1. They say Japan was made
by a sword.Copy !req
2. They say the old gods dipped
a coral blade into the ocean...Copy !req
3. and when they pulled it out,
four perfect drops fell back into the sea...Copy !req
4. and those drops became
the islands of Japan.Copy !req
5. I say Japan was made
by a handful of brave men...Copy !req
6. warriors willing to give their lives...Copy !req
7. for what seems to have become
a forgotten word:Copy !req
8. Honor.Copy !req
9. Ladies and gentlemen:
Winchester.Copy !req
10. America's leader in all forms of armament
used by the United States Army...Copy !req
11. celebrates our nation's centennial
by bringing you a true American hero.Copy !req
12. One of the most decorated warriors
this country has ever known.Copy !req
13. Winner of the Medal of Honor
for his gallantry...Copy !req
14. on the hallowed ground
of Gettysburg.Copy !req
15. He is late of the 7th Cavalry...Copy !req
16. and their triumphant campaign against
the most savage of the Indian nations.Copy !req
17. Ladies and gentlemen,
I present to you:Copy !req
18. Captain Nathan Algren!Copy !req
19. Captain Nathan Algren!Copy !req
20. Yes!Copy !req
21. Yes!Copy !req
22. One moment,
ladies and gentlemen.Copy !req
23. Goddamn you, Algren,
get out there!Copy !req
24. This is your last performance!
You're fired! Now get out there!Copy !req
25. Come on! I'm sick of this!Copy !req
26. Come on!Copy !req
27. Yes!Copy !req
28. My thanks, Mr. McCabe,
you are too kind.Copy !req
29. This, ladies and gents...Copy !req
30. is the gun that's winning the West.Copy !req
31. Why, many's the time I've found myself...Copy !req
32. surrounded by a swarm of...Copy !req
33. angry hostiles...Copy !req
34. with nothing but this rifle...Copy !req
35. between me and a certain
and gruesome death.Copy !req
36. And let me tell you, folks,
the red man...Copy !req
37. is a fearsome enemy.Copy !req
38. And if he'd had his way...Copy !req
39. why, this scalp of mine
would be long gone...Copy !req
40. and there'd be a balder man
standing before you today.Copy !req
41. Like those poor bastards out there...Copy !req
42. on the Little Bighorn.Copy !req
43. Bodies stripped bare...Copy !req
44. mutilated.Copy !req
45. Left to rot in the sun.Copy !req
46. This, ladies and gentlemen,
the 73 lever-action...Copy !req
47. Trapper.Copy !req
48. It's got a seven-shot capacity.
Accurate 400 yards, one round per second.Copy !req
49. Son, have you ever seen
what this could do to a man?Copy !req
50. This would blow a hole
in your daddy six inches wide.Copy !req
51. That's right, missy.Copy !req
52. This beauty.Copy !req
53. You could kill yourself five, six, seven
braves without ever having to reload.Copy !req
54. Note the patented loading port
and the smooth cocking action.Copy !req
55. My thanks on behalf
of those who died...Copy !req
56. in the name of better
mechanical amusements...Copy !req
57. and commercial opportunities.Copy !req
58. Mr. McCabe here will take your orders.Copy !req
59. God bless you all.Copy !req
60. I must say, captain, you have a flair
for the old melodrama.Copy !req
61. - You're alive.
- I am, indeed.Copy !req
62. Your man Custer says to me,
"We're going to the Little Bighorn."Copy !req
63. Says I, "What's this 'we' stuff?"
It's the walking ticket for me.Copy !req
64. Nine lives I have.
But I'll tell you what else I have.Copy !req
65. I have a good job for the both of us.Copy !req
66. God knows it looks
as if you'll need one real soon.Copy !req
67. What kind of a job?Copy !req
68. The only job you're fit for, boyo.
A man's job.Copy !req
69. Unless, of course, you got your heart
set on a career in the theater.Copy !req
70. Nathan!Copy !req
71. Just listen to what
your man has to say.Copy !req
72. Been a while.
It's good to see you.Copy !req
73. I'd like you to meet
Mr. Omura from Japan...Copy !req
74. and his associate, whose name
I've given up trying to pronounce.Copy !req
75. Sit down, please.Copy !req
76. Whiskey.Copy !req
77. Now, Japan's got it in mind
to become a civilized country.Copy !req
78. And Mr. Omura here is willing
to spend what it takes...Copy !req
79. to hire white experts
to train their army.Copy !req
80. And if we play our cards right...Copy !req
81. the Emperor grants the U.S.
exclusive rights to supply arms.Copy !req
82. Well, I have an agreement
with Winchester Company.Copy !req
83. I'm certain Mr. Omura has some concept
of what an agreement is.Copy !req
84. Your performances for the Winchester
Company bring you $25 a week.Copy !req
85. We will pay you $400 a month.Copy !req
86. Five. For each.Copy !req
87. And another 500
when we get the job done.Copy !req
88. How many other genuine heroes
you got lined up?Copy !req
89. Whiskey.Copy !req
90. So who will we be training
your boys to fight?Copy !req
91. His name is Katsumoto Moritsugu.
He was once the Emperor's teacher.Copy !req
92. - He's Samurai.
