Arc (2021) - full transcript

17 years old

19 years old

Good evening. May I?

Thanks.

Are you gonna dance or what?

Dance, baby.

Dance!

What's your problem?

Drink it up!

Fuck off!

What?

Your youthfulness can be of use.

Come to my office if you're interested.

Eternity Inc.

Director of BodyWerks

Ema Kuroda

It's soft.

They are all real.

Bones, organs... They are all there.

Eternity captured in death.

Follow me.

I'II show you the BodyWerks studio.

Huh?

Put down your backpack.

Kanako, show her around.

It's 2A-1.

Follow me.

We scan each body, as you've seen.

Next we install a bolt into the most appropriate point.

Then we drain blood from each body for embalming.

Finally, we are ready for plastination.

Plastination?

We pose each body in a particular position

and inject synthetic resin for solidification.

Every BodyWerk is different.

Head tilt, hand angle and the gaze.

Each host leaves traces of their lives.

Ema is a genius.

She can breathe life into

a body with her plastination.

What a weird expression

to describe the dead, though.

A special ritual only Ema can do.

Come back tomorrow if you are serious.

Ready?

- Here's the list for today.

- Thanks.

Good morning, Ma'am.

I wanted to thank you for...

Speak with action, not with words.

That's our rule.

Was it your father's wish?

He had a weird religious belief

and didn't want to be cremated.

It was his last wish

so I want to respect it.

He's what's called

an alligator snapping turtle.

It's my husband

who passed away recently.

Can you preserve the brain and organs?

Exactly what kind of posing

do you prefer?

He didn't tell us.

What's popular now?

I want him to sit in front of his piano

as if he's playing.

With his fingers on each key.

She's cuter when she opens her mouth.

I want her to pose like this, see?

Can you make me look younger again?

I don't want to look old when I die.

I've had this fascination

with mummified kings and monks.

I feel like I found something that

surpasses them.

I understand I'll never get him back.

But there are moments

I feel he might come back.

And so.

This...

I fully understand...

He's not coming back.

Ready?

Watch me carefully.

Cleanse the body with a sponge.

Spray antiseptic solution

on the gauze...

and wipe.

Let the liquid seep into every pore.

Your turn.

You won't like the feel at first.

Kinda like that.

Don't touch with your bare hands!

Always wear gloves

when you touch the body, got it?

Not hungry.

Our job is much more demanding

mentally and physically than you imagine.

Do me a favor and eat.

What is this crap

It's good once you get used to it.

But it gets even better with this.

How is it?

What is it?

Not bad, huh?

Goodbye.

Study Leonardo da Vinci's

drawings carefully. Ema.

Your mirror neurons are interfering.

Your nerve cells resonate

with the corpse in front of you.

You'll get used to it.

Bodies are just objects.

Why do you think

people yearn for plastination?

Resistance.

Resistance?

Resistance to death.

However...

by treating dead bodies

thoroughly as objects,

you can liberate yourself

from the fear of death.

The moment you are able to do that,

quite unexpectedly...

transcendental beauty will begin

to reveal itself.

There'll come a time

when you will understand.

This hand is very eloquent.

Whoever it is,

the artist is talented.

How would you know that?

Ema sees BodyWerks as a way

to overcome death for humans.

But one day,

I'll think of a different way

to overcome death.

Like how?

In a way...

I want to make time stop

while we're stiil alive.

As if we're riding a space shuttle

at the speed of light.

Are you going to be an astronaut?

There you are, Amane.

What happened?

The boy told me

he wants to be an astronaut.

He is Ema's younger brother.

He's likely to inherit

Eternity in the future.

They are here.

Please have a seat over there.

You stay here.

We truly appreciate this.

I have read your files.

About your child, yes?

Here's a photo.

It's the image of our boy in her belly.

You'll have to leave him with us.

You'll be okay?

If I could...

I would put him back into my belly.

I don't want to lose him ever again.

I want to keep him near me forever.

Please help us.

Please.

Excuse me.

These are the files

for today's interview.

I'll put it right here.

I want you to handle that couple.

Are you going to or not?

I will.

