Twilight of the Cockroaches (1987) - full transcript
A messy bachelor's apartment is a paradise for the huge colony of cockroaches living there: no sprays, no traps, and plenty of food. When the homeowner's girlfriend moves in, however, the party comes to an abrupt end, and the roaches must quickly adapt to a life of struggling for survival. Combines animation with live actors.
[footsteps pattering]
[thumping]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[wind blowing]
[door closes]
- I beg your pardon,
could you help me find
a friend of mine please?
[screams]
Careful, you
could've squashed me.
[stomps]
[screaming]
[heavy breathing]
[screams]
My name is Naomi.
I'm a young cockroach,
19 in roach years.
In all the time I've
lived with my tribe,
I've never experienced terror
or a single incident of
cruelty from our human host.
[soft piano music]
[soft piano music]
[soft piano music]
[heavy breathing]
- I'm completely wiped out.
- You need to spend
more time at the gym.
They say you'll never
get stronger if you don't
put in the effort to
build yourself up.
- I quit the gym.
- You quit?
What did you do that for?
- Too much work, it's
a waste of my time.
Anyway, what's the point?
I'm never gonna be one
of those cockroaches
who spends his life with
his nose to the ground,
scrambling around,
looking for food.
[snorting]
- Stop it, Ichiro.
You sound just like a pig.
[Ichiro laughs]
- Listen Naomi, you and
I have a lot of things to
talk about at dinner tonight,
which if Saito's on schedule,
should be northern Italian
with a delicate tomato
and basil sauce.
Last night was Chinese,
the day before that
was steak and potatoes,
so if I know Saito,
tonight will be pasta.
[ice cubes clink]
Speak of the devil.
[ice cubes clinking]
Evenin', Mr. Saito.
[ice cubes clink]
- Let's go.
- Bye.
[upbeat rock music]
[upbeat rock music]
[roaches chattering]
I went out looking today
and I think I found
the perfect place for us.
The south wall's made of
glass so the sun comes in
and it's bright and airy.
Hanging plants completely
cover the ceiling.
It's beautiful.
I can hardly wait to move in
there after we get married.
[Naomi groans]
Even my father liked it.
He said it's a good
investment and he'd be
glad to help with the payments.
What's wrong?
Did I say something
to upset you?
If so, I'm sorry.
- No, mm-mm.
You're not to blame.
It's me.
- [Takashi, Parsley, And
Yasuo] Hey you two love birds.
[upbeat rock music]
- So Ichiro, I hear
you're on the fast track.
A promotion to second assistant?
You must've done something
special to impress the big boss.
- [Ichiro] He was impressed
with my father's connections.
- Doesn't surprise me,
that's how it usually works.
Marvelous pasta
sauce, it's heaven.
Look at those two, we could
be eating out of dumpster
for all they care. [laughs]
- They're missing a great meal.
- You can say that again.
This ketchup's delicious.
- Gee, Takashi, no wonder
you never get ahead.
You have no taste, no
vision, no appreciation
of the finer things that
make life worth living.
- Like good friends, you mean?
[upbeat rock music]
[chattering]
[grumbles]
- Good evening.
Sorry about the noise,
but don't worry,
we'll be closed in
about 10 minutes.
Please, bare with us, Mr. Saito.
[upbeat rock music]
[chattering]
[chattering]
- You youngsters are a disgrace.
Just take a look at yourselves.
You dishonor our
cockroach ancestors,
stumbling around in the
open like this and--
- Now, now, take it easy.
You're absolutely right
of course, but it's late
and we're both tired.
I'm sure these folks didn't
mean to insult anyone
with their behavior.
Now straight home everyone,
and remember, be careful.
[soft music]
- [Ichiro] Will you
stay with me tonight?
[soft music]
Please?
[insects buzzing]
[soft music]
- I wish you could be
here to see this, Naomi.
Soon, it will all come
to pass, very soon.
- [Kosuke] I know how much
this kind of thing upsets you.
The whole fabric of our
society's unraveling
and it's leaving us old
timers in the dust, hm?
- Oh.
Hello Kosuke.
- Master, shouldn't
you be in bed?
Come along with us.
It's much too cold for
you to be standing around
in the night here.
If anything should happen
to you, this tribe wouldn't
know which way to turn.
[floor creaking]
Hm?
[footsteps thumping]
You should be in bed
yourself, Saito-san.
Remember, tomorrow
is an important day.
[rattling]
[Naomi gasps]
- Ichiro, wake up!
[yelling]
[Hans grunting]
- Uh, where do you
suppose he came from?
Do you think he's all right?
Um, hello?
Hello, are you--
[gasps]
- As I stared at him, I
knew he was one of them.
A roach from the tribe that
lived across the field.
I had never been there, but I
knew all about their society.
Grandfather's stories had
painted a vivid picture
over the years.
His world was quite
different from mine,
a nation in a constant
struggle for survival.
A permanent battleground
where roaches had to prove
themselves in daily combat.
A truly frightening existence.
And yet, I found myself
strangely attracted to Hans.
He had such an air of mystery
and sadness about him.
Ichiro would waste no
time in turning our
visitor over to the
authorities for questioning.
I think he sensed my interest
from the very beginning.
[soft music]
[child roaches laughing]
Ichiro?
- Hm?
- Tell me what's happened.
Have they placed
Hans under arrest?
- Ah, don't be silly.
Why would they do that?
I heard they were going to
grant him refugee status.
The whole affair's very
hush-hush, top secret,
if you know what I mean.
- Did you hear anything
about how he was injured?
- He's been in combat.
- Combat?
With a cat?
- With a human.
[Naomi gasps]
- A human like Mr. Saito?
Why?
- I don't know.
I figure he must've done
something really terrible
to provoke him.
Not to change the subject,
honey, but have you
chosen your wedding dress yet?
I don't wanna bug ya, but
you're gonna run out of time.
- I wanted Parsley
to go with me,
but she's been busy.
- The dress maker's
getting antsy.
She needs to start soon.
[Sage clears throat]
Leader.
- You're Ika-chiro,
isn't that right?
- Ichiro, sir.
- Oh yes of course,
Ichiro, how stupid of me.
So how are you my boy?
- I'm doing very
well, thank you.
- And Naomi.
Beautiful as ever.
- Thank you.
- So let's sit and talk.
I hear you've been
asking about our visitor.
- Well, yes.
- The timing of his arrival
is actually most fortunate.
- Because it's a holiday?
- Because tomorrow's
Armistice Day and he'll
be a good role model.
- Huh?
[chattering]
- Okay, stand by.
Settle everyone, we're
going live in five,
four, three, two, one.
- Good morning, welcome
to our broadcast.
We're gathered here,
as I'm sure you know,
to celebrate Armistice
Day as we do every year.
Three generations ago our
great war came to an end.
Now we take this
opportunity to recall our
glorious history to learn
from the lessons of the
past to avoid these
mistakes in the future.
This is particularly
important for our children.
- With us in the studio
today, as always,
to mark this most formal
occasion, is our great leader.
[applause]
- To my fellow citizens,
greetings one and all.
- In the spirit of this
joyous celebration,
I'm sure you won't mind
if I address you by your
nickname, Sage?
- Eh. [laughs]
- We're a little
short on time, folks.
Moving right along, our
great leader will now
deliver his annual
Armistice Day address.
[chattering]
[tense music]
- For many of us here,
there was a time when
life was nearly impossible.
Man and cockroach were bitterly
divided by deep hatreds
and misunderstanding.
See, we cockroaches were
despised as invaders.
Eventually, the day came
when the humans refused
to accept our presence,
when the happiness of the
Hosino Tribe was disrupted by
our innocent pursuit of food.
[roaches chittering]
[gunfire]
[spraying]
[melancholy music]
The resulting war was a
disaster for our tribe.
Many brave roaches died,
but then miraculously,
the other side retreated
and the sounds of battle
were stilled.
Standing in the
midst if these ruins,
I was struck by the
realization that peaceful
coexistence between our
tribes was the only hope
for the future.
And peace finally did
come to our world,
thanks to our savior, Saito-san.
In our darkest hour, he
appeared, drove out our enemies,
and treated us with the
dignity of comrades.
Saito-san, we make to
you this sacred pledge,
never again shall we disturb
the peace between the tribe
of man and the
tribe of cockroach.
[applause]
Hear this, past indiscretions
by our citizens will
not be repeated.
Our devotion to peace is
heartfelt and signals a new
era of friendly relations.
Pay heed, today the
members of our tribe enjoy
the fruits of a prosperous
and peaceful land.
But we're lucky.
Elsewhere in the world,
not all roaches are able
to live in peace and tranquility
with their human hosts.
As proof, I'd like to
present a young warrior.
You'll see, he's a battle
scarred fugitive from
a war torn land and his
presence offers some
sobering thoughts on life
as our ancestors knew it.
