Lust, Caution (2007) - full transcript
Frustrated in his attempts to assassinate Yee, who is an important official in Japanese-ruled Shanghai, Old Wu, who has lost his wife and two sons as well as two women who had attempted to seduce Yee, now recruits Kuang, Mai Tai Tai, and their troupe of drama students from Hong Kong University in yet another attempt to do away with Yee. Mai Tai Tai is chosen to befriend Yee, which she does by posing as the wife of Mak, befriending Yee's wife and her female friends, and then eventually befriending Yee himself. Even though both get together, they do end up going separate ways, only to meet again four years later. This time Mai is all set to entrap Yee at Chandni Chowk Jewellers which is owned by an East Indian man named Khalid Saiduddin. The question does remain: Will she and her troupe succeed?
I'm sure
you'll have better luck this time.
Congratulations
on your husband's promotion.
An officer in charge of rice?
These days
rice is more important than gold.
Just you listen to Yee Tai Tai.
Why me? I'm no Buddha.
I warned your husband
but he still
took Transportation. Now he's always away
and lets you run wild.
Me, wild?
My halls are crammed with his relatives.
I have to feed them and get them jobs.
I should get paid for all the bother.
You said it.
Let's not
give Mak Tai Tai the wrong impression.
She'll think
the Wang government is run by us wives.
But that seems to be the case.
The Japanese will never know
there's another heaven above the Emperor's head.
Come on. Eat, while it's hot.
I shouldn't really. I'm so fat already.
Everybody's hoarding these days.
We might as well hoard fat on our bodies.
What are people hoarding, Yee Tai Tai?
You know my husband is an importer.
Even though
Hong Kong's fallen, ships still come into port.
Western medicine. You already sold out.
Have him get more for you.
I heard
you all went to Shu Yu yesterday.
That's right.
Mak Tai Tai had never been there.
Everyone laughed when I told them.
They've opened
two branches in Hong Kong.
The Szechuan chefs aren't working out.
Hong Kong people
can't take it so spicy.
Plenty hot yesterday, wasn't it?
Very hot. So hot that I...
Ma Tai Tai didn't go yesterday?
She's been hiding from us.
I was tied up
at home. You were busy with your guest anyway.
You promised to
treat us, and you vanished.
And who was busy when I called a few days ago?
I had to fetch
Mak Tai Tai. Ask her if you don't believe me.
You deliberately
picked that day to treat us.
Any stockings left from your stock?
I'm all sold out.
I'll bring more next time.
You must.
Shanghai's
short of everything these days.
Even toothpaste
you can only get on the black market.
You must
always stay with me when you're in town.
He won't last much longer.
The Japanese will be here to claim him.
They didn't say
dead or alive. Give him a quick one.
Sir, about General Taicho
They're still
looking for the American arms shipment.
I'll see him tonight.
His secretary
called to cancel tonight's dinner.
He asks that you report to
Japanese headquarters. first thing tomorrow.
Will you be returning today?
No. I have an appointment.
My cousin
bought a diamond from a Russian aristocrat.
Those poor Russians
are all over. Are you sure it wasn't fake?
I see
you ladies have started early today.
You're in luck today.
You've got Mr. Yee here rooting for you.
My turn?
Now, yours is something else.
How many karats is it? Three?
This little thing?
But it's
already so out of fashion.
Our runner
Pin Fen showed me a five-karat.
It was big,
but not as bright as yours.
Why didn't you call me?
I only had
time for a quick look myself.
Pin Fen
has things that others don't.
She once had
a hot oil diamond, but he wouldn't buy it!
Do you know
how much those go for now?
That diamond
of yours weighed over 10 carats.
A diamond isn't
a quail egg. It's a stone, after all.
With that
on your finger, you could hardly play.
You wouldn't
buy it, and you still give me an earful.
I win! Five sets, all white.
One tile away.
It's your fault, Mr. Yee,
for saying diamonds are bad for mahjong.
He's here
to spoil our game. Thank you, Mr. Yee.
Mr. Yee'd better treat us to dinner.
No problem.
Where would you like to go?
Oh, I forgot.
I promised to meet someone at 3:00.
Impossible! Why didn't you
say so before? This is simply not done!
It's business
for my husband. I totally forgot.
Mr. Yee, please
take my place for a few hands. I'll be back soon.
And I thought my luck was back.
I have another engagement.
I'll play with you ladies some other time.
Mak Tai Tai, you're so bad.
It's little Mak's money
After all these years,
we're finally getting part of it back.
Only if Liao Tai Tai can come.
Amah,
Get Liao Tai Tai on the phone!
You're buying tonight!
Tai Tai says to
let you use her car. It's waiting in front.
That's very
kind of her. But she doesn't need to...
Very well, then.
Thank you. I'll be right down.
There are
so few cars compared to Hong Kong.
No one can afford petrol anymore.
Mak Tai Tai,
your Shanghainese is quite good.
My mother's from Shanghai.
We moved to
Hong Kong when the Japanese came.
Is that right?
These foreigners
are only allowed to withdraw 20 yuan a day
so they settle for dry, hard bread.
- Shall I come back for you?
- Don't bother. I'll get a cab.
Please.
- Coffee, please.
- Sure.
- May I use your phone?
- Of course.
That's odd. Did I dial wrong?
Hello
Hello, second brother. It's me.
Yes
I'm calling
from Kiessling's Café. Is everything OK at home?
