Daiei Productions presents
GATE OF HELL
Produced by NAGATA Masaichi
Original story by KIKUCHI Kan Screenplay by KINUGASA Teinosuke
Cinematography by SUGIYAMA Kohei
Cast:
HASEGAWA Kazuo as Morito KYO Machiko as Kesa
YAMAGATA Isao as Wataru BANDO Kotaro as Rokuro
TAZAKI Jun as Kogenta SENDA Koreya as Kiyomori
Directed by KINUGASA Teinosuke
More than 800 years ago,
during the Heiji Era (1160),
Lord Kiyomori, ruler ofthe Taira Clan, accompanied by his retainers,
travelled towards the Temple of ltsukushima.
Taking advantage ofthis, Minamoto Yoshitomo and Fujiwara Nobuyori
attacked Sanjo Castle, residence ofthe Emperor in Kyoto,
in order to bring about a coup d'e'tat.
This clash is known today as the Heiji Rebellion.
The south flank has fallen! We are defeated!
Yoshitomo and Nobuyori have organised the attack.
They have taken advantage of Kiyomori's absence.
We must save the family in the garden. They must leave for Rokuhara.
Yes, sire!
Take the father and sister ofthe Emperor to a safe place.
Use volunteers to confuse the enemy. Get out ofthe castle.
Let's not lose any time!
Who will act as decoy as the sister ofthe Emperor¤
It's vitally important. A volunteer!Someone, please!
- May I assist you, sire? - Who are you?
- My name is Kesa, sire. - Very well.
Your carriage will be protected by Morito.
There goes the Emperor's sister. Stop them!
Is anybody here?
Grandfather!
Grandfather? Where are you? Kakisuke!
Be strong!
You're awake...
This is my family home. You will be safe here.
Stay here and rest. I must return to Sanjo Castle.
- Who are you? - I am Rokuro of Mutsu.
- Rokuro? Never heard ofyou. - Where's Moritada?
- My brother is not here. - I will wait for him.
Trust me. I'm under the orders of Lord Samanokami.
Samanokami? And why do you wish to see my brother?
Your brother Moritada has done a fine job.
Both Lord Samanokami and Lord Uemon are very impressed with him.
Has he sided with the rebels?
Who is that girl?
What's that for?
By the look of her clothes... I'd say she's the Emperor's sister.
Fool!
Are you truly the brother of Moritada?
The blood ofthe Endo family courses through me and my brother!
And I'm faithful to the Emperor!
Damn you!
Morito!Stop it!
Brother!Aren't you ashamed to support the rebellion?
Morito, calm down!
The world has changed completely since yesterday.
They chopped offthe head of Priest Shinzei.
Also, Rokuhara is surrounded by Yoshitomo's elite.
But, Brothe¤, please reconsider. You have never been one ofthem.
I have my own opinion.
What does it serve me to be faithful to Kiyomori?
When you swear allegiance to a man, he is your master!
Only cowards betray their liege in his absence!
Don't be mistaken, it's not cowardice. I do it in my own interest.
You will never win! We will annihilate you!
E¤pect no mercy from me, Brother!
Don't touch him!
I want you to know that the route to the west is blocked.
Join forces with us.
Come, let us talk elsewhere.
The head of Priest Shinzei hangs outside the Gate of Hell!
- Is it really the head ofShinzei? - We're all going to see it!Come on!
The worst is already over,
but the Emperor's father and sister are prisoners ofthe enemy.
And the head of Priest Shinzei hangs by the Gate of Hell.
I'm sure Shinzei didn't expect his own head to be hung on the gate.
A¤er the Hogen Rebellion, he beheaded hundreds here
and they called it the Gate of Hell. You get what you deserve!
Look! Here comes Lord Nobuyori to inspect the heads.
We'd better not stay here.
Master, we are being watched.
Morito!
Ah, Kogenta!
What became of Rokuhara? I heard Yoshitomo besieged it.
- What is it? - You're not like your brother, I hope.
- How so? - He has a price on his treacherous head!
- Maybe I'll have to kill you too! - You fool! I didn'tjoin him!
Morito. Can you prove that?
Yes. I will go and see Kiyomori on the island of Itsukushima.
To Itsukushima? Go, then. Heiroku and Tadatsuna have gone too.
Heiroku too?
Father!
Why did you allow Nobuyori to build the castle?
And what do you know about my father and sister?
- Well... - You don't know what to say!Call Morito!
