Buddies (1989) - full transcript

Toho Company

A production by
Film Face Productions & Toho Pictures

Ken Takakura

Sumiko Fuji

Eiji Banda

Yasuko Tomita

Kuroudo Maki Mie Yamaguchi

Hideji Acetaki Norihei Miki

Nobuko Miyamoto

Based on the novel by
Kuniko Mukada

Written by Tsutomu Nakamura



Cinematography by Daisaku Kimura

Art Direction by Shinobu Muraki

Music by Tomoyuki Asakawa

Camera & Electrical Department: Yoshiaki Masuda
Sound Department: Yasuo Hashimoto

Film Editing by Masaru Lizuka

Assistant Director:
Masaki Tezuka

Directed by Yasuo Furuhata

A-un - Buddies

Spring 1937

Ouch…

Rice…

Remember…

What?

How uncle Kadokura opened the door
when he left Sendai?



Yes, it was six years ago.

Pow… he did it like a child
playing hide-and-seek.

I'm very curious to see
Kadokura's face…

When he suddenly sees us this time.

All you talk about is Kadokura.

Is it really such a big event to meet him?

Most of all,
I love mum and uncle Kadokura.

Really?

Uncle Kadokura is like a beautiful flower.

And I'm like an ordinary leaf?

You're just my dad.
But uncle Kadokura is someone special.

He's tall, handsome and very rich.

Right, mum?

Dad is also very nice.

I was the one
your mum fell in love with.

Splendid.

Splendid.

Here I am.

This way…

Dad, look!

He has a sign on the door,
like a nobleman.

The house isn't exactly grand.

We finally found the place.

There can be no mistake.

It's there!

Let's surprise him.

Kadokura!

Kadokura!

Uncle!

Not home.

So beautiful!

Great pillows.

- Hey Tami…
- What?

Come look at this fish.

Everything is top class, as always.

Even his calligraphy
is better than mine.

But where is he?

- I'll check upstairs?
- Yes.

Uncle…

Kadokura

You should stop restraining yourself.

What?

You want to go, don't you?

Where?

To the Mizutas.

You've made up your mind, haven't you?

No.

Mizuta has already arrived.

Together with his women.

Probably.

The house costs… 30 per day isn't it?

Yes.

I had to pay 5 yen extra.

You wore this only once in 3 years,
when you took them around Tokyo.

And also when you go
to Sendai and Takamatsu.

You seemed so enthusiastic looking for
a house to rent and taking futons there.

I don't have any work left to do today.

Work has been secondary for you this month.

Mizuta last came to Tokyo
3 years ago, didn't he?

I've been nothing but a hindrance
for you during these 3 years.

You enjoy yourself only with Mizuta.

A whole 3 years.

3 and a half.

Well. I don't mind.

Go join them.

No way.

Refers to a pioneering flight, Tokyo to London, in a
Mitsubishi type 97 ki-15 monoplane christened Kamikaze-go

I forgot to buy a radio.

Dad, this eel smells so good.

Whatever Kadokura makes…
Will be tasty for you.

Dad, stop it.

It was so nice of uncle Kadokura.

Looks like your Kadokura isn't coming.

He'll come.

But he's not here.

Is uncle really not coming?

I think he will.

I'm sure he will.

Here he is.

Kadokura!

Uncle!

We got tired of waiting.

I forgot to get a radio.

Well, come on in!

Satoko!

You've become a real beauty!
You're ready to get married.

It's still too early for her.

You're just in time. Come in.

Your uncle will miss you
when you get married.

- Uncle… your hat.
- Thank you.

- Kadokura.
- What?

- You arranged everything so well.
- It's nothing.

Stop these formalities.

Our relationship is beyond that.

Come in. Watch your head.

Uncle, can I take the radio out?

Of course.

Dad, it's the latest model!

Put this radio somewhere, at last.
You're not a Porter, after all.

They've made all kinds of things
for you here.

Dad, stop it.

- Mum, look!
- Wow, thank you.

- Tami…
- I'll get the saké.

Even for a rich man like you…
It's very chic.

Do you like it?

I have no one to leave my riches to,
right?

How's your wife doing?

Embroidering, as usual.

- French embroidery?
- Yes.

Some eel?

No, thank you.

Satoko and I will take a half each.

Take everything… really.

There's enough for everyone.

The best for the guest.

Thank you.

Well…

Together with uncle Kadokura,
we have a family of four.

To your promotion!

You can hardly call it a promotion…

Of course, it is.

My congratulations.

We should thank you.

And I'm happy to see you again,
Kadokura.

Let's drink to it then.

I'm always happy to see you.

Satoko, help yourself.

- Bon Appétit.
- Thank you.

Kadokura hardware

Hello!

Returned goods again.

Hello!

Hello!

Head accountant!
I'm here.

All I managed to get was this.

Is it enough for one month?

