Taira Clan Saga (1955) - full transcript

Selected for

the Festival of the Arts 1955

Until the 12th century,

the nobility and the priesthood

possessed immense estates,

which were exempt from tax

despite the precarious condition

of the national economy.

Chaos reigned

in the Capital,

famine and riot

in the provinces.

The Fujiwara clan,

which for centuries

assured the security of the State,

was impotent to remedy

this situation.

Thus it was that the retired Emperor Shirakawa,

who was cloistered in a monastery,

re-asserted his authority.

Japan was torn

between this Monk-Emperor

and the Imperial Court of

the current Emperor, Toba.

The nobility called

upon professional warriors,

the samurai.

The monks also created an army,

which carried before it the sacred palanquins,

repositories for the souls

of the venerated dead.

So began the struggle for power

between the nobility and the priesthood.

Momentous events are inevitable...

Our story begins in 1137,

and takes place in Kyoto,

which was then the Capital.

DAIEI presents

in a DAIEI color process

LEGEND OF THE TAIRA CLAN

Produced by Masaichi NAGATA

Planned by

Matsutaro KAWAGUCHI

and Hideo MATSUYAMA

from the novel

by Eiji YOSHIKAWA

Script: Yoshitaka YODA,

Ky?chi TSUJI and Masashige NARUSAWA

Camera: Kazuo MIYAGAWA

Sound: Gen OTANI

Lighting: Ken'ichi OKAMOTO

Music: Fumio HAYASAKA,

Tamekichi MOCHIZUKI,

Masaru SATO

With

Kiyomori: Raiz? ICHIKAWA

Tokiko: Yoshiko KUGA

Torodai: Narutoshi HAYASHI

Tokinobu: Tatsuya ISHIGURO

Captain Tadamori, Kiyomori's father:

Ichijir? O-YA

Yasuko, his wife:

Michiyo KOGURE

Tokinobu Fujiwara:

Tatsuya ISHIGURO

Heiroku: Akitake K?NO

Shigeko: Tamao NAKAMURA

Emperor Toba: Shunji NATSUME

Direction: Kenji MIZOGUCHI

Buy!

Tomorrow, it will be too late!

War and drought are coming!

We have two Emperors.

There is the drama!

It is so true!

The nobles and the monks

profit from

the Imperial Court

and their fiefdoms increase!

The former Emperor

wants to tax them.

Both sides raise armies.

The future is dark.

There won't be a war.

Do your work in peace!

Buy!

Tomorrow, it will be too late!

The war is at your doors!

Bandits in the mountains,

pirates on the sea!

The courtiers are incompetent!

Buy, while you still can!

The warriors of the Ta??ra Clan!

The victors over the revolt

in the west!

Attention, look!

The palanquins of the Temple!

Prostrate yourselves!

Dismount!

Let them pass!

These monks!

The palanquins serve

to screen their crimes!

Move back!

Be prostrate before the sacred

palanquins of Mount Hiei!

Prostrate, dogs!

The Emperor himself

bows before them!

They carry the spirits

of the royal ancestors.

Are you going to obey?

These are our prisoners,

vanquished pirates of the west.

Excuse them!

Prostrate!

For the glory of His Majesty,

we, Captain Tadamori

and son,

defeated the pirates

of the west

and return this day to our homes.

You took your time!

It is 4 months since you received

His Majesty's order.

Is that not so?

We are sorry!

The enemy forces were large.

The battle was fierce.

That's no excuse!

It is your job to fight!

Can we speak of this with

His Majesty in person?

Impossible!

The visit of the Mount Hiei monks

regarding the Onjo Temple

preoccupies His Majesty.

I am sorry.

My men returned victorious.

Can they hope for

an Imperial message?

What pretension!

Do you forget the social status

of the samurai?

Get out!

Is Tadamori there?

I want to congratulate him.

Majesty,

it would be an unprecedented gesture.

Please refrain.

He must be rewarded

for his victory.

He cannot expect anything!

He only did his duty.

Rich samurai

would become a danger!

I could ennoble him...

Your goodness is infinite.

But to raise his status

would spoil him.