Yes, master.
Rokuhara is also in danger. I'm surrounded by useless fools!
The head ofShinzei hangs by the Gate of Hell?
That's not all. The Emperor's father and sister...
- Have they been taken prisoner? - Yes. They tried to flee but were caught.
- Who has betrayed me? - Nobusumi ofthe So Clan.
And Sakagami Kanenari as well, no?
Yes.
My brother Moritada was involved, sire.
Your brother too?
Very well. You may go.
We have no time to lose. We must return to Kyoto.
I realise that.
Father, what Morito says is right.
Hesitation now may destroy us.
How can we fight? We are fifty men, without any armour!
We have armour for our vassals. It is hidden secretly in our baggage.
- You brought it with you? - Yes. For such an emergency.
Morito. You may go.
What are you doing?
Lord Kiyomori entered the capital Kyoto with his troops
and wiped out Nobuyori's rebels by the Gate ofTaiken in Rokuhara.
This was the beginning ofthe Eireki Era, the year ofthe dragon.
The Taira Clan recaptured the control ofthe country.
There it is, the name of Rokuro of Mutsu who I killed at the Taiken Gate!
Nonsense! I was the one who took his head.
What did you say? Maybe it was Shichiro of Mutsu, his twin.
Nobuyori didn't believe that Kiyomori could recover the country in one month.
Now there will be peace for a time.
FALLEN IN COMBAT
ENDO MORITADA
Morito, light some incense for the repose ofyour brother's soul.
The poor fool.
Tomorrow, battle rewards will be conferred upon us.
I'll ask for a new set of armour.
You think you deserve one for doing nothing?
It is you. You made it to safety.
- It's you, sire. - I am glad to see you.
I've wanted to thank you for all you did.
It was nothing.
Though I have no relatives buried here, I wanted to pay respects.
This is my aunt.
- My name is Sawa, sire. - And where do you hail from?
- From Shirakawa. - Famous for its chestnuts?
Yes, sire. In autumn, the hillsides are covered with them.
And was the lady also born in Shirakawa?
Kesa was raised in our humble home since birth.
So your niece's name is Kesa?
When she entered imperial service at the castle,
the Emperor's sister bestowed this name upon her, sire.
A fine name.
She has attained distinction at court. I am very proud of her.
- Aunt... - You must visit my home.
- I will offer you something to eat. - That's very kind, sire.
But Kesa must return to the castle right away.
I see. That's a shame.
I apologise. Perhaps some other time.
Morito, I can see you look smitten.
Well, Sadafusa,
I appoint you Governor of Ise and grant you a fine steed.
I am very grateful, Master.
Next is Tomoyuki.
- Tomoyuki! - Sire.
I give you the country estate of Gokanosho in Tajima.
Thank you, my lord.
- Kogenta. - Sire!
I believe you wanted to ask me for something.
Yes. The Hachijin sword and the Tsukune figure that you adore.
Very well. A strange request, but I grant them to you.
- Ah, there you are, Morito. - Sire!
In spite ofyour brother Moritada's treachery,
you killed Masanaka and fought bravely at the Taiken Gate.
Ask of me what you wish.
- Will you grant what I ask ofyou? - Kiyomori always fulfils his promise.
Unless you ask for my head!
I would like you, Lord Kiyomori, to arrange a marriage for me.
- Arrange a marriage for you? - Yes, sire.
Very well. So be it. Who do you wish to marry?
She is a lady-in-waiting at court. Her name is Kesa, sire.
Kesa? I don't recall her. But I'm sure she's a beauty.
Very well, I will speak to Her Majesty on your behalf.
Thank you. I am overjoyed, sire.
Why do you laugh?
Few ofyou would show the courage to admit his feelings.
Morito, your wish will be granted.
My lord!
Kesa is the wife ofWatanabe Wataru ofthe Imperial Guards.
What?
Morito, as you've just heard, it seems Kesa is already married.
Bad luck! What an embarrassment for me!
I appeal to your power to grant me Kesa as my wife.
- That's impossible. - You said you fulfil your promises!
My lord cannot grant you another man's wife.
Is there no other request you could make?
Morito, why don't you answer?
Do you understand?
Did you not hear my explanation?
Oh, you must let me do that for you, my lady.
I was simply amusing myself.
Really, Kesa. A lady ofthe court shouldn't be cleaning!
I've always liked doing my own household chores.
Finish that for me.