[applause]
- In our earlier conversation,
you claimed that members
of your tribe are being
massacred, isn't that true?
- Ya.
- Can you give us
some idea of the daily
casualty figures?
Is it in the hundreds?
- Mhm.
- Oh.
It's so many.
On top of that, you mentioned
you had evidence of brutality?
- Ya.
- Crushings, poisoned gas,
and senseless mutilations
taking place on a huge
scale, turning their world
into a nightmarish combat zone.
What a horror.
Hans, I know this is
hard but would you show
the audience your battle scars?
Here.
[gasps]
That looks so dreadful.
Get a close up.
Zoom until you fill the picture.
Gee.
That's awful.
Let this serve as a reminder
of the tragic costs of war.
And now, one final word.
- Let us give
thanks to Saito-san.
[singing in foreign language]
[Hans grunts]
[buzzing]
[wind blowing]
- Ready for take off.
Number one.
- Number one ready, go.
[yelling]
[laughing]
- Fail.
Next.
- Ready.
Go!
[grunts]
[cheering]
- He passes.
[buzzing]
[cat meows]
[yelling]
[wind blowing]
[buzzing]
- What's wrong?
Don't you love Ichiro anymore?
- I'm not sure.
We've been together so long,
we finish each
other's sentences.
- But he's so gentle, so loving.
Hm.
Look.
A pack of toilet
roaches on the make.
They're all so crude.
They come down here every
day looking for girls
covered in shit.
You'd think they'd have
something better to do
with their time.
[toilet roaches laughing]
Naomi?
Don't tell anyone, but I'm
giving birth next month.
- What?
Not again.
- I've never had babies
with Yasuo before.
- Gosh, you're gonna die giving
birth one of these times,
and I've yet to have
my first litter.
I wish I was pregnant.
[splashes]
Good evening, grandfather.
It's me, Naomi.
Are you busy?
I wanted to ask you--
[gasps]
Oh my heavens.
Hans, what are you doing here?
I thought the authorities
had big plans for you.
- Keep your voice down.
[Naomi gasps]
- But why?
- Please, wait for
me in the kitchen.
- Oh.
[melancholy music]
- [Hans] That's all I know.
Good bye for now.
- Hans, Hans.
Oh.
- His mission is
done, he's going back.
[gasps]
- Back there?
Why?
Why must he go back
to a living hell?
- Duty.
He'll risk his life
to return to his home.
- I'm confused.
Duty?
[melancholy music]
After Hans had left,
grandfather came out and told
me a story.
It was about my grandmother
who had passed away
years before.
He said she was 19
when the Hosino War
came to an end.
She appeared after having
made a long journey,
all by herself.
When she met grandfather,
she was already with child.
And like Hans, as it turned out,
she was from a tribe that
lived across the field,
a tribe that lived under
siege in a war ravaged land.
It was then I knew I
had to cross that field
and be with Hans.
[melancholy music]
[hitting]
[birds chirping]
- Ah.
- Have you seen Naomi?
- Nope, not today.
She's been kind of moody,
spending a lot more
time alone.
- Are you sure about that?
[laughs]
- Naomi, will you at least come
and check it out?
What's the matter?
You don't like the place?
- That's not the problem.
- Naomi.
[upbeat music]
[laughing]
[upbeat music]
[laughing]
[soft music]
[soft percussive music]
- [Feces] Well little
girl, what are you doing
way out here?
- Ew, a talking turd.
- Are you prejudiced
against droppings?
- Um, wait no, it's just
that I never expec--
- Sure.
- No, really.
- Everybody says that
until they step in it.
I don't suppose you're
looking for that chap who
just passed by here a
few moments ago, are you?
- You mean Hans?
I've been trying to find him.
- Oh?
Well.
I guess this is
your lucky day then.
He went that way, to the right.
[soft percussive music]
[sighs]
[wind blowing]
[gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[grunting]
[hits]
[grunts]
[screams]
[grunts]
[heavy breathing]
[thunder rumbling]
[lightening striking]
[gasps]
[thunder rumbling]
[rain pattering]
[lightening striking]
- Naomi's run away?
But where?
- [Grandpa] I don't know.
- She can't just pick
up and leave this way.
The wedding's all arranged,
the invitations have
been sent out.
[rain pattering outside]
- Sorry.
[Yasuo grunts]
[rain pattering]
[wind blowing]
[thunder rumbling]
[rain pattering]
[wind blowing]
[crashing]
[wind blowing]
[water rushing]
- [Torah] Naomi.
Naomi.
[grunts]
[soft music]
[swatting]
[refrigerator buzzing]
- [Soldier Roach]
Who is she after now?
- I have not a clue.
Some careless idiot.
- Our advanced warning
system must have failed.
[spraying]
[soldiers yell]
[gurgling]
[spits]
[gurgling]
[spits]
[footsteps echoing]
- Let's go.
[clothes rustling]
[hair whips]
[clothes rustling]
[zips]
[bed creaks]
[jewelry jangling]
[bed creaks]
[chattering]
- Everyone, prepare to move out.
[roaches speak in
foreign language]
Battalion one, you will
attack the first target.
[roaches marching]
Company T, target two.
[roaches marching]
Hans!
- Ya?
- [General] Your men will
capture target three.
[roaches marching]
All troops begin
deployment on my command.
Move out!
[roaches marching]
[soft music]
[roaches marching]
[Naomi gasps]
[soft, tense music]
[roaches marching]
- Oh my.
Hans.
Hans! [grunts]
[peeling]
[soft, tense music]
[chopping]
[soft, tense music]
- Go.
[chopping]
[soft, tense music]
[buzzing]
Now, let's go.
[soft, tense music]
[swatting]
[soldiers yelling]
[heavy breathing]
[swats]
Times up, move out.
Take Oshoken and
Heto home, quickly.
- [Soldier] Everyone, retreat.
Go, get out!
Move!
Faster!
[spraying]
[soldiers yelling]
- Take hold of me.
[gasps]
[grunts]
[spraying]
[Hans yells]
[tense music]
[soldiers chattering]
- All right, leave
some for the others.
- [Commandant] What is it, Hans?
- Commandant.
With your permission,
I request the honor
of leading the next attack.
- You're much too
valuable to be sacrificed
in a losing battle.
Request is denied.
[soldiers chattering]
- Hans!
Hans!
[tense music]
[tapping]
- My fellow roaches,
today we face a
cataclysmic crisis.
Once again, greedy humans
are attempting to withhold
food from us, just as they
have for millions of years.
They were not content
to simply throw us out
of the Garden of Eden,
now they are on a mission
to destroy us.
[dramatic music]
Through all the
centuries of conflict,
we roaches as a species
have never killed
a single human being.
Not one.
So why is man obsessed
with the idea that he
has the right to annihilate us?
To commit genocide
on an entire race?
[dramatic music]
I'll tell you, it's
because man fears what he
does not understand.
[roaches exclaiming]
It's obvious to any
intelligent observer that
God chose the roach
to inherit the world.
We are much more
adaptable than man,
we can live where man cannot.
We are able to eat food that
would turn man's stomach
and sicken him.
Most important, our race
is in tune with the great
forces of nature.
We know who we are.
We roaches have establish an
unbroken chain of genealogy
that transcends the
ages and we are proud of
the purity of our species.
[roaches exclaiming]
And we will fight back.
For every hundred
that are killed,
we'll breed 10,000
reinforcements.
And for 10,000 lost, a
million more will rise
in their stead.
I give you my solemn oath
we roaches shall prevail.
[roaches yelling]
[dramatic music]
[audience members yelling]
[bed creaking]
[television blaring]
- [Messenger] You're
relieved for the night.
- [Look Out] Where's
Captain Hans?
- [Messenger] Off duty.
- [Look Out] Oh.
[soft piano music]
- I'm scared.
The terror you have
to live with everyday.
Horrendous.
Awful.
- I'm scared.
All the time.
[soft piano music]
- [Naomi] Hans went
into battle every day.
Many brave roaches died.
But Hans was lucky.
Somehow he always
managed to survive,
just as he had since the
day we first came together.
Each night when he returned,
he'd whisper to me,
"I'm alive.
"I'm still alive."
[soft piano music]
- [Surveyor] 2.35 meters.
Next!
[whimpering]
[roaches laugh]
- Ready.
- [Surveyor] Let's go,
what's the hold up?
- Oh, go on.
[yelling]
[roaches laughing]
[birds chirping]
- I'm sure Naomi
will be back soon.
I'm not calling off the
wedding and that's that.
She must have a good
reason, I know her.
- Listen, Ichiro.
I think you're probably
right but my staff plans
to attend that wedding.
They say you have
a lot on the ball.
If she does leave you
standing at the altar,
you're gonna look
pretty foolish, right?
- Well then, I'll have to quit.
