Shochiku presents
A Sozosha Production
PLEASURES OF THE FLESH Etsuraku
Adapted from Kan no naka no etsuraku a novel by YAMADA Futaro
Photography TAKADA Akira
Lighting HIRATA Mitsuharu
Art Director IMA Yasutaro
Music YUASA Joji
Editor URAOKA Keiichi
Sound NISHIZAKI Hideo
Title song Etsuraku Blues sung by SHIMA Kazuhiko
Cast
NAKAMURA Katsuo Wakizaka Atsushi
KAGA Mariko Shoko
NOGAWA Yumiko Hitomi
YAGI Masako Shizuko
SHIMIZU Hiroko Mari
HIGUCHI Toshiko Keiko
OZAWA Shoichi Hayami, the embezzler
SATO Kei police inspector
TOURA Rokko Sakurai, Hitomi's man
WATANABE Fumio Hanawa gang member
KOMATSU Hosei Egi, Shizuko's husband
KOBAYASHI Akiji Mari's pimp
Written and directed by OSHIMA Nagisa
Shoko-san!
"Please come and see me in my wedding dress."
Yes, that's what I came for.
Only for that.
About six years ago when Shoko was a high school student...
I was her family tutor, earning my way through college.
Family tutor, that's all I am to her.
No, not all.
I was in love with her, and I killed for her.
It was a man who violated her once...
when she was only 8 years old.
Ten years have passed and she seemed to have forgotten it.
She grew up innocently...
and her parents were happy about that...
when the shameless man came to blackmail them.
They couldn't tell the police or trust the man.
So they asked me for help.
I burnt with anger.
I went to see him at an inn with some money.
He took the money but wouldn't promise anything.
I followed him into a train that night.
Everything has been settled.
Thank you.
We haven't heard anything. Understood?
Of course.
Needless to say...
You must never tell Shoko about this.
That's a small token of our thanks.
What's this?
Why did you come so early?
Two days after I returned from that murder...
a stranger visited me.
You know this news, don't you?
MAN FALLS TO DEATH FROM SPEEDING TRAIN
I was on that train.
I saw you do it.
But I'm not a policeman.
HAYAMI TOSHIHIKO - CLERK - MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
I spent all day yesterday...
investigating your personality.
At your school and at the family whose daughter you teach.
Everyone told me you were honest and good.
I've been looking for such a man...
who has no connection with me.
I wonder why you killed.
He was an unpardonable villain.
I had to do it.
- For the sake of justice. - It doesn't matter to me.
You aren't going to the police. That's good.
I want you to stay alive, for my sake.
What do you want?
30 million. It's office money.
I embezzled it. I want you to keep it for me.
If you go to the police, I'll tell them about your murder.
I've embezzled 98 million in all.
I think it'll be exposed within six months.
Then there'll be a trial. I'll get a 5-year sentence.
So I'll be a millionaire in six years, when I'm 30.
It's impossible for an ordinary man.
I've given my youth to this crime.
I'll be severely accused.
But people forget, and there'll be more embezzlers.
I'll be forgotten soon.
So, if you agree to my request...
this money will be safe.
And you'll be safe too.
Well...
Will you agree to keep it for me?
Yes.
Will you keep staying here so I can contact you?
- Yes. - One more thing.
Never spend this money.
He was soon exposed.
The next year he got a 5-year sentence, just like he expected.
The money never tempted me.
I knew it would ruin not only me...
but also Shoko, who I loved so much.
But then she married another man.
One more year and he'll come for the money.
I'd only watch him leave...
and resume the poor, lonely life of a bachelor...
until I would die.
No drama, just a foolish comedy.
Shoko!
What's the matter?
Didn't you go on your honeymoon?
Were you reluctant?
Have you known...
how I feel about you?
No! This will cause trouble! They won't forgive us.
I'm poor. I can't make you happy.
You know that.
Return to your husband.
I'd rather kill myself.
