Daiei Productions
UWASA NO ONNA the woman in the rumor
Screenplay by Yoshikata Yoda and Masashige Narusawa
Cast
Hatsuko • Tanaka Kinuyo
Doctor Matoba • Otani Tomoemon
Yukiko • Kuga Yoshiko
Harada • Shindo Eitaro Osaki • Naniwa Chieko
Kobayashi • Miyake Bontaro Yamada • Toake Hisao
Chiyo • Mine Sachiko Tamakoto • Kusugi Teruko
Usugumo • Tachibana Kimiko Kisaragi • Hasegawa Teruyo
Nakauchi • Date Saburo Takejiro • Kawada Kotaro
a Mizoguchi Kenji film
- l'm back - Welcome home
l didn't buy anything special
Oh, it's your daughter! Welcome home
Oh, l'm absolutely exhausted
- Ah, the merchant's here - Welcome home, madam
You thought, as l was away, you'd come and flog your fabrics, eh?
l have something new that would suit you, madam...
No, no. Not for me. l have enough expense as it is
What is it? Come on in
Why don't you come over and join us? Come on
You must be exhausted. l'll get a bath ready for you
Come on, you've all got things to do
You're a funny girl! This is your house
Your engagement is at eight o'clock
See you later
Oh, Miss Osaki? Make sure she goes to bed early after her bath
Very good, madam
You must be tired
Call Dr Matoba and tell him that we've just got back from Tokyo
- Yes, madam - And hurry
She's a modern woman, isn't she?
- She's so elegant - l can't tell if she's elegant
Who does she think she is, glaring at us like that? Bitch!
Who are you on about?
- The daughter - Oh, she came back with her?
- Is she that beautiful? - She was educated at a music school
She's in a different class compared to us!
Let's go, Kisaragi, come on, we're in a hurry
- Come on, hurry - All right
She has a great life that's paid for by our hard graft
We must be idiots, working for such a pittance
That's right
We work just to afford kimonos and make-up
l'd love to go home to the countryside...
...to see the wheat turning yellow, and listen to the skylarks singing
l wonder what my sister is doing
What a poetess!
- Have you been busy? - Thanks to you, madam
We even worked the festivals
l see, l see. Very good
- Eh? You gave Mr Nakarai credit? - Yes
That's wrong, it'll take half a year to get him to pay!
l impressed upon him that we expected his payment soon
He's an avaricious, ill-mannered old codger
Welcome back
Hello there
Sorry, l was just seeing to business
- How was it? - Well...
This way
Just as we thought, she tried to commit suicide
- Suicide? - Over a broken heart, it seems
She was rejected by a man
l haven't asked Yukiko any probing questions yet
But l think she may still try to overdose again
- Really? - She's had an awful time of it
That's why l called you here. l would like your diagnosis
- l beg of you - All right. l'll do that
Oh, yes...this is for you
A little present
Like it?
lt's very elegant
l hope l chose well
lt looks lovely
- Don't pull that face! - Thank you
l've been so worried about Yukiko. l'm all tense
Just massage me a little here
Oh, that's good
She's still very vulnerable, so watch what you say to her
l will
What's up? It's awfully dark
There are no lights on
Please, come in
Yukiko, Iet me introduce Dr Matoba who works for the Geisha Guild
There's nothing wrong with me!
Let him examine you and at least put my mind at rest
There's nothing wrong with me. l don't need a doctor!
Don't be like that, dear
Please have a look at her, doctor. Do as the doctor says
Shall l examine you? Just relax for me
Your mother told me about your situation
She's worried about you and wants me to examine you
l took an overdose of sleeping pills
l don't know what else my mother told you
My mother knows nothing, so don't listen to her
ls that so?
Well, l suppose l can examine you another time
Your mother has been very worried about you
She said that you play piano
Yes
- But it means nothing - Why is that?
Because a woman's work is never valued
lt's just seen as a digression
l guess you're right, most men hold questionable views
Growing up here, you must have seen enough men behaving badly
- What makes you any different? - That's harsh
l hit a raw nerve there
But there's no shame in wanting to love somebody
You mustn't worry yourself about it
Thank you
My mother said exactly the same thing
How is she, doctor?
She's seems well enough. l'm not worried
Really?
Well, that's good to hear
Excuse me a moment, doctor
Hey, Nakauchi, this way!
Mistress!
Well, well, if it isn't Mr Kobayashi!
