Hanzo the Razor: Who's Got the Gold? (1974) Movie Script
1
TOHO COMPANY, LTD.
A KATSU PRODUCTION
Hey, look.
The shogunate treasury.
It's filled with gold pieces, big and small.
Maybe that's why carp grow so big here.
Lots of them are two to three feet long.
Let's get some to eat with our drinks.
It'll give us lots of stamina.
Then I'd like to go to Yoshiwara -
And make courtesans weep with joy.
"I'm so glad you came."
- Wait up!
- Let go!
A woman ghost?
Interesting. Take me there.
To see the ghost?
Please, don't make us go back.
What did she look like?
- Her face was like -
- Yeah, her face -
I want to make love to a ghost once.
To a ghost?
Are you serious?
A man would like it once.
Do you mean it?
A ghost would have a cold body.
I bet
it'll be pretty tight down there.
You think he's losing his mind?
A ghost has no legs.
How can he make love to one?
She'll grow legs
after seeing that giant tool of his.
But a ghost has no lower part.
- A ghost can't make love.
- You're right.
Even if he has a huge tool, it's no use.
The lights!
Funny-looking face.
Worth making love to.
Submit to the law.
Where are you going, Master?
Master!
Pull them up.
Why are these bamboos so heavy?
Like iron or lead balls.
Show me your face.
Open your legs.
Let me see.
A ghost, but nothing's missing.
Take her.
Take out the bamboo poles.
You hit the jackpot, Master!
Why were they there?
Brand new gold pieces.
- You're right!
- Where'd they come from?
Edo Castle treasury.
What?
Even if you manage to steal them,
it's impossible to get them
out of the castle.
There are many guards.
I see. A smart idea.
Who stole them?
I don't know.
The ghost knows.
This ghost?
The thief wants the bamboos,
but is afraid of prying eyes.
And men like you go near them.
So a ghost was used to scare them away.
I see.
Who made you become a ghost?
I'll see what a ghost tastes like.
Get ready!
HANZO THE RAZOR: WHO'S GOT THE GOLD?
Produced by SHINTARO KATSU
and HIROYOSHI NISHIOKA
What are you doing?
What -
Screenplay by
YASUZO MASUMURA
Cinematography by
CHISHI MAKIURA
Music by
HIDEAKI SAKURAI
Lower her.
Cast
SHINTARO KATSU
KO NISHIMURA
MAKO MIDORI
MIKIO NARITA, ASAO KOIKE
and ETSUSHI TAKAHASHI
Directed by
YOSHIO INOUE
- Please.
- Like this?
Who told you to become a ghost?
Tell me.
That's -
You won't?
I'll stop, then.
Please don't stop.
Continue.
I see.
Confess, then.
My...
husband.
What does he do?
His duty is...
to guard the treasury.
Treasury official?
His name?
What's his name?
She couldn't have picked a better moment.
Put her down.
It's all done.
Master.
Who are you?
Hanzo Itami,
I'm Chozaburo Kato,
guarding the shogunate treasury.
Why kill her?
A samurai's wife, raped by you.
As her husband, I punished her.
If she'd lived a little longer,
she would've confessed everything.
Stealing the gold you guard.
Impudence!
Submit to the law!
We treasury guards are petty officials.
We're paid very little.
So what?
As it is, we'll starve to death.
To live, we must steal.
Samurai are samurai until they die.
They don't steal
even if they starve to death.
You're not real samurai.
Devoid of a samurai's mercy.
I'll kill you!
Whose idea was it to use the bamboo?
Not you petty samurai.
Who's the mastermind?
No one.
We were at our wits' end.
Enough. Kill him!
We can't let you live!
I can't kill you.
Kill him!
Who's the mastermind?
Confess.
Not going to tell me?
Then -
Hanzo, I'll tell you.
It's -
Hanzo, the elder's waiting.
Be prepared.
NORTH MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE
I, Onishi, chief officer,
have brought Hanzo Itami.
Bow.
This is Elder Hotta
and North Magistrate Yabe.
Bow.
The elder controls
shogunate government policies.
He's far higher in rank than us.
- Bow.
- Don't be so formal.
Hanzo Itami, you killed treasury thieves.
And recovered the money.
Accept your reward.
It is a great honor for me also,
his superior officer.
The reward money.
Accept it and thank them.
I can't accept it.
Fool. Don't waste this.
Why aren't you satisfied?
Samurai in low positions
can't make ends meet.
They stole out of dire necessity.
It was merciless of me to kill them.
So I can't accept it.
Samurai who steal are beasts.
You did right.
It'll affect the government
if all become beasts.
Hold your tongue, petty officer.
The first shogun opened
the Edo Shogunate 250 years ago.
Samurai studied the martial arts,
Confucius and Mencius.
They should continue to do so.
Money is in the hands of merchants.
Prices are shooting up.
They can't survive like in the old days.
There you go again.
You've just been rewarded, remember?
Poverty cannot demean samurai.
Samurai have become
too extravagant nowadays.
Samurai should be frugal.
What are you doing
to your superior? Let go.
Where are you going with the money?
Returning it.
Don't make me laugh.
Are you one to return it?
Nonsense!
You - Hanzo!
Brand new pieces of gold, too.
Hand it over so I can return it.
- What's this?
- You don't need to.
I'm indebted to you, so take the money.
All for me?
I'll keep one.
Wait. Are you serious?
Really? This will help me a lot.
Don't tell anyone.
It's our secret, understand?
Wait, wait. It's a promise.
You've got your good points.
Great.
My lord!
Please hear my last wish.
Please read this.
I have no intention of listening to you.
Begone.
- My lord!
- Insolence!
Stay away from me!
I'm forbidden entrance now,
but I was the lord's doctor for a long time.
I risked my life to appeal to him.
