A Lo and Hu Co Production Ltd
RAINING IN THE MOUNTAIN
Producers: King Hu, Wu San-Yee
Executive Producers: Lo Kai-Muk, Chung Ling
With: Hsu Feng (White Fox) Sun Yue (Esquire Wen)
Tung Lin (Chiu Ming) Tian Feng (General Wang)
Chai-Hsiang (Master Wu Wai)
Ming Tsai (Gold Lock)
Lu Chan (Hui Wen)
With appearance by Shih Chun (Hui Tung)
Art director: King Hu
Choreography: Wu Mingstai
Editing: King Hu
Director of photography: Henri Chen
Music: Wu Tajiang
Assistant directors: Tong Lin, Tan Hanzhang
Written and directed by: King Hu
The Three Treasure Temple is beyond this shrine.
You see that tall monk?
He's the guardian of the temple.
There are no trespassers with him around.
Brother!
Please follow me.
Who is he?
Brother Hui Ssu.
- Brother Hui Ssu. - Welcome.
- My concubine. - Madam.
Esquire Wen, the Abbot sent me to wait for you.
Thank you.
I came as soon as I got the Abbot's letter.
How is the old Master?
Getting worse. Two days ago, he fainted.
But he is better today.
Still, I'm afraid he'll be leaving us soon.
This is the famous Three Treasure Temple.
What are the three treasures?
Not treasures in the worldly sense.
There are Buddha, Dharma and Priesthood.
I don't understand. What about Tripitaka's...
Tripitaka's handwritten Mahayana Sutra.
How much is it worth?
It's priceless!
I've brought some old ginseng. It may help.
It may...
The Abbot asked me to tell you
before he dies, he will choose his successor.
The Temple is large and there are many candidates,
so he is inviting outside friends to advise him.
Who else is invited?
I don't know.
The Abbot also thanks you
for all your generous donations and your warm support.
Don't mention it!
The Abbot has one more favour to ask of you.
- Does he need more? - No.
The Temple has no monetary worries.
He wants your support for his nominee.
He can rely on me.
Brother Hui Ssu, who do you expect him to choose?
It is not for me to speculate.
- Leave the luggage to them. - Yes.
Take this gentleman to his room.
Dinner will be ready shortly.
Thank you. Don't worry about us anymore.
Let's eat!
Go ahead. I'll come in a minute.
Hurry!
Up there.
It's here.
Go!
Come on!
Entry Forbidden
It must be here somewhere... Watch for me.
- Find it? - No.
What does it look like?
It's a scroll.
Just a moment!
Is that door locked?
Let's take a look!
Look!
It's open?
We should tell Brother Hui Wen.
Brother Hui Wen!
- What's the matter? - The door has been opened.
I opened it.
- So we needn't worry? - No.
- What did he say? - He said to leave it open.
This way please!
The trip must have been exhausting.
Good day!
Take them to the guest rooms.
Madam!
Over there.
What is it?
Strange!
Brother Hui Tung, who is that?
She is Esquire Wen's new concubine.
Esquire Wen?
You mean the rich man from Chiang-Tung?
I know him.
Who'd have thought it?
Do you know that woman?
Yes.
Who is she?
A thief. Her name is White Fox.
A thief? Impossible.
I'm sure of it.
General, did you notice her skeleton keys?
I didn't notice.
I captured her once at the border, but she escaped.
Esquire Wen and I are not close friends
but I should tell him he's married to a thief.
Brother Hui Tung, I would like to meet him.
Wait, General!
What?
There is more here than meets the eye.
You should have been more discreet.
You want me to steal this damned scroll, don't you?
Yes, but wait for the right moment.
Lousy food for such a grand Temple!
Everybody here eats the same food.
You don't need luxuries to lead a spiritual life.
I'm not leading a spiritual life!
Given the life you have led, perhaps you should.
Mind your own business.
I don't understand. You can buy whatever you want.