Fine
I'm fine. Just too busy to call.
I'm planning
some shopping today. I'm going now.
I know
Nothing else, then?
No, nothing.
[Wong Chia Chi:] I'd better go now.
Goodbye.
It's now.
Go and beat those Japanese,
and when you come back we'll marry you!
Why'd you say that? You go and marry him.
I didn't say I would.
With all the men
off to war, who'll be left for us to marry?
I heard the Japanese took Guangzhou.
Do you think
we'll be safer in Hong Kong?
As if
the British will protect us!
Isn't your father
in England? Why didn't he take you with him?
He took my little brother.
After
mother died he said he'd send for me
but now there's the war.
I'll never go back home.
The war's
given me a chance to go to Hong Kong.
From there
I'll go and see the world.
I'll meet you
this evening by the pond. We'll go back together.
Lai Shu Jin!
I was hoping to run into you.
Kuang Yu Min. You remember me.
I saw you on stage
with the women's theater group at Lingnan U.
We just started a new
drama society. Auditions are tomorrow afternoon.
But our group
has never acted with men.
We're guest students here,
just borrowing the classrooms.
We must work together.
Then let's do Ibsen's
"A Doll's House." I know Nora's lines inside out.
In times like these,
who needs that kind of bourgeois drama?
We're planning
a patriotic play, to raise money for the resistance.
You're invited to come too.
But I'm only
a freshman. I've never been on stage.
Who cares? We must all pitch in.
Our soldiers
are fighting for their lives at the front
while these
Hong Kongers continue their leisurely lives.
We have to
wake them up with our drums and gongs!
A typical director!
He never listens to anyone else.
But it's for
the resistance, so maybe we women should join.
I guess we'll just go along with him.
He seems very passionate.
His brother died fighting the Japanese
so his parents
forbade him from joining the army.
That's why he's so worked up.
I don't want him to join either.
As I return to the nature
that nurtured me, my soul is destined to return
More to the left... a little bit more.
Good. That's it.
Now try.
What is it?
My father got
remarried. I'm writing him my congratulations.
There are
some things I cannot bring myself to say.
Yes, I know.
I have a home.
I have children. I'm a respected, responsible man.
When I sit here
and look at you, I only know one thing.
Once we start you'll be fine.
Auntie Chao!
They found
this soldier behind the hills.
Hsiao Hong.
Has your brother come home?
Come quickly.
Oh, my son!
Go and boil some water!
How did you
get hurt like this? My son!
He's a soldier, not your son!
My son's coming home tonight
home for dinner.
Let me kill a chicken to make him strong.
My son's
coming home. He's coming home today!
My son's coming home.
Since
mother learned of my brother's death
she's been sick.
I just
finished knitting this for my brother.
Only, he won't need it anymore.
Please take it with you.
I can't.
You saved
my life and I have nothing to give you.
You've given me everything!
Every time you kill an enemy you avenge my brother.
I'm only sorry to be a girl.
I need to take care of my mother.
I promised my brother
he would never have to worry.
Your brother?
He was the same age as you.
Since Father died
he carried the whole family on his shoulders.
He was such a hard worker.
During harvest
he always finished first and helped the others.
He was strong like you.
I followed him everywhere.
He said,
heaven would always protect honest folks.
He was our only hope!
Let me bow to you!
For
our country, for my dead brother
and for
our people for generations to come.
China will not fall!
China will not fall!
It was so great!
A thousand people shouting, "China will not fall!"
"China will not fall!"
Come on. There are only
600 seats, plus those standing in the aisles.
Don't underestimate these Hong Kongers.
The audience
in Lingnan was never this excited.
We're telling
a real story about real life.
That's why they were so moved.
I saw many of them
still drying their eyes at the donation table.
A toast to all of you.
We've finally raised
some donations. Now we can really do something.
Let's drink tonight
and worry about the country tomorrow.
Big brother! Cheers!
Hey. Instead of
asking for donations, we should sell the tickets!
And put up
a sign: "Pay up or tough luck!"
But if they
hear you're in it, we'll have to pay them!
Give me the bottle.
A toast to our
leading lady! We need her for the box office!
The leading lady!
No. I'm not!
Students in sweet youth today
Pillars of society tomorrow
Today
we fill this hall with songs
Tomorrow
we make waves to save our nation
Huge waves, huge waves, forever surging.
Fellow students,
come forward with all your strength
And take
the fate of our land into our hands!
Is it lit?
Artists have to smoke.
It comes in handy on stage.
Wong's first cigarette! Who's next?
Thank you.
For what?
Wong Chia Chi.
Come on up.
The other day
I ran into a guy, Tsao, from my hometown.
He used to
hang around with my brother at school.
I heard
he's working for a collaborator
a top agent
of Wang Jingwei, who goes by the name of Yee
who's hiding out in Hong Kong.
Wang Jingwei
and his so-called "Peace Movement"!
They're just
traitors, running dogs for the Japanese.
Yee's
recruiting for them in Hong Kong.
I was lucky to bump into Tsao.
What a chance for us!
A chance for what?
I'm not talking about theater.
Wrenching
tears and shouts from an audience
can't compare with
eliminating a flesh-and-blood traitor.
The summer break's coming.
We can change
your identities and infiltrate Yee's household.
With my relationship
with Tsao, maybe he'll introduce us.
We could get some guns.