- Samurai?Copy !req
93. The word you might use is "warrior."Copy !req
94. Mr. Omura is familiar with our experiences
dealing with renegades.Copy !req
95. Is he?Copy !req
96. He's even read your book.Copy !req
97. Captain Algren's study of the tribes...Copy !req
98. was a crucial factor
in our defeat of the Cheyenne.Copy !req
99. Please excuse. What is funny?Copy !req
100. The corps back together again.
It's just so...Copy !req
101. inspiring!Copy !req
102. Excuse me.Copy !req
103. I need to use the necessities.Copy !req
104. This isn't a problem.
I'll just talk to him for a minute.Copy !req
105. Colonel Bagley.Copy !req
106. We contacted you because you are
Captain Algren's superior officer...Copy !req
107. and you assured us
of his participation.Copy !req
108. He'll do it.
I just need a minute.Copy !req
109. Nathan.Copy !req
110. I did what I was ordered
to do out there.Copy !req
111. And I have no remorse.Copy !req
112. So, what do you say we
put the past behind us?Copy !req
113. - You want me to kill Jappos, I'll kill them.
- I'm not asking you to kill anybody.Copy !req
114. You want me to kill the enemies of Jappos,
I'll kill their enemies.Copy !req
115. Rebs or Sioux or Cheyenne...Copy !req
116. For 500 bucks a month,
I'll kill whoever you want.Copy !req
117. But keep one thing in mind...Copy !req
118. I'd happily kill you for free.Copy !req
119. July 12th, 1876.Copy !req
120. There is some comfort
in the emptiness of the sea.Copy !req
121. No past, no future.Copy !req
122. And then at once, I am confronted
by the hard truth of present circumstances.Copy !req
123. I have been hired to help suppress
the rebellion of yet another tribal leader.Copy !req
124. Apparently, this is the only job
for which I am suited.Copy !req
125. I am beset by the ironies of my life.Copy !req
126. - Captain Algren, I presume?