- l'm here with Nakauchi - Really?
lzutsu House just isn't the same without you
Don't say that!
- Yes, all right - Yeah? Great!
The Mistress is here! The Mistress is back!
lmportant people go upstairs!
- And how are you? - Don't look at me like that
While l was away, l bet you all had quite a party here
l had a quiet time, l tell you
l saw you on TV while we were in Tokyo
You're not going to have much of a convalescence here
lf the sake is ready, take it upstairs quickly
Don't spill anything
Let's get a move on
Take this to Mr Kobayashi
How's Yukiko?
lt's here that's hurting her
- Tuberculosis? - Not at all
l mean that she's suffering from heartache
You frightened me then, putting your hand to your chest
- Did she talk to you? - Not much
- She's an intelligent woman - Of course she is, she's my daughter
But l can't understand how an educated woman can turn so wild
And she's so argumentative
But you two may become good friends
Even so, she still won't talk to me much
l've learnt to read people in my profession
She's been disappointed in love and remains naturally cautious
You think so?
You know we talked about setting up my own practice? Is there any news?
l've asked someone to look for a place for you. Why?
Well, there may be an opening for me in Tokyo
lf it doesn't work here, l may try there
Tokyo? You can't leave me to go to Tokyo...
...especially with Yukiko in such a state
Just wait a little longer. You're in no rush to leave
All right, then...
Call Mistress upstairs, will you? Mistress!
- Coming! - Mistress!
What on earth is it?
- What is it? - Please help me out
The other guy is getting close to Onoue, and l want her!
You said that we had look after him well...
...give him preferential treatment, whatever he wanted
Yeah, l know what l said...
...but he's paying attention to Onoue who's my favourite
You'll just have to put up with it for tonight
- Why should l? - Don't be like that
- Don't risk it - Come on, help me out here!
All right. l'll see what l can do. Wait here
- Where's she gone? - Just calm down
- Madame, l'm off to see a client - Many thanks
Here you are
Yes, yes, good idea! Let's go back upstairs
Right you lot, we're going to test our luck now
Yamada!
Listen, choose one of these
The name of your companion for the night is written on the paper
- Let me mix them up - Calm down, Ieave it to me
Right, choose one
Now, Kobayashi!
Ready, Iet me mix them up. All right, choose!
- This one... - Fool, that's mine!
Here you go
- l get Onoue! - Mine is Tamakoto
Congratulations! Let's go!
- So you're mine, then? - What?
- Aren't you interested in me, then? - Of course l am
Right then, Iet's go. Come on.,this way
Oh, that hurts! That hurts!
I dream of fragrant blossoms
On thris lonely night...
- Be careful - l'm all right. l'm fine
- l'm just fine - Don't drink that
You should drink the water inside
l'm fine...
Ouch, that hurt. Water, water!
Water
Give me a sip of water
Delicious
More, more!
You liked that?
More
Good evening!
Sorry we're so late
- It's Mr Masuyoshi... - Coming!
Please enter. Thank you for your custom
Thank you for coming
l am your most loyal employee, sir
I would walk over flames and across oceans to be by your side...
Listen, if l'm not shown a good time, you won't get a pay rise
- Look after us well - You'll get the best geisha here
- If it's no good, no payment! - Don't worry, sir
This way, sir
- We want the best, the prettiest! - Of course, sir, only the best
What's happened to you, Usugumo?
Are you feeling poorly?
Yes?
She's just arrived back
Really? l'm so sorry
She'll return immediately to apologise
Listen, just because you're not feeling well...
...you can't walk out on a client. It gives us a bad reputation
What's wrong?
Come and help her, quickly
Come quickly
You, get the doctor here. Hurry!
Come on, stretch her out. Stretch her legs
Stretch out
Right, bite into this
Just hold on, the doctor will be here soon
Mother, don't be so rough with her!
Yukiko, this is no place for you. Go to your room right now!
Where the hell is the doctor?
ls he not here yet?
Over here
- The doctor's here - What's wrong? What happened?
Give her an injection, she's had another attack
Again?
- Just calm down - You two must get to your engagement
Just calm down
You'll be fine after an injection
You still up?
That kind of illness is very common amongst women of this profession
They have acute stomach spasms
The injections keep them under control
What an awful profession
l feel sorry for them
Oh, it's just awful!