But what do we know about
killing people? Our only experience is on stage.
When you're faced with a real traitor
one who betrays
his own people, the killing will come easily.
We should
worry about not killing enough.
This is
life and death, so think it through.
If we do it, do it big!
If we die,
we'll die with no regrets.
Let's kill
one of Wang Jingwei's lapdogs!
I'm in!
Me too.
Of course we're in too.
I'm not forcing anyone to join.
I'm in.
You lost. I can't believe you.
You have to drink too.
My brother
It was
so good of you to look me up.
It's so great to meet
again after all these years away from home.
Let's drink to it.
Cheers to Brother Tsao.
We're
sure going to need your help.
We'll see.
Any chance for me, brother?
Any job openings where you work?
It's a tough job.
I'll see. I'll look into it.
- Where's Liang?
- Still up there.
What's he doing?
We only have
enough to pay for that guy Tsao.
Maybe he can get more information.
With just a few drinks? I doubt it.
The foreigners
have left for the summer.
We can rent
the second floor for a couple of months.
Where's all this money coming from?
My old man has a stash
in Hong Kong for me to use in an emergency.
I never said such a posh place.
But you want
Auyang to be Mr. Mak the businessman
and Wong Chia Chi his rich wife.
They have to live like this!
Some new furniture
and a maid with a ponytail.
And maybe a goatee for Mr. Mak.
Wait here.
Don't wipe
your mouth with it. It's my best tie.
This is not
a rehearsal. There's no second chances.
Remember your role before you speak.
Say the
absolute minimum, to avoid slipping.
You too.
Here they come.
Mr. Mak. Mak Tai Tai.
And Mr. Mak's
cousin from my hometown, Kuang Yu Min.
This is Mr. Yee and Yee Tai Tai.
Go and
have some fun. Please excuse me.
Sorry to
bother you all. You've come all this way.
Tsao said you knew Hong Kong well,
or we could have used my husband's car.
[Wong Chia Chi:]: It's no bother at all.
Would Yee Tai Tai
like to shop around Central?
Two months in Hong Kong
and all I know is Central and Repulse Bay.
It's embarrassing.
Then let's go to
Tsim Sha Tsui. We can shop there.
Sure.
To Tsim Sha Tsui.
Drop us first and then
go to your office. You can be a little late.
We
mustn't keep Mr. Mak from his work.
It's all right.
It's his family's company.
Mr. Mak,
what is your line of business?
Export.
Some import too.
Yee Tai Tai, this is
such a nice area. We didn't see it when we were looking.
We're only renting.
When the war broke out
on the Mainland, we had to move here in a hurry.
Mak Tai Tai,
are you a native of Hong Kong?
I came to get married.
My hometown's
in Canton. My mother's from Shanghai.
Then you
must know the Shanghai dialect.
Yes, but not well.
I've forgotten most of it.
I was originally
from Anhui province. My Shanghainese is so-so too.
Thank you.
Sorry to make you carry my things.
It's nothing. My pleasure.
It's all right.
He's our cousin. He's also new in Hong Kong.
This way,
he gets to learn his way around.
What was
your line of business in Canton?
A teacher in a village school.
No wonder. I thought you looked
educated: either a college student or a teacher.
Yee Tai Tai, you're so observant!
Can you see all the plainclothes security?
There's no way to get him at the house.
But when
he left he had a driver and a guard.
We'd still have to
deal with them. We'll need at least two guns.
That's still
better than trying at the house.
We have to
be patient. We've made contact.
Yee Tai Tai has really
taken to Wong. She's already asked her back.
Sorry. I'm tired.
Can I come in?
Come in.
I rushed the tailor.
Thanks.
This Yee guy,
what's he look like?
I only caught a glimpse.
Not what I imagined.
The cook
just disappeared on us.
He didn't
steal anything. He just disappeared.
That's why
we moved to the Peninsula. It's been five days.
We don't dare go back.
My husband said
it's not safe and we need to find another place.
You can't trust any of them here.
And these Cantonese:
I don't understand a word they say.
What's really depressing is that
no one can cook Shanghai-style like that cook.
I know a restaurant
in Hong Kong with great Shanghai cuisine.
They have
the best drunken chicken and scallion carp.
You must take us there.
Mak Tai Tai was just
telling us about a real Shanghai restaurant here.
He's the real picky one.
Not even the best restaurant can excite him.
Really? Which one?
Chu Jia Restaurant. It's in Kowloon
run by
the main chef from Tang's in Shanghai.
I think I've heard of it.
I'll be out late tonight.
Please remember:
We're hosting company tomorrow.
Good evening.
A party?
And why aren't we invited?
He won't even tell me who it is.
It must be
Wang Jingwei's wife, Chen Pi Chun.
They want to set up
a new government. My husband's been approached too.
You know what that means: a promotion.
See. I told you!
Why so late?
Mahjong.
Sorry, I lost again.
Was Yee there?
For a minute,
but he left and never came back.
Get off. I'm exhausted.
One bottle assassinated!
Congratulations.
A whole month
and you're excited about killing a bottle.
Why don't you just
kill me and save my old man the trouble?
Apartment,
car, mahjong, shopping and your whores!
Are we hunting traitors
or on vacation? How many fathers do I have?
Wong Chia Chi needs
fancy outfits and you play resistance hero.
And I'm just a fucking driver!
My father thinks
I've been shacking up with a dance girl.