All right, I'll die with you.
Before that, let's elope and live happily together.
Here's 30 million.
We can spend it before we die.
Why do you have so much?
No more comedy!
How can you? Are you going to ruin me?
I'll kill myself after one year.
I'll leave this world after spending all this.
I won't cause you trouble.
He didn't ask my motive for that murder.
No one knows your secret except for me.
He will come out of jail...
and find me dead with his trunk empty.
The empty trunk will be my coffin.
I'll spend this all.
On what?
On women!
I'm a poor flower, in bloom for a night.
Destined to wither and die tomorrow.
I'll make pleasure for tonight...
- Here, this is for you. - Why?
I like you.
Honestly...
- Because you resemble the girl I love. - Why don't you give it to her?
She got married.
Why are you giving me this music box as a gift?
You hate her now, don't you?
And you hate me too?
Yes, so I want my revenge on your body.
You're a curious guy. I feel sorry for you.
There's 100,000 inside. - I'm sorry.
It's yours.
You're extraordinary.
Will you come tomorrow? I'm free tomorrow night.
That's not what I want. How about a long-term contract?
Long-term contract?
Live with me. - Are you joking?
I'm serious. You'll get half a million a month.
500,000 yen?
Are you sure? - Of course.
Why do you have so much?
Father's inheritance. I want to spend it and leave Japan.
Where to?
To France.
That's nice. Paris?
No, Marseille.
Shall we dance? - I can't.
What's your answer, oui or non?
If you pay 1 million a month.
It's fabulous.
I'm happy that I can live like this even for just a year.
Such a nice bathroom! I'll have a bath.
Will you join me?
Later. You have one.
- It's your turn now. - I'm OK.
Go ahead. I'll help you.
Not now...
Have a bath first.
You have changed in the past two months.
There are only ten months left.
That's right.
Where will you take me tomorrow?
To the cinema, to a ballgame, or the racetrack.
To a boxing match, bowling or golf, to go dancing?
To a French or a Chinese restaurant?
There's so much to do in Tokyo.
I'm really happy.
I don't know how to thank you for all this.
Do you like perfume so much?
Show me a woman who doesn't like it.
But perfume runs out soon.
Everything does.
You're throwing money away.
I don't care if you spend oodles of money.
But I think you'd better save some for your future.
I wasn't born to save money.
And you aren't any better either.
I'm different.
Why?
Money can buy everything.
I've had enough.
I might receive a facial operation in memory of you.
You're lucky...
to have passion to make yourself beautiful.
Whose is this?
Yours.
And this?
Yours.
And this?
Yours.
Because you've bought all of me.
Have I really?
Aren't you sure?
It feels like I've been bought by you.
- Leave now. - What?
I gave you the money.
Hitomi...
You asked me to give you freedom for a year...
and said you'd pay me a part of what you get.
You never kept the promise!
- Leave him now! - No!
And even if I leave him, I won't return to you.
I plan to be a fashion model.
You've really become beautiful, Hitomi.
Let me sleep with you.
Forget it!
Here's a nice bed, and I'm your husband.
No!
- What's that? - Acid.
I thought I'd throw it at you.
Lie down.
First put it down.
Hurry, or he'll come back.
So what? I don't care.
Go now.
I'll go...
But I'll leave a mark on your face.
A mark?
So you won't leave me.
You said you plan to be a fashion model.
You've really changed. Maybe you can succeed.
But I can't let you go.
- What are you doing? - I'll give you one drop.
It's nothing. I lost a finger for you.
You'd better not move.
Have you been here?
Stop this nonsense!
Damn it! I'm going to throw this at you.
Go ahead, but not on her.
She's important to you.
You can't harm her.
All right. I'll go for now.
But, be careful. This will come flying at you anytime.
Is Hitomi here?
Who are you?
We're from the Hanawa group.
Hey there, Hitomi. The boss wants you to come see him.
That won't be necessary.
Who are you to her?