- Oh, come on.
Face it.
She isn't worth sacrificing
your whole career.
Call it off now.
Save you and your family
from the public humiliation.
- No.
We're going on as planned.
- That's absurd. [laughs]
- Be there on time.
- What?
Now wait just a minute.
Think about it.
I'm gonna look like an
idiot if I'm standing there
and she doesn't show.
- You'll be in good company.
- But, I'm leader of this
tribe, you understand?
It's bad form.
- Listen, old friend.
Don't worry, it's not
like you haven't lost face
in public before.
If you get my meaning.
- All right.
- Reporting as ordered, captain.
Regarding the girl, sir,
I mean no disrespect
but she'll only
bring us bad luck.
[hits]
[grunts]
- Time to move out.
[ice clinking]
[air conditioner rattling]
[hits]
[rattling]
[insects buzzing]
[door slams]
[insects buzzing]
[chittering]
[Naomi gasps]
[screaming]
[grunting]
[grunts]
- Oh, I'm stuck.
Help me, somebody.
Hans!
[gasps]
[weak chittering]
[grunting]
[heavy breathing]
[footsteps echoing]
[clock ticking]
[doorbell chimes]
[footsteps approach]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[jewelry jangling]
[clock ticking]
- Huh?
Naomi?
Naomi, Naomi!
Oh.
Huh?
Naomi, you're home.
Thank goodness. [sobbing]
Naomi? [sobbing]
Why did you leave?
[tense music]
[laughing]
[tense music]
[bed creaking]
[soft, tense music]
[Naomi whimpering]
[soft, tense music]
[bell chiming]
[chattering]
[bell chiming]
[chattering]
- [Yasuo] I'm starting to
worry about this wedding.
Something's wrong with Naomi.
- Really?
Did you talk to Ichiro about it?
- Yeah, he says she's all right,
she just got amnesia.
You wanna know my theory?
I think she's in shock.
- We'd better not tell
her that Parsley died
giving birth last week.
- Absolutely right.
She's spooked enough already.
- Hey, smile, he's
looking at us.
[chattering]
- [Roach With Glasses] Well
I heard she'd been missing
for three weeks.
- [Male Roach] Shh, it's
being kept under wraps.
- [Female Roach] Supposedly
her grandfather's
been gone as well.
- [Roach A Glasses] Hm,
those two are cut from
the same loaf,
that's what I say.
- [Male Roach] I guess you
ladies heard what happened
this morning.
- What?
- What?
- We found dead
roaches, three of them.
- Hm, it must've been
young hoodlums that did it.
They have no respect
for anything.
- That's not what the
authorities think.
Their crushed bodies
were found tossed
in a trash basket.
From the evidence they think
it could only have been
done by a human.
[both gasp]
[grand orchestral music]
- Our fearless leader
didn't make it.
- Oh, Sage?
Well I'm not surprised,
he probably got
delayed by work.
- Or by a redhead.
[grand orchestral music]
- Oh mighty God in heaven,
all knowing Torah, souls of
our ancestors draw close.
We bring before you
these young ones,
Naomi and Ichiro, to join
them in holy matrimony
in accordance with the
traditions of our race.
We ask your blessing
on this ceremony.
To begin properly, you
must touch feelers.
Now, repeat your
vows to each other.
- Uh.
I, Ichiro, take you Naomi,
to be my wedded wife,
to love and to hold forever.
- And I, Naomi,
take you Ichiro--
[gasps]
[glass shatters]
It's her again.
[smashing]
[roaches yelling]
[smashing]
[roaches yelling]
[chattering]
[sobbing]
[melancholy music]
[chattering]
[melancholy music]
- Thank you for
all your help, men.
I won't take but a few moments.
Fellow citizens.
Well, what can I say?
Words are inadequate
but I offer condolences
to the victims and
their families.
Our tribe has suffered a
vicious and unprovoked attack.
The assailant is
apparently an outsider
and as far as we can determine,
has left the vicinity.
Also, it appears
Saito-san has developed
a relationship with this female
and we may be seeing more
of her in the future.
- Why weren't we given
any warning about her?
- There was a break down
in communication among
our perimeter guards
and unfortunately,
we had no reports of her
entry into our territory.
Now, listen.
Tomorrow I'm going to
meet with Saito and settle
this issue once and for all.
I pledge to you I'll make
sure that this kind of thing
never happens to our
community ever again.
- [Ichiro] Naomi.
- [Yasuo] Ichiro,
you're all right.
Thank goodness, we thought you
were one of the casualties.
[melancholy music]
- [Grandpa] Naomi.
[grandpa grunts]
- [Naomi] Oh grandfather.
[Naomi sobbing]
- Everyone must
return to their homes.
A curfew is in effect,
clear the streets.
[blows raspberry]
You have to go home, a
state of emergency exists.
- Emergency my segmented foot.
We were told the
danger has passed.
You're out of control.
You're violating
our civil rights.
- We could be attacked any time.
- That's what we pay you for.
You're supposed to
be protecting us.
[chattering]
[laughing]
- There you are.
- Hm?
- So?
How's he doing?
- Hm?
Um, no change really.
He's been sitting in
that chair for hours now.
- Good, if that's
any indication,
it means things are
back to normal. [laughs]
Relax.
Come with us.
- Huh?
But I'm on duty.
- [Yasuo] Oh give me a break,
come on, it's sports night.
We'll have a good time aye?
- [Takashi] Well maybe
just for a little bit.
- [Yasuo] I knew you
wouldn't let me down.
Is this guy something?
"On duty," please.
[soft music]
[footsteps approaching]
[soft music]
[chattering]
- Rebecca.
[soft tinkling music]
- Isn't this great?
Look at it.
[soft tinkling music]
- Tommy just loves these horses.
[soft tinkling music]
[doorbell chimes]
[jewelry jangling]
[rustling]
[jewelry jangling]
[soft tinkling music]
[door closes]
[chattering]
[laughing]
[spraying]
[yelling]
[roach children shouting]
[spraying]
[spraying]
[roaches yelling]
[coughing]
[yelling]
[spraying]
[roaches yelling]
[spraying]
[roaches yelling]
[yawns]
[water splashes]
[vacuum cleaner buzzing]
[rummaging]
[vacuum cleaner buzzing]
- It was always like this
when I was just a hatchling.
Doesn't frighten me one bit.
Scrambling for food and
water is good for ya,
it builds character.
- I couldn't agree more.
It'll always be like
this for roaches.
We're scavengers.
Humans will never respect us.
- Hm.
I don't understand why we're
being treated like this.
We have a right to the good
life just like anyone else.
[laughing]
- Yeah, sure.
Oop.
- Come on, this was an
isolated act of madness.
Humans love cockroaches.
- Oh is that so?
And what numbskull
talked to you?
- Sage himself told me that.
- My, my, what an
astute thing for our
late leader to say, right?
- Sharp as a tack.
- Yes, he got
right to the point.
Of course it's not nice
to speak ill of the dead.
On the other hand, I never
spoke well of him when
he was alive. [laughs]
- Why are you being so mean?
- Listen, baby face.
This attitude problem on
the part of the humans
is nothing new.
They have been
killing is like flies
since before my
grandfather was born.
Isn't that true, Elder?
- [Elder] Is a frog's
ass water tight?
- [Old Roach] You bet
your feelers it is.
The fact is, they can't
stand anything about us,
from the way we eat
to the way we look.
While we're on the subject,
you might as well know
the truth about the
so-called Hosino Wars.
Every part of that
story was a lie from
start to finish.
Sage made the whole thing up.
[spraying]
[tense music]
Saito was actually the
head of the Hosino Clan
before he broke up with
his wife and she moved out.
Now there's a new
woman in his life
and she's incited him
to kill us once again,
just as he did in the old days.
When he was alone, he had no
motivation to get rid of us.
We even provided a
diversion for him.
But now, we're in the way,
and he wants to impress
his new girlfriend.
- But how come Sage
lied about everything?
- It was simple, he
never new the truth.
Sage hid in the cellar
during the entire war.
When it was over he came
out and proclaimed himself
the leader of the tribe.
He'd never even met
Saito until his wife
had already left him.
[shots firing]
- Yasuo's missing.
We looked all over
but he's gone.
- I had a very disturbing
dream last night.
You were in it, Ichiro.
- Yeah?
- The moon was shining
down on our home,
but it was a barren wasteland.
You and I were the
only ones left alive.
All our friends, their
children, their families,
everyone had been killed.
[sobbing]
[upbeat news music]
- [Richard] AP Network
News, I'm Richard Johnson.
Starting with Clayton Lowtree,
the former marine guard
accused of spying,
will be going to trial.
Here's the latest from
the AP's Sean Anderson.
- [Sean] Lieutenant
General Frank Peterson Jr.,
has told military prosecutors
to begin court-martial
proceedings against Lowtree
on 13 of the original
24 counts, including
one count of espionage.
