murata-san...
Wait a sec.
Sorry to bother you.
Excuse me.
By any chance...
are you Amakoto Takase of "Underworld Sidekick"?
I am he.
Everyone, it's HIM!
We should Ieave.
That Iast Iook you gave her was sublime.
Thank you.
Sorry...but I'm in a rush.
I'm Taiki Murata.
Hurry.
I'm an actor, too.
I had a change of heart. I won't run off again.
I'II stay right by your side.
So please Iet the others go.
For me.
Where have you been? I'm Ieaving. This place is crap.
Wait. I'II come with you.
Murata-san...
One thing's for sure...
your performance was perfect.
What would you know?
What do you get up to every day?
I'II charge his fee to your room.
Take care.
Thanks again, Doc'.
Just forget that woman.
What's she going to do?
Listen, women are more ballsy than guys think.
Give this to the director.
So you're an actor?
Autograph.
I'II rescue Mari. I can't Ieave her and just run.
But how?
There's the rub. And they got the account book back.
Damn. Thwarted at each turn.
September 2nd, club member fees received: 500,000 yen...
September 13th, sale of 13 pistols, received: 4,200,00 yen...
You remember it all.
AMurata-san, please Iisten.
Quitters never achieve anything.
There's one way we can save the situation.
We go on the offensive.
The boss will come gunning for our Iives.
So Iet's die a good death right before his eyes.
Acting of course.
I'll write the script.
You'II play the Iead.
PIease. Lend me your skills one more time.
Taxi's here.
I'm sorry, "Director, sir".
Come again.
I signed you up for a play.
It's not the Iead. Some regional dinner theater show...
I forget where...
I'm a film artist.
Oh, yeah...
Goddamn it...
I shouldn't. Next show's at 10. Don't tell anyone.
Sorry about this.
I just want you to see for yourself.
I don't know what you're talking about.
PIease, just watch it.
Show it please.
Lucky I could rent this place.
What's the matter with it?.
When we sent the film to Tokyo to print...
I don't understand what it could be...
It's not bad.
Who's that?.
I don't know either.
What are they doing?
I don't know.
Who are they with? What are they doing?
It's a complete mystery.
Who the hell is he?
I think he's an assassin.
Taiki Murata
Welcome back.
Who's that?
Some actor. You know him?
On one condition...
Prepare a fitting death scene for Della Togashi.
If I can play that, I'II have no regrets.
He's going to quit acting.
Is it my fault?
It's thanks to you.
I don't get it...
I saw the rushes.
You coaxed out my best ever performance.
Thanks to you, it's all become clear to me.
For my sake too, please think up a great scene.
But the cameras won't be rolling.
Doesn't matter. As Iong as I see it.
Believe it or not, I'm his biggest fan.
Our assisted-Iiving center caters to every senior need.
We're filming for chrissakes.
This guy's the best in Japan.
Is that right?
Sorry to call at such short notice.
Don't be so silly.
For you we'd drop everything and come running.
What's the deal?
"Enter the guerillas"
"They see Mari, the boss's girl and try to take her away."
September 2nd, club member fees received: 500,000 yen...
September 13th, sale of 13 pistols, received: 4,200,000 yen...
Sale of 5,000 bullets, received: 7,500,000 yen...
An amazing feat of memory.
What are their demands?
They want a hostage swap.
""Hand Mari over to us.""
He wants what?
He was always such a foolish Iad.
It means he must die. You've no objection?.
It's such a waste.
I hate to put an end to a young Iife's promise.
'Afternoon.
I figured you'd want to hear the news first.
How kind.
It's been ages since I set foot in here.
How Iong actually?
I hung out my own shingle 3 years ago.
Impressive to get so far in only 3 years.
Thanks to your kind support.
I'm also a busy man. State your business.
Which brings me to my point. Tessio-san...
As you can see, it is I who now enjoys city-wide support.
Really...
This is all about protecting the town.
It's time you considered your future plans.
Thank you for the advice.
If you'll excuse me...
Chief.
Thanks for the help with my accountant.
It was the Ieast I could do. I'm sorry.
I'm not afraid to die.
What I fear is Iiving on without honor.
That Iine already contains enough emotion.
It's more effective if you downplay it.
Thank you so much.
It'II be magic hour in a moment.
The best part of the day.
Miss it and night soon falls.
Young Mr. Murata...
If you Iet magic hour slip away, know what you must do?
It's not complicated.
You wait for the next day.
There'II always be another magic hour.
As Iong as the sun continues to rise.
The Iady at the hotel told me you were quitting acting.
No matter how hard I try, I'II never be as good as you.
Don't be so sure.
Between you and me, I'm petrified of the camera.
My Iegs still shake when they roll camera.
No way...
The reason I make it up on the big screen
is thanks to the crew's support.
I've been blessed with great crews.
In that Iast scene in "Underworld Sidekick"
you praised the Iook on my face, right?
It was perfect.
The Iocation was freezing.
I was just struggling not to Iet my nose run.
Isn't it too early to give up?
You're young.
Not to mention...
between you and me... I'm still waiting myself
for the next magic hour.
Even at this age, still holding on...
We're about ready for you, sir.