Don't stop me.
Lord, Japan is headed for extinction.
We must adopt Western ways
as soon as possible
and use cars and ships with steam engines.
- Looms will enrich our land.
- Nonsense!
Japan should stay with her old customs.
But...
can we fight cannons with swords and spears?
We'll lose and become a colony
ruled by foreigners.
Be silent!
How dare you read forbidden books
and defame the government.
Arrest him.
I, Onishi, am here.
Arrest him.
Make it your merit.
What are you thinking?
Hey, are you sick?
Doctors neglect their own health.
Are the Western ways you talk about
so wonderful?
Even if I'm not executed,
I'll only live a month.
I'm prepared to die.
Only a month?
I regret it that I couldn't persuade him.
I'm a criminal under arrest.
You're an officer.
Why are you hiding me?
You'll only live a month?
I was the elder's doctor.
There's no mistake.
How do foreign cannons differ from ours?
In power of destruction.
Ours only fire bullets.
Cannonballs explode, blasting
everything within four kilometers.
- They don't miss their target.
- I get it.
And you -
Can you make one?
Yes, but I don't have any copper.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of that.
It's best to show stupid men the real thing.
This is your room starting tonight.
What is it?
Thank you.
This is no joke hiding a criminal.
What's the idea?
And that cough of his.
It's bad, very bad.
I know what it is.
What?
The master's tired of women.
He wouldn't.
Not while he has us.
Master!
- Snake is coming!
- Awfully mad!
Hanzo!
Are you in?
Hanzo! What did you do
with the rebel doctor?
He's not in prison!
What is it with your attitude?
This is no time to ignore your superior.
The truth is,
on the way there,
I wasn't alert enough...
and he got away.
What? He escaped?
The elder ordered his arrest.
You think you can get away with that excuse?
What about my position!
Hara-kiri.
Hara-kiri?
Fool, fool, fool!
I just received orders to see the elder.
You go too.
Die in his presence.
I won't die.
I'm way above you in rank.
I won't. You do it, understand?
HOTTA
Say, Snake.
Remember where you are.
Who are these men?
What? Don't you know?
That's why I asked.
I'll tell you. They want jobs.
The one the elder speaks to will succeed.
Mend your ways or you'll join them.
I, Onishi, am here at the elder's orders.
Is today the day you study the koto?
A suitable pursuit for my wife.
Study and become good at it.
I shall obey your wishes.
Onishi.
Hanzo let Genan Sugino escape?
As chief officer, what will you do?
Yes, sir -
I'm sorry.
I promise to arrest or kill him in a month.
Certain?
If I fail,
I will commit hara-kiri
with Chief Officer Onishi.
Fool! Don't talk too much!
I, Onishi, will make him commit hara-kiri!
I'd order you to die at once,
but you recovered treasury money.
I'll wait a month.
The lord's departing!
You've made a habit of this.
I'm Shuzen Matsuzaka.
I'm Denkuro Mukai.
I am Kyonosuke Murao.
I'm Genta Torii.
Please accept this rare bizen kanemitsu.
A bizen kanemitsu?
It's a famous sword.
What do you wish to be?
A chief guard, my lord.
I see.
You'll be informed about it soon.
I am honored.
I'm Sukezaburo Nakagawa
I'm Kenzaburo Matsuda
I am Kazunoshin Hirota.
Wait, wait.
Heisuke Takei, haven't decided yet?
What, my lord?
About the Nagato Aoe spear, your heirloom.
I've asked for it often.
That is a family treasure.
I cannot give it away, even to an elder.
If you offer it to me,
I'll grant your wish
to be in charge of the horses.
Think it over.
Go.
Say, Heisuke.
Hanzo?
It's been some time.
- You're well?
- Well, yes.
I missed you.
How many years has it been?
Stop the palanquin.
Your voice - You're Heisuke Takei?
Priest Kengyo Ishiyama.
Teaching Lady Hotta the koto today?
What I lent you.
The day to return it is drawing near.
Yes, I know.
I'll return it on the day it's due.
That's fine.
That red hilt. Who's he?
Bansaku Tonami, I think.
Kengyo's bodyguard.
Come home with me.
I'll treat you to a drink.
Master.
Wait a minute.
Check up on Kengyo Ishiyama
and his bodyguard Bansaku Tonami.
Don't bungle it.
Let's go.
Only a spear.
Why not give it to him and succeed?
Nonsense. I'm a samurai too.
I won't use my family treasure as a bribe.
Why hang on to it?
You were always bad at swordplay,
even as a child.
I still have that lump
you gave me in school.
You were good in studies, though.
If you keep taking these side jobs at home,
what good's your schooling?
If I sit in front of the elder's entrance,
he'll notice me one day.
I'll do it for years.
In rain or wind?
See how it gleams.
The famous purplish one by Nagato Aoe.
An exemplary spear.
Holding it excites my samurai blood.
Samurai?
Let's drink.
Buy more if it isn't enough.
Don't worry about money.
Look.
It's a real gold piece.
How'd you get it?
This work pays so much?
Are you suspicious of me?
It's honest money.
Kengyo lent it to me.
I pay interest.
Can you return it?
Money's always changing hands.
Don't worry. Drink.
Don't make it taste bad.
Come on, drink.
Hey, you'll catch a cold.
Drink up. Drink up.
You can't hold your liquor anymore, can you?
I brought you something.
Take it easy.
Don't collapse halfway through.
It's my obsession.
If my body died, my soul would finish it.
Master.
Master.
Kengyo's a big shot.
Lives in a mansion and has millions of ryo.
Dozens of samurai guard the money.
The leader's Tonami, the Red Hilt.
He used to run a fencing school.
He's awfully strong.
What Kengyo does is
charges titled ladies exorbitant fees
for koto lessons.