- No problem.
All you have to do is
move in straight lines.
You wanna learn something?
Watch a real cockroach
in action, pay attention.
So, ready to go?
- Ready.
I'm all set.
[grunts]
[cracking]
Okay.
[television blaring]
[yells]
[upbeat percussive music]
- [Ichiro] Oh my
god, she's seen him.
- [Takashi] No, she hasn't.
Watch this.
Rule number one, always
use black as a cover.
[upbeat percussive music]
[Ichiro gasps]
Stay in the shadows.
It's a simple
camouflaging technique.
[Ichiro gasps]
- [Ichiro] What's the maneuver?
- Just as old roach showing off.
[upbeat percussive music]
[water drips]
[soft music]
[creaking]
[spraying]
- [Roach] Everybody get back!
They're trying to break through!
[creaking]
[tape dispensing]
[roaches chattering]
- Hey, our best chance is
out in the open, come on.
- [Roach] No, no,
you're safer here.
Get as far back into the
foundation as you can.
[soft music]
[roaches chattering]
- [Hans] We are following
the correct path.
We should arrive by early
tomorrow morning, commandant.
[tense, dramatic music]
- We face destiny at sunrise.
Be silent and heed the
words of our Enforcer.
[tense, dramatic music]
- [Hans] Comrades!
From now on, you and your
families shall never again
feel the pain of hunger.
[tense, dramatic music]
Starting tomorrow, it will
be full bellies for everyone.
[roaches cheering]
Now onto victory!
[roaches cheering]
- [Commandant] Good work Hans.
By the way, congratulations
on your promotion.
- Grandfather?
I have news.
I'm pregnant.
I found out today.
Only...
It's not Ichiro's, I think
the litter belongs to Hans.
[soft music]
- Oh, likely it belongs
to each of them.
This is good, 'cause
Ichiro is honest
and Hans is strong.
Listen carefully, Naomi.
[soft music]
Tomorrow night, just as the
moon rises in the evening sky,
come to this shrine alone.
- [Naomi] What about you?
- [Grandfather] Come alone.
- [Naomi] All right.
- [Grandfather] And be
at peace with yourself.
Before you come, clear
your heart and mind
of all turmoil.
When you pray to Torah,
raise your head and say,
"I am Naomi, your namesake."
[snoring]
[soft chattering]
- Takashi
Takashi.
Wake up, you're on central duty.
- Okay, I'm awake.
[Naomi grumbles]
[roaches snoring]
[yawns]
[roaches snoring]
[floor creaking]
[creaking]
[banging]
[creaking]
- Batallion one, up there in
place, hold your position.
Battallion two, march
in place, quick time.
Hop, two, three, four.
Everyone together, sound off.
♪ We are the
cockroach soldiers ♪
♪ We are the
cockroach soldiers ♪
♪ Start a fight
and we get older ♪
♪ Start a fight
and we get older ♪
♪ One gets crossed
but 10 are mating ♪
♪ One gets crossed
by 10 are mating ♪
♪ Then go down there's
hundreds mating ♪
♪ Then go down there's
hundreds mating ♪
♪ Once we start
there's no retreating ♪
♪ Once we start
there's no retreating ♪
♪ Take us on you'll
get a beating ♪
♪ Take us on you'll
get a beating ♪
All regiments, hold!
- Oh my god, what's going on?
It's some kind of inva--
Hm?
Hey, Naomi!
Naomi!
[soft, tense music]
- [Hans] You say there
was no provocation.
- We're not capable of it.
Our tribe is peace loving.
- Hm.
- Hm.
- We don't know how
to cope with this,
but if you have any ideas,
we'll be glad to provide
all the help you need.
- I have a plan.
We'll attack the
humans full force,
and all our fight.
Drive them from the area.
- [All Three] Long
live the Enforcer.
- [Enforcer] And you will
lead the attack Hans.
- Sir, it will be done.
[grunting]
- [General] Company B, move out!
- [Soldiers] Yes sir!
[tense music]
- It has been a
long time my friend.
- And you've come a
long way, I thank you.
- I've come to say good bye.
Events are now in motion
and my job is done.
The prophecy will come to pass.
- Many will die.
- [Enforcer] It was
you who taught me never
to be sentimental.
- The hope of your tribe
lies entirely with Hans.
- As fate would have it.
I hear God told you Hans
will be the last to die.
- That's true.
[soft music]
He's your only means to survive
and yet in spite of
that, you neither
love nor understand him.
- Halt!
[grunting]
- I have a message for the
Enforcer, do you understand?
- He is in conference,
commander, and
cannot be disturbed.
- This is urgent.
- He said no exceptions--
- [Ichiro] Naomi!
Naomi, stop.
- Naomi.
[soft music]
- So it's come down to this.
Total war.
But you know what?
I'm going to survive it,
I feel certain about that.
- Maybe so.
I hope so.
Then, when it's all over,
you and I can settle
things between us.
[soldiers marching
in the distance]
- [Commander] Battalion
leaders, report!
- [Third Battalion Leader]
Battalion three ready.
- [Eighth Battalion Leader]
Battalion eight ready.
- It's time.
- Follow me.
[alarm beeping]
[squashing]
[buzzing]
[roaches chittering]
Hold your positions.
I think they see us, commander.
[roaches chittering]
[buzzing]
Wait!
I didn't give the order!
Fools.
[roaches yelling]
[buzzing]
[igniting]
[roach soldiers yelling]
[stomping]
[yelling]
[spraying]
[igniting]
[coughing]
[chattering]
- Come on men!
[roach soldiers yelling]
[yelling]
[spraying]
[dramatic music]
- Dive down under the
fumes, it's our only chance.
Let's split up.
[dramatic music]
[gasps]
[coughing]
[gasps]
[yells]
[grunts]
[grunting]
[stomps]
[roaches yelling]
[yelling]
[coughing]
[tense music]
[creaking]
[yelling]
[Ichiro and Naomi
breathing heavily]
[heavy breathing]
[grunting]
- [Grandpa] Naomi?
I want you and Ichiro
to stay here a while.
[smacks]
[wind blowing]
- [Enforcer] Locate Hans.
I must talk to him immediately.
- Yes, sir, you asked to see me?
- There is no choice,
you must escape.
You have to survive
to carry on the fight.
- Sir, must I leave?
- Yes, Hans.
They've all died for your sake.
Move out.
[footsteps echoing]
[laughing]
[spraying]
[Enforcer laughing]
[heavy breathing]
- Commander!
[grunts]
[spraying]
[soldier yells]
- Over there, the wall.
[heavy breathing]
Naomi!
[slams]
[soft, melancholy music]
- Naomi.
I want you to close your
eyes and count to 100.
- Why?
- Humor me.
- [Naomi And Ichiro] One,
two,
three,
four,
five,
six,
seven,
eight,
nine,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15...
[soft, melancholy music]
[eating]
[buzzing]
[grunts]
[plops]
[soft, melancholy music]
- Naomi!
Naomi!
[insects buzzing]
- [Naomi] I, too,
am called Naomi.
I am your namesake.
I pray to you, Torah.
Hear me, I am Naomi.
[insects buzzing]
- [Torah] Naomi.
[gasps]
Naomi.
Naomi!
- Naomi!
Naomi!
Naomi!
Naomi!
[Naomi grunts]
Thank goodness you're all right.
[floor creaking]
[Ichiro gasps]
Quickly, come on.
[floor creaking]
[soft, melancholy music]
- [Torah] Naomi.
Naomi.
I am Naomi, your grandmother.
Listen carefully.
What I have to tell you is
crucial to your survival.
In order to improve our breed,
God has provided challenges
of increasing difficulty.
In this latest trial,
he has allowed humans to
develop deadlier and
deadlier poisons.
Only the fittest of the
race will be able to
survive exposure to these
toxins and they will
provide the seed for the
preservation of our species.
As mankind develops
new chemicals,
our race must develop new
levels of resistance or perish.
In our previous war
with the humans,
I discovered that their
poisons had no effect on me
and along with two strong
males, I was able to survive.
If you're hearing this message,
war has broken out again
and most of your tribe
has been destroyed.
You now know that the God
of all of us is unmerciful
in his decisions.
Naomi.
You are the hope of all
those who died trying to
preserve our species and
like me, you must go on
to fulfill your destiny and
the destiny of our race.
[floor creaking]
- [Ichiro] Hm?
[floor creaking]
- Ichiro.
Go and meet me near the shrine.
- Torah?
[floor creaking]
- Go!
- Naomi, wait!
[spraying]
[Naomi screams]
[grunting]
[heavy breathing]
[yells]
[spraying]
[heavy breathing]
[grunting]
[yelling]
Huh?
