But the Flesh is Weak (1957) Movie Script
NIKKATSU Presents
But The Flesh Is Weak
Cast
Yumeji Tsukioka
Rentaro Mikuni
Ryoji Hayama
Yoko Minamida
Directed by
K Nakahira
Forgive this venture
into unrestrained shamelessness.
Though barely 28, Setsuko Kurakoshi
exudes a refined eroticism.
The attention of her affections,
a lucky man indeed.
She was born and raised in
a disciplined, noble family.
Though the aristocracy was
abolished after the war...
she came of age in an era
typified by the gilded cage.
The family home was marked by
a distant, proper silence.
Most gates are meant to open,
to welcome.
This was there
to keep out the rabble.
1941: Celebrating 2600 years
of Empire in Japan
The entire Fujii clan assembled.
A microcosm of old Japan,
but of no consequence to our heroine.
Grandmother was born
into a samurai family.
But come the Restoration,
she was a modern gadfly.
Setsuko's father,
equerry to the Emperor.
A palace fixture devoted to
archaic poetry and flower arranging.
His beloved wife bore him 9 children.
Her senior uncle, an Army General.
Next in line, a Rear-Admiral.
Neither tasted battle,
both drifted upstream to promotion.
Of the 9 children, 3 were girls.
The eldest, sister Noriko,
followed by Motoko.
While our heroine was named Setsuko.
As a schoolgirl,
she was rather plain.
Tending to a blending of
her mother's mother's mother.
And her father's father's father.
A somewhat snobbish countenance.
Which tends to mark many
of the former nobility.
Setsuko was married off to
wealthy Ichiro Kurakoshi.
She was used to refined,
correct table manners.
Not the noisy grunts and
slurps of a domestic animal.
Such feeding with gusto
initially shocked her.
This revulsion became
a trigger which changed her life.
That and the coarse passion
he brought to their bedchamber.
# Diary
# April 3
MALE (masculinity, virility)
# April 4
# April 5
# April 6
MALE
Only since marriage had she penned
these most masculine of characters.
Such simple, basic ideographs.
With all the more impact
for that simplicity.
Her speech lacks artifice,
she's soft-spoken, business-like.
Maintaining a disciplined
rhythm and speed.
Speech patterns never mastered
by upstarts and the lower classes.
Language and usage born of,
and exclusive to, the nobility.
# 1945
Tokyo Air Raid
Father.
Father!
Father, rise.
Hasten!
Escape we must, Father.
Hasten!
Discipline and breeding uppermost,
even in the most trying of times.
The only time she ever
raised her voice...
This peaceful, dignified life began
to crumble quite by accident.
A chance encounter
2 years ago in the Ginza.
And then again, last year.
# Diary
# Dec. 1 - I again ran into him,
purely by chance.
# He'd lost weight and radiated
a studied, casual masculinity.
# I detected an air of hesitancy,
timidity, perhaps even fear.
# He has barely changed
in the 8 years that have elapsed.
It was an unskilled,
somewhat clumsy, first kiss.
Almost accidental, incremental,
after a sporty episode.
Autumn in the Karuizawa resort.
What?
She treasured her little secret.
It was imperative
she keep it well-hidden.
# Tea Ceremony
I precede you.
# Jul. 15 - I know not why
he fills my mind.
# Jul. 16 - His lips so expressive,
so lyrical.
# The train for Tokyo
is arriving on platform 1.
Good morning.
Morning.
Good morning.
Bye bye Mommy.
Good morning, Teacher.
Tomi?
I'm going out.
If I'm not back in time,
please take care of Kikuo.
That's quite a voice.
How can I help?
You did call and ask me here.
Let introduce my friend, Mr Iida.
Mrs Kurakoshi.
How do you do?
We're eating, then seeing a movie.
It's time you left.
Excuse me.
Do you mind?
Perhaps I could call you later?
Not today.
I see.
Bad taste.
Raunchy, I know.
That's what attracts me.
What happened to that baseball player?
He kept getting out, so I did, too.
One day your husband will find out.
Then I'll apologize.
Is this one a boxer?
No, a professional wrestler.
Let's order steaks.
What is it?
Nothing.
What's up?
Dumped by another woman?
Why not settle down, get married?
A stable marriage and affairs
is far more acceptable.
I ran into Setsuko again.
Which Setsuko is that?
Baron Fujii's daughter.
The pert little snob?
She'd be all grown up now.
Yes, very much so.
# Fujii Family Funeral
Her life had spanned the
reign of three emperors.
