MIYAMOTO MUSASHI PART1 ZEN & SWORD
Directed by TOMU UCHIDA
Matayan!
In September 1600, the tragic Battle of Sekigahara ended with...
the victory of the Tokugawa and the defeat of the Toyotomi.
Matayan!
Matazo!
- Takeyan! - Matazo!
Takeyan! I'm still alive!
- I won't die! - Matayan! Don't die in vain!
- Where are you hurt? - My thigh.
A spear got me.
Bear it!
It's not that bad.
Bear it! Matayan!
Can you stand?
I can do it!
What are you doing?
Ah! It's a woman!
You must be one of the scavengers who search soldiers corpses for valuables.
- Akemi, let's go. - Okay.
Mother, is it alright?
- What is? - Hiding them here.
We have nothing to worry about. They're still greenhorns.
But, what if during our absence...
Afraid they will come looking for defeated soldiers?
We will worry about it when the time comes.
Takeyan!
- You're so fortunate. - Why?
You didn't get hurt.
- I might get a limp. - You fool!
All who sided with the Toyotomi are social outcasts now!
It is the Togukawa's world from now.
Who got me into this?
Takeyan, you're to blame!
- You're right. - That's right!
I you hadn't asked me, I wouldn't have come here.
You said even a Squire's son could prosper if he could just take the head of a Captain.
You fooled me!
I was fooled into coming with you!
Look what happened!
Such a hopeless battle! You are to blame for everything!
Stop brooding.
It was just a dream.
Like a dream, it ended!
We were just unlucky.
I don't think that we'll see another great battle.
We were born too late.
I left home without telling anyone.
My granny must have been angry.
And Otsu...
Otsu-san?
I think I'm losing my mind!
Otsu!
I wonder what Otsu's doing now.
Otsu!
Matayan, don't cry. Stop wailing.
They might hear us.
Leave me alone!
You're not alone.
I have an elder sister waiting for my return, too...
Sister...
- Shinmen Takeza - Hon'iden Matahachi
Otsu-san...
Do you dream of Matahachi?
Yes, many times.
Then, he's dead...
I also dream of my younger brother.
Granny!
This is bad luck!
How foolish!!
Your Takezo tricked my son into going off to battle!
Ogin, listen to me.
Takezo might be satisfied!
But my Matahachi was a very, very precious heir for the Hon'iden!
I can't afford for Matahachi to die!
He won't die! He can't die!
Right, Otsu?
Takezo is the God of ill fortune for the Hon'iden Family!
Matayan, get a hold of yourself.
And get well soon.
We have no choice.
Let's go home and be farm squires again.
How will we face them?
I'll apologize to Granny and to Otsu.
I'll apologize on my hands and knees.
- What are you doing? - Washing it with alcohol.
If we leave it as it is, we will have to amputate the leg.
Go help out Akemi.
This is awful.
Listen. You must bear the pain.
Missus!
MISSUS!
Bear it!
Missus!
What are you looking at, Takezo-san?
The coming winter.
Winter?
It's depressing.
When Mount Ibuki turns white, we live like bagworms.
We just wait till spring.
- I don't get it? - What?
Akemi-chan, why do you and your mother live so dangerously?
We can't make a living by selling moxa only.
Besides, Mother is a widow to the chief of the bandits.
The top one in Ibuki Shinchigo.
So, Akemi-chan is one them?
No.
I'm just a child of the wilderness.
I was just raised by them.
Then, you have to find a good husband.
Hey, you know what?
- What? - Who my husband is?
How would I know?
Don't worry! It's not you, Takezo-san!
- Akemi-chan. - What?
Why do you have that bell on your sleeve?
- I don't know. - Don't know?
Funny, you have it on.
But I didn't put it on.
My mother did.
I've had it on as long as I can remember.
I grew up listening to the bell.
Doesn't it sound beautiful?
I sewed these for you.
Which print do you like better?
- What's wrong? - I hate my mother!
I hate Matahachi-san too!
I hate all of you!
