A Brief Message from the Heart (1995) - full transcript
"Mother, are you happy with him? Father said nothing and died quietly." Hiroshi borrows his sister Maki's laptop computer and finds a short message written to the mother who had abandoned them. Without telling Maki, Hiroshi submits her message to a Fukui prefecture collection, and it wins a prize. The episodic narrative gradually fills in the background to this message. She goes from being a design company employee to a restorer of medieval art works. He is a university student in Tokyo. Their father died of a heart attack and never spoke about the divorce from their mother. Hiroshi meets the mother and tries to bring her back to the family, despite Maki's violent objection.
Toei Company, Ltd. Presents
FUKUI
Mrs. Shimizu.
Mrs. Mizushima is here.
She brought you a gift.
I'll leave it in your room.
Have a nice time.
She's always so loud.
Hello.
Mother, you look good.
It's been a long time.
Three months and ten days.
It's very sunny today.
Don't you have a hat
on to block the sunlight?
Yes.
What color is your hat?
What color is your dress?
My hat is a gray Casablanca.
My dress is gray and white.
So stylish as always.
I have another postcard from him.
With a picture of Borobudur.
You may think it's too
short as usual.
"Dear Mother, how are you?
"I'm in Bogor and busy everyday.
"Are your eyes getting
a little better?"
"I've sent money to Tae.
Take care."
Mario's postcard.
How many does this make?
Tae, thank you.
I'm still in Fukui.
I'll take the 17:35
limited express.
I'll be there tomorrow as usual.
Thanks a lot.
"Seeing me off to the
school trip,
"Mom said sorry
while looking down."
"I then knew I could
actually get over it."
That was written by
Mr. Yokokawa, 55 years old.
The next one is by
Mr. Narita, 28 years old.
"Mom don't die.
"Till I say it's okay."
"Till I fulfill my
duties to you."
I'm quite moved by it
since I'm an unfilial son.
Another one.
"I wanted you to die
when I was young."
"Now I want to die
for my remark."
By Ms. Yagi, 32 years old.
It's somehow really shocking.
It really is.
"A Brief Message from the Heart" was
solicited by Maruoka-cho in Fukui.
Many letters have arrived
from all over Japan.
The town is surprised
by the great response.
They received 32,236 letters!
Our affection for our
mothers is truly strong.
A Brief Message from the Heart.
"Pen to Paper Award."
TOAKE Yukiyo.
YUUKI Nae.
HARADA Ryuji.
SUZUKI Sawa.
BESSHO Tetsuya.
Directed by: SAWAI Shinichiro.
Matsumoto.
Maki's letter won the contest.
That's right.
We want to contact her
about the award ceremony.
Please have her call us.
I see.
Can you fax the notice to us?
Inoue.
- Redo that part.
- OK.
Maki. It's not yellow, but red.
Really?
These?
Watch out.
They're too high up.
Inoue, help her.
Thanks.
He should be running
around, raising funds.
I hope we can get paid today.
This parlor's also in trouble.
The owner is missing.
They may not pay us.
Is Mr. Sakata going to be okay?
Maki! You have a call.
It's your brother, Hiroshi.
Excuse me.
What is this?
Just read it.
"Mom, are you happy with him?"
"Dad said nothing,
and died quietly."
Your letter was chosen for
"A Brief Message from the Heart."
What are you talking about?
I didn't write it or send it.
You didn't write it?
It was on your computer
when I borrowed it.
Under your letter of notice
for Dad's 49th day memorial.
"Mom, are you happy with him?
Dad said nothing and died quietly."
You sent it without asking me.
How could you.
Where are you going?
Back to Tokyo.
You're on summer vacation.
I'm busy.
I've rested from my
part-time job for five days.
I have to be back by evening.
Hiroshi, wait.
Are you attending the ceremony?
How much is the prize?
Don't be ridiculous.
That wasn't my intention
when I wrote it.
Don't be shy.
You wrote it.
Mom may be delighted to hear it.
When are you coming back
next? Do you have money?
See you.
Don't forget our 100th
day memorial for Dad!
"Dad said nothing
and died quietly."
Well done.
Ma? I pass?
Please.
Well...
What's wrong?