Oh, I'm flying. [laughs]
[soft rock music]
[shooting]
[soft rock music]
[Naomi breathing heavily]
[grunting]
[soft music]
[woman vocalizing]
[soft music]
[soft music]
[soft music]
[thumping]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[wind blowing]
[door closes]
- I beg your pardon,
could you help me find
a friend of mine please?
[screams]
Careful, you
could've squashed me.
[stomps]
[screaming]
[heavy breathing]
[screams]
My name is Naomi.
I'm a young cockroach,
19 in roach years.
In all the time I've
lived with my tribe,
I've never experienced terror
or a single incident of
cruelty from our human host.
[soft piano music]
[soft piano music]
[soft piano music]
[heavy breathing]
- I'm completely wiped out.
- You need to spend
more time at the gym.
They say you'll never
get stronger if you don't
put in the effort to
build yourself up.
- I quit the gym.
- You quit?
What did you do that for?
- Too much work, it's
a waste of my time.
Anyway, what's the point?
I'm never gonna be one
of those cockroaches
who spends his life with
his nose to the ground,
scrambling around,
looking for food.
[snorting]
- Stop it, Ichiro.
You sound just like a pig.
[Ichiro laughs]
- Listen Naomi, you and
I have a lot of things to
talk about at dinner tonight,
which if Saito's on schedule,
should be northern Italian
with a delicate tomato
and basil sauce.
Last night was Chinese,
the day before that
was steak and potatoes,
so if I know Saito,
tonight will be pasta.
[ice cubes clink]
Speak of the devil.
[ice cubes clinking]
Evenin', Mr. Saito.
[ice cubes clink]
- Let's go.
- Bye.
[upbeat rock music]
[upbeat rock music]
[roaches chattering]
I went out looking today
and I think I found
the perfect place for us.
The south wall's made of
glass so the sun comes in
and it's bright and airy.
Hanging plants completely
cover the ceiling.
It's beautiful.
I can hardly wait to move in
there after we get married.
[Naomi groans]
Even my father liked it.
He said it's a good
investment and he'd be
glad to help with the payments.
What's wrong?
Did I say something
to upset you?
If so, I'm sorry.
- No, mm-mm.
You're not to blame.
It's me.
- [Takashi, Parsley, And
Yasuo] Hey you two love birds.
[upbeat rock music]
- So Ichiro, I hear
you're on the fast track.
A promotion to second assistant?
You must've done something
special to impress the big boss.
- [Ichiro] He was impressed
with my father's connections.
- Doesn't surprise me,
that's how it usually works.
Marvelous pasta
sauce, it's heaven.
Look at those two, we could
be eating out of dumpster
for all they care. [laughs]
- They're missing a great meal.
- You can say that again.
This ketchup's delicious.
- Gee, Takashi, no wonder
you never get ahead.
You have no taste, no
vision, no appreciation
of the finer things that
make life worth living.
- Like good friends, you mean?
[upbeat rock music]
[chattering]
[grumbles]
- Good evening.
Sorry about the noise,
but don't worry,
we'll be closed in
about 10 minutes.
Please, bare with us, Mr. Saito.
[upbeat rock music]
[chattering]
[chattering]
- You youngsters are a disgrace.
Just take a look at yourselves.
You dishonor our
cockroach ancestors,
stumbling around in the
open like this and--
- Now, now, take it easy.
You're absolutely right
of course, but it's late
and we're both tired.
I'm sure these folks didn't
mean to insult anyone
with their behavior.
Now straight home everyone,
and remember, be careful.
[soft music]
- [Ichiro] Will you
stay with me tonight?
[soft music]
Please?
[insects buzzing]
[soft music]
- I wish you could be
here to see this, Naomi.
Soon, it will all come
to pass, very soon.
- [Kosuke] I know how much
this kind of thing upsets you.
The whole fabric of our
society's unraveling
and it's leaving us old
timers in the dust, hm?
- Oh.
Hello Kosuke.
- Master, shouldn't
you be in bed?
Come along with us.
It's much too cold for
you to be standing around
in the night here.
If anything should happen
to you, this tribe wouldn't
know which way to turn.
[floor creaking]
Hm?
[footsteps thumping]
You should be in bed
yourself, Saito-san.
Remember, tomorrow
is an important day.
[rattling]
[Naomi gasps]
- Ichiro, wake up!
[yelling]
[Hans grunting]
- Uh, where do you
suppose he came from?
Do you think he's all right?
Um, hello?
Hello, are you--
[gasps]
- As I stared at him, I
knew he was one of them.
A roach from the tribe that
lived across the field.
I had never been there, but I
knew all about their society.
Grandfather's stories had
painted a vivid picture
over the years.
His world was quite
different from mine,
a nation in a constant
struggle for survival.
A permanent battleground
where roaches had to prove
themselves in daily combat.
A truly frightening existence.
And yet, I found myself
strangely attracted to Hans.
He had such an air of mystery
and sadness about him.
Ichiro would waste no
time in turning our
visitor over to the
authorities for questioning.
I think he sensed my interest
from the very beginning.
[soft music]
[child roaches laughing]
Ichiro?
- Hm?
- Tell me what's happened.
Have they placed
Hans under arrest?
- Ah, don't be silly.
Why would they do that?
I heard they were going to
grant him refugee status.
The whole affair's very
hush-hush, top secret,
if you know what I mean.
- Did you hear anything
about how he was injured?
- He's been in combat.
- Combat?
With a cat?
- With a human.
[Naomi gasps]
- A human like Mr. Saito?
Why?
- I don't know.
I figure he must've done
something really terrible
to provoke him.
Not to change the subject,
honey, but have you
chosen your wedding dress yet?
I don't wanna bug ya, but
you're gonna run out of time.
- I wanted Parsley
to go with me,
but she's been busy.
- The dress maker's
getting antsy.
She needs to start soon.
[Sage clears throat]
Leader.
- You're Ika-chiro,
isn't that right?
- Ichiro, sir.
- Oh yes of course,
Ichiro, how stupid of me.
So how are you my boy?
- I'm doing very
well, thank you.
- And Naomi.
Beautiful as ever.
- Thank you.
- So let's sit and talk.
I hear you've been
asking about our visitor.
- Well, yes.
- The timing of his arrival
is actually most fortunate.
- Because it's a holiday?
- Because tomorrow's
Armistice Day and he'll
be a good role model.
- Huh?
[chattering]
- Okay, stand by.
Settle everyone, we're
going live in five,
four, three, two, one.
- Good morning, welcome
to our broadcast.
We're gathered here,
as I'm sure you know,
to celebrate Armistice
Day as we do every year.
Three generations ago our
great war came to an end.
Now we take this
opportunity to recall our
glorious history to learn
from the lessons of the
past to avoid these
mistakes in the future.
This is particularly
important for our children.
- With us in the studio
today, as always,
to mark this most formal
occasion, is our great leader.
[applause]
- To my fellow citizens,
greetings one and all.
- In the spirit of this
joyous celebration,
I'm sure you won't mind
if I address you by your
nickname, Sage?
- Eh. [laughs]
- We're a little
short on time, folks.
Moving right along, our
great leader will now
deliver his annual
Armistice Day address.
[chattering]
[tense music]
- For many of us here,
there was a time when
life was nearly impossible.
Man and cockroach were bitterly
divided by deep hatreds
and misunderstanding.
See, we cockroaches were
despised as invaders.
Eventually, the day came
when the humans refused
to accept our presence,
when the happiness of the
Hosino Tribe was disrupted by
our innocent pursuit of food.
[roaches chittering]
[gunfire]
[spraying]
[melancholy music]
The resulting war was a
disaster for our tribe.
Many brave roaches died,
but then miraculously,
the other side retreated
and the sounds of battle
were stilled.
Standing in the
midst if these ruins,
I was struck by the
realization that peaceful
coexistence between our
tribes was the only hope
for the future.
And peace finally did
come to our world,
thanks to our savior, Saito-san.
In our darkest hour, he
appeared, drove out our enemies,
and treated us with the
dignity of comrades.
Saito-san, we make to
you this sacred pledge,
never again shall we disturb
the peace between the tribe
of man and the
tribe of cockroach.
[applause]
Hear this, past indiscretions
by our citizens will
not be repeated.
Our devotion to peace is
heartfelt and signals a new
era of friendly relations.
Pay heed, today the
members of our tribe enjoy
the fruits of a prosperous
and peaceful land.
But we're lucky.
Elsewhere in the world,
not all roaches are able
to live in peace and tranquility
with their human hosts.
As proof, I'd like to
present a young warrior.
You'll see, he's a battle
scarred fugitive from
a war torn land and his
presence offers some
sobering thoughts on life
as our ancestors knew it.
[applause]
- In our earlier conversation,
you claimed that members
of your tribe are being
massacred, isn't that true?
- Ya.
