A SHOCHIKU PRODUCTION
PHOENIX
Original Story by YOSHIRO KAWAZU
Screenplay by KEISUKE KINOSHITA
Cinematography by HIROSHI KUSUD A
Sound by SABURO OMURA
Lighting by RYOZO TOSHIMA
Production Design by MOTOJI KOJIMA
Starring
KINUYO TANAKA
KEIJI SADA
ISAMU KOSUGI TOYOKO TAKAHASHI
AKIRA YAMAUCHI TAMOTSU KAWASAKI
Directed by KEISUKE KINOSHITA
- We're leaving. - We're off now.
- Have a good day. - We're off to school.
Fujiko. Do you have your gym clothes?
Oops, I forgot.
I washed them for you.
Thank you for doing that.
- Have a good day. - I'm off.
Good-bye.
Sayoko.
Have you seen my socks?
I'll bring them for you
Ken. Stay with your auntie.
Please watch him.
Today is your birthday.
I want to get a birthday present for Ken, but I don't have enough money.
Don't worry about a gift.
You gave me a gift on my birthday.
You want me to give you money?
You're Ken's mother after all.
Okay. Hold on a minute.
Shizu. Give this to Masako.
Okay.
I'd like to make some clothes for Ken.
Can I use the measurements from last time?
- You'll make him clothes again? - Stylish ones this time.
- I'll give you a sample. - That's okay.
- I'll make it a little bigger. - Thank you.
- I'm off now. - Okay Thank you.
Sayoko.
I'll be late for school. - Is this enough?
Do you have more?
No, not today.
Takeshi. Are you begging for money again?
No, he's buying me something nice.
That's right. I'm off to school now.
Do you have my brother Shinichi's hat?
Remember the one he used to wear when you first met him?
What happened to your hat?
I got drunk last night and lost it. Can I borrow his hat?
Please don't lose this one.
- There you go. - Thank you.
It's a bit big on me.
He was a clever man.
Was he really?
Stop teasing me.
I'll borrow your hat, Brother.
It's Ken's birthday today. Please come home early.
What about drinking?
What shall we do about that?
I know you'll take care of us.
- Have a good day. - Madam, the fish vendor is here.
Thanks.
- What do you have today? - Nice fatty ones.
Give me some of those.
I also have some firewood.
What exactly are you selling?
Well...
I have this yellowtail. It's so fresh, it's still kicking.
I don't trust your "fresh and kicking."
Please don't tease me.
Father likes Sashimi.
Why is no one watching him?
Can you bring the fish sliced?
Why did you throw a stone?
I can't believe he did this.
This is unacceptable.
What were you doing leaving him alone to break the glass?
Wasn't anybody watching him?
I'm sorry about this.
Kenichiro, apologize to your grandfather.
- Kenichiro, come over here. - You can't yell at a little boy like that.
I know he's a little boy.
Yuji
Tell Yuji to head to the office.
Have a good day.
- Ken, are you afraid of your Grandpa? - No, you aren't, are you?
I'll bring you some sweets today.
Good-bye.
You like your Grandpa, don't you?
Yes, I do.
Ken.
- Good morning. - Morning.
Say "good morning" to Uncle.
Did Grandpa scold you?
He cried his eyes out.
All Grandpa does is neglect you.
That's how he is anyway Right, Ken?
What shall we do today? What do you want to play?
Where were you hiding?
I hid in the bathroom.
Why did you come home late last night?
Father gets upset when you don't get up on time.
Let him complain. That's his hobby.
You need to get more serious.
Father has many concerns about his children.
No wonder he loses his temper.
I apologize for being inconsiderate of my parents' concerns.
Ouch. That hurt.
You deserve it.
Did you go to a dance party?
I was with Yoko.
What are your plans with her? You've been seeing her for a while.
Father was angry about your behavior.
I'm going to give my response today Is it really okay with everyone?
We've been saying it's fine from the beginning.
It's not about me. It's about Kenichiro who's only three.
I've told Sayoko many times.
If she wants to, She's free to remarry anytime.