The Emperor sent a member of
the Imperial Household to her funeral.
The Kamakura Shrine at 3pm tomorrow.
# Aug. 29 - His behavior is always
somewhat impulsive.
What is it?
The honorable laundry-man
is here, Ma'am.
We do not "honor" the laundry-man.
Tell him to come back later.
Mommy!
I'm home.
I'm going out to play.
But Setsuko did not give up all hope.
It's possible Tsuchiya may
have ventured to her home.
She put store in his boldness.
She yearned for the trouble
it would engender.
She began to despise him.
What a cowardly fellow.
That's quite enough!
You're ever so silly.
You got upset and ended up hating him.
That's proof you really do love him.
You don't even understand
your own heart.
# Perchance that I am,
indeed, in love with him.
# A platonic love, in imagination alone,
perhaps that can suffice?
# Whatever happens,
it must never become physical.
Welcome, Ma'am.
Michiko said..
My younger sister.
Yes, I know her.
She'll donate some artwork to
your upcoming charity bazaar.
That will be very welcome.
What manner of artwork?
Pictures, oil paintings.
She imagines she's talented,
but she's not.
An abstract mish-mash,
I doubt they'll sell.
# I'm beginning to think platonic love
could very well work with him.
You're so worldly, Sis.
You really are.
You really think so?
So very sophisticated.
And so are you, my dear.
Hopefully, you're sufficiently worldly
to help find me a bride.
Wait for the punch-line.
Goodnight, Mommy.
Goodnight, dear.
- Goodnight, Papa.
- G'night son.
I wonder why I'm so tired?
Something sleeping within you,
perhaps?
Must be getting old.
I'll head up now.
Platonic love...
Formally...
Being formally dressed
is no way to enjoy food.
I much prefer to eat naked.
Totally naked?
Didn't all mankind once do so?
Do you always eat while naked?
Sometimes.
Alone?
I have child.
I'm another man's wife.
Your husband I can accept,
but don't speak of your son.
Alright, then...
I'll see you home.
We really shouldn't.
# 'Twas then I knew his love
was deeper than mine.
He showed no guilt
for taking another man's wife.
Setsuko thrilled to the
prospect of possible exposure.
How she wished he could share
her elicit shiver of fear.
But she knew it's not possible.
And, really, of no importance.
She's merely reveling in
the titillation fear brings.
Do you ever intend to take a bride?
Why not?
You've had girlfriends?
Yes, I have.
That one I saw?
No, not her.
How many in total?
Please tell me.
How many?
Welcome home, Ma'am.
Your master?
Retired for the night, Ma'am.
I'm back.
Hello, dear.
I went to a friend's house
and had dinner there.
That sounds good.
# Oct. 9 - Marks the date of
my first conscious lie.
You've lost a little weight.
I wonder.
No offence intended, Ma'am.
Pardon?
Like when a young girl falls in love.
# It's not at all as it was
that first time.
Don't do that.
Who is it?
A visitor, Ma'am.
Oh, it's you Setsuko. Come in.
Am I intruding?
Good timing.
In fact, that's why I called you.
He's too persistent... I'm sick of him.
# I shall maintain my platonic love.
How's the affair coming along?
Has M'lady been bedded yet?
He's not like that.
Men are all the same.
Mr Tsuchiya is not.
That's just what you think.
All part of your
imaginary love affair.
Go on, get angry.
Perhaps I should leave.
Stay. He imagines he's a gigolo,
he won't dare come out.
He has asked me
to go away with him.
A trip away, I expected that.
But I refused.
Whatever for?
If he's such a refined gentleman,
why wouldn't you?
It's unfair to my husband.
Your life is like a soap opera.
Why is that?
You play the part
of a reluctant heroine.
But in truth, you love the drama.
Your virtue always
teetering at the edge.
Take the trip.
A chance to test his gentlemanliness.
And the limits of your platonic love.
Leave it to me, I'll come up with
an excuse for your husband.
# Oct. 27 - I must learn precisely
how much he loves me.
-He's home.
-I'm ready.
How wonderful to see you.
Yes, what a pleasure.
How is your husband?
He's doing very well.
Totally absorbed
in his golf game, though.
Golf? It's good exercise, I hear.
If I had the time,
I'd take it up myself.
But these days,
I'm so busy, I barely get any sleep.
"No leisure for the poor", they say.
I hardly recognized young Kikuo.
He has grown so much
since I was last here.
Japan's foreign policy
is run by children.
An old classmate, a Sovietologist...
I'm seriously considering
wintering in Izu.