That's the way of the world, unfortunately
There seems to be no limit to the sins that people commit
When l first came here, l used to think the same as you
But these girls aren't as sad or wretched as we think
They live life to the full
To think that l was able to study on the proceeds of this profession...
...l just feel loathing for myself
You must stop thinking like that
The longer you stay, the more your viewpoint will change
And you think that's a good thing?
You just don't understand how l feel, doctor
This profession is what led me to attempt suicide
l was engaged to my lover...
...but when his family found out that my mother ran a brothel...
...he immediately left me
And l felt that l couldn't come home...
...because that would be just confirming his prejudices
- Has the doctor gone home? - l'm not sure, madam
- Goodnight, madam - Night
- l realise what Yukiko's problem is - What do you mean?
The fact that you run a brothel upsets her
What? l don't believe that's the reason at all
She's just making excuses
She's no reason to talk to me
Maybe so
Your profession is the reason behind her suicide attempt
However much her fiancé loved her, he couldn't ignore her background
He told her straight, he couldn't marry such a woman
That's absurd!
You think my business has something to do with Yukiko's state?
She's never been involved in this business
l'm not getting involved. l'm just passing on what Yukiko said
Very well, then
Yukiko?
Yukiko, what did you say to the doctor?
You hate the fact that your mother is in this business?
You want me to close down my business?
Yes, that's exactly what l want
- That's the truth - What are you saying?
Thanks to this business, you've wanted for nothing in life
You've even had a college education!
All the more reason to detest it. l can't bear it
Yukiko, with this house comes our family's illustrious lineage
You're going to throw it all away just because you hate it?
You're just saying that because your experience has left you bitter
Listen, Yukiko...
...we have fifteen girls working here under this roof...
...and each of them has parents and siblings to care for
They have put their trust in me to earn them a living
l'm the mother of the business, not just the owner of the property
See?
You must learn to have an open-minded view of the world
Do you understand now?
Goodnight
Yes, he's here
For you, Mr Yamada
Yes, this is Yamada
Eh, Kimiko?
What, you arrived home this morning? Late last night?
Why didn't you send me a message at the store?
Don't be so foolish! Now's not the time
lt's for work. l have to take my clients out occasionally
All right, l'll be home shortly!
l've no time for food. l've got to go home
Where are my clothes? My clothes?
Good morning, Miss Yukiko
Good morning, madam
Your breakfast is ready
Please, enjoy your meal
- How is Usugumo? - She's all right
- Is she still in a bad way? - No, she's had a good night's sleep
- Wouldn't she like some food? - She said she had no appetite
ls it still hurting?
No
Drink some milk. You won't get better if you don't eat
Here
Go on
Thank you
Does it happen often?
No, but lately it's been hurting constantly
- You must take care of yourself - Thank you
You came to see how she was?
Madam...l thought that you always detested us in the past
l don't like what you do, but there's nothing l can do about that
l see
But we're just daughters of poor farming families
Forgive me for asking, but is it true...
...that you tried to commit suicide because of a failed love affair?
l can't believe you asked that!
l guess you've all heard
l go through a failed love affair about once every month!
We call her the Princess of Doomed Love
Be quiet
lf l'd committed suicide every time a lover has left me...
...however many lives l had, it wouldn't be enough
But you must stop thinking like that
Next time you fall in love, life will be wonderful again!
Unlike you, though, a girl like her can easily find love
But this life must be hard
Well, we could hardly say it's wonderful...
...but your mother is very good to us
At the other houses, they'd never have allowed me to rest
That's right
Your kimono sleeves move with such grace...
...like floating white clouds
- Let's finish there for today - All right
Thank you very much
Remember we talked recently about finding a house for the doctor?
- There's one in North Shirakawa - North Shirakawa?
That's a nice area
How much is it?
We're looking at 2.500.000 yen including the surrounding land...
...if he's interested in buying it
2.500.000 yen?
Thank you for the information. l'll pass it on to him
Also, l have some tickets for you for this month's performances
l've got thirty tickets for you. l hope it's not too many
- That's fine - Thank you very much
This environment's perfect, and there's more than enough space for me
Oh, it's lovely here
Just standing here, you can tell how lovely this place is
lsn't it just? These houses don't come up very often
- Shall we buy it? - But can you manage the money?
l can get my hands on 1.500.000 yen readily enough...
...but we'll have to see about the remaining million
- l'll see you in the week - Many thanks
- l'll give you an answer by then - Fine
l've been thinking of selling lzutsu House, you know?
