'Brambles, katsura tree, King of the Evil Path...
'Fallen leaves red spiders, the pretender overthrown...
'The realms of man and demon are reversed...
'A crimson thread entwines their fate...
'... and passion calls across a thousand years.'
A demon kid... a very bad omen.
I'm not a 'kid'.
I'm Emishi.
You read his mind?
Well! I've heard a beautiful woman led the demons, but...
Are you the 'Bizan' they speak of?
You've sure got your nerve, appearing like this before...
...the Demon Wardens.
Through untold ages have the demons of Edo slept.
Now they rise and walk forth.
There will be no stopping them until final accounts are rendered.
By that you mean Ashura?
Prepare to gaze into hell.
What's 'Ashura'?
The demon monarch.
The time of rebirth draws near.
ASHURA
For a thousand years...
...beings from the dark realm had lodged in human bodies.
The people of Edo feared them as 'demons'.
As fear gave birth to hatred, the constables sent against them...
...called 'Demon Wardens', faced an endless task.
Demon Wardens!
Run!
You enjoy this, Jaku.
As if you didn't, Izumo...
Be grateful. If not for the demons, we'd have to kill men.
Speak for yourself.
Show no mercy. Exterminate the demons!
Demon Wardens!
I'm not a demon!
A child...
Kill me.
Was that you?
It's all right. I'm not a demon.
Yes, you are.
Kill me...
...if you can.
What?!
Kill me.
Because if you don't...
Kill me.
Now.
Now!
Quickly!
Another bad dream, was it?
Yes. One from five years ago.
What a shame it is!
Drawn to each other in body, and torn apart in mind.
'Were my head to fly from my shoulders, I would not lie still! '
I wish you'd speak of love to me that way.
'Thus I speak of love each and every day...
'... at the Nakamura Theatre.'
You're mean!
Ow!
That hurt!
After them!
Constabulary
Bring the ladders!
Up on the roof!
'At the Inn of Sedoya...
'... plant a pine seed...
'Plant a pine seed...
'... so it may bloom forever.'
The 'Night Camellia' again?
'I steal, but I am not unjust... '
That's a face I'd like to gaze on once.
'Sumida River...
'Mirrored there on its surface, upside-down...
'Upside-down...
'The Night Camellia, upside-down... '
She's pretty!
This way!
'The camellia of the night...
'... has left me a souvenir.'
A souvenir?
I'll keep this for you!
Keep what?
What's this?!
Is something wrong?
Did you see?
Yes.
The rebirth of Ashura begins.
Step right up!
The very spirit of Edo!
The Nakamura Theater presents scenes from the kabuki drama...
...'The Tale of Tokubei', starring...
...Izumo Waakuraba!
'Release me! Release me! '
'The twin threads of Love and desire...
'... torment me like the flames of hell!
'Were this body of mine to be boiled in oil...
'... and these bones ground to powder...
'... still I would love!
'Shall I, then... '
Pour it on!
'... speak my love? '
'Speak your love! '
Izumo!
'Tokubei Tenjiku, leader of this band of thieves...
'... do not move...
'... from that spot! '
'You dare to raise your sword against mine?
'Oh, paradise!
'Paradise!
'On this spot will I build...
'... a mountain of the dead! '
Izumo!
Boring.
People can hear you!
This is boring.
Master!
Magotaro... you were great.
Thank you.
Just kidding!
Well done.
Good show.
Sash...
Izumo... do you have any good ideas?
With demons all over Edo now, the public wants something with depth.
Nanboku Tsuruya IV cannot write of what he hasn't seen.
You sound proud of it!
Takiji, Hyozo...
...the great Nanboku bows to you.
Follow the Wardens, and get yourselves eaten by demons.
No, thank you!
From that I will compose a masterpiece.
Master! You don't mean that!
I'm serious.
A masterpiece is worth the sacrifice of two disciples.
That's no use to us if we're dead!
You will live in a work that will last for generations to come.
Please, Master!
Dear, dear!
How about you?
I couldn't, Master!
A demon who ate me would get...
...pretty damn sick!
You're right.
Gracious me!
They've got no guts!
Perhaps a demon's got you already.
If I could still write, I wouldn't mind if it had.
You're the best!
'Flitting from flower to flower, from place to place...
'... with acrobatic feats from distant lands...
'... and wonders never seen.
'If it please you, please! A token of appreciation...
'... for the traveling singsong girls.'
Wonders never seen!
If it please you, please!
A token...
Thank you.
That was great!
Thank you.
Thanks!
Good, eh?
Thank you.
Nakamura Theater
Ribbet!
An assignation... I love it!
Don't worry. I won't call the constables.