Tokyo is far too cold,
it's so much warmer there.
Perhaps rent a small villa.
Good idea.
I'd love to take an exploratory
foray there with Setsuko.
Good idea! The climate there
is similar to California.
I insist you accompany her.
See? It worked perfectly.
Back to the hotel.
No matter how carnal her intent,
if it were not consummated...
then her virtue would remain intact.
Thought Setsuko.
This until now impeccable,
well-bred lady, took the first steps...
that led nowhere else
but to utter ruination.
Welcome, sir.
Your key, sir.
Finally, alone together.
Isn't the sea beautiful?
Would you like to go swimming?
It'll be cold.
Right, it's already autumn.
Tomorrow, let's eat breakfast naked.
Lock the door, both of us naked,
glorying in the sunshine.
Naked? I should say not.
Do you know why I never married?
Because you married another man.
I wept for two days afterwards.
Let's take a walk.
Someone may see us.
Don't worry about that. Let's do it.
Orange juice.
I'm so happy.
How about you?
What's wrong?
Tell me.
My uncle is here.
With those golfers? Did he see you?
I don't think so.
That's good.
Which one is him?
I shall go home.
Go home?
I'm sure they're staying at this hotel.
No need for that.
But I cannot stay here.
Hello.
What are you doing?
The front desk.
That golf party down there,
are they staying the night?
Really? Thank you.
They're going back after
their round of golf.
We've come all this way,
I won't let you get away.
I want all of you.
Isn't that why you're here, too?
What's wrong?
Did you bring me here solely for that?
For what?
Can you marry me?
Me?
Yes, you.
Saying yes would be your ruination.
Isn't that right?
That's all it could ever be.
We both know full well
that's impossible.
We can never be married.
Even if I wanted to, you can't.
Am I being unfair?
I don't care if I am.
All I want is you!
No, don't. Wait.
We mustn't.
You rang, sir?
We need another room.
Certainly.
I've taken another room.
# Why did I refuse him?
For my husband, my child?
Hypocrite!
Your station.
# Last call for passengers
on the Tokyo train.
Welcome back, Ma'am.
Where's your master?
He came home and went straight to bed.
- And Kikuo?
- In bed, Ma'am.
Mistress.
It's Mary from next door.
Who's Mary?
The dog from next door.
She had 7 pups.
Go to bed.
A bath, Ma'm?
I'll take a shower.
Good night, Ma'am.
That you, Setsuko?
I just got back.
How was your villa search?
What's wrong? Go to sleep.
This is unusual for you.
I thought you'd sworn off me?
Not doing it is unnatural.
Unhealthy, too.
It's as if neither of you
is actually human.
He's a good man. His love
for me is pure and sincere.
But there's something
a grubby in there, too.
No, he's totally pure.
Not again.
If he comes, say I'm not here.
Convince him.
She was here, wasn't she?
Damn her.
Tell her she'll pay for this!
What will you do?
He doesn't scare me.
# Nov. 5 Not all men are alike.
# Men the world over are all the same,
except for him.
Excuse me, Ma'am.
Should I be congratulating you?
# Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Have you waited long?
- Sir?
- Later.
I thought you'd never
want to see me again.
I could not leave matters
as they were.
I had to apologize.
You never have to apologize to me.
Did your husband suspect?
Do not speak of him again.
I've made you suffer.
Perhaps I need to apologize.
I won't mention my pregnancy.
It's not his concern.
Shall we order?
We're ready.
It's like a dark cloud over us.
Let's drink it away.
I've brought money today.
Hello there, Mama-san.
Let me introduce my best friend.
No, my elder sister.
Older sister how rude!
This is my lover, my platonic lover.
Another man's wife.
- She broke your heart?
- Exactly.
Ever been heart-broken, Mama-san?
It's a traumatic, hurtful experience.
Don't be dramatic.
Let's dance.
You obviously don't want to.
Then neither do I.
I'll dance with you.
Shall we dance?
Not with a married woman.
Come on in.
This way.
Do you know Mr Tsuchiya?
No, but I do business with his brother.
How do you do?
I'm Tsuchiya.
He bought me dinner.
I ran into him earlier.
I'm a little drunk, excuse me.
Be seated.
Shouldn't you see to him?
No need. I'll go take care of him.
Here you are.
Are you crying?
A walk along the beach?
We haven't been here for a while.
Not like when we were first married.
I must never mention the pregnancy.
Let's go.
I'll go to Tokyo today.
A class reunion.
What about me?
You'll stay here.
If you're good, I'll buy you a present.