We're saved!

I'll make the payment immediately

please do.

Hello… East Asia Pharmaceuticals,
Mr. Mizuta, please.

Hello.

It's me.

How about tonight… in Kagurazaka?

Alright. 6 o'clock.

- Accepting congratulations on your promotion?
- Yes.

I saw a metal Bento box,
and the next moment…

I got a call from a hardware company

during wartime, such companies prosper.

If our troops advance to the south,
we can open a branch on Java.

Looks likely.

Ah… there she is.

Good evening.

Your majesty it's her.

I'm sorry for being late.

Rich men like you need swords
and golden beards to complete the image.

You're too kind.

Who is this man?

- This is baron Mizuta.
- Baron?

Yes. Pour him some saké.

My name is Mari-Yakko.

It's nice to talk
to ordinary people sometimes.

It's an honor for me to serve you.

Forgive me for the informality,
your majesty.

You are forgiven.

I have an idea.

You always serve others.

Why don't you sit
at the head of the table for once?

Forgive me for this prank.

No need to apologize.

And it's not really a prank,
your majesty.

But I have responsibilities to people.

It's alright.

This is love.

I suddenly fell in love.

I fell in love with the baron.

Why are you holding her hand?

What's wrong about that?

It's the most beautiful woman
in Kagurazaka.

Thank her.

Thank you.

We're very grateful.

Soamll.

You're too kind… anyway…

It's so stuffy…
Tokyo is so hot.

And Shikoku is always
so chilly and windy.

Kadokura, look! There are carp in here!

There are no carp there. Come here.

Have a drink with us.

Thank you.

How did you become friends?

Can you guess?

I don't think you met
at university or at work…

Maybe you come from the same city?

No, we shared a bed.

What do you mean?

We were in the army together.

Do you know this song,
'the land of many hundred ri…"?

So you're army buddies.

So that's where you shared a bed.

Yes. So had anything happened,
we would have died together.

How wonderful. Real male friendship.

Let me pour you a drink,
gentlemen who shared a bed.

Much obliged.

This saké is good,
even though it's from Tokyo.

Really?

Drink it already.

What isn't?

You get both Tami and Mari-Yakko.

You also have a wife, your Kimiko.

Yes.

But there's a big difference between
my Kimiko and your Tami.

My Kimiko is only good
to keep at home.

You must be joking.

Some more saké?

Yes, please.

And for the baron?

Yes. I'm sorry for that.

This is good, eh?

Is my Tami that pretty?

She is.

And you still haven't had a good thrashing?

No.

Not once?

Not once.

Hello!

Good afternoon.

- Is that Satoko playing?
- Yes.

I've come about Yoshihiko Ishikawa.

Who?

They suit each other so well.

Yoshihiko Ishikawa…

Belongs to an old family from Sendai.

His father is the head of a bank.

Next year, he will graduate
from the imperial university.

Lately he got very interested
in the theatre,

and his parents are threatening
to disinherit him.

But young people get such interests
like children get measles.

Besides, I like people
with passion like that.

When his parents found out…

They said if he got married,
he'd return to a normal life.

They would be very happy.

I strongly recommend him.

My husband only finished evening school.

Besides, Satoko is only 18.

Ma'am…

Now she's 18, but soon she'll turn 19.

And after that, she'll be 20 in no time.

And before you know it,
she'll be 21.

I gave birth to Satoko when I was 24.

You probably don't like
receiving this offer from me.

It's not that.
But you must be so busy.

On the contrary I'm free all the time.
And it's unbearable.

This conversation about marriage
makes me so happy.

But since you didn't say no…

Can I, at least, feel happy how?

I'm very grateful.

Kadokura spends all the time with you,
and I'm all alone.

Please, can they meet just once?

Only once, and I won't interfere anymore.

This way Yoshihiko. Have a seat.

Satoko, have a seat nearby.

Darling, you can sit there.

Satoko plays the violin.

Yoshihiko likes the theatre.

Two artists will get on, no doubt.

Yes.

What did you say?

Does Satoko play the violin?

Who on earth thought of
stretching sheep guts…

And then rubbing them
with a horse tail? It's ridiculous.

Dad!

What?

So how many strings
does the violin have?

I don't really know…
That is… I don't play…

Stupid woman, no one's asking you.

There are four.

The shamisen has 3 strings, no?

The koto has 13.

But abroad 13 is considered
an unlucky number.

Darling…

Talk only about lucky things, please.

During an earthquake, my mum…

Do you think an earthquake
is a lucky event?

That's exactly why in such moments…

Mum kept repeating 'tsurukame,
'crane and turtle'.

Yes, it does bring luck.

Maybe, we should listen to the story
without interrupting?

Mizuta! Take this.

Ever since I was a child… I've…

Been around my father and
uncle Kadokura. I remember…

Father always
made a sour face or grumbled.