A samurai must live

in poverty

to remain a valorous warrior.

The Master is home!

Where is my husband?

He died in battle.

Our enemies were

more numerous than we.

Honor his memory.

He died as he wished

to die. Don't cry!

They fell as warriors,

a smile on their lips!

And my son?

He was a hero.

Pray for his soul.

Did your father miss you?

Where is Mother?

At a reception

at Lord Nakamikado's house.

We sent word ahead

of our return.

She could have waited for us.

We shall have to sell

a horse, my son.

Use the money to buy sake

to celebrate our victory.

Buy food too!

Welcome, young Master!

Those monks were furious at you!

It's a good thing

everything went well!

Tell me, will your victory

make you rich?

You think!

I have come to sell this horse.

- Give me your best price.

- Do you really want to?

For a good price.

Drink as much as you want!

I hoped that we would be received

at the Temple.

But there is no chance of that now.

I was sorely mistaken.

Drink therefore, friends,

and refresh your minds!

Kiyomori!

Your first campaign

was hard fought. Drink!

Drink and forget

your disappointments!

Let's drink, friends.

Drink and sing!

Let's go friends, be happy!

Everyone, drink and be cheerful!

Your sadness offends my father!

We don't feel happy.

Drink, you will forget your pain.

What's the matter with His Majesty?

The courtiers slander us,

I hate them!

These are our rulers!

Our deaths and our injuries

mean nothing to them!

Patience!

Your complaints are futile!

Our duty is to fight.

How can you tolerate it?

The courtiers treat us like dogs!

Is this just?

We are tired

of fighting for them!

We die uselessly!

It cannot continue!

Listen to me!

We are wild flowers

hidden in the soil until

they bloom in springtime.

It is winter for us.

We await the spring!

Let's drink and sing!

It's our fate, some say,

to be born and to die...

Life is a dew...

fragile and quickly scattered.

The breath of the storm

carries away the petals

of our happy moments.

I am back.

I don't reproach you for being away.

But I came home

and you should have been here.

Your place is here.

Do you believe me so frivolous?

I went to make representations

on your behalf,

attempting to get

a just reward for you.

Did you ask Tokinobu Fujiwara

to intercede for you?

No.

It is said that he did so

and that he has been

punished for it.

Punished?

That is none of our business.

Although he is a Fujiwara,

Tokinobu has no more influence

at Court than you do.

Why did he interfere?

Why would he grieve himself so?

I thought that this time, finally

you would be ennobled.

We were married

by order of Emperor Shirakawa.

If you were clever,

our situation would change.

In the present climate,

I see little hope of that.

Poverty does not bother you,

I know.

But I am of noble birth,

and I suffer.

Even more so in the summer...

oh, to give boating parties!

Even more so!

Can you carry a message?

If I didn't have children...

What, Mother, would you do?

I would have left a long time ago.

Shigeko, pass me the skeins.

Also those which are dyed.

Tokitada!

Are you going to

the market again?

That's none of your business!

It is not appropriate!

A young man of your rank

shouldn't be mixed up

in cockfighting.

I am only a poor noble!

Are you not ashamed?

Is the Master at home?

Who's asking?

Kiyomori Ta??ra.

Give him this.

These are wonderful!

Don't touch them!

They will make magnificent fabrics.

Are they for the young Lady

of the house?

I don't think you quite understand...

Are you the son of Tadamori?

I am touched by his letter.

I thought it unjust

that His Majesty didn't reward him.

I said so.

The Ministers took offence.

They exiled me to the library.

But I prefer

the company of books

to that of fools!

To celebrate

your father's victory,

and to wish him long life,

let's drink to his health.

Who is this?

My daughter, Tokiko.

Take care of our guest.

Your hands are all stained.

The dye is persistent.

I did my best.

She likes to dye and to weave.

Charming pastime!

It is a necessity

for our family.

She lost her mother very young.

Her education has been

left wanting.

Education is not

everything in life!

Although noble, I hardly benefit

from the advantages of my rank

and cannot offer

a luxurious life to my children.

Please, have another drink.

I come to say goodbye.

Forgive our poor hospitality.