Anyway, the authorities...
...would never believe the famous 'Night Camellia' was so beautiful.
But this hairpin must be important to make you come to get it.
It suits you.
What do you want?!
At least wear lipstick!
Here, I'll help.
One thing an actor knows is make-up.
Don't!
Since you've gone to the trouble of sneaking in here, at least talk to me!
We've met before, haven't we.
Is that a line?
Oh no you don't!
What the...?!
The magic crimson thread!
The thread of fate. You can't see it, but it binds us.
Cut it and it will not part!
Stop it!
We've met before. I knew the moment I saw you.
I don't know when, but we have, haven't we.
I wouldn't know!
I won't let go till I remember!
I remember nothing.
It's just like the demons say.
This can only be a sign that Ashura is coming back to life.
'When Ashura awakes...
'... her castle will rise upside-down from the sky...
'... and demons will rule.'
Ashura, huh?
O cursed bridge that links the realms of the living and the dead...
...with thunder of the Greatest God I forever seal you off.
Sister Bizan... I must thank you.
Thank me?
The bridge that rises only for demons to cross...
...the point where demon and human realms meet!
That's what I've been waiting for!
What will fall first? The bridge, or your head?
Let the life of the Demon Wardens' chief console the spirits...
...of those you have slaughtered.
Bizan!
Do you so fear to lose the way by which Ashura will cross?
Don't flatter yourself.
Ashura already walks this world.
Here its strongest man will find her.
Perhaps it is you. Your murderous intent...
...may waken her.
Jaku!
To kill one's master is villainy most foul.
It is to walk the demon path.
What do you wish from forsaking your humanity?
The same as you.
The power of Ashura will be mine!
If you are the strongest man, you will seek Ashura.
You will awaken her, and together rule this world.
But you will need followers.
Squire Jaku...
Look at this.
Find the woman who bears this mark.
Something's making me restless...
Is it the demons?
If you turned out to be one I wouldn't mind.
I remember nothing.
It's good you got that hairpin back, since you'd risk your life for it.
Even getting it back doesn't help me remember more than five years ago.
We've met before.
I see you!
Who are you?
A demon. Just like you.
We meet again.
'Alas, I am too late!
'My wife dead in child-birth with her babe...
'... and with her my future! '
The fireball!
Takiji!
'Spirits! I curse you! '
Yes yes yes yes yes!
There!
The scroll!
The rushing torrent...
'And what is this? '
This way! Over this way!
No! This way!
Hello.
Huh?
Hey!
Great! That's perfect!
But the sword...
'I hate you, Squire lemon! '
More 'oomph' in it. Like he's slashing all ties with his loving law.
You've never slashed.
No.
It's obvious.
Right! Now read the scroll.
'The rushing torrent...
'... breaks on the rock, and becomes two streams.
'We think we must part, but soon...
'... I know we will meet again.'
Ye s! That's great!
Great, Izumo!
Like that!
A stream wanting to be one breaks in two on a rock.
Enter Iwa.
Ready in the hole?
Ready!
'I hate you, Squire Iyemon!
'I will draw you into hell with me! '
Excuse me...
Yes?
'The rushing torrent...
'... breaks on the rock, and becomes two streams.
'Wee think we must part, but soon... '
'I know we will meet again.'
You'd do anything to see me! I'm so happy!
That's what you think!
I'm just someone passing by.
I'd appreciate it if you could pretend...
...you hadn't seen me.
Are they after you?
Don't ask.
Women are unclean!
They're not allowed on stage.
I love it! Keep going.
Stop right there!
Demon Wardens!
Oh, please!
Now what?
This.
Hey!
Sorry.
I value my life more than yours.
I just love a self-centered woman!
Thanks.
Take one step forward and this man dies.
Do it, if you can.
If you're good enough...
...to kill him with that hairpin...
...you'll have no problem getting away from us.
It's been a while, Izumo Wakuraba...
...or should I say 'Izumo the Demon Slayer'.
'Mama! '
Jaku...
...the star enters on that walkway. You've risen in the world.
We'll take the girl.
Sorry.
What?
I can't let her go. She's just my type!
Can I trust you?
Right now I'm six parts for you. The other four depend on you.
We'll have a long talk, then.
Not too long.
It looks like I keep her till we've had a chance to talk.
Even if she helped kill Master Kuninari?
I've never heard of him!
You heard her.
The guilty all say that.
So do the innocent.
Anyway, what are you doing here with two demons?
And, Jaku, your sword reeks of human blood.
I won't let you have that woman.
Jaku!
If you and I start, it's for real.
Let's call it a day.
I'd appreciate that. I'm trying to rehearse.
