Dare to Stop Us (2018) - full transcript

A Wakamatsu Productions Film

Shinjuku
March, 1969

Hi, Spook.

Know anyone who'd pass
as a high schooler, Megumi?

An actress?

That's not necessary if she's pretty.

When for?

We shoot in 10 days.

A Pink porn?

Yes.

The director?



You know Masao Adachi?

Wakamatsu will be shooting
his film too.

But we need a girl.

Listen.

Do Pink movies ever have women
assistant directors?

Wakamatsu Productions.

An independent film production house
founded by

Wakamatsu in 1965.

Their films were sexy, violent

and socially relevant.

The compulsion for
life, sex and death

enthralled younger audiences.

Crush the Security Treaty!

Free Okinawa!
Victory ours!



Hi

Hey.

I don't know.

What?

What's your theme?

You know the WW2 guerillas
left on islands?

They're no guerillas. They kill
and steal from farmers.

They're just trouble.

But you have high schoolers!

The high schoolers rebel after
the failed siege at Tokyo University.

The teenagers don't know failure yet.

And they also end up failing.

Hey.

You an actress or mistress?

She wants to be an AD.

You can

but even men don't last.

Is it the job

or do you want to work for Wakamatsu?

That's Adachi, Okishima and Komizu.

Call me Gaira.

She's Megumi.

- Megumi.
- It's Megumi Yoshizumi.

Hey, guys.

Hello.

You sloths hang around
doing nothing all day!

It's a meeting!

I bet you just play Hanafuda cards
and jack off.

Found a girl?

I don't want porn actresses.

She'll find you a girl.

That's Megumi Yoshizumi.

She wants to be an AD.

Another one of your hippie friends
from Shinjuku?

A female assistant, director...

Seen any Wakamatsu films?

Which one?

The Embryo Hunts In Secret.

Oh, really?

We shot that in one long session.

We went crazy.

Mr. Wakamatsu was swinging a prop ax.

It records our insanity.

A movie can...

Uh, yes?

I was impressed by how daring it was.

Nozomi, listen.

Do you drink?

It's Megumi.

Yes!

Good.

No one here is on a salary.

You get paid per assignment.

So we can't drink from his stash.

If you last 3 years
I'll let you direct a movie.

I'll do my best.

You better save it!

See you tomorrow.

We, the student council, have
concluded from our talks

that we aren't satisfied with the
school and the PTA.

We reached the same decision as you...

Bang!

And cut!

OK, good!

You can deliver lines, Megumi!

April, 1969
Shooting Female Student Guerrilla
You can deliver the lines, Megumi!

Get a reverse angle.

Megumi, get the slate.

Where's the gun?

Reverse angle!

Moving the camera!

- You had the gun.
- Sorry.

- Gaira!
- Coming.

We need a gun to shoot a movie.
Get it?

"Diploma"

OK, guys?

We don't need it!

- We don't!
- Burn it!

Yes!

OK...

Kinuyo.

Here!

Akiko.

Here!

Seiichi.

Here!

Goro.

Here!

They're alight!

And cut.

Cut!

OK? That's how the scene goes.

Can you get a close up of each one?

I'll get Tokiko first.

It'll take forever!

Good morning.

Forget Mount Fuji!

Give it to me!

The high schoolers
unite against the system

and Mt. Fuji symbolizes
the Royal Family...

Forget themes.

Ideas won't be exposed on film!

- You never learn!
- But...

Ito. Let's do this in one long take!

OK. Reload it, Gaira!

Reloading!

Come on! From the top!

Positions!

Quickly!

They have the diplomas!

Sorry, I'll get them.

Come on!

What did you do? Focus!

Focus on the set!

Sorry!

- Spook!
- There's a spare.

Hey, you. You're out of frame.

Sir...

We want your face. See the camera?

Sir...

- Do it right.
- Sir!

What?

What's the shot number?

Who cares?

Give me the slate. Go away

Out of my sight!

Go on!

Go on!

- Roll!
- It's not reloaded.

It's getting dark! Shoot!

OK, guys?

We don't need it.

Burn it!

- It's tough, huh?
- Yes

In my experience

big studios exploit
assistant directors.

Who's your enemy?

That's why I'm here.

Koji Wakamatsu is tough but
in a different way.

It's alight!

Good!

And cut!

- Well?
- I got it.

OK, good!

That's how you shoot a movie.

One day, you'll learn.

Yamatoya! We have a script
to rewrite.

Thank you, sir.

How's your autism?

Relax.

Anyway about the film,
we have lots of props but

we only need a cross.

Megumi.

- Yes!
- Everyone!

I need a vocal check.

Is that good?

We're all set and ready.

All set, Director.

OK. Are you ready, Spook?

Yes.

Take 1.

We're recording.

Why did the star grow a tail?

A shooting star

Why doesn't the star lose its tail?

A shooting star

The tail reveals that
he's a dog

That he is a beast

The End

April, 1969: Answer print screening of
Gewalt! Gewalt: shojo geba-geba

Did Oshima come up with that title?

Yeah.

