Sanshiro Sugata (姿三四郎)

TOHO COMPANY, LTD.

This film has been modified from the original version

of Akira Kurosawa's debut film, which opened in 1943,

without consulting the director or the production staff.

1,845 feet of footage was cut in 1944,

to comply with the government's wartime entertainment policies.

As much as we'd like to show the original version,

we were not able to locate the cut footage.

Yet we strongly believe this modified version is worthy of rerelease.

We thank you for understanding the circumstances

surrounding the rerelease of this film.

April 1952, Toho Company, Ltd.

SANSHIRO SUGATA

Original Novel by TSUNEO TOMITA

Screenplay by AKIRA KUROSAWA

Cinematography by AKIRA MIMURA

Music by SEIICHI SUZUKI

CAST

DENJIRO OOKOUCHI

SUSUMU FUJITA

YUKIKO TODOROKI

RANKO HANAI

RYUNOSUKE TSUKIGATA

TAKASHI SHIMURA

SUGISAKU AOYAMA

KOKUTEN KODO

Directed by AKIRA KUROSAWA

This narrow road Where does it go?

This narrow road belongs to the Tenjin God

Allow me to pass for a moment

No one must pass who has no business to pass

I have some business. Let me pass.

Having made a vow to the Tenjin God

Actually, I'm looking for a jujitsu instructor.

You have reason to be afraid on your way back

A Shimmei-style instructor lives right there.

But he's out now.

He's in an exhibition match in Asakusa.

SABURO MOMMA - SHIMMEI-STYLE JUJITSU INSTRUCTOR

We have a new pupil.

You're lucky.

You'll see quite a show tonight.

We're going to teach Yano a lesson.

Yano?

Don't you know him?

The judo wrestler of the Shudokan.

What's judo?

That's a good one.

Yano calls jujitsu "judo."

He wants to make money off it. What a fraud.

The police are looking for a martial arts instructor.

We're about to make a name for ourselves in the field.

We can't allow him to steal the job with some fancy name for jujitsu.

He must be stopped.

Ambush?

Just a match without a referee.

- Sir. - What is it?

- He's left the shop. - Where did he go?

He's headed this way in a rickshaw.

Let's wait under the bridge.

Let's go!

No weapons! Let's not disgrace ourselves!

Come with us. You may learn a thing or two.

Father, where are you going?

We won't be long.

Is something wrong, Father?

Don't be silly.

Well...

I'm Yano of the Shudokan.

Do you know who you're attacking?

State your names.

Be prepared for the Shimmei's final blow.

Your name?

Kill me!

I won't kill you or even break your arm.

Just tell me your name.

What have I done to you?

Nothing. I wanted to teach you a lesson.

Teach me a lesson?

How foolish.

Jujitsu is on the decline because of men like you.

I won't live in shame after I'm beat by a scoundrel like you.

Kill me now!

You should have shown that spirit in your jujitsu.

What a waste.

Rickshawman!

Rickshawman!

It's over.

Sir, let me take you.

Get in.

Can you drive?

Good.

Thank you.

It's a fight!

Come on!

I did nothing to you.

You said something. Say it again!

You scoundrel!

Don't be haughty.

What?

Sir.

Sugata is back.

Send him in.

Sir.

Be easy on him.

Bring him in.

Well?

You must have enjoyed fighting.

I'm sorry.

I should've been there to watch you fight.

You're strong... very strong.

Maybe even stronger than me.

But...

your judo and my judo...

are worlds apart.

Do you know why?

Because you don't understand humanity.

Teaching judo to such a man...

is like giving a knife to a lunatic.

Sir, I understand humanity.

You don't!

You live without reason or purpose.

Where is your humanity?

Humanity is nature's rule...

by which we live and die.

Only according to this principle can you die in peace.

It is the true essence of all life...

and of judo as well.

Sugata...

you haven't realized this.

But, sir, I am willing to die if you tell me to.

- Liar! - No. I am!

Shut up!

You're a reckless bully.

Your words mean nothing to me.

I'm willing to die.

Die!

Sir.

Yes?

Sugata is still in the water.

It's late. He might die. Forgive him.

He's wild and stubborn, but this is too much.

He can come out whenever he likes.

Not without your forgiveness.

He'll come out when he wants to.

Won't you forgive him?

Idiot!

He won't die. He's thinking.

Well, proud one.

Are you comfortable?

No answer? You haven't figured it out.

Won't you give up?

No!

You sound like you can go on a little longer.

But, Sanshiro...

do you know what...

you're hanging on to?

Too full of yourself to notice?

It's a stake!

Yes, one that keeps you alive.

Without it, you'd sink into the mud.

You're too proud to come out.

Death is near.

Shut up, monk!

Well, then, why don't you give up and come out?

No!

How stubborn.

Suit yourself.

The moon is beautiful tonight. Enjoy the view.

Sir!

Is Mr. Yano here?

He's out.

Are his pupils here?

I'm one.

Are there any others?

Just one.

I want a match.

May I ask your name?

I practice the Ryoi style. I'm Genzaburo Higaki.

Come in.

Priest, water.

Who's next?

Mr. Higaki.

I'm next.

No. I'll have a match with Mr. Yano's pupil.

Then you must leave.

What about him?

I'm ready.

No. You can't.

Mr. Higaki.

This pupil is being punished. He's not allowed to fight matches.

Please leave.

That's too bad.

Mr. Iinuma.

I'm sure Mr. Yano will allow me in this case.

Perhaps, if he were here.

- But - - No!

- I'm ready! - No!

What's your name?

Sanshiro Sugata.