But uncle Kadokura
told funny stories and laughed.

If mum or I made a mistake,
he wouldn't say a word.

Mum was always afraid dad
would get upset and start grumbling.

But being around uncle Kadokura
was always nice and easy…

- They're like two lions.
- What?

Here they are.

Dad and uncle Kadokura?

Aren't they similar?

Yes.

Mr. lion a.

Mr. lion un.

I think we should give up
this idea of an engagement.

It's a pointless waste of money.

If this is going to end in a wedding,
you can count on me as well.

No.

No?

No.

Why not?

There's been an embezzlement.

A lot of money.

How much?

Five thousand yen.

That's a lot.

Yes.

Did you embezzled the money?

I had nothing to do with it.

Had I embezzled the funds,
I'd have become a respectable man.

It probably was…

Assistant director Takamatsu.

But I'll be the one
to suffer the consequences.

I'm junior. So if it comes to light…
I'll be the scapegoat.

But in that case,
you'll get a golden handshake.

There are rumors about
transferring me to the Java branch.

Why there?

Why over there?

The company is expanding to the south.

A new branch just opened there.

I'm deep in debt.

Good evening.

Hello.

Ah, Mr. Kadokura… welcome.

- Thank you for today.
- It's nothing.

- Come in.
- Thank you.

Satoko!

- Welcome.
- Hello, Satoko.

Thank you so much for today.

Do come in.

I hope you enjoyed yourself.

Make yourself at home.

Satoko was a real beauty today

- I'm here.
- Coming.

Insects keep flying into the lights.

Whatever we do,
we can't solve the problem.

Whatever we do, fire-flies come
and fire-flies die.

I'll play with the lamps today.

Your turn, Kadokura.

Mizuta, take this.

What's that for?

Just take it.

I know I can always ask you
for money, but I didn't.

Take it anyway.

It's disrespectful.

What's disrespectful about it?

What is it?

Am I completely useless?

How are you doing here?

Your turn.

Is it?

No, it's your turn.

You sure?

So what… did Satoko say?

It seems, she didn't like him.

So it's alright then?

Having an imperial university graduate
as a son-in-law is terrible.

Kadokura, we're grateful.

It's nothing.

We're sorry but… father feels…

Only that…
Satoko is still too young.

Satoko Ishikawa

- Tami!
- What?

Come here for a minute.

What is it?

Oh… sit down.

What's this?

Kadokura gave it to me.

Kadokura?

He came today
precisely to give it to me.

Five thousand yen.

Remember, I told you about assistant
director Takamatsu and an embezzlement?

Yes.

Now I'm saved.

It's incredible.

He's a wonderful person.

He didn't have to give me the money.

But he didn't want to see you cry.

You're selling my favorite things.

Well, never mind.

There's a visitor…
At the front door.

I'm coming.

- Let's look upstairs.
- Alright.

Are you alright?

Welcome!

Good afternoon.

Darling, the Mizutas are here.

Welcome!

I'm a bit busy right now…
But do come in.

Come in.

My husband has a visitor.

It's not for long,
he just needs to get money.

It's nice when there's no money.

Now my husband eats at
home every three days.

We hadn't had dinner
together for a while.

Excuse us…

You don't want the engagement?

We came to apologize.

I wanted to act as an intermediary…

Because I thought they suited each
other, but I was mistaken.

Help yourselves.

I should have realized…

That I don't belong to your circle.

But I'm used to being alone.

About Mr. Ishikawa…
What should I tell him?

I can't tell him you don't
like university graduates.

The tea's ready. Have some.

Satoko…

Satoko, what is it?

Darling!

Darling!

Satoko!

Darling!

Satoko Mizuta?

We're here.

Let's get an X-ray

yes.

Mum and dad can stay here.

But…

Parents wait here.

Alright.

Satoko…

It'll be okay.

There's nothing to worry about.

- I promise.
- Alright.

She thought we were husband and wife.

Who was?

You and I.

Is it the first time?

I guess so. You and I alone.

What?

No, I mean…

Satoko in hospital
for the first time?

Yes.

Darling!

How is Satoko?

Looks like she has pneumonia.

- Pneumonia?
- Everything will be alright.

She's getting an X-ray now
to know for sure.

But it'll be okay.

The doctor said she just needs
to get some rest.

I see.

The doctor is Kadokura's friend.
We should be grateful to him.

It's nothing.

This Christian hospital is so grand.

There are 10 times as many doctors
as in the city hospital.

City doctors are no good.

She's not a nobleman's daughter,
those doctors will do.

You're wrong. It's just a hospital.

It's better to get treatment
in a good place.

Still…

Funerals… weddings…

Don't mention funerals, it's a bad sign!

Darling, quiet!

What are you doing?

I feel itchy

itchy?

Stupid woman, it's also a bad sign!

That's the way people are.