One more thing.

Stay away from Amane.

Understood.

I...

loved touching things.

I used to believe

touching things was a way

to know the shapes of things

or people's feelings.

When I held him for the first time,

he felt so small and fragile.

I expected this feeling would turn...

into something else.

Something like love gushing out of me.

But...

that emotion just didn't come.

He was right in front of me.

This scrunched-up,

vulnerable,

and tiny creature.

I was supposed to keep him alive.

All by myself.

The fact

just horrified me.

You...

You don't own your baby.

And the baby...

He doesn't own you.

Live your own life.

Don't get trapped.

Now I see how little I understood Ema.

It was the next morning that I learned

she had been removed from her post.

Here are your visitor badges.

Pin them on so we can see.

Everyone has fun at BodyWerks!

Here is our studio.

This is where we do plastination.

Plastination is a technology where

body fluids and fats from the dead

are replaced with plastic resin.

Our advancements in

this evolutionary technology

have made BodyWerks a global brand.

Here she comes.

Welcome.

30 years old

Rina, a minute please.

Any last questions about plastination?

I have one.

Go ahead.

Are you trying to rebuild human bodies

into something immortal?

Actually, such rumors

have been around a long time.

And maybe it's because

that's what we all

secretly wish for, no?

What would you do?

That's the point.

You make the choice.

Long time no see.

You do look like you've been

on a space shuttle and back.

How many bodies

do you work on per day?

About 20.

Quite a lot.

We have more people working here now.

I only handle a few.

You confront dead bodies

every day

to stop their death forever

before they start to decay.

But it also stops time

for those who are living.

The first victim is Ema.

But

this technology will be vital

for my research on anti-aging.

Has Ema agreed to your idea?

I'll come back again.

Breaking news.

Cosmetics giant Eternity

that conducts research on

telomeric initialization technology

has been authorized its application

on humans by the Ministry of Health.

The technology is expected to

inhibit the aging process

thereby offering the prospect of

immortality to humankind.

Now a word from Amane.

As reported by the media,

my 5-year research on anti-aging

at Max Planck Institute is

near its completion.

Here's my argument.

Living organisms are net meant to die.

Certain types of jellyfish and protozoa

don't even have life-spans.

Death has become unnecessary.

This paradigm shift will take time

but as our-name Eternity...

Don't flatter yourself, Amane!

What you're trying to achieve

is not evolution.

It's devolution.

Immortality

is against our father's ideals.

You'll have to leave.

She's fine. Ema?

Let's get out.

Please excuse us.

I'll leave it to you.

Sure.

Shall we resume?

Mr. Sasaki?

Who is she?

Someone who I used to love.

I've been working on her

for 20 years

and I've only got this far.

It's daunting.

In the end, a corpse is just a corpse.

Listen.

Death is not the opposite of life.

Death

is a part of life.

A survey conducted by

the Ministry of Health has revealed

over 90% of the public

wish to receive anti-aging treatment.

However, with its current capacity

Eternity can only accept

0.8% of the applicants.

There is public outcry about

how the lines are drawn.

No to the anti-aging!

It's her.

We know your tactics.

Anti-aging isn't for us poor, right?

It won't bring happiness to humankind.

You'll pay the price.

Tell the witch what it is.

Over here!

Have a seat.

The first-aid kit...

is here.

Anti-aging technology.

How real is it?

It's already real.

But strangely,

people seem more afraid of

immortality than death.

You may be right.

Unlike our executives

I have no fear of risks.

Whether they be religious or scientific.

Rather...

Rather?

The completion of this technology will

divide humankind into two groups.

Those who get to board the ship

and those who don't.

I want you to come on board with me.

Are you taking Rina with you?

Ema...

Do you remember when Mom died?

Dad wouldn't let anybody

touch her remains.

Day after day,

he would weep over her corpse

even though she started to decay.

There was nothing we could do for him.

Seeing Dad's reaction got you...

fixated on plastination, right?

But disguising death as life is wrong.

I just wanted to live with you

and share the same moments.

Ema...

with you.

Why are you looking at me so sadly?

I won't get on your ship.

