Daiei Presents
ADVANCE PATROL
Produced by Masaichi Nagata
Based on the Novel by Minetaro Yamanaka
Written by Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni
Photographed by Michio Takahashi
Music by Seiichi Suzuki
Edited by Toyo Suzuki
Starring
Kenji Sugawara, Toshiro Takahara
Hideo Takamatsu, Yoshihiro Hamaguchi
Gen Harada, Ryuichi Ishii
Jun Negami, Ryuji Shinagawa
Keizo Kawasaki, Eiji Funakoshi
Directed by Kazuo Mori
Let's hear from the General Staff Office.
After capturing Port Arthur,
it's very difficult to make any further progress.
Since winter last year,
we were stuck in Saka.
We have 200,000 men there under Commander Oyama.
Against probably 367,000 Russians.
And daily reinforcements.
After Port Arthur,
the Nogi army joined the Saka lines.
It's a great boost to our morale.
Actually, the Nogi army...
suffered great losses in Port Arthur.
With big difficulty they reassembled an army of 58,000.
This is really the most we could do.
That is,
we can't have any more soldiers.
So, the next battle,
would be to us the final showdown.
I believe our army,
under Commander Oyama,
will fight their best to the final victory.
But our resources are nearly exhausted.
According to front line reports,
some cannons have only 3 shells left.
We need more backup...
in all aspects.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, please.
Regarding the situation,
our Ministry has ordered our ambassador to the US,
Baron Kentaro Kaneko to come up with a solution.
His reply, a long one, arrived today.
Kaneko took advantage of the capture of Port Arthur,
he asked President Roosevelt to broker a peace talk.
Roosevelt suggested if we want a favourable position at the talks,
we should score a victory at the next battle.
Oyama has an important mission.
He must win this battle, no matter what.
Yes?
JANUARY 2nd, 1905
- Who are you? - From 7th Regiment.
Pass!
GENERAL STAFF OFFICE, MANCHURIAN ARMY
7th Regiment reports.
After joining the Honkeiko battalion,
the Tomota battalion scored a huge victory after 12 hours of fighting.
We took 2 enemy cannons, 8 ammunition trolleys.
Our losses?
8 officers died, including Major Kuno. And 72 soldiers.
- The 7th Regiment just reported... - I heard.
Matsukawa.
When will Noki army...
3rd regiment is expected to be ready in mid-February,
Mid-February.
One and a half month.
First we have to know how much loss can we take.
I'm Tanaka.
The message from headquarters is now decoded.
According to British forces, the Tsar and his affiliates...
aren't going to ask who's responsible for their defeats.
Due to pressure,
General Kuropatkin is expected to give up his retreat strategy,
and fight us directly.
Bad for Kuropatkin,
but that's what we hoped for.
The question is, where?
Mukden comes first to mind.
Or Tieling.
We have to know exactly where.
We have only one choice.
Decimate the enemy at the next battle.
Yes? The next battle.
There's no next battle after next.
We can't.
- Aide. - Yes!
I want to see the commander.
He's sleeping.
- Sleeping? - Yes.
Kodama.
What is it?
I'll come back later.
Never mind.
I sleep because I have nothing to do.
Sit down.
I want to send some cavalry scouts.
Of course, it probably won't succeed.
Scouts?
I want them to sneak in Tieling.
Tieling?
Good idea.
So...
as you wish...
do it.
I'll now give the order.
Kodama.
You've done it all.
There is nothing I can do.
Except wait and sleep.
A parcel for Tatekawa, leader of 2nd squad.
I'm Private Numata, I'm under his command.
He was called to the regiment quarters.
Here.
Thank you!
REGIMENT QUARTERS
- Lieutenant Tatekawa. - Yes!
A very important order for you.
Order.
Lieutenant Tatekawa is to pick and lead 5 men from his squad.
They are to leave in the morning of the 9th.
Then go beyond enemy lines and look for information of these items.
1. Troop movements between Mukden and Tieling.
2. Defense works in Tieling.
3. Train movements between Mukden and Tieling,
and what are in the trains.
4. If possible, enemy situation and terrain of Fushun.
5. If possible, sabotage communication facilities of Tieling,
and burn their warehouses.
Yes?
