Whisper of the Heart (1995) Movie Script

1
[Olivia Newton-John:
"Take Me Home, Country Roads"]
[bell dinging]
[people chattering]
[chattering]
-Hey
- Hi.
- Good evening.
- Oh, hi, Shizuku.
I'm back.
Oh, hi, honey.
You got a plastic bag
for just one carton of milk?
What? They just give it to you.
[mother] You could say
you don't need it.
Oh, pour me some of that, too.
Dad, I got ice tea.
Do you want some?
Ah, sounds good.
I'll have it at the table.
- Thanks. Done with the computer?
- I'm printing out now.
Maybe we should buy another laptop.
[groans] Smells like cigarettes in here.
Shizuku, you should have
gone to Kashiwazaki, too.
No, I didn't want to.
Shiho wears me out.
Oh, by the way,
I have to work tomorrow.
- Do you want me to fix you a lunch?
- That's OK. I'll eat out.
The library's computerizing everything,
so everybody's going crazy at work.
I don't think they should, Dad.
Card catalogs are much better.
Yeah. I like 'em better, too.
[mother] Honey, I think you've got
a problem with your report.
- What's the problem?
- [mother] Isn't there a line missing here?
[father] You're right. Darn.
I'll have to print
the entire thing over.
[mother] Can't I use the printer first?
My professor will kill me
if I don't have this paper
turned in first thing tomorrow.
Huh? Seiji Amasawa.
Here he is again.
Shizuku, time to put
the books away and go to bed.
OK, Dad. Good night.
Yep. I knew I had seen that name before.
[gasps] Here it is again.
And again.
Seiji Amasawa.
Seiji Amasawa.
Seiji Amasawa. That's amazing.
This guy checked out
all these books before I did.
Seiji Amasawa, huh?
What kind of person are you?
I wonder if we're anything alike.
[indistinct chatter]
[mother] Shizuku!
For heaven sakes, get up!
- I'm leaving.
- [groans]
Hey, did you sleep
in your clothes again?
You're so scatterbrained.
Have a good day.
Ah! Is it that late?
I'm supposed to meet Yuko.
- [door opens]
- [sighs] My wallet!
Did you get all the way
down the stairs again, Mom?
Yes! Where is it?
Is it by the telephone?
- [mother] Found it!
- You always leave it there.
[groans] I'm gonna be late!
- Don't forget to lock up!
- Who's scatterbrained?
[gasps]
Wow! I've never seen a blimp so close.
Today's gonna be great.
[people chattering]
[sighs] Hot day.
[dog barking]
Hi, yappy.
Can't you bark any louder than that?
[indistinct chatter]
Shizuku! Shizuku! Hey, there.
Hey, Michiko.
Good luck on your match today.
Hi, Miss Kosaka. Can I come in?
Oh, hi, Shizuku.
What are you doing here?
I need you to do me a favor.
What? It's not something weird, is it?
- Can you open the library, please?
- The library?
Can't you wait until school starts?
No. That's the point.
I decided I was gonna read
20 books over summer vacation,
and the city library
doesn't have the book I want.
It'll just be a second.
Twenty books? What about
your high school entrance exams?
Can't you even pretend
to be studying for them?
- Uh... Here it is.
- Hurry up and bring it here.
Come on, give me your library card
and the checkout card from the book.
Here you go.
Hey, look at this.
No one's ever checked
this book out before.
No one? What do you know.
I finally beat Seiji Amasawa.
[gasps]
Donated by... Amasawa?
No way! Do you have any idea
who this Amasawa person is?
Oh, now look,
you made me make a mistake.
Well, that guy's
probably the book's donor.
But I don't know anyone
from that long ago.
- Ask one of the older teachers.
- [girl] Shizuku!
[groans] I should have known
that you were going to do this.
You said to meet
outside the school, not inside.
I waited in the sun for 15 minutes. Do
you know how many freckles I have now?
- I'm sorry.
- Calm down, Yuko.
You take your freckles way
too seriously.
No, I don't!
It's a major problem for me.
Aren't either of you concerned
about your exams?
Now, get out and go study.
I got it!
Here! [grunts] This way.
[boy] You gotta kick it
harder than that.
I wrote some lyrics
for our graduation ceremony,
but I'm pretty sure that they stink.
Looking over sprawling city
How I do yearn for
Hills and clouds so pretty
Peaceful bedroom
Window with a view
[both] I Old dog that waits there
Where my dreams come true
Country roads
I think I'll go
Down this path on my own
West Virginia
Mountain mama
Please take me home
Down country roads
- Hey, it's not bad.
- Yes, it is.
It's boring.
- [boy] Keep up! Come on!
- I don't think so.
[boy 2] Wait for me!
So I wrote another one.
Concrete roads
- Everywhere I go
- [chuckles]
Covering
West Tokyo
Chopped down forests
Buried our valleys
[both] My hometown's
- Down concrete road
- [both laugh]
Let's sing that! [laughs]
Hey, so, why did you want to talk?
Is there something bothering you?
- Mm... Do you think about boys?
- No.
We're all studying for exams
and we could help each other.
It would be nice to be with someone
who felt the same way about you.
Yuko, you have a crush on someone.
[whispering]
- You got a love letter?!
- Ah! Sh! Not so loud.
So, what's he like? Is he good-looking?
He's from another class.
- Uh, he's sort of good-looking.
- Why not try dating him?
If you don't like him, you can stop.
Yeah, but...
You've got a crush
on someone else, don't you?
[sighs]
Don't even try to hide it.
You know I'll get it out of you.
It's, uh... Su... Su...
[boy] Shizuku!
Can you throw me my bag?
- [gasps]
- Sugimura.
[Sugimura] It's that blue one,
on the bench over there.
Come on! Hurry it up!
I got to get back to the game!
Calm down, benchwarmer.
You never play anyway.
Hey, I play all the time,
and our team's going to the playoffs,
I'll have you know.
Yuko?
[Sugimura grunts]
Are you OK?
So I guess Sugimura
is the guy you like.
[sighs] How embarrassing.
I ran off like a little girl.
- He must know now.
- No way, Yuko. He's way too dense.
But what about the guy
who wrote you the love letter?
- I think you should go for him.
- [car passing by]
Hm... I don't know.
I want to think it over.
All right.
[Yuko] You're lucky, Shizuku.
Your parents don't bug you
to study all the time.
- [Shizuku] Sometimes I wish they did.
- [Yuko] Hm, yeah.
- Oh, no!
- What's the matter?
I lost my book. I must have dropped it.
- You want to ride my bike?
- No!
[Yuko] You'll be late for cram school.
- Call me later, OK?
- [Shizuku] I will!
[gasps]
[sighs]
[gasps] You've got my book.
Oh. This is yours, is it?
Here you go, Shizuku Tsukishima.
What? How do you know my name?
Gee, take a wild guess.
Oh, the checkout card.
By the way, great lyrics.