If it runs late,
I'll stay over at Yoshiko's place.
My regards to her husband.
Hurry, you'll miss your bus.
I know.
Take care.
# Dec. 3 - I shall keep it to myself.
Never tell another soul.
Please take care.
Mrs Kurakoshi, you're next.
Can you stay overnight?
Yes, I can.
I'm only doing this because
you're Yoshiko's friend.
Just a moment, please.
To Setsuko, it was as if she were
undergoing martyrdom for love.
The physical pain she knew
would come, was penance...
for betraying Tsuchiya
by laying with her husband.
Her self-sacrifice was bereft
of guilt for the life she was ending.
Come through.
I'll apply antiseptic.
In here.
Please.
Yoshiko called and told me everything.
Go away, I don't want you
to see me like this.
Why did you do it?
I'm too weak to bear a child.
That's a lie.
Please marry me.
I was wrong.
I should've asked you years ago.
I can't marry you.
I can never understand you.
If I was of a mind to marry,
I wouldn't be here.
A call for you, Ma'am.
Yes?
Here she is.
Yoshiko's husband.
Hello, Setsuko speaking.
Iidabashi hospital?
I'll go immediately.
Is Yoshiko hurt?
She's been badly mauled.
Call the nurse.
You can't go like this.
I have to.
# Emergency Services Hospital
Die, you bitch!
Die! You deserved it.
You have no idea how a man feels.
You're all the same! Die!
Die!
She insisted on seeing you.
Yoshiko!
He stabbed me.
Darling.
I'm so sorry.
Yoshiko!
# Tycoon's Wife Stabbed to Death
by Spurned Lover
You're looking well, my dear.
You're thinner,
or is it my imagination?
Is your husband well?
Yes.
Shall I bring something?
Yes, a special treat for Setsuko.
It's a fine building.
Yes, it's our men's club now.
It was a former royal residence.
Are my sisters well?
Yes, very well.
I'm meeting with Motoko next.
It must be tiring,
always having to socialize.
Yes, but I enjoy seeing my daughters.
I'm most comfortable sitting,
eating with family.
Look, it's snowing.
I saw that scandal in the newspaper.
Apparently, her husband ended up
resigning his position.
Her name was Yoshiko, wasn't it?
My classmate.
I never imagined she'd be
the type to do that.
Father, let's say...
And I'm merely speculating here.
What would you do
if one of us ended up like that?
I'd have to hand in
my resignation to the palace.
Even if it never became public,
I'd have the obligation to do so.
Fortunately, you're all good girls,
so it's not an issue.
I have to tell you, Setsuko,
I'm really very happy.
Ready, sir.
Shall we?
At that moment Setsuko decided
to cut all ties to Tsuchiya.
And not just to spare
her father any humiliation.
Nor for the sake of her family.
# I wonder how I'd react
if he spirited me away with him?
I'm thinking of moving to Osaka.
My brother has a branch there.
When?
I'm not sure.
Maybe tomorrow, the day after.
I know you may not believe me.
But I have loved you
with every shred of my being.
And I, too.
But, we must part.
No, let's not.
Farewell, dear.
# The train for Tokyo
is arriving on platform 1.
Good morning.
Good morning, Miss.
Dear Mr Tsuchiya, the pain
I feel from leaving you...
is far in excess
of anything I imagined.
For the first time, I realize
just how deep is my love for you.
I know our parting was
far too abrupt and final.
So forgive me for penning
this missive to you.
The shock I feel at
what has transpired...
can be likened to a speeding car
coming to an abrupt halt.
I expected our parting would
bring me a measure of pain.
But I had no idea of
the depth of it's torment.
At this moment, I'm totally shattered.
But I must find, within myself,
the strength to endure.
I have never felt such
a deep, lasting pain.
The sheer tragedy of it
brings me to tears day after day.
So very, very painful.
The depth of my pain is indicative
of the depth of my love for you.
Though you are gone from my sight...
my entire body yearns for you.
My tears flow for you alone.
Thoughts of you fill my mind.
You cannot know
how I long to rush to your side.
But doing so would surely
destroy those around me.
For both our sake's
we must make this great sacrifice.
Our happiness would only bring
tragedy to others.
But I must not think of that.
Mine is to make and bear the sacrifice.
I do so love you dearly.
A love that brings only pain.
I must do my best to endure the pain.
I'll not do anything rash.
As a last request, can I ask you
to pen me a final letter?
Despite the pain and the suffering...
I must take this time
to thank you dearly...
for all the happy memories
you have blessed me with.
