THE DOWNFALL OF OSEN
A Kenji Mizoguchi Film
Original Story:
Kyoka Izumi
Director:
Kenji Mizoguchi
Cast:
Daijiro Natsukawa
as Sokichi Hata
Isuzu Yamada
as Osen
Ichiro Yoshizawa as Fuboku
Shin Shibata as Kumazawa
Tadashi Torii as Amaya
Genichi Fujii as Matsuda
Junichi Kitamura as Heishiro
Shizuko Takizawa as Osode
Eiji Nakano as Professor
Power failure for
all trains!
Please wait
for a while!
We sincerely
apologize!
Please wait
for a while!
Power outage for
all trains!
North-bound ones
are out!
South-bound
broke down!
On top of this downpour,
all trains out of service!
Such a terrible downpour,
Professor!
You reckon?
Bet that cosmopolitan beauty
has today off from
a nearby bordello!
Beautiful snow-white skin
with alluring hair and neckline!
Quite a vamp!
Bet poison
got to her brain.
A beauty
brought to her ruin.
What a pity!
Such rumors being whispered
in the background while
a man stares in the direction of
the forest of Kanda Shrine in this rainstorm.
Sokichi.
Study hard there.
The woman who is being rumored about is
sitting inside the stuffy waiting room.
She too stares in the
direction of the forest.
Wait!
Don't do anything rash!
Running away like that!
Seriously!
Miss,
come back with us.
Watch it!
Get lost,
you loser!
Damn it!
He drew his sword!
Guys, take her!
Quick!
Come, Miss Osen.
Let's go back.
They're no threat!
Forget about them.
Come back home with me.
Alright?
Excuse me, sir?
Sir?
Oh,
thank you.
TRADITIONAL ART OFFICE
Home, sweet home, eh?
Osen?
Why so grumpy?
Making me
your prey again, huh?
Hold your temper.
Listen to your man.
Trick them
nicely and fully.
We need all the money
we can get.
It's starting to
get out of hand.
I'll go buy some time
with the client.
Once we get the money,
Amaya,
you play the antique dealer.
Got it?
Who's this
little stripling?
Oh this?
Just some stray dog
Miss Osen brought back.
Move it!
You dumbo!
She's a rare find!
A true beauty!
She's very happy to
have found favor with you.
As I mentioned before,
the client is
in Sendai.
It could be
Taiwan or Hokkaido,
as long as
the money is right.
That's all!
It all comes down
to money.
You see,
my sister here
worked in Sukiyacho
entertaining guests just until recently.
Please take this.
When may I come
to take her?
She'll be going so far away,
so I'd like to show
my little sister
a bit of Tokyo.
Nah,
don't worry.
I'll bring her
within a few days.
You surely introduced me to
a terrible person!
What's this?
Something wrong?
Trusted Kumazawa
with the scroll.
I can hardly do
temple repairs.
Pay us the money or
we'll report to the police!
Plan to sell it off
and walk away?
You think you can
get away like that?
Didn't I tell you enough times that
Monk Fuboku needs money urgently?
I, Kumazawa, give you my word
as a true gentleman.
I ask you to
please trust me!
But he has
suffered great misfortune.
With the fire that destroyed both
his temple and its living quarters.
Because he needs money
to rebuild the temple,
he has gone so far as to
sell off temple treasures.
We won't take your offer
for the Buddha statues,
but you must pay us
for the scroll!
I understand, but he should have
delivered the money by now.
That antique dealer!
So unreliable!
Good evening.
I apologize for being late.
I rushed over to
your house with the money.
They told me you were here,
so I rushed over.
Please make sure.
The owner of
the antique shop Jurakudo.
Please excuse us
for a moment.
How's Osen?
Don't worry.
Matsuda's got Osen covered.
Please reconsider our offer
about the statues.
They are over there.
Amazing!
From the Tempyo Period and
the Tang Dynasty!
I would love to
buy them.
That'll boost
my shop's reputation!
But they are very valuable pieces,
unlike the scroll earlier.
Trust, indeed, is the most
important thing here.
Come here!
Now!
Damn it!
What a disgrace!
How dare you!
You rat!
You hurt my reputation!
Calm down here.
Don't be so violent.
Don't ever step into
my house again!
Such a disgrace!
It's not that
we don't trust you.
Calm down.
There's nothing we can do
if you're so upset.
Just that they are
very valuable statues.
Hey,
antique dealer!
Stop it!
I've had enough!
"The greatest despairs is indeed
the greatest hope. "
I refuse such
a preposterous scheme!
You can live
your life in luxury!
They say, "Cheat a monk,
you pay for seven generations. "
You refusing?
Why didn't you shut up and
listen from the beginning?
Insolent whore!
Monk Fuboku
has arrived.
Welcome.
This way, please.
No innocent, nave girl
gets drunk!
Get that?
This...
is a little unexpected.
We're merely giving fate
a helping hand here.
Where did
that worm go?
You lazy swine!