They're even cornier
than the original version.
[gasps] You read this?!
Stupid jerk, stupid jerk, stupid jerk.
Stupid jerk, stupid jerk, stupid jerk!
[grunts]
Stupid jerk!
"It's even cornier
than the original version."
Stupid jerk!
[girls giggling]
- Come on!
- Stop!
[sniffling]
Hey, I'm home!
- [sighs]
- Oh, hey, sis. You're back early.
Ah... I'm beat.
[sighs] I grabbed a ride with someone
who's going back to Tokyo.
- [bag hits mattress]
- Where's Mom?
She's at an intensive summer course.
And Dad's still at work.
You need to clean up this room, Shizuku,
and you should have started
dinner by now.
- I was just getting to it.
- Ugh! This kitchen is a disaster!
Have you cleaned anything since I left?
Relax, I'll do it now.
[water running]
You need to stay on top of this
while Mom's got classes, Shizuku.
After you wash the rice,
finish up the laundry.
I'll help you make dinner
after I take a shower.
Auntie said you should come visit her
after you finish your exams.
[Shizuku] Hm...
- Are you studying?
- Uh-huh.
You're gonna have
big problems if you slack off
just because Dad and Mom
don't bug you about it.
I'm studying, OK?
[laughing]
You know, she tried to get me
to bring home some of her soy sauce.
- That's your aunt, all right.
- [laughing]
[mother] Didn't the same thing
happen last year?
[Shiho] She made me take home
some miso. Really heavy.
It must have been five pounds.
[father] Too bad Shizuku
couldn't go visit her with you.
[mother] Yeah. Next year.
[groaning]
[vacuum turns off]
Shizuku, come on, get up.
Vacuum your side of the room.
Then strip the bed,
'cause I'm washing the sheets.
[Shiho] I'm doing the futons, too.
- [moans] Hey, where's Mom?
- [Shiho] She left hours ago.
Clear the table when you're done, then
take Dad's lunch to him at the library.
- Hey!
- What do you mean "Hey"?
You're going to the library already.
Or do you want me to go instead?
Then you can clean the toilet,
the bathroom, and the entryway.
Then you can go to the grocery store,
fold the laundry,
make the beds and cook dinner.
How does that sound?
See you later! Phew!
[Shiho] Shizuku!
Put this in the mailbox for me.
What is it?
Uh, it's mail, stupid.
[grunts]
[Shiho] You don't need to read it.
Can't you just put it in the mailbox?
- It's a love letter, isn't it?
- Shut up!
- Morning.
- Hey, how you doing?
[boy 1] I don't know
how I'm gonna pass this.
[boy 2] You gotta read some books.
[train brakes hissing]
[conductor blows whistle]
[man over PA]
Next stop Suginomiya Station.
Suginomiya Station.
Hey there, cat. You all alone?
So, where are you headed?
See something interesting?
Oh, the silent treatment.
This is my stop. How about you?
So long, snotty.
[gasps]
[conductor blows whistle]
Hey!
[indistinct chatter]
- [woman] I'll call you when I get there.
- [man] Drop by the tailor's.
[man 2] Should get to a doctor...
He's headed towards the library.
[indistinct chatter]
[woman] I'll call you later, all right?
[sighs] I finally thought I was gonna
get a little adventure around here.
Hey!
[doorknob rattling]
[gasps]
Oh!
[sighs]
What a steep climb.
How far does this thing go?
[gasps]
Here, kitty.
Here, kitty.
He must live around here somewhere.
[dog barking]
Hey!
- [horn honks]
- [gasps]
Where are you going, you crazy cat?
Do you live around here?
[panting]
What a gorgeous neighborhood.
I never knew there was a place
like this up here.
- [dog barking]
- [gasps]
[fence rattling]
[gasps]
[barking]
No way.
He came all this way
just to tease that dog?
Hm... I wonder if that cat
isn't messing with me, too.
An antique shop?
He's going shopping now?
Incredible. I had no idea
there were stores like this around here.
What a fantastic statue.
You're not the cat I was following,
are you?
[gasps]
[thumping]
- Oh, hello there.
- I'm sorry.
No, please, it's good to have visitors.
Look around as much as you like.
The Baron is bored, too.
The Baron? Is that the name
of the statue over here?
Yeah. Baron Humbert von Joekkingen.
Good name, don't you think?
[stepladder creaking]
[man] Oh, thanks.
Don't worry, though.
I do this all the time.
Great clock.
It was found in an abandoned castle,
all covered with rust.
Look at this.
[gasps] Beautiful.
- So what does it do?
- [chuckles]
It might not do anything.
- I just finished restoring this.
- [cranking]
I haven't tried it out yet.
[clock ticking]
- [calliope music playing]
- [ticking]
[gasps]
[mechanical whirring]
[tapping]
Dwarves in a jewel mine,
just like a fairy tale.
You like fairy tales.
This clock has a terribly romantic
fairy tale that goes with it.
Watch what happens on the clock face.
At least I hope something happens.
[whirring]
[chiming]
What is that?
Stand up here on the ladder,
then you can see better.
OK.
[inhales]
[Shizuku] Oh, it's a fairy.
[man] She is now,
but soon she'll turn back into a sheep.
The two of them are in love,
aren't they?
Mm-hm. But they are always apart.
He's king of the dwarves
and lives underground,
while she's cursed to live as a sheep.
Only while the clock strikes twelve
is she a fairy.
So the king appears at that moment
just to catch a glimpse
of the girl he fell in love with.
What do you bet that the artisan
who made this clock
was separated from the love of his life?
[Shizuku] That must be why
their sadness feels so real.
- [ticking]
- Ah!
That clock isn't on time, is it?
No. It's about five minutes too slow.
- Oh, no!
- Whoa!
I've got to get to the... library!
I'm sorry, do you mind
if I come again later?
Sure. But it's better to go left
to get to the library.
[Shizuku squeals]
Oh, good! I'm right above the library.
[panting]
What a great place that was.
It was like straight
out of a fairy tale.
- That was amazing! [laughs]
- [horns honking]
[boy] Shizuku Tsukishima!
[brakes squeal]
Hey, this is yours, isn't it?
Huh? Ah!
Uh...
You're kind of forgetful, aren't you?
Uh, thanks, but how did you get this?
Take a wild guess.
That man, do you know him?
Is he your grandpa?
You must eat like a pig.
That lunch is enormous.
Huh?
[gasps] Hey, you!
Concrete roads
Everywhere I go
It's my dad's, you jerk!
Hey, thanks. You brought my lunch.
What's wrong? Why the sour face?
- It's hard to explain.
- And?
I was having an extraordinary day,
like I was living in a fairy tale,
then some jerk talked to me
for two seconds and ruined everything.
[laughs] Sounds complicated.
Are you going to check out
some books today?
Yeah. I just have seven more to go.
You never stop reading. You want
to take some time out for lunch?
- I'll eat later.
- OK, then. See you later.