Yes! This is a most honorable mission!
Sit down.
Yes.
The important point...
is to know where the enemy...
wants this final battle. Mukden or Tieling?
This is the aim of this mission.
Very important.
I'm now letting you know how important this is.
In fact,
we can't have any more soldiers.
And no more weapons and ammunition.
This battle determines the fate of Japan.
We must win,
and crush Russia for good.
Or it'll be the end of Japan.
Yes? This is the present state of our forces.
I don't expect all of you can make it back.
One, if just one...
can come back...
with the enemy's information.
On behalf of all our people, I beg you!
Sir!
I swear I'll overcome everything to fulfill this mission!
Now please tell your men all about this mission.
Flexibility is also necessary.
Thank you for the advice.
2nd Squad, Cavalry. Sergeant Saburo Toyoshi.
2nd Squad, Cavalry. Private Shinsaku Noda.
2nd Squad, Cavalry. Private Ujiro Kanda.
2nd Squad, Cavalry. Private Hisashi Otake.
2nd Squad, Cavalry. Private Yokichi Numata.
I, Tatekawa, am departing with them.
The enemy! The enemy!
We're scouts, 2nd Army.
Greetings!
We're scouts of 2nd Army. I'm Lieutenant Tatekawa.
I'm Lieutenant Murakami, Defense Squad.
May we spend the night here?
- Sure. - Dismount!
Your disguises are good. That's why the sentry got scared.
This is from the enemy.
- This way. - Salute!
MURAKAMI SQUAD CAPTAIN'S ROOM
This is our right front line?
You may say so.
Beyond this, we have a squad here, Mamajie.
24 km to the west, to the left end of our lines,
is the Mishchenko cavalry.
Enemies around Xinminfu and Situnzi. What do you know?
I don't know in detail.
We know there's a good cavalry in Xinminfu.
This is near to their right wing,
the independent defense squads of Tieling and Mukden.
But where are you going?
Yazichuan, Yaoluzi, Sijiazi, Tieling.
Tieling?
Squad captain.
Hey, still awake?
Numata.
Stars from home. Stars here. The same.
Yes.
- And they? - Sleeping.
Not you?
After tonight, sleep won't be as peaceful.
Yes.
Squad captain, am I a coward?
Why?
They're sleeping soundly,
but I can't, thinking about tomorrow.
If so, then I'm a coward too.
I can't sleep, thinking about tomorrow.
You have a heavy burden on you.
But I...
You're worried what tomorrow lies ahead of us, so you can't sleep.
Numata.
Everyone fears danger. No exception.
What separates bravery and cowardice...
is the attitude in face of danger.
I know you'll forget yourself for Japan.
Yes! I will! Squad captain.
Good! Now sleep!
Dream of your mom.
- Squad captain! - Enough. And don't call me that.
Now I'm your scout captain. Get it?
Yes! Squad captain!
- Daishezi. - Daishezi?
It means "big snake".
Oh. Scary name.
Stop! Stop! Stop!
- What? - Are you Japanese soldiers?
There's a village called Daiwan.
Lots of Russians. Don't go there.
- Infantry or cavalry? - On horses.
What?
- Thanks. - Thanks.
What did he say?
He said there's a lot of Russian soldiers in Daiwan.
- Can we trust him? - I don't know.
Hey!
Any soldiers in Daiwan?
No.
No Japanese? No Russians?
No soldiers.
Really? Thanks.
Thanks.
- Now what? - No soldiers, Russian or Japanese.
Commander. There.
They saw us.
Let's go.
If they catch us, our plan will be known.
Scout captain, we'll fight?
Stupid!
Scouts are for getting information,
not fighting!
- We'll run! - Just like that?
Go!
Lieutenant Tatekawa?
Don't be surprised. We're compatriots.
I'm Japanese.
Yuuma Hashiguchi.
Oh! Major Hashiguchi?
Never mind that.
Just a horse thieves' chief.
But why come here?
We just ran into a Cossack regiment.
- What? Cossack regiment? - Yes.
Just south of Daiwan.
Wu Da, Ji Xi. Zhu Ba. Come.
Mishchenko... doing it for real?
Hurry or our side will be in danger.
Let my men do it. Noda, Otake!
