Ningyo densetsu (1984) - full transcript

DISTRIBUTED BY ATG

PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THE DIRECTOR'S COMPANY & ATG

Get me some tea!
Thanks, that's what I need!

You should quit as a fisherman
and be a singer.

I'm beat.

Good job.

I don't want to sell my land, and I'm
opposed to the amusement park.

How about you, old timer?

Like you said, I'm not young.

Going out to sea isn't
worthwhile anymore.

First, they'll feed us a line
about how great it is.



Remember the plan for
yellowtail aquaculture?

They promised us a big time payday,
but we ended up getting Chump change.

The project fell through and
they skipped out.

Overfeeding left the seabed rotten.

How long will it take for
the ocean to recover?

Don't shout, it's bad for business.

Do you have to keep taking
photos like this!?

Shohei!

Are you OK?

You tell the old man, Shohei!

First the observation tower and
now the amusement park.

Maybe our mothers and daughters can
swim naked for a water show.

Then, when the "Sweating Buddha" statue
sweats the black sweat of misfortune,

the whole damn thing will be
washed away in a storm!



Keisuke! Keisuke, wait!

I'll call you a cab.
Wait at the restaurant.

Forget it, I'd just start
drinking again.

Grow up, man.

It's pathetic.

I'm tired, and maybe
I want to quit.

But dammit, we're fishermen!

It's pathetic that we can be bought out
so easily by building contractors!

I wouldn't know about that.

That's because you're the spoiled,
rich son of the Miyamoto empire.

- Asshole!
- Keisuke!

We're not cut from the same cloth.

And my cloth is
a fisherman's uniform.

MERMAID LEGEND

SHIRAO Mari

ETO Jun SHIMIZU Kentaro

AOKI Yoshio MIYASHITA Junko

KAN DA Takashi KATQ Kazuo TSUJI
Mancho SEKI Hiroko EMI Juntaro

MIYAGUCHI Seiji

Directed by IKEDA Toshiharu

When I pull the rope, you have to
bring me up immediately!

I know that.

- You were late!
- You have to pull harder.

Then you go down next time.

If that's how you feel,
you can do it by yourself.

If we can't catch abalone, we won't
be able to eat anything but cold rice.

Don't you forget it!

She'd be a fine gal if she
didn't talk so much.

We got four big ones.

You're the best.

You silly pickle, it's just luck.

What the hell is that
greenhorn doing?

Idiot.

He isn't going to catch anything
this far inland.

There are nets up!
Watch out!

I've haven't heard a thing.

Could you check with the
fishing association?

If there were such an accident,
a body would certainly have surfaced.

It wasn't an accident,
someone was killed!

Really? Where?

None of your business.
Nobody fishes there at night.

Stop all of this talk about
death and murder.

- It'll hurt our business.
- Who asked you!

You could put your mind to better use
thinking of ways to catch more abalone.

I do.

I'd be ashamed about such a meager haul!

Shut up already!

Keisuke, I'll look into it for you.

- Newlyweds sure do fight!
- After reconciliation it's even better!

I'm going home.

If anyone wants to buy him,
you can have him for cheap!

This is awful.

If you care to remember,
it was your company that built it.

It was our company's first contract.

We researched as much as we could...

This is the result of your research?

We could have made money
out of this project.

Mr. Miyamoto!

The mayor and the Chairman of
the Fishing Association.

- What do you want?
- We need to talk.

- We'll be waiting upstairs.
- I'll be along.

I want you to repair all of this,
free of charge.

This is Mr. Ota and Mr. Tani of Kinki Electric
Power's Location Development.

- I'm Ota.
- I'm Tani.

Are they here to talk money?

Don't be rude, Mr. Miyamoto.

It depends on how the
conversation goes.

I have something to show you.

Our plan is to acquire all of this land
under the guise of an amusement park.

- How's it going?
- It's proceeding smoothly.

You'll meet Mr. Shimogawa from the
Kansai Tourist Development Company.

As busy as bees, they are!

- Is Shimogawa here?
- Not yet. - I see.

He went out fishing last night
and hasn't returned yet.

- Mr. Shimogawa...
- You know him?

- We met him.
- What'll become of your staff?

I'll fire everyone.

- Hey, make sure to get the rust off.
- Right, boss.

If you lose one round, you'll raise your
game in the next. That's how I do things!

Boss, we've prepared
a discreet place.

I think we should talk there.

Right here.

Keisuke, we're here.

I'm terribly sorry about this.

I can't believe that you're
drinking like this!

Ever since we were kids,
I never wanted to lose to him.

But he always wins. He can even
outdrink the women.

I've never seen him
so dead drunk.

- You must hate me.
- On the contrary.

I'm grateful.

Migiwa, Shohei and I are
going out drinking again!

Don't go!

Thank you.