[man coughs]
[Shizuku] Seiji Amasawa.
Wow. ls there any book here
this guy hasn't checked out?
I wonder what kind of person he is.
- No way! Not that jerk!
- [people murmuring]
[woman] Sh!
[leaves rustling in wind]
- Ah!
- [wind gusting]
[thunder rumbles]
[mother] Shizuku, hurry up!
Oh! We're going to be late!
Hurry, get the umbrellas.
The first day of the semester
and it has to rain.
- [girls laughing]
- [Shizuku] Stop complaining.
At least you're going
to school because you want to.
- [mother] Yes, ma'am.
- [Shizuku] Study hard.
[mother] You can count on me.
- Shizuku!
- Hey, Yuko!
Hurry up! I don't want to be late
for our first day.
I can't believe how many tests
we have to take.
It's one thing or another every day.
- So, did you answer the letter?
- Mm-mm.
Have you made up your mind yet?
Yeah. I decided I don't want
to go out with him.
OK. Yeah, maybe that's best.
- Sugimura!
- [gasps]
You're gonna be late!
Calm down, we know!
- OK, everybody, pencils down.
- [students groaning]
[bell chimes]
- Regular classes this afternoon.
- Hey, Jun, Daizo.
Let's eat fast so we can get outside.
Let's eat lunch
in Miss Kosaka's office, OK?
Can we stop
by the teachers' lounge first?
- I guess so.
- Hey, Shizuku, check it out!
- What?
- I totally aced that test.
Well, good for you.
Everything I studied was on the test
and I barely studied.
So you're not
just a benchwarmer after all.
Yuko's good at guessing what's on tests.
- You should study with her sometime.
- Study with her?
- Sugimura, Sugimura!
- What's up?
- [boy] Did you see this?
- Let's go, Shizuku.
I can't believe you said that, Shizuku.
What's the problem?
I've never been good
at guessing what's on tests.
[laughs] Sorry.
Excuse us.
You want to know who donated a book?
I don't think I'd remember
something like that.
I hate to interrupt you
while you're eating, but
- if you could look at this stamp here.
- Hm? Well...
Let's see.
Oh, Dr. Amasawa, sure. I've read
this book, too. It's quite a good one.
Yes, it's great.
So, is there anything that you can
tell me about Dr. Amasawa?
Let me see if I can remember.
I think he was chairman of the PTA.
The PTA, huh?
Would you happen to remember
Dr. Amasawa's first name?
First name? Let's see.
Mr. Kimura, do you happen
to remember Dr. Amasawa's first name?
Dr. Amasawa. I'm pretty sure
it's Koichi. Koichi Amasawa.
Koichi Amasawa.
Shizuku,
Dr. Amasawa's son goes to school here.
There's a chance you could have met him.
He's in your grade.
Huh? Uh...
I... I gotta go. Thank you very much!
Uh, excuse us.
- Oh! Excuse me.
- [sighs]
[Yuko] Shizuku! What's wrong with you?
[panting] It can't be him.
What in the world are you talking about?
You are acting like a total weirdo.
I'm sorry. [sighs]
Shizuku, now what are you doing?
What a complete jerk!
Do you know what that guy's name is?
No. He's not in our class.
What's the big deal?
That jerk better not be
Dr. Amasawa's son.
[laughing]
Shizuku chasing down boys?
I don't believe it.
I had to run after her,
carrying her lunchbox.
So Shizuku has a crush on someone, eh?
Miss Kosaka, can you believe
she's finally interested
in something other than a book?
- I'm not interested. He's a jerk!
- What if he checked out those books?
- He's your perfect match.
- Like a fairy tale.
If it's him, it's not a fairy tale,
it's a horror story.
So, tell us,
what's the name of this guy
who checked out all the books,
huh, Yuko?
- Yuko.
- I can't remember exactly.
There was a "ma" in it,
or maybe it was a "wa."
Ama... Just say it, Shizuku!
- No way.
- Shizuku is such a great storyteller,
but now that the story is about her,
she won't say a single word.
You can't hide the fact
that you're in love, Shizuku.
The look on your face shows
your heart suffers with every beat.
[mouth full] How romantic.
You are in love.
Go ahead, make fun of me if you want to.
Too bad. I was gonna show you my lyrics
for "Country Roads."
- You're finished?
- Let me see! Let me see!
Great Shizuku, master of writing,
we shall make fun of you no more.
- Please grace us with your words.
- That's better.
I don't know if it's any good, though.
And it might not be
appropriate for graduation.
I just tried to write something
from the heart.
This is so good, Shizuku.
Country roads
[girls] I think I'll go
Down this path on my own
My inspiration
The road less taken
But this is my
Country road
It's great, Shizuku. I love it!
The lyrics aren't too corny?
No. They're wonderful.
You really have a gift for writing.
Reading all those books
actually did her some good.
- You sure they're OK?
- They're from the heart.
Yeah. I really like this part:
"I dreamed of living alone but fearless.
- [bell chimes]
- Secret longing to be courageous.
Loneliness kept bottled up inside..."
- Ladies, that's the bell.
- [girls] Yes, ma'am.
[insects chirping]
- Ah! I love being a writer!
- [Yuko] Shizuku!
Do you want to come with us
to the glee club?
- We're gonna show them your lyrics.
- No, thanks.
I want to check out some books
from the library.
More books?
We've got a test tomorrow, you know.
- I'll study when I get home.
- [Yuko] Yeah, right.
- See you later.
- [Yuko] See ya!
[girls chattering]
Hey, Yuko.
Uh, sorry to bother you,
but, uh, can we talk?
Mm-hm.
I was afraid it would be closed.
I hope that old man's doing all right.
[groans] The Baron's gone.
Someone must have bought him.
"Mr. Nishi's Antique Shop."
Oh, thank goodness.
That jerk's name isn't Amasawa.
It's Nishi.
- [bicycle brakes squeal]
- [gasps]
[sighs]
- [music plays in headphones]
- [Shiho] Shizuku!
Shizuku, Yuko's on the phone.
Hey!
Phone call. Can't you hear anything?
I keep telling you
you're gonna ruin your hearing.
Hello? What?
I can't really hear you.
Mm-hm. Don't worry about it, Yuko.
Mm-hm. I'll be right there.
- Where are you going?
- Just down the street.
[door rattling]
- Yuko, what happened?
- [sobbing] Shizuku.
What is it? Why... Why are you crying?
I talked to Sugimura,
and he's friends with the guy
who wrote me that letter,
so he tried to convince me to go out
with his friend. [sobbing]
Wham? [groans]
[yelling] Go out with your friend?
How could you say that to me?!
- [sobbing]
- What?
That jerk.
I can't believe he's that stupid.
But I don't think he did it to hurt you.
He's just a dope.
He has no idea that you like him.
[sighs] I better apologize to him,
I guess.
But there's no way I can go to school
with my face looking like this.
