A DAIEI PRODUCTION
UGETSU
From Tales of Moonlight and Rain by Akinari Ueda
Produced by MASAICHI NAGATA
Screenplay by
MATSUTARO KAWAGUCHI YOSHITAKA YODA
Cinematography by KAZUO MIYAGAWA
Art Direction by KISAKU ITO Music by FUMIO HAYASAKA
Starring
MACHIKO KYO, MITSUKO MITO KINUYO TANAKA
MASAYUKI MORI SAKAE OZAWA
SUGISAKU AOYAMA RYOSUKE KAGAWA, KIKUE MORI
ICHISABURO SAWAMURA
Directed by KENJI MIZOGUCHI
Akinari Ueda's Tales of Moonlight and Rain
continues to enchant modern readers with its mysterious fantasies.
This film is a new refashioning of those fantasies.
EARLY SPRING, 16TH CENTURY A PERIOD OF CIVIL WAR
LAKE BIWA IN OMI PROVINCE
What could that be?
They must be executing Shibata's spies.
I need to sell all this before the fighting starts.
- Can you sell it in Nagahama? - Yes.
I hear business is booming there since Hashiba's forces arrived.
- Can't I go with you? - No, no women.
No telling what lawless soldiers are capable of.
Besides, you have to stay and take care of little Genichi.
Go if you must!
Some samurai you'll make! Crazy fool!
How high can a man rise without big dreams?
Ambition must be boundless as the ocean.
Dreamer! You can't even handle a sword.
Stick to your trade or you'll regret it.
Just wait till I'm rich.
I swear by the god of war: I'm tired of being poor.
Genjuro, please take me with you.
Still at it? Forget your foolish dreams.
- Let me pull the cart. - Stop it, you fool!
He's delusional.
Thinks a big future awaits him in Nagahama.
What a nuisance!
Miyagi, I'm off.
They're too greedy for their own good.
Not just Tobei. Genjuro too.
Quick profits made in chaotic times never last.
A little money inflames men's greed.
They'd do better to prepare for the coming war.
You tell Genjuro that when he returns.
Thank you for your advice.
Daddy's back!
Welcome home.
Here.
Look at this!
- What's this? - What do you think?
You got that for your wares?
Just feel it.
Never seen so much, have you? I hurried back to show you.
That's what I call trade! Now you understand?
What about Tobei?
He saw a fine samurai in town.
I tried to stop him, but he followed the samurai.
I beg of you, sir!
Let me be your vassal!
I'll serve you faithfully unto death!
Accept a beggar as a vassal?
Get some armor first!
- Armor and a spear! - Get lost, beggar!
Then can I be a samurai?
You again?
Get yourself armor and a spear!
You look so nice! Happy now?
Yes, very nice.
It's like the Bon festival and New Year's rolled into one.
For years I've wanted to buy you a kimono,
but I couldn't afford it.
Now I finally can!
What do you think? You look happy.
It's not the kimono
but your kindness that makes me happy.
I need nothing else as long as you're with me.
Look.
Dried fish, oil, flour, arrowroot, and rice cakes.
Money is everything.
Without it life is hard...
and hope dies.
Well, Daddy has to work.
Up we go.
I'll earn even more.
I'll make all the pottery I can.
That last small batch brought in three silver coins.
That's enough now. We have plenty of money.
The village chief says
Shibata's troops could be here by tomorrow.
We should be cautious.
Nonsense! War's good for business.
Look how much I made!
You were fortunate once. You may not be next time.
If anything happened to you -
Stop imagining the worst.
Ah, Ohama.
Genjuro.
Don't worry.
No samurai would hire a peasant dressed in rags.
Don't worry. He'll be back.
Have something to drink.
Fool!
Have you come to your senses?
You look like a beggar!
You've become the village idiot!
Keep it turning.
Get him out of here! He's in the way.
We won't make it if we don't hurry.
Stay out of the way. Go sit down.
Mommy, I'm hungry.
What a pest!
Come on, just a few more turns.
You're a different man now.
Always so irritable.
I just want us to work in peace as husband and wife...
and for the three of us to live happily together.
That's all I wish for.
You really worked hard this time.
I have a plan, that's why.
Let's sell this new batch in Nagahama. We'll make a fortune.
Will I get a share?
Of course. A third of all we sell.
I can't wait to get my hands on that money.
I've never seen those two work so hard.
They've thrown everything into this kiln:
their strength, their souls, everything.