Selling? You're joking? You mustn't make such sacrifices for me
lt's an opportunity, and you must take advantage of it
You may never get a chance like this again
Stop worrying about me and think of yourself for a change
- You must hurry and decide - But...
Still hesitating?
Anyway, it must remain a secret until you've made a decision
You must tell no one about this
lt would be so wonderful to live there and be called your wife
So, what shall we do now? Shall we go for lunch?
- All right - We've still got plenty of time
And then, all of a sudden...
...the doll sat up straight
How wonderfull!
The ropes have been cut...
...and they nowfall loosely by my side
Did the rat do that for me...
...using its paws and teeth?
Just look...
...the rat now disappears amongst the scattered blossoms
He vanishes as the storm blows the petals away
far away
He vanishes from sight
The Kamo River Dances
As the blossoms open...
...the purifying waters of the Kamo River...
...flows through the villages on the great plain of Yase
The water of the Kamo River...
...is so alluring and inviting
And now the bush warbler has arrived...
...and its singing rouses me from my mid-morning nap
This is the last piece. Let's leave to avoid the crush
Usugumo, you must understand it's for your own benefit
You'll recover faster if you're admitted to hospital
All right? You must go, you won't get better here
l know that...
...but if l go to hospital l can't send my little sister any money
How much do you send her every month?
5.000 yen
l'll lend you the money. So get yourself to the hospital
l don't deserve it
Do what the Mistress' daughter asks of you
Yes, you must
Do as she asks of you, please
Excuse me, Miss Kisaragi, your client's waiting for you
You two, take care not to spoil your make-up
We've had so much work
- l'm back - Welcome home, madam
- Welcome home - Welcome home
- l have an engagement, madam - Good luck
- Madam, your mother's returned home - Thank you
- Are three beers enough? - Fine
- A little something for you - Thank you, madam
- Where have you been? - Just visiting here and there
Mother, what shall we do about Usugumo?
- What do you mean? - l called Dr Matoba but he was out
So l called another doctor to see her...
...and he said we have to get her to hospital
Has it happened again? It's nothing serious
No! It seems that it's a lot more serious than you think
You intend to make her work in that state?
You shouldn't involve yourself in the affairs of the house
- If she doesn't work, it's her loss - Then l'll pay for her
That's big talk, coming from you! It's not even your own money
lf you give in to them once, there'll be no end to it
Doctor, how is she?
From what l've just seen, l think she's worse
lt may possibly be cancer. You must get her to hospital
See? Even the doctor says so
The hospital can deal with her better
- Are you taking sides with Yukiko? - l'm not taking sides with anyone
ls that so? Well, the two of you can do as you wish
Wait a moment
Listen, don't get so angry
You've been spending too much time with Yukiko
What? You told me to spend time with her
Maybe l did, but you should stop coming round here so much
l understand
lf that's what you want, l'll stop visiting, then
Doctor, please
Don't get angry
As usual, l was only joking and you fell for it
Don't look so serious
l beg your forgiveness
- Did you make these yourself? - Hello there, l just fancied a try
- Is your mother out? - Yes
She's got an association meeting
lf you want to see her, she's in her office
l was wrong about you. l thought you had a cold personality...
...but you're very sweet
Have you changed your opinion about your mother's business?
Not at all. l can't stand it
But l think the girls are good-hearted and lovely
Oh, l see
l understand their attitude towards hardship - they grin and bear it
And now do you intend to return to Tokyo?
l hate Tokyo
l don't know what l'm going to do
Whatever l do, l know l don't want to be beholden to my mother
You could teach piano here in Kyoto
l'm not good enough to teach
Why are you asking me such questions?
l'd like to get to know you better
But you're going to be so busy at your clinic
- Who told you about that? - Mother told me
She's always talking about you
Well, l don't want to be stuck in a clinic for the rest of my life
l'm looking for new openings
- l don't think you should open a clinic - Why not?
l don't think it'll help your career progress
Clinicians are ten to a penny
You're the kind of doctor who works with sensitivity and patience...
...in treating the kind of depression that some women suffer
Maybe l'm speaking out of turn, but l think that's your advantage
Sorry for going on
Doctors aren't priests, you know
But that's the aura you have about you
You always get one up on me whenever we meet
lt's not intentional
Are you upset?
No. l'm going to put into practice what you said and check on Usugumo
Can l go with you? Wait for me
You bastard!