- Yes.Copy !req
127. Jolly good. How do you do?
Simon Graham.Copy !req
128. Twenty years ago,
this was a sleepy little town.Copy !req
129. Now look at it.Copy !req
130. You see, the Emperor is mad
for all things Western...Copy !req
131. and the Samurai believe
it's changing too fast.Copy !req
132. The ancient and the modern
are at war for the soul of Japan.Copy !req
133. So your new employer, Mr. Omura,
is bringing in...Copy !req
134. every Western expert he can get.Copy !req
135. Lawyers from France, engineers from
Germany, architects from Holland...Copy !req
136. and now, of course,
warriors from America.Copy !req
137. I came over with the British
trade mission, oh, years ago.Copy !req
138. I was soon relieved of my position.Copy !req
139. I had an unfortunate tendency
to tell the truth...Copy !req
140. in a country where no one ever
says what they mean.Copy !req
141. So now, I very accurately translate
other people's lies.Copy !req
142. For 2000 years, no emperor
was even seen by a commoner.Copy !req
143. You have to realize what an honor this is.
It's all highly ritualized, of course.Copy !req
144. You may look at him,
but do not speak unless spoken to.Copy !req
145. If he stands, you must bow.
If he bows, you must bow lower.Copy !req
146. Do I look presentable?
I haven't worn this in a decade.Copy !req
147. Rather snug around the midriff.Copy !req
148. And bow.Copy !req
149. The divine Emperor Meiji
bids you welcome.Copy !req
150. He is grateful for the assistance
your country offers.Copy !req
151. We hope to accomplish the same national
harmony you enjoy in your homeland.Copy !req
152. The Emperor is most interested
in your American Indians...Copy !req
153. if you have fought
against them in battle.Copy !req
154. We have, Your Highness.
The red man is a brutal adversary.Copy !req
155. The Emperor wishes
to ask Captain Algren...Copy !req
156. if it is true they wear eagle feathers...Copy !req
157. and paint their faces
before going into battle...Copy !req
158. and that they have no fear.Copy !req
159. They are very brave.Copy !req
160. Bow.Copy !req
161. Thank you very much.Copy !req
162. And step back.Copy !req
163. Step back, step back and turn.Copy !req
164. Right, you little bastards!Copy !req
165. You will stand up straight
or I will personally shit-kick...Copy !req
166. every Far Eastern buttock
that appears before my eyes!Copy !req
167. Well done, sergeant.Copy !req
168. When you understand the language,
everything falls into place.Copy !req
169. The first rank will kneel,
rifles at the ready.Copy !req
170. The second rank...Copy !req
171. July 22nd, 1876.Copy !req
172. For six months' work, I am to receive
three years of captain's pay...Copy !req
173. teaching Orientals to soldier.Copy !req
174. They are an army of conscripts.Copy !req
175. Most of them are peasants
who have never even seen a gun.Copy !req
176. Fire!Copy !req
177. They are led by General Hasegawa,
a man of small stature...Copy !req
178. who nonetheless commands
enormous respect.Copy !req
179. What can the general tell me about
this man, this Samurai, Katsumoto?Copy !req
180. He seems to have great knowledge
of Katsumoto and his rebellion.Copy !req
181. I will count on his help
when facing the Samurai.Copy !req
182. Who supplies their weapons?Copy !req
183. Katsumoto no longer dishonors himself
by using firearms, you see.Copy !req
184. He uses no firearms?Copy !req
185. To those who honor the old ways,
Katsumoto is a hero.Copy !req
186. How well does he know him?Copy !req
187. The general and Katsumoto
fought together for the Emperor.Copy !req
188. He fought with the Samurai?Copy !req
189. He is Samurai.Copy !req
190. You must understand. Katsumoto pledged
his sword to defend the Emperor.Copy !req
191. They say that a Samurai's sword
is his soul.Copy !req
192. Samurai are paradoxical. I've tried to write
about them, but they keep to themselves.Copy !req
193. The bastards are still wearing armor.Copy !req
194. When the Irish were comporting
themselves in loincloths...Copy !req
195. these chaps were the most
sophisticated warriors on Earth.Copy !req
196. I need information
on their battle tactics.Copy !req
197. I have several more books
just waiting to be translated.Copy !req
198. He'll be speaking the lingo in no time.
You should hear him blather on in Blackfoot.Copy !req
199. Really?Copy !req
200. A fellow linguist? Oh, capital!Copy !req
201. Come on, sir.
A word or two in the savage tongue.Copy !req
202. Just "hello" or "goodbye" or—
No, no, no!Copy !req
203. "Cut his tongue out
and boil him in oil."Copy !req
204. Early day tomorrow, captain.Copy !req
205. - It's about bedtime, isn't it?
- I always had a fascination with scalping.Copy !req
206. I never quite understood
its technique.Copy !req
207. Imagine someone who hates you
with the utmost intensity...Copy !req
208. grabbing a handful of your hair
while you're lying prostrate and helpless...Copy !req
209. and scraping a dull blade
of a rusty knife around your scalp...Copy !req
210. with a saw-like motion.Copy !req
211. And let your imagination grasp, if you can,
the effect of a strong, quick jerk...Copy !req
212. on the turf of your hair
to release any clinging particles...Copy !req
213. would have on your nervous system.Copy !req
214. And you'll have some idea
of how it feels to be scalped...Copy !req
215. Mr. Graham.Copy !req
216. How soon can you
translate those books?Copy !req
217. Right away.Copy !req
218. I'm just delighted you're taking
such an interest in Samurai.Copy !req
219. I don't give a damn about the Samurai.
I want to know my enemy.Copy !req
220. I shall not sleep until it is done.Copy !req
221. Sake.Copy !req
222. I bid you good night.Copy !req
223. Can I get you anything?Copy !req
224. This is a punitive expedition, captain.Copy !req
225. Col. Bagley, these people had
nothing to do with the raids!Copy !req
226. - Good night, sir.
- Quietly now, boys.Copy !req
227. Fire!Copy !req
228. We should be grateful they're all firing
in the same direction.Copy !req
229. Couldn't have put it better myself, sir.Copy !req
230. Rifle butt, against the shoulder.Copy !req
231. Eye, down the sight.Copy !req
232. Now, slowly...Copy !req
233. Well done.Copy !req
234. Nathan!Copy !req
235. Katsumoto's attacked a railroad
at the border of his province.Copy !req
236. We cannot govern a country
in which we cannot travel freely.Copy !req
237. He must be stopped now.Copy !req
238. My railroad is a priority
for this country.Copy !req
239. They're not ready.Copy !req
240. The rebels don't have any rifles.
They're savages with bows and arrows.Copy !req
241. Whose sole occupation for the last
thousand years has been war.Copy !req
242. You have superior firepower
and a larger force.Copy !req
243. I am ordering the regiment
to move against Katsumoto.Copy !req
244. You will track him down
and engage him.Copy !req
245. Load.Copy !req
246. Mr. Graham!
Tell this man to fire at me!Copy !req
247. - I beg your pardon?
- Tell this man...Copy !req
248. if he does not shoot me,
I will kill him!Copy !req
249. - Captain, if I might have a word.