I hope that I

did not insult you earlier.

Not at all!

I found you very frank!

You are a noble, but you work?

Because we are poor

and I like to work.

My father hides his bitterness.

Come to see him often.

Tokitada! Stay here!

Catch him!

Return home!

Don't you interfere!

Where are you going?

To the cockfights.

Come with me.

To bet?

Be reasonable.

Return home.

Are you siding

with my sister already?

What a brave boy!

Are you Tokiko's younger brother?

Yes. She is tiresome!

You are ungrateful!

She is marvelous!

Do you come here often?

I like this place.

Why?

Here, my worries fade.

Here, people live their lives

with all their strength.

Me, I come to win

a little money!

Thieves, assassins, all

come to satisfy their thirst.

And they are happy! Look!

They are not responsible

for the general disorder.

The monks and the nobles,

who grow fat,

are the true swindlers!

Don't be so severe.

My father is a noble.

But he makes a virtue

of his poverty!

And we die of hunger!

I sometimes envy them.

They have luck too.

More than I do, at least.

We didn't order anything.

That customer told me to serve you.

Is it you?

Which fair wind brings you?

I came to buy

some Chinese commodities.

Why so generous?

It is not for me.

My friend wants to speak to you.

Are you the son of Tadamori?

Accept it

with my compliments.

Banboku is a merchant.

Your father would not see him.

He is desperate to speak with you.

What did you want from my father?

To trade on the western seas.

We cannot speak here.

Come to my home,

where it is quieter.

I have company.

The fight is about to begin.

I have to go.

You are welcome here.

All these goods come

from China. They are rare things.

Your father is feared

by the pirates.

However, they control

the western seas.

Through them,

one can import rare goods.

I would like to do business

with them.

You want me to intervene

to make you some money.

I will be content

with a little.

No one else thought of it yet.

We can all profit from it!

My father will refuse.

He knows only his duty

as a samurai.

I know, but you could

persuade him.

The Captain will not cede.

Even to his son.

He is a loyal man who has supported

the Lady of Gion for 20 years.

He never complained.

The Lady of Gion?

Who do you mean?

Don't you know?

Tell me? Who is it?

Your mother.

Don't talk rubbish.

My mother cannot be questioned.

The Noble Ladies are attached

to the apartments of His Majesty.

Have you not seen the lantern

coat-of-arms at the Temple of Gion?

It bears the name of Tadamori.

No, why?

It is a homage to the bravery

of Captain Tadamori.

It was twenty years ago.

A very beautiful courtesan

lived in Gion.

Emperor Shirakawa was

enamored of her

and visited her often at night.

She was called the Lady of Gion.

Always accompanying His Majesty,

were your father

and Lesada, his servant.

One evening,

it had rained heavily...

A ghost, there!

You frightened His Majesty!

Who are you?

A servant of the Temple.

Save me, I beg you!

Have mercy!

He was a poor devil!

Don't laugh!

Tadamori could have killed him!

Give him a drink.

He has the calm courage

of the samurai.

You seem to forget

your own emotions!

The Lady of Gion was seduced

by his bravery.

A short time later,

the Emperor ennobled her

and married her to your father.

You were born shortly after.

A few months too early...

Too early?

I could be

the son of the retired Emperor?

That is the rumor.

Come on, drink!

Why do you reject me?

Where am I?

Don't you know?

Don't come near me!

Don't put on grand airs!

You are only

a courtesan's son!

Who told you that?

You spoke of it

with your friend.

He left a long time ago.

Remain here with me.

Lie back!

Stay here!

What's this!?

I can't see in the dark!

Your name?

Where do you think you are?

These are sacred weapons,

a commoner doesn't have

the right to touch them.

Excuse me.

You wear the hairstyle

of the Ta??ra clan.

I apologize.

He runs quickly!

We could have tapped him

for some cash.

Just a worthless boy!

Lesada!

Is it you, Master?

You are back very late!

Hurry off to bed.

Come here!

What happened?

What happened to you?

Answer me honestly.

I must know.

Is it true that I am not

my father's son?

Who told you that?

Banboku, a merchant,

and Mitsuto also told me

that it was true.