What are doing with her?
Stop it, he's just my elder brother. Leave him!
Kisaragi! You said he's your elder brother?
You're lying!
Hey!
- Well, if it isn't Mr Kawamoto? - What of it?
l think you're here to persuade our girl to leave this house
Bad luck. You've been found out. Now clear off
- You know nothing! - Takejiro, get rid of him
Make sure he never sets foot in here again
Right, you, out!
- Come on - Easy, you bastard
Good day, madam. Get going, you!
You have to be careful. Miss Osaki
That type visits houses with a good reputation...
...and lures the best girls away
Really, sir? Thank you for warning us
We've just dealt with a minor incident
Thank you so much for handling it
Not at all. Think nothing of it
- It was lucky l was still here - Thank you for your help
ln appreciation of all you did for us...
No, no. l don't expect this from you
These days, you have to keep your eye on who comes in
l feel it's my duty to look out for the well-being of this house
l'm very grateful to you, but please accept it
- Treat yourself to some sake with it - Really?
lf you insist, then l accept. Thank you very much
Can we have a quiet word...?
Kisaragi, you fell in love with him, didn't you?
lf you'd fallen for his charms, sooner or later he'd have abandoned you
What should l do?
l don't know...
A million yen is a lot of money, and it's not easy to secure a mortgage
l understand that. What about remortgaging this place?
You'd be mad to do such a thing
Once you'd mortgaged it, you'd be jeopardising a valuable asset...
...and you could lose everything
l don't know the reason behind this, but you shouldn't do it
As l've always said to you, set up a joint-stock company
You could buy that house and then sell it...
...and that equity of one or two million yen would be yours
Then, you could set up a number of shareholders...
...and we would own a majority stake in the company
You'd have experts on hand for advice, and you wouldn't lose this place
lt sounds convincing
Although you'd only come on board if there was money in it for you
Clearly l'd stand to gain something, but you'd greatly benefit, too
lf you're worried about that, there is another way
What way?
lf we were together...
...as a family firm, we'd be invincible
Don't be so foolish! Is that your objective? You are incorrigible
- Yes, but... - Enough. l've heard enough!
Don't be so stand-offish with me...
Mistress! Something awful has happened!
Miss Kisaragi has run away
- She's gone off with that fellow - What shall we do?
Leave it to me
- Please hurry - l'll send someone to the station
Thank you so much
Welcome back, madam
Where have you been with Yukiko, doctor?
Yukiko came with me to the hospital to see Usugumo
You shouldn't be bothering the doctor when he's so busy
l'm afraid that Usugumo is beyond help
lt is cancer, after all
lt's unusual in one so young
lf there is anything l can do to help, you have only to ask
Anything at all
She said in her letters to me that this house was unusual...
...in that it looked after its girls so well
Thank you for all you've done
Chiyoko, do you have family?
There's just me and my father now
Mistress, will you accept me to train as a courtesan?
What, you? As a courtesan?
You mustn't, Chiyoko! Don't think like that
Your sister didn't want that for you
Do you not see her ashes?
Whatever difficulties you face, you must never entertain such thoughts
There's plenty of other kinds of work
But my father is ill, so there's only me to look after the rice fields
And now my sister is no longer here to help
Chiyoko is leaving for home now
Thank you for all your support
Thank you for looking after her
Usugumo...you'll find peace at last in your grave
Usugumo...
...without knowing what true love was...
...you worked to provide for your father and sister Chiyoko...
...and always looked after your clients with such dedication
This should never have happened to you!
Chiyoko, you must leave now to catch your train
Thank you for everything
My tears flow when i think of the sadness in this world
In the dark waters near the edge of the marsh...
...I can see reflected the lights of the fireflies
I cannot pledge myself to you...
...as a life together is not possible for us
Our lives are as fragile as the dew on a leaf and will end as quickly...
What l really want to do is continue my piano studies in Tokyo
- What do you think? - It's a good idea
l still feel slightly nervous about moving back to Tokyo...
...but that's no reason to give up, right?
With your energy, you should be fine
But l'm not sure your mother will agree to it
l don't care what she says
lt'll be difficult though, because l still lack self-confidence
No, you must never doubt yourself. Be decisive
Depending on the circumstances, l also intend to move to Tokyo
Oh? And what about opening your own clinic?