- Where are you going, Takeyan? - Never mind. Let's walk.
Never mind? You're acting so strange.
Matayan, let's go home.
- Go home? - Right now.
Without telling the family?
I think it's best.
No way. I have my conveniences.
- They did so much for me. - I'm getting scared.
Matayan, Otsu-san is waiting.
Your Granny is also waiting. You are fully recovered now.
Matayan, let's go home! Okay!
Takeyan. You go home first.
I'll leave later on.
Takeza-san! Matahachi-san!
My mother will be killed!
Damn you!
She used her daughter to steal valuables off the corpses at Sekigahara!
She kept all the profits!
I heard all about it!
- Everyone! Search the house! - Okay!
Search Carefully!
See, I told you!
According to bandit rules, take it all!
She'll serve as an example! Go strangle here!
An intruder! He must be a straggler from Sekigahara!
Get him!
Wait!
Mata-san! Let's run away!
- Run? - Yes! They won't give up so easy.
He always wanted to get me anyway.
- That man? - Now is our chance to run!
We will live in another province! Okay!
We'll live together! Okay?
But...
What's Takeyan doing?
- Takeyan! - Never mind! I don't care about him!
I don't like him!
Akemi, you feel the same, don't you?
Hurry! Get ready!
Hurry!
I won't let you go!
Matayan, I did it!
Matayan!
Matahachi!
Oh, no!
Matahachi!
Matahachi! You fool!
What will you do about Otsu?
Priest Takuan!
Oh, Otsu-san?
Getting ready for the festival tomorrow?
Yes. What are you doing there?
We are celebrating Buddha's birth tomorrow. It's a very auspicious holiday.
I am washing off the lice into the river, because tomorrow I intend to be a bit of a dandy!
You're so funny, Takuan-san!
"If you spot a straggler from the Battle of Sekigahara, you must report it immediately."
Hey. Hey!
Wait!
Damn it! Rifles, fire!
To Worshipers...
we are just a poor temple.
Please be generous with your offerings.
You can never donate too much.
- Takuan-san. - Yes.
Please don't demand offerings.
I'm directing my preachings to the wealthy.
Lightening their load is part of piety.
Hey! Hey! Young lad!
Don't forget your offerings!
- You can't be popular with women like that. - Fool.
Takuan-san, please stop that or I'll really get angry.
Oh, Granny Hon'iden.
- What is it? - Have you paid your respects?
- To who? - Your son, Matahachi.
You fool! When did Matahachi die!
He will never die! Takezo can die, but not our Matahachi!
Right, Otsu?
Move!
Everyone gather around!
Move!
Hey! Be silent!
Attention villagers!
I'm a vassal from Himeji Castle.
Aoki Tanzaemon is my name.
A few days ago...
a man of this village named Shinmen Takeza...
slipped past our checkpoint!
He is an offspring of Shinmen Munisai!
In the Sekigahara battle...
he sided with Toyotomi.
I'm wondering where he's hiding?
We've yet to find any trace of him.
Therefore, an investigative team will be established.
We must find him at all costs!
All villagers must cooperate with us.
And anyone who aids him shall be severely punished.
Understood?
Otsu, did you hear that?
If Takezo has returned...
then Matahachi might also have returned.
Okay, let's go.
Gon-san! Gon-san!
What is it, Otsu-san?
Gonroku! Gonroku!
- Did Matahachi return? - What? I don't know.
That devil! He must have returned alone!
- Granny... - What?
Maybe we should go to Ogin-san's...
They are siblings!
She might know!
Ogin-dono...
I heard the Devil is back.
Call him here.
The Devil?
You know who I mean.
It's Takezo!
You're hiding him somewhere!
- No. - It's obvious!
- You must be hiding him somewhere! - That's not true! He hasn't returned!
If he had returned, he would come to see me.
You had an old woman come all the way here! Yet you have the gall to deny it!
He's there!
Takezo! So, he was here after all.
Ogin! Remember this!
Hey Otsu! We don't want to get involved.
- Let's go. - But...