The woman's gone.
It'd be a farce.
But someday you'll have to die at my hand.
Great! Fantastic!
You son of a gun!
You were a Demon Warden? Why did you hide that all this time?
I didn't hide it. No one ever asked me.
A man leaves the Demon Wardens, who even small children fear...
...and hides out as an actor.
To him comes a mysterious woman, those same Demon Wardens in pursuit.
Fascinating!
What happens next?
That's what I'd like to know.
What does the girl with the mark have to do with Ashura?
All in good time, Squire Jaku.
It's not that girl I want. It's the power of Ashura.
You said the world's strongest man would have Ashura, didn't you.
Strength alone will not bring her birth.
Have you ever been in love, Squire Jaku?
You're one sly woman...
Does a demon like me seem a woman to you?
We make a great pair... a lecherous nun and a Demon Warden.
I'll bring Ashura back.
I'll look forward to it.
'Paper, scissors, stone! '
Ow!
Now look...
...down!
What's wrong with you?
My, my!
Magotaro...
...that'll be fine.
You can leave now.
From here?
Yes!
Quick! Now look... over there!
I'm looking over there!
Magotaro!
I haven't asked your name.
Tsubaki.
'Tsubaki'.
As in 'camellia'...
I think.
I don't remember anything before five years ago.
Not my name, or where I was born...
All I remember is some singsong girls taking me in.
All I had was this hairpin.
Hence 'Tsubaki'?
It's a nice name.
You said you'd met me somewhere before, didn't you.
When was it? Where?
I'm sure we've met, but I can't remember where.
You don't worry?
Huh?
About what happened five years ago.
What if it's something so bad you're better off not knowing?
I don't care.
It's horrible not even knowing who you are.
We're opposites.
Opposites?
You want to get back who you were.
I want to forget who I was until five years ago.
Hey! Not here!
Don't get the wrong idea.
What's that?
It came when I met you.
It keeps growing.
Does this mark mean anything to you?
No.
Let go!
I won't let go. We're opposites bound by fate.
Fear not, Tsubaki. I'll take your case.
You, this mark, and all it means.
Izumo...
What's wrong Tsubaki?
No! Stop!
Tsubaki!
Tsubaki...
Wait for me!
Come with me.
I'll be waiting, lzumo.
Tsubaki!
Well, isn't that clever!
All right, Jaku... this once I'll do what you want.
Awaken!
What are you doing?!
Hey!
What's this mark?
It's beautiful!
The sign we demons have aw aited all these years...
...the mark of Ashura!
'Ashura'?
'When Ashura awakes, her castle will rise upside-down from the sky...
'... and demons will rule.
'When Ashura awakes, her castle will rise upside-down from the sky...
'... and demons will rule.'
I don't like the sound of that!
How did you get here?!
You could have at least said 'I hoped you'd come! '.
I hoped you'd come.
It looks like the time has come.
I wanted to kill you right in front of this woman.
Don't try it, Jaku. You're not up to it.
I'm taking her with me.
I wonder if you can.
Who are you? That's pretty tough talk for a nun.
My name is Bizan.
Not the Bizan whose demons are all over Edo now?
You flatter me. I am only here to prepare the way.
For Ashura? What's that got to do with Tsubaki?
That you will learn.
Ashura is mine.
Izumo!
Master!
I don't know w ho 'Ashura' is...
...but if you want me, you'll leave him alone.
Move!
You'd give your life...
...for him?
Yes!
No, Tsubaki!
You said...
...we're opposites.
How could I let you die here?!
Waait!
Nanboku... forgive our unseemly behavior.
Take them with you.
They are hurt.
Prepare them a bed for the night.
Thank you!
lzumo!
Sorry! The demons are just such a great story!
Why?
Why Bizan?!
Ashura still sleeps
We must wait a little for the occasion of her waking
What?
Izumo?
You're awake?
What a relief! Shame on you for worrying us!
Right!
I'll get your stand-in ready or else there'll be no show tonight
I'll leave you young people to do what's best
You're no use to me dead Or to my play
What?!
Ow!
Keep still!
You're bleeding again!
That's fine
At least that blood won't rush to my head
Don't be silly!
I'm sorry I got you hurt
Don't worry
Tell me
...what am I?
Am I
...a demon?
Don't let them fool you
I'm scared!
I can't bear it!
Tsubaki.
Inside me.
it's not me
Something's
...something's hidden.
It makes me think
...I shouldn't have tried to remember
Don't worry I feel the same way
A long time ago? I saw a side of myself that terrified me
I was a demon!