He invites them three times a month
to his Plum Mansion.
The plum has five petals, so the dates
are set on the 5th, 15th and 25th.
They have wild parties.
Lady Hotta, they say, goes every time.
What's today?
The 15th.
Good. Let's go.
No, Kengyo's too great.
A blind man of the highest rank.
The highest of the 73 ranks.
Exalted, he's under the temple magistrate.
Beyond our jurisdiction.
We'd be punished for this, wouldn't we?
We'd better not.
Let's not go.
Roll up your sleeves.
Who provides your three meals a day?
You'll be back in jail if I say anything.
The elder's wife?
Please enter.
Entering from the rear?
Hope we get in safely.
Good evening.
Who are you?
We're from the sake shop.
Master Takei sent us here.
Takei? That poor samurai?
He said to deliver this sake cask.
An offering? The fool.
Where shall we take it?
The storehouse.
In there.
Boy, am I surprised.
Stocked full.
Rice, miso paste, soy sauce, charcoal -
It's more than we could eat in a lifetime
Never saw such a wonderful -
What are you doing? Hurry.
Yes, at once.
All copper tiles.
Cost a fortune.
Fill it up. More.
- Drink it down.
- Drink it all at once.
- Drink it.
- Now.
Splendid.
You've gotten stronger.
Nothing's more pleasant
than practicing here.
The usual formalities are forgotten.
It's like a dream.
If I say
it's the day to practice at Kengyo's,
he says to practice more.
But that would be the end of me.
No, no.
You are young ladies,
all just a little past 30.
As common folks say,
in the prime of womanhood.
It is difficult to ask you
to stifle your natural desires.
You understand women.
Who decided to call women loose
for sharing our husband's bed after 30?
Yet the men have
as many young girls as they like.
Heirs are important to the samurai.
So they choose young girls
to bear them more children.
Everything is ready, it seems.
Bansaku,
collect the money due to me
without fail tonight.
The treasury guards I'd rounded up
were all killed.
I must rack my brains again.
That officer must die.
I'll do it soon.
Collect tonight's money first.
I know a better way to spend treasury money.
Meaning?
Never mind.
Leave the thinking to me.
You use your arm.
That hurts!
What're you doing?
It hurts.
Treat me more tenderly.
Who are you?
Shut up!
Hanzo Itami
of the north magistrate's office.
Remember me?
It won't fade.
Branded with plum petals for life.
If I tell your husbands, what will happen?
It won't end in torture or divorce.
You'll be beheaded.
Or you want to report me?
Lady Yumi.
What'll we do?
Answer me.
Hanzo, is it?
Hanzo.
We'll never do such a shameful thing again.
Please forgive us tonight.
Very well.
I will.
But...
I'll be asking you a favor, too.
Listen when I ask you for it.
Hey, handsome.
Say one word about me,
I'll tell their husbands
and have you all killed.
Excuse me.
Return the money!
Return the money you owe!
What's the matter, coward?
We can't leave until you pay the money!
Return the money!
You coward samurai.
Return the money.
You want the blind to die?
Do you know the hate of blind men?
It'll haunt you for seven generations.
Get him!
Coward!
Afraid to come out?
Come out, coward!
Be quiet or you'll be sorry!
Return the money, then.
We came in Kengyo Ishiyama's place
to collect his money.
Pay us now.
The contract says so.
Wait. Wait a little while.
If I'm hired, I'll return it.
Hear that?
He'll return it all.
Can't wait for you to succeed.
Pay it now.
What are you doing?
Hey, he's not paying.
Pay it! Pay it!
Quiet!
It's no use fussing.
I have no money.
You have a spear.
What? A spear?
Yes, a spear made by Nagato Aoe.
It's worth 500 ryo.
In exchange for this contract.
Fools.
I won't even give it up for the elder.
The treasure is my soul.
You can't have it.
- The spear. Hand it over.
- Give us the Nagato Aoe spear.
Hand it over. Hand it over.
Everyone, look at this samurai.
Shut up, blind men!
Go home or I'll kill you.
- Pay the money.
- Quiet!
Wait.
Calling them blind men
and killing them are cruel.
I won't permit it.
There you are, bodyguard.
You still want to live
even as a usurer's dog?
Calling me names now?
Hand over the spear
and I'll spare your life.
Try to get it.
Your head will roll.
Get out of here!
I'm taking it.
Touch it and I'll kill you.
Try it.
Take precautions against fires.
Heisuke.
The spear's gone.
Beautiful music.
I'm almost envious.
Compared to your beauty,
my koto music is far inferior.
Would you play some more?
Yes.
If it will cheer you up,
I'll play as much as you want.
My lord is coming.
Something?
It is about time my lord came.
I wanted to see your plum tattoo.
It's too good to bear.
If it pleases you...
nothing could make me happier.
Entrance of our lord.
Thank you for visiting my wife.
Hearing your koto music,
I am sure Yumi will become well.
I am honored.
Her face seems brighter
than when I saw her this morning.
Yes, I really felt as if I were drunk.
I am sure you did.
I came to visit Lady Hotta today,
but there is one more thing.
I brought you something.
I hope it will make you happy.
What is it?
This is the Nagato Aoe spear.
I heard you were interested in it,
I took steps and finally got it.
The spear I've dreamed about for so long.
Superb.
Kengyo, are you after something?
No, no, not at all.
But if you will give me your permission -
Speak up.
Speak up, I say.
Will you lend us blind men
the shogunate gold in the treasury?
Impossible.
Those are the shogun's war funds.
What is it?
It is nothing.
No, I'll only borrow it a month.
If I lend 10,000 ryo to shogunate vassals,
13,000 ryo will return with interest.
But -
I will return the 10,000 ryo.