She wants to stay with this family.
You should get yourself a wife.
I'm worried if it will be okay in this household.
Sayoko married the family's eldest son.
You all need to take care of her.
We'll do that.
I feel sorry for Sayoko.
Ken, peek-a-boo!
Mommy.
There you are.
It's my turn to find you.
You go and hide.
Go hide now.
Ready?
Not yet.
Ready?
Ready.
Mommy, peek-a-boo!
Mommy.
There you are.
Mommy.
I looked for you everywhere.
Sayoko, I'm going to get married.
You've finally decided.
Ken, is it okay if I get married?
Sure.
Let's walk to the beach. I'd like to tell you something.
Ken, I'll carry you.
I'm going over to Yoko's to tell her the news.
Before I do so, I wanted to talk to you openly.
You don't have to worry about me.
I want to make sure you don't feel uncomfortable staying with us.
That'll never happen.
I hope it's okay for me to stay.
Of course, it is.
I've been thinking.
I'm good at sewing.
When Ken gets a little older.
I want to open a store so I can support myself.
I hope I can stay until then.
I think that's a great idea.
Rather than staying with our family for the rest of your life.
You can build your independence.
I'm very excited about the prospect.
When the war ended, My parents asked me
if I wanted to marry you
Did you know that? - Yes
I told them no.
I knew that, too.
People have their own opinions about me.
But the only people who know how I truly feel
are you and Ken's father.
People may think a widow
is a woman with a shadow hanging over her
who doesn't see the light of happiness.
But they don't know how happy I am.
Is that how you really feel?
Yes, it really is.
Father is always nagging.
He's a great father.
My yonger siblings take up too much of your time.
Everyone is very nice.
You can't get away from them.
If I left this family,
where would I find another place to live happily?
It's not old-fashioned virtue or old memories
that's stopping me from getting remarried.
Yuji, you'll be asking Yoko to be your wife.
Even if you two show off your happy newlywed life.
I doubt you'll love each other like we did.
Sayoko.
Nobody knows
how happy I am.
Inside this jade bowl
Flowers are arranged perfectly
In a cup of sweet wine
I see the moon's shadow reflected
YASAKA
Peace and safety are
Something we dream of now
Prosperity in this world
We regard with contempt
ASUKA BOOKSTORE
STUDENT ID - SHINICHI YASAKA
"The love deepens and won't stop escalating.
Through the gate of Yura... - Got it!
A sailor stops steering the boat
as if it symbolizes my love lost in its path,
as if it symbolizes my love lost in its path"
The sky over the eastern ocean glows
The bright morning sun shines on us
The energy builds up on earth
Since I'll be enlisting in the army next year.
I want to tell my parents about you.
Is that okay?
I'll tell my father, too.
You think he's okay with it?
I'm sure. My father approves of anything I ask
Since we lost our mother when we were young,
he is extra caring towards myself and my brother.
I know he'll be happy.
How about your parents?
My father is stubborn, but I'm the one who's enlisting.
Once I leave on a mission, I don't know when I'll come back.
I'll wait for you
I'll be your proud wife.
Even if I lose an arm?
Even if you lose both arms
Even if my face gets deformed like this?
Even if your face gets deformed.
What if I die?
You won't die. That won't happen.
You will not die in the war.
Because I...
Iove you very much
What did you say?
It's something you say often.
Didn't need to see that hearse.
I will not...
leave you until I die.
There's my younger brother.
Yuji.
Where are you off to?
I'm going home.
Ride with us then.
Sayoko, this is my younger brother.
How do you do? I'm Sayoko Aihara.
So it was you.
What is it?
Now I know.
- It's a pleasure to meet you. - The pleasure is mine.
He can be incompetent, but he's kind.
None of your business.
Good-bye.
See you tomorrow.
Yes, I'll see you tomorrow
Miss Sayoko.
Your father had a stroke at the office.
Sister.
Where were you? Father is dead.
He's dead.
- Miss Sayoko. - Sister.
The true way of expressing this gratitude
is not found in other teachings.
