Shochiku
Burden of Life
Written by Akira Fushimi
A film by Heinosuke Gosho
Cinemotagherphy by Joji Ohara
Sound by Haruo Dobashi
Music by Keizo Horiuchi and Masae Shiba
Cast
Tatsuo Saito
Mitsuko Yoshikawa
Masao Hayama
Yoshiko Tsubouchi
Kinuyo Tanaka
Mitsuyo Mizushima
Directed by Heinosuke Gosho
A bit higher.
I'm tired.
It's chilly.
I'll catch cold.
Don't you mind?
Darling.
Yes.
Dr. Komiyama is here.
I'll see him.
I wonder what brings him.
He's so unstable, affected by my sister.
Let's take a break.
Working?
Naughty! Leave!
I'm coming.
She's posing for me.
Let's me take a look.
Sorry, but no.
I was only joking.
Didn't my wife come?
Sis?
No, she didn't.
I wonder where she is.
What happened?
She went out this morning and hasn't returned.
Welcome.
Bring tea.
Don't bother. I'm leaving soon.
Another fight with her?
Yes, but not very serious.
But you did fight. Why?
Well...
It was a trifle.
You're sisters, but you're very different.
She never understands
What a pity!
Itsuko...
I bet she's at her mother's place.
Yes, I'm certain she is.
She left soon after breakfast.
She avoided me.
What about the hospital?
I took the day off.
That's bad.
I'll go home and see.
Please do.
You don't have to go.
Are you saying it'll only make her conceited?
Not exactly.
I'll tell her you're too staid to come for her.
Say me may look calm, but actually he's worried.
Don't say that.
I know what to do. See you later.
Don't worry too much.
Don't forget to feed the baby.
Mom.
Takako says she fought with Brother.
Really? Can't help it.
Don't you care?
If I cared everytime they fought, I'd have a heart attack.
They fight all the time.
Is she like that? I didn't know.
When you get married, don't fight so often.
The older men get, the longer they want to live.
Try this on.
I feel too scared to get married.
What are you saying?
but
You needn't fight because you are married.
Takako is special, remember that.
Probably that's why she doesn't look sad.
She's chatting with Itsuko.
That's the way she is.
She doesn't care if I'm worried.
It may be because she was born when I often fought with your father.
What happened?
It was just a trifle.
He said the same thing.
Did my husband say that?
What a couple!
It wasn't really a fight.
He said that too. Like husband, Like wife.
Don't make fun of us.
You too are quite similar.
Whatever you say, unlike me he never understands.
How rude! What's funny?
He says you never understand too.
He said that?
He complained about you.
Listen, Itsuke.
Be an observer and judge which is right.
Machiko asked me to help prepare her trouseau.
So often I go out. He doesn't like it.
He knew that would happen?
Yes. At first he approved.
Then he's selfish.
Sometimes I feel like doing my own shopping.
Because you're a woman.
Don't talk like a man.
I'm sorry.
When I buy things for myself he gets mad.
He asks "Whom did you go shopping for?"
It's like him.
He says, "I'm not asking you not to buy anything.
"But if you want to buy things for yourself, do it another day."
He's right.
Try to think.
What's wrong with buying my things on the same day?
It's nothing to get mad about.
Don't you agree.
No, I don't.
Why not?
He's a man after all.
All men are like that!
They complain when something inconvenient happens
He really means he doesn't want you
to buy anything for youself.
What a crooked way of thinking.
I'm telling you the truth.
My husband even warns me
not to go shopping for anyone else.
Men are timid but want to show off too.
So I sometimes say opposite things.
I envy you delibertly saying loudly you're buying a nice kimono.
Then he says, "Why don't you buy one too?"
I get a kimono that way.
You beat me.
You're a smart woman.
I better go home.
Good. Your husband looked so worried.
He did?
Isn't that saying opposite things, too?
No. No sense lying about what one knows best.
Mom, I'm going home.
So soon?
Thank him for us.
Tell him Machiko's bridal gowns are ready thanks to him.
Don't go out too often.
Tell father I came.
What about you?
I want to talk to Mom myself.
Takako.
Do you know a good hairdresser for Machiko?
For a bridal hairdo, the one I use is the best.
I see.
Shall I go with her? I want to buy you a gift.
A gift for me? What?
Hormone skn lotion.
What is it?
You don't know? It's a new product.
It helps restore youth.
You're kidding.
With a bridal hairdo, I'll be too shy to come home.
What are you saying?
It's nothing to be shy about.
She's right. Have courage.
Get ready, Hurry!
I'm back.
Welcome home.
Hi!
All women? What's going on?
Nothing. Go to your room.
Gifts for me?
Smart boy! We didn't bring you gifts.
Stingy sisters.
Kanichi, where are you going?
Out to play.
Stay home and study.
No.
Why not do as I say?