Why are you so set on that useless scroll?
Ignorant!
That scroll was handwritten by Tripitaka.
It's priceless, it couldn't be bought.
You won't get fat on it!
This is the only one of its kind,
I've long dreamed of possessing it.
I'll get it for you soon. Then I'll go.
I can't stand waiting around here.
No rash moves. I have a strategy.
I can't wait any longer.
You can have your money back. Hire someone else. I resign.
Why are you making such a scene?
I just want to have it done with!
Calm down.
What are you doing?
Listen, you've paid me to do a job. Nothing else!
What a show of virtue!
Nonsense.
You've bought my skills, not my body.
I don't give bonuses!
- Keep your voice down! - Why should I?
Please, my lady.
Who is it?
It's me.
Brother Hui Wen.
Greetings.
Let me introduce you.
Brother Hui Wen.
We have met earlier, at the Scripture Hall.
You're lucky that Hui Wen is our friend.
He's the Abbot's second disciple.
And the future Abbot.
You can't be certain of that.
Don't worry.
My words carry some weight with the Abbot.
I'll leave you to your business.
Your support would certainly be invaluable.
Did you receive my letter?
Yes.
It should work.
Did you receive mine?
Yes.
If the succession falls to me,
the scroll is yours.
Agreed.
We business people trade on trust.
I'll sound out the Abbot for you.
But don't be hasty.
General Wang is pressing Hui Tung's case.
The General is a warrior, the Abbot won't heed his advice.
I hope not.
I have to go.
One more thing.
Your concubine may roam around
but she mustn't arouse suspicion.
I understand.
There's someone outside!
"Gold lock"!
Come back here!
Let him go.
Who is he?
That's the famous Master Wu Wai.
What does he do?
He is a Vimalakirti Nirdesa.
What does that mean?
He's a layman,
yet he knows more about Buddhism than most monks.
A Buddhist has such an entourage of women?
He's now impervious to pleasures of the senses.
I don't believe it. He looks like an old lecher.
Mind your tongue! Even the Emperor respects him.
Set it down!
It's wonderful that you are here.
Old Master.
Get up, get up!
Rise.
Esquire Wen!
General Wang, how have you been?
It's been a year since we saw each other.
Master Wu Wai certainly arrives in style.
He must have come here for the succession too.
Perhaps.
Whom do you think will be chosen?
What do you think?
I think it must be Brother Hui Tung.
Well, Hui Tung is certainly a clever man...
Give it to me!
That is food for Master Wu Wai.
I know. Leave it to me.
You may go now.
Who do you have in mind?
My mind is wandering these days.
My old body is failing me.
That is why I was so anxious for your advice.
A Temple of this size is a great responsibility.
If I choose wrongly, there will be ruinous disputes.
I've also invited Wang Chi and Wen An.
If conflict should arise, they can arbitrate.
What are your criteria for the choice?
I have none.
After careful deliberation, I think
it is unimportant whether I choose a layman
or a monk, as long as he is truly enlightened.
Hui Ssu! Bring Master Wu Wai his food.
Brother Hui Tung.
That must be the food for Master Wu Wai.
Let me take it in while you fetch some tea.
When will the ceremony for the succession be held?
In a few days.
There is still one worldly matter to attend to.
A convict has paid a forfeit to become a monk here.
Let's take a rest.
Nobody around. Take it off.
Thank you officer!
Please don't thank me. We've been through a lot together.
- Is this Chiu Ming? - It is.
Here is the Temple document you need.
May I see the Abbot?
The Abbot has asked me to take charge of him.
Make good use of your time here. Goodbye!
Officer!
I can't express my gratitude.
Please don't... Get up!
Kneel!
This is the Abbot. That is Master Wu Wai.
Disciple Chiu Ming pays homage to his teacher.
Who is your teacher?
You are my teacher.
Are you here to be a monk or to evade punishment?
To be a monk.
What was the charge against you?
Theft.