You dog!
Lolling around, eh!
We've got a guest.
Looks good.
Hands off!
You scared me!
Hey you!
Get the bath ready!
Is she the sister
you were talking about?
All I am is
a painted-up vixen in disguise!
No matter what
those heartless people do.
Promise me...
Promise you won't give up,
okay?
No matter what happens,
I am here to help you,
Sokichi.
Thank you very much.
I have found a mother
and a sister in you.
What's this,
you rat!
Shirking work again?
Get the bath ready!
Now!
Get to it,
you scum!
Please.
I will consider it carefully,
since it is your sister that
we are talking about.
She's hardly
worthy of you.
Please,
have a cup.
Before that,
would you excuse me?
The toilet would be...?
There,
over there.
May I humbly ask for
your sister's hand?
She's not worthy of you,
but if you wish.
Well,
another drink.
Here,
let me shave.
A lunatic
with a razor, huh?
Don't say that.
After all, we do need to make you look
as pretty as possible.
Hey kid!
Get some warm water
in a bowl!
Show me your face,
you urchin!
Hold still!
I'm far from perfect.
But he's good practice.
Leave him alone!
Come on!
What difference does it make?
He can lose
an eyebrow or two!
Then come on!
Try shaving off mine first!
I'd rather die than
do what you people say!
Hey!
Don't lose
your temper at me!
Calm down!
I'm sorry, I am!
Go get changed!
Hurry up!
'"Everlasting heaven and earth,
distant past and present.
A man of small figure commits
an audacious deed. "'
Just completed school this spring,
am I right?
And now,
learning music.
Her voice when chanting
must be lovely!
Come here,
over here.
This is such a
fortunate blessing.
With the temple rebuilt soon and
such a beautiful bride,
I feel very blessed.
Hello.
What did you
come here for, huh!
How dare you
show up!
Come here!
No, no, no, hold it for a second.
Listen to me.
Wait,
Mr. Kumazawa.
We must remain cordial here.
Let's stop this bickering.
Please,
leave it to me.
You've come about the statues,
I presume?
No need to tell me.
Come,
over here.
Come.
Well then.
First,
have a cup.
I have left the matter completely to
Mr. Kumazawa here.
So rest assured.
Our game's on,
Osen.
Come with me.
It's starting to
get frosty.
You must
be freezing.
This is a
thin kimono.
No,
I can bear it.
I can bear anything.
For the sake of Grandma
who waits alone for me back home.
I dressed your late father in
his kimono just as now...
when he left
for Tokyo to study.
Come back
a great doctor
like your grandfather
and father.
I know that my tears of joy will
bring back light to these old eyes.
Grandma,
until I come back,
you mustn't let
anything happen to yourself.
Her sweet grandson's first journey.
The old woman was
forever looking in the direction he left
with her blind eyes.
Sokichi, study hard and
come home once you succeed!
Show me
some hakama.
A bit more
discount?
It already is
a bargain.
I see.
I'll take it then.
Well, just the kimono
this time.
SAISEl SCHOOL
I pray that you can
go to school like them soon.
I pray,
every day.
I think we met because
your grandma's
loving hearth called on me to
watch over you like a sister.
See you at
my place later.
Matsuda's wife is perfectly aware of
your plans for my sister.
Mr. Matsuda gave us 5 yen
for carting the statues to
Tsukiji from the temple.
I can buy the books
I nedd now.
And go to school
from tomorrow!
I can't allow you to
use this money!
You're happy to have got it,
but you
don't know
the whole story.
Ill-gotten money.
I don't want you to come to harm
by using this.
I'll manage your tuition...
You must return this.
Go return it now!
Alright,
okay.
Let's party now!
We did it!
A great victory!
He'll become a great man one day.
I can't let him use ill-gotten money.
Come here, kiddo!
Have a bite.
I'm returning
this money here.
What's that?
Here.
What for?
Keep it!
I gave it to you!
But...
This money is unclean.
I don't want it!
Huh?
You said
'"unclean'"?
Shut up!
You insolent urchin!
You impudent bugger!
Who do you think
you are!
We took pity and brought you home,
you nasty stray dog!
Take this!
Now,
hold it there.
Leave it to me.
I've got an idea!
Leave it to me.
Yeah?
You,
come over here.
Kiddo!
Hold still.
We'll "enlighten" you!
See?
'"Enlightened,"
right?
The only way to teach
a rotten whelp like him is
through food,
just like a monkey!
That's right!
No food for you
for the next 4-5 days!
I'll teach you
a thing or two.
How do you like it?
Hungry,
aren't you?
It's good!
It's delicious!
Dying for a bite?
The big job from 10:00!
Guys, wrap it up!
We know that, Boss.
Don't worry!
Got that?
We know,
we do!
Fine,
that's enough for now.
Go buy some
rice crackers.
Here you go.
Here is 10 sen.
Go get that famous
Soma rice crackers with
a bridle-shaped mark!
Got it?