Mr. Maehara.
I'm all right.
Don't worry.
Let's go.
Aren't you going to change?
Regarding that "miai"
(arranged meeting) you had...
I turned it down for you.
That's what you wanted, right?
Yes.
The best thing is...
for you to find
a husband for yourself.
That's for the best. I'm relieved.
Let me get changed.
Dad!
What's the matter?
Dad!
Here you go.
Your pay.
Tomorrow, work on the arcade.
So you were able
to raise the funds.
There's only half in here!
Yours are fine. Only his.
I'll pay you the rest
within a few days.
Gee... my wife will be grouchy.
I'm sorry.
You're good at apologizing
like your dead brother.
He would profusely
apologize to me like this.
Shall we go?
Good night!
Yours is OK.
What?
Thanks for your hard work.
This is for this month's pay.
I'm sorry for always
working you so hard.
It's all right. I like my job.
Professor Saito of
Shinshu University
will be restoring
the cultural sites.
I'm thinking of
recommending you to him.
The restoration
of the historical sites?
You majored in fine arts.
Isn't that where
your interests lie?
You took his seminar,
didn't you?
Yes.
It's in your field and it's
a great opportunity.
Will I be able to manage?
Can you manage without me?
You'll do just fine.
You can utilize your talent
better there, than at my place.
Hiroshi, let's eat.
Yes.
I didn't order a large portion.
You usually do.
I'll just eat it then.
You need to eat a lot
or you'll get sick.
You hold your chopsticks funny.
What?
Will you go make a delivery?
She's kind to you.
Your fish is bigger than mine.
What's going on?
Are you the owner?
Yes, I am.
We're looking for a girl...
named Yoshimura
Yumiko from Kyushu.
We heard that she's
working here.
Yes, she's here.
Where is she?
Making a delivery.
So, she'll be back.
What did she do?
She disappeared from a bar
where she owes two million yen.
We were asked to find her.
Drive safely!
Hey, you.
Where are you going?
Give me a ride.
I can't. It's the company's car.
I'm heading back
to Setagaya, Tokyo.
That's fine. Give me a ride.
Please.
No. I don't want trouble.
Drive away quickly. Please!
Oh, gosh.
So, you owe two million yen.
That's not true.
I had a live-in job at
a snack shop, and they
tried to charge me two million yen
for the rent, clothes, and food.
They wanted me to return
it through prostitution.
That's terrible.
Why did you work there?
I was new in Tokyo.
I had just come out from
Kyushu, looking for a live-in job.
It doesn't look like
they will easily give up.
What are you going to do?
Do you have friends in Tokyo?
Are you going back to Kyushu?
No, I'm not going back.
Stop. I'm getting off.
What? Here?
It's ready.
Come and sleep here.
Where will you sleep?
Is that what you were
worried about?
I'll stay at my friend's.
There's nothing to eat.
Do you have money on you?
Yes, I do.
Sure?
Yeah. Don't worry about me.
Make yourself at home.
Just find a place to live.
Leave the key in the mailbox.
See you.
You...
trust me?
Shouldn't I?
I trust you.
Thanks.
I'll look for a place tomorrow.
Sorry about tonight.
Yeah.
Hiroshi?
I'm here.
Will you look at this?
This is for today's expenses.
And...
Dad left this for us.
Check it carefully.
We still have a lot of money left.
Not really.
You still have another
year to go in college.
It's not a lot for our future.
We can't simply divide it.
We'll need some money
for your wedding, too.
Be serious.
You have to be more realistic
about our financial matters.
We only have each other.
I know.
What are you going to do
about your marriage?
Didn't Dad arrange a
marriage meeting for you,
right before he died?
I only went to it because
I was obligated...
He turned it down for me.
Dad! What's the matter?
Dad!
I don't plan to get married yet.
I just found a job that
I really enjoy.
Historical site restoration.
Sakata recommended me for it.
Don't put the emphasis on me.
Hiroshi, Dad was most
worried about you.
I can imagine.
Unlike you, I never felt
close to Dad.
We never talked intimately.
The only fond memory
I have of him...
is when I was in
junior high school...
and we went trout fishing.
We fished till it became
pitch dark.