What will become of them if they fail?
Living together as a happy family is enough for me.
But he insists on taking this risk.
Men just won't listen.
He was always so level-headed before.
War certainly changes people.
At least they're trying to bring in some money.
What's that?
Wake up, dear!
The rumor was true. Must be Shibata's troops!
See anything, Tobei?
The villagers are scattering like spiders!
- What shall we do? - We have to keep the kiln burning.
I'll be damned if I'll let that fire go out.
They're pillaging houses and rounding up men.
Genichi!
It's Shibata's army! Hurry, run!
Wait!
We're taking men for forced labor!
Don't try to resist!
This is terrible!
Run for your lives! Shibata's troops!
They're stealing everything! Hide your rice and valuables!
Don't let them get your women!
They're taking all men into forced labor.
What a pack of wolves!
If only they'd waited one more night!
Hurry, let's run! It's too dangerous here.
Hurry!
If we lose this batch, I lose my share of the profits!
You'll lose your life for that kiln!
Come now, quickly!
Boil some rice. We'll need it in the mountains.
Ohama, quick!
Mother!
Trying to hide, eh?
Come out of there!
Help!
Please don't take them or we'll starve!
We're begging you!
Out of my way!
Out of the way, fool!
It's ready.
Thank you.
Hurry and eat.
What happened to Tobei?
What a hopeless fool.
Have you seen my husband?
No, I haven't.
Who's there?
It's really quieted down.
The guns are almost silent.
Genjuro, where are you going?
It's too dangerous. Wait till the soldiers leave.
It's best to wait.
I can't wait! I have to go!
- Please don't! - I can't let the fire go out!
Forget the kiln! What if you're caught?
The fire!
We can always make more pottery.
Silence! I can't let that batch be ruined.
Damn it! The fire's gone out!
Genjuro!
Too late.
The fire's gone out.
Damn, it's empty!
What is it?
- Is someone inside? - Could be something hidden in there.
Check and make sure.
Nothing but pots.
Let's go.
They're done!
Look! They're baked!
Thank goodness they're done!
They're done!
Are they done?
Yes, they are! And very nicely, too.
Hurry and load them up.
So we're off to Nagahama?
Impossible now. We'll row across the lake.
Ohama's a boatman's daughter.
You do the rowing, okay?
Can we get to the lake safely?
We'll take a shortcut to Onoe.
Where will we find a boat?
There are always abandoned boats there.
Hurry, let's unload the kiln.
In the waters of Azuchi
A little boat floats along
All are asleep
Slumped over the rudder
The fog is thick. Be careful.
Genichi, this is the lake. Isn't it pretty?
We're finally out of danger.
It's good we went by boat.
On foot, we'd probably be dead by now.
We'll reach Omizo by morning.
That's where Lord Niwa has his castle.
It's even more prosperous than Nagahama.
You and I will be rich men,
and our wives will be wealthy women.
I'll build a warehouse in our village.
And I'll buy a suit of armor.
This world is a temporary abode
Where we weep until the dawn comes Pitched by the waves
It's a boat.
A ghost of the lake!
No...
I'm not a ghost.
I'm a boatman from Kaizu.
I was on my way to Azuchi with my cargo...
when I was overtaken by pirates.
Water.
Some water!
Thank you.
Wherever you're headed...
watch out for pirates.
If they see you,
you'll lose your cargo and your lives.
Watch out for your women.
Your women!
Merciful Buddha.
Buddha have mercy on his soul.
Let's turn back. This is a bad omen.
Let's take the women back to shore. We'll continue on alone.
Please don't go.
I'm going too, to keep on eye on Tobei.
- They kidnap women. - I'll take my chances.
I'll go wherever you go. Please take me with you.
- You must look after Genichi. - Please, take me along!
Ohama, take us back to shore. Quickly!
We'll be back when we have the money.
We'll return within ten days. Wait for us.
Don't try to fight if pirates overtake you.
I know. Don't take the main road.
Remember: Take the mountain path.
And don't go home right away. Understand?
These misfortunes won't last. Be patient.
Tobei, Ohama - please look after him.
Don't worry. We'll be back soon.
Take good care of Genichi.
You'll be surprised at all the silver we bring back.
Daddy!
Please be careful!
Come back safe and sound!
- Daddy! - Be careful!
Daddy!
I'll take that vase.
This one?
And that sake jar and those cups.
And those rice bowls, plates, and pots.
Rice bowls, plates, and pots.