I see. You keep watch here.
Granny, I'll get a lantern.
No need! I'm the Granny of Hon'iden!
I am not so senile that i need a lantern!
Old woman! Wait a moment!
Did you just leave the Shinmen residence?
Yes, that's right.
- Are you a Shinmen? - Hardly!
I'm a Squire retiree from across the river!
I see. Then, you're the famous Hin'iden granny?
That's right.
You poor thing!
- Why do you say that? - I heard Matahachi died at Sekigahara.
But don't worry. I'll take your revenge for sure.
Sir, I know a good way of capturing Takezo.
Lend me your ears.
- Which one is Takezo's sister? - Don't be rude as I'm a woman living alone.
- It's this one. Seize her! - What are you doing?
- So rough! Otsu-san!
- Take her! - Yes, Sir!
Just remain quiet, okay!
I don't intend to tie you up!
Oh! Otsu-san.
Excuse me?
- Where's the bath? - The bath? It's this way.
Want to join me?
- Please stop it! - What's wrong!
Bastard! You're Takezo!
Everyone, come here! We found Takezo!
- Priest, did you see Takezo? - I know nothing!
Hey! Hey! He's over this way!
Hurry! Let's go!
Dear ancestors...
people say Matahachi is dead.
But I cannot believe that.
Unlike the cowardly Takezo...
my son cannot return home.
He has lost in battle and is too ashamed to face us.
My son, Otsu...
is waiting to give you these clothes that she has made.
Return home soon...
and how granny your cheerful face.
Granny...
Granny!
Who is it?
You're?
Granny, I came to see you.
No, I'm here to apologize.
What? Why did you return alone?
What happened to Matahachi? What happened to Matahachi?
Granny, Matahachi is alive. He's not dead.
He's living with a woman in another province.
Matahachi!
With another woman!
Please tell Otsu-san.
Granny, please tell her!
Now I feel better.
Since I told you this, I have no other business in this village.
Takezo.
Where are you going now?
First, I plan to...
see my sister and then I intend to leave Miyamoto village.
Granny, I won't see you again.
Wait!
Takezo...
Aren't you hungry?
Haven't eaten for days.
Poor soul...
I have dinner almost ready.
I'll prepare a meal for you.
Go take a bath in the meantime.
Don't hesitate.
Your family and mine have been friends since the days of the Akamatsu clan.
Parting will be hard. Please go ahead.
Hurry! Hurry around the back.
Someone may see you.
I'll check the bath.
Granny!
Gon!
Huh?
- Takezo's back. - Takezo!
Quiet!
Go tell the Officers.
Takezo?
How's the water temperature?
It's a good bath, Granny.
I feel like I'm alive again.
I feel like crying.
Relax and warm up.
The rice isn't ready yet.
Thank you.
I should have come here earlier if this was the case.
I thought you were angry with me.
She tricked me!
You dare to deceive me!
Remember this!
You cowards! You're not going to get me!
Takezo!
Be silent! We've captured your sister...
- and are holding her in your place! - What?
- My sister! - Come down!
If you surrender, we'll let her go free.
My sister's done no wrong!
- It's not fair! - Want to see her?
Then, come down and surrender yourself!
Damn you! Who would fall for that?!
I'll come for her for sure!
What are you waiting for? After him!
- Yes, Sir! - Damn it!
What are you going to do?
Damn you!
Shoot!
Takezo is here!
Villagers! Why are you afraid of me?
I'm not a beast!
Wait!
Why run?
You know who I am?
Okay. Then answer me!
Okay! I'll do anything! Please spare me!
Who said I would kill you?
Do you know where my sister is?
Well?
I don't know. I don't know anything.
Wait! Wait!
OK! I'll tell you.
Where is my sister? Which jail?
Hinagura Stockade! The rumors say she's there.
What! Hinagura Stockade?
Damn them!
Be gone!
He's been murdered!
Uh, Otsu-san?
- You look pale. - I saw a dead body on the roadside.
Hey, Takuan-san, why does Takezo-san kill people?