Do you remember the time
two kittens wandered in here
and we fed them?
Yes, I remember.
Are those cats?
Yes.
Kittens?
It's OK.
Then the mother cat
came to the gate...
and was watching intently.
The mother cat wouldn't
eat our food.
She never came close.
Everyday, she would come
and watch the kittens eat.
Then one day she stopped
coming all of a sudden.
It's time to eat. Come.
Mama cat!
Where did she go?
Isn't she sad?
Yes, she's sad.
Why wouldn't she be,
without her kittens?
But she saw you taking
care of them.
So she felt assured.
Of course she's sad...
I think it was our mom he
was actually talking about.
Maki, I'm hungry.
I'll make tea.
Do you know where Mom is?
Would her parents know?
Maybe I should find her
and meet her.
Don't do that, Hiroshi.
Why do you say that on
Dad's memorial day?
My message wasn't for her.
Why did you send it
without asking me first?
What are you thinking of?
You keep talking about her.
Don't you feel badly
towards Dad?
These are tasty.
Hello, Mama.
Hello, Tae Mama.
You're looking better.
Thank you for coming to see me.
This is an invitation
to my get-well party.
I sent them out to all
my customers.
Not even half are coming.
Business isn't looking good.
How is it at Daphne?
If you're not doing well,
why would I...
Coffee, please.
Yes, right away.
How's your health?
My liver is so-so.
I haven't been taking
care of myself until now.
So I'm falling apart.
You've been in this
business for a long time, too.
I'm sure you're ill somewhere.
Maybe.
You should go see a doctor.
So it sounds hopeless...
Your source is reliable.
Kimura with Equity News said the
stocks won't rise in this century.
This century? That long?
Oh, no. I'll be an old lady.
There are only five years
left in this century.
That's true.
It's not funny. I won't be
able to last for five years.
Welcome.
Mama, you have a call.
Hello.
It's from Kawata-sensei.
He's working in the hotel
to meet his deadline.
Hello?
How can you not show up
here when you're close by?
Are you out of ideas?
Really?
Are you sure?
I'll be there later.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
What are you looking at?
Are you looking for a bar?
I'm looking for Daphne.
That's us.
You're kidding.
I'm not. Come.
Welcome.
I'm stepping out for a while.
See you later.
Is she the Mama?
Yes, that's right.
Come in.
What would you like?
A keep bottle?
Isn't this place expensive?
Of course.
Are you a student?
Yeah. Do you accept
credit cards?
So you'll buy a bottle.
It's open.
It's me. Can I come in?
Hi. Mama. Come in.
Is that for me? Pour me a glass.
Am I bothering you?
How's your bar doing?
I must owe you a lot.
Yes. And we're about
to go out of business.
Are you doing that bad?
Actually, the business
isn't my concern.
I'm feeling distressed.
Maybe I should be doing
something different.
So I wanted to talk to you.
So you're finally
showing some weakness.
Shall I seduce you again?
You're just all talk.
What kind of story is it?
The usual.
A woman who can't get
married or become a mistress.
But who can't live alone.
She's too pretty so she
becomes a victim to her looks.
That's the gist of the story.
How old is she? Is she
in the bar business?
Yeah.
Never mind that and
have a drink, too.
I will.
The restaurants and clubs
that the owner, Shimamura,
had bought in Singapore
will be opening shortly.
So I heard.
He called me.
He wanted to meet me
when he came back.
That's probably what
he's going to tell me.
I see.
By the way, Miyuki
wants to quit.
She's opening her own
bar in Yotsuya.
Is that right?
She's young and shrewd.
I'll find someone to replace her.
Good night.
Good evening.
Who are you?
I'm Hiroshi.
Maehara Hiroshi.
Hiroshi...
I went to your bar
but you were out.
So I was waiting for you here.
What is it?
What do you want?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
Don't surprise me like this.
I can't see your face
very well in this dark.
Come inside.
So you went to my bar.
How did you find it?
I called your family in Fukui.
How's your father?
He passed away.
He collapsed from
a heart attack in April.
We held a 100th day memorial
service for him recently.
I see.
So, is Maki doing fine?
What are you doing?
I'm a senior in college.
So you're in college...
Where do you live now?