It can only be found through our daily practice of Buddhism.
You will then be rewarded with the great debt of gratitude.
You must always practice selflessness, offer yourself to others.
Time flies faster than an arrow. Life is more transient than the dew.
No matter how skillful you may be,
you cannot bring back a single day of the past.
Living for one hundred years with no purpose
is a bitter and regretful life.
Sister.
You may allow yourself to be a slave to your desires for one hundred years.
Bur if you devote yourself to Buddhist training even for one day,
that day will be the most valuable day of your life
as a person of morale and pride.
Each day's life should be esteemed. The body must be treated with respect.
Our body and mind must be loved and respected.
So that we can continue to practice selflessness.
One day of good deeds can prepare for the next one hundred years ahead.
Your life each and every day is to be valued and respected.
I can't believe this.
I was completely shocked.
I had a wonderful time that day with you.
I don't know what to do. It's now just my brother and I.
I'm here for you. You can count on me.
I don't know
I'll take care of you.
Father. Father.
I'll never leave you for the rest of my life.
You can lean on me.
Why did you stop talking?
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
Was it okay that I came?
Of course it's fine I need you to meet them.
I've come without notice. I hope they won't think I'm pushy.
I'm not a kid anymore. They won't be surprised if I bring a lady friend.
Everyone is singing now.
Father must be in a good mood.
Come this way.
Are you surprised to see so many kids?
It must be fun.
Why did you stop? Keep singing.
Don't be embarrassed.
Please continue with your singing.
Why don't you sing your favorite for our guest?
I'll sing with you.
Let's start then.
Oh, skylark You sing with high spirits
What do you sing so joyfully?
Wait here, okay?
Blessings from the heavens Prosperity on earth
Sing with praise
Sing with gratitude
Oh, skylark You sing with high spirits
What do you sing so joyfully?
Blessings from the heavens Prosperity on earth
Sing with praise
Sing with gratitude
Oh, skylark You sing with high spirits
What do you sing so joyfully?
Blessings from the heavens
What a disgrace!
Ask her to leave now.
Who gave you permission to see such a woman?
You're the eldest son of this family.
We have a certain social standing.
Your parents are concerned about your bride to be.
But, Father,
you haven't even met her yet.
I don't need to meet her.
She must be promiscuous if she was playing around in school.
You're mistaken. Sayoko is not like that.
Our relationship is pure.
I won't allow it.
Sayoko.
Don't take it personally.
He thinks he'll lose face if he gives in so easily.
Don't worry.
Shinichi can be quite persistent, unlike his sweet appearance.
It's your turn.
Father is always stubborn.
Sayoko.
I'm sorry I asked you to come.
I was happy to hear what you told your father.
Don't give up. Nothing can separate us.
I'll take you home.
We can't read your mind.
If you don't agree,
how else can you prevent the Aihara family from going bankrupt?
I need to hear your thoughts.
Tell her, Brother. - Right.
I'm the only one talking.
If Sayoko gets married to that only son.
That's the best thing for this family.
But she doesn't want to. She doesn't see our kindness.
That's right.
We're only trying to help.
I need you to understand that.
Think about this marriage.
It would help Hiroshi, too.
They said they'd take care of the family's debt.
You shouldn't decline this offer.
Sayoko, why don't you at least meet him?
No, I can't accept it.
What do you want us to do?
If the family goes bankrupt,
we relatives will lose face.
That's right. We might seem spineless.
We could lose our credit for building the new war plant.
You need to obey your uncle and aunt.
You must be worried about your future with Hiroshi who has health issues.
Auntie.
That's none of your business. - Hiroshi.
The same goes for you, Uncle.
Don't sacrifice my sister's life for me.
- Don't say any more. - It's unfair.
You need her to marry so you can build your plant.
You better watch your mouth.
But that's the truth.
Auntie, you're pretending to be kind.
But you took many things after Father passed away.
And you're trying to use my sister.
How cruel can you be?
Sister, you have to tell them.
There's someone she wants to marry.
She'll never marry another man.
I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Let's leave now.
We can't remain their relatives after what they've said.
