Barefoot Gen (1983) - full transcript

Gen and his family are living in Hiroshima as Japan nears the end of World War II. Gen's father has come to believe that the war is unwinnable, thus earning the wrath of the town officials and, in turn, discrimination from the rest of their neighbors. Shunned by the local merchants and tradesmen, food becomes scarce for Gen and his family. All these concerns soon pale, however, as the American military begins its final assault on Japan with the unleashing of its terrible new weapon.

December 8, 1941.

Japan entered WWll against
America and the UK's allied forces.

March 9th & 10th
Japan entered WWll against
America and the UK's allied forces.

March 9th & 10th

March 9th & 10th
Four years later, in 1945...

Tokyo Kawasaki Yokohama
Four years later, in 1945...

Four years later, in 1945...

...while American forces
attack the Pacific one by one...

Followed by March 11th & 12th
...while American forces
attack the Pacific one by one...

Followed by March 11th & 12th
...they focus strikes
on Japan's mainland.

...they focus strikes
on Japan's mainland.



Nagoya

Nagoya
America's 20th Air Force bombers...

March 14th & 15th
America's 20th Air Force bombers...

March 14th & 15th
...destroyed Japanese
air bases beforehand...

Osaka
...destroyed Japanese
air bases beforehand...

Osaka
...and large formations of Boeing
B-29s, called sky fortresses...

March 16th & 17 th
...and large formations of Boeing
B-29s, called sky fortresses...

March 16th & 17 th
...started bombing Japan's
mainland from north to south.

Kobe Amagasaki
...started bombing Japan's
mainland from north to south.

They became the first violent air
raids the human race experienced.

And April 1st
They became the first violent air
raids the human race experienced.

Okinawa
They became the first violent air
raids the human race experienced.

Okinawa

Meanwhile in America, for the
last three years, Oppenheimer...



...and his scientists
had been conducting...

...the so-called Manhattan Project.

The production of a nuclear weapon
was about to be completed.

That Year, Early Summer

Hiroshima

The air raid alert is lifted!

The air raid alert is lifted!

The air raid alert is lifted!

I'm hungry.

I'm hungry.

Come, let's go to the field.

Dad, this wheat's
almost ready, right?

I'm glad.

I'll ask them to make bread.

I want noodles.

I'll ask them for lots and lots!

Gen.

Shinji.

Wheat sprouts up
in cold, harsh winters...

...is stepped on often,
and is rooted deep in the earth.

It resists frost, wind, and snow,
grows straight...

...and makes splendid ears.

Become strong like wheat, boys.

Right?

I'm tired of that, Dad.

You boys!

Yay! Run!

Yay! Yay! Run!

Yay! Yay! Yay!

Yay! Run!

Yay! Yay!

Barefoot Gen

Barefoot Gen
This beating heart
is about to burst.

The blue sky is too vast.

Production/ Author/Screenplay
KEIJI NAKAZAWA
The blue sky is too vast.

The blue sky is too vast.

Producer
TAKANORI YOSHIMOTO
YASUTERU IWASE
The blue sky is too vast.

Producer
TAKANORI YOSHIMOTO
YASUTERU IWASE

Producer
TAKANORI YOSHIMOTO
YASUTERU IWASE
This wavering feeling...

This wavering feeling...

Character Design
KAZUO TOMISAWA

Character Design
KAZUO TOMISAWA
...sinks in deeper when
watching summer days.

...sinks in deeper when
watching summer days.

I start running with bare feet.

Art Director
KAZUO OGA
I start running with bare feet.

Art Director
KAZUO OGA

Art Director
KAZUO OGA
The wind blows through my feet.

The wind blows through my feet.

Director of Photography
KINICHI ISHIKAWA
The wind blows through my feet.

Director of Photography
KINICHI ISHIKAWA

Director of Photography
KINICHI ISHIKAWA
Where is love?

Where is love?

Sound Director
SUSUMU AKETAGAWA
Where is love?

Sound Director
SUSUMU AKETAGAWA
Can anyone tell me?

Can anyone tell me?

Music
KENTAROH HANED A
Can anyone tell me?

Music
KENTAROH HANED A
Such feelings grow and overflow.

Such feelings grow and overflow.

Scene Planning
MASAO MARUYAMA
Such feelings grow and overflow.

Scene Planning
MASAO MARUYAMA
It's about to burst
with the beating heart.

It's about to burst
with the beating heart.

Produced in Cooperation with
MADHOUSE S TUDIOS
It's about to burst
with the beating heart.