Please accept 2,000 ryo of the interest.
I'll take the remaining 1,000 ryo.
Money lying in the treasury is no use to us.
It will make a great amount
if we just move it a little,
the lives of the vassals will become easier
and you will also have more money,
truly killing three birds with one stone.
A good idea, my lord?
Yes.
The government must help the needy.
All right.
Shall I break the government code
to help society and the people?
Open up!
Officer Itami
of the North Magistrate's Office.
Quiet!
We're under the jurisdiction
of the shrine magistrate.
This is no place for you.
I came to borrow real money.
Not 200 or 300 ryo.
Tell Kengyo.
You're Hanzo?
You want to borrow money from me,
but an officer can't return it.
It's safer not to borrow it.
You'd have to hang yourself.
That's not your concern.
I've brought family treasures as collateral.
To you,
they're worth thousands of ryo.
What treasures?
Spears.
Not one or two either.
Take them out.
How about that sound?
Sound nice?
Spears filled with treasury money.
A lot here, too.
What? I know nothing about that.
Wait.
You lead on the treasury guards
and made them steal money.
If I report this, you'll be beheaded.
Nonsense.
Now that I know,
there's no use making a fuss.
Where's the money?
You lent money to Heisuke and to elders.
I even got ahold of one.
With all this proof, you can't get away.
Living up to your name Razor Hanzo,
you found out.
But I've been expecting you too.
You can't get out of here alive.
Kill him.
You had Heisuke killed.
I'd like to kill you.
I'll spare your life, so bring it out.
I will, I will.
Say, someone.
Bring the money Officer Hanzo needs.
I don't want money today.
I'll help myself
to all the copper tiles on the roof.
Copper tiles?
Please do. Please do.
One more thing.
Burn all the contracts of the poor samurai.
If you collect a penny, you'll answer to me.
That's too -
Do you know how harsh the penalty is
for stealing treasury funds?
I can tell the temple magistrate
and have you executed.
I understand.
I won't collect the money I lent.
Good.
Hold on.
There's one more thing.
I'm a poor samurai
without a penny to my name.
I'll be coming to ask for things,
so don't be stingy when I do.
Anything you wish.
Devil-fire. Viper.
The tiles.
We'll melt them and see.
Copper tiles?
Thank you.
I'll start at once.
Here? In this house?
Starting tonight, we're blacksmiths.
- What about our neighbors?
- Idiot!
Tell them I'm poor,
so I'm starting side work.
Get powder from the fireworks shop.
Raise your face, Officer Itami.
The traitor doctor you let escape.
Have you arrested Genan Sugino?
Not yet.
Did you hear that? Not yet?
You promised to arrest him in a month.
I remember.
You do?
You say you remember?
That's tomorrow.
I hear you just stay at home
when you should be out looking for him.
Yes.
- You see? He's like this.
- Hanzo.
The elder told me
to have you report
to his residence tomorrow.
What will you do about it?
I'll do as I'm told to.
It's hara-kiri for you.
Are you prepared?
Who told you to relax?
Your time to die has come.
Your proudest part will
become ashes as well.
I'll pick up your bones.
- Snake.
- What did you say?
- Snake.
- Don't say that!
Snake Magobei.
When I die, I'll take you with me.
- What, why?
- Past favors are soon forgotten, huh?
What's that?
You took the money the elder gave me.
Wait, we promised.
- You took the money -
- Not so loud.
Wait. Wait. I understand.
Escape tonight.
I'll take care of the rest.
Escape? Why should I?
- You took all my money!
- Wait! I understand!
I was wrong. I apologize.
What I said was wrong.
Right, Hanzo?
Hey, Bro.
Are we really taking this thing out?
I didn't think it could be made.
Why did we do this?
Shoot it and it's the end of all Edo.
He doesn't need this.
Got a big cannon himself.
Man's life-span is only 50 years.
It's food for thought.
We're going out.
Master.
You've been good to me a long time.
If we have to carry this thing,
we'd rather -
Roll up your sleeve.
Who feeds you as free men?
If I say anything -
- Send us into exile.
- Please.
This is too crazy.
It's not too late. Quit now.
All right.
Going back to the penal island?
That's fine too.
You've been a great help.
Thanks a lot.
Take care of yourselves
when you're back on the island.
You've done really well.
Onishi.
I ordered Hanzo Itami to come.
I don't see him. Why?
I think he escaped at night.
I'm relieved -
What?
No, an impertinent wretch!
I'll arrest him and cut off his head!
Magistrate officials are all cowards.
I'm speechless.
Kondo.
Take the Nagato Aoe spear.
The lord's departing!
Hold it.
Who's blocking the way?
I'm Genan Sugino.
A fugitive.
This is the cannon I made secretly.
I wish the elder to see how powerful it is.
Please watch carefully.
Kill him.
Are you going to leave me here?
Don't run! Somebody -
Wait! Stop!
Wait, Genan!
Don't shoot!
My lord.
This is the power of a foreign cannon.
Do you understand now?
How is it?
Rebel Genan Sugino.
I'm Officer Hanzo.
I'll kill you.
I kept my promise
and killed Genan when the month was up.
Hanzo!
Good for you. You killed Genan.
I'm proud as your superior.
That's -
The spear is my reward.
No, not that!
You've no right to it.
It belonged to Heisuke Takei.
Hanzo, bow. Bow.
Shut up!
Refuse,
and I'll tell all of Edo
and the shogun of your evil deeds.
What did I do?
You joined Kengyo,
lent out shogunate funds
to pocket the gains.
I've checked.
When did you become the boss of usurers?
You understand?
A smart elder.
Snake.
Glad we weren't fired?
All ready.
HEISUKE TAKEI
You're the one who killed Heisuke Takei.
I'll kill you today.
Heisuke.