We live at Kutsuki Manor. Please deliver them there.
We will pay you then.
Thank you.
- The castle guard! - Make way!
Don't look! You'll get crazy ideas!
Quiet!
With armor I could be a samurai.
Sword... spear... armor.
Don't throw away our hard-earned money.
- Leave me alone, idiot! - Stop him!
Let me go! I'll be a great samurai next time we meet!
Please stop him!
Tobei!
She's gone.
- May I help you? - A suit of armor.
Do I look like a samurai?
Yes, and a fine one.
But you need a spear.
I'll take one!
Here you are.
How much?
One silver piece.
Pretty, isn't she?
What are you doing?
Damn you!
Murderers!
Here's some money for you.
Fool!
Look what's become of me.
Satisfied now, seeing your wife reduced to this?
What do you care? You're so happy to be a samurai.
Tobei, you wretched fool!
You big fool!
Would you watch over my stall until my partners return?
They should be back soon. Thank you.
Sir, how much is one of those?
Are you looking to buy?
Depends on the price.
They're too luxurious for the wife of a man like you.
I've got money.
Excuse me.
We thought you might need a guide to find the way.
You're very kind.
Follow us.
Please come in.
Thank you, but I should be going.
Lady Wakasa is waiting.
Please step inside.
Are you referring to the young lady?
Yes, daughter of the late Lord Kutsuki.
Now please come in. No need to be shy.
Thank you.
Come in.
Please, this way.
You are Master Genjuro of Omi province, are you not?
How does my lady know my name?
When I saw your ceramics at the market...
I could hardly believe my eyes.
The blue glaze gleamed
like crystal.
My father taught me
a certain appreciation for such things.
I wanted to meet you
to ask how you manage to create such beautiful objects.
Is it perhaps a secret not meant for outsiders?
No, there's no special secret.
But it takes many years' experience
to handle the clay and apply the glaze.
The fruit of experience is beauty,
but only a master craftsman can create such beauty.
Thank you, my lady.
Aren't these my wares?
I wanted to taste sake from your cups.
You're fortunate, my little ones, to catch this noble lady's eye.
I'm a farmer, so the pottery is just a sideline.
But I feel for my creations as if they were my own children.
That such a noble lady would look kindly on them
is a great honor.
To see them in such a grand residence...
graced by the touch of so beautiful a lady...
is a dream come true.
Not at all.
They must be saddened by the touch
of one fallen on hard times such as myself.
Please, have a cup.
My wares have never looked so beautiful.
The value of people and things truly depends on their setting.
My wares must be at a loss to find themselves in such a noble manor.
Your talent must not be hidden away in some poor, remote village.
You must deepen and enrich your gift.
How might I do so?
By swearing your love for Lady Wakasa
and marrying her at once.
The finest silk
Of choicest hue
May change and fade away
As would my life
Beloved one
If thou shouldst prove untrue
Our vow to love
For a thousand years
Is sealed with this cup
His voice sounds so pleased!
That's the voice of my late father.
Because of Nobunaga Oda,
that detestable Nobunaga Oda,
the House of Kutsuki was wiped out.
The only survivors were Lady Wakasa
and myself, her nurse.
But the spirit of the late daimyo lingers in the palace
and sings like this every time my lady dances.
Is it not a splendid voice?
He's delighted at my lady's impending marriage.
Whenever I hear his voice -
It's too early to rise. Please sleep as long as you like.
What am I doing here?
What a thing to say...
as if you'd forgotten everything.
Is my lord awake?
Lead your husband by the hand to the spring and bathe him.
I won't intrude.
You seem to distrust me.
You think I'm an enchantress...
don't you?
But you're mine now.
From now on...
you must devote your whole life to me.
Love
Has driven me mad
Even if you are a ghost or enchantress,
I'll never let you go.
I never imagined such pleasures existed.
This is exquisite!
It's paradise!
Help me!
Somebody please help!
Someone help me!
See any food?
Quick!
Pull yourself together. Come with me.
Come quickly!
Take these rice cakes, and this too.
Thank you. I'll never forget your kindness.
You'll be all right if you take the back road.
To the left.
Be careful.
It's mine!
You got any food?
We're starving to death.
That food's for my son.
Please don't take it!
Behead me!
I've brought you a head! A general's head!
What is it?
Please look at this!
You found the head of a great general.
No, I didn't find it.
I killed him with my spear!
Who would believe a great warrior like Katsuhige Fuwa
would let a mere foot soldier kill him?