Produced in Cooperation with
MADHOUSE S TUDIOS

Director
MAMORU SHINZAKI

Nobuo Oyama,
going to the front lines now!

Thank you for sending me off!

Mr. Nobuo Oyama, banzai!

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Because I swore to win
bravely and left my hometown...

...how can I die without
doing great deeds?

Every time I hear
the marching trumpet...

...my mind recalls
the waves of your flags.

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Don't you hate the military...

Metal bowls and...

...metal chopsticks.

I'm not Buddha.

One meal a day is pathetic.

I'm hungry.

I'm dizzy.

Me too.

Here, here.

This rice porridge
is especially good today!

Really?

It's true!

Look, the chopsticks
stand up in today's porridge!

Dad, I wanna eat
rice porridge too!

I wanna eat it!

Bear with it. We used all our
ration tickets and don't have any left.

I wanna eat.

I wanna eat.
Wanna eat.

Don't cut in line!

What? I was keeping my spot!

Shut up! Don't argue!

What's that?

You've done it now...

Take this!

All right! Fight, fight!

How sad. Grownups fighting
for a bowl of rice porridge.

Yeah, it's just
a bowl of rice porridge.

Nakaoka

Nakaoka
I'm hungry!

I'm home!

Oops...

I'm hungry!

I'm home. What's there to eat?

I have no choice...

You're sneaky, Mom!

You were hiding a potato.

Looks good.

Hey, Shinji!
You're not going to share?

Stay away!

Wait, you!

Hey!

Wait, you!

Wait, you!

Hey!

Wait, you dunce!

Wait, you!

You can't run.

Well, I'm not letting go!

Wait, you!

You...

Now I'm really mad.

You're not getting by!

Hey, wait, you stupid!

Hey!

Oops...

Ow!

Wait, you!

You dummy!

Come on, come on!

Give it to me!

Give it back!

It's mine!

Stop, you two!

Give it back!

Mom has to eat this potato.

Why?

Yeah, why?

This potato is important for
the baby in Mom's tummy.

If you eat it, the baby will die.

Is it okay if the baby dies?

Eiko.

I'm fine. Give it to Gen and Shinji.

You might be fine,
but the baby needs it.

Eiko.

Go ahead and eat.

You two, be strong. Got it?

You two, be strong. Got it?
Got it.

I want to let the children
eat as much as they want.

Even money can't buy food.

What terrible times.

Anyway, we just
have to try our best.

What's wrong?

The baby's kicking in my belly.

It tickles...

I see. Have a healthy baby.

Okay?

This baby is healthy.

It kicked again.

Why're you laughing?

The baby moving is funny.

Yeah? How's it moving?

Ouch!

It moved!

Oh, it's moving!

At this rate, it's a boy.

We won't know till it's born.

Shinji, a boy's good.

Yeah, you boss me around...

...so now I can do that.

Mom, have a boy for sure.
I'll make him my disciple.

If you make him your disciple,
Mom's going to have to worry...

...what you'll teach him.

Right, we can't leave him to you!

You're mean, Big Brother!

I was kidding.

You're a good brother, Shinji.

After the baby's born,
teach him many good things.

I'm glad.

I hope it comes soon.

The air raid alert is issued!

The air raid alert is issued!
Gen, Shinji, get up quickly!

The air raid alert is issued!

The air raid alert is issued!

Gen, Shinji, get to the shelter!

I'm sleepy.

Wake up!

Wake up Shinji!

Shinji! Shinji!

All right, I'll wake him up!

Shinji...

Wow, rice, bread, and noodles!

Lots and lots!

Yeah?

All right!

It's empty...

Big Brother,
you ate it all by yourself?

Dummy.

Darn it, give me my share!

Ow!

Why you!

You!

Mine!

Shut up!

Shut up!
Darn it!

What are you doing?

Um...

What are we doing?

Gen, hurry here!

What'll you do if the bombs fall?

What'll you do if the bombs fall?
Ouch!

Mom, don't worry.

They're scouting planes.

Don't be silly.

Did you forget a girl in area four
was shot by machine gun?

Tokyo, Yokohama,
Nagoya, Osaka, even Okinawa.

Bombs are burning down and
destroying things all over Japan.

It's no time for nonsense.

Even so, it's strange.

All nearby cities were attacked...

...but why don't they
attack the city of Hiroshima?

The air raid alert is lifted!

The air raid alert is lifted!

The air raid alert is lifted!
All right!