- Can you give us
some idea of the daily
casualty figures?
Is it in the hundreds?
- Mhm.
- Oh.
It's so many.
On top of that, you mentioned
you had evidence of brutality?
- Ya.
- Crushings, poisoned gas,
and senseless mutilations
taking place on a huge
scale, turning their world
into a nightmarish combat zone.
What a horror.
Hans, I know this is
hard but would you show
the audience your battle scars?
Here.
[gasps]
That looks so dreadful.
Get a close up.
Zoom until you fill the picture.
Gee.
That's awful.
Let this serve as a reminder
of the tragic costs of war.
And now, one final word.
- Let us give
thanks to Saito-san.
[singing in foreign language]
[Hans grunts]
[buzzing]
[wind blowing]
- Ready for take off.
Number one.
- Number one ready, go.
[yelling]
[laughing]
- Fail.
Next.
- Ready.
Go!
[grunts]
[cheering]
- He passes.
[buzzing]
[cat meows]
[yelling]
[wind blowing]
[buzzing]
- What's wrong?
Don't you love Ichiro anymore?
- I'm not sure.
We've been together so long,
we finish each
other's sentences.
- But he's so gentle, so loving.
Hm.
Look.
A pack of toilet
roaches on the make.
They're all so crude.
They come down here every
day looking for girls
covered in shit.
You'd think they'd have
something better to do
with their time.
[toilet roaches laughing]
Naomi?
Don't tell anyone, but I'm
giving birth next month.
- What?
Not again.
- I've never had babies
with Yasuo before.
- Gosh, you're gonna die giving
birth one of these times,
and I've yet to have
my first litter.
I wish I was pregnant.
[splashes]
Good evening, grandfather.
It's me, Naomi.
Are you busy?
I wanted to ask you--
[gasps]
Oh my heavens.
Hans, what are you doing here?
I thought the authorities
had big plans for you.
- Keep your voice down.
[Naomi gasps]
- But why?
- Please, wait for
me in the kitchen.
- Oh.
[melancholy music]
- [Hans] That's all I know.
Good bye for now.
- Hans, Hans.
Oh.
- His mission is
done, he's going back.
[gasps]
- Back there?
Why?
Why must he go back
to a living hell?
- Duty.
He'll risk his life
to return to his home.
- I'm confused.
Duty?
[melancholy music]
After Hans had left,
grandfather came out and told
me a story.
It was about my grandmother
who had passed away
years before.
He said she was 19
when the Hosino War
came to an end.
She appeared after having
made a long journey,
all by herself.
When she met grandfather,
she was already with child.
And like Hans, as it turned out,
she was from a tribe that
lived across the field,
a tribe that lived under
siege in a war ravaged land.
It was then I knew I
had to cross that field
and be with Hans.
[melancholy music]
[hitting]
[birds chirping]
- Ah.
- Have you seen Naomi?
- Nope, not today.
She's been kind of moody,
spending a lot more
time alone.
- Are you sure about that?
[laughs]
- Naomi, will you at least come
and check it out?
What's the matter?
You don't like the place?
- That's not the problem.
- Naomi.
[upbeat music]
[laughing]
[upbeat music]
[laughing]
[soft music]
[soft percussive music]
- [Feces] Well little
girl, what are you doing
way out here?
- Ew, a talking turd.
- Are you prejudiced
against droppings?
- Um, wait no, it's just
that I never expec--
- Sure.
- No, really.
- Everybody says that
until they step in it.
I don't suppose you're
looking for that chap who
just passed by here a
few moments ago, are you?
- You mean Hans?
I've been trying to find him.
- Oh?
Well.
I guess this is
your lucky day then.
He went that way, to the right.
[soft percussive music]
[sighs]
[wind blowing]
[gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[grunting]
[hits]
[grunts]
[screams]
[grunts]
[heavy breathing]
[thunder rumbling]
[lightening striking]
[gasps]
[thunder rumbling]
[rain pattering]
[lightening striking]
- Naomi's run away?
But where?
- [Grandpa] I don't know.
- She can't just pick
up and leave this way.
The wedding's all arranged,
the invitations have
been sent out.
[rain pattering outside]
- Sorry.
[Yasuo grunts]
[rain pattering]
[wind blowing]
[thunder rumbling]
[rain pattering]
[wind blowing]
[crashing]
[wind blowing]
[water rushing]
- [Torah] Naomi.
Naomi.
[grunts]
[soft music]
[swatting]
[refrigerator buzzing]
- [Soldier Roach]
Who is she after now?
- I have not a clue.
Some careless idiot.
- Our advanced warning
system must have failed.
[spraying]
[soldiers yell]
[gurgling]
[spits]
[gurgling]
[spits]
[footsteps echoing]
- Let's go.
[clothes rustling]
[hair whips]
[clothes rustling]
[zips]
[bed creaks]
[jewelry jangling]
[bed creaks]
[chattering]
- Everyone, prepare to move out.
[roaches speak in
foreign language]
Battalion one, you will
attack the first target.
[roaches marching]
Company T, target two.
[roaches marching]
Hans!
- Ya?
- [General] Your men will
capture target three.
[roaches marching]
All troops begin
deployment on my command.
Move out!
[roaches marching]
[soft music]
[roaches marching]
[Naomi gasps]
[soft, tense music]
[roaches marching]
- Oh my.
Hans.
Hans! [grunts]
[peeling]
[soft, tense music]
[chopping]
[soft, tense music]
- Go.
[chopping]
[soft, tense music]
[buzzing]
Now, let's go.
[soft, tense music]
[swatting]
[soldiers yelling]
[heavy breathing]
[swats]
Times up, move out.
Take Oshoken and
Heto home, quickly.
- [Soldier] Everyone, retreat.
Go, get out!
Move!
Faster!
[spraying]
[soldiers yelling]
- Take hold of me.
[gasps]
[grunts]
[spraying]
[Hans yells]
[tense music]
[soldiers chattering]
- All right, leave
some for the others.
- [Commandant] What is it, Hans?
- Commandant.
With your permission,
I request the honor
of leading the next attack.
- You're much too
valuable to be sacrificed
in a losing battle.
Request is denied.
[soldiers chattering]
- Hans!
Hans!
[tense music]
[tapping]
- My fellow roaches,
today we face a
cataclysmic crisis.
Once again, greedy humans
are attempting to withhold
food from us, just as they
have for millions of years.
They were not content
to simply throw us out
of the Garden of Eden,
now they are on a mission
to destroy us.
[dramatic music]
Through all the
centuries of conflict,
we roaches as a species
have never killed
a single human being.
Not one.
So why is man obsessed
with the idea that he
has the right to annihilate us?
To commit genocide
on an entire race?
[dramatic music]
I'll tell you, it's
because man fears what he
does not understand.
[roaches exclaiming]
It's obvious to any
intelligent observer that
God chose the roach
to inherit the world.
We are much more
adaptable than man,
we can live where man cannot.
We are able to eat food that
would turn man's stomach
and sicken him.
Most important, our race
is in tune with the great
forces of nature.
We know who we are.
We roaches have establish an
unbroken chain of genealogy
that transcends the
ages and we are proud of
the purity of our species.
[roaches exclaiming]
And we will fight back.
For every hundred
that are killed,
we'll breed 10,000
reinforcements.
And for 10,000 lost, a
million more will rise
in their stead.
I give you my solemn oath
we roaches shall prevail.
[roaches yelling]
[dramatic music]
[audience members yelling]
[bed creaking]
[television blaring]
- [Messenger] You're
relieved for the night.
- [Look Out] Where's
Captain Hans?
- [Messenger] Off duty.
- [Look Out] Oh.
[soft piano music]
- I'm scared.
The terror you have
to live with everyday.
Horrendous.
Awful.
- I'm scared.
All the time.
[soft piano music]
- [Naomi] Hans went
into battle every day.
Many brave roaches died.
But Hans was lucky.
Somehow he always
managed to survive,
just as he had since the
day we first came together.
Each night when he returned,
he'd whisper to me,
"I'm alive.
"I'm still alive."
[soft piano music]
- [Surveyor] 2.35 meters.
Next!
[whimpering]
[roaches laugh]
- Ready.
- [Surveyor] Let's go,
what's the hold up?
- Oh, go on.
[yelling]
[roaches laughing]
[birds chirping]
- I'm sure Naomi
will be back soon.
I'm not calling off the
wedding and that's that.
She must have a good
reason, I know her.
- Listen, Ichiro.
I think you're probably
right but my staff plans
to attend that wedding.
They say you have
a lot on the ball.
If she does leave you
standing at the altar,
you're gonna look
pretty foolish, right?
- Well then, I'll have to quit.
- Oh, come on.
Face it.
She isn't worth sacrificing
your whole career.
Call it off now.
Save you and your family
from the public humiliation.
- No.
We're going on as planned.
