THE GREEN MOUNTAINS
FUJIMOTO PRODUCTIONS
Based on the Novel by YOJIRO ISHIZAKA
Adapted by TADASHI IMAI TOSHIRO IDE
Produced by SANEZUMI FUJIMOTO
Cinematography by ASAKAZU NAKAI
Production Design by TAKASHI MATSUYAMA
Lighting by SHIGERU MORI
Editing by YOSHIKI NAGASAWA
Music by RYOICHI HATTORI
Starring
SETSUKO HARA MICHIO KOGURE
RYO IKEBE, HAJIME IZU ICHIRO RYUZAKI
SETSUKO WAKAYAMA MITSUE TACHIBANA
KAZUKO YAMAMOTO YOKO SUGI
MASAO MISHIMA EIZO TANAKA
KEIICHI SHIMADA KAMATARI FUJIWARA
ISAO UBUKATA, KUNIO MITA
Directed by TADASHI IMAI
KANEYA HARDWARE STORE
Excuse me.
Welcome. What can I get you?
Well...
Would you like to buy some eggs?
Eggs?
How much?
Five yen each.
That's expensive.
It's not expensive. Usually they're around 20 yen each.
For eggs that you snatched from the hen house ...
... that's pretty expensive.
I didn't steal them.
This morning, my mother didn't have any money on her.
She told me to take these to town so I could buy school supplies.
Then she told you to go see a film and go shopping, right?
My!
Look, I have 20 of them.
I see.
You're year five?
Huh? Yeah.
Do year five girls know how to cook?
Cook?
Make something nice.
Well... some can, and some can't.
And you?
I can. But I don't like to.
That's not a very helpful answer.
But it's true!
Actually...
I'm cooking rice at the moment, but there's nothing to go with it.
I wonder if you could make me something with those eggs.
I'm really hungry.
Isn't anyone home?
No.
My parents are off in the country. I'm alone looking after the place.
I see.
But...
Please. I'm asking you.
In exchange, I'll give you scissors or a frying pan - whatever you like.
Are you a bit of a bad boy?
You could say, all spirited kids are a bit that way.
Taking eggs from home...
...and frying pans from the shop?
Excuse me.
Welcome. What can I get you?
Oh, no!
Something is burning.
Take care of it, OK? Please.
My, my!
The day the willow turns green and the swallows fly in Ginza
Waiting for someone special at the window
Is it the spring sky that's special or is it that place?
Say, are you in high school?
Actually, I should be in university this year.
But I failed.
Oh, you're a drop out?
Your parents must've been angry.
They said it's best not to study so much that I get ill.
Why!
Here's the soup.
Thank you.
What brings you into town on a Sunday?
I had a few things to do.
Mainly to get some cash. And then to see my mother.
Your mother?
I have one mother in town, and one in the countryside.
I have two.
Two? Two mothers?
The mother in town is my real mother.
She couldn't get along with my dad and they separated when I was little.
Hey! Stop staring at me like that.
I'm not staring.
I was just wondering what a kid with two mothers is like.
I'm 160 cm tall and weigh 54 kilos.
My vision is 20/20.
No, I meant inside.
I don't even know that myself.
And...
you'll say something bad, so I won't say it.
I won't say anything bad. Tell me.
You know that fortune teller on the corner?
Oh yeah, the scruffy one.
He's supposed to get it right a lot.
Most of my friends have had their fortunes read.
It's based on your name?
What is your name?
Me?
Shinko Terazawa.
You have not been lucky in terms of family.
You're having a hard time with only one parent.
Generally speaking...
your family name is good, but your given name is bad.
For girls, any name ending with "N" is a bad thing.
To put it simply...
dogs bark "wan" and cats say "nyan."
Foxes say "kon" and swallows cry "chun." It's the same thing.
The "N" has a deep link to animals.
So girls with that kind of name will have a very animal-like energy.
If they get married, they boss their husbands around.
You'd better change it at once.
Thank you.
Oh, hey...
I'm going to see my mother now.
Once I get to know you better, you can come.
But not today. Good-bye.
Red petaled amaryllis
Blooming sweetly in the window
The spring wind is blowing in the breast too
Open buds... flowers of love
Raise your sails on the rough seas
Boat-maiden with sorrowful songs
Oh, Mr. Tanaka.
You were the one playing basketball.
That English teacher really beat me badly.
She used to play for her college.
She was a college player?
The students are all excited about it.
She looks a bit like that actress - I can't remember the name.
Oh? I wonder who.
Don't move.
You're quite the tomboy.
Well...
I heard there's a new teacher from Tokyo who's a bit standoffish
and rather difficult to approach.
The perks of being a doctor...
What?
Nothing.
All finished.
- You're able to walk? - I'll be fine.
Thank you.
If you like, I can give you a ride home on my bike.
- So, it's true! - What is?
The rumor that whenever Dr. Numata sees a pretty woman
he tries to give her a ride on his biycle.
Huh?
I thought you'd already left, Headmaster.
Not yet. So it was you.
You've been giving me these lovely flowers.
Thank you.
We have many blooming in our garden.
I see. But don't your parents tell you off?
No, it's fine.
Is your father the same as usual?
He's still playing go?
Yes, until late last night with Mr. Iguchi.
With our chairman?
Miss Shimazaki.
What's this?
It's from someone I don't know.
The sender line says a girl's name, but the content is from a man.
What?
Miss Shimazaki,
I think someone in the class wrote it.
One of your classmates?