Do as you please.
You may fall ill again if you get too excited.
Let's go to your room and rest.
I thought you were awfully tall for a young boy.
But you're not a young boy anymore.
You scared them away.
I'm very happy to see that.
Sister, you must be lonely.
Why do you say that?
Because you don't wear makeup these days.
When you were happy, you used to sit in front of the mirror for hours.
You used to polish your nails.
You used to curl your hair.
Now you just sit by the window for hours on end.
It has to be a lonely person who just stares at the sky and the leaves.
What do you think I should look at?
Your dream.
When you're having a hard time, you need to dream about happiness.
I often feel I can't take any more.
You're lonely.
And I'm not healthy.
Our father is gone. It's just the two of us.
We need to take care of each other.
What is it?
Mr. Yasaka is here to see you.
Hiroshi, I'll go put on some makeup.
Welcome.
Sayoko, please play the piano for me.
I want to hear you play Chopin.
Don't stop playing.
Okay?
Don't stop. Keep playing.
My enlistment has been pushed up.
I received the notice today.
I leave next month.
I have one week until my departure.
We won't see each other for a while.
I can't stand not seeing you for even one day.
How can I survive one or two years?
I don't have the confidence.
I don't want to say good-bye.
Don't make me feel any worse than I do already.
You're being silly.
I don't want to be separated either.
But it's my duty as a man born in this country.
We're not the only ones who will be separated.
All the couples in this country have to be separated because of the war.
The soldiers have to risk their young lives.
Even if it's against our will, we all have to fight.
I want you to promise to send me off with a smile.
and to wait for me.
The Emperor of Japan
Calls upon the men
For their honorable lives
We send them off at dawn
With pride and praise
CONTINUED LUCK AND WELL WISHES
An entire nation of 100 million as one
Their faces
Their voices
They wish for achievement
Our wives and children
They waved the flags with such vigor
As if the flags were to be torn apart
I can see their faces in the far sky
Sister, he's here.
You look beautiful.
We only have today. I want you to remember me like this.
I was worried you might have a crew cut.
I don't want to change while I'm still with you.
Please come in.
I pray for your safety.
Same to you.
You look well.
Please stay well.
This is for you.
PRAYING FOR VICTORY SAYOKO
A soldier's good-luck belt. I brought this for you
You have a gift for me?
My goodness.
Please open yours.
Thank you.
Sister...
I may be coming down with something. I should go rest.
Tough it out and stick around.
I'll treat you to a great meal. Eat as much as you want.
You're marrying such an audacious person.
That's right. She won't leave me alone.
Okay, I'll dig in.
I have 24 hours until my departure.
Inside this jade bowl
Flowers are arranged perfectly
In a cup of sweet wine
I see the moon's shadow reflected
Peace and safety are something we dream of now
Prosperity in this world we regard with contempt
It stands tall on the hill of Mukogaoka
In dormitory number five reside ambitious and dedicated youth
I hope you'll survive all the hardships.
I'll be fine.
I can't be by your side.
That's my only regret.
I have my brother with me.
It's nothing compared to what you'll face.
There will be beads of sweat on this forehead.
You'll carry a rifle on this shoulder.
You'll march for many miles.
When it gets cold in the winter,
I want to feel the same bitter cold as you feel out there.
Even when spring arrives,
or the summer comes,
I'll probably lose weight worrying about the hardships you face.
Sayoko, listen.
I'm the luckiest man.
The human mind can be unstable, but I feel completely secure.
I wish I could stay with you.
Everyone's waiting to have their last meal with you.
Let me...
see you off at Tokyo station.
I won't be out in the open because your family will be there.
But I'll be there to see you off.
Is that okay with you?
You must hate my father.
I try to understand why he won't allow our relationship.
I wonder why he doesn't like me.
It only makes me feel miserable.
But I know the day will come when your father will call my name.
I love my father even though he is the way he is.
Special edition! Extra!
FAR EAST CONSTRUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HONOR
It's almost time.
I won't be able to talk to you.
Sayoko.
