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FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
FADE IN:
BRIGHT BLUE TIGER
Surrounded by a pack of dogs, ten of them snarling and
gnashing their teeth.
The TIGER'S, eyes burn with fury as he wheels in a circle,
lunging at one dog clawing at another, keeping them all at
bay.
Suddenly, the TIGER leaps over the dogs and transforms into
a WHITE BIRD, soaring majestically into the sky.
THE FACE OF A JAPANESE MAN
Sits up into frame, sweating, waking from a dream. He is
KATSUMOTO.
We will come to know him later.
Fade to black. CREDITS OVER.
The faint SOUND of a BRASS BAND.
WINCHESTER REP (V.O.)
...the leader in all forms of armament
used by the United States Army. When
you need a friend, Winchester is by
your side.
THE FACE OF AN AMERICAN MAN
As he smokes a cigar, barely listening. CAPTAIN NATHAN ALGREN,
U.S. Army, ret, 36 years old and looking every day of it.
His eyes are lined and saddened. He takes a swig from a flask.
He is BACKSTAGE at:
INT. CONVENTION HALL - SAN FRANCISCO - DAY
Where a trade show is in progress. Scantily clad lovelies in
red-white-and-blue undies demonstrate the nation's most
important new export: arms.
Every weapon imaginable is on display: rifles, pistols, even
howitzers. Banners declaim the virtues of Winchester and
Springfield. Of Colt and Remington and Smith & Wesson. Crowds
mill around a stage. where:
WINCHESTER REP
Ladies and Gentlemen... the Winchester
Corporation is proud to bring to
you... a true American hero. A patriot
who has proven his gallantry time
and again on the field of battle.
LITTLE TIN SOLDIERS are all lined up. A mass of grey. Rebel
troops surrounding a band of blue Union cavalry. A large,
metal diorama.
WINCHESTER REP
I hope you will join us in
welcoming... Late of the U.S. Cavalry.
The Savior of Sutter Hill... Captain
Nathan Algren!
A last swig. Algren steels himself, then strides onstage as
we reveal a banner:
WINCHESTER PRESENTS: THE MIRACLE AT SUTTER'S HILL!
Garish limelight from a row of foot lights illuminates Algren.
ALGREN
My thanks, Mr. McCabe. Ladies and
Gents.
He looks down at the little metal soldiers and begins to
tell the story of the battle that made him famous. His
narration is halting, unsteady:
ALGREN
...On that fateful day, Johnny Reb
had us in a spot, perched on the
lonely top of Sutter's Hill, nothing
but grey as far as the eye could
see: Unhorsed and out of ammunition,
I gazed down into the, um, mael...
mael...
(squints to see better)
-- maelstrom below us, and saw them
moving up.
We realize he is reading from cue cards. The little Rebel
soldiers begin sliding up the metal hill.
ALGREN
I knew it was fight or die. Into the
teeth of the enemy or we would all
be buried... buried...
(loses his place,
under his breath)
Shit...
(finds it again)
...on the same hill with our comrades
already gone to Merciful Heaven...
A SUDDEN FLASH:
Algren's mind. The real battle of Sutter's Hill. The grim
reality is very different from the dashing tale. Union
soldiers scream in agony. Those horses still alive buck and
froth at their tether.
Algren, a lieutenant then, moves among the panicked, bloody
men. He stops beside a PRIVATE, his brother, DAVID ALGREN,
19, blonde, not much more than a boy.
DAVEY
They're coming, Nate.
He looks over the wall. Rebel troops are moving up the hill.
ALGREN
Keep your head down.
DAVEY
(smiling)
Papa always said we should've joined
the navy.
ALGREN
What'd he know?
(looks fondly at his
brother)
You watch me now. Do whatever I say...
DAVEY
Aye-aye, lieutenant.
Algren punches his shoulder and moves on down the line.
Nearby, Algren's friend, SERGEANT ZEBULAH GANT, though
severely wounded, reloads his revolver with the last of his
ammunition.