- Tell him!Copy !req
250. Tell him!Copy !req
251. Load!Copy !req
252. Load!Copy !req
253. Faster!Copy !req
254. Faster!Copy !req
255. Shoot me, damn it.Copy !req
256. Fire!Copy !req
257. Fire!Copy !req
258. They're not ready.Copy !req
259. The regiment leaves at 6 a.m.!Copy !req
260. A thousand miles of rail track laid
in less than two years.Copy !req
261. It's astonishing.Copy !req
262. And Omura owns all of it?Copy !req
263. As soon as he can get rid
of the Samurai, he will, yes.Copy !req
264. How do you intend
to find Katsumoto?Copy !req
265. Don't worry, Mr. Graham.
I assure you, he'll find us.Copy !req
266. Move into position!Copy !req
267. 1st Company,
form a battle line on me!Copy !req
268. Pay attention,
it will save your life!Copy !req
269. 2nd Company,
form on 1st Company.Copy !req
270. 3rd and 4th Company,
form up behind.Copy !req
271. Fill in on command!Copy !req
272. - Where's Hasegawa?
- He refuses to fight against Katsumoto.Copy !req
273. - Cover down!
- Captain Algren.Copy !req
274. We are not here as combatants.Copy !req
275. - Then who's gonna lead them?
- Their own officers.Copy !req
276. - Let's move to the rear.
- We'll be there presently.Copy !req
277. Fix bayonets!Copy !req
278. - Mr. Graham, accompany me to the rear.
- Yes, of course.Copy !req
279. Sergeant Gant, report to the rear and see
to the disposition of the supply trains.Copy !req
280. - Did you hear my order?
- I did indeed, sir!Copy !req
281. Then you will obey it. Now!Copy !req
282. No disrespect intended, sir,
but shove it up your ass.Copy !req
283. - Load!
- Load!Copy !req
284. Samurai come.Copy !req
285. You'll be fine, son.Copy !req
286. - Assume firing positions!
- Assume firing positions!Copy !req
287. Fire on my order only!Copy !req
288. Hold your fire!Copy !req
289. Hold your fire!Copy !req
290. Reload!Copy !req
291. Hold the line!Copy !req
292. Fire at will!Copy !req
293. Lieutenant, fall back!Copy !req
294. Zeb!Copy !req
295. What is your name?Copy !req
296. This is my son's village.Copy !req
297. We are deep in the mountains
and winter is coming. You cannot escape.Copy !req
298. Jolly good.Copy !req
299. Sake.Copy !req
300. Sake?Copy !req
301. Sake.Copy !req
302. Sake.Copy !req
303. Sake.Copy !req
304. Sake.Copy !req
305. Sake!Copy !req
306. Please.Copy !req
307. Sake.Copy !req
308. Sake!Copy !req
309. No!Copy !req
310. No!Copy !req
311. I told you!Copy !req
312. No!Copy !req
313. Morning.Copy !req
314. Go. You, go.Copy !req
315. What's your name?Copy !req
316. You got a name, don't you?Copy !req
317. You don't know what I'm saying, do you?Copy !req
318. I know why you don't talk.Copy !req
319. You're angry.Copy !req
320. You're angry because
they make you wear a dress.Copy !req
321. Son of a bitch.Copy !req
322. This temple was built by my family
a thousand years ago.Copy !req
323. My name is Katsumoto.Copy !req
324. What is your name?Copy !req
325. Are my words not correct?Copy !req
326. I will practice my English with you...Copy !req
327. if you would honor me.Copy !req
328. You kept me alive just to speak English?Copy !req
329. Then what do you want?Copy !req
330. To know my enemy.Copy !req
331. I've seen what you do to your enemies.Copy !req
332. Warriors in your country do not kill?Copy !req
333. They don't cut the heads off defeated,
kneeling men.Copy !req
334. General Hasegawa asked me
to help him end his life.Copy !req
335. A Samurai cannot stand
the shame of defeat.Copy !req
336. I was honored to cut off his head.Copy !req
337. Many of our customs seem strange to you.
The same is true of yours.Copy !req
338. For example...Copy !req
339. not to introduce yourself is considered
extremely rude, even among enemies.Copy !req
340. Nathan Algren.Copy !req
341. I am honored to meet you.Copy !req
342. - I have enjoyed this conversation in English.
- I have questions.Copy !req
343. I have introduced myself.
You have introduced yourself.Copy !req
344. This is a very good conversation.Copy !req
345. - I have questions.
- They come later.Copy !req
346. Who was the warrior in the red armor?Copy !req
347. - My brother-in-law, Hirotaro.