A lucky find, but you will be rewarded all the same.
What would you like?
A horse, armor, and vassals.
Very well. You will have them.
Thank you, my lord!
A clever one, aren't you?
He has got the air of a great samurai!
What clan does he belong to?
He killed Fuwa, the great general.
What's his name?
Tobei of Nakanogo, Lord Niwa's top man.
Pay homage, that you may be so lucky.
Beautiful girls are waiting for samurai.
We have the finest sake and fish.
I can't let you pass.
Come look. We have beautiful girls inside.
What's all this about?
Chief, let's rest here.
No, I'm returning directly home.
There's someone waiting. She must see me in all my glory.
Chief, be generous. Let us celebrate your triumph.
Your men are looking forward to it.
I see. Very well.
I, Tobei Nakanogo of Lord Niwa's army, will rest here.
Prepare some tables.
He'll rest here. Show your gratitude.
Thank you.
Make way!
Clear the way for Master Tobei!
Welcome.
- Which one is this Tobei? - Over there.
Him?
I heard of his great exploits.
May I drink from your cup, sir, that good fortune may rub off on me?
Me too!
How did you manage to kill such a great warrior?
Yes, tell us so we may do as you did!
A guide for future action!
There's nothing much to tell.
You need brains. You need knowledge.
A strong arm.
Skill in battle.
Martial artistry.
Speed to seize the moment.
The ability to see life in perspective.
Then you'll be wise as Kongming, the Chinese strategist.
But above all, keep a clear, discerning mind.
Got that? - Indeed.
For military tactics, study the Kusunoki and Koshu schools.
For firearms, learn from the Kanamaru school.
For the spear, study the Otsubo school.
Next you need to know fortifications and fortresses.
Then defensive tactics,
V-formations and the like.
Hey!
My money!
Let me go!
Crazy bitch!
Stop him! Where do you think you're going?
Let go of me!
Trying to run off like a thief!
I don't have money for wenches like you!
Scoundrel! Making a plaything of me.
This will do just fine.
Ohama!
So you're a great man now.
Finally became the samurai of your dreams, eh?
While you've made your way to the top,
I've made a name for myself too.
In my fancy kimonos and makeup,
drinking fine sake,
I bed a different man every night.
Some success for a woman, isn't it?
You must be pleased. This is what you always wanted.
Success always comes with a price in suffering.
Your wife may be fallen,
but your success wipes the slate clean.
Come!
Be my customer tonight and we'll celebrate.
Buy this fallen woman with the money your exploits earned you!
Without you, my success means nothing.
That's a lie!
My fate meant nothing, as long as you became a samurai.
No, you're wrong.
I thought you'd be proud if I made good.
I never dreamed you'd be brought to this.
I'm a defiled woman.
And you're to blame.
Can you restore my honor? - I can.
- Otherwise I've no choice but to die! - I can!
I swear I'll restore your honor.
How many times I've wanted to die,
but I had to see you first!
I hated myself for it...
but I couldn't die without seeing you first!
This...
and this.
I don't quite have enough. Could you lower the price?
In that case, I'll take this back.
I wanted that one.
Come to Kutsuki Manor and I'll pay you the rest.
- Kutsuki Manor? - Yes, at the foot of the mountain.
Take it all and go away!
Keep your money too. Just go!
Wait.
Yes, your worship?
I see something terrible. An ill omen.
What is it?
Let me look closely at your face.
- Mine, sir? - Yes, yours.
We can't talk here.
Follow me.
The shadow of death is upon your face.
Have you not come across some strange creature?
No, not really.
Have you no home, no family?
If others depend on you, return to them at once.
If you stay here any longer, you will die.
Return home quickly.
But why?
Do not ask why. Your life is at stake.
I spend my days happily
with Lady Wakasa at Kutsuki Manor.
- She's a spirit from the dead. - Nonsense.
This love of yours is forbidden.
Do you not love your wife and child?
Would you forsake your life and abandon them too?
Wait.
Go then, if you must.
But I cannot let you walk into the jaws of death.
I will exorcise this ghost.
Come.
When you realize how horrible this spirit is,
you'll come to your senses.
How beautiful!
Such lovely jewels!
You've made me so happy!
Most thoughtful of you!
I'm so relieved.
You were so late in returning
that I grew terribly worried.
You look troubled.
What has happened?
What is it?
You must not leave here again.
Since the fall of our clan,
people treat us with contempt
and slander our name.