So you did transgress.
I did not. I was wrongly accused.
By whom?
Lieutenant Chang Cheng.
How did this happen?
My brother was a woodblock printer.
My family owned an old edition of
the Diamond Sutra.
Chang Cheng wanted to buy it.
My brother refused him, Chang Cheng accused us of theft.
Please get up.
What happened next?
My brother was beaten to death. I was exiled to the border.
Did you ever meet Chang Cheng?
No.
What would you do if you saw him?
Nothing.
You bear no grudge?
Start by mopping the floor of the Temple.
- Brothers, here are your things. - Let's have them!
Careful now! Don't drop it!
Where's the money?
- It's plenty! - That's enough!
2,5 taels! It's a loss at that price!
Stop!
Wrong again!
You alone, do it again!
Esquire Wen!
General!
I just saw something very strange.
While Master Wu Wai was preaching,
he let his attendants bathe in front of the monks.
Where?
Just behind the hill.
I've never heard of Buddhism
preached like that!
Going a bit far!
Very profound!
I'll go and widen my perspective!
I'll take you there.
- What sect is it? - I don't know.
Gentlemen!
The Abbot would like to see you.
Come this way, please.
Follow me.
- Gentlemen! - Old Master!
Master is sorry he couldn't see you earlier.
He had worldly affairs to deal with yesterday.
He wants to know if you are comfortable here.
Very comfortable.
He says that when his successor is named some disputes may arise.
If they do, will you please mediate?
You can rely on me.
It will be as you wish.
Splendid.
Old Master!
Who do you intend to name as your successor?
Each of them is a Buddha.
As when quicksilver is spilled,
each drop is perfect.
You two helped me much over the years.
Is there anything I can do in return?
I know the Temple owns Tripitaka's scroll.
Might I be permitted to see it?
That is simple.
Is Esquire Wen also interested?
I've long hope to see this unique treasure.
It's not a treasure, just a roll of ragged paper.
It is indeed a priceless treasure!
Extraordinary!
The value of this scroll lies in its meaning.
Of course!
Brother Hui, please lead the way.
Wait a moment!
- What is it? - Come here, have a look!
They're everywhere!
They look like rosary beads!
Why aren't they strung?
Come quickly!
Hurry, pick them up.
Give them to him!
You!
Who are you?
Chiu Ming.
Chiu Ming?
What did you do before?
I was a convict, sentenced to exile.
I have paid a forfeit to become a monk here.
Now that you're a monk, why are you flirting with women?
Please be more careful of what you say!
Damn you!
You dare to lecture me!
This is ridiculous!
Why are you doing?
The hook!
All for that old scroll!
Sit down.
Chiu Ming, don't tell anyone about this.
If others hear, you will suffer for it.
The man who hit you is Lieutenant Chang Cheng.
But you don't need to be afraid.
Kneel down.
I'm appointing you guardian of the Scripture Hall.
I fear the responsibility is too great for me.
Tell me why?
I know that Tripitaka's scroll is kept there.
What if something happened...
That is a worldly view. That old scroll has no value.
Brother Hui Ssu!
Take this ginseng to Master Wu Wai.
Tell him it is a gift from Esquire Wen.
Hui Ssu! I want a word with you.
When did he shave to become a monk?
This morning.
Why did you go up to the Scripture Hall?
He has been made guardian of the Scripture Hall.
A convict in charge of this Hall! What is the zen meaning of that?
I think the Abbot will probably
appoint Hui Ssu.
I'm sure he won't.
Hui Ssu is too young.
Besides you've managed the estate all these years.
No one could do a better job than you.
You shouldn't have said that!
It would be disastrous if Hui Tung overheard us.
Rubbish!
Don't be so foolhardy!
But my way is better.
Listen to me... Wait...
Sir!
Wait a moment, please.
First day, eight month. His Reverence will officiate.
Everyone must attend in front of the Main Hall when the bells sound.