You dope.

An amusement park...
Ridiculous!

Drink some water.

Let's go to bed.

Hey... What would you do if I died?

Are you thinking about that
night fishing boat again?

What would you do if I died?

I'd marry a man who
doesn't drink.

- I see.
- Just kidding.

If you do, I'll haunt you
to your dying day!

And what if I died?

Even if someone kills you,
you wouldn't die.

Don't worry.

Maybe all this was just
a dream.

Migiwa!

We won't make money, if I search
for it on workingdays.

I won't do anything bad.

I just want to chase away
my husband's bad dreams.

Please don't be angry.

Hey!

- What are you doing?
- Worrying won't do you any good.

What? Oh, the fishing boat.

You were talking about it
in your sleep.

I'll dive and look for it.

I'll get ready.

What are you doing?

- Taking the boat out.
- But today's a fishing holiday.

- We're not going to fish.
- Hey, let's go!

Long ago, the Buddha seeped black sweat
on this day and nine diving women died.

I know. I asked the Buddha's
permission.

- You'll be next!
- Don't go out!

Don't worry!

- Here?
- Yes.

The current is strong,

but you might find something that
hasn't been washed away.

What is it?

I thought marrying you
was a mistake.

Fool! That's supposed
to be my line.

Maybe it cuts both ways.

- Don't take any unnecessary risks.
- You're unusually kind today.

I'm humbled by this honor.

Take care!

I will.

Just make sure to haul me up
when I tug the rope.

Who does she think
she's talking to?

I told them not to go out.

Did they cast off over there?

- No, between the inlet and that
low saddle. - Over there.

Keisuke!

Wait.

Wait!

My husband...

Aren't you Migiwa Saeki?

- My husband was killed.
- What?

When I was diving, my husband's
body suddenly sank down.

Then the tide rushed in, and I don't
remember what happened after that.

It's OK. You did the right thing
turning yourself in.

"Turning myself in"?

You killed your husband and
tried to kill yourself.

No, you've got it all wrong!

They killed my husband and
left me for dead!

Calm down!

Hey!

Come back! Don't run!

Don't go!

You always want me to come
when the bar is busy.

It's bad for business.

Why? Why did this have
to happen to us?

I don't know.

I suppose my mother's death
doesn't really compare.

- You could go to Watakano Island.
- Watakano Island?

Only women live on the island.
You should blend in easily enough.

Why do I have to run?

That cop is badly injured.
The police will blame it on you.

They're conspiring to frame me
for murder.

It's their job to be suspicious.

They're just doing their job.

There's no police on Watakano Island,
so it should work out all right.

I talked to the owner of
a bar I know.

She's sweet on me,
so she'll help.

BAR OSAKA

- Good evening, party of one?
- I need to talk to the owner.

Hey, it's the camera man!
Long time, no see.

As you can see, we're exhibiting
your photos elegantly.

Go ahead.

This way.

The last girl left a few things behind.
Feel free to use them.

Come in.

- It's hot.
- Don't!

The window faces the hills.
It's not safe if it's lit.

- Even during business hours?
- That's the deal.

Make yourself at home.

That's Natsuko.
She's not bad.

Have a seat.

It sure is hot.

I guess it's okay,
if the lights are out.

I wonder if his body has surfaced?

It won't, because the current
is too strong.

That's good.

I entrusted him with
my life every day.

He always pulled me up.

Those clothes look good on you.

My departed dear mother wasn't good
for anything but catching abalone.

She was ugly, her face always dark
from sunburns. You knew her.

Yes.

The fishermen jumped her
for illegal fishing.

She died.

That makes me the son
of a thief.

You're leaving?

- You think I did it?
- No, it's not that...

Don't go!

- I'll throw this away for you.
- Don't!

I'll keep in touch.

My husband and I didn't
do anything wrong.

I believe you.

ISHIYOSHI CONSTRUCTION

Hey!

Hey, are you up yet?
You should get something to eat!

The owner asked me to get you
something to eat!

Hurry up! You hear me!
Come on!

This way.

Come on in!

Sit down.

You haven't washed your face.

There's a basin out back.
Where's the towel... here you go.

Wash! Hurry! Hurry!

Honey!

Hurry and wake up!
Breakfast's waiting!

Shohei!

Hey, Shohei! Could you get
the car out for me?

What!

I'm not your chauffeur.

My chauffeur can't come in today.

You seem very busy since
Shimogawa disappeared.

Are you working with the electric
power company officials?

Why are you acting so coy?

Your necktie is too plain.

It is?

Forget about it and
take a look at this.

I don't know anything about this.

Just look at it!

Is this...?

- A once in a lifetime opportunity.
- The amusement park?

That was nixed.

This is the only project
left to us.

You know that fisherman
named Keisuke?

Did you kill Keisuke?