He'll be killed if he doesn't.
It's a vicious circle!
But, no one will attack you, so you don't need to worry about dying in vain.
Oh, a letter was delivered for you.
For me?
"To Otsu, Miyamoto Village"
"From Matahachi and Oko"
From Oko...
Seems like he had someone write this.
"You may have heard this news from others."
"However, I am writing this to formally notify you...
that we have established a relationship with Matahachi."
"We have adopted him into our family."
"You may have been worried."
"From now on, you should forget about him."
"These are the reasons I have written to you."
"Sincerely. From Oko to Otsu-san..."
He couldn't bring himself to write to his Granny...
so he wants you to relay to her what he's living elsewhere.
That fool!
Hey, Otsu-san...
This is fortunate for you.
Why?
If you became his wife...
and he sent this letter, what would you do then?
If I were you, I would be happy.
But, a woman cannot think like that.
Then, how would you handle it?
I want to find Matahachi-san...
and scold him!
Takuan-san!
I feel vexed!
Otsu! Otsu, are you in?
There you are. Oh, hello there.
Otsu, the Officer is demanding to see you.
He doesn't want to drink alone.
He wants the usual hostess.
He's being a lot of trouble!
Please! Suppress your feelings...
and please go entertain him. Okay?
Please go. Okay? Okay?
Hey there! Priest!
Oh! There you are!
Here! Come closer!
Oh! You sure are playing hard to get!
Come sit here and relax.
Can you pour me a drink?
Hey Priest! Go away!
I don't want you around.
No, I like it here.
I can't relax with you reading here.
Very will. I'll close my book.
It's not the book! It's you! Go away!
Otsu-san, this man wants to be left alone.
You love loneliness...
such a noble trait.
- Okay. We should not get in his way. - Fool! Who said that you could take Otsu?!
I just want you to leave. How insulting!
Are you angry?
It's been twenty days and you still can't capture Takezo.
Do you think you can cut Takuan's head off?
- You've asked for it! - You will? How interesting.
When you do...
bring my head to your lord, Ikeda Terumasa of Himeji Castle.
He'll say, "Takuan, why is only your head here?"
- What? - You're his retainer, but you haven't heard?
Terumasa and I are very good friends. Even studied Zen together.
Please!
Sit down.
You compelled the farmers to help you.
The longer it takes to capture Takezo...
the more selfish you become!
Now you're after Otsu...
If Terumasa hears of this, you must commit seppuku.
Please don't tell!
Aoki-dono...
I'll feel sorry if I leave you depressed.
I'll get Takezo for you within three days.
- What? - You think I'm kidding?
- No, but... - But what?
Including Officers, foot soldiers and farmers...
- about 200 men search the mountain daily. - How touching!
It's Spring.
The mountains are filled with food.
For Takezo, it is most convenient.
And for us, it is most inconvenient.
Well, do you want to wait for snow?
- We can't do that! - You can't?
Which is why I am offering to capture Takezo for you.
I don't need help. I can manage alone.
Otsu and I will suffice.
You're joking!
However...
I have a condition!
- What's the condition? - About Takezo's treatment after I capture him...
Takuan will handle it.
- I can't do that... - You can't?
Very well.
If you capture him, you can decide Takezo's punishment.
However...
if you can't capture him within three days...
- What will you do? - I will hang myself on the 1,000 year old cedar.
What? Hang yourself?
Otsu-san...
Watch out for the thorns.
They placed these here to trap Takezo-san, didn't they?
Yes.
Takuan-san...
Why do the villagers despise Takezo so much?
Some force must make them that way.
It's something no one can see.
Is it inside a man's heart?
Yes...
But Takezo is also at fault.
Unless he kills one after another...
he can't safeguard his life.
No one brought this misfortune to him.
His ignorance is to blame.
Takuan-san, do you also hate Takezo-san?
Of course!
I can't ignore a man who treats life so lightly.
Is that why...
Yes...
That's why I took on this responsibility.
Leaving a man like Takezo on the loose...
means lives may be lost daily.