What's so funny?
I feel like I'm being
interrogated by you.
But I guess it can't be helped.
It's like we're meeting
for the first time.
Can I ask you something?
Are you single now?
Are you living with someone?
I am... alone.
You can drink, can't you?
As you can see,
I am living here alone.
What did you expect?
So, it's OK for me to be here.
I'm glad I came.
Are you leaving?
Don't you want
something from me?
Tell me.
No, there's nothing.
I just wanted to see
your face, Mama.
Mama? That's not nice.
I see.
Good night, Mom.
What? Oh. Good night.
Mom... you're very pretty.
That makes me happy.
See you again.
He called me Mom.
Oh, God...
The images need to be fixed.
There are patterns here.
Use the infrared ray camera.
Maki. Bring the camera.
Here you go.
Be careful.
Japan's culture involves
mainly wood and paper.
Unlike stones and metals,
they are fragile.
The repairs are crucial
to preserving them...
for thousands of years.
Will you give us examples?
Horyu-ji Temple.
The picture scroll
of the "Tale of Genji".
They're in better
condition than we expected.
I wonder if Sakata can help.
He's been busy with his company.
Isn't that right, Maki?
Yes.
His specialty is in the
Kamakura period arts.
Have him look at this.
Maki.
Take this to him.
Sakata Exterior Company.
Yes.
Mr. Sakata is out at the moment.
He isn't pretending to be
out. He really is out.
I see. Please call again later.
Thanks. Yuji had asked
me to answer the calls.
The person said he'll
call back later.
Hello, Emi.
Hello.
Professor Saito asked me
to give this to Mr. Sakata.
He wants Mr. Sakatas help.
Thanks.
Yuji is out with Inoue
on business.
After my husband died. Yuji
quit his teaching job at the
university to help me out
with this company.
But I'm sure he'd want
to go back to it.
Thanks.
Maki, do you want
to come with us?
Our high school buddies
are getting together at Toru's.
Join us.
I still have work to do.
Work? You're so diligent.
You must not have a lover.
That's none of your business.
You can call me anytime.
Please wait while your
messages are retrieved.
Maki.
I need money right away.
Please deposit 200,000 yen
into my account tomorrow.
Oh, brother...
What did you get
yourself into now, Hiroshi?
He needs 200,000 yen
by tomorrow?
Hiroko?
It's me.
I was about to cook dinner,
but I didn't feel like eating alone.
Would you like to go
out? I'll treat.
We can go to a nice restaurant.
How about French?
You have a date?
What?
It was just the other day
that you said you didn't
need any men in your life
and that you'd live for work.
Never mind.
Please leave a message.
Damn it!
Yes?
Good morning. Where's Mama?
She just went out with
a young man.
She went to Sarah's.
A young man?
Is he her new lover?
Well, she seemed
a bit preoccupied.
So, you siblings only
have each other.
How are you doing
with your finances?
It costs money to go to college.
We'll be fine.
Dad left us some money.
And I have a part-time job.
Maki has a job, too.
But you must be tapping
into the money he left.
It must be tough.
What are you going
to do after you graduate?
Dad used to ask me
that often, too.
I have no idea.
I worry as your mom.
Would you like another cup?
No, thanks.
By the way, Mom...
Would you like to go out?
I'll drive.
Where are we going?
I've an appointment today.
Wait a second.
Shimamura wants to see
me on the Singapore matter.
The owner wants to see you?
I see.
I brought last month's books.
But that must not be all.
How much was the
loss last month?
We're 44% in the red
from the budget.
Welcome.
I'll have coffee.
What time is the appointment?
I should be going already.
Who is he?
Him?
My son.
Are you surprised?
Yes, I am.
Will you do me a favor?
Will you go alone
to see Shimamura?
I don't feel like
discussing business today.
Where are we going?
We can go anywhere you want.
Where do you want to go?
I'll let you decide.
Did you buy this car?
I bought it with my pay
from my part-time job.
It's a cheap, used car.
Do you drive this car
around with your girlfriend?
Come on.
Don't you have a girlfriend?
You look like the popular type.
I can only remember
Maki when she was seven.
Is she pretty?
I think she's so-so.
Does she know that
you're seeing me?