Let's talk over there.
My!
You really think one of your classmates wrote this letter?
It's the kind of things that they're always chatting about.
What kind of things?
It says, "I'm a high school student" twice.
And there's stuff about a love scene from a film.
The same stuff that everyone's excited about at the moment.
This is unacceptable.
So will you do as the letter suggests?
Are you going to wait in the pines at the park at 4 tomorrow?
You think your classmates will be watching to see if you actually go?
Yes, I do.
Miss Terazawa, when you were at the end of your 4th year,
you transferred here, didn't you?
That's right.
I heard that something happened at your previous school.
What was it?
You don't have to answer if it's unpleasant.
I was given a letter by a student who commuted on my train.
And I wrote a reply.
How did you feel about it?
I just wanted to try it out.
What do you think about it now?
Sometimes I think it's nothing.
Sometimes I think I've done something that can't be undone.
Hi. Still here, I see.
Yes.
Please excuse me.
- Anything wrong? - Well actually...
Maybe you could take a look.
Is it still hurting?
No.
I'd like your diagnosis of this letter.
My!
I understand your reaction.
This sort of thing is not surprising, I suppose.
You don't say?
What will you do?
Well, if your diagnosis is correct...
I'll make it a problem for the class to study.
That's a bad idea.
If it was me, I'd say nothing and squash it that way.
My!
But that would be bad for the poor girl on the receiving end.
I think that's just too bad.
You have yet to understand
the kind of environment these kids are living in.
I know there is a new constitution and new laws, but...
Well, let me put it bluntly.
All the girls leave school and get married.
Then they get bullied by their female in-laws.
And their husband will often hit them.
They put up with this life,
and just when they think they've got enough money to have it a bit easier,
their husbands start drinking and chasing other women.
Goodness!
What helps them put up with this sort of life is...
a certain degree of stupidity. That's what they really need.
Please stop.
It's as if you're saying you want to keep this town like that.
It's feudal. Is that what you want?
Is that what it seems to you?
It does.
The more "feudal" their environment is...
the stronger I want my students to be.
And you, living in this old fashioned place -
I wonder what you really think.
Me? Well, I took over from my father as the town doctor.
I'll probably end up marrying a rich farmer's daughter with a dowry.
Good grief.
I'll work and save up to buy myself a PhD
and have an affair with a pretty nurse and cause domestic ructions.
Then I'll become a local politician.
My belly will get fatter and I will gradually become a splendid gentleman.
And having a mistress will add to my dignity.
I think that's about it for my future.
You're unspeakable!
Doctor. Hey, Dr. Numata.
Why are you looking in such a daze?
I was suddenly pun...
"pun ..."? A puncture? I see.
No. It's...
You'll come and see me won't you?
Oh yes. I'd completely forgotten.
You're dreadful. Forgetting your sick patients.
I'm very sorry.
Is she feeling better?
Well, she's very different to me.
Quiet, gentle... and good looks as well.
She's too trusting... too naive.
It's because she's a bit simple that she's been deceived by the likes of Jinzo Iguchi.
I feel sorry for Komako but...
That's what tends to happen in that world you live in.
We don't have to put up with being kicked and trampled you know.
It's awful...
to be in such a terrible position
I understand how you feel...
I would hate to be used in that way...
It's his fault
People in our business are in a weak position. When he glares at us...
we're paralyzed like a frog by a snake.
What a message to the child... bringing pay-off money like this
we can hardly send it back but...
When I see your face I really hate Inoguchi
Let's get back at him somehow.
I'm sorry.
Mistress.
Are you leaving?
You still have some time, don't you?
I'll spend longer when I come next time
Please take good care of Umechan.
I'm glad HE was out
if he'd found me here...
he'd have kicked me out and never allowed me back.
Shall we fall over and make a spectacle of ourselves?
Nothing much has happened recently
Let's give everyone something to enjoy.
I hope you're joking.
I've shown you my Geisha skills - but the pay didn't include the cost of a funeral
Careful.
Please be careful.
I'm a traditional Japanese girl.
I don't like wearing pants and knickers.
Don't talk like that please.
Oh, I'm sorry.
That's good.
I kept that one specially for you.
I owe you a favor.
Dr. Numata.
Yes?
I was really stupid...
I'm sorry to have caused you trouble.
It's no trouble. Anyway, I'm paid for it.
But...
The child won't be damaged in any way, will it?
No, it will be fine.
I'm so glad she's recovered.
At least if she's still alive she can get back at him...
But if you're dead then that's it.
She's been made a total plaything of...
she didn't even know she was pregnant.
That bastard.
I understand how you feel.
But don't brood about it.
Oh yes...
I'm not taking your pulse. It's a welcome back handshake for the resurrected.
Your shirt button's about to come off.
Hang on a moment.
We Geisha always have a needle and thread handy.
You'll get married soon I suppose...
Single men are a bit squalid and lack dignity.
I will take a wife but I'm not sure whether she'll be a Geisha.
Who'd say they'd have you.
By the way...
But a sly old fox like you with all you tricks would be an understandable choice.
You know how to appeal to a girl.
Speaking of women ..
A young woman suddenly hitting a man...
What do you think of that?
This is a bit of a sudden change of topic.
When it comes to hitting...
it's very different depending on the situation.
OK But as a man I...
Oi. Hang on. There's a needle still in.
Calm down.
How about because a man said lots of rude things and really made the girl angry?
But the man was just being honest.
So you were being sensible and
and this made the other person angry?