But that's my decision.

You have no need to feel guilt.

Not even a bit.

Few hours remain until the New Year.

This year has been

a milestone for BodyWerks.

Its value has surpassed

the beauty of its artwork

but is now a vital technology for

achieving the beauty of eternal youth.

Have you seen Kanako?

No.

Okay. Thanks.

Good to see you, Rina.

Hello.

I love this work.

The red is perfect.

Thank you. Enjoy the party.

Thank you.

Let's make a toast to...

our beautiful and brave lady

who is leading us in this evolution.

To our great artist Rina!

And to our eternal youth!

Cheers!

Rina.

How are you feeling? Better now?

Much better.

Are you really going to leave?

That's what I'm thinking.

I couldn't have come

this far if it wasn't for you.

I'm not strong enough to live like Ema.

I don't think you are too, Rina.

I must be going.

Sorry Nana.

So sorry.

The New Year is about to start.

Still working?

You are, too.

Care for a drink?

If you're having one.

What do we make a toast to?

To my son.

It's his birthday.

He should be 13.

What's his name?

I don't know.

I abandoned my own son

before I even named him.

Will you marry me, Rina?

Come on board with me.

Tell me.

Do you want to have kids?

That would be nice but...

I honestly don't know right now.

I can never let myself

make the same mistake.

Couldn't we overcome

that mistake together?

I don't want to keep you waiting

while I find the answer to that.

I'll be waiting.

Even if it takes forever.

I know you refused his offer.

But you deserve to be

the first beneficiary

of this technology.

I am...

I'm sick and tired of living shackled

to this body.

I am free.

I won't let myself get trapped.

Dear Ema,

I was 19 years old

when I started working for you.

A t the time I was helplessly ignorant

and helplessly hopeless about life.

But after I met you,

I was able to learn a lot by facing death.

You told me that

if I could treat dead bodies as objects

transcendental beauty

will begin to reveal itself.

But gradually since then

I've come to realize the beauty

of living in the moment

and want to live it

to its fullest potential.

I have chosen

to take the next step forward

into a new humankind.

Not with my words, but with my actions.

Farewell, Ema.

We are now entering an era

in which we overcome aging and death.

Living hundreds of years

with eternal beauty of youth.

"Till death do us apart."

This line will soon disappear

from wedding vows.

You don't have to hurry.

We'll have all the time in the world.

For years we've been

improving piastination,

which replaces blood and fat

with synthetic resin.

We now have a new technology

of injecting

telomeric initializing cells

instead of resin.

Think of them as

controllable cancer cells.

They will continue to divide,

indefinitely, safely, and stably.

The plastination technology

enables the circulation of

new cells and the existing cells

in the human body

to prevent its aging process.

Please look at the document...

Excuse me.

Death gives life meaning

because it is inevitable for humans.

Without death,

will we find meaning in life?

As to your question...

That will be...

corrected as "for humans in the past."

The idea that death gives life meaning

was designed to console humans

without a choice of immortality.

It was just anti-immortality propaganda.

I will prove this true with my life.

I hope that answered your question.

89 years old

I'm home.

Good morning.

Nana. You're up already.

Is she asleep?

Yes.

There.

Thank you.

Just this morning

Toki passed away.

I'm sorry.

Toki...

She passed on very peacefully.

Just like Kanako.

It's good to hear that.

It's your day off.

Would you like something to eat?

No thanks. I'll get some sleep.

Thanks as always.

My pleasure.

32 years old

On this island

I want to build a place

for those who didn't get on board the ship.

Whether it was their choice or not.

People like Ema.

That's a wonderful idea. It really is.

That's a wonderful idea. ‘It really is.

Sleepyhead!

Sorry.

Melos, come this way.

Where's your mouth?

Haru, it's lunchtime.

Wash yowr hands.

Yes!

There you go!

50 years old

Rina, are you ready?

In a minute.

Thanks for waiting.

Let's get going.

Goocl mowing.

Good morning.

Bon appétit!

I got some bad news.

I apparently have

a special kind of genetic abnormality.

What does that mean?