I am

the son of Shirakawa,

the retired Emperor.

Did he tell you that?

He had no right

to say such things.

And do you believe

this vulgar man?

Come on, let's go to sleep!

You must know the truth!

- I don't know anything.

- Liar!

You were with my father

when the Emperor was visiting

the Lady of Gion.

Tell me if I am his son!

Tell me!

Very well, I shall tell you.

It is true,

I went with your father.

It was an autumn evening...

His Majesty is here!

Stop him!

Go!

You are quiet?

Why did he run away?

What happened here?

Speak!

Excuse me, forgive me.

Who is the child's father?

This man?

You are cruel.

You are still a common whore!

Why did you let him flee?

To divert the shame from me?

You are going

to marry this woman.

Me?

She carries a child,

it doesn't matter whose it is.

If you marry her,

all will be back in order.

Don't you want to marry her?

That is everything that I know.

I could be

a monk's son?

I don't know.

Whose son am I?

The Master loves you,

as one loves his own child.

I believed I was the son

of a samurai.

Then I believed I was the son

of the Emperor.

Now I could also be

the son of a debauched monk!

Explain that to me!

Don't try to

understand now.

Get some sleep...

It does not matter

who your father is.

You are strong and courageous.

Are you not happy with that?

You speak very eloquently,

but I cannot agree.

Let me leave this house.

Thank you for everything.

Calm down.

Kiyomori will apologize to you.

There is no excuse.

Mother

and you, Father,

whose son am I?

You heard him!

He persists!

Tell him that

I am innocent!

Who else can your father be?

Mother, you must know.

Tell me!

How dare you?

For twenty years,

I have lived

as a samurai's wife,

for the sake of our children,

and this is my reward!

This house is

no longer my home!

Don't leave us!

If I offended you,

I beg your forgiveness.

My brothers are so young!

Stay!

Release me!

Don't leave us!

If you are a mother,

stay to comfort me.

My decision is final.

You are not a mother!

You dare to insult

the Emperor's mistress!

Say that again!

Let her go.

She always despised our clan.

Father,

tell me the truth.

Whose child did you raise?

The son of the Emperor,

treated considerately

or the son of a debauched monk,

elevated for mercy's sake?

You ramble.

You are my son.

"The Temple of Hakusan

has been destroyed by fire,

and its lands are, consequently,

confiscated by

the Provincial Government."

These are the orders of the Court

of the Monk-Emperor.

This temple belongs to

the Order of Mount Hiei.

We won't accept

this decision!

You will be punished

if you disobey.

We remain faithful to our Order.

We defy

the Provincial Government!

The Temple has thousands

of peasants in its domain

we won't let them

die of hunger!

Your arguments are just.

But the decision remains.

This decision was taken

by the retired Emperor.

But, in reality

it is from here that

Japan is governed.

We ask the Emperor Tobu

to dismiss this decree!

It is of little value to you,

Prime Minister.

What shall we do?

The peasants come

to ask us for asylum,

there are thousands of them.

If you take the estates,

you take responsibility

for them too.

Would it not be just

to accede to their request?

The policies of the Monk-Emperor

require that we confiscate all estates

named in the decree.

He would not make exceptions,

even for the Order of Mount Hiei.

So our Order enjoys no privilege?

For centuries,

we have been

the spiritual heart

and unconditional supporters

of the Imperial Throne!

In the present circumstances,

it will be necessary for us

to withdraw that support.

Do you want that?

What do you think?

Could the matter not

be reconsidered?

We regret bothering Your Majesty,

but we are worried.

May I ask for some indulgence

for the Order of Mount Hiei?

A Prime Minister

should not be subject

to such petty fears...

Their demands concerning this estate

must be rejected.

Is Captain Ta??ra here?

He waits to be received.

We designate Captain

Tadamori for this campaign,

because of his bravery

and his humility

at the time of his return

from the western seas.

Gather our men.

An expedition?

To Kaga province.

We need three hundred warriors.

We leave on campaign.

Warn the men.

Saddle the horses!

Check the weapons!

We are going to subdue a revolt

by the monks of Hakusanji.