Let us begin.
Your Reverence!
Since I am your good friend,
and also governor of this region,
I must clarify this matter.
Please speak out.
Do you know this man's background?
Please continue.
The accused was a local scoundrel,
convicted of theft and sentenced to exile.
I don't know where he laid hands on his forfeit.
His Reverence knows all this.
He himself shaved the man to admit him.
Reverence,
your meditative life is indifferent to worldly affairs.
You imply that I erred in my judgment?
No, no.
I feared that you didn't know his background.
Let's not dwell on his past.
He has reformed, then he is not my concern.
But he is up to his old tricks!
How is he at fault?
He tried to steal from the Scripture Hall.
Fortunately Chang Cheng thwarted him.
He's making it up!
Your reverence!
His Reverence already has my report of the incident.
General,
may I put a question to the Lieutenant?
Of course.
Lieutenant, how do you know he went there to steal?
I saw him sneak into the Scripture Hall.
I grew suspicious and followed him.
I asked him why he was there, he stuttered and couldn't answer.
I therefore presumed that his intentions were bad.
Lieutenant Chang, you presumed?
He is an officer of the law. Very familiar with characters like this.
Wasn't Chang himself an outlaw
before he joined the service?
Let's not digress.
Chang Cheng tried to interrogate him.
Chiu Ming flared up and knocked him
out of the building.
Chiu Ming! Did you do that?
Yes.
I hear that Chang is a fine martial artist.
Yes, indeed!
How, then, was he knocked out of the building?
This a sacred place, I couldn't violate its peace by fighting him.
Outside,
Chang would have arrested him at once.
Here, it's under
the Abbot’s jurisdiction.
Hui Tung,
what do you think should be done?
By the rules of our temple,
he has transgressed and should be expelled.
In the eyes of the law,
he has struck an officer and should be given to the General.
Hui Wen, what is your opinion?
I have long been guardian of the Scripture Hall.
If Chiu Ming intruded, it is my fault.
I should be held responsible.
However, I wonder
why Chang was there at all?
Let's not discuss that for now.
- Hui Ssu, and you? - Punish him hard!
May I ask Brother Hui Ssu why?
If he isn't, the General won't rest easy.
Take Chiu Ming to the Scripture Hall and bind him.
I think the Abbot
has seen through your strategy.
He is 90 years old. Too senile to see anything.
He's not all senile.
Besides, there was a sting in Wu Wai's words.
This is getting sticky.
Only you and Chiu Ming know what really happened.
Now he's tied up in the Scripture Hall.
You can finish him off.
Jump down!
Why did you untie me?
Esquire Wen told us to. He wants to befriend you.
Won't this go against my teacher's intentions?
No, it won't!
Unwise!
Why?
It won't help to get rid of Chiu Ming!
Besides,
if there's a murder while we're here
it will damage our reputation in the district.
We came here for the Scroll.
Let's not complicate matters!
You're right!
General, I think you should go to the Abbot
and plead with him to release Chiu Ming.
You'll make a good impression.
How can I go back on my words?
Doesn't matter.
So I have to say
"Your Reverence, my anger
"blinded me to the severity of the punishment.
"I regret it now. Can you pardon Chiu Ming?"
General, he deserves his punishment.
He has been bound for several hours. It's enough.
Surely we can release him now?
It's late. General, perhaps you should rest.
Let's discuss it another time.
Please see the General out.
Good night.
- General. - What is it?
Tomorrow, the monks will begin discussions
and their level of awareness will be tested.
Please attend, and give us your advice.
Certainly.
Gentlemen, have you read
the 3 disciples' answers?
They're excellent.
General, what do you think?
Their answers are all very good.
Come over here.
In the last few days, you three have proved
outstanding among the hundreds of monks here.
Any one of you
could bear the responsibilities.
Now his Reverence must
decide between you.
Go to the pond behind the temple.
Each of you fetch a bucket of clear water.