The air raid alert is lifted!

They were scouting planes.

I lost out by waking up.

I'm glad tonight was another...

What's wrong, Mom?

What's wrong?

Just dizzy...

Kimie!

Kimie!
Mom!

Gen, go get the doctor!

Eiko, the futon!

Kimie!

Kimie!

Hang on!

Hang on, Kimie!

Big Brother, is Mom going to die?

Is Mom going to die?

Shut up!

No way that's going to happen!

Doctor, wake up!

Mom's in trouble!

My disciple is inside Mom's tummy!

Hurry, hurry!

Hey, if you rush
this much, I'll get sick and die!

That's fine!

Yeah, Mom's more important!

How is she?

Overworked and malnourished.

She'll recover with
rest and nutritious food.

But in times like these...

...there's not enough medicine,
and one can't get nutritious food.

Anyway, take care.

This is bad.
Our family's in big trouble.

This is bad. I can't stand it.

What's the matter, Eiko?

The rice is almost gone.

The money is gone too.

I'll manage somehow.

You don't need to do that.

If we finish and
deliver these to the dealer...

...we can get some money, right?

You're not healthy.

I'm fine.

Eiko...

Big Brother.

Big Brother.
What?

Can we eat caterpillars?

Let's see...

Are they nutritious?

I don't know.

Shall we let Mom eat them?

Dummy!

Dummy!
Ouch!

What happened?

Mr. Boku.

Mr. Boku.
It seemed noisy last night...

Mom's sick because
she's malnourished.

You must be worried...

It's good to drink carp's blood
and eat its meat for energy...

Carp?

Carp?

I didn't know carp
was good for illnesses.

I want to let Mom eat it.

I want carp!

I want some!

Shinji!

Shinji!
Big Brother!

Charge!

Honorable death!

Rock, scissors, paper!

Thank you.

Oops! Ouch!

There.

There are lots...

There are.

There are.
People?

None.

None.
All right.

There.

Here!

B-Big Brother!

It bit right away.

They haven't eaten like us.

Trouble! I'm being pulled!

It's big...

It's the master of the pond!

Shinji, don't let go!

Big Brother!

Big Brother!
Hold on tight!

Why you!

Why you!

Shinji, look!

Big Brother, you did it!

There.

It's the master of the pond, all right...

Brats!

You brat!

I won't forgive you!

Big Brother!

M-Mister, hit me! Hit me!

Hit me more!

In exchange for hitting me all
you want, give me this carp!

That's right.

Hit me with full force too!

In exchange, give me the carp!

Why do you want
the carp so much?

To let Mom drink
the carp's fresh blood!

That's right.
We want to make her healthy.

I don't want to let Mom die!

Save Mom!

Mister, please!

Please! We beg you!

No good?

No good at all?

You dummy, mister!

When Mom dies, I'll tell her
to haunt you as a ghost!

When you want to be good to your
parents, they're no longer alive.

All right, take it.

I'll give you the carp.
Don't cry anymore.

Really?

If it's a lie,
you'll drink 1,000 needles!

Idiot, that's my line.

We did it!

This carp really was a gift?

Yes. It really was.

It's not a lie.

Anyway, cook the carp
quickly and let Mom eat it.

Hurry, hurry.

Eiko, cook this.

Right!

Big Brother...

Will Mom get well?

Well, I hope she gets well.

Sorry for making you worry too.

Dad will work hard too.

Dad, when can we eat
as much as we want?

When the war's over,
we'll manage somehow.

Will the war end?

Soon, I think. Japan lost this war.

If Japan lost,
why do we keep fighting?

Our current leaders are wrong.

And something's wrong
with the army heads.

Everyone calls you unpatriotic
because you say things like that.

That's right.

I'm unpatriotic.

Dad is proud of it.

This war, in which people
kill each other, can't be right.

Being called unpatriotic is fine.

Being called a coward is fine.

Protecting people's lives and
one's own life is true courage.

Only fighting for
that is true fighting.

Gen, Shinji, don't be meek.

Hold your heads high, all right?

Dad.

What?

I love you, Dad.

I love you too, Dad.

Is that so.

Is it all right that
only I eat this fish?

What are you saying?
It's only natural since you're sick.

I feel bad.

Is it good?

It's good.

Shinji.

What is it, Shinji?

U-Um...

Shinji, what did you say to Mom?

I asked Mom to give me the
leftover bones after eating the fish.

You really said that?

I did.

Dummy!

You dummy!

You don't have to hit me!