Gewalt means violence. Oshima
doubled it for Waka.

Right. What did you think, Yamatoya?

Yeah, it was awesome.

Incredible.

Do you mean it?

Of course.

Is the wise man flattering a fool?

Waka has a knack.

You mean I don't, Matsuda?

Your movies have too many ideas
but Waka's don't.

You two are just different.

But basically you lack talent!

You've never made a movie, Okishima!

You need my help!

You punk

Save it 'til we get to the bar.

What are you guys saying?

I know, you're bad-mouthing me.

Nozomi.

Yes. It's Megumi.

Megumi, lei's go.

If he took us for a drink
he'd have to pay so...

Keep him company.

Go.

Come on, Megumi!

OK, see you.

"Maeda Bar"

We eat, shit and sleep...
What's the point of life?

Doesn't anything enrage you?

What do you want to smash?

That's what I want.

The world is corrupt and
the film industry is full of shit.

So I make movies.

I thought you wanted to kill cops?

Right! Those pigs are the lowest.

Once you have power,
you lose respect for others.

They even took a look up my anus.

What..?

It was in jail.

You don't know?

Waka was a thug in Shinjuku
working for the Yasuda clan.

You were a yakuza?

Yeah.

I left home at 17 and
made my mom cry a lot.

Hello, guys.

Hey, it's Fujio Akatsuka!

I'm beat.

Every day I have deadlines.
I can't take it!

You should get drunk.

Drink up 'til you puke, Megumi.

Lucky Waka's with a young girl tonight.

She's my new AD.

Hello.

What were you talking about?

About how Waka used to be a yakuza.

He did time. He had a fight and...

You're under arrest!

The guards mistreated him
in jail so

he decided to make movies
where cops get killed.

He went straight and
became an assistant director.

You're free to do anything
in manga and movies.

You can kill cops.
You can have the sun set in the east.

Mr. Akatsuka is right.

Megumi.

Don't you want to kill someone
or change something?

If you want to be a director,
you need passion!

Come on, Waka. It's piss time.

Akatsuka, don't!

What's wrong, Waka?

Show the AD how we have no
restraints in this world

by urinating from a Golden bar
onto the world.

Stop it!

Coming.

Don't, Waka.

Join us!

- Come on.
- Don't do it. Stop them!

On the world!

And pee!

Akatsuka!

Waka, you loser!

It's endless!

Aim at the baldy.

What the...?

Look, huge mushrooms!

No offence, Kuma!

Free Okinawa!
Victory is ours!

Crush the Security Treaty!

Free Okinawa!
Victory is ours!

The farmers are opposed to
the US military bases.

With pride we unite
to fight with them!

Yes!

With pride we'll fight
to crush the Treaty

We'll continue our fight to
help free Okinawa!

Saying TV is inferior to movies
is a stale argument.

By changing one line in a serial TV
drama, I can have an impact

that is incomparable!

My film, Death by Hanging

is seen by those who oppose capital
punishment and racism.

So it only reconfirms their beliefs.

But artists should challenge those
with opposing views.

Viewers prefer to identify
with Ken Takakura with a sword.

Our movies have artistic merit
but no drawing power.

It's like we are preaching
to the converted.

We can have an impact on TV viewers.

In your Ultraman episode, Sasaki, an
astronaut became a monster.

Jamira.

He'd sacrificed himself to science,
and became a creature

and returns to get revenge on humans.

Raisins!

And Ultraman kills him.
In a kid's show!

As Guevara said,
"Create 2nd and 3rd Vietnam."

Movies or TV!

Not every filmmaker thinks so.

Yamatoya and Okishima.
You can write for TV.

Not me?

You're unique.

I love watching TV.

Afternoon talk shows!

And Ginza at night.

Shut up

If I had to choose
it'd be movies.

I want to make movies that hold up
audiences at knifepoint.

Today's movies are no good.

I'll crush everything,
even the dying movie industry.

Right, Mr. Oshima?

At knifepoint!
Crush everything.

That's Koji Wakamatsu.

Drinks on me, everyone.

On my TV money.

Let us toast!

Wakamatsu Productions vs. Sozosha!

Cheers!

I don't know what I want.

Me neither.

- I have no movies to make.
- Me neither.

- No interest in politics.
- Me neither.

Don't patronize me!

You can draw, write lyrics and compose

I just deal with
what's in front of me.

If there's anything I'm good at
it is...

that I'm not a deep thinker.
That's my charm.

Chao.

Spook!

"Sex, violence and revolution"
I'm Koji Wakamatsu.
I fight with my movies.

Do you think protests are fun?

Why not throw bombs?

Or kill cops!

Yes!

Give it your all or
nothing will change.

Want some tips on how
to be a good AD?

Tip 1, procurement.

Do you have Mingus?
Pithecanthropus Erectus?

New records inspire Koji Wakamatsu.

Tip 2. find actresses.

They can be students, hippies or
amateurs as long as they're good.

Mr. Wakamatsu hates pros
and their hammy acting.

Good morning.

Sit there.

It's so adolescent.

What?

It's the POV of an
introverted victim.