Is the water in your buckets clear?
Hui Tung,
tell me how you got your clear water?
I worked together with my brothers to get it.
Explain your meaning.
Only when many streams
have flowed into the ocean does it reflect the full moon.
And you, Hui Wen?
I filtered the water through a fine gauze.
One must continually expunge worldly thoughts
in order to return to one's true nature.
Hui Ssu?
Things are as they are.
Clear mind, clear water.
Tenth day, eight month.
When the bells sound
assemble in front of the Main Hall
for the Inauguration of the new Abbot.
Hui Ssu!
Come here.
"To avoid disputes,
"the robe has not been passed on
"since the time of the Fifth Patriarch, Hung Jen.
"But I have decided to bestow it on my successor
"as a token of trust. "
Chiu Ming!
Come over here!
Kneel!
From this point, you will be called
Hui Ming.
I entrust the three treasures to your care.
You will uphold
our traditions
and spread Buddha's doctrine. Rise!
Now?
Hui Ming is now our Abbot.
Respect him as you respected the Old Master.
Turn!
Abbot Hui Ming will take his position.
These are the documents of the Temple.
Hui Wen
will clarify any uncertainties.
Here is the Scroll of Tripitaka.
It has attracted much unwelcome attention over years.
Be ready to deal with it.
Tomorrow,
the Old Master will prepare for Nirvana.
We will chant the Amitayur Sutra.
Absurd! Choosing a convict flouts all precedent!
He'll find that
he has me to reckon with!
Please, excuse me.
- I feel sorry for him. - For whom?
All his efforts have come to nothing.
A monk that ambitious is not fit to be an Abbot.
Do you think I should speak to the Old Master?
About what?
To ask him to appoint Hui Tung instead.
On what grounds?
I'll say that as the governor of the region
I cannot agree to the appointment of a convict.
You should do no such thing!
We should try to win over Chiu Ming.
What? He must hate us like poison!
Let me try.
Come over here!
Hui Tung has something to say.
Listen.
What?
Listen to what Hui Tung is saying!
Don't mention this to anyone.
Just lead them to the new Abbot.
Tell him that the food is terrible.
That you can't stand underfed any longer.
Make yourselves a nuisance.
We'll show him what we're made on.
Did anything else happen today?
We captured a smuggler.
He is inside the gate.
Your Reverence!
What is wrong, Lieutenant Chang!
What happened before was a misunderstanding.
I'm sorry
that you suffered because of it.
I have forgotten it already.
I hope you will forget it too.
One more thing. I don't know whether to tell you...
Please speak out.
The food in your temple is not...
How?
It's bad.
The monks are grumbling.
I just heard Hui Tung inciting them
to protest to you about it.
I came here to warn you, so you can prepare...
What does it matter?
- What if this goes too far? - Brother Hui Tung is behind us!
What if he deserts us?
At worst, we can leave the priesthood.
Empty words! How would we make a living?
It doesn't take much to find a bowl of rice-gruel.
If you want to back down, we should give up now.
Your Reverence, we would like to talk to you.
Very well!
- Is it about food? - Yes, it is.
Should we go on?
- You know what our food is like. - Yes, I do.
All we get is rice-gruel, and not much of that!
Every day some of us fall sick.
Not sick! We're starved!
What is happening here?
What are you shouting about?
Silence!
We will find a way to improve the food.
But there are others improvements to be made too.
Besides meditating and reciting sutras,
from now on, all monks will do farm work.
Farm work? That's unheard of for monks!
Be quiet!
Your Reverence, I don't think farming will work.
It will.
We don't know how!
Then you must learn.
From whom?
From me.
Disperse now.
And what about the food?
The food problem must be solved.
You have seen the accounts of the Temple.
Our expenses are heavy, our income is limited.
We cannot afford to spend more on food.
Then we will seek donations.
Donations have always been my responsibility.
Money is scarce these days.
Then we must borrow.