He wants to
disown me! So you guys figure it out!
We've got the guns.
Why don't we
shoot a couple of easy targets?
Before school starts.
We all joined freely.
Why are you blaming Kuang?
You're right about the money.
I should have foreseen the consequences.
I admit
we're amateurs, but we made a decision
and got access to
Yee's household. Should we give up now?
I know the guards now.
I'll do it myself and take the consequences.
Don't be stupid.
How could you get to Yee?
That's my business!
The papers are in the study.
Mr. Yee.
Mak Tai Tai.
My car
broke down halfway. Then this rain.
Take Mak Tai Tai inside.
Hong Kong's so humid.
You can
squeeze water out just by making a fist.
After all these years
I'm still not used to it here.
Finally, Hsaio Tai Tai.
I thought
you'd never come with this typhoon.
Oh, why are you back?
My appointment has been canceled.
Mak Tai Tai,
Chu Tai Tai, you're here.
We were waiting for Hsiao Tai Tai.
You are just in time. We need a fourth.
I have things to do.
Oh, come on.
Just until Hsiao comes.
When was the last time you played?
Mr. Yee,
look how sweet Yee Tai Tai is with you.
All right.
Character seven.
East wind.
My husband actually
likes the fabric we got the other day.
But he's not
happy with the tailor. Know of anyone good?
Yes, there is one.
He does all our chi-pao and Western suits.
Shall we try him?
Whatever you say.
Circle seven.
But they're
awfully busy with the tourists right now.
It's not going to take months, is it?
No. I'm
an old customer. I can tell them to do us first.
Circle seven.
Let's do this.
When Mr. Yee
has a moment, give me a call.
Mak Tai Tai, I have your number.
Circle eight.
When the sales
are on, let's go and look at other fabric.
Mr. Yee
likes English imports. They never go on sale.
Is that right?
Does this mean I won?
Well, you're lucky today.
I almost didn't
know I won. The god of fortune's with me today.
Slow, quick. Spin!
Ahhh.
Spin, spin, spin!
Slow, quick, quick.
Slow, quick, quick.
Slow, quick.
Mr. Yee.
I recognized your voice.
The collar
can be a little more snug.
Yes. It looks
much better with a narrow collar.
Maybe shorten the sleeves.
What do you think of
shorter sleeves? To make you look more sharp.
I'm in your hands.
It's
the latest look, a close-fitting collar.
Madam, we've made the alterations.
Let me try it on.
Go and eat. Don't wait for me.
Yes, sir.
Mak Tai Tai
must be a very good customer.
Oh, yes.
She's brought me quite a bit of business.
It fits
too tightly now. I can hardly breathe.
Your wife
picked this material out first
but she thought
it was a bit gaudy. So I took it for myself.
Well, never mind. Let me take it off.
Leave it on.
Nothing serious, I hope.
Yee Tai Tai...
Tsao
has taken her to the doctor's.
She complained of
a headache. All that mahjong, I suppose.
Little Mak doesn't
like my playing either. We argue about it.
I told him,
men have endless distractions
while we ladies
have only shopping and mahjong.
Mahjong
should be OK. It keeps us at home.
I hope I didn't
interrupt anything when I called today.
Little Mak is away in Singapore
so his friends
came over to keep me company.
More like to keep an eye on me!
Your call
gave me the perfect excuse to leave.
Is that right?
Sometimes
I'd rather do things on my own.
The things I like
don't interest Little Mak.
What do you like?
Going to the movies.
Little Mak
won't go with me, so I go by myself.
He and his friends
only talk business. Nobody likes movies.
I don't go either.
Mr. Yee, you're too busy.
Movies are for people with time to kill.
No, it's not that.
I don't like the dark.
Would you like a drink?
A little, to keep you company.
You've been
so kind to us. We know so few people here.
Oh, please: such trivial things!
But if you
check carefully, nothing's trivial.
How come nobody comes here?
Because the food is so bad.
My apologies.
But it's a perfect place
to talk. There's no one here to disturb you.
Your husband... he works a great deal?
At what, I have no idea.
He's away again,
in Singapore, but...
Having a man is fine
as long as he's away from home. True?
And what kind of business is he in?
Import-export.
If you're so interested in
Little Mak, I'll bring him along next time.
You men have so much to say to each other,
but with women you just make small talk.
To me
small talk like this is a rare treat.
The people
I deal with are high officials
talking about important
matters of state, the destiny of our nation.
But no matter
what words come out of their mouths
I only see one thing in their eyes.
What?
Fear.
But you...
You seem different.
You're not afraid, are you?
How about you?
You're smart,
but not so smart at mahjong.
You're right. I always lose
except when I play with you.
I'll
pick your suit up when it's ready
I'll call you.
I have
another appointment tonight.
I still have
some time. Allow me to drop you off first.
You don't mind?
Of course not.
They're back!
Lights off!
Go and keep watch!
Thank you.
I'll see you to the door.
You really shouldn't bother.
Wait here.
They're back! Lights off!
They're coming inside!
Fine with me.
Just don't blame me if you're late.
You and your appointment!
Otherwise
you could send the cab away
and come in for a cup of tea.
I need a drink.
[WONG CHIA CHI:]:
He's so cautious.
He sent the bodyguards away
while we were at the tailor's.
He doesn't
trust anyone, not even Tsao.
Simple... The next time
get him inside and we'll finish him off with one shot!
He'd never come inside.