- And the woman who cares for me?Copy !req
348. My sister, Hirotaro's wife.Copy !req
349. Her name is Taka.Copy !req
350. I killed her husband?Copy !req
351. It was a good death.Copy !req
352. You!Copy !req
353. Thank you.Copy !req
354. Nicely done.Copy !req
355. You try.Copy !req
356. Try.Copy !req
357. I just realized, I've been remiss.
Forgive me.Copy !req
358. I have yet to thank you
for looking out for me yesterday.Copy !req
359. That is your job, correct?Copy !req
360. Protecting me?Copy !req
361. Well done, Bob.Copy !req
362. You don't mind if I call you "Bob," do you?Copy !req
363. I knew a Bob once.
God, he was ugly as a mule.Copy !req
364. You a ladies' man, Bob?Copy !req
365. Ujio is teaching you the way
of the Japanese sword.Copy !req
366. Yes, indeed.Copy !req
367. You fought against your Red Indians?Copy !req
368. Yes.Copy !req
369. Tell me of your part in this war.Copy !req
370. - Why?
- I wish to learn.Copy !req
371. - Read a book.
- I would rather have a good conversation.Copy !req
372. - Why?
- Because...Copy !req
373. we are both students of war.Copy !req
374. So...Copy !req
375. you were the general of your army?Copy !req
376. No.Copy !req
377. I was a captain.Copy !req
378. This is a low rank?Copy !req
379. A middle rank.Copy !req
380. And who was your general?Copy !req
381. Don't you have a rebellion to lead?Copy !req
382. People in your country
do not like conversation?Copy !req
383. He was a lieutenant colonel.Copy !req
384. His name was Custer.Copy !req
385. I know this name.Copy !req
386. He killed many warriors.Copy !req
387. Oh, yes. Many warriors.Copy !req
388. So he was a good general.Copy !req
389. No. No, he wasn't a good general.
He was arrogant and foolhardy.Copy !req
390. He got massacred because he took a single
battalion against 2000 angry Indians.Copy !req
391. Two thousand Indians?Copy !req
392. How many men for Custer?Copy !req
393. Two hundred and eleven.Copy !req
394. I like this General Custer.Copy !req
395. He was a murderer who fell in love
with his own legend.Copy !req
396. And his troopers died for it.Copy !req
397. I think this is a very good death.Copy !req
398. Maybe you can have one
like it someday.Copy !req
399. If it is in my destiny.Copy !req
400. - What do you want from me?
- What do you want for yourself?Copy !req
401. What are you doing?Copy !req
402. Why are we having these conversations?Copy !req
403. What the hell am I doing here?Copy !req
404. In spring...Copy !req
405. the snows will melt
and the passes will open.Copy !req
406. Until that time, you are here.Copy !req
407. Good day, captain.Copy !req
408. 1876.Copy !req
409. Day unknown. Month unknown.Copy !req
410. I continue to live among
these unusual people.Copy !req
411. I am their captive,
in that I cannot escape.Copy !req
412. Mostly, I'm treated with
a kind of a mild neglect...Copy !req
413. as if I were a stray dog
or an unwelcome guest.Copy !req
414. Everyone is polite.
Everyone smiles and bows.Copy !req
415. But beneath their courtesy,
I detect a deep reservoir of feeling.Copy !req
416. They are an intriguing people.Copy !req
417. From the moment they wake...Copy !req
418. they devote themselves to
the perfection of whatever they pursue.Copy !req
419. I have never seen such discipline.Copy !req
420. I am surprised to learn that the word
"Samurai" means "to serve"...Copy !req
421. and that Katsumoto believes his rebellion
to be in the service of the Emperor.Copy !req
422. Please forgive. Too many mind.Copy !req
423. Too many mind?Copy !req
424. Mind sword, mind people watch,
mind enemy.Copy !req
425. Too many mind.Copy !req
426. No mind.Copy !req
427. No mind.Copy !req
428. Not so fast. What are these?Copy !req
429. No, no. Not so fast.Copy !req
430. I'm Algren.Copy !req
431. - Nobutada.
- Nobutada.Copy !req
432. - Magojiro.