That sounds rather like you.
Well, what's the answer?
If the man is you then I think there's hope..
Any other ordinary man they would just have taken the blow and there's an end to it.
But you're a bit cheeky making me reply for free.
OK - in exchange I'll come running...
when you have aches and pains.
I want to hit you too.
I'm home.
Welcome home.
You're rather late, aren't you?
I was playing basketball.
Did you hurt yourself again?
Someone did. But not me
It was that pretty new English teacher
Dr. Numata was very kind and gentle and treated her.
I was a bit jealous.
Well, well.
Oh.
I didn't know you were here. You should have said something.
Welcome. And thank you so much for just now.
Hello again.
Sis, Dr. Numata and this Miss Shimasaki, they were talking...
and he said he'd give her a lift behind him on his bicycle.
of course she turned him down flat.
Served him right.
That's quite enough.
But come on. Double-riding on a bicycle in the middle of the town..
It's not exactly proper, is it?
What?
I suppose not.
OK. We'll stop the lesson there...
because there's something different and rather important I want us to think about.
LOOKING BEAUTIFUL
But before we do that...
I'd like to ask your opinions about something.
ROMANCE
Quiet, please!
What do you all think about 'love'?
You're all young and it should be the most important thing for you...
but School always avoids being clear or specific about it.
Today let's have some honest exchange of views about it.
But you shouldn't just whisper to each other.
Stand up and speak clearly.
Miss Fumiko Koyama
Well,...
Love used to be though of as something bad.
But since the defeat it's become something good.
Why did it used to be thought of as bad and yet is now thought to be good?
Because we're not a feudal society any more.
That's a bit of a formal answer.
Can someone be more concrete?
Your brothers and sisters, your cousins and people you know...
There are people who are actually having 'romances'...
How does that feel to you when you see it?
How do you feel about it? Just say honestly.
Anybody?
Miss Nanjo?
Well my cousin is dating at the moment...
I...
I... I think it's really cool.
So you see it positively.
Well, let's think about it about closer to home.
How about for school girls like you?
It's an issue for all of you.
Miss Matsuyama?
Actually, there's recently been...
a letter, purportedly from a school boy, which was sent to Miss Shinko Terazawa.
However, when I looked into it carefully...
It's clear that the real author is one of you...
someone here in this class.
That's what I want to talk about today.
It's a shabby way of 'testing' or 'tempting' someone.
And it's very wrong.
And I want you to fully understand that it's wrong.
Out of your own curiosity and jealousy...
to be so insulting and offensive to someone in this very class...
It's really terrible.
But perhaps it's just my groundless suspicions...
and you know nothing about it?
Miss Shimasaki.
I'm sorry to say this in front of miss Terazawa but I'll speak honestly...
Last Sunday...
She was with a boy from the high school...
They were walking side by side.
They went to the corner fortune teller together...
and had him check to see if they were compatible in love.
and so we...
We...
..we thought it was outrageous, and so, for the honor of the school,
we think she should reconsider her behavior (and apologize)
Did any of you actually see this?
Yes, several girls in the year below saw it.
and, when they parted...
the boy was stood with his mouth open for seven minutes.
He was staring after her as she walked off...
Miss Terazawa, is this true?
Yes. Apart from the fact that we didn't get a love compatibility check.
Otherwise it's all true.
What's he like? This boy?
He's just someone I know.
So there's nothing to feel guilty about?
No, I don't think there is.
But if just walking with a boy is something to feel guilty about...
I suppose it is something to feel guilty over.
You've heard what Miss Terazawa had to say...
Rather than listening to tittle tattle and rumors from younger girls you should...
rather believe your classmates. or so I think anyway.
From now on I'd like you to be a little more accepting...
Walking with a boy or knowing boys...
Is not some immoral act and to think so is very old fashioned.
I'd like you to escape from that kind of thinking.
Dating boys, and being honest about your feelings is perfectly natural.
It's not at all wrong.
I'm sorry, we shouldn't have written the letter...
but you have terribly misunderstood our love for our school and purest of motives...
That's really painful to me.
Miss Noda? Miss Matsuyama?
Was it for the love of the school and the school's honor?
It's a wonderful justification for oppressing your juniors and your own classmates.
To fetter individuals in the name of 'the family' or of 'the nation'
and try force them into a single pattern...
That's been the greatest wrong in Japan.
And as for this letter...
You just didn't consider how much it might hurt or damage Miss Terazawa.
And to believe that you were doing for the honor of the school...
That kind of thinking is idiotic and frankly pathetic.
I don't think all of you seem to have fully understood what I've said yet
but we'll leave it there.
From now on this kind of suspicion and leading people on and making trouble...
You will refrain from it.
That's the end of the class.
Can you believe how mean she was?
She trampled our feelings..
Why need to get her to realize that.
She just took Terazawa's side.
It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter.
Whatever happens...
It's a relief that's over.
For the moment at least.
The best way to enjoy nature is to sit...
even if it isn't the most decorous thing ...
... to sit just like this.
That was pretty awful.
Everything I said to them...
it was like talking to a brick wall and just bounced back.
Because you're involved I am not sure how far to trust you...
Are you a good girl or a bad one?
Show me what you're really like.
I'm sorry.
I have a feeling that worse is still to come for you, Miss Shimazaki.
That doesn't bother me.
I feel that it's a shame and will be tough on you.
We've stirred up a hornet's nest.
I...
I'm going to quit school.
I can't put up with this.
I understand your feelings...
but I will fight as hard as I can over this.