They say, "Study hard, pay hard."
I aready studied at school, so now, so now Ill play.
Serves you right.
Do as you please I'll tell your father.
What a mom!
Is he afraid of Dad?
Does Dad scold him?
I Don't think so.
Maybe they don't get along.
That's silly! They're father and son.
Sorry to keep you.
Let's go.
Nami,
Will you prepare Machiko's new sandals?
We'll be going.
Wait.
You haven't got one yet?
what?
A Baby
Children help settle you down. Like Itsuko.
Isn't that right?
Take care.
Goodbye.
What is it you want to tell me?
Well...
Again...
You need money again, right?
My husband had to postpone his show again, so...
You said that last month too.
But it's true.
I'm not say you're lying.
Never mind.
Your father knew you'd come again soon.
He did? I'm glad that he understands.
What a child!
We need money, too.
For Machiko's wedding and all.
So...
This is all.
Thank you very much.
I know your husband's work takes money.
But live economically.
Try, so we won't have to worry about you.
You bought a neckpiece again?
You already have one, right?
It seems expensive.
Kanichi.
Play when you finish studying.
Don't go too far.
Boys are frank.
But adults are hard to handle.
Women are hard to handle.
I don't understand them.
They want kimono so badly they even steal.
What a pity!
Depending on physical condition, they steal even when they have money.
That's the trouble.
Sometimes when my wife goes to a department store,
I worry about her.
I fear she might steal, too.
That happens.
Many husbands entertain the same fear.
We're both worried, huh?
Drink.
Thinking alone doesn't make sense.
Let's go out.
Let's enjoy ourselves.
How?
Are you afraid of Itsuko?
I don't think so.
Then, let's go to a nice place, I'll treat you.
Sure, why not?
Whoops, I forgot.
I've got to feed the baby, I won't be long.
Leaving already?
Going home?
Well, no.
Sis was at Mother's place.
Really.
When I told her you were worried, she went home.
She did?
Are you going out?
To the exhibition.
You saw it the other day.
Brother-in-law wants to see it. I'll take him.
Brother, don't you have to go home?
I'll see the exhibition first.
The exhibition?
Shall I go too?
May I join you.
Join us?
If you don't mind.
We don't mind.
Let's go together.
Let's take a taxi. I'll haggle.
Hurry.
I forgot something important.
What happened?
I must call on one of my patients.
Sorry, but will you excuse me?
What a shame!
Why not take the cab?
I will. Goodbye,
It worked.
Where were you going?
To the exhibition.
Let's go eat some tempura.
I don't have money.
I'll pay.
Let's go home.
Why not go home?
Sure.
Me, too.
Let's play a little longer.
I'm hungary.
Hungary? So am I.
So let's stop.
Let them go if they want.
Come home now or you'll get no supper.
Yes Mom.
Let's play more.
It's suppertime, Kanichi.
I'll stay a little longer.
Your mother will worry.
You're lying!
No. She'll really worry.
Has Dad eaten?
No he isn't home yet.
No? Then I'll go home.
See you tomorrow.
Let's go.
Do you dislike your father?
No. But I don't like him.
Why not?
Don't ask.
I always wonder why...
Because...
He tries to act big to me.
Because he's your father.
Don't flatter him. He's not great.
Like when he eats supper.
He drinks and sings.
The same old song.
Don't say that.
Mom says he's foolish. So he's a fool.
And a fool can't be great. See?
Machiki, will you come here?
No
Why be shy to your father?
I'm back.
He's home?
Oh, No.
Recently he hides as soon as he sees me.
Think so?
He did it just now.
That probably because he sees something strange in you.
You lied, huh?
Dad's home.
He is?
Then he came home when I went for you.
I'll eat here.
I see.
How old is Kanichi?
Nine.
He was nine last year, wasn't he?
No. Eight.
That means he's nine. I see.
He's small for his age.
You just think so.
I am all of 50 years older than him.
Come to think of it, I didn't want him.
Don't start that again.
We had three daughters, That's enough.
Again!
I'm serious.
Having him was a total mistake.
Don't say that.
It seems that Kanichi heard you say it.
He did?
What was the result?
He's only a child. He didn't say anything.
But I think he's sad.
Why don't you eat with your father these days?
I shouldn't eat while he's still drinking.
You talk like an adult. Did he say that?
No but I heard some else say it.
I don't get grownups. Why do they drink?
Eating here? Eat over there.
I like it here.
Dad says he'll give you food.
Bring it here.
What a child! Nami, will you bring it?
Clear the table.
Take this to Kanichi.
Mr.Abe us coming to play chess.
Put a fire in the brazier.
Quickly.
It was funny.
What was?
I remembered what you said. So funny.
That one? Dad's really foolish.
Sis, I'll show you something nice.
What is it?
This.
Want it?
No.