- Magojiro.Copy !req
433. Higen.Copy !req
434. Higen.Copy !req
435. Taka.Copy !req
436. She's been very kind to me.Copy !req
437. She's honored to have
my guest in her house.Copy !req
438. Winter, 1877.Copy !req
439. What does it mean to be Samurai?Copy !req
440. To devote yourself utterly
to a set of moral principles...Copy !req
441. to seek a stillness of your mind...Copy !req
442. and to master the way of the sword.Copy !req
443. Cold?Copy !req
444. Also. Also cold.Copy !req
445. Fire.Copy !req
446. To burn.Copy !req
447. I'm sorry.Copy !req
448. For your husband, Hirotaro.Copy !req
449. Spring, 1877.Copy !req
450. This marks the longest I have stayed
in one place since I left the farm at 17.Copy !req
451. There is so much here
that I'll never understand.Copy !req
452. I have never been a church-going man...Copy !req
453. and what I've seen on the field of battle
has led me to question God's purpose.Copy !req
454. But there is, indeed, something...Copy !req
455. spiritual in this place.Copy !req
456. And though it may forever
be obscure to me...Copy !req
457. I cannot but be aware of its power.Copy !req
458. I do know it is here that I have known
my first untroubled sleep in many years.Copy !req
459. No, you gotta get the ball!
Go and get it.Copy !req
460. No, not me!
You gotta get the ball! The ball!Copy !req
461. No mind.Copy !req
462. Katsumoto!Copy !req
463. The perfect blossom is a rare thing.Copy !req
464. You could spend your life looking for one,
and it would not be a wasted life.Copy !req
465. Who sent those men to kill you?Copy !req
466. I'm writing a poem about a dream I had.Copy !req
467. The tiger's eyes are like my ownCopy !req
468. But he comes from across
A deep and troubled seaCopy !req
469. Was it the Emperor?Copy !req
470. Omura?Copy !req
471. If the Emperor wishes my death,
he has but to ask.Copy !req
472. So it was Omura.Copy !req
473. I'm having trouble finishing the poem.Copy !req
474. - Can you suggest a last line?
- I'm not a writer.Copy !req
475. Yet you have written many pages
since you came here.Copy !req
476. What else has she told you?Copy !req
477. You have nightmares.Copy !req
478. Every soldier has nightmares.Copy !req
479. Only one who is ashamed
of what he has done.Copy !req
480. You have no idea what I have done.Copy !req
481. You have seen many things.Copy !req
482. I have.Copy !req
483. And you do not fear death,
but sometimes you wish for it.Copy !req
484. Is this not so?Copy !req
485. - Yes.
- I, also.Copy !req
486. It happens to men who have seen
what we have seen.Copy !req
487. And then I come to this place
of my ancestors...Copy !req
488. and I remember.Copy !req
489. Like these blossoms...Copy !req
490. we are all dying.Copy !req
491. To know life in every breath...Copy !req
492. every cup of tea...Copy !req
493. every life we take.Copy !req
494. The way of the warrior.Copy !req
495. Life in every breath.Copy !req
496. That is Bushido.Copy !req
497. The Emperor has granted
a safe passage to Tokyo.Copy !req
498. We leave tomorrow.Copy !req
499. Good.Copy !req
500. Good.Copy !req
501. When I took these, you were...Copy !req
502. my enemy.Copy !req
503. Algren-san! Algren-san.Copy !req
504. Algren?Copy !req
505. Algren, my God, you are alive.Copy !req
506. Well, you never cease to astonish.Copy !req
507. - Howitzers.
- Yes, indeed.Copy !req
508. As soon as the Emperor signs
the trade agreement...Copy !req
509. he gets the whole package.Copy !req
510. Including this particular item.
Two hundred rounds a minute.Copy !req
511. And the new cartridges
cut down on jamming.Copy !req
512. I need a bath.Copy !req
513. After living with those savages,
I can only imagine.Copy !req
514. Welcome back, captain.Copy !req
515. Gentlemen, come in.Copy !req
516. Captain Algren, it seems you have
endured your captivity with little ill effect.Copy !req
517. I was not ill-treated, sir.Copy !req
518. Mr. Omura, I have here
a draft of the arms agreement.Copy !req
519. I'm eager to know how many Samurai
have joined Katsumoto.Copy !req
520. I'm afraid I don't know.Copy !req
521. - You spent the winter at his encampment.
- As his prisoner.Copy !req
522. Has he fortified his position?
Acquired firearms? Tell us what you saw.Copy !req
523. As you said, colonel,
they're savages with bows and arrows.Copy !req
524. - Sir, about the—
- I'm sure your documents are in order.Copy !req
525. Thank you. Leave them on my desk.
I'll address them at the appropriate time.Copy !req
526. With all due respect, sir,
our president's patience is wearing thin.Copy !req
527. Perhaps there is someone else
we should speak to.Copy !req
528. With all due respect, ambassador...Copy !req
529. perhaps there is someone else
we should speak to.Copy !req
530. For instance, the French
or the English.Copy !req
531. Or any of the legations
waiting in the next room.Copy !req
532. We should be looking forward
to hearing from you.Copy !req
533. Good afternoon, gentlemen.
Captain Algren.Copy !req
534. Perhaps you and I might have
a word in private. Please, sit down.Copy !req
535. - May I offer you whiskey?
- No, thank you.Copy !req
536. Katsumoto is an extraordinary man,
is he not?Copy !req
537. He's a tribal leader.
I've known many of them.Copy !req
538. But none who are Samurai.
Their ways have great appeal.Copy !req
539. - I don't see how this concerns me.