I'm going to have to stay home tomorrow.
- We've got tests, you know.
- Mm-hm.
OK.
[whispering] Idiot.
What did I do?
That was pretty easy, huh?
- Headed to the library again?
- No. I'm gonna go check on Yuko.
Oh, tell her I hope she feels better.
- I will. See ya.
- Bye-bye.
[Sugimura] Shizuku!
Wait up!
Whoa!
I need to talk to you about Yuko.
[insects chirping]
And then all of a sudden
she starts crying her head off.
So, what did I say that
was so terrible, huh?
Just think about it.
Remember when Yuko said,
"Date your friend?
- How could you say that to me?"
- Mm-hm.
All I said was he's a good guy.
- She should give him a chance.
- Get a clue!
What Yuko was saying was that
she didn't want to hear that from you.
- You know what that means, don't you?
- I don't speak girl code!
- Why don't you spell it out for me?
- Ah! I can't believe you're this dense!
What it means is,
Yuko has a crush on you.
What? Are you sure?
I didn't pick up on that.
Are you blind? She stayed home
from school, you know.
She even missed a test
on account of you.
But, it's that...
You're the one I'm in love with!
[gasps] What?
Come on, quit joking around, will you?
I'm not joking. I've been in love
with you for years. Haven't you noticed?
But you can't fall for me.
That just doesn't happen.
Don't you like me at all?
Or is there someone else you love?
I'm not in love with anybody.
But Yuko, she'll... I gotta go!
Wait a minute! Forget Yuko!
Do you like me?
Of course I like you.
We've been friends for years.
But Yuko and I are best friends,
so that's the way it's gonna stay, OK?
You understand?
Or do I have to spell it out some more?
No. I understand.
We'll just be friends.
[Sugimura] I'm sorry.
I'll never mention it again.
[bird singing]
[barking]
[sighs]
[sobbing] You idiot!
You're the one who's dense.
[door opening]
[woman] Oh, Mrs. Tsukishima,
I've got a package for you.
The mailman left it with me.
[mother] Oh, thanks.
Sorry to trouble you.
[door closes]
Thanks so much for these.
No problem.
There's way too much for us to eat.
Oh, you're home.
Shizuku?
Hi, cat.
Did you get locked out of your house?
So, what happened?
Did everyone forget about you?
Would you like some company?
You're not very nice, are you, cat?
Neither am I.
I used to be nice and friendly
and a grade-A student.
Now I just goof around reading books
and writing stupid lyrics.
I don't know what's wrong.
Even reading books isn't
as much fun as it used to be.
Now when I read,
a little voice inside me says,
"You know things never turn out
like they do in fairy tales."
I miss the old me.
[panting]
[footsteps]
- Shizuku Tsukishima.
- Hi.
I'm surprised Moon lets you pet him.
You don't like anyone, do you, Moon?
So Moon is his name?
He looks like a full moon, doesn't he?
Especially from that angle.
But I've heard him called
a few other names, too.
[barking]
What do you mean?
Doesn't he belong to you?
Nope. He doesn't belong to anybody.
He just wanders around our neighborhood
and lives in different houses.
I've heard our neighbors call him Muta.
Hm. So he's a Vagabond.
That's right! I saw him riding around
on the train the other day.
- The train?
- Yeah.
He was taking a trip all by himself,
then he got off at my stop
and I followed him here.
I was so excited
when he led me to this store.
It was like something
straight out of a fairy tale.
I guess I shouldn't have said
those bad things about him.
I said he was mean like me.
What? Moon's not like you.
He's not like you at all.
I... I mean,
the cat's really kind of crazy.
[sighs]
- So, I...
- Is your...?
Is your grandfather OK?
His shop has been closed for so long.
I hope he's not sick.
Yeah, he's fine.
He just likes to keep weird hours.
I think his store is closed
more often than it's open.
Oh, that's good to know.
I peeked in the window
and saw The Baron
is not sitting on the table anymore.
- Did somebody buy him?
- Oh, you mean that cat statue?
Wanna see him? Come on.
Can you close the door?
[gasping]
This way.
Wow. It's almost like we're in the sky.
You're not afraid of heights,
are you, Shizuku?
No. I love it up here. It's inspiring.
From the balcony, this time of day
is the prettiest. Come on.
Here we are.
- You can sit if you like.
- Hey, the clock is gone.
Oh, the big grandfather clock.
We delivered it today.
Here, have a look.
So who bought the clock?
No one. It was just here
for a repair job.
I see. Too bad. It was beautiful.
It took Grandpa three years to fix it.
He finished it
the day you left your lunch here.
- Hey, about that lunch...
- I know it wasn't yours,
and you don't eat like a pig.
Now come over here
and have a look into The Baron's eyes.
Hurry up. The sun's starting to set.
[whispers] Wow.
Pretty cool, huh?
It's actually an accident.
Sometimes the eyes get flawed
when they're installed,
- then they retract the light like that.
- That's amazing.
Grandpa will never sell The Baron.
He wants to find its partner.
- There's another one?
- Yeah.
He says that her name is Louise,
but that's about it.
Look as long as you like.
I'm going downstairs.
The light switch is over there
if you need it.
So, Baron, let's hear about this Louise.
Is she an old girlfriend of yours
or something?
You look like you're
all dressed up for a wedding.
Did she leave you at the altar?
Did someone kidnap her?
There's a sad story there.
I'll have to figure it out for myself.
[scraping]
- Hey. Had enough?
- Mm-hm. Thank you.
So, is that a real violin you're making?
Oh, yeah.
- Can I see?
- Sure.
- It's nearly finished.
- Wow!
You carved the entire thing yourself,
by hand?
- How else would you do it?
- That is amazing.
They've been making violins
the exact same way for 300 years,
but whether or not they sound any good
is dependent on the craftsman's skill.
- Did you make all those violins?
- No, of course not.
We hold violin-making classes here.
But one of them's yours, isn't it?
- Yeah.
- So which one is it?
- The end.
- Wow.
That's really fantastic.
I can't believe you can make
something like this.
- It's like magic, isn't it?
- You're so weird.
I can't believe some of the stuff
that comes out of your mouth.
It is magic. You made a violin
pop out of a piece of wood.
Anyone can make a violin
of that caliber.
I'm not close to being good enough.
- So, can you play the violin?
- Sort of.
Would you play something for me,
just a little bit?
[chuckles] Give me a break.
Come on, come on. Won't you, please?
All right, but you're
gonna have to sing along.
What?
You don't want me to sing. I'm terrible.
I've got just the song for you.
[playing classical music]
Are you ready?
I'm pretty sure you know this one.
["Take Me Home, Country Roads"]
[tapping foot in rhythm]
I dreamed of living
Alone but fearless
Secret longing
To be courageous
Loneliness kept
Bottled up inside
Just reveal your brave face
They'll never know you lied
Country road
May lead me home
Know I belong there
All on my own
- Destiny calls
- Shh!