How about yourself?
She was our boss's girl.
He took good care of her.
As a special favour he gave her up to one of his men.
Having been in such a relationship...
the boss feels responsible for her.
There's no need for him to feel responsible.
We can't help it.
There's been a nasty rumour about her recently.
The boss told us to bring her at any cost.
Come on!
Did her man tell him?
How much did he pay for her?
A finger.
I see.
The boss says if anyone wants to have her...
he should give his finger for that.
How much is a finger?
3 million.
Because it hurts.
Very cheap.
I'll have it ready tomorrow.
You needn't pay. They'll just keep coming.
I'll pay what I owe!
I'll leave this man now.
Give my finger to whoever wants it.
Is she new?
No, but she comes rarely.
- Can I have her tonight? - Her?
She's married.
Will you let me go home tonight?
I'll come to you next time.
No, you can't get away.
Better give up.
Do your best.
Forgive me. He's my husband.
I told him not to come. But our child is sick.
Must you go?
It's not that serious.
He came for the money to take her to a doctor.
How old is she?
Three years. She's at a nursery.
What's wrong?
My husband says she has a fever.
What does he do?
Nothing. He has had no luck with any job.
He's babysitting.
I'm giving you a lot every month.
Yes, but I once guaranteed my friend's debt.
She killed herself and I must pay it off.
What do you see in your husband?
I don't think there's any good in him.
Why don't you leave such a man?
Listen, Shizuko...
I've been paying you 1 million a month.
I'll give you only everyday expenses from now on.
You'll get the rest when we part.
Will you stay with me even if I treat you like this?
Why are you so mean to me?
I'm sorry.
Did you give him more?
Forgive me.
You thought I didn't know?
You once asked me why I'm so mean to you.
Because you look like a girl who betrayed me.
So I feel like killing you.
You doubt it?
- Yes... - Why?
You don't seem to hate me.
What?
You don't hate her.
You know I'm not ordinary, don't you?
I pay you 1 million a month. I do nothing but make love to you.
The money I'm spending is stolen public money.
An official embezzled it.
You know why he asked me to keep it?
He knows about a murder I committed.
In exchange for keeping silent, he forced me to keep it.
I killed a man who raped my first love.
I started to spend the money after she got married.
I'm doing it to spite her and to defy my ridiculous fate.
When my love was lost...
I couldn't just weep and do nothing!
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Anybody home?
It's my husband. He wants to talk to you.
My name is Egi. You're very kind to my wife.
Don't mention it.
This is a nice house.
Isn't it?
What do you want?
I support Shizuko at present.
You have no right to talk to her like that.
I'm sorry, sir.
Forgive me that I make this request. Will you return Shizuko to me?
As you can see, we have little children.
Please understand.
We came to ask you.
Please do us this favour for our children's sake.
I trust you.
I told him you weren't so bad a man...
I see...
You came to blackmail me.
You're frightened because you think I'm a gangster.
Forgive us now.
We never have any luck, Shizuko.
You said you'd get 1 million a month...
but I didn't believe it. I was right.
We were fated to live unhappily.
You're bleeding.
Let's go.
Follow me.
Where to?
Come in.
Shizuko, the two of you enjoy living unhappily.
You thrive on being miserable.
I want to torment you.
How will I make you most unhappy?
I want to pay now for the man.
I've just quit.
How will I make you most unhappy?
Maybe by making you happy.
The house is yours.
The rest of your money is in my desk.
You'll have an easy life with it.
But gradually you'll feel dissatisfied.
Why did you quit?
- Because he kissed you? - Of course.
But you didn't resist him.
It isn't wise to resist a man who acts by lustful impulse.
I just waited for the right moment to slap him.
Next you'll plunge into real misery without reprieve.
Serves you right.
Are you sane?
Yes, you may examine me.
I'm not a shrink.
Answer me, please. I haven't much time.
Sorry, but I decline.
- You won't? - Right.