I'm never directly involved
in such things.

What's the difference?

I told you, it was the chance of a lifetime!
Sometimes your hands get a little dirty!

Not a word of this to anyone!

I've lived there almost
my whole adult life.

After I met my husband we came here. Four years after the War ended.

Whenever there was a storm,
scores of large ships would dock here.

They completely surrounded
the island.

It was a thriving place.

Tell me more.

I want you to leave.

I don't want to get involved in it.
Natsuko's brothel is all I can handle.

My husband read about it
in the newspaper...

All about your "incident".

He said he wants you off the island.
Stubborn old man.

- That's not how it happened.
- I really don't care.

Just go.

Shohei, telephone! Shohei!

Hello, may I ask who you are?

- They won't give a name.
- Hello?

Mr. Miyamoto, we should
probably leave now.

Already? Let's have
another drink.

Let's postpone that until we go
to Watakano Island.

Nobody goes to Watakano Island
for the liquor!

See you.

I understand. I'll come
meet you tomorrow.

- It looks like the project is on track.
- Yes.

When I'm on board,
everything falls into place.

Are you going to Watakano Island?

The day after tomorrow. I invited
the guys from Kinki Electric Power.

The day after tomorrow?

Shohei... Who was that?
On the phone.

- Just a girl.
- That much I could tell.

- Who is she?
- A girl not easily seduced.

I know I've heard that
voice somewhere.

It must've been the night that
Keisuke was murdered...

- Dad...
- She called that night. I remember well.

Dad.

Was it his wife, Migiwa?

- So what if it was?
- This is a fine kettle of fish.

Why?

I don't know whether I can
cover your ass on this one.

What do you mean?

You could meet the same
end as Keisuke.

I thought that you decided to kill both
Keisuke and Shimogawa on your own.

I'm talking about people that
you can't just reason with.

Listen, just keep your mouth shut.

You don't know anything.

And I'll pretend I didn't
hear anything. OK?

Forget all of it!

I'm going to bed.

Remember what you told me
about your dead mother?

I forgot.

You said that she wasn't good for
anything but catching abalone.

I'm the same.

I can't do anything but
fish for abalone.

Coming here I realized that.

When I look back,
all we did was fight.

We fought on the boat,
we fought on the way home,

then at dinner, we'd fight again.

Now that I'm here, I think
morning, noon, and night...

about who'd kill him and
who'd try to kill me?

Who set it up?

"Who? Who? Who?"
is all I can think.

The only thing that comes
to my mind is...

my husband's face.

When he was confused,
he just smiled.

I should shut the window.
Natsuko will be angry.

It rains. A cloudburst.

Just kidding. It was just a joke.

What...?

What... are you doing?

Turn out the light.

Do you want to run?

Where to?

I don't know...

- To Osaka?
- Why?

You like it here?

No, but even if I can't be
in the same town,

I want to be near him.

I have something to tell you...

If you like it so much here,
you might stay for good.

What are you...?

Your life is worth nothing
to my father.

Your father?

Where have you been?
There's a call for you!

Use your head, girly!

Hello?

It's Shohei.

Did you find out anything?
No, stay where you are.

I want you to stay there at least
through tomorrow.

You started to say something
about your father...

Are you seeing him tomorrow?

- We didn't discuss it.
- I see.

That's too bad...

His father is coming, so I thought he
might be here to rescue his princess.

- His father is Mr. Miyamoto?
- Yes.

He's holding a banquet.

All of the girls will be
working tomorrow.

Tomorrow Mr. Miyamoto
will hold a banquet?

This banquet...
May I take part in it?

What?

Please, I'd like to attend
Mr. Miamoto's banquet.

Really?

You'd be a big help.

But don't you mind?

He's Shohei's father.
It could be unpleasant.

I don't mind.

Working the banquet will mean taking
a customer who's to stay the night.

You're still willing?

Excuse me.

Where's your wife?

Off yammering with someone,
no doubt.

I'll come back later.

Is there anything you need?

I was hoping she'd let me make
an offering to the Buddha.

If our altar will do,
be my guest.

Make an offering for us too,
while you're at it.

This is all we have.

- I don't need anything.
- Have it anyway.

It's dinnertime.

By the way,
I can't leave this island now.

I don't own this island.

Oh...

Ma made me out to be
the bad guy?

She told you that I wanted
you off the island?

- I'm right, aren't I?
- Don't you?

It was her idea,
but she didn't mean any harm.

You must forgive us.

You're forgiven.

She just didn't want
to be involved.

She has a sharp tongue,
but she's actually very kind.

Does she treat you well?

You might not understand
at your age,

but I decided long ago
to take care of her until my death.

When I came back from the War,

she was the lover
of an army buddy.

That's her'?

Sure enough.
That pruny old crone.