No!
Better let my men do it.
They know the roads around here very well.
Wu Da, Ji Xi.
You go to Daiwan and find out about the Cossacks.
Yes.
Take this to the Japanese.
Yes.
- Hurry! - Yes!
Tatekawa, spend the night in my place.
I'll treat you to boar meat.
- Is the horse OK? - OK.
- Otake. - Yes.
The Cossacks today, how many were they?
- How many... - Fool!
You should see them well!
It's part of our mission.
Have you fulfilled your duty as a scout?
Sorry, scout captain!
- Remember your duty. - Yes!
Sorry, scout captain!
Sir, supper.
Everybody. A banquet for us.
- Eat your fill! - Eating now!
Thank you.
- I'll take over. - No, I'm OK.
Tired?
Felt scared today?
No, I didn't.
Oh? Good.
Noda.
What does that Major Hashiguchi do?
He teams up horse thieves and makes them...
collect information for the Japanese army.
Really?
Brings back memories...
back home.
A horse smells the same here, as in Japan.
Such a sad song.
What are they singing?
Longing for their home far away, near the border.
Such rude people singing such a gentle song!
They're cute.
When we fight, they won't be such gentle people.
They're beasts with a human face.
It's the same, Russians and horse thieves?
Yes.
Can't be careless.
They might steal the horses.
Horse thieves...
would give up their lives for a good horse.
You.
Your horse may be the first target.
He loves his horse like mad.
It's chestnut-coloured and runs very fast.
Just like the wind.
But I've never seen it run at full speed.
Why?
It doesn't like its rider, probably.
Hey!
Otake is our best rider.
Best trash-talker too!
He's fabulous!
Our best eater.
Best this and best that.
Tatekawa, you have the best men.
Where is this one?
Bringing food to the horse guard.
- A caring person. - Yes.
The best wife if he's a woman.
It snowed a lot.
Snow?
Tatekawa.
You have 3 enemies.
Russians. Horse thieves.
And snow.
Snow is the most frightful.
I know.
Inaccurate map.
You can only count on your compass and watch.
OK. Go to sleep.
Sleep double, triple time.
Yes.
I'll go around the sentry.
They're loyal to me.
But very loyal to wine.
Major Hashiguchi, there are 2 sentries?
- Yes. - They're OK.
I just went by.
Although it's snowing hard, all are watching diligently.
I see.
You're really a good wife.
The Mishchenko Cossacks are probably gone.
- Daiwan is safe. - Yes.
But after that there are only Russians.
- Be careful. - Thank you.
We're going now.
Lieutenant Tatekawa.
I envy you.
I can just stay here. Here's the farthest I can go.
That's the order.
I'm sure I'm better than you.
But I won't get such an important mission.
This is it.
No...
No.
You know why?
My men aren't Japanese.
Today, they may swear loyalty to me,
and perform good scouting tasks for the Japanese.
But,
if they're tempted, they may switch sides tomorrow.
My mission stops here.
But Major...
Of course, for the sake of Japan,
you and me makes no difference.
I have no doubt in that.
But seeing your huge burden,
I wish to motivate you with these words.
Yes.
JANUARY 11th
12th
13th
14th
REGIMENT QUARTERS
Regiment captain.
- Heavy snow. - Yes.
How would Tatekawa be?
Can they proceed in such snow?
Very cold too.
Tatekawa may get frozen.
Sir.
If we're still stuck,
more men will collapse!
Regiment captain.
Matsukawa from General Staff asked about Tatekawa's progress.
He phoned.
Tell him we can't ask Tatekawa to turn back and give updates!
Sir.
Men from 2nd squad asked if they should search for Tatekawa.
JANUARY 15th
16th
17th
At the rate of 32 km per day,
by today, the 17th, they should be...
in Tieling now.
It's snowing heavily.
So they might not arrive.
TIELING
Tieling.
There's smoke.
Smoke is moving. A train.
Russians eating buns on the train.
- Really? - Fool!
Bastard! Buns!
Listen.
Our...
aim is to get in Tieling.
It's hard to get out alive.
We must overcome this.
We... no. At least one of us must make it back.
Now to our commanders far away,
our brothers in arms,
our parents back home.
We bid you farewell, wholeheartedly.