If you're one.
so am I
Izumo
Sorry, Izumo
But Nanboku Tsuruya IV can only write what he sees
Like the demon nun asked I gave you a bed for the night
So what's the story you're going to show me now?
We're on fire!
The mark.
Izumo!
Tsubaki!
Izumo!
Tsubaki!
As the red, hot blood
flows from your body
mine drinks it in!
Where am I?
Izumo
I killed a girl here.
Five years ago...
...as Lieutenant of the Demon Wardens I spent my days killing demons.
'Izumo the Demon Slayer' they called me and I was proud of it
Then one day
Those eyes said it I was the demon
They were right
The demons cowered before me
I was.
Izumo the Demon Slayer
...but suddenly I was terrified
That child's eyes frightened me more than I could stand
I was no match
I couldn't fight her
Izumo.
The next second a voice echoed in my head
'Kill me.'
Kill me.
Kill me...
...if you can
'Kill me.
'if you can'
Kill me.
if you can
Because if you don't.
'Because if you don't'
Kill me.
Now
Now!
Quickly!
That was.
That girl
...her eyes
They were
Your eyes!
That was.
me?
No! How could it be?
She couldn't have changed that much in just five years!
Hey!
I'm burning!
Tsubaki!
Izumo!
What's happening to me?!
I don't want to be a demon!
Tsubaki!
Don't worry...It'll be all right!
We're together
I'll never leave you alone!
Izumo!
Tsubaki!
Tsubaki
Tsubaki!
I hate you
Squire Izumo
If I am to turn demon
...then that is my fate
Fate?!
Don't be stupid!
I've taken your case...all of it!
This all happened because I fell In love with you.
Tsubaki
Tsubaki!
No!
Tsubaki! Tsubaki!
Your part is done
Now If you profane our sight any longer
you will deal with me
My 'part'?
Bizan! What have you done to Tsubaki?!
You still don't understand?
We have done nothing It was you
What?!
The child you cut down five years ago was indeed Tsubaki
Ashura is born into this world In the form of a child.
who does not age does not die
...who only waits to meet the one who will kill her
What brings Ashura's rebirth is a surge of emotion
In rage and fear at her murder she transforms into a young woman
And when that woman.
falls in love she becomes a demon.
That is Ashura!
The stronger the man
...and the greater his passion
...the stronger Ashura becomes
Izumo! Your very strength has brought disaster!
What?!
Tsubaki!
That is her woman's name. Now she is Ashura!
You shut up! I'm talking to Tsubaki!
Tsubaki!
What's going on?!
Answer me!
Ashura my queen! Have you awaken?
So this is Ashura?
Jaku, this is no time for you to speak
You have done well
So I was only your attack dog?
I won't just walk away!
Squire Jaku.
can you kill that man?
Stop his breath for me here and now
and you may enter my castle
Izumo! The love of your life is a demon
...to her last drop of blood
Quite the love story!
Jaku!
Don't make me madder than I am
What'll you do, wounded like that? You can barely stand
Right now I'm in no mood to show mercy for old times' sake
You will die
You mean.
it wasn't for real before?
I was simply
being kind
Then you shall rue that kindness in Hell!
Did you see Ashura?!
With one stroke, I am human no more!
I am a demon who slays demons!
You can become Ashura, but you can't cut the thread that binds us!
If my love for you has made me a demon
then this body humanity demons
and you Squire Izumo.
I now curse
Humans and demons, may you all fall into Hell!
I hate you.
Squire Izumo
You hate me?
And you curse Squire Izumo?
Fine! If I have won Ashura's love, then my allure Is real
What more could a man ask?
But if you have become a demon I will not stand idly by!
Will you cut me down again?
Certainly those wounds.
are not enough to kill you
Were my head to fly from my shoulders
...I would not lie still!
Great!
Fascinating!
Please pardon those indignities.
They were all meant to waken you from your deep sleep
Are you still alive?
Bizan why did you join with this man?
I sought a powerful man
to make you all the stronger
At first I thought it would be Jaku
but one more powerful appeared I was too hasty
Jaku was only a pitiful worm
Was that it?
Was that why you joined with me?
Jaku!
For a worm you are tough
Yes I am a worm
But no ordinary worm!
You don't kill me that easily
Ashura!
Give me
your strength!
Jaku.
what is it you seek?
Izumo
I will
kill him
My queen!
Squire Jaku.
...receive new life from the dark power
What caprice is this?
That man
is sure to come to me.
My queen.
...do your thoughts yet dwell on him?
Ridiculous!
Ashura's rebirth
...will not be complete while that man still breathes
So you have revived Jaku
...to kill Izumo?
Tell the demons and the ogres
...lurking in Edo's dark
Ashura is awake
Set fires Burn it all!