Well, that's a difficult one. It's all still very much up in the air
l've changed my mind. l want to finish my research thesis
There'd be more possibilities for me if l had a doctorate
l'd definitely go to Tokyo if you were going to be there
But it's all so sudden, are you sure about this?
The two of us have neither money nor work...
...but our advantage is that we're young
lf we support each other, then l'm sure we can succeed
l've decided that whatever difficulties l encounter...
...l'm determined to get on without being a burden to my mother
You will always have me to support you
You can depend on me. That would make me so happy
l'll talk to mother about it
No. l think it would be better coming from me
- l can do it - No, please let me deal with her
- All right? - Yes
That really was a wonderful performance
Oh, thank you so much for taking the time to come
Thank you
- How are you? - l'll have to take the day off work
l don't think l can take any more of this
lt's too much like hard work for you
You can say that again! l'm not very good with Nô theatre
- Yamada, Iet's go down to Gion - No, l want to watch a bit more
There's an interesting comedy next
Enough! Let's go
But the next piece is very amusing...
Enough, enough!
We're off
We're going to take a stroll through the cherry blossoms
- And we'll all end up at lzutsu House - Well, l don't know...
- It's all right. You go on ahead - See you later
Yamada, see you later. Excuse us
This comedy hasn't been performed for twenty years
Yes, and Mr Shigeyama is a very skilled performer
Let's go in
Listen to me...
...did the old woman ask you...
... what it was like to be in love?
Yes, she did indeed ask me that...
...but I didn't know if she was being serious
It would certainly provide her with great comfort in her old age...
...if she were to fall in love
How did you respond to her?
I told her that I was too young to know
It must be love!
She's head over heels...
...head over heels in love!
I'm so ashamed. I'm so ashamed
Such feelings of love...
...are nine when you are nineteen or twenty years of age...
..but when you're an old woman of sixty like I am...
...then it's just shameful
Even carp know better than to fall in love at this age!
One tires to sleep but all one can do is toss and turn at night
One cannot deny love, there is nothing one can do
It is all the fault of love
One can find no rest, no rest at all
All there is, is madness
One shift's one's pillow here and there across the floor
One tries to sleep with the pillow here, and then there
How shameful, how shameful!
Look over there, it's the old woman in the throes of madness!
l didn't know you were here
What a cruel play!
l didn't really want to see an old woman being ridiculed behind her back...
...but l guess it's comical when old people fall in love
Truth is, l suppose l can identify with it!
- Mr Harada... - Yes?
You know we spoke about money the other day? l need it urgently
When you say ''urgently'', how soon?
As soon as possible
Very well, l'll do what l can
- l'd like a loan from you - It'll be just between you and me
We'll talk conditions later. l'll get the money and bring it round tonight
Many thanks
- What happened to you, Mother? - l had a headache, that's all
Shall we go home?
No, l can't. l have to accompany Mr Yamada as far as Gion
l see. Well, we're off to the cinema
Don't tell me that! l'll have to stay till the end
Excuse us
See you later
Doctor, wait!
Here we are, we've arrived
We're back!
- Welcome! - Come on, come on
- Get some drinks quickly - Of course
Oh, Kisaragi? l'm glad to see that you've returned to us
Yes...please forgive me
Please allow me to stay. l have nowhere else to go
You foolish girl! Don't think l'll forget this in a hurry
Please, Mistress...
That fellow tricked me, and l have lost everything
He only wanted to take advantage of me
- You asked for it - Please forgive me
Everyone says that what happened to me is divine retribution...
...for being disloyal to you
Anyway, we can discuss this later. Go to your room
Thank you. Thank you
l'm so sorry
Look at the way you're dressed! What a state!
Give her a change of clothes
Where on earth have you been, Miss Kisaragi?
- l'm glad you're back - You look dreadful
- Mistress! Mistress! - Yes?
Bring Kisaragi out! l know she's here!
Hey! Didn't you learn your lesson Iast time? You back for more?
Leave off a moment
That bitch Kisaragi still owes money to the brothel
She even stole money from me and ran off
l know she's here. Hey, bring her out!
- Serves you right for what you did - What?
- Get out - Bring her out here!
Get him out
Get your hands off me
Bastards!
- Thank you once again - They never learn, those types
- Kisaragi has returned to the fold - What?
She said he completely fleeced her
- She's here? - Yes
lt's difficult to know who's telling the truth and who's telling lies
- Did you bring it? - Yes
l suppose you have planned what you want to do with this money
But l guess it has something to do with Dr Matoba, right?
