ATTACK AND DESTROY THE ENEMY
A TOHO PRODUCTION
AN INFORMATION BUREAU "MOVIE OF THE PEOPLE"
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
EAST ASIAN OPTICS, LTD. HIRATSUKA FACTORY
Here's the factory director.
The previously announced emergency production quota increase
will begin on the first of next month.
The manager will explain the details later.
But before that, I'd like to say a few words.
As you know,
the enemy's counteroffensives
are becoming more massive and widespread.
Now, in a battle of material might,
the more material you have, the more material is emphasized.
But it's our spiritual power that produces that material might.
In order to generate outstanding production capacity,
every single one of you
must become an outstanding human being.
Only strict discipline, a vigilant attitude,
an unwavering sense of responsibility,
and a respectful, silent workplace
will yield increases in production.
Always bear that in mind.
During this emergency production period,
I want all of you
to meet your quotas without fail,
and at the same time
to hone your fighting spirit.
I'll say it again...
One can't improve productivity without improving one's character.
And one other thing:
Without military optics, we wouldn't have a single warship,
a single plane, a single tank, or a single cannon.
Don't ever forget that.
That's all.
As the director mentioned,
I'll be explaining the details of the plan.
The period will be for the next four months.
The quota increases will be as follows:
1000/0 for the men, 500/0 for the women.
Shouldn't you be working?
Quiet! Stop your chattering.
But we're just... right?
That's right.
Hey there!
What's wrong with all of you today?
You're so restless.
You can't seem to calm down.
There must be a reason.
Speak up.
Come on, tell us.
It's about the production quota increases.
Well, as the director said earlier,
you have to bear up under the strain.
Only then will you be pulling your own weight.
Think of the men.
Your quota increase is only half theirs.
Would you... bring it up with the section leader?
- Tsuru Watanabe? - Yes.
PLEASE WALK QUIETLY
LENS CALIBRATION ROOM
NO ENTRANCE PAST THIS POINT
WATANABE
I'm shocked. I've never seen such a messy workbench.
I'm sorry.
There's no need to apologize.
But there is.
Then you want to tell us why?
You women seem unhappy about the quota increase.
That's right.
But we took into account
your production capacity.
Half of the men's isn't unreasonable.
That's what we're upset about.
Is that all you think we can handle?
We think we can do a bit more.
Not as much as the men...
but at least two-thirds.
Please.
It's too soon to be cheering.
You can cheer after we've done the work.
Two-thirds of the men's increase will be tough to meet.
You can't get worked up like you did this morning.
You can't be whispering at your workbenches.
Watanabe, let's sing something.
She's still angry.
Her left shoulder goes up when she's angry.
Watanabe, are you really still angry?
Yes, I am.
Left, right...
Let's sing "The Mongol Invasion." Three, two, one...
Rising from all over China
A hundred thousand Mongol riders advance
Our nation in crisis
In the summer of 1281
We have nothing to fear
Our Kamakura warriors stand ready
EAST ASIA OPTICS GIRLS' DORMITORY
Our righteous martial spirit
We proclaim to the world with a thunderous roar
The barbarians are invading from the south
The Mongols are invading our shores
The insolent invaders
Can't coexist with us under heaven
We vow to fight like demons
To die defending our country
The god of Hakozaki knows
We're full of pride and the spirit of Japan
Heaven is enraged
The sea surges with massive waves
The enemy approaches
Mongol hordes 100,000 strong
They disappear to the bottom of the sea
Only three are left
Before you know it the clouds recede
The moon is clear above the Genkai Sea
Banzai!
You're all in high spirits again today.
Mrs. Mizushima, something great happened today.
That's right. Today we, today -
Tell me about that later. The new fife and drum teacher is here.
Now go pay your respects to your parents.
Father and Mother, I'm back.
PARENTS
I'm back.
Father, Mother, and Grandma, I'm back.
Let's go.
What's the matter?
I envy you.
MOTHER
Everyone assemble, except those on kitchen duty.
From "at ease" change to "attention."
Bass drum, signal with three beats.
Begin marching to the first beat of music.
Take one step forward, then mark time.
Play "The People's March." Understand?
All right. Start.
Ma'am.
She's not here.
Smells nice.
Today's the anniversary of her husband's...
MAY 10,000 CHERRY BLOSSOMS SCATTER
Our morning pledge.
"Today, all day...
...we shall be loyal.
We shall worship the gods and revere our ancestors.
We shall not forget our filial duties.
Furthermore...
...we shall not be selfish.
We shall be kind and modest.