He asked me for it
as he lay dying.

I didn't do it, because he was
dying for his country.

I suppose it was because his death
seemed so pointless.

It would've have made more sense,
if he'd been killed by his wife or something.

My husband told me that if he died,
he'd haunt me. But I've seen no sign.

Pay your respects to him properly.

Hey, babe!

Pour me a drink.

I came late, so I've to catch up.

Do you know Mr. Miyamoto?

No, not really.

Are you going to spend
the night with him?

It's not decided yet.

Then, how about me?

- Aren't you... his employee?
- Yes, that's right.

I'm his right-hand man.

You promised a yakuza that you'd
spend the night with him?

- Yes.
- Are you sure? It's your first time.

- I'll be fine.
- I don't want any trouble.

- Want a drink?
- Nope.

- I have a question.
- What?

There was an incident in a nearby town.
A young fisherman was killed in his boat.

- That guy killed by his wife?
- Yes.

Do you know whether
Miyamoto was mixed up in it?

Yes. Mr. Miyamoto had him killed.

- Then why was the wife blamed?
- Oh, that?

We failed to kill both of them.
So, we pinned the crime on her.

Why... Why did you want
to kill them?

The fisherman, Keisuke,
witnessed the murder of Shimogawa.

Kinki Electric Power is scrambling
to build the nuclear power plant.

- A nuclear power plant?
- Right.

But problems occured to
purchase the land for it.

So we cooked up the plan about
the amusement park as a ruse.

That's how Mr. Miyamoto
got caught up in it.

Shimogawa's stubbornness
got him killed.

Then we killed Keisuke
as the sole witness.

Only ordinary people worry about
such mundane things.

Enough of the Q&A.

Take off your clothes.

All of it.

Come here!

This body is too good to kill,
Mrs. Migiwa.

Mr. Miyamoto's son is even worse
than his father.

He wanted me to kill a beautiful
woman like you!

- You mean Shohei...?
- Yep.

He said this girl with a cut
on her arm.

I wanted to kill you as
husband and wife.

I'll show you heaven in your
last minutes on earth.

Then I'll send you quietly
into the next life.

Mrs. Migiwa...

Turn out the light.

Shut up!

Get away!

Get away!

God, the smell...

What is it?

I see...

That's the smell of blood.

It was because of a
nuclear power plant...

Darling.

It seems to be a stupid reason
to die for.

Darling...

You can rest in Buddha's
paradise now.

Shohei, could you grab
me a beer?

Huh, he's not here.

Who are you?

I have a favor to ask.

- Give me back my husband.
- What?

Give him back!

I don't care about your
nuclear power plant!

Nor if it's on the beach
or in the ocean!

Just give me back my husband!
Bring him here right now!

Are you crazy?

Murderer!
Give him back!

You stupid bitch!

- Sir.
- OK.

How's everyone doing?

I have to get ready
for the wake.

Be at the groundbreaking
ceremony tomorrow.

Don't let us down.

Don't forget, you could be next.

You're obligated to succeed your father
at Miyamoto Industries.

Miyamoto had been planning a party
in the observation tower.

Yes, I've inherited the position.

We can't possibly leave the company
in the hands of that halfwit.

We didn't plan to engage a
jerkwater outfit like this anyhow.

WORLDLY NAME: KEISUKE
SAEKI DIED AGED 29

MIYAMOTO INDUSTRIES

The deal is done.
Disappear.

Why did you disrupt our
mourning ceremony?

I'm here for a funeral, too.

Shame on you...

You should've waited for me.

HAMAMACHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SITE

Darling!

COMMEMORATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF
HAMAMACH'S NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

ASSEMBLYMAN DAIJI HANAOKA
RECEPTION TONIGHT

The other day I...

drank a glass of water
from a nuclear reactor.

I couldn't believe how tasty it was.

I was just joking.

People tend to equate nuclear power
plants with nuclear weapons.

I frequently hear, "The radiation,
isn't it dangerous?"

But these are the fears
of the uninformed.

I beg you to sweat black.

And please, make it storm tonight.

To wreak havoc,

I beg you for a terrible storm.

You must be every bit as capable
as your father.

Mr. Hanaoka, Sir,
let me shake your hand.

Don't move!

Go to the entrance.
Move!

What... what're you...

Where are the people
building the plant?

Where are the men who
killed my husband?

Stop! This is madness!

That's because I'm insane!

I don't like the light.

They just keep coming...

Killing is supposed to
wrap things up...

But no matter how many I kill,
they just keep coming.

There's no end to it.

Darling...

Your death...

Who was really responsible?

Darling...

This is no laughing matter.

Darling.

Darling!

You have to make sure to surface
closer to the boat!

Darling!

Here you go! Dive!

You make sure to pull
me up quickly.

Directed by Toshiharu IKEDA