Until it's sorted out I think you should have some time off school.
If I lose on this you can come with m, e and we'll go to Tokyo.
I'll teach English.
You're tall and pretty...
but you don't deem to have any special skills so...
you should be a dancer or something.
Stop teasing.
By the way, can you dance?
I expect so.
OK then. Stand up.
We'll start slow...
One, two, three, four...
Miss Shimazaki!
Poor kid.
You mustn't rely entirely on me. You have to be strong and do it yourself.
What I can perhaps teach you is...
... not to cry, no matter what.
That's all I can teach you.
So, stop crying.
Miss Shimazaki!
There's trouble!
What is it? You're so flustered.
You'll see why. They say you have insulted all the year five students.
They're demanding an apology.
They've sent some reps to the head teacher.
Oh no.
They're all in the classroom crying and shouting.
This is bad. Miss Shimazaki, are you OK about this?
I'm fine.
I feel sorry for the Head teacher though.
Miss Shimazaki, there's a bug on you.
Thank you Kazuko
I've made a decision so I'm really fine.
OK. I'm going home.
If the 5th year's see me here they'll tear me apart.
Don't be silly. They're not as bad as the boys.
I think you're silly. You don't know what they're like.
The senior girls do beat the younger ones, don't they?
Yes, they do.
Every year at graduation...
They call out anyone who they dislike amongst the younger kids...
Good god. Even now, after the war's over and done with?
Yes, they still do it.
They say it's to make them love the school and to purify their emotions...
Well whatever else they love the school.
We should recognize the purity of that emotion and their motives.
Miss Shimazaki's way of doing things...
She's a bit posh and rather naive.
She's too obsessional about it.
No...
She might be something special at that women's university of hers...
But her acting like this is making trouble for us.
In this kind of private school...
It's a bad thing to lose the goodwill of the governors and the parent association.
Well, she is pretty...
and that makes her very popular.
That's what's made her so jumped up.
She's really imperious.
I think...
Terazawa's behavior is a bit questionable for a High School Girl...
And there's no malice on the girls' part either...
Those rather harsh things you said...
Need some interpretation so they can be in effect be rescinded...
Thank you for your concern. But...
They're really stirred up about this.
I in fact feel that this is rather a chance...
... a chance to take this school's deep rooted bad customs and practices...
and thoroughly change them. It's rather that which I would like you to do.
I understand well how you feel.
When I was young I was full of idealism and tried to change things.
But look Miss Shimazaki...
after long experience as a teacher and educator...
I know the difference between idealism and reality all too well.
The realities of society are very complicated...
Even things that you think are bad...
you sometimes just have to leave them as they are.
and if I don't back down on this?
If I say that? Then what happens?
Well if that happens what would you do in my place?
Those who were involved with this faked letter...
and those involved in fanning the flames of this incident should be punished.
I see...
But in that case...
I have a rather different position on this...
You're position is straightforward - it's right or wrong to you.
But in the Head Teacher's position...
Excuse us but...
We want Miss Shimazaki to come to the classroom.
Please excuse me for a moment.
Miss Shimazaki, being a teacher means...
sometimes being a politician. Don't forget that.
I hear you.
I suppose I'd better go and have a quick look at what's happening...
Here she comes. Here she comes.
OK then, I will respond.
I will respond to each point in turn.
This love of the school as you term it...
I see this as a corrupting influence on the school.
That letter was written completely out of jealousy and nastiness.
That's what I firmly believe.
As regards the second point the Head teacher will respond to it.
As for number 3...
I believe that bad traditions should be driven out.
At the moment in this school...
there are far too many bad traditions that are running rampant.
Sorry for intruding...
I would also like to draw your attention to a couple of things...
In this single, short sentence there are no less than 4 mistakes.
If you have anything to say in response to my answer let's hear it.
What's the matter with you lot?
You shouldn't go against your teacher.
I'm sure that you have things to say...
but it's not as easy as that you know, out in the real world.
There was a class that went on strike once...
All those involved had real trouble finding husbands...
No mother-in-law would want that sort of girl...
as a wife for her son, would she.
It would be bad if that were to happen to you, wouldn't it.
So I think you need to leave this to me.
Apologize to Miss Shimazaki...
and she will take back what she said...
and we can all cooperate and make the school a better place.
And together we can work to rebuild a democratic Japan.
Or would you actually prefer to remain unmarried?
It's all my fault.
I'm sorry I caused trouble for you Mr. Tanaka.
I will go to the Head teacher and ask to withdraw from school.
For me...
and for this school which I love so very much and whose name I have besmirched...
I will withdraw from school and apologize.
Miss Matsuyama. Me too. I will do the same.
And me...
Me too...
Come on now girls. There's no need for that.
Thank you.
Well, hello.
Oh. It's you.
You're Shinko aren't you? Unless you changed your name?
I'm not changing it.
You can't trust that sort of fortune teller you know.
There you go.
Thank you.
Excuse me but...
Yes?
Actually I'm in real trouble.
And it's related to you - or at least a teeny bit of it is.
What's all this about then?
Can someone take my place?
There's someone here to see me.
Let's sit down.
What on earth is it?
Oi. Roku.
Yeah...
Here's an iron curtain for you...
Talking with young ladies is thirsty work.
They're pretty mean-spirited, those girls.
I'm rather shocked.
Just because of that day.
The story was that we ended up checking.
Checking our romantic compatibility.
We did WHAT?
That's absolutely untrue.