Let fire rage a thousand years!
O castle risen upside-down! Ashura's castle!
Come with me and we will proclaim the Realm of Darkness!
Demons!
Demons! Demons!
Goodness me!
Master! It's horrible!
Edo's full of demons!
Oh dear!
Well!
Things are getting interesting!
Let's just get out of here
It'd really help the story if you were eaten by demons
He means it
Magotaro
Oh, sir!
You get yourself eaten!
See ya!
Master
Izumo take me with you
I could live a thousand years and not see this demon story again
I want to witness the whole thing
'The rushing torrent.
'...breaks on the rock and becomes two streams
'We think we must part, but soon I know we will meet again'
The public Will love this!
Let's go!
This is between me and her
I see.
Welcome, Izumo Wakuraba
It is easy to cross to the demon castle, but hard
...to return
What does that matter? I have no intention of returning
Then I'll write.
the whole story!
Izumo!
Your name wi I live forever!
Not now damn it!
Out of the way!
The lights of Edo make great stars!
This is strange!
Where are you?!
Izumo Wakuraba.
No man who dares set foot in Ashura's castle of demons.
...can expect to leave it alive.
Izumo consider this castle your grave
I'm afraid not A Demon Slayer has no grave.
...In this world or any other!
Wait!
You? Man you're tough!
As long as you're alive, I'll never die
One side Jaku!
I don't have time for you right now!
Not this time!
You've gotten better
You won't kill me the way I am now!
Sorry I can't let you kill me here
I've got a lady waiting
Izumo.
you win.
Finish it
Right through the heart
Put me at peace!
I will
Rise to Buddha
Say your prayers!
Sucker!
Bizan!
You seem to have forgotten how obsessed Jaku is with you
Let go of me!
I hate to be alone. I just can't face dying by myself
I hate to ask, but will you come with me?
Come Bizan! Run us both through!
You're enjoying this aren't you You're a pain in the neck!
That's it!
That's the face I wanted to see!
Izumo! The power of Ashura is in my blood!
No mere man can ever break my grip!
This is the final curse of Jaku!
Do your worst, Bizan! Run us through!
Bizan.
What?!
Sorry I couldn't go with you Jaku.
What the hell
It was just demon life
My queen! Why?!
Bizan.
you labor under a delusion
You brought Jaku back to accompany me into death?
Jaku.
Destruction is salvation?
To be saved the demons must be destroyed?
Is that the way of Ashura?
My queen
though we leave our bodies the love for you within us
...will last forever!
I will await you in Hell
Sorry I'm late.
Not at all
'Tsubaki'
Nothing of her remains in me
Then what did you mean by stopping Bizan?
If it meant anything at all.
it meant a means to hate you all the more
You hate me that much?
Enough to kill you
Perfect!
We're alone at last!
I'll enjoy this tryst to the full
Heaven's flames burn man's city
This blood rages hotter than those flames
Will you now quench
its seething?
With pleasure
I'll use all the skill I have to send you.
...out of this world
Brave words!
Yes, your sword cuts well
But that will not suffice to cool the burning within me
What I want Squire Izumo, is your soul
You fight well Ashura
I knew you would
But Izumo the Demon Slayer
would not wish you to be disappointed in him.
I hope you mean that
What do you say now?!
You left your mark when you transformed
If by that mark you are Ashura
...then I am a demon too!
Your shoulder and my palm
The opposites of our fate bind us fast!
That's right. Your hairpin!
You said you wanted my soul.
Will you accept this
.'Tsubaki'?
Izumo.
This time
will you take me all the way?
I promise
'Promise'?
I will run you through
...with all the love there is between us!
'The rushing torrent'
'Breaks on the rock'
'And becomes two streams'
'We think we must part, but soon
...I know we will meet again
Funny, isn't it.
The last time we did this you were holding the hairpin
at my throat
Izumo
What?
Your blood
was delicious
Demon!
Tsubaki!
Ashura: 'Your blood... was delicious...'
This world the next or that of the demons
Each is its own paradise
Be my eyes
Everything you've seen I'll write into plays
All right, Emishi?
Ashura drinks her teeth into Izumo's neck
Like petals from a flower the castle may be fallen...
...but their love is eternal
'The Sad Tale of Ashura'
Izumo Wakuraba Somegoro Ichikawa
Tsubaki Rie Miyazawa
Bizan Kanako Higuchi
Nanboku Tsuruya IV Fumiyo Kohinata
Kuninari Takashi Naito
Jaku Atsuro Watabe
Directed by Yojiro Takita
(c) ASHURA Film Partners
Subtitles Ian MacDougall