It's neatly packaged but
unappealing.

Open up, Fukuma. Write what
only you can write...

- It's about a high school serial killer?
- Yes.

You have to inject rage
into the script!

Challenge the PTA!

OK.

And you'll be the protagonist, right?

Me?

An actress is here.

OK.

And you are..

My name is Kenji Takama.

My classmate. We make movies.

We have two Kenjis.

Ladies and gents,
we're the Double Kenjis.

- Same birthday, too.
- You get mixed up?

Do you act?

No, I...

You want to direct actors?

No, I'm a cameraman...

Didn't you direct a film?

How was it?

No good.

I don't think I have
what it takes.

I'll tell Ito about you.

Thank you.

I'm hungry. Let's eat a hotpot.

Gaira, get us some drinks!

Hey! I asked you a question.

I know you loved it.
Didn't you?

What's funny

- It just is!
What?

Because it was boring.

Is that all you can do?

Don't mock me...

Cut!

What is it?

No film.

What the hell?
It was a good performance!

You think this is a game,
college kid?

Focus! Focus on the set!

I'm sorry.

Go away. Out of my sight!

Gaira, replace him.

OK.

Reload it!

- Reloading!
- It's getting dark.

From the top.

- Gaira, have this.
- Thank you.

- Spook.
- Thanks.

Mr. Wakamatsu.

I won't eat.

- Are you sure?
- Yeah.

Eat this.

You don't work but you'll eat?

You better eat.

Megumi! Get the fake blood.

Right away.

You'll get used to it.

"Female Student Guerrilla"

"Female Student Guerrilla"
So much for Spook's masterpiece.

It's great. Wihat did they say
is wrong with it?

This is Wakamatsu.

No municipalities
approve of the poster.

We can't put them up.

We have hundreds of them!

Could you give us the funds
to do another poster...?

No? OK, thank you, sir.

Cheap bastard!

"Not a penny more." Asshole!

I think they disapproved of it
because it's good.

They thought it was too provocative.

Poster regulations...
Riot police for the Folk Guerrillas.

How oppressive it's getting!

Posters have the power
to reach people everywhere.

Even if they don't go to see the movie.

We can have a wild posting.

Let's redo it, Spook.

Sure.

With whose money?

Of course they won't get
those brainy movies of yours.

What will you do with them?
When we're so broke...

It's your fault!

What about the shark extract?

No one wants it. I was conned.

How about the samurai sword scheme?

It's not easy to find people to sell
and buy them.

Write movies that sell.

That's a good idea.

That asshole on the phone said
our movies are too difficult.

Cinema owners don't like them.

They do well at Scorpion Cinema
and Shinjuku Bunka Cinema.

We'll use pseudonyms.

Make it really erotic.

With no ideologies!

Action!

Get close to her face.

Out of the way.

It hurts, remember!
You're a virgin...

It hurts.

Oh, it hurts!

Oh. it hurts!

Ouch, it hurts!

Ouch!

"The Conditions of the First Night"

Camera by Hideo Ito
Lighting by Hajime Isogai

Assistants
Gaira, Megumi Yoshizumi, Kenji Takama

Directed by Tora Osugi

What a wimp.

You can't make love to me.

Shut up!

It's so commercial.

- It's a sellout!
- Be quiet.

It's not Wakamatsu.

Why's Koji Wakamatsu making a fuckfest
commercial film?

Relax, sit down.

Who's Tora Osugi?

We need to talk. Come outside.

- This is a screening
- You guys aren't serious!

I'm serious!

Mr. Wakamatsu! Director!

The film has none of your
usual statements!

Just sex!

It's just sex but it's still a movie.

It's not a Wakamatsu movie!

Don't preach to Mr. Wakamatsu!
As if he doesn't know!

Thanks for caring
but we have to make money

so we can make statements.

It won't work.

Can you keep your integrity

That's how everyone sells out!

We make it work.

That's how indie productions survive.

Adachi, let's make something
we want to make.

You had an idea to shoot an entire
film on a roof.

Yes...

Okishima and Gaira, get ready.
I'll let you direct soon.

How could you write a script like that?

It's a sellout!

You yelled at the assistant
who said that to Waka.

It upsets me when he says it.

Waka totally owns you now.

Don't change the subject.

Self financing the movies you
want to make

is a lot harder than we think.

But he shouldn't cross the line.

Sometimes Waka loans money from
the yakuza so a lot is at stake.

People say Waka's films are just porn
or unpatriotic...

But he never compromises.

He's only 33.

There are no studio directors
that age.

I know. I can understand that.

But.

Can Adachi the screenwriter
live with that?

I saw him throw your hard work
in the trash.

It's worse

when he tells me directly
it's no good and tosses it.

But the day after, he'll like it.

That's Waka.

I see. I know...

You like him, don't you?

- We're not homos.
- You are. But just mentally.

You've had too much to drink.

I'm not going home.

I am.

Check please!

Are you tough?

I'm weak.

I'm the nitroglycerin of love.

I have to go out.

Goodbye.

Did you love me ?