No.
She'd be angry if she knew.
Where are we?
You don't smoke, do you?
I'm sorry for smoking.
The weather is nice.
I haven't felt so good
in a long time.
Is that right?
I'm so happy and relaxed...
You can go to sleep.
Are you sure?
I'm really going to sleep.
You're so kind.
Don't kind guys lose out?
What?
But thanks to that,
we got to meet.
Hiroshi, thank you.
Buy it for me.
That's enough!
I want it.
Mom.
Let's eat.
Isn't this Lake Suwa?
We came so far.
Yeah.
Have some.
Hiroshi.
What a funny way
to hold the chopsticks...
You used to hold them
like that as a child, too.
This is the proper way.
Someone told me the
same thing recently.
Who?
The noodles here are tasty.
Aren't you going to eat?
I'm full.
I'm all choked up.
You brought me all the way here.
And you made me
remember the past...
Do you want to see Maki?
Maki?
But she doesn't know
that we're seeing each other.
That's why.
"Mom, are you happy with him?"
"Father said..."
What is this?
"A Brief Message from the Heart."
She wrote it.
Let's go to see her.
So, Maki wrote this...
Why did you leave home?
You didn't get along with Dad?
I know how Dad was, since
I lived with him for 22 years.
Was he too set in his ways?
No. He was a nice man.
He was a very nice man.
Anything I say will
sound like an excuse.
But our marriage wasn't
right from the start.
When we met, I had a lover...
that I had just broken up with.
Your dad knew that
when we got married.
We had Maki and you.
But I started seeing
my lover again.
So I finally left home.
I had abandoned all of you.
I can never make it up.
What is your lover doing now?
He worked for a trading firm.
He would often go
abroad for business.
And I had a small
business of my own.
We didn't live
together for very long.
He died three years ago...
in a car accident in Jakarta.
I've lived alone like
this, ever since.
This place has changed a lot.
But the sky is the same.
And the castle.
Would you like to come in?
No, I can't.
Why not?
I have something
to pick up from home.
It's this way. Go straight.
Tum right at the third comer.
Thanks.
I found out where Maki works.
That man's name is Sakata.
What do you think of him?
Maki was working for his
company until recently.
She seems to be in
love with him.
Oh, my. I should've taken
a better look at him.
That one. The back
side of the pillar.
Hold it right there.
It's very dark.
What's going on?
Is this it?
The mark is terrible.
Inject some there!
Ms. Maehara.
We need more parchment.
I'll get it.
Maki.
Take the ink to the front.
Yes.
I'll bring it right away.
Hello.
Mom! I was looking
all over for you.
Did you see Maki?
Yes.
Did you talk to her?
I couldn't.
I'll call her.
Talk to her.
No, Hiroshi.
Let's go.
Why?
You came all the way
here. How disappointing.
Thanks.
I want to take it slowly.
This is enough for today.
Mama. Where are you now?
Matsumoto?
Yes... that's right.
The owner wanted to talk
to you about Singapore.
I'm going to decline it.
I'm not going to Singapore.
I see.
But he wants to see you
tonight to talk about it.
OK. Anyway, I'll go and see him.
What's up?
Are you in a rush to go back?
Yes. I'll go back by train.
I need some time alone
to think things over.
Sorry.
You have a hard job.
It's hard to earn money.
You should know it... you work.
Maybe I'll ask you for
a favor the next time.
What is it about?
A job for a girl.
Can you help her find a job?
Who is she? Your girlfriend?
No, she isn't. Oh, never mind.
Hi, Maki.
Are you alone? Where's
Inoue and the others?
At Misuzu Street.
I can manage alone, here.
Hiroshi came by
today with a lady.
He was with a lady?
She was very pretty.
What is he doing?
I'd better go to Tokyo
and check on him.
I'll do that.
Thanks. I'll be working
on the other side.
Yes.
Go away.
Show us the nude.
If anything, we'd rather
see you nude.
Please show it to us quickly.
Get lost!
How scary!
Let's go.
This isn't a peep show.
You startled me.
For you to shout like that...
You must be tired.
Of course, I'm tired.
Then go home.
Mr. Sakata.
How long do you plan
to continue this?