I won't leave you whatever happens.
I wanted to be your wife.
We need to keep our love alive.
We have a long life ahead of us. A year or two apart is nothing.
I believe in you. We will build a life together.
You promised you'd see me off with a smile.
You said you'd wait for me.
Banzai. Banzai
Ms. Sayoko.
Thanks for coming.
Come with me.
I shouldn't.
My brother asked me to find you.
Let's go.
Don't you want to see him?
It's okay.
I'll see him off from here.
Don't worry about our father.
But I don't want to cause any trouble.
The express train is about to depart.
All passengers, please get on board.
People on the platform, please step back from the train.
Miss Sayoko.
I wish you all the luck.
Please give him this message.
We received an evacuation notice.
We need to move to Karuizawa within the next five days.
Please send letters to Karuizawa.
I'll do that for you.
Please stay well.
Sayoko! Sayoko!
All the flowers are gone
All the dewdrops have fallen
Times have changed People are gone
The navigator of the ship may change
But my ship will never cease
Heading towards the ideal society
Sister.
Does this song make you feel lonely?
It's true. I'm always lonely.
But life is about facing your loneliness.
It's not only widows who are lonely.
You're one tough lady.
I wouldn't be here today if I weren't.
I've faced much sadness.
Sister!
Hiroshi, what's the matter?
Someone! Help!
Please hurry.
Hiroshi, please stay strong.
Summer is approaching
It's now early May
The fields and the mountains
Are covered with fresh green
What is that I see out there?
It must be tea-picking season
Red strings holding the sleeves
Sedge hats on the tea-pickers' heads
Enjoying the recent sunny days
Tea-picking is relaxing
Sing as the pickers pick
We pick and pick
We must keep picking
To make Japanese tea we can be proud of
Summer is approaching
It's now early May
The fields and the mountains
Are covered with fresh green
Ms. Aihara!
It's your brother.
- Miss Sayoko. - What happened?
He coughed up blood again.
It's very unfortunate.
There's nothing we can do for him.
Miss Sayoko.
Mr. Shinichi's father is here to see you.
- I'm Sayoko. - I know.
I'm Shinichi's father.
Please have a seat.
You evacuated to a nice house
Our family evacuated to our vacation home in Oiso.
I came here to talk to you.
- Has anything happened to him? - No, he's doing fine.
I saw a doctor leaving. Is anybody ill?
Yes, my younger brother.
You must be very worried.
What's the matter?
I feel very sad for Miss Sayoko.
She loves Mr. Shinichi so much.
Please stay with Hiroshi.
Yes, I will.
Did you know
that my son's coming back for one week next month?
Yes, I received a letter from him.
What did it say?
He wants to get married during his one-week leave.
I don't know what he's thinking.
He'll be sent overseas shortly after his leave.
We need to be ready for the worst.
How do you feel about marrying a man with an uncertain future?
I want to marry him.
You feel just like him, even though I don't approve of your marriage.
Yes.
I guess I was wrong.
I came here hoping you'd disagree with my son's foolish intentions.
But I want to make it clear.
I will never give you my permission to marry Shinichi.
I don't care I'll marry him against everyone's wishes.
Is that how you talk to Shinichi's father?
The reason I disapprove of your marriage is...
He ignored his parents and chose you.
I didn't know what type of person you were.
But he's the oldest son of the Yasaka family.
He cannot choose his own bride.
She needs to meet my approval.
She needs to fulfill the Yasaka family's expectations.
But you two started dating without your parents' permission.
Such behavior will not be accepted by our family's tradition.
But I didn't come here to tell you such things.
Let me explain the purpose of my visit.
My son may make you a widow.
As his parent, I cannot allow such foolish behavior.
I don't want you to make a decision based on your emotions.
You may end up ruining the rest of your life.
You must reconsider carefully.
Don't let the fickle passions of youth determine your life's course.
I know you're smarter than that.
You'll thank me someday for what I've told you.
I hear you clearly.
But please don't misunderstand our serious love for each other.
It's not a fickle passion.
Then what are you looking for in a man who may die soon?
