Shochiku films I td
there was a father
original screenplay by tadao lkeda, takao yanai & yasuijiro ozu
art direction by tatsuo hamada
Original music by kyoichi saiki
cast:
Chishu ryu as Mr. horikawa shuji sano as ryohei horikawa
haruhiko tsuda as young ryonhei shin saburi as yasutaro kurokawa
takeshi sakamoto as makoto hirata mitsuko mito as fumiko
masayoshi otsuka as seiichi shinichi himori as minoru uchida
We've run out of shoe Polish
have we? I'll buy some today
my shoes are worn out. I'll never get them to shine
they'll do for now
but they're split
you can still wear them
you haven't forgotten anything, have you?
Right, then. You've left nothing?
Ethics, mathematics, history, reading, craft
- oh, I forgot my abacus - You see?
Smarten yourself up
- the area of a circle? - The square of its radius x 3.14
a cone's volume?
The square of its radius x 3.14 x the height
and divided by 3 - good
All right, the quadrangle aedc is inscribed in a circle
And the angles aec and abc are equal to this angle and this angle
- all right. Kato? - Above the line ac
yes, the angles formed above line ac are equal
the triangle adc is an isosceles triangle
therefore, this angle and that angle are equal
that means aec and def are also equal, right?
Understand?
Any questions?
Right, that's all for today. Now, about the school excursion...
Quieten down, quieten down
this class will be going to Tokyo
first we'll visit the imperial palace in Tokyo
then we'll visit meiji shrine and yasukuni shrine
finally, on to kamakura, enoshima and hakone
Ready? Everybody look this way
here we go
Hakone fass, the steepest in all of Japan
even the kankoku barrier doesn't compare
the highest mountains and the deepest valleys
tower before us and hold us up from behind
mountains circled by clouas, valleys cloaked in mist
the rows of ceoars
are gark even auring the aay
the winding path
[s soff with moss
if fakes only one man
[0 protect it from an army
stalwart warriors travelling the land
swords at their hips and clogs on their feet
stomping along
elght miles of boulders
such were the warriors of old
It's a stalemate with that move
- your blisters are huge - Do they hurt?
- Want me to burst them? - No
come on - I said no!
How are the blisters, Yamada?
All right, sir
- can you walk? - I'll be fine, sir
- try rubbing soap on your socks - Yes, sir
Aren't they our students?
They can't be. I warned them not to go on the lake
did anybody go out on the lake?
Do you know anybody out in the boats?
No, sir
- kinoshita? - I don't know, sir
- what about you, sato? - I don't know, sir
right?
- How much? - 50 sen
50 sen? Not bad. I wish I'd bought one
- you can have it for 80 sen - 80 sen? No way!
- Sir! - Mr. horikawa!
- What is it? - Yoshida's boat has capsized!
Yoshida's in a boat?
A telegram for you, sir
His family are coming on the night train
I understand how you feel. But I'd like you to reconsider
will you?
I understand that you consider yourself responsible...
Out you did your best as a leader
the boy's family knows that
I warned them it was dangerous...
But if I'd been more strict with them, they wouldn't have got in the boats
they would've obeyed me
I've had these children for 3 years but I became careless
yoshida wasn't a disobedient kid. But I've failed in my duty as a teacher
I was negligent
I think you're taking too much responsibility
I thank you for your concern...
Obut I've thought it over and made my decision
I realise that, but...
I've tendered my resignation to the headmaster
- you can rescind it - Listen, hirata...
Let me do it this way
the responsibility of taking care of other people's children frightens me
I'll never forget yoshida's parents
I have a son, I can imagine how they feel
it's unbearable suddenly losing a child you've raised for so long
he leaves on a fun trip and returns cold as stone
it's an unendurable sorrow, one beyond mere tears
he'd even bought his mother a souvenir from the trip to hakone
I'd despise such a teacher...
And never again leave him in charge of children
this job scares me now
it frightens me
I'm not suited for it
And what will you do about your own son, ryohei?
I'm thinking of returning to my home town
I have an old friend there
I'll stay there and think things over
I'm home!
Hello, sir
Is it far to ueda, father?
Another 40 minutes. Are you tired?
No. Is ueda a big town?
Of course, it's a city
what's the population?
Around 35,000
it's famous for its orchid market and its silk industry school, isn't it?