I'm doing it to earn a living.
But you shouldn't
sacrifice yourself for it.
You should cherish
yourself more.
I agree, but...
I think you're hungry.
Yes, I'm hungry.
Aren't you hungry, too?
Then go to dinner with me!
Well... Where...
Sorry. I have to meet
my sister-in-law tonight.
I knew it.
She's pretty, isn't she?
Maki. Wait.
Next time. For sure.
"A Brief Message from the Heart".
"Mom, are you happy with him?".
"Dad said nothing and died quietly."
How old are you?
Twenty-one.
Why aren't you going
back to Kyushu?
Your parents must be worried.
My dad died a while back.
My mom remarried.
I couldn't get along with my
new father and his children.
So I have no home to return to.
So your mom remarried...
What are you good at?
Nothing.
There must be
something. Think hard.
There's nothing.
In high school, I entered
a swimming competition.
Mom, can you hire her
as a bar hostess then?
Hiroshi, don't get the wrong idea.
That's no way to get
a job for someone.
Take it more seriously, Yumiko.
Yes.
So you're good in sports.
Do your best.
Yeah.
I'm only swimming.
She has a nice form.
She can learn about the job today
and meet the boss tomorrow.
Please do that.
Mom, thanks.
It's nothing.
I actually want to do
more for you.
It's OK.
My car is over there.
I'm free today.
Can I see your apartment?
What? Now?
Yes.
No, Mom.
You have to tell me in advance.
I'm going.
I guess I have no choice.
Here's my key. I'm in
Room #3 on the second floor.
I'll go park my car,
so wait for me in my room.
Who are you?
You are...
Maki.
You're Maki.
Show me your face.
I knew I'd see you someday.
But I wasn't expecting
to see you now...
How many years has it been?
Eighteen years.
You've grown into a fine adult.
You look pretty.
Where's Hiroshi?
Why are you here?
He'll be here shortly.
I'm...
Since when have you
been seeing Hiroshi?
How did it tum to this?
We met only recently.
He came to see me.
He gave me a ride.
We visited your dad's grave.
You did?
You went to Dad's grave?
That isn't all.
We went to the house.
We looked for you.
And we went to your workplace.
What are you trying to do?
You're the one who left us.
You forgot about us
for the past 18 years.
Yes, I had forgotten about you.
That's only because
that was easier.
Rather than suffer.
That's just an excuse.
Now that you've met Hiroshi...
You want to live with us.
That's just too selfish of you.
No.
I wasn't thinking that.
Mom...
You're here, too.
What was that for?
Hiroshi!
How could you!
Don't you feel badly
towards Dad?
Who do you think raised us?
It was Dad!
When we were in grade
school and junior high school...
No matter how busy he was...
He'd cook for us everyday
and do our laundry.
That is why we are here today.
Only Dad, you, and I
shared a life together.
This person wasn't
part of our family.
This person? She's our mom.
Maki, what's the matter?
Stop it, Hiroshi.
Maki's right.
She's right.
I was so excited to see you.
When I had no right to be.
I got carried away.
Maki.
Hiroshi.
Forgive me.
Mom.
Don't come after me.
Maki.
Where are you?
Tokyo?
Hello?
What's wrong?
Hello?
What happened?
Mr. Sakata...
Am I a headstrong
and disagreeable woman?
You must dislike me.
Tae.
I heard you were looking
for me. What's up?
About that Singapore
offer that I turned down...
Did you find someone
else for it already?
Yes.
As for Daphne and
the Akasaka bars...
I'm going to have someone
young be in charge.
What's the matter? Did you
have something to tell me?
Will you offer it to me again?
Really?
The last time...
you said you had it
with the bar business.
What happened?
We're more than acquaintances.
I'll think about it.
Have some.
Thanks.
You seem to be in a foul mood.
It's not good for you
to drink so recklessly.
Leave me alone.
I don't want to live long.
Those are the very
ones who live long...
and complain that the kids
don't care about them.
Not me.
I won't ask my kids
for anything.
Good.
I mean it.
Sensei...
What happened to the
woman who can't get married...
nor live by herself?
I don't know.
I haven't decided yet.
What will happen
to her in the end?
Will she die?