Mom...

I have to go out.

Alright! That's OK!

August, 1969
Shooting Go, Go, Second Time Virgin
Alright! That's OK!

August, 1969
Shooting Go, Go, Second Time Virgin
It's a masterpiece!

August, 1969
Shooting Go, Go, Second Time Virgin
It's a wrap on the rooftop.

A snapshot, guys.

Next up, a couple on the road.

- I'll stop cars.
- Me too.

Whoa! What happened to your sarcasm?

Why can't you always be serious?

Give me a break!

Takama, a group photo!

OK.

You'll be arrested with that blood!

How about your shifty eyes!

It's nothing. Waka has a record.

Shut up

Ready? Say "Cheese!"

April, 1970

It's been months...

You quitting

Go, Go, Second Time Virgin is...

a masterpiece.

Yes.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime
masterpiece.

But the Pink flick cinemas
are empty...

Scorpion Cinema has featured
Wakamatsu films for months.

Both guys and young women watch them.

But.

Horny old guys avoid those movies.

Maybe that's inevitable...

A really groovy movie...

should reach recluses, the apolitical
and the antisocial...

If it's a groovy movie
it even moves sex maniacs.

want to see something that
takes the world by storm

and makes my eyes shine.

But I can't make that happen.

I'll have to find another way
to do what I want.

I was with Mr. Wakamatsu
for only a year and half.

But it drained all my energy.

So

I need to go and
fili up my tank again.

What will we do without you?

There's you.

I can't replace you.

Just be yourself.

I don't know yet...

what kind of movie to make.

If I can go on...

You know what?

We have so much time for ourselves
it's almost cruel.

"We have tomorrow like Joe."

Is that the Red Army?

Don't drink too much.

Chao.

Spook!

Are we ready?. We're rolling.

Let's go.

Roll it!

And..

Action!

Cut!

Good. It's handheld for the mom's sex.

Hand-held?

Like this, OK?

OK.

Don't be cocky!

Sorry!

- You don't know shit!
- I'm sorry!

Gaira, get ready!

You're useless assholes!

- Roll it!
- We're rolling!

Ready, action!

Run!

Like your life depends on it!

Koji Wakamatsu will kill me!

Cut! Move on.

OK, that was good, guys.

May, 1970
Shooting Kama Sutra: Book of Love

The next shot is of...

- The crab. Karkataka.
- Crab?

She holds her thighs up...

- Kar...
- Karkataka.

I'm too stiff for this.
It's like yoga.

Both are Indian.

- Didn't we do it...?
- Not yet.

How many positions are there?

64.

So many!

- How many now?
- 48.

We'd be done if it was Japanese...

Megumi. You do the next few.

Gaira will help you.

- But...
- OK, sir!

Gome on, Megumi.

I'll try harder for you, Megumi.

OK, I'll take it.

Ouch...

OK.

Let me go to the toilet.

I've got something to tell them.

They contradict their own visions.

Hey, don't!

Good evening.

Adachi, how come you're publishing
Film Critique again?

Kinema Junpo, Film Art and
Movie Critics are no good.

Will you publish it with
Mamoru Sasaki's TV earnings?

You completed A.K.A. Serial Killer.

Release it!

It's too good for the masses.

"Too good for the masses"?
It's just scenery.

You won't release it
because you know no one will see it.

He likes to make unprofitable movies.

And Mr. Wakamatsu! You only like
money-making movies.

Keep talking, you asshole...

What? Are you a man or a woman?

A woman.

Piss off, bitch!

You bastards!

Go outside!

Calm down!

I can take you...

or we'll sit and drink.
Your choice.

We'll drink.

Sit with us.

Sit down.

Thank you.

Sorry I called you a dog.

I'm just worried!

Give them drinks.
And he needs some ice.

Megumi.

You're the First AD now.

And you're not?

Are you moving up to director?

Maybe I'm moving down.

Because being an AD won't help me
be a good director.

Don't you like it here?

I love it here too much.

Spook quit and now you...

Don't be like that.

I'll see you again.

They'll call me for help.

I'll drink tonight while the
drinks are on Wakamatsu.

You by yourself?

Hey! Ask me first.

Sorry.

Where's everyone?

Spook and Gaira quit.

Really.

You're the First AD?

I wasn't told but I guess so.

Right.

OK.

Sorry.

Take it easy.

- There.
- Here?

Not there...

Sleeping atone

Just like a motherless child

I have a strange dream...

Why did you choose me?

You!

You hit me when you're mad
but you can't rape me.

I'm serious.

That's why I'm here.

Serious about what?
You have to explain!

I don't understand you.
What is death anyway?

I'm serious.

Alright!

Cut.

Yoshizawa, you're good.

Someone was in shot...

Never mind.
No one will notice.

How was I?

Oh, wonderful as usual, Rie!

Setting up for a close up.

Mieda, come here.

Take note of the lenses
and the fields of vision.

Stand here.

Keep the shot clear.

OK.

Run!

OK!

Let's roll.

We'll rolling!

You sloth!

Sorry!

Quickly!