Your spear avenged you.
THE END
TOHO COMPANY, LTD.
A KATSU PRODUCTION
Hey, look.
The shogunate treasury.
It's filled with gold pieces, big and small.
Maybe that's why carp grow so big here.
Lots of them are two to three feet long.
Let's get some to eat with our drinks.
It'll give us lots of stamina.
Then I'd like to go to Yoshiwara -
And make courtesans weep with joy.
"I'm so glad you came."
- Wait up!
- Let go!
A woman ghost?
Interesting. Take me there.
To see the ghost?
Please, don't make us go back.
What did she look like?
- Her face was like -
- Yeah, her face -
I want to make love to a ghost once.
To a ghost?
Are you serious?
A man would like it once.
Do you mean it?
A ghost would have a cold body.
I bet
it'll be pretty tight down there.
You think he's losing his mind?
A ghost has no legs.
How can he make love to one?
She'll grow legs
after seeing that giant tool of his.
But a ghost has no lower part.
- A ghost can't make love.
- You're right.
Even if he has a huge tool, it's no use.
The lights!
Funny-looking face.
Worth making love to.
Submit to the law.
Where are you going, Master?
Master!
Pull them up.
Why are these bamboos so heavy?
Like iron or lead balls.
Show me your face.
Open your legs.
Let me see.
A ghost, but nothing's missing.
Take her.
Take out the bamboo poles.
You hit the jackpot, Master!
Why were they there?
Brand new gold pieces.
- You're right!
- Where'd they come from?
Edo Castle treasury.
What?
Even if you manage to steal them,
it's impossible to get them
out of the castle.
There are many guards.
I see. A smart idea.
Who stole them?
I don't know.
The ghost knows.
This ghost?
The thief wants the bamboos,
but is afraid of prying eyes.
And men like you go near them.
So a ghost was used to scare them away.
I see.
Who made you become a ghost?
I'll see what a ghost tastes like.
Get ready!
HANZO THE RAZOR: WHO'S GOT THE GOLD?
Produced by SHINTARO KATSU
and HIROYOSHI NISHIOKA
What are you doing?
What -
Screenplay by
YASUZO MASUMURA
Cinematography by
CHISHI MAKIURA
Music by
HIDEAKI SAKURAI
Lower her.
Cast
SHINTARO KATSU
KO NISHIMURA
MAKO MIDORI
MIKIO NARITA, ASAO KOIKE
and ETSUSHI TAKAHASHI
Directed by
YOSHIO INOUE
- Please.
- Like this?
Who told you to become a ghost?
Tell me.
That's -
You won't?
I'll stop, then.
Please don't stop.
Continue.
I see.
Confess, then.
My...
husband.
What does he do?
His duty is...
to guard the treasury.
Treasury official?
His name?
What's his name?
She couldn't have picked a better moment.
Put her down.
It's all done.
Master.
Who are you?
Hanzo Itami,
I'm Chozaburo Kato,
guarding the shogunate treasury.
Why kill her?
A samurai's wife, raped by you.
As her husband, I punished her.
If she'd lived a little longer,
she would've confessed everything.
Stealing the gold you guard.
Impudence!
Submit to the law!
We treasury guards are petty officials.
We're paid very little.
So what?
As it is, we'll starve to death.
To live, we must steal.
Samurai are samurai until they die.
They don't steal
even if they starve to death.
You're not real samurai.
Devoid of a samurai's mercy.
I'll kill you!
Whose idea was it to use the bamboo?
Not you petty samurai.
Who's the mastermind?
No one.
We were at our wits' end.
Enough. Kill him!
We can't let you live!
I can't kill you.
Kill him!
Who's the mastermind?
Confess.
Not going to tell me?
Then -
Hanzo, I'll tell you.
It's -
Hanzo, the elder's waiting.
Be prepared.
NORTH MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE
I, Onishi, chief officer,
have brought Hanzo Itami.
Bow.
This is Elder Hotta
and North Magistrate Yabe.
Bow.
The elder controls
shogunate government policies.
He's far higher in rank than us.
- Bow.
- Don't be so formal.
Hanzo Itami, you killed treasury thieves.
And recovered the money.
Accept your reward.
It is a great honor for me also,
his superior officer.
The reward money.
Accept it and thank them.
I can't accept it.
Fool. Don't waste this.
Why aren't you satisfied?
Samurai in low positions
can't make ends meet.
They stole out of dire necessity.
It was merciless of me to kill them.
So I can't accept it.
Samurai who steal are beasts.
You did right.
It'll affect the government
if all become beasts.
Hold your tongue, petty officer.
The first shogun opened
the Edo Shogunate 250 years ago.
Samurai studied the martial arts,
Confucius and Mencius.
They should continue to do so.
Money is in the hands of merchants.
Prices are shooting up.
They can't survive like in the old days.
There you go again.
You've just been rewarded, remember?
Poverty cannot demean samurai.
Samurai have become
too extravagant nowadays.
Samurai should be frugal.
What are you doing
to your superior? Let go.
Where are you going with the money?
Returning it.
Don't make me laugh.
Are you one to return it?
Nonsense!
You - Hanzo!
Brand new pieces of gold, too.
Hand it over so I can return it.
- What's this?
- You don't need to.
I'm indebted to you, so take the money.
All for me?
I'll keep one.
Wait. Are you serious?
Really? This will help me a lot.
Don't tell anyone.
It's our secret, understand?
Wait, wait. It's a promise.
You've got your good points.
Great.
My lord!
Please hear my last wish.
Please read this.
I have no intention of listening to you.
Begone.
- My lord!
- Insolence!
Stay away from me!
I'm forbidden entrance now,
but I was the lord's doctor for a long time.
I risked my life to appeal to him.
Don't stop me.