You're lying!
What a boy.
Try to get it.
Can your groom ride a horse? He can't.
He can!
Siding with him!
What are you doing?
It's Kanchi.
Don't blame him.
Why are you still like this?
You'll marry in two days.
Congratulations!
The honeymoon?
To Shirahama Spa in Kishu.
That's nice.
Please take care of her.
Enjoy yourselves.
I wish I could take another honeymoon.
Thank you for coming.
Congratulations! You did well.
I know how hard it was.
I have only one daughter but to marry her off was a backbracker.
You have three. It must be agony.
It must have cost a fortune.
You're to be admired.
I hear you sold all your rental houses to do it.
It's parental love.
It's superb.
Get's some pep.
Let's have another drink.
It isn't the right day for that.
Long live the Fukushimas!
Nami
Welcome back.
Today made me so tired.
Take them off.
Would you like some tea?
There some wine left.
Give it to me.
I got rid of our burden.
Unloading three daughters wasn't easy.
Right.
We had to prepare good dowries for them.
This food is our only reward.
It's good enough.
I feel relieved anyway.
We'll keep it for later.
The house is strangely quiet.
You must be tired. Go to bed.
Why not go to a spa and rest a few days,
I don't want you to get sick.
Will you also go?
Never mind me.
Go with me.
I have Kanichi to look after.
That reminds me...
We still have Kanichi around.
I won't go either.
You can go alone.
I have no time to loaf.
We hane Kanichi to look after.
Unloading three girls wasn't all.
Boys are even harder to take care of.
With his looks it won't be easy to get a bride.
Why must you talk like that now?
Tonight makes me worry all the more.
Good night.
You still up? Good night.
Why not go to bed?
If you're tired go to bed first,
We must send him to high school and college.
It will take 20 years.
The tuition will be qute a sum.
It's a parents duty.
I'm his father, but you know how old I am.
You aren't young either.
We were wrong having him so late.
Let's do this. We won't send him to school.
Ship him off to work somewhere.
No, Id feel sorry for the boy.
It's the right thing.
Life is getting ever harder.
Graduating from school isn't enough.
At least he has to graduate.
Sending him into the world is better.
Don't you love him?
Love him?
This is no time for that drivel.
He was born so late.
Don't you love him like a grandson?
Stop this nonsense!
We can love grandchildren without worry
since its the parents job to worry.
At our age we still have to rear him.
It's not a matter of love.
But he's your child.
We had to sell our assets for our three girls.
I now that.
If so, don't oppose me.
Think it over.
Daughters are things to give away.
If we marry them off, our obligation ends.
But sons are different.
That's whysending him to work is much better.
I see. You don't love Kanichi after all.
Who said I don't.
Wharever you say, you don't love him.
You don't understand.
Maybe not. But we really should love him.
What?
You always call him a mistake.
You don't care about him.
That too much.
I feel sorry for him.
You shouldn't have talked like that.
About what?
Marrying our daughters ended our obligations.
You took it wrong way.
But the way you talked...
Shut up! It's enough.
No.
Shut up.
Love him your way all you want.
Don't involve me!
You sound very irresponsible.
Irresponsible? Fool.
As his father, you're irresponsible.
What a thing to say to your husband.
I'm insulted.
I don't want you here. Get out!
Get out?
You heard me.
Very well. If you insist I will go.
I'll live seperately with Kanichi.
It may be better for him.
What?
The way we are...
The way we are now I feel sorry for him.
Good morning.
Is you father in?
Yes.
Father, Mr. Fusishima is here.
Hello. Come in.
I'll go through the garden.
I was attending the plant kane!
Why so early?
Good morning.
Thanks for yesterday.
Thank you for the gift.
It wasn't much.
You on your way to work?
Yes. I have something to tell you.
You were our go-between.
Is there some problem?
Not that.
Actually...
Is it your eldest daughter?
No.
Kurita's wife?
I'm ashamed to admit it, but it is us.
My wife and me.
We'll seperate.
That's too bad.
What happened?
We argued about our youngest son.
We fought at last.
About Kanchi?
He's a failure and a headache.
A failure?
Then, what can we call our son?
Your son's fine.
He's very likeable.
Seperate? When?
She's already gone.
What a surprise!
Where s she?
At Kuritas place, I guess.
Has mother settled down?
Yes
I'm glad she's your mother.
If mine, you'd be mad.
Don't say that.
She'll stay only until she finds a place to rent.
She doesn't have to mind me.
She isn't alone.
I see something good in Kanichi. I thought he's be crooked.
But he isn't. He's interesting.
Think so?
Anyway, we can't leave the matter as it is.
We should discuss it with your father.
I agree.
Mom.
You always pity me. Why.
You don't understand.
We are far from from school here.
No friends either. It's even worse for me.
Doesn't Dad want me home?