Motionless, I stall
Know I can't go
Country road
No matter how dark
- The world's inside me
- [tambourine rattling]
I'll never stop to show a tear
that I've shed
- [instruments join in song]
- But now I have to walk so fast
Running, sprinting to forget
What is lodged in my head
Country road
May lead me home
Know I belong there
All on my own
Destiny calls
Motionless, I stall
Know I can't go
Country road
[all] Country road
La la la la
You're a good friend
I'll never know
Same tomorrow
Regret and sorrow
Can't take you home
[plays a fill]
Country road
- [laughing]
- [clapping]
- [man whistles]
- That was wonderful, you two.
I'm Shizuku, by the way.
Thanks for the great accompaniment.
You're welcome, Shizuku.
I was hoping we would meet up again.
These are my good friends,
Kita and Minami.
Nice vocals.
You're the lucky girl who got to see
the grandfather clock strike twelve.
I never knew you had
such a pretty friend, Seiji.
[gasps] What? Seiji?
Is your name Seiji Amasawa?
Yeah. Of course.
- Wait, didn't I tell you my name?
- No, you didn't.
I thought it was Nishi.
That's what's on the sign.
That's my grandfather's last name.
Mine is Amasawa.
[groans] This is my worst nightmare.
I should have known better.
- I never get the fairy tale ending.
- What are you babbling about?
What difference does it make
what my name is?
It makes a difference! You knew
my name but you never told me yours.
[Seiji] You could've asked me my name
if it was such a big deal.
[Shizuku] I never had a chance!
This is so unfair!
- Oh! I was so sure Seiji Amasawa was...
- I was what?
A nice, intelligent, civilized person.
Oh, really?
You read too many fairy tales.
[Shizuku] Clearly you've read
a lot of them yourself.
[laughing]
Your grandpa and his friends
are really nice. I had a great time.
You'll have to come back sometime.
Grandpa and his friends would like that.
Next time I'm keeping my mouth shut.
No yelling or singing.
But I could listen to you play violin
for hours.
- Have you ever thought of performing?
- My violin playing's nothing special.
My ultimate goal in life
is to be a world-class violin maker.
That's great.
You're already so good at it.
No, if you really want to be good
you have to be trained
in Cremona, Italy.
I want to go there
when I graduate from junior high.
You're not going to high school?
My parents think I am,
but my grandpa is trying
to convince them otherwise.
I guess we'll have to see.
Cross your fingers.
That's great that you know
what you want to do with your life.
I don't have a clue
what I want to do with mine.
I just waste time writing corny lyrics.
I know what I want to do,
but I don't know if I'll get to do it.
I fight with my parents
about it everyday.
Even if I get to go, it doesn't mean
that I'll be any good at it.
I'll just have to do
my best and find out.
You sure you don't want a ride home?
Yeah. It's just around the corner.
See ya.
Uh, Shizuku...
- [inhales] Yeah?
- I just wanted to say
that I actually liked your lyrics.
You're a very talented writer.
You should keep pursuing it.
It's not a waste of time.
Just the other day
you told me my lyrics were corny.
- Oh, did I really say that?
- Seiji!
I'm sorry.
Ha! You're forgetful, too.
See you later.
[footsteps approaching]
Shizuku, turn off your lamp.
You left it on all night last night.
When did you know
what to do with your life?
- [Shiho] What are you talking about?
- You know!
[Shiho] Don't worry about it.
You'll take your exams
and whatever high school you get into
will pretty much decide things.
- [Shizuku] Don't we get a choice?
- [Shiho] You do if you study hard.
- [sighs]
- Now go to sleep.
Good night.
- [rain pattering]
- [panting]
I can't believe Mom didn't wake me up.
She's getting more forgetful than I am.
[panting] Oh!
- Uh, hello?
- Oh, hello.
Can't you run any faster?
You don't have to wait for me.
[Shizuku panting]
[bell chiming]
[indistinct chatter]
- [sighs] Just made it.
- Shizuku, what happened?
Ah, you look like a wreck.
Well, you seem fine.
You sure do recover fast.
Is it true that you were out with a boy
from another class last night?
- What?! Where did you hear that?
- It's a rumor.
They say it looked like
the two of you are going steady.
- It's nothing like that, Yuko.
- I'm not really worried about it.
[boy] It's what the book says.
Yuko, about my friend's letter,
I'll tell my friend
you're not interested. I'm sorry.
Mm... No, I'm the one
who should apologize.
It's OK.
Hey, did you see Sasuke last night?
I was blown away. It was the best ever!
[bell chimes]
This formula's gonna be
on tomorrow's test, class,
- so make sure you know it.
- [all groaning]
[teacher] Class dismissed.
- [students laughing]
- You forgot your books.
[boy] I'm a little nervous to ask
her out. I mean, should I?
- [girl] I didn't even get to see.
- No way! [laughs]
[laughing]
Excuse me, is this Shizuku's classroom?
Hey, Amasawa, what's up?
I'm looking for Shizuku. Is she in here?
Shizuku? Yeah, she's here.
Hey, Shizuku, you got a visitor.
It's a guy!
[talking stops]
- Seiji, she's right over there.
- [chuckling]
[gasps] Hi, Seiji.
Shizuku, can we talk for a minute?
Uh, sure.
[boy] Check it out!
Shizuku's got a boyfriend!
[cheering, chattering]
Shizuku's got a boyfriend
No, I don't.
Hey, he's not my boyfriend!
[laughter]
- [girl] Aw, come on.
- Boyfri... [grunts]
All right, what is it?
I get to go to Cremona, Italy.
I just found out.
What? Come on, let's go.
[laughing, chattering]
- Where are we going?
- To the roof.
[groans]
Oh, excellent.
Seiji, why did you broadcast
to the class
that you wanted to talk to me?
I'm sorry. I was excited and
I wanted you to be the first to know.
But now people might get
the idea that you like me.
Don't worry about it.
Hey, so even though my parents gave in,
there's a catch.
- Oh. What's the catch?
- Well, when I'm in Italy,
I have to try out with this friend of
my grandpa's who owns the workshop.
Try out?
Yeah, my parents said
I get two months to prove myself.
If my grandpa's friend
doesn't think I have potential,
then I have to come back here
and go to high school.
I've heard that this guy is really tough
on his apprentices,
so it doesn't seem fair that my parents
are only giving me one shot.
But it's a great opportunity,
so I'm going.
- When? Do you leave soon?
- As soon as I get my passport.
My dad said that he was going
to notify the school today.
Wow, that fast, huh?
I'm happy for you.
Your dream's coming true.
I hope so. I'm going to give it
everything I've got.
- Would you...?
- Oh...
Hey, it stopped raining. Look.
Yeah, you're right.
Wow! Look at that view.
- Maybe we'll see a rainbow.
- Yeah.
I wonder what Cremona,
Italy will be like.
I hope it turns out to be a nice place.