You don't have to hit me!
Shinji, come quickly!

Big Brother,
you're a dummy. A dummy.

Eiko.

Eiko!

Yes!

Let everyone eat this.

Please.

Rice?

It's not much...

Mr. Boku...

Thank you.

Big Brother, carp works well.

Yeah, Mom's gotten better.

Excuse me. Mr. Nakaoka.

I didn't think that man
would come to the house.

We're in trouble. They found
out we went to steal the carp.

Dad's scary when he's mad.

Is that so...

I'm sorry for their actions.
I'll scold them well.

No, please don't.

I'd be troubled
if you scolded those two.

I like those two, Mr. Nakaoka.

You have thoughtful, good sons.

I envy you.

Big Brother, what now?

There's nothing we can do.
Get ready to be hit.

I'm scared.

Gen.

Gen.
Shinji.

Sit here.

Come here.

Gen.

Shinji.

Big Brother...

The carp guy gave us kusamochi.

It's good, Big Brother.
My cheeks are about to drop.

Yummy.

Yummy.

He was a good man.

A good man.
We need to give him an award.

That day, at 2:45 AM...

...three B-29s took off from
Tinian base in the Mariana Islands.

Mom, I'll do the laundry.

I don't want you to strain yourself.

I'm fine.

My muscles will get
stiff if I rest too much.

Dad, isn't this a good ship?
Big Brother made it.

It's good.

When he gets back from school,
we'll go to the river to sail the boat.

Is that so. That must be fun.

The enemy's come early today.

The air raid alert is lifted!

The air raid alert is lifted!

The air raid alert is lifted!

The air raid alert is lifted!
Scouting planes again.

Dad, the B's trail.

You can see it
well since it's clear.

It'll be hot today.

Sis, I'm going to school first.

Big Brother, come home quickly.
We'll sail the ship at the river.

It's a promise!

Dad, Sis, come look!

What is it?

What's wrong?

The ants are coming
inside the house.

So many...

What's going on?

It's a B.

It's a B-29.

You're right.

When did it come?

How strange.

The alert isn't sounding.

What's going on?

Ow...

What happened?
I don't remember anything...

Why is this thing on me?

Jeez...

W-What happened?

Hang on!

S-She's dead...

Someone!

Someone, come...

What happened?

Ghosts...

They're all ghosts!

Fire!

It's awful!

My house is over there!

Dad!

Mom!

Big Sis!

Shinji!

Hey, Dad!

Mom!

Big Sis! Shinji!

Someone...

Someone, please come!

Mom's voice!

Come quickly!
Please save them!

Mom, what's wrong?

Gen, you're okay!

Big Brother, it hurts!

Shinji!

Sis!

Dad!

I have to move this post quickly...

That's right!

Big Brother, let me out quick!

Wait. I'll let you out now!

Big Brother! Hurry, hurry!

It's hot!

It hurts!

Big Brother, Mom, it's hot!

It's no good.

Damn it!

Kimie, Gen, enough.

Dear!

Enough. Hurry and run!

Dear! Eiko! Shinji!

Enough. Run now or
you'll be caught in the fire.

No!

I'll die here too!

Fool, you need to raise Gen and
the baby inside you. Run quickly!

No!

I don't want us to be apart!

Gen, what are you doing? Hurry!

What should I do?

Take Mom and run!

No!

I don't want to either!

Big Brother!

Shinji!

Eiko!

Mom...

I hate it...

I hate this post!

Gen.

Protect Mom and
the baby inside her...

...in my place.

Please, Gen.

No!

Mom will die with you!

It's hot! It's hot!

It's hot! It's hot!

It's hot! It's hot!
Shinji! Eiko!

Mom, it's hot!

Mom, it's hot!
Dear!

Big Brother!

Dear!

Dad is burning...

Eiko is burning...

Shinji is...

Burning... Burning...

They're all burning...

Mom.

Mom.

Mom, hang on!

What are you doing?
Run to safety quickly!

Mr. Boku!

Gen!

Mrs. Nakaoka,
get ahold of yourself!

Gen, come quickly!

Help!

Water...

Don't let go of the log!

It hurts...

Everyone, cheer up!

Yoshida!

Mutsukawa!

Matsui!

Kawada!

This should be far enough.

Gen, I have to go.

Take care of your mother.

Thanks, Mr. Boku.

Mom, what's wrong?

The baby is coming.

The baby?

Get a midwife and doctor...

All right.

And from somewhere...