We shall endure hardship.
We are women of the empire.
Today we will do our best to help destroy America and Britain.
We shall pass these ideals on to our descendants.
This we swear."
EMERGENCY PRODUCTION INCREASE PERIOD
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE WAR DEAD!
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO!
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE YAMAZAKI UNIT!
INCREASE PRODUCTION!
OUR TROOPS ARE IN THE ENEMY'S SIGHTS!
THIS TOO IS A BATTLEFIELD!
- You want to work? - Yes.
Why?
Unless I work alongside my girls,
I can't understand how they really feel.
You may think you have time to spare at the moment,
but think if somebody were to fall ill.
In fact, that's the case. According to yesterday's medical exam,
something's wrong with Shizuko Yamaguchi.
What?
It's nothing serious,
but the doctor says she's frail.
- No, that's too heavy for you. - It's fine.
You mustn't. You're too frail.
We got her!
Hurry! Where's the thermometer!
Suzumura has it.
Wait a minute. I'm taking my temperature.
- 99.3. - You've got a slight fever.
Don't worry. She's too tough to get sick.
Actually, I'm feeling kind of weak.
YAMAGUCHI'S TEMPERATURE: NORMAL.
ALL OTHERS WELL.
I'M SEPARATED FROM MY HOME BY MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS
MAY MY FATHER AND MOTHER BE WELL AND AT PEACE
Please check this lens.
MOTHER
Quiet, isn't it, ma'am?
With the girls gone, it's so quiet I can't believe it.
They're so spirited.
Is someone still up there?
Yes, she isn't feeling well.
Who's the weakling?
I bet it's Yamaguchi.
No. You'll never guess.
It's Suzumura.
Suzumura?
Hey, Suzumura!
Don't let sickness beat you down!
Get well!
Rising from all over China
A hundred thousand Mongol riders advance
Our nation in crisis
In the summer of 1281
- I'm sorry. - Goodness.
There's nothing to apologize for.
But...
Don't worry about work.
Yamazaki, Nishioka, and Koyama are on your work team.
They're all tough.
They can handle your share.
Just get well as soon as you can.
I feel bad for all the others.
Let's not talk about it anymore.
Do you remember when you first came here?
We told everyone to bring a handful of soil from their hometown.
You're the only one who didn't.
I was going to,
but Father said there was dirt in Tokyo too.
I remember.
I wrote to him that we'd be making a garden with it
so that we'd never forget our homes.
That's right.
And later some soil arrived from your home by mail.
My father gets excited easily.
The soil from your hometown looks so rich and moist today.
The janitor's hoeing it now.
Ma'am...
please don't tell my parents I'm sick.
- Why do you say that? - Please don't.
Or did you already tell them?
I did let them know. It's part of my job.
What's wrong? Whatever is the matter?
I won't go home!
What's come over you? You have a fever. Calm down -
No.
Even if they come for me, I'm not going home.
What are you saying?
Who would come because of a little fever?
No, they will.
I had to beg to come here.
My father's so stubborn. If he knows I'm sick -
Calm down.
I won't go home, no matter what anyone says.
I want to work.
What's wrong?
It's just...
I'm sorry.
I'll be back soon. Until then, Watanabe -
It's all right. Don't worry about the work.
Yamazaki, Nishioka, and Koyama, please do my share.
We will.
The plate on my machine is loose.
If someone new comes -
Don't say such a thing.
Just hurry and come back.
Watanabe, where's Suzumura's flute?
Suzumura's flute.
Ma'am...
may we see them off?
I'll see them off at the station.
Watanabe?
This is from the band teacher.
Wrap it in this.
- Get well! - Hurry back!
- Write to us! - Take care of yourself!
Good-bye!
Please come visit again.
Good-bye.
Good-bye!
Poor Suzumura!
Now I want to go home too.
What are you saying?
This is no time to start whining.
We have to keep working!
Keep up the hard work, okay?
What about you?
I'm still waiting for the water to boil.
WOMEN'S PRODUCTION GOALS AND RESULTS
These are great numbers. The girls are really working hard.
I'm still worried.
Four months is a long time.
They're running a 5K race as if it's a sprint.
It's their first time out, so of course they're enthusiastic.
But they could stumble and come crashing down.
I wonder.
LET'S CLEAN OUR CLOSETS, DO OUR LAUNDRY,
AND AIR OUR BEDDING.
DON'T CLIMB ON THE ROOF.
I can see Mount Fuji.
"My home lies in the distance..."
Your home is in the other direction.
Koyama.
Be careful, Yamazaki.