I don't know.
I want to know.
Then let her die.
Is my mom out?
It's terrible.
She's been experiencing
great pain since morning.
What?
Mom. What's wrong?
Where's the pain?
I bought you medicine.
I'll get you some water now.
Let's go to the hospital.
It's OK, Hiroshi.
Go home.
No, let's go.
Wait, Hiroshi. I have to change.
Are you OK?
Lean on me.
You've been pushing
yourself too hard.
It's more than gastritis.
You can sit up now.
Is the painkiller working?
Yes... thank you.
You need to get a complete exam.
It could be ulcers.
Your liver is swollen.
You shouldn't have
waited this long.
A complete exam?
That's what the doctor said.
Please fill this out.
Mom. How do you feel?
Thanks. I feel better.
You need a complete exam.
You have to fill this out.
Wait. What are you
going to do about this?
I don't need it.
I'm going home.
Mom.
Did you get the job?
Yes. Thanks.
Do you want something to drink?
Well let's see.
Please have something hot.
I'll have tea, then.
I'll get it for you.
Let me...
That's the least I can do.
We found you.
You sure gave us a lot
of trouble! Pay up!
Leave her alone.
Who are you? A pimp?
Stop it!
What are you doing?
Take your hands off!
Who are you? Get lost!
I'm her guardian.
Leave her alone.
Guardian?
That works out for us.
She owes two million yen.
Pay up.
That's not true.
What?
Who should I pay?
Your boss?
If what you say is true,
I'll meet him and pay him back.
He's busy.
Besides, who would trust you?
Oh, really?
I operate a bar in Ginza.
This is my business card.
I won't run or hide.
If that's not enough,
we can go to the police.
There's a police station nearby.
All right.
We'll contact you here.
Fine. We'll save
your face today.
Are you all right?
Thanks, Mom.
You're tough.
It's time for you to go to work.
Cheer up.
Do your best.
Will you move aside?
We want to give this
kitty some water.
It's cute.
Mom, I've been thinking.
Let's live together.
You can keep working.
Let's live together.
I can't do that.
Why not?
Because of Maki?
It's not that.
Kids need their mothers
most when they are small.
And to be there for them,
is the mother's role.
What can a mother do,
after they grow up into adults?
I didn't do anything for you
two when you needed me.
So I can't live with you now
to lead an easier life.
That's being too selfish.
No one will think that
you are selfish.
You're my mom.
Who cares.
Why are you and Maki
so stubborn?
That's all I can do now.
Otherwise, I'd be miserable.
Don't say anymore.
When I'm with you...
I forget reality.
Because you're so gentle.
Hiroshi, thank you
for everything.
Be kind to Maki.
Mom, wait.
Wait.
Don't go out on the street.
My kitty... is over there.
It's going to get run over.
Wait here.
Hiroshi!
Hiroshi!
Get an ambulance!
Ambulance!
Hiroshi.
Hiroshi.
Hiroshi.
The kitty...
How's the kitty?
Doctor.
Will he be OK?
He needs a blood transfusion.
We'll operate after that.
Use my blood.
I'm his mother.
Calm down.
We'll do our best.
Maki...
Hiroshi!
How did this happen?
He needs rest.
Please wait outside.
Maki...
What happened?
Why did this happen?
It's my fault.
I couldn't help him...
He was with you again.
Will he be OK?
What am I going to do
if he dies?
We only have each other.
Please.
Please rest there.
We'll be here.
How kind of you.
I'll get you a blanket.
It's OK.
I'm all right.
Thank you so much.
Mr. Maehara.
Can you hear me?
You've come to.
You've made it through.
He's awake. You can
talk to him briefly.
Hiroshi.
Hiroshi.
Maki...
You had me worried.
What happened?
The kitty...
Maki.
It was a kitty.
Mom.
Mom.
I'm glad.
I'm really glad.
Mom... It's ironic, isn't it?
I'm in the hospital now,
instead of you.
Hiroshi.
Maki, I'm sorry.
I won't bother you
again, don't worry.
Mr. Sakata, please
look after her.
Yes, of course.
Maki, goodbye.
Maki, what's the matter?
Are you going to let
it go at that?
You must go after her.