Did you accept?

It is an order.

I don't agree!

You must come with me.

Have you forgotten our return

from the west?

Should we sell

another horse?

Calm yourself!

His Majesty recognized my merits.

I cannot disobey.

And did he honor you?

I understand the meaning

of his favors.

His Majesty married a mistress

of the ex-Emperor Shirakawa

just as you married my mother.

He too believes that his son

is that of Emperor Shirakawa.

This situation explains

the sympathy between you.

Shut up!

Are you anticipating his respect?

Me, no!

Dwell no more on the secret

of your birth.

Please, don't patronize me!

If it is thus,

don't come with me.

I kept you waiting.

Who was that?

Minister Anenokoji.

You receive a lot of people.

If a pirate chief comes,

let me know.

You're joking!

Not at all.

I want to live like a pirate

or a bandit,

not fight for the monks

or the courtiers!

I understand you.

But think, please.

The pirates are outlaws.

This nation is yours to take,

if you want it!

How's that?

The times change.

The Court, the nobles,

depend on the samurai,

to collect their taxes.

The hour of the samurai is near.

Besides, I had wind

of excellent news.

His Majesty, most satisfied

with your father's services

in the campaign

against the monks of Hakusanji,

has awarded him an estate

and ennobled him.

My Father, at Court!

An unprecedented fact!

To him, it means nothing...

It's not a matter

for your father alone.

The destiny of the samurai awaits.

Besides, you are the son

of Emperor Shirakawa.

Noble blood flows in your veins.

You will achieve high rank.

Be patient!

Never mind my father!

I want to live my life!

Not to depend on anyone!

You speak well! That pleases me!

Sell me your future.

I bet my fortune

on you. Do you want it?

I agree. Let's begin.

I already have something

to ask you.

Give me silk.

Is that all?

Why do you laugh?

Is your Mistress here?

Announce me.

A visitor, Mistress.

I brought you this.

I thought

that you would appreciate it.

What pretty silk!

Chieko, come to see!

Why such a sumptuous gift?

It is nothing.

Don't worry,

I won't always be

a poor samurai.

Did I ever mention it?

Your rank has never been

important to me!

You are right.

I would like a kimono

like that one.

It is yours.

I wove it for you.

Thank you.

Since my mother's departure,

no one takes care of me.

My father requested it for you.

But I made it for you!

I am happy that it pleases you.

Your carriage is ready, Master!

Let's drink to the health of our Master!

We celebrate the honor

given to your Father. Come!

A charitable gesture?

Don't say that!

Come with us.

Is Captain Tadamori there?

What happened?

A plot!

Where is Captain Tadamori?

He left for the Palace.

Kiyomori also?

No, he is here.

What is it?

Your father is in danger.

The courtiers want

to murder him tonight.

They can't accept

a samurai becoming

a dignitary of the Empire!

The cowards!

They won't kill him!

The banquet is nearly finished.

Are you ready?

Tadamori is a tough warrior.

Be clever and prudent.

Your father is back

in the great hall.

This banquet was

a rare pleasure for me.

You are beautiful, Lady of Gion!

You flatter me!

I suffered so much

as a samurai's wife.

The elevation of Tadamori

must gladden you.

Don't be ridiculous,

he will always be

just a vulgar samurai.

I am afraid that he will be

a very mediocre courtier!

We will educate him.

If your solitude is too great,

come to see me.

I am honored

of your invitation.

Come with some young girls

and pretty dancers.

So that's the reason

you want me to come to you!

Are you jealous?

Where are the guards?

Tadamori is coming.

All of you leap out and kill him!

Wait for my signal.

Don't move!

I am the son of Tadamori.

I heard you.

Just you try to kill him now!

To speak of plots

is offensive enough.

But to enter the Palace

with weapons, with warriors,

is even worse!

What have you to say

in his defense?

The custom is that the son

of a samurai attends

to his father's last moments.

With sword in hand?

For a good reason, it seems.

My son is not to blame.

I am ready to assume all

responsibility for his behavior!

You admit your transgression.

I ask therefore

that Tadamori be deprived of its title

and stripped of his estates.