Yamazaki?
Yamazaki!
I'm sorry.
I'm just glad I didn't hurt my hands.
When I can walk again,
I'll come back to work, even on crutches.
I'll be back soon.
Isn't that right?
So don't look so glum.
Everything's fine. Don't you worry.
Everything's fine, isn't that right?
That's right.
It's impossible.
We're working as hard as we can.
It isn't fair to put all the blame on us.
She isn't.
Watanabe isn't blaming you.
It's just that ever since Yamazaki got hurt,
your productivity has started to fall.
But...
Let's do our best no matter what.
We insisted on this quota.
Our reputation is at stake.
It's not a question of reputation.
It's about our sense of responsibility.
Let's stop arguing.
"One can't improve productivity without improving one's character."
Our scopes might be in those very planes!
Now you're sounding like the director.
You're all in a slump.
I knew this would happen.
You tried a little too hard.
Now's not the time to get frustrated or anxious.
Don't worry.
At times like this you need something to lift your spirits.
All right?
1-0!
Cheer each other on!
Who'll serve? Futami?
I'm no good at serving.
It's okay.
Just try your best.
Do your best!
Quiet!
Futami, that's the spirit.
Give it your best!
The days keep getting colder.
I trust you are working diligently.
I'm writing concerning your mother.
Some time ago she came down with a slight cold.
Her fever continued to rise,
and her condition turned quite serious.
I considered asking you to come home to look after her,
but with your production quota increase underway
and in light of your responsibilities as group leader,
I can't ask you to do that.
I've spoken with your mother about it,
and we have agreed
that under no circumstances should you come home.
Don't dwell on your personal concerns.
Your mother insists that you devote yourself fully to your duty.
I feel the same way, which is why I'm writing.
I pray that you will take good care of yourself
in this season of intense cold.
Ma'am.
TRAIN SCHEDULE
Ma'am, I took my temperature.
Oh, it's you. Where's the dorm mother?
It's okay. I'll tell her.
What was it?
97.7.
94.3.
I shook it down.
What's wrong with you?
Nothing.
There's something odd in your expression.
No...
- You're hiding something. - No, I'm not.
Take it again in front of me.
Go on.
Five minutes.
I actually have a little fever every night,
but it's nothing.
I can work just fine.
Please don't tell anyone.
If they find out, they'll send me home.
But I'm really all right.
I can't leave now, with Suzumura and Yamazaki gone.
But Yamaguchi -
Please, until the quota increase ends or Suzumura and Yamazaki come back,
don't tell anyone.
I envy you all.
Looks like I have guests.
I went to see Yamazaki.
She's doing quite well and sends her regards.
Wait one moment.
What brings you here?
Yamaguchi's temperature.
What is it?
97.7.
Really? That's good.
And what did you want, Watanabe?
Oh, nothing.
TARAWA
MAKIN
KWAJALEIN
ROl-NAMUR
Work hard!
Yamazaki!
FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE WAR DEAD!
- Are you okay? - Rest a while.
I'm fine.
The children are oddly quiet these days.
They don't sing or laugh or joke around anymore.
It's true.
Yamazaki's return cheered them up for a while,
which was a relief.
They're exhausted.
When I see how tired they are,
and their frostbitten hands -
Hirota, what time is it?
What's the matter?
That's the fifth time you've asked.
Here you go.
More?
I still haven't calibrated these.
Don't get upset.
If you get flustered, it'll throw off the calibration.
Whose was it?
If I could just get on that train, I could go home.
Mother!
Do your best!
Give it all you've got!
Two... three.
10 to 16.
Give it your best.
How can I return a spike like that?
This isn't rugby, after all.
I quit!
Okabe!
What's the problem with the drums?
Who could march to that erratic beat? Once more!
Three, four...
With a little more effort -
It's the last lap.
But the fatigue has been building for a while.
They can barely move.
It's downright impossible.
There has to be a way.
They insisted on the quota.
Let's help them achieve it.
Failure could dampen their enthusiasm.
This is a turning point in shaping their morale.
It's their maiden battle.
Yes, as you pointed out,
success is determined by character and strength of mind.
I'm actually optimistic.
- Optimistic? - Maybe that's not the right word.
But they'll be fine.
- Why? - Why?
For one thing, they have an excellent leader.
Watanabe is outstanding, and Mizushima -
Mrs. Mizushima's here.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
You're not requesting permission to work again, are you?
No, I'm here to request a short leave.
Oh? Have a seat.
This is the most critical period.
What'll those girls do without you?
Watanabe will be here.