Would you not agree, Otsu-san?
I wish to know why he chose to return here...
despite all the danger.
- That is all? - Also, what kind of woman Matahachi is with?
I want to hear that from Takezo-san.
I see...
That may help you give him up...
But it may work otherwise, too.
Listen, Otsu-san...
I thought you would be the one person who would not know the darkness of humanity.
You would grow up...
get married...
grow old...
but always live a life as beautiful as a flower.
- It's getting late. - Yes, it is.
It's nearly time.
What are you looking at?
He should be appearing soon.
You mean Takezo-san?
- Yes. - Who would come to get captured?
No, no... You're wrong.
Men's hearts are very weak.
They cannot bear to be alone.
Watch what happens.
Takezo may be...
nearby already.
However, he can't decide...
whether I'm a friend or foe.
Poor soul, he can't even call out.
Feeling suspicious, his mean eyes may be glaring at us.
Takuan-san...
- What is it? - Today is the third day...
If we cannot capture Takezo-san tonight...
I know.
If it goes wrong...
I'll just have to hang myself.
Don't worry.
I don't intend to die yet.
Then, why don't you go looking for him?
I wouldn't be able to find him...
not in these hills.
Hey, Otsu-san...
that flute you keep in your sash.
- Will you play that for me? - My flute?
- Any tune will do. - But...
No one is around. Don't feel restrained.
Okay, let me hear it.
Takuan-san, only for you...
Thank you.
You there...
it must be cold out there in the fog.
Takuan-san...
why are you talking to yourself?
Can't you tell, Otsu-san?
Look, Takezo is there.
Wait!
Why do you run?
Come! Come here.
We have sake and food here.
I am neither friend nor foe.
Come near the fire and warm up.
Sit here.
Serve Takezo, too.
This is delicious.
Takezo...
stop after the second bowl.
Eating all at once may kill you.
- Otsu-san... - Yes?
Why are you here?
Actually, we're here to capture you.
- I know that. - Did you?
You came knowing that?
Very well.
Takezo, if you must face the law...
Wouldn't you rather be subjected to the law of Buddha?
Huh?
There is the law of the clan.
But Buddha's teachings are also law.
Both are valid laws...
but my law is more humane in treatment.
- No thanks! - Listen!
I can understand...
why you are fighting until the end.
But can you win?
- Huh? - Win?
- Win what? - I mean win over yourself.
Worse comes to worse.
I'll kill myself.
That Granny Hon'iden...
and those Himeji soldiers!
I will kill them all!
What about your sister?
The one who's been imprisoned?
What will you do about Ogin-dono?
Fool!
You fool!
Takezo!
You may escape if you want...
but what will happen to your sister.
How will you face your ancestors?
And how far do you think you can run?
It's Takezo!
Hey! Takezo's been captured!
- Who did it! - Takuan-sama and Otsu did it!
- His luck ran out! - Murderer!
You killed villagers!
- We've captured Takezo! - Takezo! You killed my brother!
Hey! Return my brother alive!
That's right! Kill him! Kill him!
Wait! Wait! Don't be hasty!
Takezo's tied up and can't get away.
Now, starting today...
you can forget hunting and return to farming.
Now, I have to ask you for advice.
What?
What shall we do with Takezo?
Should we kill him or let him go?
What good would it do letting a man like him go free?
Villagers! Let me speak! Let me speak!
I can't be satisfied with just killing him!
Takuan-dono, Matahachi's future...
was ruined by him!
The Hon'iden Family lost their precious heir.
Matahachi...
He was already good for nothing.
It might be better that you adopt a son-in-law.
What a thing to say! He is the enemy of the son whom I bore!
Please leave it to me how to handle Takezo!
No! No! No!
Takezo is a straggler from Sekigahara.
The Government should have the final say!
That's not right...
You made a promise.
Takuan-dono, the government will reward you for this.
But I will take custody of Takezo.
- What's so funny? - Mustache man...
you intend to break your promise as a Samurai?