Or you'll regret it.
Mom, wait.
Maki...
Mom!
Maki.
Mom, I'm sorry.
I couldn't open up to you.
I blamed you.
Forgive me.
What is there to forgive?
I'm the one that
needs to be forgiven.
I abandoned you and
didn't do anything for you.
I left you when you were
so small and innocent.
Never mind about that...
But Maki, please
believe this much...
I never forgot about you two.
There wasn't a day I didn't
think about you two.
I would keep track of your age...
What grade you were in school...
Your health...
And each time...
I really wanted to come see you.
But when I thought of your
father's feelings... I couldn't..
Mom...
He single-handedly...
raised the two of you
into fine adults.
I can't thank him enough for it.
I owe him an apology...
I...
I had no idea how you felt.
I resented you all these years.
You have every right
to resent me...
You should direct your
18 years of anger at me.
Let it all out.
And tell me about all your
sadness and loneliness.
I waited so long for
this moment.
Me, too.
I...
I really missed you.
Maki!
Mom!
So there's no postcard
from Norio today.
Not today.
Are you going away?
Somewhere far away?
You don't have to tell me.
Tae.
Didn't you write all these
postcards from Norio?
I knew about it.
He died three years ago.
But you didn't tell me.
Why did you hide it?
I couldn't even give him
a burial as his mother.
There was a time I held
a grudge against you.
Mother...
But you were just trying
to be considerate...
since I'm old and blind.
Thank you very much.
I'm sorry for lying to you.
I guess this will be farewell.
Life is full of farewells.
The older you get, the
better you are at handling it.
That's true.
Wherever you go,
please write to me.
Yes, I will. I promise.
You're not kicking
your legs right.
It's OK.
I was never good at
swimming, anyway.
I talked to my mom
on the phone...
and she said she'll come
to Matsumoto next week.
They're going to throw
a get-well party for me.
Can you come?
Is it OK for me to go?
Don't you want to monopolize
your pretty and nice mother?
Yes, I do.
Hey!
Maki.
Did you eat lunch?
Yes.
Good. You're grouchy
when you're hungry.
What is it?
My mom is coming
to our house next week.
Can you come, too?
Your mom?
Of course, I'll come.
I'll go with you.
You don't have to come.
I want to help you.
Uncle!
Em I, stop. Don't bother them.
Why?
Not that I'm trying
to change your mind, but...
How's your health?
I'm OK.
I don't think Singapore
is for the desperate.
My mind is clear
and I feel better.
Call me over,
after you settle down.
Please.
What are you saying?
You can make it in Tokyo.
Thanks for the thought.
Hiroshi, I'm downstairs.
I'll be waiting.
Mom, you're early.
Listen.
I have to take care
of some urgent business.
I don't have time.
I must leave now.
That's too bad.
Maki was looking
forward to seeing you.
I'll call her to apologize.
When can I see you next?
I can't make any promises now.
Sorry, Hiroshi.
To Yumiko, too.
It's OK. Will you
promise to see me again?
Yes. I'll see you again.
You've fully recovered.
What's all that about?
Don't be bashful.
Maehara Hiroshi, 22 years old.
My son.
You've been so kind to me,
so it's my way of thanking you.
Drive off.
Hello?
Mom?
You can't make it?
I'm really sorry.
I've already told Hiroshi.
I'm sorry I have no
time to see you.
That is why I called.
Where are you calling from?
When can I see you again?
Is that business
going to take long?
I'm afraid so.
Mom...
Where are you going?
Mom.
Are you leaving us
to go somewhere?
Maki, what's wrong?
You make it sound as if
we'll never meet again.
Let's stop crying.
I couldn't do anything
for you until now.
So I want to change things.
That is why I'm going.
Meeting you two recently...
has brought me
tears and smiles.
Those memories, alone,
will keep me going.
Mom...
I don't have much time left.
I must go.
Mr. Sakata is a nice man.
He was so kind to me
at the hospital.
When I asked him
to look after you,
he said, "Yes, of course."
He's a very nice person.
I feel relieved.
Goodbye, Maki.
Dad...
Mom said she can't make it.
"Mom, are you happy with him?"
"Dad said nothing and
died quietly."
The End