# To my most beloved
# Yours alone, Setsuko
The End
But The Flesh Is Weak
Cast
Yumeji Tsukioka
Rentaro Mikuni
Ryoji Hayama
Yoko Minamida
Directed by
K Nakahira
Forgive this venture
into unrestrained shamelessness.
Though barely 28, Setsuko Kurakoshi
exudes a refined eroticism.
The attention of her affections,
a lucky man indeed.
She was born and raised in
a disciplined, noble family.
Though the aristocracy was
abolished after the war...
she came of age in an era
typified by the gilded cage.
The family home was marked by
a distant, proper silence.
Most gates are meant to open,
to welcome.
This was there
to keep out the rabble.
1941: Celebrating 2600 years
of Empire in Japan
The entire Fujii clan assembled.
A microcosm of old Japan,
but of no consequence to our heroine.
Grandmother was born
into a samurai family.
But come the Restoration,
she was a modern gadfly.
Setsuko's father,
equerry to the Emperor.
A palace fixture devoted to
archaic poetry and flower arranging.
His beloved wife bore him 9 children.
Her senior uncle, an Army General.
Next in line, a Rear-Admiral.
Neither tasted battle,
both drifted upstream to promotion.
Of the 9 children, 3 were girls.
The eldest, sister Noriko,
followed by Motoko.
While our heroine was named Setsuko.
As a schoolgirl,
she was rather plain.
Tending to a blending of
her mother's mother's mother.
And her father's father's father.
A somewhat snobbish countenance.
Which tends to mark many
of the former nobility.
Setsuko was married off to
wealthy Ichiro Kurakoshi.
She was used to refined,
correct table manners.
Not the noisy grunts and
slurps of a domestic animal.
Such feeding with gusto
initially shocked her.
This revulsion became
a trigger which changed her life.
That and the coarse passion
he brought to their bedchamber.
# Diary
# April 3
MALE (masculinity, virility)
# April 4
# April 5
# April 6
MALE
Only since marriage had she penned
these most masculine of characters.
Such simple, basic ideographs.
With all the more impact
for that simplicity.
Her speech lacks artifice,
she's soft-spoken, business-like.
Maintaining a disciplined
rhythm and speed.
Speech patterns never mastered
by upstarts and the lower classes.
Language and usage born of,
and exclusive to, the nobility.
# 1945
Tokyo Air Raid
Father.
Father!
Father, rise.
Hasten!
Escape we must, Father.
Hasten!
Discipline and breeding uppermost,
even in the most trying of times.
The only time she ever
raised her voice...
This peaceful, dignified life began
to crumble quite by accident.
A chance encounter
2 years ago in the Ginza.
And then again, last year.
# Diary
# Dec. 1 - I again ran into him,
purely by chance.
# He'd lost weight and radiated
a studied, casual masculinity.
# I detected an air of hesitancy,
timidity, perhaps even fear.
# He has barely changed
in the 8 years that have elapsed.
It was an unskilled,
somewhat clumsy, first kiss.
Almost accidental, incremental,
after a sporty episode.
Autumn in the Karuizawa resort.
What?
She treasured her little secret.
It was imperative
she keep it well-hidden.
# Tea Ceremony
I precede you.
# Jul. 15 - I know not why
he fills my mind.
# Jul. 16 - His lips so expressive,
so lyrical.
# The train for Tokyo
is arriving on platform 1.
Good morning.
Morning.
Good morning.
Bye bye Mommy.
Good morning, Teacher.
Tomi?
I'm going out.
If I'm not back in time,
please take care of Kikuo.
That's quite a voice.
How can I help?
You did call and ask me here.
Let introduce my friend, Mr Iida.
Mrs Kurakoshi.
How do you do?
We're eating, then seeing a movie.
It's time you left.
Excuse me.
Do you mind?
Perhaps I could call you later?
Not today.
I see.
Bad taste.
Raunchy, I know.
That's what attracts me.
What happened to that baseball player?
He kept getting out, so I did, too.
One day your husband will find out.
Then I'll apologize.
Is this one a boxer?
No, a professional wrestler.
Let's order steaks.
What is it?
Nothing.
What's up?
Dumped by another woman?
Why not settle down, get married?
A stable marriage and affairs
is far more acceptable.
I ran into Setsuko again.
Which Setsuko is that?
Baron Fujii's daughter.
The pert little snob?
She'd be all grown up now.
Yes, very much so.
# Fujii Family Funeral
Her life had spanned the
reign of three emperors.
The Emperor sent a member of
the Imperial Household to her funeral.