The actors are ready
and you're in the way!

I'm sorry.

Roll it!

Rolling!

Ready and...

Action!

Megumi made us work our asses off!

She made a killer schedule!

That's how you finish it in 4 days.

You're the Boss lady now.

Hey!

Can Takama take the photo, Boss?

Please.

Waka's saying that you're good!

One of a kind!

Are we ready?

Thank you.

Your name please.

"Haruhiko Arai,
Editor for Film Art magazine"

Watch out.

All the guys want to beat you up.

Why?

You know why. You don't review films,
you criticize them.

I met you at the Seijun Suzuki
court case.

Right.

You lost the Running in Madness
Dying in Love argument.

You glorify defeat, don't you?
You find hope in hopelessness.

That's fantasy.

Isn't that reality?

How else would we find
a reason to go on?

Quit panning other people's movies
and make one.

It's more fun. Come to our office.

Did you hear the news?

What?

You're so damn slow!

Yukio Mishima broke into
the military HQ and

died by harakiri!

I thought he was just fooling around.

Death by harakiri is amazing.

But once dead, you're good for nothing.

To protect Japan.

How do you do that?

By protecting the history, culture
and tradition centered on the Emperor.

Listen up!

Don't mindlessly do that.

Do it for the world to see.

That's a hell of a way to
sharpen pencils.

Who'd sharpen pencils for the world
to see?

You're lucky.

Why?

They never asked me to help
on a script.

You want to write?

And direct a film.

You want to direct?

I want to be a film director!

Not an auteur!

You're right...

I wanna be a director but
I don't have any ideas.

Me neither.

Really?

I thought directors were intelligent.

But Mr. Wakamatsu doesn't
even read books.

Watching him makes me think
maybe I could direct.

But can I last 3 years?

Right...

March, 1971

March, 1971
Keep going.

Keep going.

I have the heavier end.

Are you OK? Don't damage it!

Is it too heavy, Arai?

I can manage!

- Upstairs.
- Oh, shit.

- Watch out.
- Don't let go!

It's heavy...

Hold on.

You're so useless, Arai.

You do it!

Shut up and do it.

Sometimes, just like a
motherless child...

Megumi and Shinohara met through you?

Yes.

Now they'll live together,
like lovers.

Megumi might steal your girlfriend!

That'd be interesting.

Listen Arai. No sex allowed here.

Why are you here, Takama?

You like Megumi?

I'm here because no one else
can drive!

Oh, sure.

I know Megumi can't be feminine
on a Wakamatsu set but

she could...you know?

What?

I mean...

Femininity has no place
in my work.

That old guy's rude!

Get out of my way!

You nag me when you're drunk...

Maybe she loves you!

Yes, I do.

I need to pee.

He dumped you.

He escaped!

- What an idiot.
- Arai, shut up.

Sleeping alone
just like a motherless child

I have a strange dream
I'm dreaming a dream in a dream

Go, Saito!

You've had too much to drink.

Sorry.

"The hell with an autopsy."

"No one can understand
what's inside me."

So said the girl who committed suicide
at Meiji University.

It would make a good movie.

You want to understand what
she was thinking?

Help me write it.

I quit being a woman, you know.

I like your tough attitude but
it's OK to open up sometimes.

Here.

Any ideas?

A 17-year-old woman who killed herself
in 1949 wrote this.

Nobuko Nagasawa...

She survived a war and killed herself.

Maybe she did it because she survived.

"Why do I describe my act. Departure?"

"It wasn't out of egotism
or posturing."

"All my life I've advanced at a
steady pace"

"but it was a miserable
step backwards."

We can have young people's suicide
notes on the screen.

The protagonist is a
junior high student.

She believes in free love and
gets pregnant.

She'll have the baby for everyone
to raise.

That's good.

But maybe men can't understand her.

I'd ask who the father is.

The men start to fight over her.

What will happen next, Arai?

Don't make me do all the thinking.

Marry me.

Don't suffer tike an adult
and abort the baby...

Marry me.

Leave me alone.

But I can't.

Don't you remember
that sex defeated us?

My body felt nothing
and my soul wasn 't rescued.

Cut!

April, 1971
Shooting Gushing Prayer
It's not right!

April, 1971
Shooting Gushing Prayer
You don't look pregnant.

You don't look pregnant.

OK...

- Camera test!
- No, roll it.

Are you sure? We're rolling!

Let's do it!

OK, guys.

Ready...

Action!

We keep showing formulaic movies.

You should make a movie
that shocks the world.

Mr. Kuzui.

How about a movie about Jiro Soka,
bombing Tokyo? Bang-bang!

Jiro Soka?

The serial bomber.
Do young people know him?

Since ATG is producing Waka's movie,
it should be radical.

Yeah...that's right.

Come here, Wako.
Meet Mr. Wakamatsu.

I've seen many of your movies
over and over again.

My name is Wako.
Let me be your apprentice!

Visit me at my office.

May I?

Sure.

Thank you, sir!

Good for you.

Later then.

Mr. Wakamatsu, I have to go.

I'll think about the Jiro Soka story.

