Introspection Tower (みかへりの搭)

A Shochiku Production

INTROSPECTION TOWER

Based on the novel by Ryuji Kumano and Yoshio Toyoshima

Cinematography by Suketaro Inokai Music by Senji Ito

Production Design by Minoru Esaka Recording by Takenori Mori

Cast

Shinyo Nara as Director

Chishu Ryu as Mr. Kusama

Kuniko Miyake as Ms. Natsumura

Kimiyo Otsuka as Mrs. Kusama

Jun Yokoyama as Yoshio Zen

Ryo Ofuji as Nobuichi

Norio Otsuka as Masao

Teruo Furuya as Koji

Yuiko Nomura as Tamiko

Keiko Izumi as Naoko

Takashi Ogata as Okamoto

Takeshi Sakamoto as Tamiko's father

Troubled children are sent here for rehabilitation.

For example, they steal, wander, lie...

torch, use violence, etc.

It can house up to 204 children.

About 300 people, including staff, now live here.

Built a small village in this broad area.

In other words, it serves as a society.

A trio of home, school and society, so to speak.

There are 16 homes now.

Each home is managed by a pair of a teacher and a female childminder.

In principle, they are a married couple.

The girls only home is managed by a female teacher.

Kids call them their "mother."

Children are to wake up at 5 a. m.,

depending on season,

when those "Father's Bell" and "Mother-Child's Bell" toll.

They immediately put away their futon.

Those wetting the bed, dry it.

Troubled children often wet their futon.

Last year, the number of bedwetting reached 2,315.

It's beyond our control.

They take turns to cook for themselves.

Actually, they can cook much better than a young bride.

Each home does exercises to keep themselves fit.

They are to sweep through the place very carefully.

That's because they have a poor hygiene sense.

Then, they gather in front of each home's altar,

which honors spirits of their ancestors.

After meal, they gather at the main auditorium

to kneel before the portrait

of Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress.

"We were given birth by the power and blessing of the universe.

Our bodies are composed of our parents' affection and suffering.

Folded in the hands of an eternal guardian,

and with pride and duty, we grow up each day.

Foster welfare and pure mind to do good for our houses and country."

And the classes start.

There are some groups depending on their levels.

So, a 15-year-old boy may study with 3rd-graders.

Some say they have a headache during an arithmetic class.

Study 4 hours in the morning...

Hello.

Do practical work after meal.

Welcome.

We also grow crops here.

Not enough to support ourselves, but enough to enjoy at each home.

Seasonal veggies and etc. Pumpkins are especially good.

Carpentry workshop.

They make things like tables, bookcases and cupboards.

Some visitors place orders, too.

They start with sewing bags

and move on to uniforms, suits, and dresses.

Some even make morning dresses.

Orders come from many customers.

In fact, my suit was made here.

Each child can choose what they want to try

so that they can find work later.

Notice there are no walls or fences surrounding this institution?

This gate has never been shut.

That is to give free rein to the children, and

make them feel at ease as much as we can.

Got a general idea of this institution?

"Tamiko Sakata"

Her reason... moderate.

Sensory functions... Hearing... 4 for right, 6 for left...

Memory... 7.

We have a newcomer.

I see.

Seems to be a wild one.

I saw many machines. It's like science fair.

Really.

This place seems fun.

Yeah? You must listen to your teachers.

I've been bad, dad?

Yup. A little too much.

But you were too busy with your work.

I was so bored.

Spent too much.

Really? Shouldn't have opened your purse.

That was bad. That was really bad.

But you don't give me enough.

Thank you for waiting.

She'll take care of your daughter Tamiko.

Ms. Natsumura. This is...

I'm Sakata.

This is...

Tamiko.

Beg your kindness.

I'll do my best.

Take her home.

Yes, sir. Follow me.

No need to see me off. Go back to your work, dad.

Thank you in advance.

She's always like that.

By the way...

She's now out of your hands.

But you shouldn't think it's a good riddance.

I know.

I know you're busy. But visit her often.

And write to her a lot.

Obviously.

Please do.

That's the best for her. Better than anything else.

And you have to do that for her because she has no mother.

Understand?

Yes.

Welcome home.

Come now.

Welcome.

Hello.

Mother! Michi took my blouse! I want it back!

Michi!

Why wear hers? Where's yours?

Still wet.

Because you didn't wring it well.

It's not your blouse. Take it off and give it back.

Give it back.

Wash it first!

Still clean, isn't it? Bear with it, Nao.

No!

She never uses soap when she takes a bath!

I'll wash it!

This is your home now, Tamiko.

There are 12 girls. They are your sisters.

That many?

I'm your mother.

You? Mother?

Aren't you too young to be my mom? Sister, at most.

Fine, then.

I'm sure you had many maids who looked after you.

Now you must take care of yourself.

If you need help, mom...

your sis will help you.

Take care of myself? Like what?

Like lay the futon...

put it away, clean the room...

and cook when it's your turn.

Are you kidding? I can never do that!

Mother! Nao and Michi! Fighting!

Stop it!

Come over here!

Michi! Nao!

Come here I say!

It's dangerous!

Listen to me!

Told you, Michi! Dangerous!

Nao, come out from there.

Stop! You'll hurt her!

Come here quick!

.. White clouds in the clear sky that look like

a soft brush stroke or stretched cotton are called cirrus.

They consist of fine ice crystals.

Form at altitudes above 8,000 m and below 12,000 m.

Cirrus look very delicate and refreshing, like sleeves of an angel's robe."

Now, who can read this?

Sir!

I was in a middle school!

So?

I can't go back to grade school!

She's so selfish!

Disobeys her mom, does no chores, doesn't eat her meals!

I see.

Like all of you at first.

Hey, don't waste water. The teachers will be upset.

I'm not. I'm hungry, that's all.

Drinking too much.

Enough. We're always short of water.

Hello.

Yes?

Well... Forget it.

Hello.

I heard you left school. I was worried about you.

Why did you leave?

A grade school! Silly! I'm starving, too.

You should eat with us. You are our family.

Come, eat your meal.

Oh.

Zen. You...

You know what...

I'm sorry.

I heard you skipped school, too. Your mom was worried.

Sorry. You know what...