It gets better. There's more.
When we parted you were staring at me...
For 7 whole minutes with your mouth hanging open.
Is that true?
Stop teasing or I really will get angry.
But I see why you're in such a difficult position.
By the way, is talking to me thirsty work then?
Stop it. You're teasing me.
I'm sorry.
But I have had a really, really horrible time at school. I wanted to die.
When I saw you I suddenly wanted to get you to feel sorry for me...
I'm sorry. I really am.
OK then.
Hey, sempai. Numata-sempai.
What is it?
Do you know each other?
Oh, it's you.
I only visit the school occasionally...
but I remember the kids with special characteristics.
What's her special characteristic?
Well, you see... She...
She's the tallest in the school...
And has the ideal body when she's naked...
What.
It's as I expected.
She's a bit cheeky - like our Miss Shimazaki.
Although she's a girl she went up to a man and...
What? What are you on about?
Nothing. But I suppose...
If you're going to live somewhere like this...
you need to be a bit of a rusty axe...
but she's rather more of a sharpened razor.
The razor cuts better than the axe of course...
But the axe will win in a real fight.
But...
Anyway, I'm heading to the school anyway, as it happens.
Roku.
Get her to play tennis. She'll be pretty good.
See you later.
She's like that girl in the song. (refers to a - then well known? - school song)
Introduce me.
OK
It's fine. Leave it to me.
Ooops.
Gan-chan there is a bit flustered. I wonder why.
OK Last point. Are you ready?
Nice shot
Roku is amazing ...
He's playing a lot better than ever before with her.
It's the list (punning reference to local govt. circular)
You've got to do something.
As the saying has it: "Knowing what is right and not doing it shows a lack of bravery".
We must act.
Anyway at all.
I think I can guess at the dire peril you are in...
I've got nothing stashed away...
Well... if you want indigestion medicine I might have a little something...
Special ration: 1 sheet of nori.
Ganchan.
This is all I've been able to get I'm afraid...
Wow. Thanks.
What on earth is this?
I have a fair maiden as guest in my room and nothing appropriate to serve her...
if you are true gentleman you will chivalrously give me of your best.
Any and all food and drink (other than water) will attract my undying gratitude.
Yours sincerely. Signed Gan
It's awful. Using me as a pretext.
Pretext? You're the guest.
Please eat.
Please. We can't eat anything until our guest does.
It's an odd way to offer it but OK
This is more than enough for me.
It looks utterly withered. You don't half give me some weird stuff.
Candy?
RAT POISON
Looks like someone's plotting to poison us.
Why is that girls are that way?
Pathetic and sad.
Then getting all hysterical and bursting into tears.
But I'm right.
I will not allow them to lay as much as a finger on her.
If you're in the right...
and trying so hard...
Why is your face so pale and why are you so irritated?
When you explain it you're clear and precise...
As precise as a scalpel cut... It's good to hear.
But I wonder if you so pitilessly cornering them in the argument...
isn't actually counterproductive and making them all the more stubborn.
As for the way the students feel...
I think they're actually quite malleable and decent at heart.
but if they get twisted a little they become hard as stone.
It's a sad thing to admit but girls in this rural town...
Are not able to escape from that old-fashioned way of thinking.
Argue with me. Tell me I'm wrong.
Tell you off...?
I really want you to do this, I want you to succeed.
A young teacher sent here in her first teaching appointment...
Any of us, faced with all these things you're now facing...
run into a brick walls.
But everyone lacks the bravery and ends up beaten.
Play me something. Please play.
[here - and previously - the music is Schumann's Carnival]
What. You've come to my house?
We have indeed.
And? What's to do with me?
Yes. We want you to do us a favor and quit school.
We've voted on it.
That's right. We don't want you to sully the honor of our school.
Our whole school is being messed up just because of you.
OK
In which case Miss Matsuyama...
that vulgar letter you sent me: what about that?
You received the letter: it's your problem.
You like that sort of letter... Doesn't she girls?
You're so violent.
Grrr. Grrr.
This is bad.
If we don't do something about this now...
The parents and guardians will be up in arms.
It'll get to the attention of the Chair of the governors and then...
and of course it will get to Mr. Inoguchi.
I expect it's reached him some time ago..
In which case if we all cooperate...
we can stamp on this. It's the only thing to do.
Miss Shimazaki, what do you think?
Well, I don't think it's worth it...
trying to cover it up won't be successful.
You seem very certain.
But what about the students?
They're so stirred up about this...
You've got to feel at least some responsibility for that.
I do feel responsible for it.
But that's not the 'responsibility' you are talking about, is it?
It's a different responsibility that I feel (= I will not resign)
What precisely is the difference?
Why are the students so up in arms?
And what positives can we bring out this?
Let's get that clear.
That is where I believe our and my responsibility as educators lies.
Miss Shimazaki?
I've asked you and so has the head teacher...
why do you think we are doing this?
You're interpretation of this is rather idealistic.
But that kind of immature thinking is not going to work in the real world.
If you think it's going to get sorted out easily you are severely mistaken.
Youngsters do tend to get somewhat passionate about things...
Miss Shimazaki, how about it? Surely you can back down...
Sorry to be late.
The students are all worked up about some trifle, I gather.
So I thought I'd better come along to the meeting.
Thank you so much for coming...
Mr. Tanaka has gone to try and calm them down a bit...
Dr. Numata...
I think that as the school doctor it's not just the physical health of students that's my concern.
I have a lot of responsibility for their mental and psychological state too.