He'd only take me
someplace secluded. Tsao probably has no idea.
Did he try anything?
Mr. Mak's jealous!
Not yet.
But I knew what was on his mind.
Otherwise
he wouldn't have seen me to the door.
He didn't dare come in
but he kept me
at the door for a long time.
He said he'd call again.
I wanted to lure him
into a theater, where it's easier for you guys to get away
but he's
so cautious! He won't go into dark places.
If he
calls again, then he'll be serious.
I'll have him
hooked. I'll be his mistress.
And then have you thought through
what we're going to do?
Would you know what to do?
With a man?
So you've already discussed it.
Which one?
Liang
is the only one with experience.
With whores.
Want a drink?
No need.
The light.
I think
you're getting the hang of it.
Time to eat.
I'm not hungry.
We made some congee.
Yee Tai Tai... How are you?
I called
a couple of days ago, but you were out.
I wanted to
see if the tailor was finished.
You don't want them?
Why?
Moving back to Shanghai?
My congratulations to both of you.
I'll come by.
How about right now?
I haven't
heard from you for a few days
I was going to drop by anyway.
Then I'll go to the airport.
I should
at least treat you to a dinner.
You're leaving just like that?
Oh, well...
Please give my regards to Mr. Yee.
Have a safe trip.
Goodbye.
I hope
I'm not disturbing anyone.
Huang, I see
you're a mover now, not a driver.
Tsao, what are you doing here?
I thought
I'd give my regards to Mr. and Mrs. Mak
and
all the cute little Mak children.
What do you want?
I had
my suspicions from the start.
But I kept silent
until I could see what your game was.
So Mr. Mak
goes to Lingnan University?
Tsao, don't do anything stupid!
Then how's this?
Yee's
going to Shanghai without me
so it's time to join
the good guys. I know a lot more than you do.
Your superiors
would find me quite valuable.
How much do you want?
For you,
at least 10 taels of gold
and
that's not counting Mak Tai Tai.
Mr. Yee
would pay a premium for her.
You're asking for it!
You're something else.
I had no idea
you were a spy for the resistance.
Why didn't you
help me instead of using me?
After all,
we're from the same town.
You work for
a traitor. You should know what's coming!
He's still alive!
It's open! It's open!
You're back.
Morning.
Aunt Jen, I'm back.
Any mail from your father?
I'll check later.
I'm off to class.
You still let her go to school?
I sold
the house that her father left her.
I promised to let her
finish school. I'm someone who keeps her word.
When Japanese people speak
they use different words
depending on who they're speaking to.
You...
To me...
- One for Penny Serenade.
- Yes, Madam.
A new tune, isn't it?
I beg your pardon?
It's a new tune.
I didn't
hear you. Yes, it just came in.
It would be nice to dance to.
Oh, not this again!
Bring me back some nuts.
The war
to liberate Asia is being won.
For 500 years we've had
our fill of English and American oppression.
The Asian people
have finally
broken free of the Westerners' grasp.
Asia is
returning to the hands of the Asians.
The struggle
goes on until Asia once again belongs
You never knew, did you?
In Hong Kong we were being watched.
The night
you left, they came to us.
They cleaned up
the mess and smuggled us out.
Who were they?
The resistance.
They've been behind
the assassination of all kinds of collaborators.
The mayor of Shanghai,
the chief of the public concession
were all their work.
Now you know
how childish we were
how absurd
especially me.
I was so naive.
It was my fault.
We've all paid a price.
How's everybody?
They're around.
Where?
Several places.
I can't tell you now.
I've been looking for you.
I didn't go back to school.
For a while
I taught language at a colonial school.
My memory
of the period seems to be empty.
My father sent me a letter
saying he couldn't
afford to bring me to England.
He told me to stay with my aunt
here in Shanghai and continue my studies.
After the Japanese
occupied Hong Kong, it was hard to get out.
I got
my permit to leave just this April.
These past years...
I've felt so empty, so hollow.
So I insist on
taking classes, even enduring Japanese lessons.
I'm glad
you've gone back to school.
That, to me, is closed forever.
So you
tracked me down just to say you're sorry?
I have a mission.
The job
we started is still unfinished.
Yee is now
in charge of Wang Jingwei's secret service.
He's officially in charge of the police,
but of course he's a watchdog for the Japanese.
He murders judges,
journalists, anyone who supports the resistance
and our agents.
We missed
our chance three years ago.
Now it's
impossible to get past his security.
We can't touch him.
That's too little. Pay more.
Come with me.
Don't touch anything.
Just call me Old Wu.
I trust
Kuang's already briefed you?
Sit down.
Can we
get straight to the point?
First things first,
but also the last.
Before you begin,
sew this into your clothes.
In case you're exposed.
Just in case.
It won't be
painful, but you must move fast
before anyone
can get to your hands, understand?
Do you have a good memory?
Listen carefully to every word I say.
Repeat them
to yourself until they sink in.
Don't ask.
Don't think. Remember, you are Mak Tai Tai.
You've been
living in Hong Kong, no relatives in Shanghai.
This is very important.
You must know
that our enemy is very careful and cunning.
I warn you:
Once he becomes suspicious, you'll be trapped.
I can do it.
This is your file.
You married Mr. Mak four years ago.
There is your
marriage license, your anniversary date...
You moved from
Garden Road in Hong Kong to Johnston Road.