Very well. Takuan captured Takezo...
and I'll release him...
Wait!
Afraid?
No sense in letting a captured man free.
I'll let you kill that man...
but hand over his head to me.
- What? His head? - That's right!
You must be kidding? Priests tend to funerals.
If you take his body...
I will lose my livelihood.
Besides, this Granny here...
doesn't want him dead so fast.
I know.
Why don't we hang Takezo from this tree and expose him to the wind and the rain...
and let the crows feed on his eyes?
That's great!
Takuan-dono, It's a wonderful idea.
After that, I will finish him off with the final blow.
Okay, it's decided! Bring the ropes!
Damn you! You tricked me, Takuan!
Remember this! Takuan, it's unfair!
Remember! Remember! Villagers!
Remember!
Takuan!
Unfair!
Takuan, it's unfair!
Good for him! Good for him!
Otsu, for capturing Takezo...
I thank you!
Sir, a messenger is here.
- What is it? - Aoki-dono, it's a message from the Lord.
Thank you.
Hey!
Guard, keep a close watch.
- Yes, Sir! - Very well.
Otsu, are you one of them?
Did you deceive me, too?
Otsu...
you must be tired.
Well, let me think...
Since I hear this from Takezo...
I can't trust it completely.
I hear Matahachi is...
living in another province.
I any case, you are Matahachi's fiancee.
The Temple Priest...
has blessed this union for the Hon'iden Family.
Whatever happens...
you still have faith?
- Yes. - You're sure?
- Yes. - I'm relieved to hear that.
However, society is critical...
If Matahachi doesn't return for a while...
it's inconvenient for me.
Why don't you leave the temple...
and move to the Hon'iden residence?
Well... You want me?
Who else will marry Matahachi.
You are the one.
As for Takezo's case...
I somehow cannot understand Priest Takuan's true motives.
Fortunately, you are here at the temple.
Until Takezo is dead...
Please stay here and keep an eye on him.
Then...
I don't have to leave the temple as of yet?
You can't do two jobs at once.
You will come to the Hon'iden house the very same day...
that Takezo's head...
is separated from his body.
Understood?
This is an order.
Granny, where did you go?
Show your face!
Villagers, remember this!
Granny, how dare you trick me!
- Remember this! - I will! No way could I forget this!
I'll remember it for seven lives.
Return Matahachi! Like he was before!
Shut up! Matahachi is alive! He's not dead!
Otsu-dono?
- Aoki-dono? - Hello, Otsu-dono.
I received a directive from the Lord.
I must depart for Himeji immediately.
But, I can guess the reason.
He wants an explanation about the recent trouble.
If I have Takezo's head, I could make excuses...
but I am no match for that priest Takuan!
Alright, Otsu!
You must be my ally now.
Understand?
I'll give you this letter.
Read it when alone.
He's gone...
That fool!
It's heavy.
It's money.
That's a large sum.
Tear up the letter and throw it away.
It's okay. Takuan just got the Buddha's permission.
Take it with you.
Go on.
It's raining.
Damn priest!
Damn you!
Listen to him!
Takuan!
I want to talk to you! Come out!
Come out, Takuan!
Takuan, come out!
It's not like you to give up.
- What is it, Takezo? - Listen!
If only I had known this would happen!
I could've killed you so easily that time!
It's too late now!
I surrendered myself...
because you tricked me.
I didn't think such a thing would happen!
If I die, I want to be killed by a priest!
It was a mistake to surrender myself to you!
Was that your only mistake?
It's more like everything was a mistake.
Shut up!
I'm not ashamed of what I did!
I knew Granny loves Matahachi very much!
That's why I risked my life to return and give Granny that message!
Just because I lost in battle, is this the treatment I get?!
Never mind those trivial things.
Your attitude is the problem.
Damn you!
Look at the vastness of the world from up there.
No, you may not have enough time?
When you go to the next world, your parents will be...
overjoyed that Takuan taught you a good lesson.
Takuan-san, you're being too cruel! So cruel! So cruel!
Sympathizing with him?