- That's absurd. [laughs]
- Be there on time.
- What?
Now wait just a minute.
Think about it.
I'm gonna look like an
idiot if I'm standing there
and she doesn't show.
- You'll be in good company.
- But, I'm leader of this
tribe, you understand?
It's bad form.
- Listen, old friend.
Don't worry, it's not
like you haven't lost face
in public before.
If you get my meaning.
- All right.
- Reporting as ordered, captain.
Regarding the girl, sir,
I mean no disrespect
but she'll only
bring us bad luck.
[hits]
[grunts]
- Time to move out.
[ice clinking]
[air conditioner rattling]
[hits]
[rattling]
[insects buzzing]
[door slams]
[insects buzzing]
[chittering]
[Naomi gasps]
[screaming]
[grunting]
[grunts]
- Oh, I'm stuck.
Help me, somebody.
Hans!
[gasps]
[weak chittering]
[grunting]
[heavy breathing]
[footsteps echoing]
[clock ticking]
[doorbell chimes]
[footsteps approach]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[jewelry jangling]
[clock ticking]
- Huh?
Naomi?
Naomi, Naomi!
Oh.
Huh?
Naomi, you're home.
Thank goodness. [sobbing]
Naomi? [sobbing]
Why did you leave?
[tense music]
[laughing]
[tense music]
[bed creaking]
[soft, tense music]
[Naomi whimpering]
[soft, tense music]
[bell chiming]
[chattering]
[bell chiming]
[chattering]
- [Yasuo] I'm starting to
worry about this wedding.
Something's wrong with Naomi.
- Really?
Did you talk to Ichiro about it?
- Yeah, he says she's all right,
she just got amnesia.
You wanna know my theory?
I think she's in shock.
- We'd better not tell
her that Parsley died
giving birth last week.
- Absolutely right.
She's spooked enough already.
- Hey, smile, he's
looking at us.
[chattering]
- [Roach With Glasses] Well
I heard she'd been missing
for three weeks.
- [Male Roach] Shh, it's
being kept under wraps.
- [Female Roach] Supposedly
her grandfather's
been gone as well.
- [Roach A Glasses] Hm,
those two are cut from
the same loaf,
that's what I say.
- [Male Roach] I guess you
ladies heard what happened
this morning.
- What?
- What?
- We found dead
roaches, three of them.
- Hm, it must've been
young hoodlums that did it.
They have no respect
for anything.
- That's not what the
authorities think.
Their crushed bodies
were found tossed
in a trash basket.
From the evidence they think
it could only have been
done by a human.
[both gasp]
[grand orchestral music]
- Our fearless leader
didn't make it.
- Oh, Sage?
Well I'm not surprised,
he probably got
delayed by work.
- Or by a redhead.
[grand orchestral music]
- Oh mighty God in heaven,
all knowing Torah, souls of
our ancestors draw close.
We bring before you
these young ones,
Naomi and Ichiro, to join
them in holy matrimony
in accordance with the
traditions of our race.
We ask your blessing
on this ceremony.
To begin properly, you
must touch feelers.
Now, repeat your
vows to each other.
- Uh.
I, Ichiro, take you Naomi,
to be my wedded wife,
to love and to hold forever.
- And I, Naomi,
take you Ichiro--
[gasps]
[glass shatters]
It's her again.
[smashing]
[roaches yelling]
[smashing]
[roaches yelling]
[chattering]
[sobbing]
[melancholy music]
[chattering]
[melancholy music]
- Thank you for
all your help, men.
I won't take but a few moments.
Fellow citizens.
Well, what can I say?
Words are inadequate
but I offer condolences
to the victims and
their families.
Our tribe has suffered a
vicious and unprovoked attack.
The assailant is
apparently an outsider
and as far as we can determine,
has left the vicinity.
Also, it appears
Saito-san has developed
a relationship with this female
and we may be seeing more
of her in the future.
- Why weren't we given
any warning about her?
- There was a break down
in communication among
our perimeter guards
and unfortunately,
we had no reports of her
entry into our territory.
Now, listen.
Tomorrow I'm going to
meet with Saito and settle
this issue once and for all.
I pledge to you I'll make
sure that this kind of thing
never happens to our
community ever again.
- [Ichiro] Naomi.
- [Yasuo] Ichiro,
you're all right.
Thank goodness, we thought you
were one of the casualties.
[melancholy music]
- [Grandpa] Naomi.
[grandpa grunts]
- [Naomi] Oh grandfather.
[Naomi sobbing]
- Everyone must
return to their homes.
A curfew is in effect,
clear the streets.
[blows raspberry]
You have to go home, a
state of emergency exists.
- Emergency my segmented foot.
We were told the
danger has passed.
You're out of control.
You're violating
our civil rights.
- We could be attacked any time.
- That's what we pay you for.
You're supposed to
be protecting us.
[chattering]
[laughing]
- There you are.
- Hm?
- So?
How's he doing?
- Hm?
Um, no change really.
He's been sitting in
that chair for hours now.
- Good, if that's
any indication,
it means things are
back to normal. [laughs]
Relax.
Come with us.
- Huh?
But I'm on duty.
- [Yasuo] Oh give me a break,
come on, it's sports night.
We'll have a good time aye?
- [Takashi] Well maybe
just for a little bit.
- [Yasuo] I knew you
wouldn't let me down.
Is this guy something?
"On duty," please.
[soft music]
[footsteps approaching]
[soft music]
[chattering]
- Rebecca.
[soft tinkling music]
- Isn't this great?
Look at it.
[soft tinkling music]
- Tommy just loves these horses.
[soft tinkling music]
[doorbell chimes]
[jewelry jangling]
[rustling]
[jewelry jangling]
[soft tinkling music]
[door closes]
[chattering]
[laughing]
[spraying]
[yelling]
[roach children shouting]
[spraying]
[spraying]
[roaches yelling]
[coughing]
[yelling]
[spraying]
[roaches yelling]
[spraying]
[roaches yelling]
[yawns]
[water splashes]
[vacuum cleaner buzzing]
[rummaging]
[vacuum cleaner buzzing]
- It was always like this
when I was just a hatchling.
Doesn't frighten me one bit.
Scrambling for food and
water is good for ya,
it builds character.
- I couldn't agree more.
It'll always be like
this for roaches.
We're scavengers.
Humans will never respect us.
- Hm.
I don't understand why we're
being treated like this.
We have a right to the good
life just like anyone else.
[laughing]
- Yeah, sure.
Oop.
- Come on, this was an
isolated act of madness.
Humans love cockroaches.
- Oh is that so?
And what numbskull
talked to you?
- Sage himself told me that.
- My, my, what an
astute thing for our
late leader to say, right?
- Sharp as a tack.
- Yes, he got
right to the point.
Of course it's not nice
to speak ill of the dead.
On the other hand, I never
spoke well of him when
he was alive. [laughs]
- Why are you being so mean?
- Listen, baby face.
This attitude problem on
the part of the humans
is nothing new.
They have been
killing is like flies
since before my
grandfather was born.
Isn't that true, Elder?
- [Elder] Is a frog's
ass water tight?
- [Old Roach] You bet
your feelers it is.
The fact is, they can't
stand anything about us,
from the way we eat
to the way we look.
While we're on the subject,
you might as well know
the truth about the
so-called Hosino Wars.
Every part of that
story was a lie from
start to finish.
Sage made the whole thing up.
[spraying]
[tense music]
Saito was actually the
head of the Hosino Clan
before he broke up with
his wife and she moved out.
Now there's a new
woman in his life
and she's incited him
to kill us once again,
just as he did in the old days.
When he was alone, he had no
motivation to get rid of us.
We even provided a
diversion for him.
But now, we're in the way,
and he wants to impress
his new girlfriend.
- But how come Sage
lied about everything?
- It was simple, he
never new the truth.
Sage hid in the cellar
during the entire war.
When it was over he came
out and proclaimed himself
the leader of the tribe.
He'd never even met
Saito until his wife
had already left him.
[shots firing]
- Yasuo's missing.
We looked all over
but he's gone.
- I had a very disturbing
dream last night.
You were in it, Ichiro.
- Yeah?
- The moon was shining
down on our home,
but it was a barren wasteland.
You and I were the
only ones left alive.
All our friends, their
children, their families,
everyone had been killed.
[sobbing]
[upbeat news music]
- [Richard] AP Network
News, I'm Richard Johnson.
Starting with Clayton Lowtree,
the former marine guard
accused of spying,
will be going to trial.
Here's the latest from
the AP's Sean Anderson.
- [Sean] Lieutenant
General Frank Peterson Jr.,
has told military prosecutors
to begin court-martial
proceedings against Lowtree
on 13 of the original
24 counts, including
one count of espionage.
- No problem.
All you have to do is
move in straight lines.
You wanna learn something?