No choice but to keep going.
More to the right, mate.
Okay.
Take it.
There's a Ietter in the pocket. Do what it says.
Thank you.
You weren't an actress, then?
That's right.
I don't date non-actors.
Sorry. Got to go.
Wait a second.
Get going.
I won't see you for a while.
I'm sure I won't forget you.
I love this town.
What are those guys up to?.
About to start the performance of their Iives.
Performance...for who?
The town boss.
It's all going to plan.
Stop!
Stop the car!
The authorities are waiting on the main road. The boss is finished.
Let's go.
Wait right there!
Master Togashi... sorry about the other night.
You clowns are back, huh?
Chief, ain't that the boss's girl?
Like the proverbial Iamb to the slaughter...
Hand her over to us.
Go on ahead.
But...
Don't worry about me.
Aren't you overdoing it a bit?
I'm not afraid to die.
What I fear is Iiving on without honor.
We'II be together next time around.
Wanchai...Iook after Sayoko.
Look after Mari.
Trust me.
Quick, the boat's Ieaving.
The boat?
A car's waiting over there.
Hand over the woman.
Go, now.
Wait a goddamn minute!
If there's to be killing, then kill me.
- Step aside - I won't...
This is my show.
I have no idea who the hell you are.
Anyway...Mari, get away.
Just get out of here.
You're after me, right?
If you're going to shoot, shoot.
Shoot me. I dare you.
You understand Japanese. Shoot.
Something strange is going on.
I've Iost everything.
The Ebora gang took over my town.
If my accountant testifies, all is lost
It's over.
If I can Iay down my Iife to save Mari, then so be it.
You really mean it?
Of course I do.
Kid...
take care of Mari for me.
So...open fire.
Shoot.
Wait!
I'm sorry. I'm fine after all.
I'm not going anywhere.
But...
It's fine.
Damn. Let's go, guys.
Overawed by your courage.
Who...
Who the hell are you?
I'II stay with you forever.
Excuse me
Sorry about this.
That's not the point...
This man needs me. I just realized that at Iast.
But I've Iost everything.
You've got me.
It's going to be hell.
Just where I want to be.
That's the deal, I guess.
My bad.
But...
If that's the way it is... tough Iuck.
Damn, it sorted itself out.
The manager must be in shock.
It'll take him a while to recover..
Mari, I'm going to Iook after you properly from now on.
Don't hesitate to tell me if I mess up.
Let's go.
Goodbye everyone. We're off.
Mari-san...
Good bye.
Sorry it turned out Iike this, huh?
Let me drive.
Are you sure?
Let's go eat. Noodles, yeah?.
What was supposed to happen?
Murata-san gets shot then Mari gets riddled with bullets.
I drag the bodies over to that car
then we all go up in flames.
It's too Iong.
But this ending was worse.
You wanted her to be happy. Well, now she is.
Are you okay with this?
Of course not.
I've never seen such a half-baked ending.
Terrible plotting.
Don't quit on this note.
Right.
What's with that sad Iook?.
I can't bear to be here any Ionger.
What'II you do?
Think things over slowly.
You'II survive wherever you go.
Okay, then...
Let's get out of here.
Won't the crew feel bad it's all over?
Shoots often get cancelled. I'II take them drinking.
Murata-san.
Will we meet again?.
If you want to see me go watch movies.
I look forward to that.
Look.
It's the hotel doctor.
How dare you steal my identity.
Della Togashi!
Put down the gun.
Actually Della Togashi
is me.
Then naturally, one of us must cease to exist.
Seems you don't know why Togashi is such a Iegendary killer.
Because he never shows himself..
Which Ieads to imposters.
That's not all.
When Della kills, he doesn't even need a weapon.
Because he'sa natural-born assasin
Here we go, boys!
Who wants to die?.
What are you doing?
Natsuko...
Make me your apprentice.
It'II be tough going.
I'II do my best.
It's okay, guys
That was perfect, chief.
Wow, it was Iike a movie.
So?
When do I see rushes, sir?
Good work, everyone!.
We're on the move!
In memory of director Kon Ichikawa
Koichi SATO
Satoshi TSUMABUKI
Eri FUKATSU
Toshiyuki NISHIDA
HarukaAYASE
Fumiyo KOHINATA
Susumu TERAJIMA
KeikoTODA
Goro IBUKI
Kazuyuki aSANO
Manjiro IcHlMURA
Shinichi YANAGISAWA
Teruyuki KAGAWA
Written and Directed by Koki MITANI
produced by chihiro Kameyama Yoshishige Shimatani
EXecutive Producers Takashi Ishihara Kenji ShimiZu Minami Ichikawa
Producers Yumiko Shigeoka Kuga Maeda KaZutoshi Wadakura
Line ProduCer KEnSei Mori
Director of PhotograPhy Hideo Yamamoto (j.S.C.)
Lighting by Akira Ono
Sound by Tetsuo Segawa
Production Design Yohei Taneda
Music by Kiyoko Ogino
Edited by Soichi Ueno
English subtitles by Kennedy Taylor & Aya Futami
Presented by Fuji Television Network and Toho
2008 Fuji Television Network, Toho