...bring a washtub, bucket,
futon, and some cloth.

Just in case, scissors and thread.

What for?

To cut the umbilical cord.

All right.

Is there a midwife anywhere?

Is there a doctor here?

Is there a midwife?

My mom is having a baby!

Please, she needs help!

No good.

What should I do?
What should I do?

Mom, it's no good.

I couldn't find
a midwife or a doctor.

What should I do?

Gen, you'll have to deliver the baby.

No way! I can't do it!

You'll do it, all right?

All right.

Get water.

Okay, water.

When the baby's born,
wash it well with the water.

Mom, hang in there!

It's coming... It's coming...

Hold the baby's head gently.

It has no wiener.

It's a girl.

She's wrinkly and
looks like a monkey...

Babies are all like that.

You were too.

I see. Then she's all right.

She'll be pretty.

Hey, I brought you into this world.

Thank me.

Listen to me or I won't
be nice to you. Understood?

Protect Mom and the baby.

Have a boy!
I'll make him my disciple!

Dad! Big Sis! Shinji!

The baby was born!

Shinji, your disciple is a girl!

Dad! Big Sis! Shinji!

You can't see this baby, can you?

Gen, give me the baby.

All right, look very closely.

Look close...

...at the reality of war that killed
your dad, sister, and brother.

All right...

All right?

It's rain!

Oh no!

Stop! Stop raining!

There.

What is this rain?

It's really dark rain.

No one at the time knew this black
rain that fell in the northwest area...

...of Hiroshima would be the
cause of so much human suffering...

...for decades to come.

The atomic bomb's explosion...

...caused radioactive dust to fly
up into the air, forming clouds...

...that rained radioactive rain
onto the people and the land.

The destruction from the 4,000
degree heat, the blast, and the fire.

The pollution
of the radioactive rain...

...was the second terror
of the atomic bomb.

Mom, it's noisy.

I can't sleep.

Water!

Water!
They want water.

Poor people.
Let's give them some.

Hang in there... Hang in there.

It's water.

Now cheer up.

H-Hey, what's wrong?

Oh! She's dead!

Here too!

What's going on?

They all die soon
after drinking water.

Mom, better not give them water.

You're right...

Mom, what are
we going to do now?

Let's see...

All our relatives are in the city,
and their houses must be burnt.

We don't have a place to go.

My head's mixed up,
and I don't know what to do.

There, there.

What's wrong?

There's no milk.

If you can't make milk,
the baby will die!

Come to think of it, we've had
nothing but water for three days.

We need to look for food.

Oh, there, there...

There, there.

Mom, wait here.

What's the matter?

I'll go look for food.

Gen.

I won't let them die! I'll never
let Mom and the baby die!

Wait for me.

Wait for me!

But where should I go?

Hey, where'd you
get the rice balls?

An army truck is driving
around delivering them.

R-Really? Where?

I don't know. Look for it yourself.

We found them at Dobashi.

Dobashi, huh...

An army truck!

Hey, give me some rice balls too!

A mountain of bodies...

Hurry and clear away!
Quickly, before the dead bodies rot!

We'll never be able
to finish disposing of them.

It stinks!
There are so many dead bodies...

A fire brigade hat.

Horrible. Horrible...

The humans are like
pebbles on the street.

It's like a dream that each of those
dead bodies used to cry and laugh.

It's hell...

I didn't know you can
get maggots in burn scars.

When they wiggle, it hurts
and itches. I can't stand it.

Wish I could eat them.

Idiot, don't talk about food.

Somebody, please...

Can somebody give her some milk?

She's going to die!

Please!

Excuse me...

He doesn't know she's dead...

Somebody, please give her milk.

Please...

Please...
Shut up!

It's better if the baby dies quickly!

Die! Die! Die!

What are you saying?

I'll kill her. Give her to me!

What are you doing?

Stop!

Stop!

Take it.

Take it.

Eat till I have no more milk left.

Missus...

I'm sorry for
saying such violent things...

I was jealous of the healthy baby.

My baby is like that.

My milk is useless
to my baby now.

I want her to have
as much as I can.

Missus.

Aren't you lucky?

I'm so lucky...

Everything's gone.

Everything's disappeared.

I'm cold...

I'm cold...

Mr. Soldier,
are you crazy? It's so hot.

I'm cold! Did I catch
a cold in the rain?

Mr. Soldier, you pooped.

Idiot, how could I...

B-Bloody stool!

W-When did I...

Mr. Soldier, you have bald spots.