I appreciate it.

Was it too radical?

It'll be OK.

Koji Wakamatsu is shooting a movie!

Finally Art Theatre wants
Koji Wakamatsu...

By the way, do you know the
movies they show at love inns?

They show edited Pink flicks
to fit their time slots.

A 1-hour movie is too long?

Right.

I said we could make 30-minute flicks.

They'll finance that!

Any ideas?

Some 30-minute simple stories
for love inns.

30 minutes...

That's long enough for a fable.

Beginning with Long, long ago

told with a modern twist.

Peach Boy has a big dick
and uses sex to make allies.

He fights the authorities with a dog,
monkey and pheasant.

We can make a series!

This will sell.

Adachi, write it by tomorrow.

I have the ATG movie.
Let the young guys do it.

Megumi and Arai.
You can do it.

Write a good one, Megumi.
You can direct it.

OK.

Eat up the beans!

OK.

Ouch...

Up I get.

"And the woman disappears in Shinjuku."

"The End"

A turtle? It must be the
Taro Urashima fable.

Yeah...

Weil?

It's based on her encounter
with us weirdos and

how she couldn't be a hippie again.

Oh, well.

Remember, this is for love inns.

Get the sex right.

I'll shoot Arai's White Hare.

It's you against me, Ms. Yoshizumi!

You're playing Taro Urashima.

You're about to get married
but you don't want to.

And you meet an older man and have
the best sex ever.

So he is your Deep Sea Princess.

This is the Deep Sea Palace.

You got that?

OK?

Ready

I'm lost.

Good. This will work.

We'll cover the wide shot
in this setup.

Can you do a handheld shot
to get the man's POV?

I'll be where he is with
the camera?

Right.

OK.

- You sure?
- Yes

You're the Deep Sea Princess, OK?

- Are you in character?
- Yes

OK, we're rolling!

Ready and action!

You turned my life upside down.

I'll smash it for you.

I'd love that!

God, it's so good!

Hey, Megumi.

That was good. Right, Arai?

Uh...yeah.

The shaky POV shot
was like a French movie.

Right, Adachi?

Yeah.

Arai. You're lucky I shot
your boring script.

I made a masterpiece out of it!

Add 30 more minutes and
make it into a feature.

You and Arai write it.

Megumi.

Yes?

How long were you with us?

2 years or so.

That explains it.

Come on, Arai.
I'll treat you to something.

May, 1971

...and he'd shoot a gun!

Waka! Adachi!
I'm glad you're here.

Mr. Oshima. Are you by yourself?

You're off to Palestine
after Cannes?

That's right.

We made 8 million yen on
Kama Sutra

and I asked Adachi how
we should use it.

He said we'd made so many
movies already so

we could go back underground.

When I asked what he meant
he said, Palestine.

Right?

Everyone in Japan is protesting
against the Vietnam War.

No one knows about Palestine.

So we'll film the Palestinians
fighting the Israelis.

No one in Japan has done it.
for good money.

You know why no one's done it?

Because it's risky?

Jews control movie industries
around the world.

You'd better watch out if you
want your movies shown overseas.

Godard shot a pro-Palestinian movie
called Jusqu'a la victoire.

But something happened during editing.

Possibly even Godard's
project was sabotaged.

Adachi.

I won't stop you but

be careful about involving Waka.

Well, he just wants footage to sell
to Japanese TV stations.

I shouldn't worry then...

You gave me a good idea of
what to expect, Mr. Oshima.

Thank you for your concern.

Remember, I want you to produce a film
for me, with global appeal.

Are you looking for something?

My Hanafuda cards!

I saw them...

You're taking them?

- Of course!
- I found them.

Hanafuda cards?

- To Cannes and Palestine.
- What!

To get footage for TV.

Right then!

Arise ye prisoners of starvation!

Stop that song!

- He hates it.
- Does he?

Sure! Look at Guevara and Castro!

Famous revolutionaries are
born affluent.

Starving children are sacrificed
in revolutions.

Same with wars.

So it has to be Arise ye
who aren't starving.

Right?

Yeah.

See you.

- Take care of business.
- Waka.

Got your passport?

Yes.

- Take care of things!
- OK.

Have a nice trip!

If you can't betray yourself
before others betray you

You can't kill a man or
commit a crime

This makes no sense...

Why did you have to kill me?

Koji Wakamatsu, the director and

Masao Adachi, the screenwriter.

Are you influenced by
any filmmakers, Monsieur Wakamatsu?

No one influences me.

I make Koji Wakamatsu movies.

- How's it going?
- No luck.

Only Spook can crack it.

I can't...

What's up?

Hi! Spook's here!

Oh, memories!

What's going on?

-I can't unlock it.
- Let me.

All the way in...and click!

- The Shinjuku thief!
- I retired.

Where's Megumi?

She's late.

I'm back.

- Hey!
- It's been ages!

Just bread?

Caviar.

This is the loot!

Thieves!

It's a big catch!

Mama, I have to go out.

To Mama, a tour bus pulls over

But it's empty
as an old bird's nest

No, see you again!