Lord, Japan is headed for extinction.
We must adopt Western ways
as soon as possible
and use cars and ships with steam engines.
- Looms will enrich our land.
- Nonsense!
Japan should stay with her old customs.
But...
can we fight cannons with swords and spears?
We'll lose and become a colony
ruled by foreigners.
Be silent!
How dare you read forbidden books
and defame the government.
Arrest him.
I, Onishi, am here.
Arrest him.
Make it your merit.
What are you thinking?
Hey, are you sick?
Doctors neglect their own health.
Are the Western ways you talk about
so wonderful?
Even if I'm not executed,
I'll only live a month.
I'm prepared to die.
Only a month?
I regret it that I couldn't persuade him.
I'm a criminal under arrest.
You're an officer.
Why are you hiding me?
You'll only live a month?
I was the elder's doctor.
There's no mistake.
How do foreign cannons differ from ours?
In power of destruction.
Ours only fire bullets.
Cannonballs explode, blasting
everything within four kilometers.
- They don't miss their target.
- I get it.
And you -
Can you make one?
Yes, but I don't have any copper.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of that.
It's best to show stupid men the real thing.
This is your room starting tonight.
What is it?
Thank you.
This is no joke hiding a criminal.
What's the idea?
And that cough of his.
It's bad, very bad.
I know what it is.
What?
The master's tired of women.
He wouldn't.
Not while he has us.
Master!
- Snake is coming!
- Awfully mad!
Hanzo!
Are you in?
Hanzo! What did you do
with the rebel doctor?
He's not in prison!
What is it with your attitude?
This is no time to ignore your superior.
The truth is,
on the way there,
I wasn't alert enough...
and he got away.
What? He escaped?
The elder ordered his arrest.
You think you can get away with that excuse?
What about my position!
Hara-kiri.
Hara-kiri?
Fool, fool, fool!
I just received orders to see the elder.
You go too.
Die in his presence.
I won't die.
I'm way above you in rank.
I won't. You do it, understand?
HOTTA
Say, Snake.
Remember where you are.
Who are these men?
What? Don't you know?
That's why I asked.
I'll tell you. They want jobs.
The one the elder speaks to will succeed.
Mend your ways or you'll join them.
I, Onishi, am here at the elder's orders.
Is today the day you study the koto?
A suitable pursuit for my wife.
Study and become good at it.
I shall obey your wishes.
Onishi.
Hanzo let Genan Sugino escape?
As chief officer, what will you do?
Yes, sir -
I'm sorry.
I promise to arrest or kill him in a month.
Certain?
If I fail,
I will commit hara-kiri
with Chief Officer Onishi.
Fool! Don't talk too much!
I, Onishi, will make him commit hara-kiri!
I'd order you to die at once,
but you recovered treasury money.
I'll wait a month.
The lord's departing!
You've made a habit of this.
I'm Shuzen Matsuzaka.
I'm Denkuro Mukai.
I am Kyonosuke Murao.
I'm Genta Torii.
Please accept this rare bizen kanemitsu.
A bizen kanemitsu?
It's a famous sword.
What do you wish to be?
A chief guard, my lord.
I see.
You'll be informed about it soon.
I am honored.
I'm Sukezaburo Nakagawa
I'm Kenzaburo Matsuda
I am Kazunoshin Hirota.
Wait, wait.
Heisuke Takei, haven't decided yet?
What, my lord?
About the Nagato Aoe spear, your heirloom.
I've asked for it often.
That is a family treasure.
I cannot give it away, even to an elder.
If you offer it to me,
I'll grant your wish
to be in charge of the horses.
Think it over.
Go.
Say, Heisuke.
Hanzo?
It's been some time.
- You're well?
- Well, yes.
I missed you.
How many years has it been?
Stop the palanquin.
Your voice - You're Heisuke Takei?
Priest Kengyo Ishiyama.
Teaching Lady Hotta the koto today?
What I lent you.
The day to return it is drawing near.
Yes, I know.
I'll return it on the day it's due.
That's fine.
That red hilt. Who's he?
Bansaku Tonami, I think.
Kengyo's bodyguard.
Come home with me.
I'll treat you to a drink.
Master.
Wait a minute.
Check up on Kengyo Ishiyama
and his bodyguard Bansaku Tonami.
Don't bungle it.
Let's go.
Only a spear.
Why not give it to him and succeed?
Nonsense. I'm a samurai too.
I won't use my family treasure as a bribe.
Why hang on to it?
You were always bad at swordplay,
even as a child.
I still have that lump
you gave me in school.
You were good in studies, though.
If you keep taking these side jobs at home,
what good's your schooling?
If I sit in front of the elder's entrance,
he'll notice me one day.
I'll do it for years.
In rain or wind?
See how it gleams.
The famous purplish one by Nagato Aoe.
An exemplary spear.
Holding it excites my samurai blood.
Samurai?
Let's drink.
Buy more if it isn't enough.
Don't worry about money.
Look.
It's a real gold piece.
How'd you get it?
This work pays so much?
Are you suspicious of me?
It's honest money.
Kengyo lent it to me.
I pay interest.
Can you return it?
Money's always changing hands.
Don't worry. Drink.
Don't make it taste bad.
Come on, drink.
Hey, you'll catch a cold.
Drink up. Drink up.
You can't hold your liquor anymore, can you?
I brought you something.
Take it easy.
Don't collapse halfway through.
It's my obsession.
If my body died, my soul would finish it.
Master.
Master.
Kengyo's a big shot.
Lives in a mansion and has millions of ryo.
Dozens of samurai guard the money.
The leader's Tonami, the Red Hilt.
He used to run a fencing school.
He's awfully strong.
What Kengyo does is
charges titled ladies exorbitant fees
for koto lessons.