East!
Sabres!
Salute!
Kanda.
- There. Looks delicious. - Really?
Pistols.
Hide them.
Hoods down.
Don't speak Japanese from now on.
- Yes. - Yes.
- Numata. - Kanda.
Noda.
Otake.
Scout captain.
Hey, stop!
Who are you?
We're scouts.
Go.
Mishka. To Mukden again.
Damn! They eat all these!
Day and night. Mukden, Tieling, Mukden, Tieling.
Where to?
Patrol outside the city.
OK. Go.
- Safe now. - It went well.
For now.
Hey. Are you nervous today?
No! I'm calm!
Squad captain! A train!
A train!
Every 30 minutes.
Now my turn. You sleep.
No! I'll go on!
Come on!
- We all take turns! - Yes.
Don't catch cold. Snuggle with others.
Yes.
Squad captain.
Yes?
What?
Perhaps I shouldn't say this,
but I can't hold it anymore!
Squad captain.
You're a real hero!
Numata, you're too tired.
- No! Squad captain... - I get it.
OK! I'm a hero! If you must.
But I'm not squad captain.
- It's now scout captain. - Yes!
Now sleep! I order you!
Yes! Squad captain!
Scout captain, my turn.
I just started!
- Some more trains? - Yes.
Every 30 minutes. From Mukden.
Every 30 minutes. To Mukden.
So one train to Mukden every hour.
- So frequent. - Yes.
Can we look inside a train to Mukden tomorrow?
Yes.
Many soldiers and material on trains to Mukden.
Empty trains to Tieling.
I think the enemy wants to fight in Mukden.
Yes.
Blood runs toward the heart.
JANUARY 18th
18 cars.
First 6 cars, full of soldiers.
Material on last 12 cars.
Mukden is the heart.
Too early to tell.
- One more train. - Yes.
Scout captain.
- Lots of food. - Yes.
- Now we know. - Not yet.
Comrades. Nice weather.
The weather is fine. But where are you going?
- Supervising building works. - You're having a hard time.
But this is nothing compared to Mukden's works.
1:30 PM.
18-car train from Tieling to Mukden.
First 6 cars, soldiers. Last 12 cars, material.
2 PM.
Empty train from Mukden.
Next.
2:30 PM. 18-car train went off to Mukden.
First 12 cars, material. Last 6 cars, soldiers.
Next.
January 19th. South of Tieling. Trench digging.
Talk with officer.
"Compared to Mukden, this is nothing."
Good.
Memorize it well. Don't forget it.
We can't write it down for we may get caught.
Scout captain. Can we now be sure...
that Mukden is the heart?
Yes, it is.
Listen.
Obviously, the enemy wants a battle in Mukden.
The principal aim of our mission is reached, but...
if we can't make it back, all this is useless.
At least one of us...
even if seriously injured,
lie on horseback, or crawl back, he must make it back.
The later we get back, the stronger the enemy gets.
One day, one hour sooner... we must get back and report.
We're going to break through their lines.
Their left wing...
is better defended than the right.
From here to our base, it's at least 400 km.
On top of that,
we only have tired horses,
insufficient food and inaccurate maps.
See?
Now begins the toughest part.
Assembly! Assembly!
In line!
Attention!
Strange.
Doesn't seem like they'll attack us.
Let's go.
We can't turn back.
Go.
Attention!
But it feels so good!
First time a private reviewed troops!
Feels so great!
Do it again?
When I saw those Chinese saluting us,
I felt bad.
Because,
they did it thinking we're Russians.
This way I see that the Russians have...
the support of Chinese civilians and soldiers.
From now on, we must see the Chinese as our enemies.
But it's not bad at all.
Funny pretending to be Russians!
Scout captain.
What's that?
Balalaika. Russian instrument.
Their camps are so near.
This camp fire...
Without this, we'll freeze to death.
Such a quiet and snowy night.
The slightest sound can be heard.
What is our regiment doing?
You're still up?
- Regiment captain. - OK!
It's been 20 days?
Yes.
It must be tough.
Kanda, best eater. Hungry?
Yes. Hungry for 2 days.
Just before we left, I got this parcel from Mom.
There's this food. I planned to share it when food has run out.