- But it does.Copy !req
540. You see, you were right. Last year,
we were not prepared to go to battle.Copy !req
541. You were right,
and Colonel Bagley was wrong.Copy !req
542. But now, we are ready.Copy !req
543. If Katsumoto is allowed to attract
other Samurai to his cause...Copy !req
544. we will have 10 years of rebellion.
This is something I will not allow.Copy !req
545. Either I'll stop him at the council today,
or you'll lead my army against him.Copy !req
546. And with these new weapons,
you will crush him.Copy !req
547. - I appreciate the offer.
- It is not an offer.Copy !req
548. Mr. Omura, my contract with you
was to train your army.Copy !req
549. Then we will make a new contract...Copy !req
550. one that will recognize the extraordinary
contribution you've made to the Emperor.Copy !req
551. Do we understand each other?Copy !req
552. - Yes, we understand each other perfectly.
- Then I am pleased.Copy !req
553. Captain Algren!
What in heaven's name is going on?Copy !req
554. The diplomatic community is abuzz.Copy !req
555. Omura has passed laws
against the Samurai.Copy !req
556. I need a drink.Copy !req
557. Is your friend Katsumoto really planning
to go up against the council this afternoon?Copy !req
558. My God, it's started.Copy !req
559. Captain Algren!Copy !req
560. Jolly good.Copy !req
561. I heard you were leaving.Copy !req
562. Omura offers you my job,
and you run away.Copy !req
563. I suppose I should thank you.Copy !req
564. $500 a month, including
back pay for time spent...Copy !req
565. in captivity.Copy !req
566. Enough to climb back inside a bottle
for the rest of your life.Copy !req
567. You're welcome.Copy !req
568. Well, it is pretty much over.Copy !req
569. Katsumoto's under arrest.
Omura won't let him last the night.Copy !req
570. With him dead, we should have
little trouble handling the rebellion...Copy !req
571. even without you.Copy !req
572. Especially without you.Copy !req
573. Just tell me one thing.Copy !req
574. What is it about your own people
that you hate so much?Copy !req
575. Don't stop.
Whatever you do, don't stop.Copy !req
576. - President of the United States?
- Sorry.Copy !req
577. I think I'm going to be sick.Copy !req
578. How's your poem coming?Copy !req
579. The end is proving difficult.Copy !req
580. This is Mr. Simon Graham. He'd like
very much to take your photograph.Copy !req
581. I thought you returned to America.Copy !req
582. I decided to stay.
See if I could convince you to escape.Copy !req
583. How do you plan to do that?Copy !req
584. Mr. Graham, perhaps you would care
to take pictures of my village.Copy !req
585. I would be greatly honored.Copy !req
586. The Emperor could not hear my words.Copy !req
587. His army will come.Copy !req
588. It is the end.Copy !req
589. For 900 years, my ancestors
have protected our people.Copy !req
590. Now...Copy !req
591. I have failed them.Copy !req
592. So you will take your own life...Copy !req
593. in shame?Copy !req
594. Shame for a life of service?Copy !req
595. Discipline? Compassion?Copy !req
596. The way of the Samurai
is not necessary anymore.Copy !req
597. Necessary?Copy !req
598. What could be more necessary?Copy !req
599. I will die by the sword.Copy !req
600. My own...Copy !req
601. or my enemy's.Copy !req
602. Then let it be your enemy's.Copy !req
603. Together, we will make
the Emperor hear you.Copy !req
604. Algren.Copy !req
605. I'd say two full regiments.Copy !req
606. They'll come in waves of a thousand.Copy !req
607. And they have the howitzers.Copy !req
608. It makes no difference. They will come,
and we will make our stand.Copy !req
609. - How many men will we have?
- Maybe 500.Copy !req
610. Like General Custer, huh?Copy !req
611. There was once a battle
at a place called Thermopylae.Copy !req
612. Three hundred brave Greeks held off
a Persian army of a million men.Copy !req
613. A million. You understand this number?Copy !req
614. I understand this number.Copy !req
615. For two days the Greeks
made them pay so dearly...Copy !req
616. the Persian army lost all taste
for battle and were defeated soon after.Copy !req
617. - What do you have in mind?