He invites them three times a month
to his Plum Mansion.
The plum has five petals, so the dates
are set on the 5th, 15th and 25th.
They have wild parties.
Lady Hotta, they say, goes every time.
What's today?
The 15th.
Good. Let's go.
No, Kengyo's too great.
A blind man of the highest rank.
The highest of the 73 ranks.
Exalted, he's under the temple magistrate.
Beyond our jurisdiction.
We'd be punished for this, wouldn't we?
We'd better not.
Let's not go.
Roll up your sleeves.
Who provides your three meals a day?
You'll be back in jail if I say anything.
The elder's wife?
Please enter.
Entering from the rear?
Hope we get in safely.
Good evening.
Who are you?
We're from the sake shop.
Master Takei sent us here.
Takei? That poor samurai?
He said to deliver this sake cask.
An offering? The fool.
Where shall we take it?
The storehouse.
In there.
Boy, am I surprised.
Stocked full.
Rice, miso paste, soy sauce, charcoal -
It's more than we could eat in a lifetime
Never saw such a wonderful -
What are you doing? Hurry.
Yes, at once.
All copper tiles.
Cost a fortune.
Fill it up. More.
- Drink it down.
- Drink it all at once.
- Drink it.
- Now.
Splendid.
You've gotten stronger.
Nothing's more pleasant
than practicing here.
The usual formalities are forgotten.
It's like a dream.
If I say
it's the day to practice at Kengyo's,
he says to practice more.
But that would be the end of me.
No, no.
You are young ladies,
all just a little past 30.
As common folks say,
in the prime of womanhood.
It is difficult to ask you
to stifle your natural desires.
You understand women.
Who decided to call women loose
for sharing our husband's bed after 30?
Yet the men have
as many young girls as they like.
Heirs are important to the samurai.
So they choose young girls
to bear them more children.
Everything is ready, it seems.
Bansaku,
collect the money due to me
without fail tonight.
The treasury guards I'd rounded up
were all killed.
I must rack my brains again.
That officer must die.
I'll do it soon.
Collect tonight's money first.
I know a better way to spend treasury money.
Meaning?
Never mind.
Leave the thinking to me.
You use your arm.
That hurts!
What're you doing?
It hurts.
Treat me more tenderly.
Who are you?
Shut up!
Hanzo Itami
of the north magistrate's office.
Remember me?
It won't fade.
Branded with plum petals for life.
If I tell your husbands, what will happen?
It won't end in torture or divorce.
You'll be beheaded.
Or you want to report me?
Lady Yumi.
What'll we do?
Answer me.
Hanzo, is it?
Hanzo.
We'll never do such a shameful thing again.
Please forgive us tonight.
Very well.
I will.
But...
I'll be asking you a favor, too.
Listen when I ask you for it.
Hey, handsome.
Say one word about me,
I'll tell their husbands
and have you all killed.
Excuse me.
Return the money!
Return the money you owe!
What's the matter, coward?
We can't leave until you pay the money!
Return the money!
You coward samurai.
Return the money.
You want the blind to die?
Do you know the hate of blind men?
It'll haunt you for seven generations.
Get him!
Coward!
Afraid to come out?
Come out, coward!
Be quiet or you'll be sorry!
Return the money, then.
We came in Kengyo Ishiyama's place
to collect his money.
Pay us now.
The contract says so.
Wait. Wait a little while.
If I'm hired, I'll return it.
Hear that?
He'll return it all.
Can't wait for you to succeed.
Pay it now.
What are you doing?
Hey, he's not paying.
Pay it! Pay it!
Quiet!
It's no use fussing.
I have no money.
You have a spear.
What? A spear?
Yes, a spear made by Nagato Aoe.
It's worth 500 ryo.
In exchange for this contract.
Fools.
I won't even give it up for the elder.
The treasure is my soul.
You can't have it.
- The spear. Hand it over.
- Give us the Nagato Aoe spear.
Hand it over. Hand it over.
Everyone, look at this samurai.
Shut up, blind men!
Go home or I'll kill you.
- Pay the money.
- Quiet!
Wait.
Calling them blind men
and killing them are cruel.
I won't permit it.
There you are, bodyguard.
You still want to live
even as a usurer's dog?
Calling me names now?
Hand over the spear
and I'll spare your life.
Try to get it.
Your head will roll.
Get out of here!
I'm taking it.
Touch it and I'll kill you.
Try it.
Take precautions against fires.
Heisuke.
The spear's gone.
Beautiful music.
I'm almost envious.
Compared to your beauty,
my koto music is far inferior.
Would you play some more?
Yes.
If it will cheer you up,
I'll play as much as you want.
My lord is coming.
Something?
It is about time my lord came.
I wanted to see your plum tattoo.
It's too good to bear.
If it pleases you...
nothing could make me happier.
Entrance of our lord.
Thank you for visiting my wife.
Hearing your koto music,
I am sure Yumi will become well.
I am honored.
Her face seems brighter
than when I saw her this morning.
Yes, I really felt as if I were drunk.
I am sure you did.
I came to visit Lady Hotta today,
but there is one more thing.
I brought you something.
I hope it will make you happy.
What is it?
This is the Nagato Aoe spear.
I heard you were interested in it,
I took steps and finally got it.
The spear I've dreamed about for so long.
Superb.
Kengyo, are you after something?
No, no, not at all.
But if you will give me your permission -
Speak up.
Speak up, I say.
Will you lend us blind men
the shogunate gold in the treasury?
Impossible.
Those are the shogun's war funds.
What is it?
It is nothing.
No, I'll only borrow it a month.
If I lend 10,000 ryo to shogunate vassals,
13,000 ryo will return with interest.
But -
I will return the 10,000 ryo.
Please accept 2,000 ryo of the interest.