Take it and cheer up.
Thanks!
Thanks, scout captain.
I won't be hungry for another week!
Concubine. This is from captain. Let's share it.
Yummy?
Now we've eaten, let's sleep.
I'll clear this up first.
Mom!
Wow.
A village here.
We need food.
It's risky but let's go there.
Come.
What?
I want rice and hay.
Money first.
Good.
Keep the saddle on.
Listen to me.
Hey! Hey! Where's sir?
- Where? - Inside.
Sir!
What?
Look!
Japanese.
Yes.
Japanese?
No.
Bet on it.
OK.
Come.
They're going!
Toyoshi. Put on the saddles.
Where are you going? Why hurry?
We've eaten. Time to go.
Ready, thanks to Noda.
Tell the Russians!
Are they chasing us?
No.
Numata, where are your gloves?
- I have them. - Put them on, or you'll get frostbite.
Scout captain. Several Russians behind us.
300 metres.
Go!
Numata, are you OK?
- Noda. - Are you OK?
- Come up! - Numata, what is it?
- Grab the rein! - I'm trying!
Grab the rein!
- Hurry! - I can't!
Numata, try harder!
Grab it!
Numata, hurry!
- I can't! - Grab it!
What are you doing?
Grab it! You can!
- Numata! - Scout captain!
Squad captain! I can't!
Squad captain! Go now!
Numata, sorry!
Squad captain!
Hurry!
Scout captain.
Numata!
Don't sleep!
Don't!
Don't sleep.
Don't.
Noda. Don't sleep!
Kanda! Don't sleep!
Don't sleep! Toyoshi! Don't sleep!
Nogi army?
Coming up north.
Kawamura army?
From the upper banks of Yalu River, heading to northeast of Mukden.
Secret movement.
Big army, slow movement.
It's moving.
Out for a walk?
Kodama.
That scout mission...
still no news?
Not yet.
Not yet?
Tough for them.
Wake up!
- Noda, wake up! - Otake!
Kanda!
Scout captain, sorry.
We can't die here.
We're OK, that means luck is on Japan's side.
- Carry on! - Yes!
Bastards! They surrounded us last night!
Scout captain.
If we'll be captured,
- let's harakiri! - Fool!
What are you saying?
If we all die here, who will report back?
But, captain...
we're surrounded!
We'll get out of here.
If just one of us.
Listen, all!
Act together, and we'll die together.
We'll split and run!
Scout captain!
We'll all die!
After all we've been through.
Scout captain!
- If we die, then die together! - I wanted to!
But don't act like this!
Our mission...
is more important than our lives! Understand?
We can't get any more soldiers to Manchuria.
No more reinforcement.
Arms and munition too.
We are among the last soldiers.
We must use our remaining resources to crush the enemy.
There's no another showdown.
Mukden or Tieling?
Our army must know it. Understand?
Now split!
Make it back, at least one of us!
If we can get out of this,
Go southeast. To a village called Wulungkou.
We'll meet at 2 km from the southeast.
- Yes? - Yes.
I go first.
- Toyoshi. - Captain. - Good luck! Don't die!
Captain!
See you.
Kanda. Noda. See you there.
- Now go! - Yes!
Concubine! Help me!
3rd regiment of Nogi army is now in Sanritun.
They're asking for our instructions.
Good.
The secret forces of Kawamura army...
has linked up the forces of Qinglian and Bapinglin.
Good.
Qinglin and Bapinglin.
The forces are linked up.
Our armies are all here.
My preparations... are all completed.
We're ready to strike.
It could motivate our troops...
But that's the same as opening fire in the dark.
Do you mean you're still waiting for the scouts?
But Tatekawa is late for a week.
You still think they'll...
I don't expect they'll be back.
Although not all of them, but I think 1 or 2 can make it.
I hope so.
If I hope so, they can.
Scout captain. Some more.
Please wait some more for Toyoshi.
Of course the mission is more important than him...
We must go...
when the lights of that village are off.
Still,
Toyoshi is still not here.
Who?
Scout captain.
Toyoshi!
What happened? Where were you?
I'm OK,
but...
Concubine!
You walked here?
Yes.
You ordered that we must live.
If it's because of me...
the mission fails, that's too bad. That's why I must...
get here!