A long time ago,
after my mother died…

Whenever I felt tightness in the chest,
I thought I was dying.

The same with feeling hungry
or sleepy…

Stop talking about death!

I often had lung problems
when I was younger.

So she's not alone.

I've brought some loquats for Satoko.

Kadokura's wife told me.

Tell Satoko to take care.

Paul Verlaine
'Romances sans Paroles'

Good afternoon.

It's me.

Hello. You're soaking wet.

Yes, it's a terrible storm.

I can do it myself.

How is Satoko?

A little better.

I'm glad to hear that.

I was in the neighborhood
and decided to buy a little gift.

Thank you.

Mr. Kadokura,
come in and dry your clothes.

And where is Mizuta?

He'll be back late today.

I see. Then I should probably go.

Please, stay

since Mizuta isn't at home…

Why this timidness all of a sudden?

What have I done! I'm so sorry!

Mr. Kadokura!

Thank you so much.

For what?

For the 5 thousand.

Oh that… it's nothing.

- I'm very grateful.
- That's between Mizuta and I.

Mr. Kadokura.

Your company's having a difficult time,
and you're giving us money.

But… you really shouldn't have.

Even if you didn't…
We'd still be friends.

You're an important man.
You deal in army supplies.

My husband is an ordinary employee.

But we're surviving.

I'm sorry. I'll keep it in mind.

Have a drink.

Ma'am…

My company may go bankrupt.

Army supplies or something else…

The head of a company or
an ordinary man, it doesn't matter.

No matter how hard I try
to increase my riches…

If the company goes bankrupt,
I'll lose everything.

Will we remain friends then?

So Mizuta isn't going to Java?

No. Thanks to you.

We just moved to Tokyo, and moving again…

I wouldn't let Mizuta go to Java.

That's good.

In a faraway place…

Without you, it would be lonely.

But your company…

Whatever Kadakura you become…
You must fight for it.

To you!

'It's raining in my heart…

'As it's raining outside…'

This is love.

But Kadokura hasn't even
touched my mother's hand.

I'm sure there has never been
any touching or talking about love.

And I think father knows.

But though he knows, they've been friends
with uncle Kadokura for over 20 years.

Both my father and uncle Kadokura
have a lot of respect for mother.

It makes me proud.

And yet, maybe it's love?

I think it is.

Platonic love.

Platonic love?

This term was used by
the poet Tokoku Kitamura.

It means 'passionate love,
free of bodily lust'.

Passionate love.

Yes, probably that's what it is.

But…

If the expression of love is prevented
what happens?

It will end in double suicide.

It's becoming popular…

To commit suicide on mounts
Mihara and Sakada on Izu Aceshima.

Although the idea of engagement
was abandoned… I'm glad we met.

How old are you?

I'm 18.

Having a date? How immoral!

Get up!

She's a decent grown-up person.

Do your parents know about this?

Parents have nothing to do with it.
Love and marriage concern only two people.

What's that?!

Do you know what personal freedom is?

You liberal bastard!

This is violence!

The military have no right
to interfere in private life.

You scum!

How about going to the war…
And fight in China?

I'll show you!

Let him go!

Stop it!

Let's go to another bar?

No, that's enough.

Didn't you enjoy it?

Yes, it was wonderful.

Should I give you a lift then?

No, thank you.

We're so grateful to you.

Baron Mizuta!

Will you help me, baron?

Why only a hand?

Offer your back, baron!

You're flirting with me.

That's it. You can put her down now.

That's better Mizuta, congratulations!

She's a real beauty!

It's not what you think.

We understand.

Thank you for today

you, a ladies man!

Goodbye. And I'm sorry.

See you tomorrow.

So, "it's not what they think," is it?

Please, they are my clients.

You have to understand.

I understood everything
the first time I saw you.

But it can't much fun
being in such company.

Na… it's no big deal.

So… what now?

What?

I don't mind.

Don't mind?

To miss work.

If it's permissible…

I'm so glad… baron.

Move it!

Get it delivered and get right back!

Put it there.

It's alright.
I don't need help thanks.

Something happen?

Nothing. I just popped in for a minute.
It's a nice day.

I see.

Have a seat.

Business going well, I see.

We're pulling through.

What?

- Pulling through?
- Ya.

- Is the company in danger?
- Yes.

Even so, you give me 5 thou?

We'll manage.

I was on the verge of bankruptcy…

But Tami gave me hope.

Tami?

Does Tami know about this?

Yes.

I see… Tami supported you?

Yes, she did.

- So it was she who saved you.
- Yes.

It's good.

Yes, it is.

So what is it?

What?

You're here on business, aren't you?

Not really.

Is that situation with Java over now?

It's not even worth remembering.
Don't be silly.

Say… let's go to the barber's,
like the old days?

All done.

I feel like I'm brand new…

Isn't it wonderful?