After Hong Kong fell,
Mr. Mak's business went bad.
You became
a runner to help the family.
Your phone number
at home, Mr.Mak's office phone
the shortages
in Hong Kong last year, what we can't get in Shanghai
your bank account number.
You must remember everything.
Answer
without hesitation. That's the first step.
You must realize,
once you're in, there's no turning back.
Stockings, medicine, and their prices.
Our preparations
are over. Now it's your show. Any questions?
I wrote a letter to my father.
Please post it for me when you've read it.
After the mission,
we'll send you to England to join him.
All right.
Go and change. I'd like to meet Mak Tai Tai.
Is everything ready?
Her hotel room is paid
for one week. Wang Jingwei's people all meet there.
Yee Tai Tai often
goes there, so they're bound to run into each other.
Wait for me in the study.
She's been to Shanghai several times
staying
at Great East Asia, and we never knew.
It's really my fault.
I should have looked you up sooner,
but I've been so busy with Little Mak's business.
This house is full of
empty rooms. Why waste your money at a hotel?
Ah, Hong Kong!
I haven't been there for a while.
There you are.
Do you remember Mak Tai Tai?
How are you, Mr. Yee?
I'm sure you don't remember me.
Of course I do.
How is Mr. Mak? How's business?
Thanks for asking. He's getting by.
Mr. Yee
seems to have lost some weight.
I asked him to think twice
before accepting this minister post.
You pay
with your life and step on so many toes!
You ladies, continue.
What a gentleman.
When company's around!
Aren't you
sick of eating at Great East Asia?
It's safer there
with the security agents.
It's that bad?
Bombs everywhere!
It's a mess these days.
So the guards
just shoot anyone suspicious.
My sister in Singapore
says things are getting worse there.
She told me not to come.
Hong Kong should be
better, no? How are things there?
The same. Prices are up 20% this month,
and don't even talk about the black market!
You don't smoke, as I recall.
I bought you some Palmers.
I left them in my bag. I almost forgot.
Thanks a lot.
We can't get them even on the black market.
I've got it, sir.
This room
is modest, but it's safer here.
I don't want to
bother you or Yee Tai Tai.
She likes having
a mahjong partner here, and I'm hardly home anyway.
Always so busy!
You've lost weight.
You've changed too.
It's been three years.
The war still isn't over.
It's enough
for us both to be here, still alive.
I've brought
a few things: cigarettes for Yee Tai Tai
I'm afraid
I don't have any gift for you.
Your presence in itself is a gift.
That's the floor plan.
The front door's
sealed. The only entrance is at the back.
There are two drivers, Guo and Yao.
Amah and the servants
are from the same town as Yee.
The drivers never
leave the car. They probably spy for Yee.
Everyone's
searched before getting into the car.
And Yee?
I've only seen him once.
He's mostly out or in his study.
I haven't found a way.
His secretary's named Chang.
Chang what?
I don't know yet.
Please be careful.
I need money.
That's all for now.
How come
you play every day but you never get better?
There's too much
in my head. I can't concentrate.
How are they? Huang and everybody.
They ask about you
a lot. You'll see them in time.
You should be
glad you didn't go with me last night.
I came back with a headache.
What was the program again?
Wu Jai Hill.
It was out of tune and off-beat.
The top artists
are all hiding out in Hong Kong.
So I told Old Yee,
if Wang's government can't even put on a good show
how can you
win the hearts of the people?
Good morning.
Good morning, Mr. Yee.
While you're taking that
herbal medicine, you're not supposed to drink tea.
It boosts his circulation.
He gets
cold feet at night. I keep him warm.
I have to stay awake for a meeting.
What are your plans for today?
Liao Tai Tai wants
me to play mahjong with her old mother.
I hope
you're not forcing our guest to go along.
Yee Tai Tai's
given me leave to go to the movies.
It's raining.
Mr. Yee told me to give you a ride.
Is this
the way to the Majestic Theater?
The car will wait for you.
Don't scare me like that!
My hair!
Are you playing hard to get?
You like it this way?
Sit down.
Sit down.
Your coat.
She is quiet
With
lowered head and racing heart
He
bows formally
just to play his part.
She quivers
What are you doing here?
I'm hosting a party next door.
Mr. Yee caught us shopping.
What a rare honor!
Stay and listen a bit.
Just a little bit.
Can you
understand the singer's dialect?
A little bit.
I used to hear Shou-Shu
often when I was a girl. I miss it in Hong Kong.
But now you're here.
Only for a while.
I'll be going back
to Hong Kong soon, in just a few days.
Tell me what you want
and I'll make sure to bring it.
Would madam like some breakfast?
No, thank you.
I'm not hungry yet. Where are Mr. and Mrs. Yee?
Madam Yee's still
sleeping. Mr. Yee's gone to Nanjing on business.
To Nanjing?
How long for?
I couldn't say.
Liang Tai Tai
sprained her ankle, so I'm going to see her.
Mak Tai Tai's
still got her headache.
Give her
two aspirin when she wakes up.
Of course. Don't worry.
If she wants,
take some congee up for her.
What if I told you
I hate you?
I would believe you.
They weren't
like this three years ago.
I hate you.
I said I believed you.
I haven't believed anyone in a long time.
- Let me hear it again.
- I believe.
You must be very lonely.
But I'm still alive.
You've been gone
with no word for four days.
I hated you every minute.
Now that I'm back,
do you still hate me?