- Take away the advantage of their guns.Copy !req
618. They're overconfident. We'll use that.
Lure them close.Copy !req
619. Close enough for a sword.Copy !req
620. You believe...Copy !req
621. a man can change his destiny?Copy !req
622. I think a man does what he can...Copy !req
623. until his destiny is revealed to him.Copy !req
624. May 25th, 1877.Copy !req
625. This will be the last entry
in this journal.Copy !req
626. I've tried to give a true accounting
of what I have seen, what I have done.Copy !req
627. I do not presume to understand
the course of my life.Copy !req
628. I know I am grateful
to have partaken of all this...Copy !req
629. even if for a moment.Copy !req
630. You will need this.Copy !req
631. What does it say?Copy !req
632. "I belong to the warrior in whom
the old ways have joined the new."Copy !req
633. Good God.Copy !req
634. Sir, the Imperial Army of Japan
demands your surrender.Copy !req
635. If you lay down your arms,
you will not be harmed.Copy !req
636. This is not possible,
as Mr. Omura knows.Copy !req
637. Captain Algren.Copy !req
638. We will show you no quarter.Copy !req
639. You ride against us,
and you are the same as them.Copy !req
640. I'll look for you on the field.Copy !req
641. Captain Algren.Copy !req
642. Mr. Graham.Copy !req
643. Perhaps you can use these
for your book.Copy !req
644. Yes, I will. Captain.Copy !req
645. Godspeed.Copy !req
646. Mr. Graham.Copy !req
647. Commence firing!Copy !req
648. - They're covering their retreat.
- You see?Copy !req
649. Even the mighty Samurai
cannot stand up to the howitzers.Copy !req
650. - Signal the attack.
- I advise sending in skirmishers first.Copy !req
651. Nonsense! Full attack!Copy !req
652. They're coming.Copy !req
653. Wait for the volley.Copy !req
654. Second volley.Copy !req
655. - What on earth?
- What is happening?Copy !req
656. - The attack has been stopped.
- Send in the rest of the regiment.Copy !req
657. What happened to the warriors
at Thermopylae?Copy !req
658. Dead to the last man.Copy !req
659. Algren-san!Copy !req
660. Son of a bitch thinks he can win.Copy !req
661. They'll bring two more regiments
up here soon.Copy !req
662. We won't be able to stop them again.Copy !req
663. You do not have to die here.Copy !req
664. I should have died
so many times before.Copy !req
665. Now, you live again.Copy !req
666. Yes.Copy !req
667. It was not your time.Copy !req
668. It's not over.Copy !req
669. What is this?Copy !req
670. - This is madness. He's going to attack?
- Yes.Copy !req
671. He's defeated!
He must accept his shame!Copy !req
672. Kill him. All of them.Copy !req
673. Now!Copy !req
674. My horse!Copy !req
675. Fire!Copy !req
676. Ready!Copy !req
677. Aim!Copy !req
678. Fire!Copy !req
679. Fire at will!Copy !req
680. Backward!Copy !req
681. No.Copy !req
682. You have your honor again.Copy !req
683. Let me die with mine.Copy !req
684. Help me up.Copy !req
685. Are you ready?Copy !req
686. I will miss our conversations.Copy !req
687. Perfect.Copy !req
688. They are all...Copy !req
689. perfect.Copy !req
690. On behalf of the United States of America...Copy !req
691. the signing of this treaty will usher in
an era of unprecedented prosperity...Copy !req
692. and cooperation between
our two great nations.Copy !req
693. On behalf of the Emperor...Copy !req
694. we are pleased to have
successfully concluded this...Copy !req
695. negotiation.Copy !req
696. This is Katsumoto's sword.Copy !req
697. He would have wanted you to have it...Copy !req
698. that the strength of the Samurai
be with you always.Copy !req
699. He hoped...Copy !req
700. with his last breath...Copy !req
701. that you would remember the ancestors
who held this sword...Copy !req
702. and what they died for.Copy !req
703. You were with him...Copy !req
704. at the end?Copy !req
705. Emperor, this man fought against you!Copy !req
706. Your Highness...Copy !req
707. if you believe me to be your enemy,
command me...Copy !req
708. and I will gladly take my life.Copy !req
709. I have dreamed of a unified Japan...Copy !req
710. of a country strong
and independent and modern.Copy !req
711. And now we have railroads
and cannon, Western clothing.Copy !req
712. But...Copy !req
713. we cannot forget who we are...Copy !req
714. or where we come from.Copy !req
715. Ambassador Swanbeck...Copy !req
716. I have concluded that your treaty...Copy !req
717. is not in the best interest of my people.Copy !req
718. - Sir, if I may—
- So sorry...Copy !req
719. but you may not.Copy !req
720. This is an outrage!Copy !req
721. Tell me how he died.Copy !req
722. I will tell you how he lived.Copy !req
723. And so the days
of the Samurai had ended.Copy !req
724. Nations, like men, it is sometimes said,
have their own destiny.Copy !req
725. As for the American captain...Copy !req
726. no one knows what became of him.Copy !req
727. Some say that he died of his wounds...Copy !req
728. others, that he returned
to his own country.Copy !req
729. But I like to think...Copy !req
730. he may have at last found
some small measure of peace...Copy !req
731. that we all seek...Copy !req
732. and few of us ever find.Copy !req