You may not be aware of it, Kesa,
but have you heard what happened at Rokuhara yesterday?
Apparently, everybody in the capital is talking about it.
A soldier of lower rank, as an award for his services,
asked Lord Kiyomori permission to marry you.
The nerve ofthe man!
¤uite unbelievable how he could ask for the hand of a lady who's married.
He is a rural samurai named Morito. I wonder what he was thinking.
The master was laughing about it this very morning.
It's inappropriate to make light of it.
Indeed. The incident must have angered your husband Lord Wataru.
We ofthe noble and respected Fujiwara Clan
should resent this insolence ofthis country samurai.
Furthermore, the brother ofthis Morito was one ofthe traitors in the rebellion.
Let us not talk ofthis.
What a world we live in!
Listen to me, Lady Kesa.
A lady of elegance must remain alooffrom the world.
Othe¤ise, problems may ensue.
It seems like the master has returned.
Is that talkative widow over again?
Yes. I think she has much time on her hands.
- Welcome home. - Has Lady Mano left?
Yes.
She visits me frequently,
and shows me how the wife of a samurai should act.
I am very grateful to her.
Your face is pallid, sire.
Do not worry, it's nothing.
But is there something worrying you, sire?
Why do you ask me that?
I've been made aware of a ridiculous rumour about me.
- Please forgive me. - Is this about Morito?
Yes.
I've asked myself, could anything I might have said raised his hopes?
I am greatly troubled by this.
Do not worry yourself. None of it is your fault.
Except that you are beautiful, even he can see that.
But you are my wife, and Morito will never be able to approach you.
I was hoping to hear you say that, sire.
I was so worried, I didn't know how to broach the subject.
We samurai may be tough, but there are limits.
Come, smile for me.
- There! - Such silliness.
Will you drink a little sake with me?
Yes.
And ifyou get drunk, I'll bombard you with questions!
Little devil!
Lord Kiyomori has sent a messenger to request your presence, my lady.
- Me? - Yes.
Tell him that I am sick and cannot get up.
No.
It would be inappropriate to decline an invitation from Lord Kiyomori.
Also, he's the one who employs you in the service of his sister.
You must go.
But what does he want of me? I have a sense offoreboding.
It's nothing to worry about. Tone?
- Tell him the lady accepts the invitation. - Yes.
Now I understand...
- Is Morito here? - Yes.
Bring him here.
And I'll make my presence scarce.
Do you hear that? The one playing the koto is Kesa.
Since you want her so much, I've decided to give you one chance.
Let's see what she says.
But remember this, the decision is hers to make.
And if she declines, you give up gracefully, yes?
Very well. On your way.
What's wrong with you?
What a coward! Where's your warrior's valour now?
I am not afraid! With your permission...
I wonder what the pig-headed fool will do!
My lord, I believe you have gone too far.
Please stop.
Will you stop?
Enough!
I am not a man who speaks falsely.
When I told Lord Kiyomori about my desire,
I didn't know you were married.
But I can't give you up.
- What you want is impossible. - I know it seems impossible.
Lady Kesa, can you understand how I feel in my heart?
I will do anything in the world for you.
- That cannot be. - Why not?
Because I already have a husband.
You think I'm of lower rank than Lord Wataru?
Let me go, please.
Lady Kesa...
Lady Kesa, the master wants you.
So, Wataru, what are you thinking about?
I don't suppose it worries you
that this peasant from Rokuhara has fallen in love with your wife.
Why would it? Wataru and Kesa's marriage is strong.
Why would you worry about this Morito?
What are you prattling on about?
We are here as guests for the horse race tomorrow,
so let's change the conversation.
You're single, you don't understand these conversations.
- What? - Be quiet!
Hey, have you heard what that idiot from Rokuhara has done?
- Morito? - What's he done now?
He has registered for the horse race tomorrow.
What? Does he want to compete against Wataru?
That should be interesting.
Don't be a fool! He may start trouble.
We don't know what he's capable of.
Wataru, I'll take your place ifyou so wish.
No need!Wataru beat them all in the race last year.
You think he'd lose to this poor wretch Morito?
Right, Wataru?
It's only a competition, a race in homage to the gods.
Regardless ofwho my competitors are, I will always act with honour.
I don't agree!
This race is ofgreat importance. You must win to defend your name.
You must beat that fool!
- You must despise him! - No. The gods will decide who wins.
The Endo Clan are also samurai. Their hearts are as noble as mine.