Look, there really is no problem.
If we don't get this right the whole school will be in a mess.
I wouldn't be surprised if there was an explosion of complaints.
I don't know how on earth to deal with them.
When they're this age they are really difficult.
Weeping and needing a man's comforting.
they're already like typical wives.
They're going to be difficult to handle.
Mr. Tanaka.
Listening to the way you're talking it seems that instead of going to calm them down...
you've actually been stirring them up.
What? What did you say?
Are you accusing me of inciting them?
No.
But the effect is going to be that.
And in any case, what do you think about this incident?
You actually agree with the students, don't you?
Please answer the question and in front of Miss Shimazaki.
My view on this...
is that Miss Shimazaki's handling of it has been unfair and not impartial.
We need to get the students on side.
And as for Dr. Numata...
I understand your desire to support Miss Shimazaki but...
I support her because I believe she's right.
By the way... Head teacher...
This fuss is all a ... how can I put it? Like a boil on the skin.
if we squeeze it out it will feel much better.
If you don't treat it properly and deal with it it will get worse.
And the first step is for the school to have a clear position.
If we waver we will be picked apart.
We must act decisively.
"Decisively?" I agree.
I too agree.
Yes, well... errr...
We should have a meeting of parents, guardians and staff to reach a decision, shouldn't we.
I'm very glad that Dr. Numata's concern extends even to our students attitudes...
And for that he has my thanks.
Let's leave it there for today.
Dr. Numata. I hear you were with a geisha on your bike in the main street.
A Geisha....
As an educator...
I think you need to look at your own "attitude".
I am amazed at the speed of the intelligence services.
I did give her a ride. But she's related to a patient of mine.
That's all I have to say however.
Apparently you were all lovey-dovey...
People always exaggerate, as you know.
And each teller adds a bit more...
Just to satisfy their own prurient curiosity.
Your "curiosity" seems to be very satisfied.
He's thrown down the challenge...
... now it will be a real battle.
I'm sorry to have got you involved in this.
It's fine.
Let's fight as hard as we can.
This is my town.
I can't look and do nothing while these old fashioned attitudes last.
Thank you.
As for yesterday...
I'm sorry about that. I...
That really hurt. And it really worked. I deserved it.
I...
Let's fight this together.
What is it? What's wrong?
Miss Shimazaki. There's trouble.
The 5th years have gone to ask for support from some of the influential parents.
Influential parents?
Yes, ones who know the chair of the governors...
That will be Mr. Akaushi or Mr Tanzo Inoguchi
Inoguchi is really nasty. He's the one who was so horrible to my sister.
Should I breath in deeply?
Now my back I suppose. Here you go.
And again?
Miss Shimazaki.
Fight them.
Thank you.
I've not got the energy any more but...
but you're still young...
and your future is still to come.
You must stick to your beliefs..
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Miss Sasai?
I think you'll find you can stop pretending to be examined by Dr. Numata now.
I've finished. Thank you.
My diagnosis of her condition...
is that she has considerable acting skill.
Sorry to have disturbed you. Goodbye.
That was a shock.
She's a good person.
I think everyone has those feelings - at least dormantly...
our job is to act to awaken them.
OK. I'm going home. Goodbye.
Goodbye - and thank you.
Shall we go too?
Come to my place and we can make plan our strategy.
Thank you - but please go ahead of me.
We don't want to cause rumors, do we?
We cannot think like that.
Worrying about gossip is a retreat from your beliefs.
Dr. Numata, be nice to Miss Shimazaki please.
She's surprisingly delicate.
Anyway, let's go home. If you like I'll give you a ride on my bicycle.
You do seem to like giving people rides on it.
Is she pretty? That Geisha.
Well... she's a bit of a character.
Perhaps the ideal Japanese woman... or maybe not.
I think it's stupid.
You expect me to go and work at Akauchi's party?
I think the mistress will work everything out.
Of course she would...
which is why we aren't telling her.
I "accidentally " forget to tell her...
But whether or not I can cope with it...
Think how I feel. I have to see Komako crying all the time.
It's horrible.
I was very careless I admit.
But it was for Mr. Matsuyama and Mr. Ii...
If we lose their business she'll be angry.
ahhhh.
hana-chan, what's the matter?
That Mr. Hagi... He's really drunk...
He was chewing on my wig.
Hana-chan.
You shouldn't tease him so much.
I'm sorry.
Look, at the end. of your visit ..
... just pop your head in and say hello...
I'll make sure someone comes in with a message and you will have a an excuse to leave...
They're not very bright or sophisticated, that bunch.
Have some more.
You too...
OK - just a bit.
Please allow me...
Thank you for coming for my daughter's sake...
I'm sorry it has been such trouble for you...
I m terribly sorry to ask this but...
it's fine if it's for your daughter...
Asako has done nothing wrong.
It's this jumped up and uncontrollable young Miss Shimazaki...
The perfect example of an arrogant modern girl...
It was that PE teacher and the really dirty-minded one...
All the villains from that part of town.
God I hate being a geisha sometimes.
What else happened?
What do you mean?
Was that all?
Yes.
There's nothing for it...
This is not good...
That Dr. Numata you fancy... he's coming soon, isn't he?
Ah, the slim (attractive) one...
Nice try but I'm going anyway.
I'd better get going.
Hang on a moment...
But being here when Akaushi is here...
Buuuut...
They may be talking about something dodgy...
I've changed my mind.
When are you going to hold this special parents meeting?