It means it's interfering with

my anti-aging treatment.

There's more.

The aging rate of my cells

has suddenly accelerated.

In my estimation,

the time I have left is...

2 months.

That's all we can disclose for now.

Bring in Amane!

Give us answers!

Where is he?

Do you expect

any more similar cases?

We don't know for sure

at this moment. I'm sorry.

Why?

We demand an explanation.

We'd like to inform you that

the treatment may not work

for people who received it

in their 40s or above.

It depends on tihe individual.

We appreciate you all for coming today.

This conference is over. Thank you.

Amane?

Amane? Are you all right?

Please have a seat.

Before he decided to

receive intensive chemotherapy,

he chose to deep-freeze his semen.

What to do with it is totally up to you.

That's how he put it.

Welcome back to our show!

We lost two residents last week.

We now have 42 residents here

at Amane 's'Garden.

It's getting lonely around here.

Let's keep our heads up,

as we welcome new friends

to our island this week!

Good morning, Haru.

Good morning.

Good morning, Daddy.

Good morning.

Good morning, Yuri.

Good morning.

Thank you for your time.

My name is Ukai. I have one daughter.

This facility is named Amane's Garden

after its founder, Kuroda Amane.

The residents live here free of charge.

We are proud of our

state-of-the-art medical facilities.

We promise our residents a

peaceful departure when the time comes.

I appreciate it.

Why didn't you receive the treatment?

What is it called? Genetic mutation?

I had it.

You don't get scared if you can

die together with everyone else.

Money was the biggest problem.

I had to give up on the idea.

What about your families and loved ones?

There were many who said

they would refuse treatment.

But the vast majority of them got the

treatment. That was a surprise.

I would say 100% of my acquaintances.

My mother did not receive the operation.

But I did.

I still have an occasional tinge

of regret.

How desperate I want to live.

But I couldn't have

paid the 250-year loan either.

Maybe it was better this way.

Everyone here went through

similar life experiences.

This island is almost exclusively for

the Old Generation.

I don't spend much time

thinking about death for now.

I'm keeping my optimistic view of life.

Will you tell us

why you chose this facility?

My wife Fumi was diagnosed

with terminal cancer.

We wanted to spend our remaining time

peacefully in a place like this.

You can be rest assured.

We'll do everything we can for you.

Actually my late mother

spent her last days here.

Well...

Is there any reason why you did not

receive an anti-aging treatment, Rihito?

Was it genetic abnormality like Fumi?

No. I chose not to.

Do I need a reason for that?

Not at all. I'm sorry.

Do you have other family members?

We have no children

so it's just the two of us.

I see.

Amane's Garden

I don't eat any foreign food.

Like cheese, for example.

If I can choose what I eat..

Toki's keepsakes

for anybody to take.

Please take it if you like it.

See?

You can have it.

Thank you.

A clockwork toy.

- What is yourname?

- Haru.

Haru... A great name.

What's yours, Mister?

Rihito.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

Can the Sakamotos stay

on the first floor?

Yes, should be okay.

So that's done.

What about Ms. Tsukishima?

- 1st floor?

- Yes.

Ms. Ukai?

Why hasn't Rihito moved

in with his wife?

He said he would get himself

a cabin near the fishing port.

Really?

He is a bit unusual.

He refused the anti-aging treatment.

Is that true?

Right?

Excuse me.

It's beautiful.

I'm sorry. Bid I wake you up?

No problem.

Good. May I do your check-up?

Of course.

Doctor?

Call me Rina. I feel awkward

when I'm called doctor.

Rina, then. You are much older I am.

You can tell?

Let me guess. You're about to turn 100.

Do I act like an old woman?

Not at all.

Then how?

Your footsteps.

My footsteps?

Everyone carries their own texture

or weight in their footsteps.

I can tell the age of a person

by hearing it.

I didn't know someone

so young would be here.

I'd say five as she looks?

Steifs my daughter.

Haru, say hello to Fumi.

- Hello.

- Hello.

What can I do for you?

I used up my sketchbook.

All right. I'll come by again.

Say goodbye to Fumi.

Goodbye.

- Excuse me.