It's not that, but...
Then why can't we go home,
I want to go home.
You can't understand?
I feel sorry for you.
I don't get grownups.
Look, here's your Uncle.
Your Uncle.
What a cute Uncle!
I'm not an Uncle. Im a boy.
But he's you're Uncle.
Meet Uncle.
You're an Uncle.
"A seaweed dealer needs two houseboys."
"Age 14 or 15. Live in. Pay: 3 to 5 yen a month."
"For details, ask the Central Employment Agency."
"The houseboys can attend night school."
"I repeat..."
The clock's out of order.
Nami, get me my coat and hat.
Are you going out?
You can eat this food.
How come you're so quiet?
How about a drink?
Thanks. May I have some whiskey?
Haru.
Whiskey. You have some, too.
And some fruit.
All right?
Kawamura, why didn't you come the other day?
Here's the boss.
From the same firm?
Good evening.
You two together?
Come here.
This is too small, huh?
Aren't there any other seats?
There, take them.
Very well I will.
Let's move.
Will you bring those? My cigarettes, too.
Come, sit down.
Meeting him in a place like his. It's rare.
Don't make light of me.
Is that so? You beat me.
In places like this, men his age are more popular than us.
Isn't that right?
In a way.
Give them your orders.
Gin fizz.
Egg brandy.
Is that all right?
What about you?
This will do.
You guys look cheerful. So different from when you're at work.
You look different from when at work, too.
Do I?
No. No more.
I already bought some.
Buy my flowers.
Buy some, mister.
No thanks.
Hey, boy.
Here you are. Let's all drink.
Don't you know a more interesting place?
Let's see... I know one.
Let's go there.
You mean it?
Finish them and we'll go.
Leaving so soon?
The check. My hat and coat.
Some man!
Father! Father!
Have some.
Don't call me "Father."
"Brother" sure doesn't suit you.
How old are you?
Me?
How old do I look?
I don't know?
Nineteen.
Nineteen?
I see.
Can I drink?
Why stare at me?
Shall we go just the two of us?
We've just started.
I'll go.
That's too much.
You brought us, yet now leave?
Anyway, I'll leave.
It's too soon.
Because you called him "Father".
I'm sorry. I won't say it again.
You hear your husband say that he doesn't like Kanichi.
And you take his word at it's face value.
I can tell it by the way he acts everyday.
Let me tell you this: you must put yoursef in
your husband's position and think.
The fact is, because his son was born when
he was old, he can't help but worry about him.
I'm worried, too.
I know. That's the point.
Your son is on the threshold of adulthood, while his dad is virtually senile.
That's what bothers your husband.
I know how he feels.
A bourgeoisie's concern.
There's nothing he can do about it.
But he can't just resign himself to it.
He's still a human.
Right.
From irritation he says he doesn't love Kanichi. That's all.
Understand him and handle him accordingly.
Don't give him "carrot hair."
What does that mean?
Don't make your son warped.
Right.
I suggest you yield to your husband this time.
Or you'll end up spoiling your son.
About his future, we'll do our best to help.
He's right.
I understand
He'll be back from school soon.
I'll ask him how he feels.
Goodbye.
FUKUSHIMA
I'm back.
I made a mistake.
Wasn't that Kanichi?
I wonder if I'm still drunk.
No. It was him.
Yes.
Master Kanichi.
I made a mistake.
Mr. Fushima, it was him after all.
Isn't Dad at the office?
He says he doesn't feel well.
He's sick?
Kanichi.
Good afternoon.
Something to do here?
No.
I see. Anyway, I'm glad you came.
What a cold hand!
Come.
What is his favourite food?
The cake sold at the station.
The cake? I see.
Will you go and buy some?
I'll take this.
Come.
I'll go with her.
It's cold. Come in.
What's keeping him?
I hope it's not an accident.
This house is too far from school.
I'll go to the school and see.
Please do.
Mrs. Kurita.
A call for you.
Thank you.
Go quickly.
Hello. Kurita speaking.
Who is this?
Kanichi.
Kanichi? Where are you?
We're all worried. Is that so?
All right. Goodbye.
Who was it?
What happened to him?
He's at Father's place.
He said he'd stay the night.
It's like him. He's a good boy.
Mrs. Fukushima, you must go home quickly.
That's better.
Nami, bring another bottle of sake.
Do you mind me eating here now?
Who told you that?
Son, you like it here better?
Sure.
What did Mom say?
She feels sorry for me.
Your mother, she confuses love and pity, that's all.
Am I to be pitied?
The one to be pitied most is me, probably.
I wish Mom'd come home soon.
Now that you're here,
she'll come before long.
Thanks for seeing me home, but don't catch cold.
Machiko is returning from her honeymoon today.
You're right.
Yes, that's right.
I'm glad for you, Mother.
Driver, faster, please.
End