Don't worry the governors' meeting will have already sorted most things out...
It's all in hand.
What about the newspapers?
I have already sorted that out. I'm leaving nothing to chance.
Good evening...
Hello.
Mr. Tanaka. Long time no see.
Don't make me feel bad.
Take a good look at me since it's been so long.
She was saying how really pleased she was that you came...
It's been so long I thought I had been "purged".
That's not funny.
Please eat.
You've been nasty to those girls at the school I hear...
making them run barefoot in the snow for a long time.
And making them work hard doing Naginata (Japanese martial art/exercise with long wooden staves)
Really?
She's giving you a hard time.
When a woman tease you like that it means she likes you...
Women have become a bit too cheeky if you ask me.
The way I speak...
hasn't changed at all.
Fawning in one way during the war and in another way now...
is disgraceful and not something that I would do...
It's a bit "loose" eh.
Speaking of which I hear that at school...
that woman teacher Shimazaki is giving you a hard time...
That's not quite the case...
behind her there's someone else - trying it on with her...
and urging her on.
That quack Numata.
The horny little bastard.
Is she pretty, this Shimazaki?
Well, I suppose...
Okamoto certainly thinks so ...
Elegant and beautiful.
Yes, I guess we must admit that.
Be careful what you say.
Poor Ume-chan won't like to hear it...
Hear what?
Don't pretend not to know.
When that quack's name is mentioned you blush.
His father was a quack too - and stubborn
That kid of his needs to be slapped down or he'll be trouble.
How dare he defy me of all people.
What? What is it?
I have no idea what you're talking about.
What? Don't be ridiculous.
What... Miss Shimazaki?
Beautiful?
You'd better be careful what you do.
I've always given you a break for your father's sake...
Hmmm...
You're too ambitious...
What did you call me? A quack?
I see. OK.
Right.
I don't know. I don't care.
I'll do what the hell I like. You can do what you want.
What? What..
Fuck you.
It's getting pretty heated.
That was from Akaushi, wasn't it?
Our enemies seem to be out drinking somewhere.
They threatened me and told me to stay out of it.
To have you involved in a kids' quarrel is a bit...
and to have the town's most powerful man against you...
This is going to make waves throughout the town.
I...
Miss Terazawa. You should not feel responsible for this.
The problem isn't yours now.
It's turned into a more general issue.
OK?
Good evening.
Well, well,. What strange creature is this?
Oh. Come round to the door.
You look very nice in that.
What on earth is that thing on your head?
Your ribbon seems to have wandered off for a stroll.
Stop it.
You may be a good doctor...
But patients don't come because you say such horrible things.
That's a fine thing to say to me.
All these kids that Miss Shimazaki's influenced are a bit of a handful.
Did you come with some news?
I did indeed.
But who are all these people?
They're all on our side.
Well introduce me properly then.
You're a full member of the gang I suppose so...
Too right I am.
Allow me to introduce Yasukichi Tomonaga
and Rokusuke Kanaya
I'm Kazuko, Kazuko Sesai.
I'm Miss Shimazaki's spy.
Look what's fallen into my hands.
This is tomorrow's newspaper - fresh off the presses.
What's this?
Maidens in Uniform - protests about democracy in the school
Democratization in schools since the war...
... passionate insistence from the students themselves...
all over the country...
Even at a certain girls' high school in our own city...
attempts to change traditional practices...
despite tremendous pressures put on them by a certain female teacher...
That's ridiculous. It's completely the opposite.
This much talked up so-called democratization...
... half of it is about this level if you look hard at it.
Roku, Tominaga. Do you think you can act?
What?
Gan-chan here is pretty damn good at acting.
He did Gorky's The Lower Depths at our School drama festival.
I played the pilgrim Uncle Luka...
That's brilliant. We can rely on you then I think.
What I want you to do is...
at some point there will be a governors' meeting.
And the outcome of all this will be largely decided at that meeting.
I need the two of you...
to somehow qualify as parents or guardians in order to attend.
But we have no connections to anyone ... its impossible. s
Completely impossible.
I don't m, ind your lack of connection.
You'll be there representing someone or other who is unable to attend...
I'll check and sort that out.
you just turn up as the representative of "what's her face".
I'll lend you a suit for the meeting so you look the part.
That's a hard role to play.
It's for the democratization of our town.
It's fair enough to suffer a bit for a greater cause.
A parent meeting is not a big deal.
Well, if you're really sure... I'll give it a go.
Do I just have to sit there and say nothing?
NO, you have an important role to play.
Before the discussion starts I want you to say a few general things.
Such as?
That in your opinion these events...
clearly expose the residual feudalism of rural Japan...
and therefore, this time we must thoroughly...
... once and for all reform these ways of thinking and behaving.
But I want you to use as difficult, academic and abstract language as you can.
I'd like you to waffle on.
That will provide a smokescreen and also what they call 'suppressing fire".
I see...
Threatening them and wrapping them up in a fog of words at same time... Nice one.
Go for Gan-chan.
It's too big a role for me.
Look at this one...
Kazuko. You mustn't sleep.
You should go home.
Yes, you should go home and get to bed. I'll get someone to take you home.
Well... OK I suppose...
But in other countries if a lady is going to walk at night...
a man should accompany here I hear.
I'll take you. I insist.
I can't let a lady go home alone in the dark.
As a democratic Japanese gentleman I must...
You may be a gentleman or a wolf.
But in any case I am quite happy to go on my own.
There's no danger in this town.