Watch a real cockroach
in action, pay attention.
So, ready to go?
- Ready.
I'm all set.
[grunts]
[cracking]
Okay.
[television blaring]
[yells]
[upbeat percussive music]
- [Ichiro] Oh my
god, she's seen him.
- [Takashi] No, she hasn't.
Watch this.
Rule number one, always
use black as a cover.
[upbeat percussive music]
[Ichiro gasps]
Stay in the shadows.
It's a simple
camouflaging technique.
[Ichiro gasps]
- [Ichiro] What's the maneuver?
- Just as old roach showing off.
[upbeat percussive music]
[water drips]
[soft music]
[creaking]
[spraying]
- [Roach] Everybody get back!
They're trying to break through!
[creaking]
[tape dispensing]
[roaches chattering]
- Hey, our best chance is
out in the open, come on.
- [Roach] No, no,
you're safer here.
Get as far back into the
foundation as you can.
[soft music]
[roaches chattering]
- [Hans] We are following
the correct path.
We should arrive by early
tomorrow morning, commandant.
[tense, dramatic music]
- We face destiny at sunrise.
Be silent and heed the
words of our Enforcer.
[tense, dramatic music]
- [Hans] Comrades!
From now on, you and your
families shall never again
feel the pain of hunger.
[tense, dramatic music]
Starting tomorrow, it will
be full bellies for everyone.
[roaches cheering]
Now onto victory!
[roaches cheering]
- [Commandant] Good work Hans.
By the way, congratulations
on your promotion.
- Grandfather?
I have news.
I'm pregnant.
I found out today.
Only...
It's not Ichiro's, I think
the litter belongs to Hans.
[soft music]
- Oh, likely it belongs
to each of them.
This is good, 'cause
Ichiro is honest
and Hans is strong.
Listen carefully, Naomi.
[soft music]
Tomorrow night, just as the
moon rises in the evening sky,
come to this shrine alone.
- [Naomi] What about you?
- [Grandfather] Come alone.
- [Naomi] All right.
- [Grandfather] And be
at peace with yourself.
Before you come, clear
your heart and mind
of all turmoil.
When you pray to Torah,
raise your head and say,
"I am Naomi, your namesake."
[snoring]
[soft chattering]
- Takashi
Takashi.
Wake up, you're on central duty.
- Okay, I'm awake.
[Naomi grumbles]
[roaches snoring]
[yawns]
[roaches snoring]
[floor creaking]
[creaking]
[banging]
[creaking]
- Batallion one, up there in
place, hold your position.
Battallion two, march
in place, quick time.
Hop, two, three, four.
Everyone together, sound off.
♪ We are the
cockroach soldiers ♪
♪ We are the
cockroach soldiers ♪
♪ Start a fight
and we get older ♪
♪ Start a fight
and we get older ♪
♪ One gets crossed
but 10 are mating ♪
♪ One gets crossed
by 10 are mating ♪
♪ Then go down there's
hundreds mating ♪
♪ Then go down there's
hundreds mating ♪
♪ Once we start
there's no retreating ♪
♪ Once we start
there's no retreating ♪
♪ Take us on you'll
get a beating ♪
♪ Take us on you'll
get a beating ♪
All regiments, hold!
- Oh my god, what's going on?
It's some kind of inva--
Hm?
Hey, Naomi!
Naomi!
[soft, tense music]
- [Hans] You say there
was no provocation.
- We're not capable of it.
Our tribe is peace loving.
- Hm.
- Hm.
- We don't know how
to cope with this,
but if you have any ideas,
we'll be glad to provide
all the help you need.
- I have a plan.
We'll attack the
humans full force,
and all our fight.
Drive them from the area.
- [All Three] Long
live the Enforcer.
- [Enforcer] And you will
lead the attack Hans.
- Sir, it will be done.
[grunting]
- [General] Company B, move out!
- [Soldiers] Yes sir!
[tense music]
- It has been a
long time my friend.
- And you've come a
long way, I thank you.
- I've come to say good bye.
Events are now in motion
and my job is done.
The prophecy will come to pass.
- Many will die.
- [Enforcer] It was
you who taught me never
to be sentimental.
- The hope of your tribe
lies entirely with Hans.
- As fate would have it.
I hear God told you Hans
will be the last to die.
- That's true.
[soft music]
He's your only means to survive
and yet in spite of
that, you neither
love nor understand him.
- Halt!
[grunting]
- I have a message for the
Enforcer, do you understand?
- He is in conference,
commander, and
cannot be disturbed.
- This is urgent.
- He said no exceptions--
- [Ichiro] Naomi!
Naomi, stop.
- Naomi.
[soft music]
- So it's come down to this.
Total war.
But you know what?
I'm going to survive it,
I feel certain about that.
- Maybe so.
I hope so.
Then, when it's all over,
you and I can settle
things between us.
[soldiers marching
in the distance]
- [Commander] Battalion
leaders, report!
- [Third Battalion Leader]
Battalion three ready.
- [Eighth Battalion Leader]
Battalion eight ready.
- It's time.
- Follow me.
[alarm beeping]
[squashing]
[buzzing]
[roaches chittering]
Hold your positions.
I think they see us, commander.
[roaches chittering]
[buzzing]
Wait!
I didn't give the order!
Fools.
[roaches yelling]
[buzzing]
[igniting]
[roach soldiers yelling]
[stomping]
[yelling]
[spraying]
[igniting]
[coughing]
[chattering]
- Come on men!
[roach soldiers yelling]
[yelling]
[spraying]
[dramatic music]
- Dive down under the
fumes, it's our only chance.
Let's split up.
[dramatic music]
[gasps]
[coughing]
[gasps]
[yells]
[grunts]
[grunting]
[stomps]
[roaches yelling]
[yelling]
[coughing]
[tense music]
[creaking]
[yelling]
[Ichiro and Naomi
breathing heavily]
[heavy breathing]
[grunting]
- [Grandpa] Naomi?
I want you and Ichiro
to stay here a while.
[smacks]
[wind blowing]
- [Enforcer] Locate Hans.
I must talk to him immediately.
- Yes, sir, you asked to see me?
- There is no choice,
you must escape.
You have to survive
to carry on the fight.
- Sir, must I leave?
- Yes, Hans.
They've all died for your sake.
Move out.
[footsteps echoing]
[laughing]
[spraying]
[Enforcer laughing]
[heavy breathing]
- Commander!
[grunts]
[spraying]
[soldier yells]
- Over there, the wall.
[heavy breathing]
Naomi!
[slams]
[soft, melancholy music]
- Naomi.
I want you to close your
eyes and count to 100.
- Why?
- Humor me.
- [Naomi And Ichiro] One,
two,
three,
four,
five,
six,
seven,
eight,
nine,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15...
[soft, melancholy music]
[eating]
[buzzing]
[grunts]
[plops]
[soft, melancholy music]
- Naomi!
Naomi!
[insects buzzing]
- [Naomi] I, too,
am called Naomi.
I am your namesake.
I pray to you, Torah.
Hear me, I am Naomi.
[insects buzzing]
- [Torah] Naomi.
[gasps]
Naomi.
Naomi!
- Naomi!
Naomi!
Naomi!
Naomi!
[Naomi grunts]
Thank goodness you're all right.
[floor creaking]
[Ichiro gasps]
Quickly, come on.
[floor creaking]
[soft, melancholy music]
- [Torah] Naomi.
Naomi.
I am Naomi, your grandmother.
Listen carefully.
What I have to tell you is
crucial to your survival.
In order to improve our breed,
God has provided challenges
of increasing difficulty.
In this latest trial,
he has allowed humans to
develop deadlier and
deadlier poisons.
Only the fittest of the
race will be able to
survive exposure to these
toxins and they will
provide the seed for the
preservation of our species.
As mankind develops
new chemicals,
our race must develop new
levels of resistance or perish.
In our previous war
with the humans,
I discovered that their
poisons had no effect on me
and along with two strong
males, I was able to survive.
If you're hearing this message,
war has broken out again
and most of your tribe
has been destroyed.
You now know that the God
of all of us is unmerciful
in his decisions.
Naomi.
You are the hope of all
those who died trying to
preserve our species and
like me, you must go on
to fulfill your destiny and
the destiny of our race.
[floor creaking]
- [Ichiro] Hm?
[floor creaking]
- Ichiro.
Go and meet me near the shrine.
- Torah?
[floor creaking]
- Go!
- Naomi, wait!
[spraying]
[Naomi screams]
[grunting]
[heavy breathing]
[yells]
[spraying]
[heavy breathing]
[grunting]
[yelling]
Huh?
Oh, I'm flying. [laughs]
[soft rock music]
[shooting]
[soft rock music]
[Naomi breathing heavily]
[grunting]
[soft music]
[woman vocalizing]
[soft music]
[soft music]
[soft music]