- Why do you say that? - Let's speak frankly
You're no innocent youngster
Listen, ever since your husband passed away...
...you know full well that l've had feelings for you
You understand the reason why l want to give you this money...
You understand, right?
So, Iet's run lzutsu House together
l understand exactly what you're saying
Anyway. l accept it as a loan, with this place as guarantee
l'll have the documents by tomorrow
You're a cold fish, aren't you?
Why are you so stand-offish with me?
ls the sake ready? Hurry up and don't spill any
- Is that for the hall? - Yes
Be careful
- Where's my daughter? - She's in her room
- Is she? - And the doctor's with her
Come over here, child, and wipe this up
Yukiko, if you wish to return to Tokyo, then you must go alone
You don't need to take the doctor with you
You can go alone
And you have lied to me
You lied to me about wanting to open your own clinic
And you blatantly lied about wanting me to support you
You have no right to lie to me like that!
We need to talk about this. Let's discuss it over there
No, l'll listen to what you have to say here, in front of Yukiko
l'd prefer to speak alone with you
Let's go
Yukiko...come with me
What's all this about?
How dare you behave like that in my house!
Yukiko is my daughter
Please calm down and listen to me
- l have a favour to ask of you - l won't listen to you
Up to now, l have reciprocated the affection that you have shown me
- But now my feelings... - l understand all too well!
You've seduced Yukiko, and now you're both going to Tokyo!
Just listen to me!
l'm going to Tokyo with Yukiko
Please don't say that!
Listen to me...the reason l wanted to set up a clinic for you...
...was l needed to do something worthy outside this seedy business
And l thought Yukiko would be pleased with me
When l was very young, l married a man who was chosen by my parents
He passed away soon after
All my life, you are the only man that l have ever wanted
You may laugh at me...
...but all l wanted was to become your wife
But you only have eyes for Yukiko...
...and disregard me altogether
You're mistaken
l have fallen in love with Yukiko
And l matter nothing to you?
l thought you'd be overjoyed if Yukiko found happiness
You have no idea how much Yukiko detests this place and wants to leave
Stop! l don't want to hear it!
Wait! Wait! Don't go!
l have already obtained all the money we need...
...to buy that house in North Shirakawa
Please reconsider. Don't leave me
Stop it, Mother!
So, you want to steal him from me?
Just you try
As long as you're fine, you don't care about your mother
Why did you never mention to me that you liked him?
Why did you decide to go to Tokyo without discussing it with me?
l wish l'd never come back
ls that so?
Yukiko...
...after your breakdown...
...l wanted to find you a good husband to make you happy again
l wish l'd killed myself that day in Tokyo
Don't say that!
Doctor...
Please sit down
ls there no way that you'll stay?
How strange things turn out. It's all gone to pieces
l am ashamed
But was l the only one who dreamed about a future together?
Was l simply deluded by my dreams?
Everything about lzutsu House is deceptive
l heard the rumours that people were spreading about me...
...but l didn't care
l never thought l was doing anything shameful
The truth is that young people should be with young people
l made a mistake
This is the money...
...l was going to give you, and now l have no use for it
Please accept it and use it as you see fit
Many thanks
Goodbye
Yukiko?
Please go away
- l have something to say - l don't want to hear it
Please, just go!
Just listen to what l have to say
How can you still be here after what you've done to my mother?
My mother's distraught
Her life has lost all meaning because of you!
She may even attempt suicide
After what l went through with that man in Tokyo...
...l can understand how my mother feels
You men are all alike!
You're just cowards!
You may think it's cowardice...
...but l only acted like that to ensure our future happiness together
And you just ignore my mother's feelings?
My mother's feelings were irrelevant, you just used her for your convenience
How could you do such a thing?
That's a different issue altogether
When l fell in love with you, l decided then to change my ways
Why is it wrong of me to wipe away my past history with your mother?
The feelings l have for you are genuine
So you think you've acted correctly?
Why are you concerning yourself with this?
There's no way your mother and l could have got married
See, your mother gave me this money
And you accepted it?
Your mother said l could use it how l wanted
You know where that money came from?
Give it back to her
So we're going to Tokyo without a penny to our name?
You still think l can go to Tokyo with you?
Don't worry about your mother, she has accepted the situation
ln her heart, she has given us her blessing to leave
l don't know how you can think that
What do you think you're doing?