No.
Do you still
want to go back to Hong Kong?
Yes. I should leave.
You should get me an apartment.
Brother, whatever happens,
you can't break the law.
I didn't do it.
I went to
the teahouse to look for you.
Some of our top people have been arrested.
They've raided a bunch of our safe houses.
Luckily Auyang got away.
You are not to
go to any of the old places.
When are we going to strike?
We have to wait for orders.
Tell them to please hurry.
And then we can all leave, right?
I can't say. I don't know.
He's gone again.
Amah said he went to Nanjing.
But who knows the truth?
Maybe there's another woman.
He took me
to Alley 1237 the night before last.
I know. We've got it staked out.
There was
perfume in the air... jasmine.
Not recent, though.
There was dust on the pillows.
I don't know.
Wong Chia Chi
Wong Chia Chi, look at me.
Look at me.
I won't let you get hurt, OK?
I won't allow it.
She said
I was treating her like old tofu.
I said old tofu
makes the best Pock-faced Lady Spicy Tofu.
I almost died laughing.
When she
toasted Mr. Yee on his birthday
it was like
Pock-Faced Lady Offering Longevity in person.
By the way,
where's Mr. Yee these days?
He's off in Nanjing again:
some government business.
She does
carry her pockmarks well, though.
Unlike Chief Chien's wife.
Her face is disgusting.
Close the door.
I've been waiting up for you.
Then you
must be very tired. I am.
Yee Tai Tai
said you were in Nanjing.
Don't believe everything you hear.
I've just been busy.
We busted
a resistance cell and got 12 agents
all highly trained.
I had to
interrogate them personally
one by one.
Ah, I forgot.
You're not
interested in my work, are you? It's boring.
You're so
careful never to ask about it.
It's your business
just as
you don't ask about my business.
All I do
is sit here waiting for you.
Maybe you're seeing someone else.
I can't sleep.
If this goes on any longer,
you'll get tired of me.
So that's what you've been
thinking these past few days?
And losing money at mahjong.
Losing
all my hard-earned money as a runner.
I should go upstairs.
Get some sleep.
Let me
take you someplace special tomorrow.
And don't ever
come into this room again.
Take me back.
The Minister
said to have you wait here.
It's been over two hours.
A last-minute meeting.
Let's go.
I'm freezing.
You could have asked me inside.
Inside there?
Are you serious?
You'd like to visit my office?
Never mind. Let's just go.
You're staring at me.
You're too beautiful.
I was thinking of you today.
Chang
told me my mind was wandering.
I could see his mouth
open and close, but I couldn't hear a word.
I could smell you.
It was distracting.
Two men.
We arrested
two men at the train station today
very important
members of the resistance.
One of them
stabbed and killed one of our agents.
The other got his head sliced open.
We had to drag them back
to interrogate them anyway.
I went with Chang to the chamber...
One was dead already.
Half his brains were gone.
I recognized the other one.
We were classmates at the military academy.
He was
hanging from an iron bar.
Looking at him,
I couldn't speak.
I began to
imagine him on top of you.
The bastard's
blood spilled all over my shoes.
I had to
wipe the blood off. Do you understand?
Did he really
promise you an apartment?
I told Yee Tai Tai
I'd be leaving next Sunday.
He was there.
I don't think he'll back down now.
Great.
The old wolf's
finally letting his guard down.
When
we get the location we can move.
Not yet.
Why wait?
We need information.
He broke our cell and stole
an important shipment of arms the Americans sent us.
That was a huge loss.
It's strange.
The Japanese are trying to locate the arms too.
Wong Chia Chi's
a precious lead, which we must exploit fully.
But she isn't
a trained spy. She can't take the pressure.
You're underestimating her.
Wong Chia Chi carries herself
every bit like Mak Tai Tai, and not an agent.
She's come this far.
That's no small feat. Our superiors are very impressed.
We sent two other
superbly trained women to try to snare him
but he sniffed them out.
They were killed
after giving up their entire cells.
You don't care about her safety.
She's gotten Yee hooked
like she was supposed to. Now we should take over!
Don't tell me what to do!
You listen to me!
Yee
murdered my wife and both my children
but I could still
eat with him at the same table.
That's what an agent must be able to do.
I'd like nothing better
than to kill him with my own hands
but if letting him
live another few days is valuable, then we must!
Keep him hooked, and keep me informed.
Don't do anything without my order.
Remember...
for an agent
there is only one thing: loyalty
to the party,
to our leader, to our country. Understand?
Don't worry.
I'll do whatever you say.
Good. Very good.
All you need to do
is keep him trapped.
If you need anything...
What trap
are you talking about? My body?
What do you take him for?
He knows better than you
how to put on an act.
He not only gets inside me,
he worms his way into my heart like a snake.
Deeper.
All the way in.
I take him in like a slave.
I play my part faithfully,
so I too, can get to his heart.
Every time,
he hurts me until I bleed
and scream. Then he's satisfied.
Then he feels alive.
In the dark,
only he knows it's all real.
That's enough.
That's why...
That's why I can torture him
until he can't stand it any longer
and still I go on
until we collapse from exhaustion.
Enough!
And when he finally comes inside me,
I think, "Maybe this is it."
"Maybe this is when
you'll rush in and shoot him in the back of the head"
"and his
blood and brains will cover me!"
Shut up!
Is it Mr. Yee's idea
to come to the Japanese district?