Idiot, I'm not bald...

What's going on?

What's wrong?

Mr. Soldier, hang on!

What should I do?

What should I do?

What should I do?

Oh no...

...I need to do something!

I'm...

...hungry.

All right, it's done. Here...

I did it! I'm smart!

Mr. Soldier, hang in there.

Where's the first aid station?

Where's the first aid station?

Nurse, hurry...

Treat only those who can survive.

Right!

We don't have any medicine left!

Take a look at this soldier!

He's dying!

Here comes
another one. Let's see.

Did he have diarrhea,
cough up blood, or feel cold?

He did. Please treat him quickly.

There's no need.

He's dead. It's pika.

This must be pika.

It's pika. It's due to pika.

Not only did one atomic bomb kill
over 200,000 people in an instant...

...it became an invisible monster
called residual radioactivity...

...and crept into the bodies
of the rescue workers...

...and of those entering
the area, worried about family.

It destroyed their cells...

...gave acute leukemia
and cancer, and killed them.

It's pika.

This must be due to pika.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

What's this?

It's rice! It turned into charcoal...

I see.
This is the market warehouse.

What a waste.

I can't eat it now that
it's turned into charcoal!

I thought so!
The center wasn't burnt!

I did it! I did it!

I did it! I did it!

I did it!

We have rice and pickles.

Mom, we're
all right now. Don't worry.

Gen, thank you for finding this.

You gathered a lot too.

Oh, she's sleeping well.

We need to give her a name.

You're right.

Can you think of a good name?

There are so many fires.

They're burning the deceased.

Lots and lots died...

I know.

It's unbearable.

It's unbearable.

Mom.

What?

I hope she makes
lots and lots of friends.

Oh, how's Tomoko?
("Tomoko" = Child with friends)

Tomoko?
("Tomoko" = Child with friends)

("Tomoko" = Child with friends)

That's a good name.
("Tomoko" = Child with friends)

Tomoko it is.
("Tomoko" = Child with friends)

All right,
you're Tomoko starting today!

Gen, what happened?
You have a big bald spot...

I'm not bald.

Oh no!

W-When did it happen?

He's dead.

It's due to pika.
Due to the atomic bomb!

Gen.

No!

I don't wanna die!

What's wrong?

I'm scared! I don't wanna die!

What are you saying?
You won't die. You're fine.

Meanwhile, America...

...declared an atomic bomb
caused Hiroshima's destruction.

They warned of a second atomic
bomb drop if the war continued.

They demanded Japan's
unconditional surrender.

But the Japanese war
leaders turned a deaf ear.

They did not make Hiroshima's
devastation public at all.

August 9th
They did not make Hiroshima's
devastation public at all.

August 9th

Atomic Bomb in Nagasaki Too

I thought deeply of the world's
situation and Japan's current one.

I've decided to settle this situation
through extraordinary means.

Therefore, I give this notice to the
loyal and good people of Japan.

I ordered the government to
accept the Potsdam Declaration...

...of the US, UK,
China and Soviet Union.

But I would like you
to endure intolerable things...

...put up with unbearable things...

...and make peace
come true for the future.

I will protect Japan's
imperial system...

...trust the sincerity of the loyal
and good people of Japan, and...

Gen.

What, Mom?

Dad, Eiko, and Shinji
are really dead, aren't they.

That's right. They're dead.

Mister, why're you crying?

There was an announcement
from the emperor earlier.

Japan lost the war.

The war's over with
an unconditional surrender.

What do you mean
the war's over now?

Mom.

Cheer up.

I'll do my best for dad too.

All right, I'll build a house here.

August 15, 1945

Japan Lost the War

Tomoko, don't cry.

There, there.

Mom doesn't have any milk.

I want her to have real milk,
not just thin rice porridge.

The rice you found
will be gone soon.

Let's eat.

Give me Tomoko.

I can't find a place to work...

We're really in trouble...

We're in trouble.
I need to do something.

Who's there?

You!

Wait!

No.

You!

Ow!

If I wasn't hungry,
I wouldn't have lost!

Well said. Show your face.

Mom, look at his face!

Here, look at this face!

Let go.

Shinji.

Shut up! I'm not Shinji!

You're not Shinji?

No.

There's no way
Shinji could be alive.

I'm Ryuta Kondo!

I haven't eaten for four days.

The rice porridge
smelled too good, and I...

Where's your family?

Everyone died in pika.

You look just like
my dead little brother.

I'm Ryuta!

This is mine. Eat it.