What a wretched world!
Genjuro...
I want you never to leave my side.
Let's leave this manor and return to my native land.
Genjuro...
you are my husband for life.
Won't you come with me?
Forgive me!
I've been -
I've been lying to you.
I have a wife and child.
I left them back home in the chaos of the war.
Please forget about all that.
Please let me go home!
No!
You may not return.
Come with me to my native land.
Quickly.
What is it?
He has something on his skin!
His skin?
Genjuro, did you -
Did you -
Wash away the writing on your skin!
Why did you wed her if you were already married?
How could I have made such a terrible mistake!
A mistake for a man perhaps, but for a woman, far worse.
Please forgive me. Let me go home.
Certainly not!
Wipe off those Sanskrit characters,
those prayers to Buddha, that curse,
or we will never forgive you!
How could you do something so dreadful?
I wish to remain forever by your side.
For all eternity.
Lady Wakasa departed this world
without ever having known love.
It grieved my heart to see her sorrow.
I wanted my lady to enjoy fully
the pleasures of a woman's life...
so we returned to wander this world.
Our hopes were fulfilled.
She met a good man like you...
and found a love that happens only once in a lifetime.
Now, when she has at last found joy,
you speak of returning home,
never to see each other again.
Would it not pain you to know
you'd destroyed her only chance for happiness?
Would you not feel remorse?
Genjuro...
banish these dreadful thoughts
and stay by her side forever -
Please forgive me!
This is the man!
Hey, you! Get up!
- What are you doing? - Shameless thief!
You stole that treasure from the temple.
You're wrong!
I didn't steal it! - Silence!
This sword disappeared a month ago.
That can't be! It belongs to Kutsuki Manor.
- Kutsuki Manor? - That's right!
You must be dreaming.
Kutsuki Manor stood here before the clan was wiped out.
He's lying through his teeth!
Where exactly in the manor did you find the sacred sword?
He's suspicious. Search him.
That's my money! Give it back!
If this were peacetime, we'd throw you in jail,
but Shibata's army burned it down.
Be thankful for that, lucky bastard.
The finest silk
Of choicest hue
May change and fade away
As would my life
Beloved one...
Miyagi.
I'm sorry I've been gone so long.
You're back!
I knew you'd be worried.
I'm so happy to see you're all right.
Genichi?
He's asleep.
Let me hold him.
Genichi, I'm back.
Daddy's back.
Let me hold you.
I wanted to bring back nice presents,
but this is all I have.
I made a terrible mistake!
Not another word, dear.
You've come back safe and sound.
I realize now how right you were.
My mind was warped.
Let's not speak of it anymore.
You must be tired.
I have some sake ready.
And there's stew ready in the pot.
I feel so relieved.
Sake has never tasted so good.
It's so peaceful here.
Come, Genichi.
I'll put you to bed.
I haven't had...
a moment's peace since I left,
but I'm home at last.
Hey, is someone in there?
Open the door!
Is someone in there? Open up.
Village chief!
Genjuro! You're back?
Thank you for your kindness in my absence.
There you are, my boy!
I was so worried not knowing where you'd gone.
I'm so relieved.
I'm so glad.
The boy must have heard you were back.
Miyagi.
Are you dreaming?
Dreaming?
Miyagi was killed by soldiers of the defeated army.
Killed?
She'd have been so happy to see you back safe and sound.
Poor thing.
Merciful Buddha...
Ever since she died...
I've been looking after your boy at my house.
I was so afraid when he disappeared last night.
The bond between parent and child is strong indeed.
But how could he have known you'd returned?
To hell with these things!
I told you so...
but you were too stupid to learn except through misfortune.
The war drove us mad with ambition.
Don't let my suffering be in vain.
Pull yourself together and work hard.
Why did you have to die?
Why did you have to die, Miyagi?
I did not die.
I am at your side.
Your delusion has come to an end.
You are again your true self,
in the place where you belong.
Your work is waiting...
What a beautiful shape!
Helping you spin the wheel is my greatest pleasure.
How I long to see it when it's baked!
The firewood is cut and ready.
The rampaging soldiers are gone.
So make your wonderful pottery in peace.
So many things have happened.
You've finally become the man I had hoped for.
But alas...
I am no longer among the living.
I suppose such is the way of the world.
You must be tired. Rest a bit.
Have some, Genichi. It's good.
Eat it while it's hot.
Genjuro, eat before it gets cold.
THE END