That's right
you forgot to cut your nails?
You should keep your nails cut and clean at all times
Were you born in that house?
- Is it still yours? - No, not any more
remember we visited your grandfather's grave and your mother's grave?
Your grandfather sold that house to put me through school
was grandfather a kimono dealer?
No. He was a teacher of the Chinese classics. He worked at the castle each day
The house used to have a big persimmon tree at the back
let's go later on to see the castle
yes, let's do that
chew it well
Ueda is quite a small town, isn't it?
I imagined it'd be bigger
well, kanazawa's much bigger. It's the largest on the sea of Japan coast
- don't you like this town? - Why?
I'm thinking of settling here
you mean we'll move here?
Will you teach here?
No, I'm not teaching any more
I've been trying to tell you...
I'll never teach again
- what will you do, then? - 1 don't know
I have this priest friend here, I'll live in his temple
- will you become a priest? - No, priests are much more virtuous
don't be upset
you'll have to attend school here
all right?
Be brave
schools are all the same, you'll soon make new friends
okay?
It'll be fine
you were nicknamed 'badger, weren't you?
I was always 'little badger". I hated it
- the people here don't know that - No, they don't
- How's work going at the town hall? - Fine, thanks
for such a small place, they have big families
- I registered three births yesterday - Really?
And the infant mortality rate is low
I should have been a midwife
Where's ryohei?
He went catching dragonflies with a friend
so he's making friends?
- No, he prefers killing creatures - Well, children should be active
It's a beautiful Sunday
You finished?
Then you can't go to the river tomorrow
it's the same as the problem last night
you're still stuck
it's proportional division. I explained it last night
a, b and c set out
a will take 12 days, b will take 15
oh, right
wrong again
just settle down and focus
you'll never get into a good school that way
you're not focused enough
you'll never amount to anything if you don't get into high school
study hard and I'll send you not only to a good school...
But to a school of your choice
just relax and concentrate
done it!
It's easy if you concentrate, right?
That's good. Easy, wasn't it?
Get the fishing tackle
Check the line for any tangles
- is this all right? - Yes
we'll get some worms early tomorrow
- there are loads under the fig tree - Really?
I hope you both catch plenty of fish tomorrow
I gave them their last rites a long time ago...
Obut the fish in these parts can be quite crafty
You must be happy now your exams are over
- what about that other lad? - Who?
What's his name? The soy sauce merchant's son
oh, toshi? He passed
he did? That's good
I don't know how I did it, though. I couldn't do question 4
well, just one doesn't matter
listen, ryonhel...
When you go to school, you'll have to live in the dormitory
the dormitory?
It's too far to commute every day
me? Alone in ueda?
I'll come and visit you once a week
come on, you'll get used to it
listen, it'll be the summer holidays soon...
And you can come home then
Does 'hen' mean a female chicken?
And 'cockerel' means the male?
- What's 'dog' then? - Inu
- is it male or female? - No idea
english is so difficult
- aren't you starving? - Yeah
- what's that yellow stuff with rice? - Rice with curry?
- Yeah, it tastes so good - Good but hot
horikawa...
What are you doing here, father?
Well, I happened to be in town
can you get permission to come out?
He'll probably give you some pocket money
no, he already gave me 50 sen last Sunday
buy us something, then - okay
is your dad here? Lucky you
- let's give his father a nickname - Like what?
- How about 'badger? - Yes, that's good
everybody has to help with the weeding
- again? - They grow so fast
This is really tasty. Have some
I'm supposed to be weeding with the other boys
- I feel sorry for them - That's all right
we'll buy them some sweets
- no, thanks - You've had enough?
I'm stuffed
- They have rice with curry, don't they? - Want some?
Too late now
- don't lie down after you eat - Don't worry
- there's only 53 more days to go - Till the summer holidays?
Father, can we go fishing in that river?
Course we can
we could drain the pond and catch loads
in the summer holidays, we can go every day
well, I'm afraid not, son
- I came to tell you, ryohei... - What?
I've decided to move to Tokyo
Tokyo? Great! When?
But you're staying here, you have your studies
I've thought it over, and I'm going to try to find work in Tokyo
I can't make enough money here...