Good evening.
Welcome.
I'm looking for Mr. Yee.
Yes. Upstairs, please.
Hey, Madam.
Wow. She's a pretty one!
Come in.
Come here right now!
Colonel Nakamura...
Hey, Madam.
Even a girl dumped you!
I'm so sorry, Colonel Sato.
This is a customer,
not one of our girls.
Keiko, come
and keep Colonel Sato company.
I'm so sorry. Excuse me.
Excuse us. Enjoy yourselves.
My apologies.
Your guest is here.
I punished myself
by making myself wait for you.
But why here?
I just finished some business.
They sing
as though they're crying
like dogs
howling for their dead masters.
These Japanese devils kill people
like flies, but deep down they're scared as hell.
All our days are numbered
since the Americans entered the war.
Yet here we are with our
painted faces, listening to their off-tune songs.
Just listen.
I know why you brought me here.
Why?
You want me to be your whore.
Whore?
I'm the one who brought you here
so I know
better than you how to be a whore.
Will you let me sing for you?
I'm a much better singer than them.
Really?
From the end of the earth
To the farthest sea
I search and search
for my heart's companion.
A young girl sings
While he accompanies her.
Your heart is my heart.
Your heart is my heart.
Looking
north from my mountain nest
My tears
fall and wet my blouse.
Missing him, I will not rest.
Only love
that lasts through hard times is true.
Only love
that lasts through hard times is true.
In life who does not
Cherish the springtime of youth?
A young girl to her man
is like thread to its needle.
Ah, my beautiful man
we're like a threaded needle,
never to be separated.
We're like a threaded needle,
never to be separated
You go ahead.
I have work to do.
At this hour?
I want you
to do something for me.
Take this tomorrow
to the address written on the envelope.
Ask for a man named
Khalid Saeed Uddin. Can you remember that?
Khalid Saeed Uddin.
If he
tells you anything, or gives you anything
come back and tell me.
Keep it a secret.
Just between us.
It's
a business card. Just Yee's name.
Put it back. What do you think?
I'm worried that
they're suspecting Wong Chia Chi.
If we check the place first,
we might all be trapped.
But it's
dangerous for Wong to go alone.
We'd better keep watch outside.
Go as soon as you can.
I'm so sorry.
You could have
done that three years ago.
Why didn't you?
May I help you?
I'm here
to see Mr. Khalid Saeed Uddin.
Do you have something for him?
Oh, yes.
I'd prefer to
give it to him personally.
Of course.
Follow me. Excuse us.
Please wait.
He says you want to see me.
Please come.
Please sit down.
Your friend,
he said you were quite particular.
In fact he was
afraid to make the choice himself
so you can choose any one of these.
And not to worry:
The gentleman has taken care of the fees.
I haven't set them as yet,
so you're free to decide the setting.
I need to size your finger, please,
so that we can set everything correctly.
All right. I have
something very unusual for you:
six carats
The Quail Egg.
Hello.
Hello, second brother. It's me.
Yes.
I'm calling from
Kiessling's Café. Is everything OK at home?
Fine.
I'm fine; just too busy to call.
I'm planning
some shopping today. I'm going now.
I know.
Nothing else, then?
No, nothing.
I'd better go now.
Goodbye.
I'm late. Ferguson Road.
Let's go to the jewelry shop first.
The ring should be ready.
Turn back around.
Wait here.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
Miss
I was wondering
if the ring was ready.
I'm sure it is.
Please, follow me.
Welcome, welcome.
Please sit.
The masterpiece is ready.
Do you like
the diamond I picked?
The diamond itself is of no interest to me.
I just want to see it on your hand.
Congratulations, Miss.
Keep it on.
I wouldn't
dare wear it on the street.
Please do. You're with me.
Go now.
Go now.
The door!
Taxi!
Get in, Miss.
Where to?
Ferguson Road.
Going home?
Yes.
The road's blocked again.
We can't go
any further. It looks like a long wait.
Let me pass. It's late.
I have to go home and cook.
They'd let you pass
to see a doctor, not to cook.
Wong Chia Chi
come on up.
We got six of them.
They once ran a patriotic drama group
at Hong Kong University.
The girl's called Wong Chia Chi
once
written up for her performance.
The leader is named
Kuang. We've been tailing him for a while.
A shame. We almost
got Old Wu, but he slipped away.
The gunner probably
got away through the Uptown Cinema.
They all had movie tickets on them
to help them get away.
The students were only...
You knew about them?
Why wasn't I told?
There was...
There was some question,
given your involvement with Miss Wong.
In any case, it's all clear now.
I delayed her interrogation,
assuming you'd like to conduct it yourself.
She's downstairs?
Lao Lou and Lao Fan have her.
We've already broken the others.
They were very easy. Their stories matched.
Then I have nothing to ask.
We have
all the information we need.
So how do we proceed?
Take them to the South Quarry.
Total news blackout.
Take care of them by 10:00.
Your ring.
It's not mine.
Why don't we go to Jiu Ru?
Didn't
Yang Tai Tai invite us there?
Always Hunan and Szechuan too spicy.
If you can't take spicy food
you have no spice in your game.
What's going on?
Your assistant and two men from the ministry
came by and took her things away
and some things from your study.
Say nothing.
If anyone asks, Mak Tai Tai
had an emergency and went back to Hong Kong.
What happened?
Go downstairs.
Keep playing.