It's natural to refuse.
But...
3 million in 3 months...
It's very attractive. Particularly now that I'm jobless.
But I'm not ready to give up to a man without love.
I'll wait until you love me.
Why not take a trip with me for a month?
If you don't love me then, I'll give up and still pay you for the month.
How about it?
- Well? - Well what?
- All right? - Why?
You looked uneasy.
Of course I'm a bit uneasy...
taking a trip with a man.
Why not get out of that armour?
You don't know men yet, do you?
Or do you?
Don't ask insulting questions.
I'm a doctor. I know everything.
May I kiss you?
What's wrong? You have a high fever.
Are you all right?
Only a cold. I hope it won't cause a pneumonia.
Are you awake?
How do you feel?
I was relieved when the doctor told me you recovered.
I didn't think it would take almost three weeks.
Our one month has passed.
I've paid the hotel and the doctor.
Here's your 1 million as promised.
I'm glad you recovered.
I was worried because I was the cause.
I don't blame you not saying a word to me.
Wait, please!
Where will you go?
I'll travel farther alone.
Take me with you.
Try to love me, Keiko.
Sleep with me for once at least.
I won't insist on living with you.
I beg you!
I'll pay 1 million or even 2 million for just a night.
Do me this favour, Keiko.
Please!
You won't?
You really won't?
I see...
What are you doing? It's dangerous!
Keiko!
Hey! Watch out!
Come back, Keiko!
Are you trying to kill yourself?
I won't do anything to you, I promise.
Come on back!
Keiko, I'm...
No!
Not here. Not on this trip.
Marry me in Tokyo.
Marry you? But...
I know you have only two months left.
And you must leave after that.
I don't care.
We can be divorced then.
Don't be afraid.
I'm all right.
Tell me who you are.
What do you do?
I must know who I'm giving myself up to.
Don't ask me now. You didn't want to listen before.
Tell me.
I won't.
I must know.
Lie down.
No...
I'm home.
What are you doing?
You're early.
We've become bored, haven't we?
You're sexually repressed.
What a waste with such a nice body.
Every woman is repressed.
But I'm satisfied.
What were you looking for?
I wonder who you are.
You pay me a million a month...
and will leave in a month.
What's with you?
Sorry, we promised not to talk about that.
Give me some water.
What's her name?
Mari. She's deaf and crazy, but isn't she nice?
- Will you have another go? - Why?
Don't you want to know who I am?
I'm free at last. Why have you moved?
I haven't moved. I live here only temporarily.
Give it to me. I hope you've kept it.
You haven't lost it, have you?
Have you spent it? Have you?
Answer me.
Say something!
I've spent it.
So did you think I'd just give up?
Without turning you in?
Don't, please. I should have died before you came out.
Die now then!
Awake?
It was almost too late when you were discovered.
Regular artificial respiration didn't work.
I had to suck dirt and water out of you.
We have one month left.
But I want a divorce now.
You know the reason very well.
You're filthy.
This is what you were looking for, isn't it?
I want the girl.
- She doesn't feel well today. - Why?
You mean Mari? Tell him the truth.
He put her under my care.
He's a local gangster. Been in jail.
I see.
She belongs to him, huh?
Yes, to Mr. Kudo.
May I have Mari, Mr. Kudo?
- What? - I want to live with her.
You bastard!
I'll pay you for it.
Want to die?
- I'll pay 1 million for a month. - You're making a fool of me?
Only for one month.
Here's a part of it.
I'll take her.
Relax, Mari.
We can live together for a while. Do you understand?
I'll live only one more month.
Understand?
Maybe you don't.
It's OK.
You needn't understand anything.
You only have to please me...
for the rest of my life.
Shoko-san?
It's you, Mari. Have you been streetwalking?
I sold her to you, but she returned.
She likes streetwalking.
If she doesn't, she can't get satisfaction.
How about 100,000 each time that I rent her for a night?