To send you to good schools
so, I need to work harder
I think you're mature enough now to understand what I'm saying
I'll go to work in Tokyo, and you'll continue your studies here
it'll be like having a contest between us
you mustn't let me win, okay?
I'm still young enough to give you a run for your money
you mustn't get lazy
there's no need to cry. It's nothing to be sad about
we're not saying goodbye forever
I'll be waiting for you to come and visit me in Tokyo
we'll soon be back together again. Understand?
You understand?
Now, stop your crying
I won't be seeing you for a while, so I've brought you some things
shirts, pants, tissue paper, and three pairs of socks
wear the socks in turn and wash them occasionally
These are cold remedies...
And these are for if you get stomach aches, all right?
And don't drink any unboiled water even when it gets warmer
don't catch a chill while you're sleeping
and keep your stomach and chest warm at night
here's some spending money
Don't waste it
spend it wisely
I'll write as soon as I get to Tokyo...
And you write a letter to me every week
we'll correspond by mail like we do now, all right?
Understand? There are some stamps in here
Stop crying now
it's nearly time for you to go back
what time did your teacher say to return?
- 7 o'clock - Well, we still have some time
You have to work hard
- Yes, sir? - Another one of these, please
hey, do you want curry and rice?
Just sake then
Hey, ryohel, come here
It's unbecoming for a man to cry. Men shouldn't cry
I hear your son graduated from school?
- Which university will he attend? - Sendai city
I thought we'd live together in Tokyo, but it's not worked out that way...
I see. But it must be exciting, all the same
still, as long as he works hard at his studies
Fxcuse me a moment
Mr. hirata
fxcuse me
- well, well! - It zs you. It's been a long time
how strange, bumping into you here
I thought it might be you...
But I never imagined you'd be in Tokyo
what an odd place to run into you. Have you been in Tokyo long?
Yes. Do you often come here?
Is that so”? I've been coming here a lot since last Autumn
- it's strange we didn't meet sooner - Isn't it?
- I'm glad you're well - Good to see you
the last time I saw you was at that temple in ueda
that must be 12-13 years ago
such a long time
when I first came here, I was a total stranger
but as the days passed, I just got busier
I haven't kept in touch with any of the others, though I meant to
we're both guilty of that
- A little something for you - Please don't go to any trouble
- there's none left? - There was...
Fine
please.
You've grown. I can hardly recognise you now
you've grown into a very beautiful girl
how old are you?
Twenty-one
she only looks grown up
here.
She's very beautiful
seiichi...
Come and say hello to our guest
- don't want to! - Seiichi!
I said no!
He's such a handful
at least he's got plenty of spirit
that's very naughty, seiichi
you silly boy
- what's that? - I want money for films
no way!
Not until you greet our guest properly
- come on, sis! - No way
you're working at the town hall?
I'm compiling material on the history of Tokyo
here.
It's not a bad job for a washed-up old teacher like me
hello there
what are you up to?
I'm going to see a film
what a rascal!
How's your ryohei?
He's fine, thank you
he graduated from tohoku imperial university this year
he's 25 now
already 257 and what's he doing for a living?
He's teaching at an industrial college in akita
that sounds good
fate is strange. I myself gave up teaching...
And I never thought I'd let him enter the profession
I guess it's a case of 'like father, like son'
it's a good thing, I envy you
but you must be lonely living alone
no, I've grown used to it
we've been apart for such a long time
I thought this year we'd be together, but it's not worked out like that
you're still in good health. There'll be plenty of chances to live together
I hope so - I mean it
ryohei's grown into a fine young man. I envy you
I still have all that to come with my kids!
They'll always be children in our eyes
I just hope he's doing all right for himself
When you mix nitrate toluene three times with nitric and sulphuric acids...
You get trinitrotoluene, or tnt
see the three nitrogen dioxide particles here?
The solid is yellow in colour
it melts at 81 degrees celsius, and it combusts if heated to 295 degrees
when it combusts...
Two molecules of tnt decompose to three of nitrogen...
Five of water, seven of carbon monoxide...
And seven carbon atoms
its use as an explosive derives from the energy released
A steam train...
Wish it was taking me home
I could get home on that train
if my home were a little closer, I could commute to school
it's a long train
makes me want to go home
- who's the dormitory master today? - Mr. horikawa
- you think he'll allow us? - You went home just last Saturday
but my baby brother's just been born
Permission to enter, sir
- Sir! - What is it?