He betrayed me
He promised to smuggle in stuff

Panther ausf. D

Jean, Miller and Norman Mailer

They had their day

With an erection
The red of the neon

It ceases to be a progressive color

It's not hot anymore

By the knife...

They don't have to come back.

I know you don't think so.

Now we can make the movies we
want to make.

It's hard when you love them!

There he goes.

That's how Arai is with women.

Watch out!

Whoa, what's going on?

Arai, you're terminally ill.

It's worse than political defeat.

I'll give you some medicine.

Here, Arai.

It's medicine time.

Take it now.

Mama. I have to go out

He's back.

Mama, I have to go out

For now, let's go to city at night

Naked lunch, blood lunch

No more impotence and drugs
I'll get cleaned up

Shigenobu, pose for a photo.

OK.

I'll show you how to urinate.

And me.

Me too!

Megumi, don't!

Megumi, get down.

Let go!

Prepare the cannons!

Ready!

Release!

Let me join you!

People on Meiji-dori Avenue!

Behold Wakamatsu Productions' urine!

Watch me urinate!

Shoot!

It's away

There's water!

One, two...

Oh, this feels like heaven!

- The guys would have liked this.
- It's for girls only.

How's it going with Arai?

We paired up when our partners
fell in love.

That makes him feel second best.

I don't agree.
I tell him I love him but...

I'm always the last choice.

I know you like Adachi.

I like him, too.

He doesn't think I'm a woman.

You're a woman, for sure...

Cut it out, Shinohara!

Hey!

They train all the time.

We were already training from 6 am
with the Palestinian commandos.

Digging bunkers and
crawling along ropes.

When it came to handling guns,
they said I'd be a good commando.

They said I was the best.

Filmmakers are good at taking aim.

I'd aim at a tree and Bang!
It's a hit

They told me I had what it takes.

After about 2 weeks they told us

that we'd only have one more day.

We were given carte blanche to
film that day.

That was what we'd hoped for.

Adachi and I were filming all over
the place.

Then suddenly

they told us to leave the mountain.

By t'hen we'd become very close to them.

They came to hug us goodbye.

They gave us lots of kisses and pats.

We felt bad about
leaving them behind.

We managed to get back to Beirut.

And the momirng after...

Shigenobu came to our hotel.

She told us that the guys on the
mountain were wiped out

by the Jordan offensive.

I checked the paper.

There was a photo of the commandos

being hung in a public execution.

I felt so bad for them
that I bawled.

They were truly kind people.

They cared about us.

They knew they'd get attacked
so they told us to leave.

Adachi and I had a talk.

We died there with those guys.

We'd have to carry out our
Palestinian friends' mission.

So we won't sell it to TV.

You'll make it into a movie?

Yes.

We won't show it in cinemas.

We'll organize a screening tour
across Japan.

We'll buy a bus and
travel around on it.

The movie and its distribution

will be revolutionary.

That's how a movie about a revolution
should be.

We might as well paint the bus red.

And paint the title on the side.

Yeah!

We've decided on the title.

What is it?

The Red Army-
PFLP: Declaration Of World War.

Isn't it good?

It's cool.

I'll take student activists who've left
school and want action.

Arai, you're the tour leader.

I joined you because I'm done
with activism...

I don't care who's the leader but

send back the profits!

- What's new!
- Of course!

We spent a fortune!

We need to make another movie
before the ATG movie.

Take care of that, Megumi.

Sure.

You're not eating at all!
Eat up.

There's so much left!

Don't leave any, Arai and Saito.

How was Cannes anyway?

It's like Atami beach resort.

It's good so far.

Here.

This is where we superimpose
Gunpoint in reverse.

Why?

Because commandos don't
target citizens.

Right.

Do you think the audience will get it?

Yes. They'll be
politically minded.

You're right.

Oh, Megumi is here.

- You want something?
- No

OK, fast forward.

You only think of things like
reversing Gunpoint.

It's a good idea, isn't it?

It's a step away from
being nonsense.

Come on!

Wako!

Yes?

We're out of paint.

OK.

- Back to work.
- OK.

- Here.
- Thanks.

- Hi, guys.
- Wanna help?

Yeah.

Hi, Megumi.

Shinohara.

Yes?

Have you had an abortion?

You mean, a baby?

Yes. When I broke up with my ex
I found out I was pregnant.

Arai carne with me.

Right...

Like a teen movie.

- Working hard?
- Hello!

Megumi, why are you here?

Who's making the movie?

OK.

You're so bad! You're wasting money

Arai, don't smoke now!

You don't understand
what work means.

Did Waka and Adachi change
after they returned from Palestine?

Yes...

Well...

Movies or activism?
It's a tough choice.

Will you write for us?

I'm working on a TV cartoon
called Lupin The Third.

I'm too busy.

OK...

The Security Treaty protests failed
but this movie tour

is the beginning of
new comradery and solidarity.

That's so true.
Who else would think of a red bus?

Vietnam and Palestine
share a problem.

Also Okinawa and Sanrizuka.

Don't let our internalized defeatism
hold us back.