You amaze me. I'll give her up to you.
No, I'll pay you.
Don't be angry.
I apologize.
- In return, please be my patron. - Your patron?
I need your help.
With something confidential.
I know a man who hid 30 million and went to jail.
Someone in town is keeping it for him.
I can't find him though.
I went to his place, but he has moved.
I thought his landlord knew something...
and I kept an eye on that house, but it was in vain.
I'm being watched by the police...
so I can't act too freely.
I've got many friends around here, but none I can trust.
The story would run like wildfire.
I think I can trust only you.
What do you want me to do?
Check on his lodgings.
If you help me get the 30 million...
I'll give you 5 million.
But you don't need money, do you?
You'll get Mari.
Who told you about that?
Tell me.
Why do you ask?
Tell me!
Here...
Take these 200,000. It's all I have left.
All you have left?
I heard about it in jail.
In jail? From who?
An official named Hayami who hid it.
He told me before dying.
Before Hayami died?
He got pneumonia a few days before I was released.
That killed him.
He's stupid.
He hid big money, but nobody brought him anything.
Mari often came and brought me candy.
He wanted some and then he confessed.
He didn't think he'd die then.
What's the matter?
I kept his money.
I am Wakizaka.
And the money?
I just gave you the last of it.
Damn it!
I won't let you make a fool of me!
Help!
Are you afraid?
Are you going to give me the money?
No, there's nothing left of it.
Don't lie!
You can't spend that much in five years.
Yes, I spent it all in one year.
30 million in only one year?
He told me you once killed a man.
Now it's your turn.
Prepare to die!
Mari?
Mari, this guy is no good.
He murdered and spent someone else's 30 million.
He'll be put to death.
You needn't thank him.
We've been deceived.
He spent all the money I was supposed to take.
Let go! Damn it!
Don't! Are you in love with him?
Shoko?
Good evening.
What brought you here?
I was a bit uneasy...
that you were no longer living here.
Why?
Because I heard you became rich.
Me... rich?
I saw you a couple of times after I got married.
I didn't talk to you because each time you were with a lady.
It was really a surprise.
Sorry.
I wondered and phoned your office.
Then I was told you quit.
What has made you rich?
Did you succeed in stocks? Did you inherit?
But you still live like this.
What do you want, Shoko?
Will you do me a favour?
Anything.
When this idea came to me...
I almost cried: "Thank God".
What idea?
That you may have become rich.
How much money I have is irrelevant to you.
You're much richer.
Your husband owns a cosmetic company.
We're on the brink of bankruptcy.
We must make up the deficit within the month.
My husband is frantic.
I'm trying to make money too.
You have no more money?
We don't!
If you have money, will you lend me some?
5 million or 10... or 3, or 2...
Even half a million will help. I beg you!
I had 30 million...
30 million?
Not a yen left now.
You're joking, aren't you?
I'm not.
You're joking.
Please don't be so mean to me.
Please lend me some.
Then I'll do anything you want me to.
I'm really broke.
I spent all the money in the last 12 months.
Really? But, how did you get the money?
I kept it for someone.
Do you remember the embezzlement case...
of an official named Hayami?
I kept his money.
- Why you? - He forced me to do it...
because he knew I had killed a man.
He threatened me.
You killed?
Did you really kill a man?
Why? Who?
And why did you spend it?
Did you kill a man?
Why? Who?
Shoko-san, I killed for you. The man who raped you.
And why did you spend it?
Because you married someone else.
Are you Wakizaka Atsushi?
You're under arrest for murder.
- Last night's? - Did you also kill last night?
We'll deal with that later.
This is about the one five years ago.
And complicity in embezzlement.
Don't swallow it! Spit it out!
Please tell me. Who turned me in?
Was it a woman?
Tell me! Or I'll swallow it!
Promise you won't?
The girl you've known for ten years.
She turned you in.
THE END
Subtitles edited by: JASPA Subtitling - Geert van Bremen