I'm requesting permission to go home, sir
But you've just recently been home
yes, sir, but we just had a new baby, so I'd like to go back again
with a new baby brother, there'll be no mother's milk for you, you know?
I know that, sir
how old is your father, then?
You shouldn't forget your father's age
your elder brother was drafted, wasn't he?
- How's he doing? - Fine, sir
how are your parents managing?
Not too well. But the neighbours help out a lot
well, I'm glad to hear that
your duty is to study hard
don't cause your parents any worry
all right...
Permission to leave, sir
Permission to enter, sir
what is it?
We're planning to go to mt akiba next Sunday. Will you join us, sir?
I can't make next Sunday
- can't you, sir? - You sure, sir?
- I'm busy - Please, sir, won't you reconsider?
Sorry, but I'm going to see my father
- I see - You still miss your father, sir?
Of course, I still do. And I always will
is that so?
- That's that, then - Guess it is
permission to leave, sir
- perhaps another time - We hope so, sir
Ah, that feels good
it does, doesn't it?
Thanks for coming this far
not at all. The train wasn't crowded
- the water here is beautifully scented - Tis
I haven't been in these parts for a long time
you've put on weight - have I?
Being the dormitory supervisor suits me perfectly
I get up early in the mornings and do exercise
it does you good to have regular habits
- how are you, father? - Excellent. Never had a day off sick
really?
You've more meat on you than I have
- shall I wash your back? - That's all right
I'll wash yours - no, I'm fine
I haven't been here for such a long time
I came here once before, when I was at utsunomiya high school
your mother was still alive then
- I don't think you were even born - Really?
So Mr. hirata's well, too?
He's still quite active. We often play go together
- do you? - He's a better player, too
I'd like to see him again
- remember his daughter, fumiko? - I'm not sure
she used to be a slip of a girl this tall
I remember, a little girl in a yellow sash
well, she's grown into a real beauty now
really? She used to be such a cry-baby
was she?
I've drunk a lot tonight. It feels good
you can hold your drink, can't you?
Not at all
I couldn't drink this much every night...
But this is a special occasion
- Oh, do you smoke? - A little
I'll just have the one
- When did you first start? - I don't smoke that often
good. Best not to, they'll send you stupid
is that right?
Listen, father...
I've given it some thought, and I've decided to give up my job
- why? - To move to Tokyo
why? Are you unhappy in your job?
No, it's not that
it's just that with me working up north...
Who knows when I'll be able to move to Tokyo?
Ever since school, 've always wanted us to live together
I thought we could do so after I graduated, but I ended up in akita
I hate living apart from you like this
I appreciate how much you sacrificed for my education...
And I shouldn't be selfish...
Out I want to work in Tokyo and be with you
what do you think? There are jobs available in Tokyo
no, out of the question
I would like to live with you too...
But we both have our jobs
no matter what your job is, it's your calling in life
we all must do our duty...
And we must do it to the best of our ability
there's no room for personal feelings
do your best, work all you can...
And you'll maintain your position in the world
sometimes work can be tedious...
'Lasting happiness only comes about from the alternation of pleasure and pain'
work isn't worthwhile if it isn't hard
you'll only be happy if you see it through
stop being selfish. Let go of the self
you can't do your job with such a nonchalant attitude...
Especially in a profession as important as yours
the parents of those boys have made great sacrifices...
To send their boys to your school
shaping their characters should be your prime concern
your every action is an example to them...
And that responsibility is not to be taken lightly
I failed in my responsibility, so you must succeed
you must do your duty for both of us. I want you to give it your all
we can occasionally meet like this
isn't that enough?
Isn't life better when we're both working as hard as we can?
Isn't it? Isn't that enough?
You understand
do the best you can
It's a pity, though
I wish we'd had more time to fish
we should have gone fishing yesterday evening
time flies
as soon as we meet, we have to part
we waited a long time for this chance
but at least we had a night to talk
I really enjoyed it
when's your train?
- Not for a while - We'll meet again soon anyway
look after yourself and don't get sick
at a time like this, we all must do our part
I will
take good care
Father...
Do you need some spending money?
Spending money? For me?