Nevertheless, the two ofyou are competing against each other,
so tomorrow's race promises to be exciting!
Tone, is Kesa not home yet?
She came in a while ago, sire.
I didn't know you'd returned. What did he want with you?
What is it?
He summoned me...
...simply to test my feelings.
- Your feelings? - Yes.
Lord Kiyomori had arranged a meeting with Morito.
- And? - I rejected him outright, of course.
I felt so humiliated!
I see. You've behaved impeccably.
One cannot change a person's feelings by force.
It must have been a lesson to both Lord Kiyomori and Morito.
Come, cry no more.
You must come to the races tomorrow, it should be entertaining.
They said that Morito will compete against you.
The tournament is dedicated to the gods.
I will compete to the best of my abilities.
Is it really necessary for you to take part?
Do not worry. I will surely win this year too.
Kesa, listen.
Whatever happens, you must remain calm, or people will be watching.
Yes, sire.
Come into the garden and view the moon with me.
Have your friends already retired for the night?
Yes, after too much talk and too much drinking!
Kesa, I won't let anybody take you from me.
You understand?
Tomorrow will be a fine day.
So that's Lord Wataru?
Yes, that's him.
- I will crush him today. - Morito, you must play fair.
I know that!
I'll put on a display for the crowds.
Kakisuke!
See ifthe reds or purples are winning.
- Red has won. - We'll win for sure!
- Morito, play fair. - I heard you.
- This contest should be interesting. - The best race yet.
The rivals in the scandal competing face-to-¤ace.
Morito is the winner!
Well done.
Well contested, Morito.
You should have whipped the horse more!
- Did you throw the race? - Nonsense! He was better than me.
I don't think so!
Master, your wife awaits you.
Very well.
We are now to attend the awards ceremony.
Forget about the rivalry, Morito.
The ceremony of conciliation begins. No more rivalry exists.
No more grudges are held.
Once in a year, the various samurai clans come together.
Drink and enjoy yourselves.
That certainly was a fine race!
I, for one, am sure Wataru allowed him to win.
Everybody could see that.
Lady Kesa must have warned him: better to be wise than a winner.
That's true. He hardly used his whip.
Right, Wataru?
- No, he was the better rider. - Come on, tell the truth.
¤¤The wise man never courts danger,¤¤ eh?
Enough!
I object to what you're saying. Let's compete again!
How interesting. Another competition?
Why not? Both ofyou can settle matters in the garden.
Right, then! And if necessary, with blades!
Running away?
All ofyou can join him there too!
Those ofyou who say I won unfairly will answer to my sword!
Morito, have you forgotten the meaning ofthis festival?
Aggressive behaviour is unacceptable. Get out!
Get out!
You fool!
You think such behaviour over a woman is worthy of a samurai?
You are dismissed!
My lady, you must hide yourself.
Why, what is going on?
The warrior Endo Morito is here in a rage and wants to see you.
He says he has something important to ask you.
And what did you tell him?
That the master ofthe house was out
and the lady hadn't returned from an engagement.
But he said he would not go away until you returned.
I have been told that her ladyship has gone to visit her aunt
and will probably not return this evening.
- She is at her aunt's? - Yes.
Very well!
I know that Lady Kesa is here. They told me so at the Watanabe house.
- No, she is not here, sire. - Enough! I will search the house.
Nevertheless, you will not find her ladyship.
- Are you lying to me? - Why would I lie to you?
So she was in the house all the time.
I refuse to give her up.
Of course!
Summon your niece here, I must see her.
- That is impossible. - This is a matter of life and death.
She is the lady ofthe Watanabe house. I cannot call her on a whim.
- I order you to do it! - Please...
- Do you refuse? - I do.
In that case, I will kill anyone who gets in my way!
Master, even if I were to go and get her,
Lady Kesa may refuse to come.
Send a messenger to say you're on your death-bed and she'll come!
- But such lies... - You still refuse?
Oh, I didn't know you'd returned.
What's wrong? They said you'd ensconced yourself in here.
Yes.
A messenger arrived saying that your aunt's ill and wants to see you.
My aunt?
Do you want me to go and see her?
No. I shall go to her.
Very well. Then you'd better accompany the messenger there.
If she doesn't improve, I will go and see her too.
The poor woman must feel lonely.
- Take care on the way. - Yes.
Thank you for accompanying me.
Aunt?
- Kesa has come. - Light a lantern.