- Bye bye.

I can hear the sound of waves.

I heard you got yourself

a cabin near the port.

Yes. I was on

a fishing trawler for many years.

You were?

Where were your fishing spots?

It depended on the season.

We went wherever we could find fish.

Wonderful.

It's not an easy job

to make a living out of.

I'm sorry.

I don't mean to be intrusive but we can

provide a room for a family member too.

It'll be better for Fumi if you're here...

No, we're fine with the way things are.

We actually prefer it this way.

I Can drive you home.

It's quite a long walk.

Thanks but no thanks.

This is good.

Eating fresh fish would get you

3 months in jail, right?

It's worth doing time

when it tastes this gotM

Is that boat over there yours?

Yeah, it used to be.

You can have it if you want.

Good morning, Haru.

Good morning.

Rina!

Haru, over here.

Haru.

Kitty cat! So cute.

Cute she is.

Will she look at us?

- She won't.

- She won't?

Good morning.

Good morning, Haru.

Look! A ship!

What?

- Can you see it?

- Yeah.

Look at all the flags.

Aren't they wonderful?

Haru, there are ship over there, too..

Take them off.

Isn't it wonderful?

Rihito!

Many things just need to be fixed

to start working again.

Excuse us for the intrusion.

Thank you.

Is that Toki's?

I couldn't help feeling nostalgic.

If only we could develop the film.

Why take photos at all?

Nothing changes now.

Evem if you don't change,

the world does.

You're a different person today

from who you were yesterday.

He's pretty geosl, isn't he?

He captures your expressions so well.

Because he's so in love with me.

How did you two meet?

Nothing special at first.

He was one of the customers

at a place I used to work.

He always came alone at night.

He had such a leneseme look in his eyes.

That was my first impression.

Is that so?

Six months later or so,

I bumped into him

on a street after my shift.

That night we kissed for the first time.

I knew then and there

I would be with him

for the rest of my life.

You know what I mean?

You had a hunch.

Exactly. I had a hunch.

Are you seeing somebody?

Like dating?

I forgot what it was like.

You don't forget that easily.

When you meet somebody special...

Are you telling me

you can tell from his footsteps?

Maybe.

According to the latest statistics,

the global birth rate

has hit an all-time low-of 0.2.

As the number of suicides increases,

its legalization is being considered...

Nana, I'll put this week's

IV bags right here.

Hello?

Nana?

Anybody here?

Haru?

H a ru!

Please...

Haru?

Happy birthday, Rina!

Hello, Rio,I.

Glad you madte it.

My husband too.

Are you Nana?

It's like having Kanako here with us.

A lot of Mom's friends say that.

For sure!

Your old studio will be torn down soon.

There's no demand for

human BodyWerks anymore.

The demand for the technology

is now here.

It's such a waste.

BodyWerks are actually quite beautiful.

You have to go to a museum

to see them now.

Happy 90th birthday!

It's Melos.

-Your turtle? - That's right.

Is this your mom?

Yes. Rina.

Draw some pictures.

Draw what?

Your mom.

I'm not good at drawing people

How about a house?

Okay.

Let me see...

You're good.

Am I?

Everyone has fun at BodyWerks!

We detect no problems whatsoever.

The genetic concern on Amane's sperm

has had no effect on Haru.

Which means her

anti-aging treatment wiill work?

Sure.

You need to come here regularly

for check-ups, though.

That's a relief.

This was your answer

to Amane, right?

Giving birth to Haru.

My answer?

I don't know.

Rina

When I look at Haru,

there are moments when

I can feel Amane's presense.

Her fingertips...

her hairline...

or the particular angle of her mouth

when she smiles.

Amane's passing was a huge loss.

Gene abnormalities are now treatable.

Even the age 40 limit would be...

Can I ask you something?

About people over 40

being eligible for treatment.

Are we in the clinical phase already?

If so

may I recommend someone for your list?

A resident from your facility?

Rina, of all people,

you should understand.

But...

Even if it was possible for the elderly

to become immortal,

it would be a difficult world

for them to adapt to.

Is it impossible?