But they were given to him

by the former Emperor!

His crime falls

under our jurisdiction.

Don't fear

the Monk-Emperor!

I have orders to conduct Tadamori

to the Temple of the Monk-Emperor.

Him again!

What shall we do now?

Tadamori, go!

They are back! There they are!

- There are only three!

- Where is the Master?

Where is the Master?

Don't be afraid.

The courtiers failed,

so now they are trying

to blame the Master

for our intervention.

The cowards! The traitors!

Isn't he still in danger?

Let's go to his aid!

My father

is with the Monk-Emperor.

Let's wait calmly for his return.

Finally, Father!

Minister Yorinaga

wanted us condemned,

you and I, together.

But I am the only guilty party!

I took on the responsibility

for this offence.

But the Monk-Emperor appreciated

your courageous attitude

and that of our brave warriors.

What an honor!

We are happy!

You must be tired.

Go take a rest.

Your promptness in coming

to my aid comforted me.

I was much saddened

by your indifference.

As soon as I knew

that you were in danger,

I ran to you, Father.

Of course,

I wanted to protect you

but also,

I wanted to show them

that nothing will prevent

the samurai achieving power.

Don't fear anything,

whatever they say.

You became a man, my son.

This business ended

well for us,

but Tokinobu has been banished

from the Court.

He made the mistake

of warning us,

and has been condemned for it.

The Fujiwara Clan has been banished,

and their estate seized.

Can he be part of ours?

I would like to marry Tokiko.

I didn't know!

At my age, one misses

all manner of things!

You are Kiyomori's brother-in-law?

I always enjoy a feast!

I want to drink,

pass me your bowl.

There are others!

I want this one.

Fool!

You think that I'd drink from

a bowl soiled by samurai lips?

You insult us!

Do you want to fight?

I am your man!

These monks are rogues.

And they are too many

for those boys!

They are monks of the Hiei Mount.

They won't last long.

What is it?

I would like a stream

in this garden.

It would be convenient

to dye my skeins,

and I could weave

kimonos for you, Father,

and you, my husband.

This house is too old

to be altered.

You need a new one

now that you are married.

This one is no longer

suitable for your status.

We will keep it for ourselves.

I don't wish to change.

I want to end my life here.

No. Think of your future and

build the house that you need.

Tokitada, your brother-in-law,

is wounded.

- He fought the monks!

- The monks?

- Where is he?

- Under the porch.

Close the gates!

I fought with some monks!

How imprudent!

They provoked me!

Why didn't you try to flee?

They rushed upon us.

I had told you to be careful!

They provoked him deliberately

because he joined our clan!

Open the gates!

I am Kiyomori Ta??ra.

What's this shouting on my doorstep?

Deliver Tokitada up to us,

and his friend!

They wounded our monks

and insulted us!

Bring them to us!

I refuse!

You provoked this incident yourselves!

You embarrass the robes

that you wear!

You harbor our enemies!

Fear our wrath!

They must repent!

Our palanquins carry the

souls of dead Emperors.

The Court respects them

and confides in our priests!

Kiyomori dared to oppose

our authority.

We cannot tolerate it.

Without reference to us,

our estate of Hakusanji

has been given to the Ta??ras!

The Monk-Emperor

rejects our complaints

and turns away from us!

The peasants of the estate suffer.

Don't abandon them!

Must we use force?

Yes or no?

Make haste to the Capital!

Let's carry the palanquins

into the City.

They will be scared to death!

Let's carry the palanquins!

Are you alone?

Where is Tadamori?

He's appearing before the

Ministers with his son.

Bring them here.

They are innocent.

The sacred palanquins

may arrive at any moment.

Protecting the Ta??ras will

provoke the monks.

Let us convene the Court.

Tadamori is ready to sacrifice himself

for Your Majesty.

I don't want that.

No one can withstand

the palanquins.

Tadamori, won't you speak?

You rely on the Monk-Emperor?

Surrender Tokitada and his friend

before the palanquins arrive.

To protect them is a provocation.

You don't have the right to do it

not as clan chief,

and not as magistrate.

These young men won't die.