He's not the only one risking his life.
We humans can only trust the truth.
If you care about the truth -
- Mr Yasaka. - Miss Sayoko.
If you really care for him, why can't you let him be a true man?
Let him be an honorable soldier.
You don't understand. You'll never understand us.
Of course, we want your approval.
We've been praying for your approval.
and encouraged each other that it would come.
You refused to meet me.
On the day of his departure,
our main concern was not to upset you.
I couldn't even say a word to him.
when I went to see him off at the train station.
It's been very painful.
I've wanted for you to like me.
I've prayed for your approval.
You have no idea how much I've suffered.
You just don't get it!
If you want us to separate during his one-week leave,
we both must go against our will for the rest of our lives.
Are you suggesting
we just throw away our happy times together over the past six years?
All we want is the satisfaction of being together.
If he dies during his service at war.
Will I end up being an insignificant person in his life?
He's the only love of my life.
Am I to end up a stranger and not his wife?
That would only lead to a pointless life as a lonely woman.
What about his life?
Your cruelty will only put an end to our love for each other.
You don't know anything about me.
Please tell me what type of woman you're looking for.
Why can't I be married into the Yasaka family?
I'm capable of every duty of a woman.
I do flower arrangement, I play the koto and the piano I can sew.
I'm a good cook and I'm good in the garden.
Look what I've grown.
I've been busy sewing.
Look how much I've done.
My father made sure I had a proper education.
I'm as cultured as anybody.
I'm very sorry.
I've lost control.
I never used to behave like this.
You say you'll never approve of us
My brother is dying.
He doesn't even have 24 hours.
Mr. Yasaka.
How can I stay calm?
Please understand.
All my brother wished for was for me to marry Shinichi.
I want to make him happy before he dies.
He's such a kind human being.
Mr. Yasaka.
Who was visiting?
Shinichi's father.
Did he come here to see you?
He approved of our marriage.
Shinichi's coming back next month on leave.
We'll have a wedding then.
I hope you'll be better by then.
I know you want to see me dressed as a bride.
I'll make the best bride in the world.
Are you happy for me?
I'm just filled with happiness.
I can't stop my tears.
I know you'll get better.
Sister,
I think Shinichi's father is a cruel person.
I'll marry Shinichi no matter what people say.
Please be happy.
Thank you.
I've loved you very much.
Thanks for everything.
Send my regards to Shinichi.
I want to go peacefully.
But I'm worried about you.
I hate telling lies.
Hiroshi.
Your sister will be getting married to Shinichi next month.
Congratulations, Sister.
Sayoko.
What are you thinking about?
I was just daydreaming. I can't believe how happy I am.
Are you happy?
How about you?
What a peaceful evening.
I can't believe there's a war going on under this peaceful sky.
I don't understand.
You have to go back.
We only have tonight.
Only two days of honeymoon.
I've finally become your wife.
Sayoko.
Promise you'll come back to me.
I'm different from the honorable wives out there.
What I tell you is probably not proper.
I don't care about your achievements or your honorable service.
All I want is for you to return.
Please promise to love me more than anything in this world.
Then please don't die.
Please stay alive for a long time, for me.
I'll be back.
Don't just say that to make me feel better.
You need to promise from the bottom of your heart.
I promise. You're mine forever.
You really promise?
You promise to return to me?
Sayoko.
You must ask God for my return.
I don't know my future. You don't know either.
But what the two of us do know
is that our feelings for each other will never change.
We will love each other forever.
I'll turn the lights off.
- Look at that. - How beautiful.
Ken, isn't this beautiful?
Ken, happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday.
Ken, congratulations.
Look at this thing.
A birthday present from your grandparents.
Thank you.
Ken, happy birthday.
This is for you.
Congratulations, Ken.
Happy birthday.
- Ken, congratulations. - Happy birthday.
You need to blow out the candles.
Are you ready? Let's blow.
I'll get the first one.
Now the next one.
Okay. Another.
Blow the last one out.
THE END
Translation and Subtitles by Captions, Inc, Burbank