Lady Kesa, your aunt isn't sick. Please don't worry.
Forgive me for summoning you, but he forced me with threats.
Leave us alone.
- Please don't act rashly... - I shan't.
So you came...
What is it you want from me?
I made you come so that you may listen to the voice of my heart.
Listening to you will not change anything.
Lady Kesa, I will give up everything for you.
You are all that matters to me.
- Please understand how I feel... - I cannot listen!
You saved my life once. And for that I am grateful.
What are you doing?
- Will you not listen to me? - No.
We'll see about that!
You know you belong to me.
Whatever you say, I will never surrender my honour to you.
- Leave your husband. Leave Wataru. - I could never!
You can. If not, I will kill him!
And not only Wataru, but your aunt also. Even you.
I am capable of killing you all!
How could you possibly want me at such a high price?
I want you.
I cannot go on living without you.
What do you say? Do you still resist me?
Answer me!
Is that what you want?
You want Wataru, your aunt and even yourselfto die by my sword?
Kesa, everything depends on your answer.
Please, let me go.
Very well.
I will do whatever you say.
You have listened to my heart.
But, in return, leave my husband alone!
I will slay him!
I'll do it tonight.
- Will you guide me to him? - Yes.
Good.
At nine o'clock, extinguish the lantern in Wataru's room.
Ifyou disobey me, I will kill you all.
Ifyou step out ofthis house, I will take your head!
Oh!You're back already.
Where is my husband?
I saw him in there, not long ago, reading.
Really?
Is your aunt seriously ill, my lady?
No. She will be fine.
I am glad. I was very worried.
Will you prepare some sake?
When it is ready, you can retire to your room.
Ah, wait a moment.
I want to give you this.
But it's far too valuable.
- Remember me by it. - I will always keep it with me.
- Kesa? - I am sorry to be so late.
How is your aunt?
It seems she was feeling lonely. My visit cheered her.
I see.
You must rest now. I will join you.
But I'm frightened. It feels like there's someone else in the house.
- Someone else? - It'sjust a feeling offoreboding.
I will take a look.
You see, there's nobody.
I must have imagined it.
- Will you have a drink? - What's going on?
Nothing.
- Are you worried about your aunt? - No.
Tell me what's concerning you.
- I'm not concerned about anything. - I hope so.
Music always lifts one's mood. Play something for me.
Why do you play such a sad tune?
Are you crying?
No.
You must be tired.
Drink some sake to relax.
Yes, I will take a little.
I have never seen you gulp it down so fast!
- Let's go to sleep. - No. Let's stay awake a little longer.
And tonight, please rest in my room.
- Sleep here? - Yes.
I will lie down and listen to your music.
What time would you say it is?
It's almost nine o'clock.
Nine o'clock, you say?
A long life to you.
Kesa!
No!
My god!
I never imagined that you would do this for him!
Forgive me!
Forgive me, Kesa.
What a foolish wretch I am!
I couldn't see into your true heart.
I have destroyed a beautiful soul!
Wataru?
Lord Wataru?
Where are you, Wataru?
Lord Wataru!
Morito!
Lord Wataru...
- Behead me! - What?
Love has sent me insane.
Believing it was you, I have killed Lady Kesa!
For her, it was shameful to be loved by me.
She changed places with you and sacrificed herself.
She was a woman ofgreat virtue.
And before you is the foolish wretch who killed her!
What a fool I was to believe I could conquer her heart by force?
So, then... finish me.
Cut me to pieces!
Do with me as you wish!
Kesa!
Is this farewell?
Why didn't you tell me?
Did you think it would please me to see you die like this?
Kesa... please hear my voice.
A husband expects his wife to have total faith in him.
Why could you not trust me?
Why did you not dare ask me for help?
So, Lord Wataru...
Deal with me as you please.
Finish me offfor being the contemptible wretch that I am!
You must despise me for having killed your wife.
Won't you unleash all your vengeance on me?
- That's not the answer. - What?
Even if I were to take your head,
Kesa would not return to life.
Here I am before you, your wife's murderer.
Are you afraid to take revenge?
If I behead you, then your penance will have ended.
But what will become of me after this tragedy?
I must live on, knowing that my wife did not trust me to prevent her death.
What will become of me now?
You are right, Lord Wataru.
I will dedicate the rest of my life...
...to suffer the tortures of hell for what I have done.
I, Morito, will completely renounce this world.