I'll take the remaining 1,000 ryo.
Money lying in the treasury is no use to us.
It will make a great amount
if we just move it a little,
the lives of the vassals will become easier
and you will also have more money,
truly killing three birds with one stone.
A good idea, my lord?
Yes.
The government must help the needy.
All right.
Shall I break the government code
to help society and the people?
Open up!
Officer Itami
of the North Magistrate's Office.
Quiet!
We're under the jurisdiction
of the shrine magistrate.
This is no place for you.
I came to borrow real money.
Not 200 or 300 ryo.
Tell Kengyo.
You're Hanzo?
You want to borrow money from me,
but an officer can't return it.
It's safer not to borrow it.
You'd have to hang yourself.
That's not your concern.
I've brought family treasures as collateral.
To you,
they're worth thousands of ryo.
What treasures?
Spears.
Not one or two either.
Take them out.
How about that sound?
Sound nice?
Spears filled with treasury money.
A lot here, too.
What? I know nothing about that.
Wait.
You lead on the treasury guards
and made them steal money.
If I report this, you'll be beheaded.
Nonsense.
Now that I know,
there's no use making a fuss.
Where's the money?
You lent money to Heisuke and to elders.
I even got ahold of one.
With all this proof, you can't get away.
Living up to your name Razor Hanzo,
you found out.
But I've been expecting you too.
You can't get out of here alive.
Kill him.
You had Heisuke killed.
I'd like to kill you.
I'll spare your life, so bring it out.
I will, I will.
Say, someone.
Bring the money Officer Hanzo needs.
I don't want money today.
I'll help myself
to all the copper tiles on the roof.
Copper tiles?
Please do. Please do.
One more thing.
Burn all the contracts of the poor samurai.
If you collect a penny, you'll answer to me.
That's too -
Do you know how harsh the penalty is
for stealing treasury funds?
I can tell the temple magistrate
and have you executed.
I understand.
I won't collect the money I lent.
Good.
Hold on.
There's one more thing.
I'm a poor samurai
without a penny to my name.
I'll be coming to ask for things,
so don't be stingy when I do.
Anything you wish.
Devil-fire. Viper.
The tiles.
We'll melt them and see.
Copper tiles?
Thank you.
I'll start at once.
Here? In this house?
Starting tonight, we're blacksmiths.
- What about our neighbors?
- Idiot!
Tell them I'm poor,
so I'm starting side work.
Get powder from the fireworks shop.
Raise your face, Officer Itami.
The traitor doctor you let escape.
Have you arrested Genan Sugino?
Not yet.
Did you hear that? Not yet?
You promised to arrest him in a month.
I remember.
You do?
You say you remember?
That's tomorrow.
I hear you just stay at home
when you should be out looking for him.
Yes.
- You see? He's like this.
- Hanzo.
The elder told me
to have you report
to his residence tomorrow.
What will you do about it?
I'll do as I'm told to.
It's hara-kiri for you.
Are you prepared?
Who told you to relax?
Your time to die has come.
Your proudest part will
become ashes as well.
I'll pick up your bones.
- Snake.
- What did you say?
- Snake.
- Don't say that!
Snake Magobei.
When I die, I'll take you with me.
- What, why?
- Past favors are soon forgotten, huh?
What's that?
You took the money the elder gave me.
Wait, we promised.
- You took the money -
- Not so loud.
Wait. Wait. I understand.
Escape tonight.
I'll take care of the rest.
Escape? Why should I?
- You took all my money!
- Wait! I understand!
I was wrong. I apologize.
What I said was wrong.
Right, Hanzo?
Hey, Bro.
Are we really taking this thing out?
I didn't think it could be made.
Why did we do this?
Shoot it and it's the end of all Edo.
He doesn't need this.
Got a big cannon himself.
Man's life-span is only 50 years.
It's food for thought.
We're going out.
Master.
You've been good to me a long time.
If we have to carry this thing,
we'd rather -
Roll up your sleeve.
Who feeds you as free men?
If I say anything -
- Send us into exile.
- Please.
This is too crazy.
It's not too late. Quit now.
All right.
Going back to the penal island?
That's fine too.
You've been a great help.
Thanks a lot.
Take care of yourselves
when you're back on the island.
You've done really well.
Onishi.
I ordered Hanzo Itami to come.
I don't see him. Why?
I think he escaped at night.
I'm relieved -
What?
No, an impertinent wretch!
I'll arrest him and cut off his head!
Magistrate officials are all cowards.
I'm speechless.
Kondo.
Take the Nagato Aoe spear.
The lord's departing!
Hold it.
Who's blocking the way?
I'm Genan Sugino.
A fugitive.
This is the cannon I made secretly.
I wish the elder to see how powerful it is.
Please watch carefully.
Kill him.
Are you going to leave me here?
Don't run! Somebody -
Wait! Stop!
Wait, Genan!
Don't shoot!
My lord.
This is the power of a foreign cannon.
Do you understand now?
How is it?
Rebel Genan Sugino.
I'm Officer Hanzo.
I'll kill you.
I kept my promise
and killed Genan when the month was up.
Hanzo!
Good for you. You killed Genan.
I'm proud as your superior.
That's -
The spear is my reward.
No, not that!
You've no right to it.
It belonged to Heisuke Takei.
Hanzo, bow. Bow.
Shut up!
Refuse,
and I'll tell all of Edo
and the shogun of your evil deeds.
What did I do?
You joined Kengyo,
lent out shogunate funds
to pocket the gains.
I've checked.
When did you become the boss of usurers?
You understand?
A smart elder.
Snake.
Glad we weren't fired?
All ready.
HEISUKE TAKEI
You're the one who killed Heisuke Takei.
I'll kill you today.
Heisuke.
Your spear avenged you.
THE END