Your Reverence,
to borrow, we need sureties. Unless we ask Esquire Wen...
Splendid, ask him at once.
Your Reverence, about the food...
It will be better from tomorrow.
They are the ones.
They drank wine and ate meat. He has been supplying them.
They were caught in the act this morning.
- How did they pay him? - Hui Wen gave them money.
What are you saying?
They confessed everything.
I told them to secure provisions
not to violate Temple laws!
Hui Tung, what is the usual punishment for this?
For a monk, three months in solitary confinement.
For an outsider, twenty strokes.
You can leave it to me.
Good, but we will alter the procedure.
The monks will level the land around the well
so that we can plant vegetables.
Hand the outsider to the Lieutenant to await trial.
- Your Reverence... - That is settled.
Arrange it at once.
How dare you say such things?
Your Reverence.
Esquire Wen I was intending to talk to you.
I wanted to congratulate you...
No occasions for congratulations.
Esquire Wen,
can you help us to improve the temple food?
I would help if I could,
but I have some difficulties myself.
Can you help us to borrow elsewhere?
Money-lenders need securities...
We can offer the Temple deeds as a security.
But no money-lender would accept Temple deeds!
Why not?
They couldn't sell the Temple if you defaulted!
Is there any other way?
You could use
the Scroll of Tripitaka as security.
What is it worth?
Several tens of thousands taels of silver.
Very well, give Hui Wen a draft for 10,000 taels.
As for the Scroll,
let me think about it.
These two drafts cover 20,000 taels of silver.
One is for the temple,
the other is yours.
Here is the key to the Scripture Hall.
If he changes his mind, follow your original plan.
Madam!
We'll save money if we get it this way!
But how can I account for a murder in the temple?
Leave that to me.
After all,
he is the Abbot!
You go first.
Do you understand now?
Lieutenant, I'm no match for him alone...
Don't worry, I'll be there to back you up.
Go now!
Your Reverence!
Madam?
Hui Tung and Chang Cheng are plotting to kill you!
Madam!
Do not be alarmed.
Apply some ointment to it.
Tonight, you will sleep outside the Scripture Hall.
If anything happens during the night
you will be held responsible.
Go!
Did you see Chang Cheng?
Use the back door. I'll meet you by the river.
By the river...
- General! - Esquire Wen...
Well, this has been an eventful visit...
Indeed it has!
Are you leaving today too?
I must.
I am neglecting my official duties.
Then I'll say goodbye now.
Please don't be formal.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
Chang Cheng!
"White Fox has the scroll. Giving chase.
"Will wait for you by river. "
Where by the river?
- What about Gold lock? - Go!
Chang Cheng?
It's Gold Lock!
Search!
Hurry!
Old man, can you ferry us over?
I'll pay you ten taels of silver!
Twenty then? Alright.
Come on!
Quick!
Wait!
- What is it? - You didn't pay him.
What if he betrays us? I'd better...
That won't do!
Old man! I forgot to pay you!
Come over, come over!
Please stay there...
Esquire Wen!
Hui Wen!
I've told the new Abbot all about our plot.
You've stolen and murdered in the Temple.
What do you propose to do about it?
It was Lieutenant Chang who started the fight.
There's no evidence to prove that.
He was notoriously cruel. His death was long overdue.
Whether he deserved it or not, you're still a murderer.
In this case, what shall I...?
You'd better come and appeal to the Abbot's mercy.
Perhaps he will be lenient.
So my visit has been in vain?
I fear so.
To hell with you!
Esquire Wen!
Don't go that way!
This roll of paper has been
the origin of the Temple's troubles for many years.
Now l am returning it to Tripitaka.
General Wang!
The true value of the Scroll lies in its meaning.
It should be available to all.
The old Abbot has printed many copies of it.
This copy is for you.
Let her come here. I will shave her head.
Come over.
Kneel.
Chant the sutra.
Processed by: C.M.C. - Paris