Is it all right?

Really?

Don't rush.
Take your time and eat.

You'll take it if I don't.

You'll take it if I don't.
I won't take it away.

Really?

Don't worry.

Where do you live?

The burnt ruins around here.

You can have mine too.

Sit and eat.

R-Really?

You look exactly like Shinji.

It's true.

I've heard everyone has five people
who look like them in the world.

But I'm really surprised.

Can I have that?

That's empty.

I can't think of him as a stranger.

Mom. Hey, what do you think?

We're having a difficult time
just with the two of us...

But if I can think Shinji is alive...

That's right!

I haven't eaten such
good food in a long time!

If you...

...want to stay here, you can stay.

Ryuta, stay.

Live with us.

Stay. Stay.

Ma'am...

I can't give anything in return, so
let me massage your shoulders.

I used to massage
my dad, and I'm good.

Thank you.

But children don't need
to worry about things like that.

We're family.

This... This is the first time
someone's ever been so kind to me!

Don't cry so loud
or Tomoko will wake up.

See? I knew it.

You can cry
as much as you want.

Oh, there, there.

Look at her bad rash!

That's right.

She's malnourished.

She needs better food soon.

All right, I have a good idea!

Please give us work!

We'll do any work!

Please give us a job.
We'll do any work!

Please give us a job.
We will!

Please give us a job.
We'll do anything!

Please give us a job.
We will!

There's no one with work.

There isn't, Big Brother.

What's that?

I said Big Brother.

Say it again.

Big Brother.

Big Brother.
Again.

Big Brother.
You're happy when I call you that?

Makes me happy.

I'll say it more.

Big Brother.

Big Brother.

Do you want a big brother?
I'll give you a good price!

Dummy.

Will you really do any job?

Mister, you'll give us a job?

If you complete the job well,
I'll give you ten yen a day.

Ten yen!

We will! We'll do it!

Then follow me.

What a great house...

He's very rich!

Come in.

Dad brought someone again.

They'll run right away.

This is your workplace.

It stinks!

Yeesh, what is this room?

It's full of poop!

It's full of maggots.
I can't stand it!

Seiji, I brought these
boys to take care of you.

Tell them to do anything.

Brother...

All right, take care of him.

Wait...

We need to talk...

Brother!

As expected.

They'll run soon.

How could they let it get this bad?

What should we do, Big Brother?

Ten yen. Tomoko needs milk.

That's right.

That's right.
Hey, vultures!

Us?

Looks like.

Quickly, pick the maggots
and clean the room.

Right!

Right!

Maggots are white and dirty.

Clean up, clean up, it's fun.

They're not running.

Are they crazy?

Haruko! Akiko!

What if you get the pika disease?

Get away from here now!

Dear, can we move
Seiji to a hospital?

Every hospital is full
of people with pikadon.

With your money and power...

Don't have such ill will for Seiji...

He's my only brother.

But you're unwilling
to go near him too.

He smells and looks like a ghost.

And he raises
his voice like a beast.

The neighbors are calling
this house a haunted house.

I hope Seiji dies soon.

Idiot!

Ow, what are you doing?

Do it carefully, idiot.

Don't kick me!

The bandage is stuck to the pus!

Shut up, vulture!

Don't you know
how to be gentle, vulture?

Y-You!

Big Brother, shall we beat him up?

Ten yen.

Bring me the book
on the desk, vulture.

I'm Gen Nakaoka, not a vulture!

Yeah! I'm Ryuta Kondo!

Those who make a living
off my rotting body are vultures.

Got that, vultures?

It's ten yen a day.

Right, ten yen.

Here's the book.

Pick it up, vulture.

Ten yen. Ten yen.

I want water, vulture.

The book.

Pick it up, vulture.

Ryuta!

What, Big Brother?

No more ten yen!

You should act your age,
not like a spoiled brat!

I can't take care of you!

Yeah, we can't deal
with a fool like him!

I'm going home!

Yeah, he makes me sick!

W-Wait,
Gen Nakaoka, Ryuta Kondo.

You called our
names for the first time.

Did I hurt you?

No, I'm happy.

You're happy you were hit?

He's funny.

Shall I hit him more?

Hit him.

All right, hit me more.

Why do you want to be hit?

People's hearts turn ugly just
because of some missing skin.

My brother, his wife...

Haruko and Akiko,
who used to be close to me...

They all drifted away.

Many people
came to care for me.

But each of them
snuck out right away.

You're the only ones
who took me seriously.