Mercy! Please have mercy!
It's started raining hard.
This looks like a big storm.
Otsu, because you cried, the sky is also crying.
I better leave now.
I never thought I would end op like this! I wanted to die in a fair fight!
I don't even know my sister's whereabouts!
Father...
Mother...
I am so vexed!
Is Takezo still alive?
Oh, Granny.
- Wasn't that a terrible storm last night? - But such a good storm.
Even a hard rain...
would take more than a day or two to kill a man.
Look at him! He's hanging there like a rag!
Since I see no crows pecking at his face...
I assume that his body is still warm.
I'm alive!
- No way I'm dying! - You Devil! You're a stubborn one!
You're all beasts disguised as humans!
Otsu-san! I'm going crazy!
Takezo-san!
Takezo.
Takezo!
Takuan!
You corrupt priest!
From that voice, I assume you will live another five or six days.
Damn priest!
Hurry up and behead me!
No, I can't behead you so easily.
We could behead a man like you...
but you would still attack us knowing your personality.
I'll break these ropes...
and kill you soon!
Just wait!
How promising!
I will wait for you then.
But maybe your life might end before that.
Damn you!
What strength!
You can move the tree!
But you can't affect the ground below...
or the heaven above.
Being ignorant, you can't even shake loose a cedar leaf.
Damn you!
Takezo.
Why didn't you use your strength and youth more constructively?
You were born a human...
yet you live like the lions and the wolves.
You've never seen the light of your intellect.
Now, that light may die here.
Shut up!
Listen to me, Takezo.
I'll bet...
you thought no one was stronger than you.
But look at you now!
How miserable!
I never lose when it comes to strength!
Whether you lose in strength or wits, you still lost.
As proof, I am the victor sitting on this rock...
and you are suffering miserably...
hanging above my head!
What is the difference?
You're lecturing me?! How shameless!
However strong, a beast is still a beast...
less than human.
How pitiful.
You know not the light of wisdom.
A man's true strength is not what you possess.
Takezo!
Give it good thought one more night.
I'll cut your head off anytime you want.
Wait! Wait!
- What? - Let me down!
What did you say?
I want to live again. I want to start all over.
I don't want to die yet. I beg you!
No!
In life, you can't start all over.
Now you shed tears of repentance like a human.
So as to not make your dead face unsightly...
pray to Amide Buddha and enjoy your last moments of life.
Save me!
Takezo-san!
- Otsu-san? - I'll come up to save you. Please wait.
Run away, Takezo-san.
- You're saving me? - Yes, I will.
Please wait.
Otsu-san, it's dangerous.
Otsu-san, cut the rope!
Just go ahead! Cut it!
Cut it!
Hurry!
I'm still alive!
Otsu-san! Are you all right? Are you all right?
Please cut the ropes!
Hold on to me!
Otsu-san.
The Hinagura stockade is in this mountain range.
I hear my sister is being held there.
- Ogin-sama? - Yes! Unless I go, her life will be endangered.
Otsu-san, wait here! Okay?
Here?
Where are we?
The top of Mount Nagayama.
Over there is Mount Harima...
and on the left is Mount Himeji.
With each day that passes, it becomes more dangerous for her.
Let me go.
Please.
Let me go to save my sister!
Please!
Takezo-san, please go and save Ogin.
You will let me go? Thank you!
Don't worry about the rest.
I will go ahead to Himeji Castle town and wait for you.
Yes, wait for me.
That's right! Please wait by Hanada Bridge where you can see the castle.
Yes, I will wait for a hundred or even a thousand days.
A hundred or a thousand days...
Otsu-san! I will be sure to return to you.
By all means!
Sister!
SISTER!
It's as you see. Priest Takuan and Otsu are gone.
What? Takuan, too?
- Then it must be their doing! - It must be them!
Pursuit is not necessary!
I'll find them and punish the bad "bride to be" for this.
"Hanada Bridge"
What is wrong? Are you okay?
You don't feel well?
My goodness! What a fever!