Mm-hm. The city's really old,
and everybody there
thinks violin making is respectable.
That's great.
It's so brave of you to go
after your dream like that.
I just waste my time reading books,
and all I've been dreaming about was
we would go to the same high school.
[chuckles] OK, that was embarrassing.
I shouldn't have said that.
- Sh! Stay down.
- [giggling]
- Do you think they'll kiss?
- [boy] Hurry up.
You know, I noticed you a long time ago.
I first spotted you reading
in the library.
I walked past you hundreds of times,
but you never noticed me, right?
I even sat down in the chair
right next to you a couple times.
Yeah?
Then I started checking out
all sorts of books
just so I can get my name
on the checkout cards before you.
- I guess that got your attention.
- [gasps]
But now... I have to take off to Italy.
That's some pretty lousy timing,
don't you think?
Yeah, that's pretty bad.
- [boy] Hey, quit pushin'!
- [boy 2] I can't see!
- [grunting]
- [gasping]
[laughing]
You jerks!
[boy] Get out of the way!
Shizuku is really mad!
[Shizuku groans]
- [sniffling]
- [gasps]
Hey!
[exhales]
- Here, Dad.
- Thank you.
- I'm going to Yuko's.
- Shizuku, is that all you're having?
I'm not hungry.
Pick up some milk on your way home, OK?
[Shizuku] I don't feel like it.
- Hey, you're the one who drank it all.
- [door closes]
She's really been slacking off
these last few days.
- [train bell ringing]
- [indistinct chatter]
[man] Taxi!
[woman] Sorry, I can't go.
- Thanks for meeting me, Yuko.
- Hey. No problem.
I've never been so confused in my life.
[Yuko] Mom, Shizuku's here.
- [woman] Shizuku, how nice to see you.
- [Shizuku] Hi, Mrs. Harada.
- [TV playing]
- Hello, girls.
- Hi, Mr. Harada.
- Hi, Shizuku.
Would you two like some tea and cookies?
[Yuko] Yeah. Thanks, Mom.
I'm having a fight with my father.
I'm not talking to him.
Boys really have guts, don't they?
He'll be gone for two months. He's only
returning for our graduation ceremony,
then he's going back again
to study for about ten years.
You'll practically never see him again.
But you're so lucky.
The two of you sound like
the perfect match, like soul mates.
No, he's so much better than me.
We read the same books,
but I never do anything
with what I learn.
He decided long ago
what he wanted to do.
- He's going straight for his dream.
- I guess so.
You know what? Kinuyo was
in the same first-year class as Seiji.
She said he was a little hard
to approach, but a good student,
- and really handsome, too.
- You don't need to rub it in.
I already feel like I'm not good enough.
This whole thing is doomed.
No, it's not.
All that matters is he likes you.
- Didn't he say that?
- Yeah.
But I'm not sure I believe it.
[sighs] I don't get you.
It's so cool.
You could be writing letters
and encouraging
each other every single day.
How could I ever encourage him?
He's worked so much harder
than I ever have.
You are weird.
Just because you haven't decided
what you're going to do
after you graduate
from junior high school
doesn't mean that you're not
good enough for him.
[Shizuku sighs]
Everyone in school thinks
you're talented.
You've read more books than anyone
I know, and your lyrics are great.
And you can tell people
just what you feel. I can't do that.
- [sighs]
- I'm not close to being good enough.
- Yes, you are.
- Mm-mm.
That's what Seiji said.
He isn't sure
that he has any talent either.
I should test myself like he is.
That's what I'll do.
I'll try being a writer.
I've already got a story.
I've got two months
to see what I can do.
But midterms are coming up.
That's OK. Thanks, Yuko.
I feel like maybe I can handle this now.
- You're going?
- Yeah. I've gotta get writing.
- [barking]
- Bye, Mr. and Mrs. Harada.
- Bye, Sumo.
- Say hello to your mom for me.
[Shizuku] I will.
- You hang in there too, Yuko.
- Mm-hm.
I'm sure Sugimura will see
what a good person you are.
See you later.
So that's it. It's simple.
All I have to do is
give my writing a try.
[gasps] Moon.
[girl] Muta! Muta!
Hey, Mom, Muta ran off again.
Where does he keep going?
Muta. Huh.
Whisper of the Heart
by Shizuku Tsukishima.
"Listen to the voice of the forest
and the wind that blows
from a far-off cluster of stars."
[Nishi] So, you want to write a story
about The Baron?
Something about him inspires me,
but I know The Baron has
special meaning for you,
so I thought I'd better ask your
permission before I use him in my book.
[laughs] You can use The Baron.
Thank you for asking,
but I'd like to ask for a favor
in return.
- Yes?
- Once you have finished your story,
I want to be the first to read it. Hm?
- Oh, uh... I...
- Is it a deal?
Do I really have to show it to you?
I've never written anything before.
I'm afraid it's gonna stink.
[chuckles]
You sound just like
all the other artists that I've met.
No one should expect perfection
when they're first starting out.
Wait a minute.
I've got something to show you.
I think you'll like this.
Take a look.
[Shizuku] It looks like a rock.
It's a special kind of rock
called a geode.
Hold it close to your eye
and look inside.
That's right, like that.
[whispers] Wow.
Look at that.
Those crystals are called beryl.
There are pieces
of raw emeralds deep inside them.
- Aren't emeralds worth a lot of money?
- Sure.
But they need to be
cut and polished first.
When you first become an artist,
you are like that rock.
You're in a raw natural state,
with hidden gems inside.
You have to dig down deep and find
the emeralds tucked away inside you.
And that's just the beginning.
Once you've found your gems,
you have to polish them.
It takes a lot of hard work.
Oh, and here's the tricky part.
Look at the crack in the geode.
OK.
You see that big green crystal there?
You could spend years polishing that
and it wouldn't be worth much at all.
The smaller crystals are
much more valuable,
and there may be some even
deeper inside that we can't see
which are even more precious.
[chuckles] Oh, it's bad to get old.
You just keep rambling.
I'll shut up now.
What if I look inside myself
and I don't find any gems?
What if I'm just a rock?
I'm going to try anyway.
I'll write that story and I'll let
you be the first to read it.
That's the spirit.
I'll be looking forward to it.
A raw gem in a vein of lapis lazuli.
Ah, let us go forth together,
in search of the vein of lapis lazuli.
Look. Be not fearful.
On the day of the new moon
space is warped.
[Baron] As such,
things far away loom large,
whereas things near at hand
appear small.
Come, let us fly.
We will rise on the updraft!
But we must hurry!
Quick! The planetoids are gathering.
Shall we?
And... off we go!
[Shizuku screaming]
That's it!
We're riding the air currents.
See that tower?
We'll clear it in a single leap.
[Shizuku] Are you kidding?
That's so high.
[Baron] Ah, it just looks high.
You'll see once we get closer.
Let's go.
When the afternoon air currents mix,
we can even touch the stars
without fear.