We can't put everything on the poor girl's shoulders.
It's just for a couple of days.
Where are you going?
To see Suzumura.
She wrote to me.
She's all better, but her parents won't let her come back.
If she returned, I think it would lift the girls' spirits.
Just like when Yamazaki returned.
It'll be good for Suzumura and all of us.
You got me again. I was too rash. You're leaving now?
- I'll call Watanabe. - No, don't.
Please give her this letter from Suzumura.
I can catch the express if I leave now.
It's admirable.
I mean, the trust you put in your girls.
They're all good children.
Suda.
Why are you just standing there? The plate's dry.
I'm sorry.
Sorry isn't good enough.
What happens if you - - Okabe.
That's enough.
She has to pay attention.
She said she was sorry.
Well...
one person's carelessness becomes everyone's problem.
Now look what you did.
Watanabe, something awful's happened.
NO ENTRANCE PAST THIS POINT
Don't you know not to come in while we're working?
- But - - No buts.
You didn't just disturb me.
You could introduce a 1-mm error into hundreds of pieces.
- But Okabe and Hattori began fighting. - And?
I thought you might be able to do something.
- What happened? - Well, you see -
I'll be getting off my shift soon. Tell me then.
My results have been so poor today.
I'm sorry.
It isn't your fault.
Don't worry.
We must persevere. As for those two...
we'll talk later.
- Thanks for your trouble. - It'll be tough on you too.
Girls, don't cause Watanabe any grief.
You're probably Ionely with your dorm mother gone for a few days.
No, it's fine. She's bringing Suzumura back.
We can't wait. - That's right.
You say you'll be fine,
but raccoon dogs used to haunt these parts.
On moonlit nights
they'd be out in the woods playing their fifes and drums.
You're making that up.
Tonight in the garden one might come up and -
You're mean!
Then we'll catch them and eat them!
But raccoon dogs are shape-shifters. My grandmother -
Don't tell me a worker in a precision optics factory believes such superstitions!
You started it!
I guess I did.
Okabe and Hattori, what's wrong?
You're oddly quiet.
You two should be ashamed, being so stubborn.
Why can't you be more agreeable
and consider the worry you've caused all of us?
That's right.
Stand on the soil from your hometown and think about that.
Okabe and Hattori are tired, that's all.
That's why -
I'm not tired.
Liar! You're exhausted.
She's right.
You haven't been combing your hair.
And you've been very irritable.
So you fight over little things.
Fine, gang up on me if you want.
But who made me so tired and irritable?
You!
Constantly shouting at us to work harder.
Okabe!
You're unfair.
Watanabe's never -
Yes, she has.
And not just this once.
She's always playing favorites.
Okabe...
say that again.
When was I unfair?
When did I play favorites?
You know.
No, I don't. I've never done such a thing.
Really? Are you sure?
Yes, absolutely.
Then I'll tell you.
With Yamaguchi.
You give her special treatment.
No overtime, no band practice.
While we play volleyball, she's wrapped in our coats,
looking on like a princess.
See?
Watanabe, say something.
There's a reason for that.
As you know, Yamaguchi's very frail.
That's right. Mrs. Mizushima takes her temperature every night.
And it's always normal.
Watanabe, say something.
Please.
CULTIVATE THE MIND
Watanabe...
please tell them.
Be quiet.
If she won't tell you, I will.
I'll tell you the real reason.
Please don't look at her like that.
Yamaguchi!
No, I have to tell them.
I actually run a fever every night.
But...
Watanabe is the only one who knows.
I was terrified they'd send me home if they found out,
so I asked her not to tell.
None of you will tell Mrs. Mizushima, will you?
Promise not to tell until the emergency quota period ends.
You see?
Watanabe, you have every right to be angry at us.
Come on, let it out.
Get angry.
Scold us like you always do.
I can't today.
Why not?
And not just Okabe and Hattori.
We were all completely out of line.
- Still, I can't get angry. - Why not?
Why not?
Because I'm too ashamed.
You have nothing to be ashamed of.
Yes, I do.
If Mrs. Mizushima had thought this might happen,
she'd never have left us alone.
And Suzumura...
would never dream that we'd act like this.
I'll read her letter to you.
"Dear Mrs. Mizushima, how have you been?
Is everyone in the dorm well?
Unlike there, the ground here is already covered with snow.
I've recovered completely since I came home.
But Father and Mother
keep telling me to wait a little longer before going back.
As you often say,
our soldiers are giving their lives for our country.
How can I sit and do nothing?
When I think of everyone in the dorm, I feel so ashamed.