Right on, Toyama!

That's a beautiful ring, Toyama.

- Mom gave it to me.
- Good mormning.

Who made this rice ball?

I did.

Your name?

I'm Toyama.

Toyama, you've never made a rice ball?

Learn how to make rice balls
then talk about revolution.

Will you go on the red bus?

I guess not.

I thought so.

If you went,
who'd make movies?

Waka told me that, too.

Wakamatsu Productions is suddenly
an activist group.

not a film company.

The Taro Urashima fable...

What?

Now I understand how Taro felt
left out.

You'll have your chance.

Watch out.

Good.

I might quit movies.

We're done.

You remind me of my dad.

Huh?

You asked me why I slept with you.

I couldn't answer then, so...

Sex is no big dea!.

We'll have sex and I'll
get pregnant.

If we raise the baby properly

that'll be our victory against sex.

Aborting the baby would be our defeat.

You were defeated by everything
including sex.

What are you doing here?

I've loved watching movies
since I was little.

I'm from Hokkaido,
but went to schools in Tokyo.

Junior high in Yotsuya.
Got expelled from high school.

My mother married twice
and divorced twice.

I don't see my father.

When I was at kindergarten I lived with
Grandma and Mom visited sometimes.

Mom lives how she wants and says
that I should too.

It was good being left on my own.

I see.

Isn't it hard being a female assistant
director on Pink sex films?

To a certain degree.

My appetite for food and sex
has dulled.

I intentionally became numb,
I guess...

Watching a movie and making one
is 180 degrees different.

It's a different dimension.

A single cut can convey what
a thousand words can't.

That's why movies are awesome.

Movies are awesome...

But.

one day I'll confront the Director...

...Koji Wakamatsu at knifepoint.

I don't think I can avoid it.

It's all about who'll survive
me or him.

We'd do it without violence.

It's really crazy, filmmaking...

It's difficult because you are
your worst enemy...

"Your worst enemy?"

Wakamatsu Productions.

It's me. You know who it is?

I'm on my way to Hokkaido
to take train photos.

Right. OK.

Gotta go. I'm being interviewed.

Oh..

Bye.

"The Red Army-
PFLP: Declaration Of World War"

I can see myself changing.

There's no closure and
I don't mind.

I have unsolved issues I should've
left behind.

Including...

my own fucking womanhood.

Hey, Megumi.

Arai and the guys are drinking
after finishing the rough cut.

Adachi and Makiko will be there.
Coming?

No.

OK.

See you later then.

Sleeping alone

Just like a motherless child

I have a strange dream

I'm dreaming a dream in a dream

Sometimes

Just l ike a motherless child

I'm embraced in my dream

In the dream I'm embraced by
a breast of light

Hello, it's me.

I know. It's been ages.

I'm fine.

How about you?

I just wanted to hear your voice.

Mom...

Right.

Thanks.

I love you, Mom.

I'm embraced in my dream

In the dream I'm embraced by
a breast of light

I go alone, like a motherless child

Like a stray bird,
flying to the end of the world

Sorrow is a sign that you're alive

Out of my way

Let me pass!

You can't.

Megumi!

She's like my own daughter!

Waka!

Megumi!

Let me pass or I'll beat you to death!

Move! Megumi!

Megumi!

It's been a while.

Takama...

Where's everyone?

Is Megumi here?

Takama.

You don't know?

What?

Megumi...

She's dead.

Sleeping pills and whiskey.

Harada went to her place
because we wanted to shoot there.

And

he peeped inside and
saw her sleeping, snoring loudly.

He didn't want to wake her so

he left and returned later and found...

Megumi was...

already...

They found out she was pregnant from...

an autopsy.

6 months pregnant...

September 30, 1971

We're leaving now!

Go get them!

Off we go!

You'll do fine.

Take care of the Tohoku region.

Good boys.

See you, sir.

Get them!

So long.

What?

Come on, our expenses.

Make sure you sand half the sales.

What about the screenplay?

It's on your desk.

Arise ye comrades, the workers

The day of freedom shall break

The day to break the chain
of oppression

With our flag hoisted high

He's singing?

No way!

'Tis the final conflict

Let each stand in his place

The International Union

Shall be the human race

Arise ye prisoners of starvation

The day of victory is near

Arise ye comrades, the...

The day of freedom shall break

"The Angel is Frugal by Masao Adachi"

"The Angel is Frugal by Masao Adachi"
You clown...

"The Angel is Frugal by Masao Adachi"

This is Wakamatsu.
Is Mr. Kuzui in?

Hello, sir.
It's me, Wakamatsu.

About the ATG movie.
I decided not to do Jiro Soka.

Right.

I'll still have the bombs. Bang-bang.

Adachi wrote another weird script so...

I'll rewrite it.

It's about internal conflict.

We'll blow up the police box
on 3rd Street.

We'll get Yoshizawa to play October.

The terrorist protagonist.

Yes.

Oh, right.

Right.

I'll blow up the world with this movie!

Dedicated to our mentor Koji Wakamatsu
and those who lived in his time.