Careful!
Yukiko!
What are you doing?
l understand...
l understand what you want
We won't see each other ever again
Farewell
Please, wait!
Wait! Wait!
Don't stop him, Mother! Let him go
Why are you acting like this?
l couldn't bear to see you so miserable
What's wrong, Mother?
l feel dizzy all of a sudden
Let's take you to your room
- Miss Oume! Miss Oharu! - Yes?
Please come quickly!
- They're ready to eat - Good
You can serve the food now, Miss Oume. Miss Okinu!
Hello? lzutsu House
ls that Mr Sumiya? Hello
Eight o'clock? Very good. Thank you very much
- Miss Oharu? - Yes, madam?
An engagement for Tamakoto. Mr Sumiya at eight o'clock
Very good, madam
Thanks for your offer of help...
...but my mother instructed me to return this to you as we no longer need it
Oh, l see
l hope she didn't feel pressured into having to return it so soon
- l'll just have a word with your mother - Sorry...
...but the doctor said she was to see no one
So, are you going to take over the business from now on?
l'm not too sure yet
Anyway, with mother ill, l'll just have to try my best
lf you need any help, just ask. And thank you for this
- Mistress! - Coming
- Are you there? - Yes!
- Mistress! - Yes, sir
Welcome
- Where's your mother? - Sorry, but she's not feeling very well
- So you're the new Mistress? - Yes, sir
lt's gone all modern, the Mistress now wears Western dress!
We've got guests!
We bumped into this lot in Gion, they're from all over the country
- Good to see you again - Miss Ozaki, the full works tonight!
Come on in! There's room for everybody!
There'll be a companion for everyone, come on!
- Take that to the hall - Very good, madam
- Where are the cooks? - They're not here yet
Oh, here they come
- There are 25 guests in total - Thank you
Can we have 25 sets, please, as quickly as possible?
- Miss Oharu? - Yes, madam
- Get the girls ready - Yes, madam
l'll get Onoue, Kisaragi and Aioi all prepared. They'll be down soon
You're doing very well
Your mother may be ill, but everything's running like clockwork
At last, your mother can enjoy a well-deserved rest
Sorry she's not around for you
This is for your mother, madam
- l'll take it to her - Very well, Thank you
Tell your mother from me...
...that l can come to visit her whenever she pleases
l'll tell her
How are you, Mother?
l'm feeling fine, thank you
- Is Mr Kobayashi here? - Yes, with lots of guests in tow
Was the hall prepared? Had it been properly cleaned?
Don't worry about it. Just leave all that to me
- Here, drink this - Thank you
l'm sorry for being such a nuisance
You probably hate me for all the pain l've caused you
What are you saying? l'm as much a victim as you are
A victim, eh?
Being able to recognise that shows how much you've grown up
Absolutely. In matters of love, l am far more experienced than you
l'm no longer a child
You've learned some valuable lessons about the world, haven't you?
lt's having these experiences forced upon me that l hate
You know, in some ways, life is all about suffering...
...but you have to learn to live with it
l'm sorry that l've ended up in this state...
...and delayed your trip back to Tokyo
- Forgive me - Please don't worry about that
A strange feeling came over me, when l sat at reception today
ln a way, l felt like l'd been sitting there all my life
And l felt that l could happily sit there for the rest of my life, too
- l'm a chip off the old block - You certainly are
You sat there from the moment you were inside my womb
Excuse me, but Mr Kobayashi is asking for you, madam
Really? There's never any rest for the mistress of the house
Good luck, Mistress
Thank you
Chiyoko!
lt's nice to see you. Are you well?
l'm here to ask if you'll offer me any chance of work
There's no way l can do that. l already told you that
Please don't reject me. Let me work as one of your girls
lf you turn me away, l won't be able to help my father get better
Please, l beg of you. Please let me work
Please
Mistress! Can you come when you're ready?
Yes!
Why don't you stay and we can discuss the matter later?
- Are they all ready yet? - Yes, we're ready
- l'll go on up - Please do
Well, if it isn't Chiyoko! How lovely to see you
- Are you sightseeing in Kyoto? - How's your father?
Fine. Thank you for asking
l've come here to ask for work
Please would you ask the Mistress on my behalf? Please
- Stop such talk! - Miss Onoue, wait a moment
Let me just fix that
That's better
l ask myself, when will there be no more need for girls like us?
But they just keep coming, one after another
The End