The Kamakura Shrine at 3pm tomorrow.
# Aug. 29 - His behavior is always
somewhat impulsive.
What is it?
The honorable laundry-man
is here, Ma'am.
We do not "honor" the laundry-man.
Tell him to come back later.
Mommy!
I'm home.
I'm going out to play.
But Setsuko did not give up all hope.
It's possible Tsuchiya may
have ventured to her home.
She put store in his boldness.
She yearned for the trouble
it would engender.
She began to despise him.
What a cowardly fellow.
That's quite enough!
You're ever so silly.
You got upset and ended up hating him.
That's proof you really do love him.
You don't even understand
your own heart.
# Perchance that I am,
indeed, in love with him.
# A platonic love, in imagination alone,
perhaps that can suffice?
# Whatever happens,
it must never become physical.
Welcome, Ma'am.
Michiko said..
My younger sister.
Yes, I know her.
She'll donate some artwork to
your upcoming charity bazaar.
That will be very welcome.
What manner of artwork?
Pictures, oil paintings.
She imagines she's talented,
but she's not.
An abstract mish-mash,
I doubt they'll sell.
# I'm beginning to think platonic love
could very well work with him.
You're so worldly, Sis.
You really are.
You really think so?
So very sophisticated.
And so are you, my dear.
Hopefully, you're sufficiently worldly
to help find me a bride.
Wait for the punch-line.
Goodnight, Mommy.
Goodnight, dear.
- Goodnight, Papa.
- G'night son.
I wonder why I'm so tired?
Something sleeping within you,
perhaps?
Must be getting old.
I'll head up now.
Platonic love...
Formally...
Being formally dressed
is no way to enjoy food.
I much prefer to eat naked.
Totally naked?
Didn't all mankind once do so?
Do you always eat while naked?
Sometimes.
Alone?
I have child.
I'm another man's wife.
Your husband I can accept,
but don't speak of your son.
Alright, then...
I'll see you home.
We really shouldn't.
# 'Twas then I knew his love
was deeper than mine.
He showed no guilt
for taking another man's wife.
Setsuko thrilled to the
prospect of possible exposure.
How she wished he could share
her elicit shiver of fear.
But she knew it's not possible.
And, really, of no importance.
She's merely reveling in
the titillation fear brings.
Do you ever intend to take a bride?
Why not?
You've had girlfriends?
Yes, I have.
That one I saw?
No, not her.
How many in total?
Please tell me.
How many?
Welcome home, Ma'am.
Your master?
Retired for the night, Ma'am.
I'm back.
Hello, dear.
I went to a friend's house
and had dinner there.
That sounds good.
# Oct. 9 - Marks the date of
my first conscious lie.
You've lost a little weight.
I wonder.
No offence intended, Ma'am.
Pardon?
Like when a young girl falls in love.
# It's not at all as it was
that first time.
Don't do that.
Who is it?
A visitor, Ma'am.
Oh, it's you Setsuko. Come in.
Am I intruding?
Good timing.
In fact, that's why I called you.
He's too persistent... I'm sick of him.
# I shall maintain my platonic love.
How's the affair coming along?
Has M'lady been bedded yet?
He's not like that.
Men are all the same.
Mr Tsuchiya is not.
That's just what you think.
All part of your
imaginary love affair.
Go on, get angry.
Perhaps I should leave.
Stay. He imagines he's a gigolo,
he won't dare come out.
He has asked me
to go away with him.
A trip away, I expected that.
But I refused.
Whatever for?
If he's such a refined gentleman,
why wouldn't you?
It's unfair to my husband.
Your life is like a soap opera.
Why is that?
You play the part
of a reluctant heroine.
But in truth, you love the drama.
Your virtue always
teetering at the edge.
Take the trip.
A chance to test his gentlemanliness.
And the limits of your platonic love.
Leave it to me, I'll come up with
an excuse for your husband.
# Oct. 27 - I must learn precisely
how much he loves me.
-He's home.
-I'm ready.
How wonderful to see you.
Yes, what a pleasure.
How is your husband?
He's doing very well.
Totally absorbed
in his golf game, though.
Golf? It's good exercise, I hear.
If I had the time,
I'd take it up myself.
But these days,
I'm so busy, I barely get any sleep.
"No leisure for the poor", they say.
I hardly recognized young Kikuo.
He has grown so much
since I was last here.
Japan's foreign policy
is run by children.
An old classmate, a Sovietologist...
I'm seriously considering
wintering in Izu.
Tokyo is far too cold,
it's so much warmer there.