I was happy.

Ryuta.

Ryuta.
What, Big Brother?

Tell Mom.

What?

What?
That I can't go home for a while.

Got it, Big Brother. I'm going.

Gen... Gen...

Seiji, cheer up.

Don't cry. Laugh and cheer up!

Laugh and blow
the pain away. Here!

S-Stop!

Laugh! Laugh!

Laugh! Laugh!
S-Stop!

Take this!

Take this!
Stop!

Gen is right.

I need to cheer up.

I thought I'd never
be able to paint again.

But I don't need
to use my hands to paint.

No good...

You can do it, Seiji.

Yeah, don't give up!

Damn it...

Hang in there! Don't give up!

Yeah, yeah!

There's one hundred yen inside.

One... One...

One hundred yen?

I'm sure my brother is
happy that you cared for him.

I'm grateful from
the bottom of my heart.

Really? He said that?

Now I can buy milk for Tomoko.

I'm glad.

Come again.

You hang in there.

Hang in there!

I'm fine!

I'll do it!

You hang in there too!

Po-po-potatoes, sweet potatoes.

Broil them,
simmer them, eat them.

The stomach gets full
and fart, fart, fart.

Stinky wind comes out.
Fart, fart, fart.

Do you need milk? Milk?

This milk is full of nutrition!

Powder milk from America.

These are all we have.
You can't get it anywhere else!

Mister, give me all the milk.

You have the money?

Here. You see?

W-What?

Mom!

Tomoko!

Ma'am!

It's milk!

It's milk.

Abundant milk!

Tomoko's milk!
Tomoko's milk! Tomoko's milk!

Tomoko's milk! Tomoko's milk!

Mom!

Ma'am!

Mom, I'm home!

Look!

It's real milk.

We bought all the milk
on the black market.

Don't worry anymore.

Yeah, now Tomoko
will be healthy.

Attention!

Attention!
Attention!

Chief, it's a success!

Good work!

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Attention! Left face!

Look, Mom.

Gen...

Too late.

It was too late.

Tomoko...

Tomoko! Tomoko!

Open your eyes!
I brought your milk.

Tomoko!

What's wrong?

Open your eyes now.

She won't open her eyes...

She won't cry!

Cry! Cry!

Open your eyes!

No! No!

You can't die!

Why?

Why'd you die without telling me?

Tomoko!

Dad! Big Sis! Shinji!

I couldn't protect Tomoko!

I'm sorry!

I'm sorry!

Big Brother, no grass or trees will
grow in Hiroshima for 70 years?

Is it true?

What is going to happen to us?

Big Brother,
you're depressed. It's no fun.

Wait! Wait! Wait!

Big Brother, come here!

Hurry, hurry!

What?

Look at this!

A-A bud!

A bud is sprouting!

Wheat sprouts up
in cold, harsh winters...

...is stepped on often,
and is rooted deep in the earth.

It resists frost, wind, and snow,
grows straight...

...and makes splendid ears.

Become strong like wheat, boys.

The wheat is alive.

Alive.

It's alive. It won't lose to pika.

Who said grass or trees
won't grow for 70 years?

Right, Big Brother?
Oh, your head!

Hair! Hair is growing on my head!

Big Brother, the hair may be
in exchange for Tomoko's life.

Tomoko?

Tomoko?
Yeah, it must be!

You say good things.

I may have
received Tomoko's life.

That's right!

The wheat grew. The hair grew.

The hair down there
hasn't grown yet.

Dummy!

I'll tell ma'am!

Dad, I won't be beaten.

I'll live, live, and live to the end!

Watch me!

Big Brother, come home quickly.
We'll sail the ship at the river.

It's a promise!

Big Brother, what are you starting?

Shinji, this is your battleship.

As promised, we'll sail it.

Ready, Ryuta?

Ready.

Mom, ready?

Ready.

The shimmer of
summer's hot air wavers...

...and floats on a stream.

A faraway feeling now...

...doesn't come back anymore.

Everyone lives
while making mistakes.

Happiness and
sorrow come and go.

Let's leave this risk.

It disappears in a stream.

Clear your thoughts,
and a deep feeling...

...which floats on the flow
of time still remains.

Everyone lives while
dreaming and praying.

Happiness and
sorrow come and go.

This vanity will be carried.

It is a remnant flower
of the flow of the times.

Everyone lives while
repeating to solve riddles.

Yet people don't know
where they are going.

Let's entrust this sadness.

It blends with the flow of love.

The End