Anti-aging treatment technology

is not just about Eternity or us.

Even if...

we're talking about my son?

There they are.

Don't be scared.

I'm here...

to ask you something.

Was it because of me that you decided

not to have the anti-aging treatment?

It had no meaning to me.

That's all.

Tell me the truth.

That's how I wanted it.

It has nothing to do with you.

It might not be too late.

I'm sure Fumi

doesn't want you to die if you can live.

I know I don't.

So could you please think it over?

You don't understand anything.

Will you leave?

I never thought you hadn't had

the anti-aging treatment.

I never imagined

you could die before me.

We're done here.

Now go.

- But...

- Get out!

Melos?

Melos?

Haru?

I've always wanted to come here.

Thanks for bringing me.

My pleasure.

I love the scenery from here too.

When I'm here...

I feel like I've been left alone

in this world.

Only humans have eternal lives.

Everything else in nature

has a beginning and an end.

It's as if we've been left out.

It makes me wonder

whether we have evolved or devolved.

I know somebody who

said something like that.

Rina!

Haru's missing.

Haru.

Haru.

Where is she?

Nana, you go that way.

Have you seen Haru?

No.

Thank you.

What should we do?

Let's go down to the port.

What if something's happened to her?

It'll be all right. We'll find her.

She isn't reckless.

She probably wanted me to fix Melos.

I can't thank you enough.

I didn't do anything.

She was putting on a brave face

when I found her walking.

Can you take her home?

Of course.

I met you once.

When I visited BodyWerks

on a school trip.

For an instant, our eyes met.

But you didn't recognize me.

I kept on waiting for you.

"My mother will come back for me."

But...

you didn't come back when Grandma died.

And then Grandpa died.

Finally...

I realised what a fool I've been.

Then I met someone.

It was Fumi.

That's when

I was truly born into this world.

At last

I got my life back.

It's your turn now. Live your own life...

Mother.

Around here.

Okay? Here goes.

Thank you.

- Can I close it?

- Sure.

Let's say a prayer.

Thank you, Melos, x

It's fun!

Are you okay?

Rihito's coming.

Fumi, are you all right?

Let me prop you up on some pillows, Fumi.

Fumi?

You'll be all right.

It's all right.

You'll be all right.

All right.

Rihito.

Please get some rest.

I'll take care of her.

You'll be all right.

Happy birthday.

When I'm born again...

promise me

you will

find me.

In less than 2 months,

Fumi passed a way.

Six months later,

Rihito went out to sea by himself

and never came back.

Seri, come over here and help me!

Okay.

135 years old

You're late.

Sorry.

Haru,

can I have some tea?

- Seri, pour some tea for Rina.

- Sure.

Have you decided

the subject for your paper?

My subject was always going to be

about my Grandma Rina's life.

- There you go.

- Thank you.

Uncle Rihito's camera was not broken.

The film inside was fine too.

- Really?

- What were on them?

That's a secret.

I still think

it's wrong to choose death

when you can live forever.

Don't you agree, Mom?

My time will come.

I didn't accomplish everything

I wanted to do.

I didn't see all that there is t® see.

I didn't learn all that there is to know.

But

I'll die with more experience

than anybody could wish f®r.

That's how my life will be an arc

with a beginning and an end.

So

the first woman to have

the chance to live forever,

will also be the first to give that up.

You're right.

Seri, hurry up!

Wait up!

What's the matter, Haru?

I still

don't want you to die, Rina.

Death gives meaning to life.

It's a myth fabricated

by the ancient people.

Even if that's so...

it's a myth...

that I believe in.

Let's go.

Ready?

Grandma's, here.

Rina!

Coming to get you!

Guys, over there!

YOSHINE Kyoko

TERAJIMA Shinobu

OKADA Masaki

BAISHO Chieko

FURUKI Jun

KOBAYASHI Kaoru

Directed by ISHIKAWA Kei

Written by

ISHIKAWA Kei and SAWAI Kaeri

Music by SEIBU Hiroko

A BANDAI NAMCO Arts

Production

Subtitles by USUI Naoyuki

Subtitles Produced by AURA