Oi, hang on. Wait.
It's a dog. I'm scared.
I'm scared.
You're quite tall...
and I'm only this big...
Meaning?
You can give me a piggy-back, can't you?
Well yes, I suppose so...
It's a call from over in Higashi...
someone's been taken ill suddenly and they've sent someone to fetch you...
Oh shit. Tell them I'm out.
As you had guests I already did.
I told them you were out but...
You're hopeless.
In the training programmes for nurses...
we need a course on how to handle and refuse callers when the doctor is indisposed.
I'll go and refuse myself.
You can't do that.
You wanted the doctor?
Yes.
Unfortunately he's not here.
You can't... That's not true.
This is the doctor.
Don't worry he will be there.
What's wrong with the patient?
Thanks Missus...
I'm not the missus ...
If you've come in from Higashi there were several doctors much closer.
Why come to me?
Well you see...
Grandma asked the fortune teller...
and the fortune teller had visions and said go to the town...
a great tree stands before a doctor's house - that's the one you want...
she had a revelation form the spirits.
The spirits, eh?
I'll take you home.
And I'm going to your house too.
Why?
I want to show your parents that there's nothing dodgy going on. I want to reassure them.
But I don't really know how to do this appropriately...
I don't need any formality.
To my parents the main thing is not to put on airs and graces...
a natural, cheerful impression will be the best kind of "appropriateness".
So if you just sit yourself down...
and eat your fill of a proper meal...
my mother would jump for joy.
You're kidding.
Oi, pops. You're from Higashi, aren't you?
What? Err, yes.
Did the doctor say he'd come straight away?
Yes, he did.
Did he now. Good, good.
Next question: Can I move on my own?
Yes, you can.
You know you're an animal not a manufactured product.
Of course you can move...
That was a silly question. You've wasted a guess.
I see... .so in that case...
This is your 17th question.
You've only got three more goes left.
OK - do I cry?
Yes, but you're not a dog.
I've no idea. OK am I something to eat?
That's a sneaky question.
You could be eaten if someone has a mind to...
but I would think it such a pity so I wouldn't want to eat you...
OK...
That's 20 questions. It seems you're beaten.
I'll tell you the answer.
You're a chick.
A chick? Ah, I see...
In which case let's have chicken and rice.
You're dreadful.
At your dormitory is it always not quite enough food to go around?
Yes, that's right.
We supplement the rations with what we can grow in the school allotments but...
That's a shame when you're all growing boys.
What is the government thinking?
The chicks will be eaten... what a pity.
Wait. Wait.
God you're persistent.
Careful.
Excuse us.
I'll push you over...
Come here ..
Eh? is that Kazuko?
Eh?
Hi sis, did you come to meet me?
Whaa... who is this?
Ah it's Mr. Tanaka? It's my teacher.
Good morning Mr. Tanaka.
Morning? I think you're confused.
Sill me. Good evening.
It's Kazuko Sasai from year one.
You're so drunk you don't recognize me.
Right, what should we do...
You're not very well behaved when you've been drinking are you.
Ah... Err Good morning.
I mean good evening...
And err... Good night.
Be careful on your way home...
Thank you. You too.
The scariest thing at night is the drunks.
Bye bye.
Bye-bye
Sis, we're on our way from Dr. Numata's...
I got this gentleman to see me home.
Thank you so much. And for me too.
I'm Tominaga...
You really saved me.
I'm utterly worn out.
Let me have a rest for a moment.
Your meeting with Dr Numata... is everything OK?
I was at Akaushi's party in the Inn...
He was whispering with Mr. Iguchi...
They were definitely plotting something.
They said there will be a board meeting before the parent one...
Ah, about that parent meeting...
I'm going to be there as a parent representative ..
You'll be there too, won't you?
Me?
Please. You must attend.
But for a Geisha to go to the management board is unheard of...
It will help neutralize that horrible Mr. Tanaka we just met.
It will be 100% effective.
You are the most proper and upright guardian of young Kazuko here.
But that sort of meeting is not really my...
I've never been to anything like that.
It will be really hard.
It's for the democratization of our little town.
It's worth a little bit of pain.
In comparison to that... It's just a girls' school meeting.
Dr. Numata said he'll be scared on his own...
Is that right?
How about it? A moonlight bicycle ride together...
It's about 20 minutes each way by bicycle...
it's really pleasant.
Maybe next time.
if you were the doctor's new wife...
you'd not drive him out on a night like this...
No. I'd always make sure he went to see to his patients.
Arghhh. You're impossible.
Do be careful and travel safely.
The moonlight is so silvery...
It's so beautiful, it's almost scary.
If you stare directly at the moon's surface...
you can imagine how it must've been for our primitive ancestors.
Primitive?
When fear and joy and sadness were all extremely simple.
Without all this...
all these social customs and appropriateness and politeness
all that stress disappears.
And you could act on the impulse of the moment...
A world without good or evil.
When I look at the moon, I think about my distant ancestors
and their simple feelings. I feel them awakened in me.
Or at least I kind of feel so.
But Rokusuke, don't you think
we live in today's world.
We can't allow ourselves those primitive feelings.
We'd be no different from animals if we did that.
I suppose so.
But then I must live my life proudly...
so that I can be proud to be human.
"Human"? "Live proudly"?
Stop!
Hold him down!
Bastard!
Good night. Be good!
Hello? Hello? What?
This is Dr. Numata's clinic.
Hello? Hello?
END OF PART ONE (SHINKO'S TALE)