Punish the blasphemous priests!

Insolence!

How dare you speak here thus!

You endanger the Throne!

You will lose your estates!

You are banished from the Court!

Get out!

You should never have had

a place among us! Leave!

You, throw this samurai out!

One moment.

Let me try one last thing.

The monks of Mount Hiei

want vengeance against our clan!

I undertake to put a end

to this dispute.

Presumptuous young man!

We won't forget these words!

Will you face the monks alone?

The Master is back.

Master! You are home!

Father!

Too late!

Your mother is here.

What does she want?

She abandoned her family.

She may not enter here!

Big brother!

Surely she has come to

mourn our father.

Forgive her!

I am going to get her.

You brought misfortune

on this house.

It is all your fault.

Tokitada,

accept your responsibilities.

The Ta??ras are in danger.

Kiyomori accepted us

into his clan,

and allied with us.

We don't have the right

to ruin him.

Surrender yourself.

I asked him.

He won't hear of it.

Why this fan?

He held it between his hands

as he died.

While dying...

In his hands?

Do you know what it means?

I don't know.

I can tell you

now that he is dead.

Tadamori wrote this poem.

The first line of it is

"The fruit of your loins is born.

Oh, Procreator!"

The second line was written

by Emperor Shirakawa.

"Keep him, with my blessing."

Now you understand.

These verses explain

and prove your identity.

They were written down

to leave a permanent record.

You are the son

of Emperor Shirakawa.

Tadamori, while dying, wanted

to send you this final message.

No one can contest

your lineage now.

Come with me to the Palace.

Mother!

I am an illegitimate child.

I can rely on myself alone.

I am confident of my own strength.

And what of a mother's love?

You want to disavow your heritage,

to die miserably

far from home?

Father devoted his life

to the Emperor's service.

He died persecuted by the Court!

I want to destroy

the part of me

that is the blood of Shirakawa!

Don't say such a thing!

Get out of here!

Take her away!

The monks of Mount Hiei march

with the palanquins!

Let me surrender!

- Please.

- Please let us.

Bring me my armor.

Sir! It's terrifying!

You won't stop me!

Why would I want to?

The future belongs to you.

Continue!

I am with you.

You are on the right path.

You bet on me.

You are going to see!

Prepare yourselves!

Neither the Imperial Court

nor the Monk-Emperor

agreed to our demands

for restitution!

It is unacceptable!

It is a shame!

They disown the tradition

and the faith of their forebears.

We cannot retreat any further.

Our prestige is at stake!

Let's give them proof of the power

of the palanquins!

To the Temple

of the Monk-Emperor!

Let's take the palanquins!

Silence! Listen to me!

Quiet!

Let's listen to what he has to say.

Kiyomori, do you surrender

the criminals to us?

Tokitada and his friend are here.

They are yours.

But the punishment must be shared.

Your men

sought out the quarrel.

If you touch either of them,

the palanquins will answer to me.

You are mad!

Even the Emperor respects them!

On your knees! Sacrilege!

Shut up, monks!

It's not the gods

who persecute men!

Maybe the palanquins

are sacred.

But in the hands of you rogues,

they are sullied.

They are weapons of the devil!

Blasphemous words!

They contain the souls of

Emperors from centuries past!

You will go straight to Hell!

You are a sinner

and you will die damned!

Watch this!

Father,

the superstition that reigned

over this country for 300 years,

vanished at the

points of my arrows...

The Mount Hiei monks

vowed to see me dead,

the Court is in chaos.

But the people

and some nobles too,

are with me.

I feel it,

the big moment approaches.

Whenever it arrives, Father,

I won't be afraid!

I will be worthy of you.

Have confidence in me.

I like this song.

I composed it

for your pleasure,

in honor of this day.

You are as erudite

as you are beautiful!

We can learn much

from each other.

There is your mother.

She has a troupe of dancers.

It was her original profession.

She must be happy with them.

Keep away from

the Lord's party.

Nobles and courtiers,

amuse yourselves while you may!

The end of your reign approaches.

Tomorrow belongs us.

English Subtitles: NiX for FileHeaven

From the French by Daniel JEAN