That's strange.
Shizuku's in nonfiction?
I've never seen her look
at anything but fairy tales.
It's a prisoner locked in a cell
and he's making a violin.
[gasps]
Seiji!
I thought you had left for Italy.
I just talked to my grandpa.
He said you might be here.
I'm glad I found you.
I'm leaving tomorrow.
You are?
Go on. You should keep working.
I'll wait until you're done.
Sorry I can't see you home.
I'm just glad
I was able to see you again.
I can't go to the airport with you,
but I'll be waiting for you
when you come back.
[chuckles] I'll see you
in two months then.
I'm sorry for complaining
all the time, Seiji.
I promise I'll work hard
while you're gone.
Well, I better go.
Have a safe trip.
Louise, my betrothed and I,
were born in a far-off land.
[Baron] Back then,
magic was still alive in our town,
and the streets
were lined with shops
where the descendents of magicians
worked as artisans.
The craftsman who made us
was a poor apprentice dollmaker.
But Louise and I were happy,
for the man who made us
gave us the ability to love.
Then one day...
[Yuko] Shizuku.
Shizuku!
- Shizuku!
- [gasping]
The answer, Shizuku?
Stand up.
I don't know, sir.
I wasn't paying attention.
[teacher] You haven't
been paying attention all week.
- I'm sorry, sir.
- Yuko, will you help out Shizuku?
Yes, sir.
What? You were up
until four in the morning?
I just can't seem to stop writing
for some reason.
You keep spacing out all the time,
like today.
I was thinking about my story.
There's so much I want to write.
I can't find enough time.
[groans] I don't feel like eating.
[marker squeaking]
[shuffling foot]
[blows nose]
[shuffling feet]
- [door opens]
- [footsteps]
Oh! Shizuku, it's you.
You scared me half to death.
Why didn't you have the lights on?
Oh, Shizuku,
you didn't finish the laundry.
Get in here, Shizuku! Shizuku!
Where's Shizuku?
Doesn't she want dinner?
She said she isn't hungry.
[girls laughing]
[girl] Can you believe that?
She actually said that.
- [indistinct chatter]
- Oh, hello, Mrs. Tsukishima.
- Sorry to keep you waiting.
- No trouble at all.
Do you know
if the career counseling room is open?
- Yeah.
- Come this way.
[mother] I'm home.
Hi there, Mom.
You're home early today.
[groans] I'm exhausted.
- Want some coffee?
- Sounds great.
So, Mom, there's something
I need to talk to you about.
[mother] Not something bad, I hope.
I already have a headache.
I'm thinking of moving
into my own place.
I found the greatest apartment.
Honey, can you really afford
to move out?
I saved some money from my temp job,
and I just got a part-time position
in a test-preparation school.
I see. I've gotten so used to you
helping me out while I'm in school.
But we'll be fine.
I'll talk to your father about it.
Really? Thanks, Mom.
Financially, I think you'll
have to manage on your own
until I finish
my last semester of school.
- Once I graduate I can help you out.
- That'd be great.
I hate to do this now while you're
in the middle of your master's thesis.
No. Don't worry about it.
I really appreciate all the help
you gave me preparing the data.
It'll be good for Shizuku to have
her own room
so she can focus on her studies.
She's been acting so strange lately.
You're telling me.
I had a conference today
with one of her teachers. Look at this.
Huh. What is it?
[gasps] What's happened to her?
I've never seen grades this low.
It's so strange.
I wonder what she's doing.
She's at her desk all day.
- Oh, good evening.
- Good evening.
Thank you.
[Shiho] With grades like that,
no high school will accept you.
[Shizuku] Fine.
I'm not going to high school anyway.
Are you crazy? You think
a junior high education is enough?
What kind of fantasy world
are you living in?
Hey, it's my future
so I make the decision.
Don't give me that attitude. You know
you're being completely ridiculous.
If you keep acting like this,
you will ruin your life.
School's really made your life great.
All you've done since you went
to college is work part-time jobs.
[Shiho] That's right. I'm making money
and I can support myself.
What job do you think you're going
to get without a college degree?
You'll end up destitute just because
you're in some stupid rebellious phase.
[Shizuku] I'm not being rebellious.
I'm going after my dreams.
What dreams are you going after?
You just goof around reading books.
Stop the arguing, girls.
I've heard enough.
But, Dad, she's gonna ruin her life
if she keeps this up.
Hm... All right. Let's go
to the kitchen and discuss this.
Shizuku, change out
of your uniform first, please.
Hurry it up.
A bit low.
Shizuku, are you doing
the best you can?
Yes! I take these tests very seriously.
Just a little bit ago, you said
you weren't going to high school.
You were the one who said
no high school would accept me.
Shiho, I'd like to talk
to Shizuku alone.
Would you please excuse yourself, honey?
Fine.
- Where's your mother?
- She's at the Tanaka's.
- [mother] I'm home.
- [Shiho] There she is. Hey, Mom.
- [mother] ls your father home?
- [Shiho] He's in the kitchen.
[father] Honey, could you come in here?
I'm having a talk with Shizuku.
[mother] Sure. Just a second.
[door closing]
[father] All right, Shizuku.
You have something that you're doing
that you think is more important
than studying?
Will you tell us what it is?
When I can tell you, I will.
Shizuku, can't you do whatever it is
once your exams are over?
I have to do it now. I've only
got three weeks left before he...
It's that I promised myself
I'd achieve this certain goal,
- or I'm not good enough.
- Good enough for what?
Why do you need to prove yourself?
We can't help you
unless you tell us what's going on.
What could you be doing that you
can't tell your mother and father about?
- Honey, please.
- Oh, sorry. I'll put it out.
[exhales]
You work so hard in the library.
Whatever you're doing,
I know it's important to you.
And I truly respect that.
Honey, why don't we let Shizuku
do what she thinks is best?
Not everyone needs
to follow the same path.
[mother] Hm...
Well, I have to admit I've often dreamed
about straying from the path myself.
All right, Shizuku, go ahead
and do what your heart tells you.
But it's never easy when you do
things differently from everyone else.
If things don't go well,
you'll only have yourself to blame.
And I want you to eat meals with us,
no matter how busy you get.
That's right.
We like to see you once in a while.
- OK.
- Tell your sister we're finished.
I'll make us some tea.
[Shiho] Hey, Shizuku.
Dad let you have your own way,
but he really wants you to study hard
and get into a good high school.
I know that.
It was written all over his face.
By the way,
I'm gonna be moving out next Sunday.
You'll have the room to yourself.
You're moving out? I didn't know that.
[Shiho] Yep.
You're gonna be on your own now.
[panting]
[Baron] Hurry! Faster! Faster!
Only one stone is genuine.
Which one? Which one is real?
[Baron] You are on your own now.
You must make the choice yourself.
Hurry!
[gasping]
[Shizuku screaming]
[blowing]
[snoring]
[creaking]
Louise, you've come back to me.