Get up!
Toyoshi! Please get up!
Toyoshi, what?
- Harakiri. - Fool!
The enemy isn't here yet.
You can escape!
Scout captain.
I have no horse.
If I come along, I'll be your burden.
Let me stay.
I'll harakiri.
Toyoshi! Take my horse! I'll harakiri!
No! Let me!
Toyoshi, let me!
Please leave.
If the mission fails because of me,
my death won't atone for it.
Mount!
Noda, what is it?
Numata's horse Brave-Ride.
Brave-Ride?
- Brave-Ride! - Brave-Ride!
Good! Good horse!
Good.
Numata's spirit is riding it.
- Yes! - Yes!
Toyoshi.
Cheer up.
Take Numata's horse.
Scout captain.
Numata's gloves.
Numata had frostbite. That's why.
Enough.
Numata...
he's stubborn.
I'm scout captain,
he insisted calling me squad captain until the end.
JANUARY 22nd
Scout captain, Chinese over there!
Get him!
Help! Help!
Help!
Tell me the truth!
Yes.
You know where the Japanese troops are?
From here...
48 km, there are Japanese horse thieves.
He said there's Japanese horse thieves 48 km from here.
Really?
- Which direction? - Go along the power lines,
there's a Russian camp.
Go along the power lines, we'll see...
a Russian camp. Then we'll find our horse thieves.
We'll break through it?
If we must go through them, take the shortest way.
Yes.
Thanks!
Thanks.
What's that dance?
Ours are better!
Go show them.
Oh you!
Toyoshi. Can we go straight through?
Scout captain, that's very dangerous.
Even if we cut their power first,
it's still dangerous, although it's quick.
We must break through when they have no time to fight back.
First we'll shoot at them, they'll get messed up.
Then I shoot them from the side, diverting their attention.
Then you take our men and break through.
Good. We'll do it. We have no time.
Check our time.
5 minutes from now,
That is 11:45. Shoot.
Go.
3 minutes.
2.5 minutes.
2 minutes.
1.5 minutes.
1 minute.
Mount.
30 seconds.
Oh my God.
- Noda? - Yes.
- Who? - Kanda.
- Who? - Toyoshi.
Otake?
Where's Otake?
- Toyoshi, what now? - I'll find him.
Stop! Wait some more.
Is it Otake? You OK?
- Yes! Everybody OK? - Yes!
Follow me! Let's go!
Japanese scouts rushing to the east. Be alert!
Toyoshi.
We just got past two Russian sentries.
Scout captain.
That may be their front line.
Any soldiers here?
Not here. There are, 8 km from here.
Russian or Japanese?
Horse thieves of the Japanese.
Thanks. Thanks.
Sir! Sir!
5 Japanese cavalry soldiers.
- Who are they? - I don't know.
They're eating like horses!
OK.
Where?
You are?
Sergeant Kagiichi Mitsuoka.
Scout captain Lieutenant Tatekawa.
Oh really? Thanks for your hard work!
Why let them eat this?
Get something better!
No need. We're leaving soon.
But you look so tired!
Get some rest.
If we sleep now, we'll sleep for days.
Let's go.
Our flag!
- Who? - Scout captain Lieutenant Tatekawa.
Thank you! Pass!
- Who? - Scout captain Lieutenant Tatekawa.
Pass!
JANUARY 28th
Scout captain Lieutenant Tatekawa. We're back.
Thank you!
Salute!
What is it?
Attention!
Come.
Regiment captain! Regiment captain!
What?
- What? - Tatekawa...
Tatekawa is back!
January 18th, 1:30 PM.
18-car train from Tieling to Mukden.
First 6 cars, material. Last 12 cars, soldiers.
2 PM. Empty train from Mukden.
2:30 PM. 18-car train went off to Mukden.
First 12 cars, material. Last 6 cars, soldiers.
January 19th. South of Tieling. Trench digging.
Talk with officer.
"Compared to Mukden, this is nothing."
From these figures,
we determine that their main forces are in Mukden.
That's all.
Thank you very much.
I...
thank you on behalf of our troops.
Kodama.
Mount a general attack.
MUKDEN
FEBRUARY 20th, 1905
THE END