Perhaps rent a small villa.
Good idea.
I'd love to take an exploratory
foray there with Setsuko.
Good idea! The climate there
is similar to California.
I insist you accompany her.
See? It worked perfectly.
Back to the hotel.
No matter how carnal her intent,
if it were not consummated...
then her virtue would remain intact.
Thought Setsuko.
This until now impeccable,
well-bred lady, took the first steps...
that led nowhere else
but to utter ruination.
Welcome, sir.
Your key, sir.
Finally, alone together.
Isn't the sea beautiful?
Would you like to go swimming?
It'll be cold.
Right, it's already autumn.
Tomorrow, let's eat breakfast naked.
Lock the door, both of us naked,
glorying in the sunshine.
Naked? I should say not.
Do you know why I never married?
Because you married another man.
I wept for two days afterwards.
Let's take a walk.
Someone may see us.
Don't worry about that. Let's do it.
Orange juice.
I'm so happy.
How about you?
What's wrong?
Tell me.
My uncle is here.
With those golfers? Did he see you?
I don't think so.
That's good.
Which one is him?
I shall go home.
Go home?
I'm sure they're staying at this hotel.
No need for that.
But I cannot stay here.
Hello.
What are you doing?
The front desk.
That golf party down there,
are they staying the night?
Really? Thank you.
They're going back after
their round of golf.
We've come all this way,
I won't let you get away.
I want all of you.
Isn't that why you're here, too?
What's wrong?
Did you bring me here solely for that?
For what?
Can you marry me?
Me?
Yes, you.
Saying yes would be your ruination.
Isn't that right?
That's all it could ever be.
We both know full well
that's impossible.
We can never be married.
Even if I wanted to, you can't.
Am I being unfair?
I don't care if I am.
All I want is you!
No, don't. Wait.
We mustn't.
You rang, sir?
We need another room.
Certainly.
I've taken another room.
# Why did I refuse him?
For my husband, my child?
Hypocrite!
Your station.
# Last call for passengers
on the Tokyo train.
Welcome back, Ma'am.
Where's your master?
He came home and went straight to bed.
- And Kikuo?
- In bed, Ma'am.
Mistress.
It's Mary from next door.
Who's Mary?
The dog from next door.
She had 7 pups.
Go to bed.
A bath, Ma'm?
I'll take a shower.
Good night, Ma'am.
That you, Setsuko?
I just got back.
How was your villa search?
What's wrong? Go to sleep.
This is unusual for you.
I thought you'd sworn off me?
Not doing it is unnatural.
Unhealthy, too.
It's as if neither of you
is actually human.
He's a good man. His love
for me is pure and sincere.
But there's something
a grubby in there, too.
No, he's totally pure.
Not again.
If he comes, say I'm not here.
Convince him.
She was here, wasn't she?
Damn her.
Tell her she'll pay for this!
What will you do?
He doesn't scare me.
# Nov. 5 Not all men are alike.
# Men the world over are all the same,
except for him.
Excuse me, Ma'am.
Should I be congratulating you?
# Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Have you waited long?
- Sir?
- Later.
I thought you'd never
want to see me again.
I could not leave matters
as they were.
I had to apologize.
You never have to apologize to me.
Did your husband suspect?
Do not speak of him again.
I've made you suffer.
Perhaps I need to apologize.
I won't mention my pregnancy.
It's not his concern.
Shall we order?
We're ready.
It's like a dark cloud over us.
Let's drink it away.
I've brought money today.
Hello there, Mama-san.
Let me introduce my best friend.
No, my elder sister.
Older sister how rude!
This is my lover, my platonic lover.
Another man's wife.
- She broke your heart?
- Exactly.
Ever been heart-broken, Mama-san?
It's a traumatic, hurtful experience.
Don't be dramatic.
Let's dance.
You obviously don't want to.
Then neither do I.
I'll dance with you.
Shall we dance?
Not with a married woman.
Come on in.
This way.
Do you know Mr Tsuchiya?
No, but I do business with his brother.
How do you do?
I'm Tsuchiya.
He bought me dinner.
I ran into him earlier.
I'm a little drunk, excuse me.
Be seated.
Shouldn't you see to him?
No need. I'll go take care of him.
Here you are.
Are you crying?
A walk along the beach?
We haven't been here for a while.
Not like when we were first married.
I must never mention the pregnancy.
Let's go.
I'll go to Tokyo today.
A class reunion.
What about me?
You'll stay here.
If you're good, I'll buy you a present.
If it runs late,
I'll stay over at Yoshiko's place.