I can't just sit by and do nothing.
The emergency quota will end soon, won't it?
I pray for good results every day at the local shrine.
And I'm always thinking about you and the girls,
about work and the band,
and how enjoyable life was in the dorm..."
Who's there?
It's me.
I thought it was a raccoon dog.
A raccoon dog?
What are you doing here?
What I did was unforgivable.
No, what I did was!
No, I was worse.
I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
The soil of my hometown brought to this vegetable garden...
the soil through which the blood of my forefathers runs...
the soil on which I was born.
The soil that, today,
my parents and older siblings
industriously till
and painstakingly cultivate.
The soil on which
my younger siblings play without a care,
my dog playfully runs,
and my horse prances and neighs.
The scent of that soil
brings back memories of days past.
Memories of childhood fill me with nostalgia.
Walking barefoot in the soil,
feeling the warmth of my mother's skin.
Suddenly I'm transported to where my spirit is at home.
The soil through which the blood of my forefathers runs...
the soil on which I was born.
Suzumura!
I'm back!
Look, I'm fit as a fiddle!
Where's Mrs. Mizushima?
She came back with me, of course.
What's this?
I'm disappointed in you. This is such a mess.
The water for fighting fires is frozen.
And do you know how late it is?
It's three hours past lights out.
Where's Watanabe?
Where is she?
- Ma'am - - It's my fault.
No, we're to blame.
I'm sorry. I started it all.
- What happened? - Watanabe is -
Did something happen to her? Where is she?
She's still working at the factory.
A lens she hadn't finished calibrating went missing.
She only realized it last night.
I shouldn't have entered the calibration room.
No, it was us.
It had to be the lens she was checking right then.
Watanabe, something awful's happened.
She put down the lens she was checking.
Then she forgot about it and picked up a new one.
She looked very tired.
I'm sorry.
It was our bickering that started it. - That's right.
This happened because she was worrying about us.
Then what, Tanimura?
She said her mistake would result in a defective weapon
and nearly went mad with worry.
She also said it would hurt our performance record.
This has gone too far.
You've been looking for it without a break since this morning.
Now you say you want to stay up all night.
It'll turn up. Don't worry.
But...
I'm afraid many soldiers will die because of my mistake.
Don't torment yourself like this.
That lens will be checked many more times before it's used.
Now go back and get some rest.
Go on now.
No, I can't go back.
I'd never be able to sleep.
But Watanabe -
Please.
Don't send me back to the dorm.
Not until that lens is found.
It's impossible.
There are at least 2,000 lenses.
She did her quota for today and still plans to check
all the lenses made in the last two days.
Rising from all over China
A hundred thousand Mongol riders advance
Our nation in crisis
In the summer of 1281
We have nothing to fear
Our Kamakura warriors stand ready
Watanabe.
Are you all right? Did you finish?
Yes.
Good work. I'm glad.
We'll see you back.
You waited up for me?
Don't worry about that. Just hurry back to the dorm.
You can get a few hours' sleep.
It's freezing.
Watanabe, don't catch cold.
Let's go.
Forgive me for being so selfish.
It's all right. Sometimes you have to work yourself ragged.
You have to test yourself. Come on.
What's wrong?
Watanabe.
Sorry to worry you.
I'm the one who should apologize.
She worked hard. She deserves your praise.
Well done. It must have been cold.
- Wasn't it cold? - You did a great job.
Look, Watanabe. Suzumura's back.
Have you been crying?
Your eyes are red.
Don't be silly.
I'm just tired.
You'll all catch cold standing here. What if Suzumura gets sick again?
Get to bed. You can get a few hours' sleep.
EMERGENCY PRODUCTION QUOTA - 15 DAYS LEFT. WORK HARD!
Go home right away. Don't waste any time.
We packed your things.
We received a letter from your father.
Your mother... passed away.
He says there's no need for you to return home now.
He asked me to tell you at a time I felt proper.
However, the company -
I won't go home.
The company insists you return home
and pay your last respects.
No, I -
Your attitude is exemplary,
and we appreciate your father's consideration.
However...
you really should go home.
Please.
Mother said
I must never shirk my duty and go home, no matter what.
Ma'am, instead of sending me home,
let Yamaguchi take a rest.
She's had a fever all along.
Please.
Watanabe.
She's such a good girl.
She's really turned into a good girl.
I was worried about her.
She was always so strong.
I've been hoping she would soften a bit.
She's become a truly kind girl.
A truly wonderful girl.
A green so vivid
A green so bright
A green so fresh
A green so right
THE END