Okay, come to my home. You needn't hesitate.
Grandma! Grandma!
This traveler is ill!
Hurry! Bring some water!
Hurry! Hurry!
Gon, before leaving home, I put on my ancestral sash...
and before I left our gate, I vowed to our ancestors...
that I will punish my unfaithful daughter in law...
and determine if Matahachi is dead or alive.
If he's alive, I will bring him home by the neck...
and get a better bride than Otsu.
That will regain our family honor in the village.
Here, have some cold water.
"To Hanada Bridge"
Wait!
- Takuan! - Takezo.
You scum priest! How dare you trick me, you coward!
Don't be upset.
That was the only way I could save you from Aoki Tanzaemon.
Making excuses!
I see...
but you'll see soon.
Using the same tactics again to trick me!
Don't get mad.
Takezo...
about your sister Ogin...
there's no need to worry.
What?
Is my sister safe?
That's right.
Takezo, follow me...
Where? To my sister?
Never mind where.
You'll let me see her?
Yes, there is someone I would like you to meet.
What a dauntless expression!
The Shinmen family were once vassals of the Akamatsu clan.
The Akamatsu clan were once the lords of this castle.
It must be fate that you were brought here.
Takuan...
Aoki Tanzaemon insists this man is trouble.
No, if you investigate, you'll find the truth.
Yes, I already have and I've learned of Tanzaemon's viciousness.
Then, will you allow me to handle him?
Granted. How will you handle him?
I heard that ghosts dwell within the attic of this castle.
I'm thinking of borrowing that room...
to confine Takezo.
Very well.
Takezo...
these black lacquer like stains...
are all human blood.
Your ancestors that lost this castle...
The sad final blood of the Akamatsu clan.
What?
You mean the same blood that flows through my body?
That's right.
The very same, Takezo.
Though it may be good blood...
unless it is polished, it rots and becomes the blood of a beast.
In the old days, great priests...
would isolate themselves and submerge themselves in literature.
And gradually open up their mind's eye.
Think of this room as your mother's womb...
and nurture your link to the past.
Alright, Takezo?
Over there, you will find the writings of Japanese and Chinese scholars.
These scholars have greatly contributed to our culture.
It's up to you to make this a place of darkness...
or an enlightened place of learning.
Alright...
Takezo! Takezo!
What will be the future of the Akamatsu Clan that led the great uprising?
Look at the blood on the beam and look at the blood on the floor!
We have only faced defeat!
Takezo! That blood is still flowing within your body!
It's the Akamatsu blood.
What do you want me to do?
The Battle is over!
Without a war to fight...
how do I live on?
Takezo! You know the answer!
Make the most out of our remorse.
The dream of victory at Sekigahara is over!
You're telling me to dream again?
There are no more battles!
Anywhere!
This is a nightmare!
We, the spirits condemned to hell, can never rest in peace.
The blood of Akamatsu! Takezo! Takezo!
Please purify it with the light of wisdom...
The light of wisdom!
A tea scoop cannot be too thick or too thin.
It must endure heat and moisture, but remain graceful.
That's right. Bend it slowly.
Give the handle a slight curve...
and create a deep roundness at the tip.
Be slow. Be patient. And don't force it.
Too much at once makes a ladle brittle.
Yes, that's right. That's the way.
If only people's hearts were like this ladle...
Otsu-san, if this Takezo-san is still alive...
he will come for you for sure.
Yes.
"A hundred or a thousand days..."
"Otsu-san! I will be sure to return to you."
- Takuan-san! - How is your condition?
Much better.
Welcome.
Otsu-san is a great help to our business.
Thank you for looking after her.
- This is well made. - I can't do it very well yet.
Oh! You can clearly see the top of the Castle today.
The birds are circling around...
and around...
and flying slowly.
See anything else?
No, nothing.
You will see in time.
- If you wait, you'll find out. - What will i find?
Before today, my courage...
was not true courage.
The strength of a warrior is nothing like that.
One must be aware of the fearful...
and yearn to live.
He must care about his life.
THE END