Then go!
Give me some,
please.
Oh,
thank you!
I want some!
For 2 sen,
please!
Here you go.
Thank you.
Forgive me,
Grandma!
Uh-oh!
Oh, it's you.
Don't scare us!
Give it over here.
Two, four, six...
That's weird!
There isn't enough here!
Hey you!
You rascal!
Where's the remaining
You fool!
Didn't take you long to do this,
did it?
So much for the speech on
"unclean money"!
Well, well...
You're a true master at this!
Don't try to fool us,
you impudent fraud!
Your kimono too!
Dirty thief!
There!
'"Talent shows itself
right from the start. "
So true!
No!
Wait Sokichi!
Forgive me,
Osen!
I pray for Sokichi's long life
and great education.
Don't think that
it was I who saved you.
It's your grandma's
single-hearted love
that made the gods
rescue you.
It makes me so sad,
feel so helpless
Ever since Kumazawa
made me his with power,
my life has only been
a mindless toil.
Sold to bordellos,
then made to run away.
What's more,
now I'm forced to commit
a heartless deed.
Makes one
want to die, but
even death isn't
enough.
Even the gods must
take pity on such
wretched people as us.
Sokichi!
Wake up,
stupid monk!
Shut up!
As if that's going to
get the monk!
I won't be preyed on
any longer.
What's going on?
You must be brave,
Sokichi!
You double-crossing
bitch!
Do as you like!
The lotus flower will take me
to Paradise!
Dead or alive, no one
cared for a rag doll like me!
But Sokichi's pure heart has
shown me the truth and
given me back my soul!
From now on,
no matter how long or short,
I'll live my life
with dignity!
You saved me from
calamity.
You have
the spirit of a Bodhisattva.
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
PAWNSHOP
Sorry that
I kept you waiting.
SAISEl SCHOOL
You must be
freezing!
Don't worry about me.
Be off to school!
Oh, wait!
Have these bean rice cakes
on the way.
But... I'm fine!
Please,
you have them.
I feel bad.
I didn't get to cook you
breakfast today.
Please,
take it with you.
You can't possibly study on
an empty stomach.
Osen scraped money together.
She barely paid Sokichi's monthly tuition
and saw him off to school.
Osen returned home and noticed the lamp
as if the last drop of oil was burning out.
It started flickering weakly.
May Sokichi pass his
medical licensing exam soon
and live a happy life.
That is my only
happiness in life.
Hello,
neighbor.
Yes?
I take it that you're
out of food again, huh?
Oh please,
don't say that!
You hear me now?
That's why
I'm telling you to...
Only if you
do as I say.
You surely don't have to
suffer as bad as this.
No initial capital necessary,
you know.
Yes?
You despise it
that much?
A grand design,
isn't it?
Send your brother to school while
you beg me for food!
You rather
both starve?
Perfect!
Lady!
Ma'am!
You'll listen to me?
Then here.
Osen,
did you
grow rich overnight?
I told you it's
a good profession, didn't I?
I didn't prepare
supper tonight.
Let's go eat out.
No, I'll be fine with
the bean rice cakes as usual.
Osen?
Where did these
come from?
It's... nothing.
It'll be horrible
if you catch a cold now.
Your exams are
coming up.
You must eat some good food
and stay healthy.
Come now,
let's go.
The bill.
Eh, huh?
What!
Pickpocketed!
Oh?
Take this for now.
Please!
You must sleep now.
I can't
possibly sleep.
Not while you're studying here.
How could I?
Could it be the man,
who forgot these?
Police!
What're these!
Huh?
A devil of a woman!
Snooping around like that!
My sister would never
do such a thing!
Osen!
Did you really do
something wrong?
Forgive me,
Sokichi.
Your breakfast.
The cooked beans
are there,
in the lidded jar,
and the pickled ginger...
It's covered with
a paper lid.
Osen!
Take care of yourself
and study hard!
Don't ever
lose your heart.
Here is
my prayer for you.
May you rise high in the world,
higher than the sky!
Hey!
I'm sorry!
So sorry!
Oh,
Sokichi Hata!
Hey, Hata!
Professor!
It was indeed where the paper crane fell
that Sokichi was saved.
We apologize for
the delay!
The train will
depart soon!
Medical emergency!
Is there a doctor here?
Any doctor on this train?
Any doctor?
There on the train was a doctor working at
an internal medicine dept. Of
a university hospital
who was well known for
his deep knowledge and skills.
Sokichi Hata.
He had just recently returned home.
Her pulse is
weak.
One look at the woman and
Sokichi stared at her face in disbelief.
There she was, the woman who had...
saved his life and took care of him
like a parent when Sokichi was 17.
Doctor,
I'm very sorry but...
Osen?
Don't you
remember me?
I'm Sokichi.
Sokichi Hata!
Brute!
Men are brutes!
Beasts!
What're you doing
to my Sokichi?
No!
Be careful!
You forgot about me
and your grandma!
THE END