My regards to her husband.
Hurry, you'll miss your bus.
I know.
Take care.
# Dec. 3 - I shall keep it to myself.
Never tell another soul.
Please take care.
Mrs Kurakoshi, you're next.
Can you stay overnight?
Yes, I can.
I'm only doing this because
you're Yoshiko's friend.
Just a moment, please.
To Setsuko, it was as if she were
undergoing martyrdom for love.
The physical pain she knew
would come, was penance...
for betraying Tsuchiya
by laying with her husband.
Her self-sacrifice was bereft
of guilt for the life she was ending.
Come through.
I'll apply antiseptic.
In here.
Please.
Yoshiko called and told me everything.
Go away, I don't want you
to see me like this.
Why did you do it?
I'm too weak to bear a child.
That's a lie.
Please marry me.
I was wrong.
I should've asked you years ago.
I can't marry you.
I can never understand you.
If I was of a mind to marry,
I wouldn't be here.
A call for you, Ma'am.
Yes?
Here she is.
Yoshiko's husband.
Hello, Setsuko speaking.
Iidabashi hospital?
I'll go immediately.
Is Yoshiko hurt?
She's been badly mauled.
Call the nurse.
You can't go like this.
I have to.
# Emergency Services Hospital
Die, you bitch!
Die! You deserved it.
You have no idea how a man feels.
You're all the same! Die!
Die!
She insisted on seeing you.
Yoshiko!
He stabbed me.
Darling.
I'm so sorry.
Yoshiko!
# Tycoon's Wife Stabbed to Death
by Spurned Lover
You're looking well, my dear.
You're thinner,
or is it my imagination?
Is your husband well?
Yes.
Shall I bring something?
Yes, a special treat for Setsuko.
It's a fine building.
Yes, it's our men's club now.
It was a former royal residence.
Are my sisters well?
Yes, very well.
I'm meeting with Motoko next.
It must be tiring,
always having to socialize.
Yes, but I enjoy seeing my daughters.
I'm most comfortable sitting,
eating with family.
Look, it's snowing.
I saw that scandal in the newspaper.
Apparently, her husband ended up
resigning his position.
Her name was Yoshiko, wasn't it?
My classmate.
I never imagined she'd be
the type to do that.
Father, let's say...
And I'm merely speculating here.
What would you do
if one of us ended up like that?
I'd have to hand in
my resignation to the palace.
Even if it never became public,
I'd have the obligation to do so.
Fortunately, you're all good girls,
so it's not an issue.
I have to tell you, Setsuko,
I'm really very happy.
Ready, sir.
Shall we?
At that moment Setsuko decided
to cut all ties to Tsuchiya.
And not just to spare
her father any humiliation.
Nor for the sake of her family.
# I wonder how I'd react
if he spirited me away with him?
I'm thinking of moving to Osaka.
My brother has a branch there.
When?
I'm not sure.
Maybe tomorrow, the day after.
I know you may not believe me.
But I have loved you
with every shred of my being.
And I, too.
But, we must part.
No, let's not.
Farewell, dear.
# The train for Tokyo
is arriving on platform 1.
Good morning.
Good morning, Miss.
Dear Mr Tsuchiya, the pain
I feel from leaving you...
is far in excess
of anything I imagined.
For the first time, I realize
just how deep is my love for you.
I know our parting was
far too abrupt and final.
So forgive me for penning
this missive to you.
The shock I feel at
what has transpired...
can be likened to a speeding car
coming to an abrupt halt.
I expected our parting would
bring me a measure of pain.
But I had no idea of
the depth of it's torment.
At this moment, I'm totally shattered.
But I must find, within myself,
the strength to endure.
I have never felt such
a deep, lasting pain.
The sheer tragedy of it
brings me to tears day after day.
So very, very painful.
The depth of my pain is indicative
of the depth of my love for you.
Though you are gone from my sight...
my entire body yearns for you.
My tears flow for you alone.
Thoughts of you fill my mind.
You cannot know
how I long to rush to your side.
But doing so would surely
destroy those around me.
For both our sake's
we must make this great sacrifice.
Our happiness would only bring
tragedy to others.
But I must not think of that.
Mine is to make and bear the sacrifice.
I do so love you dearly.
A love that brings only pain.
I must do my best to endure the pain.
I'll not do anything rash.
As a last request, can I ask you
to pen me a final letter?
Despite the pain and the suffering...
I must take this time
to thank you dearly...
for all the happy memories
you have blessed me with.
# To my most beloved
# Yours alone, Setsuko
The End