It's not much, but please take it
I wasn't sure, it's such a small sum
- well, I'd be honoured to accept it - Please do
thank you
I'll offer it at your mother's altar when I get back
thank you
Father, I'm sorry about last night
I was being selfish
I was perhaps a little too abrupt, but I'm glad you understand
please do your best
there is no time for idleness now
I'm still capable, so I'll work hard too
I et's both do our best
yes, let's do that
don't forget anything
The nightingales are singing
Some visitors for you, sir
Mr. kurokawa? To see me?
Send them in
It's been a long time, sir
I'm yasutaro kurokawa. You taught me at kanazawa high school
is that right?
And I'm minoru uchida
well, well. Have a seat
- you're looking well, sir - Thank you
you're looking well yourselves. Do sit down
thank you, sir
it's been a while
I ran into Mr. hirata yesterday and he told me about you, sir
oh, is that right?
- He told us all about you, sir - Did he now?
About you both playing go together
he was my go partner back in our teaching days
then we ran into each other in Tokyo and started playing again
- I bet you're a good player, sir - No, far from it
there are a number of our old schoolmates here in Tokyo...
And we're planning a party in honour of you and Mr. hirata
we can all talk about the old days
we'd be honoured if you could attend, sir
that's very kind of you
what day would be convenient, sir?
Mr. hirata said any day was fine by him
me too. I'd be glad to come
really? Well, then, the sooner the better
how about this Saturday or next Wednesday?
Let's see, which day would suit you, sir?
Well, next Wednesday would be best for me. Is that possible?
That's best for you?
You see, my son's coming to visit me this Saturday
your son? I heard he's up in akita
is that ryohei? He must be all grown up by now
- how old is he? - He's 25
Welcome - I've just got back
master ryohel is here, sir
really?
Welcome home
- when did you arrive? - About an hour ago
you're earlier than I expected. I thought it'd be tomorrow or the day after
are you planning to stop over in ueda?
Yes, the priest offered to let me stay
why didn't you stay?
Well, I wanted to come as soon as possible
I see. And how is he?
He's very well. He gave me some cigarettes for you
- that's nice of him - He's still fond of his tea
and you passed the physical for the draft?
Well, that's good
go and tell your mother
I'm so relieved
you were a sickly child...
But I'm glad you've grown out of it
you've grown into a strong young man
- how long can you stay? - I have 10 days off
well, that's long enough for us to enjoy ourselves
you look younger than before
do I?
- You still have it - My bald patch?
- You remember? - I fell off the porch
- will you take a bath? - You go first
are you sure? Very well
I'll have one later
Please get out a cotton kimono for ryohei
we'll have dinner after our baths
Mr. hirata, do you still remember...
How you punished Iwamoto and me for fighting in year 3?
- Did I? - Yes. Isn't that right?
That was an awful day
you made us stand outside the staff room, and then forgot to dismiss us
did I? I'm awfully sorry
Mr. horikawa, sir, you used to scold me a lot too
that's right, you were always dozing off in class
now he's famous for dozing off at work
- oh, dear - You should give him a talking-to, sir
- he'll never change, sir - Give me a break
I'd like to say a few words
we're very grateful that both of you could spare your valuable time
we greatly appreciate it. Thank you
more than 10 years have passed since our graduation...
And nothing could give us greater pleasure...
Than sharing this evening together with you
we'd like to take this opportunity...
[O ask that you continue to offer us your guidance
please eat and drink to your heart's content
let's enjoy ourselves like we did in the old days
I'd like to add something
two more old boys were expected this evening...
But sasaki was called away on business to Kobe
he's sent the following telegram, however, which I'll read for you now
'pleased to hear you're both in good health
'hope the reunion is a success
and nakanishi called to announce...
The birth of his baby boy earlier this evening
mother and child are fine
he said he'll try to make it later on
well, that's wonderful news!
Cheers!
It was very kind of you to organise this wonderful reunion
we are deeply grateful to you
it makes us very happy to see you all as healthy and active as ever
all those years ago you nicknamed me 'the badger
but the badger is old now
and now it's time for me to ask you for your help and guidance
I sincerely hope that all of you enjoy good health...
Push yourselves to the fullest...
And be successful in your chosen professions
I express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you
Mr. horikawa has said everything I intended to say
not only 'the badger' but I, 'the chicken'...