I'm sorry I've grown old.
I didn't know you'd return.
[thump]
[sighs]
[creaking]
Shizuku. Please, come on in.
I was just taking a nap.
Did I wake you? I'm sorry.
I hate to bother you, Mr. Nishi,
but my story's finished.
Ooh, wonderful.
Oh, you should be very proud.
Well, here it is. You're the first one
to read it, just as promised.
Well, this is a good-sized novel.
Whisper of the Heart
by Shizuku Tsukishima.
I know it's a bit long,
but could you read it right away?
I'll just wait here, if you don't mind.
I could, but you've put
so much into this.
Shouldn't I take my time
and read it carefully?
I'd rather you read it now,
'cause I'm kind of nervous.
You don't have to read it all,
just a few pages.
And then...
then if it's boring you can quit.
I understand. I'll read it right away.
Have a seat by the fire.
It's getting cold.
There. Now no one will disturb us.
Uh, would it be OK with you
if I wait downstairs?
- Hm?
- I won't get cold.
I'd rather not watch you read.
Hm... That'll be fine. Go ahead.
[plane passing overhead]
[door opens]
[Nishi] So, there you are.
I finished your book, Shizuku.
Thank you, dear.
It was really wonderful.
No, it's not! It's a mess.
The storyline goes all over the place.
All the characters' dialogue
sounds corny.
You have to tell me the truth.
I know it's a complete disaster.
No. It's just a bit rough, dear,
like Seiji's violin.
What I read was raw and heartfelt.
You should be very proud
for all your hard work.
You've dug inside your soul
and found some real gems.
Next you'll need to polish it,
which will also take a lot of work.
There's no need to be upset.
Just have a little patience.
[sobbing]
Now let's go inside. It's cold out here.
OK. [sniffling]
I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be crying.
I wanted so badly to do a good job,
but there's so much
that I don't know about writing.
And Seiji, he's so much
more accomplished than I am.
[sniffling] I can never catch up.
I can never be good enough.
[sobbing]
I see. You must be very fond of Seiji.
[Shizuku slurping]
[sniffling]
[blowing]
How do you like your noodles, hm?
I like them a lot.
When Seiji finished making
his very first violin,
he was far more upset
than you are today.
It took four batches of noodles
to calm him down. [chuckles]
Ah, thank you, dear.
Now tell me, how far did we get
into The Baron's story?
You were a student in Germany
when you found The Baron in a caf.
Ah, that's right.
I was captivated by his expression.
It was so sad and mysterious.
So I begged the owner of the caf
to let me buy The Baron.
But he refused to sell it to me.
He said The Baron had a female
companion who was away for repairs.
The two of them made
such a beautiful couple,
he didn't think it was right
to separate them.
I told him that as soon as The Baroness
was repaired, I'd buy them both.
The Baroness, her name
was Louise, isn't that right?
No one knows this,
but Louise was the name
of a woman I went to school with.
She and I became very close,
and every day we'd meet at the cafe
to see if The Baroness had returned.
Louise pleaded with the caf owner
to sell me The Baron.
She promised to buy The Baroness
and hold onto her
until the two statues could be reunited.
Finally the caf owner agreed,
and I left for Japan with The Baron.
I promised Louise that I would return
to Germany as soon as possible,
and I vowed that when The Baron
and Baroness were reunited,
so would we be.
But the war began
soon after my departure
and I wasn't able to return to Germany
until many years later.
I visited our caf and I searched
all over Germany,
but I could find no trace of her.
I never saw
Louise or The Baroness again.
I'm sorry. So that's why you never
want to talk about The Baron.
But you've done something
wonderful for me, Shizuku.
What was only a memory for me has
gained new life, thanks to your story.
Oh, that reminds me.
Now, hold out your hands.
But I...
That geode suits you better than me.
I want you to have it.
Promise me you'll polish
your story well.
I will. [sniffles]
- Thanks for everything, Mr. Nishi.
- My pleasure.
See you later.
[door opening]
- [Shizuku] Anyone home?
- I'm in here.
- Is Dad around?
- He's in the bathtub.
Do you know what time it is,
young lady?
I'd like to make a formal announcement.
I've decided
that I want to attend high school.
- I'll start studying tomorrow.
- Really?
Does that mean you've already
finished your project?
For the time being.
Do you want dinner? I made curry.
[Shizuku] No, thanks.
[sighs] For the time being, huh?
[chuckles]
[sighs]
[father] Shizuku, the bathroom's free
if you want it.
[breathing deeply]
Look at her, my little warrior.
Let's see.
Sweet dreams.
[door closes]
Huh?
[sighs]
[shudders]
Seiji?
Yeah. Just a second.
[grunts]
I can't believe this.
You were actually awake.
This isn't a dream, is it?
No. I came back from Italy
a day early. Get on.
Oh, wait a minute.
You'll be cold like that.
OK, hop on.
- You'll be cold. I'll get a jacket.
- There's not enough time. Let's go.
All right, hold on tight now.
[Seiji] I wanted to see you
as soon as I got home,
so I stood outside your window
hoping you'd look outside and see me.
Suddenly you were standing there.
I couldn't believe my eyes.
We must be meant
for each other, Shizuku.
I still can't believe I'm not dreaming.
Who cares? This is a great dream.
[car horn honking]
[Shizuku] How did things go in Italy?
[Seiji] My master said
I'm not great yet, but I could be.
So I've decided to finish
high school first,
then I'll go back to Cremona.
- [Shizuku] Should I get off?
- [Seiji] No. Stay on.
[panting] I decided I was going
to ride up this steep hill
carrying you with me.
- Who said you could decide that?
- [panting]
I don't want to be
just a burden for you.
Oh!
If I'm going with you,
I'm going to help you.
[panting] All right, go ahead and help.
Just a bit further.
[both panting]
Shizuku, hurry up! Get on!
[both panting]
Ah, just in time.
Wow.
- Need a hand?
- I'm fine.
Look at this.
Amazing.
With all that mist,
it looks like the ocean.
Yeah. This is where
I come to get inspired.
You'll see in a second.
[Seiji] I wanted to show this to you.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
Grandpa told me about all the amazing
writing you've been doing.
I feel bad that I wasn't here
to encourage you.
I was just off thinking about myself.
Mm-mm. You're the one
who inspired me, Seiji.
I'm glad I pushed myself.
I know myself a little bit better now.
I realized I need a lot more schooling,
so I don't mind doing what it takes
to get into a good high school.
Shizuku. I've been thinking.
It's that...
I know this might sound
really weird to you,
but could you see us
getting married someday?
[gasps]
[Seiji] I promise I'll be
a professional violin maker,
and you can be a professional writer.
- Mm-hm.
- Does this sound corny?
It's a little corny,
but you're a violin maker, not a writer.
That's true. This is great!
Come here. It's getting cold.
Shizuku, I love you!
[Yoko Honna singing
"Country Road" in Japanese]