Also ask for your favour
It's been such a long time, sir. I didn't expect to see you in Tokyo
- another drink, sir? - Thank you
you've grown into a fine young man. Are you married yet?
Yes, indeed
most of us are
is that so?
Everybody, raise your hands if you're married
- We're the only bachelors here! - It appears so
and those with children, raise your hands
congratulations
those with two children?
Anyone with three?
- It's a little soon to have three - Indeed it is
just a moment!
I have four
congratulations
isn't it amazing, Mr. horikawa, how time flies?
Most of them have children already
time certainly does fly
one more, sir?
- And for you, sir? - No, thank you, I've had my fill
just one more
- life's so unpredictable, isn't it? - It certainly is
it's been over 10 years since you gave up teaching over that accident...
And now, here you are enjoying this reunion
quite so
do you still make offerings at yoshida's grave every year?
Someone told me that when I went back home
I do what I can, out of a sense of remorse
but making such offerings isn't easy
I can still picture you all as students, just as you were back then
I know what you mean. Strange, isn't it?
When I resigned my position and returned home, Mr. hirata...
You held a party for me
yes, I remember
I often recall that night
the primroses were in full bloom all along the river
yes, they were
I was deeply moved...
By the Chinese poem you recited
- do you recite poetry, sir? - Yes, and very well, too
- we'd like to hear some - Please, sir
yes, please, sir
listen, everybody
If you insist...
- Welcome home, sir - Sorry it's so late
- welcome back - You're still up, then?
- 50, how was the party? - I thoroughly enjoyed it
that's good
my old pupils have grown into fine young men
is that right?
I'm just grateful that they still remember me...
Even though I wasn't a very good teacher
they were extremely kind and thought of everything
did they?
It was a very nice evening
were there many there?
Yes. And they were all very pleased to hear news of you too
really?
You must work as hard as they do
We should endeavour to do our best in everything we do
What do you think of Mr. hirata's daughter?
What do you mean?
What would you say to marrying her?
I'm still too young
I think fumiko's a lovely girl
Mr. hirata was the one who brought it up in conversation
don't be so shy
you can read that book later
what do you think? Or is there someone else?
No
Then marry her
you passed your army physical with flying colours...
And the single life is hard in the countryside
well?
I'd marry her if I were you
all right, 'll leave it your hands, father
you will?
She'll make a good, hard-working wife
she's the type 've always wanted for you
now I feel relieved
and very drunk
would you get me some water?
Oh, I feel wonderful
Are you off anywhere today?
- I'm going to buy a book - Again?
Yes. I need a certain chemistry text
I found one last time, but it was falling apart
I'm going to look for a better copy today
you should visit the museum in ueno as well. They have a fine collection
really?
Where else can you see so many beautiful things for 10 sen?
There's an exhibition of paintings by kazan watanabe
really?
You should see them
when you see his paintings, you'll understand...
The profound beauty of traditional Japanese art
I'll go and see them
I'm bringing Mr. hirata over tonight...
50 try to be home for that, all right?
Master, there's something wrong with your father
Father, what's wrong?
What happened?
I feel a little pain, here
are you all right? Father?
I'm fine
Father, why don't you take the day off?
No, I'm fine
I've never missed a day of work in my life
Father. Father!
Quickly, call the doctor!
Father! Father!
Help me get these clothes off
I feel strange
father! Father!
Father...
Can you hear me?
Mr. hirata's here
Kind of you to come
Mr. horikawa. Please try to hold on
thank you
fumiko...
Look after ryohei for me
That's my wish
father...
I feel good
I feel sleepy...
Very sleepy
father...
Be strong
it's nothing to be sad about
I did the very best I could
I'm happy...
Father!
Time of death: 3:16
there's nothing more I can do
Ryohel, please don't cry
your father died with great dignity
only people who do their utmost while alive...
Can die with such dignity
Mr. horikawa was a great man
you were lucky to have him as a father
please, don't cry
I wonder if seiichi is asleep by now?
I bet he misses you terribly
and your father will be helpless without you
Perhaps we could ask them to come and live with us in akita?
It'd be good, us all living together
yes, I think so, t00
I always wanted to live with my father, ever since I was little
unfortunately he died before we could live together
but it's all right. At least we had a week together
that was the best week of my life
He was such a good father