GANT
How're the horses?
ALGREN
Better than you. Smell better, too.
(looks at him)
Can you hold on, Zeb?
GANT
(fighting the pain)
I got I choice?
Algren smiles sadly. His mend will die loon without medical
attention.
Algren moves down the line, bullets whizzing overhead. He
kneels beside COLONEL BAGLEY, his commanding officer.
BAGLEY
(panicking)
We need a flag. Find me a goddamn
white flag!
ALGREN
What are you talking about?!
BAGLEY
Surrender, damn it! That's an order!
BACK TO THE CONVENTION HALL:
ALGREN
No thought of surrender among those
boys. Better to die as God made us,
we thought, as soldiers... So I gave
the order. Mister Bugler, sound mount
up. Mister Bugler, sound prepare
arms. There were only thirty of us,
but we had fire in us yet. I looked
down the hill at the destiny ordained
for us. And gave the order. Mister
Bugler, charge!
The little Union cavalry soldiers begin moving down slots in
the hill.
ON SUTTER'S HILL:
Algren leads a chaotic cavalry charge down the hill toward
the advancing rebel infantry -- artillery explosions --
bullets snapping, trees shattering.
Algren's brother, Davey, rides beside him.
The wounded Sergeant Gant pulls himself up, waves his cap
and yells.
Bagley remains cowering behind the stone wall.
BACK TO THE CONVENTION HALL:
ALGREN
And straight into them we went...
ON SUTTER'S HILL:
Carnage. Union and Confederate soldiers slam together,
falling, drowning in mud and blood, stepped on by panicked
horses.
Algren wields his saber in one hand and his revolver in the
other, serving death on all sides.
A soldier riding next to Davey is shot. A horse falls into a
shellhole.
BACK TO THE CONVENTION HALL:
ALGREN
"Hip-hip hurray." We shouted, for we
had spirit in us yet --
MORE FLASHES:
Algren slices right and left with his saber. He is a truly
gifted swordsman.
A tree branch knocks Davey from his horse. He sits, dazed,
on the ground.
Algren kills a rebel soldier just as be is about to fire on
him.
Single-handedly, be rallies his men, screaming orders, then
lifts his wounded brother onto the saddle beside him.
He leads them downhill toward safely, Davey clinging to him
for dear life.
BACK TO THE CONVENTION HALL:
ALGREN
Before they knew what hit them, we
had broken through into the rear of
the rebel army.
ON SUTTER'S HILL:
Algren and his men gather in a copse of trees. They are giddy
with the exhilaration of having survived.
DAVEY
We did it, bro', WE DID IT!
Whoeeeee!!
Algren's smile is shortlived, though.
SUDDENLY, the woods ERUPT with gunfire. Trees are shredded.
Algren's men are literally cut to pieces --
Davey is riddled with bullets, his dead body shielding Algren
from harm until he slides, lifeless, to the mud.
ALGREN
Davey--!!!!
Men and horses are torn apart -- they contort and writhe in
agony. Jerking grotesquely as the bullets rip into them.
Algren frantically tries to locate the source of this
firepower. Then he sees:
A Gatling Gun.
Six barrels glisten like steel teeth. This early machine gun
is the pinnacle of current military might -- 60 rounds a
second -- a triumph in engineering.
ALGREN
AHHHHHHH--!!!!!
With insane courage, he wheels and charges the gun.
Bullets rip into horse and rider alike. Algren falls,
lifeless, into the mud.
BACK TO THE CONVENTION HALL:
ALGREN
And the 23rd rode on to glory.
Applause.
At the back of the hall three elegantly dressed JAPANESE MEN
watch Algren's performance. They wear Western frock coats
and top hats
ALGREN
Now let me tell you, gentlemen, if
there's one thing on earth I could
have had with me on that glorious
day, it would have been this beauty...
Algren holds up a Winchester repeating rifle.
At the back of the audience we note someone else watching
Algren.
SERGEANT ZEBULON GANT, whom we last saw on Sutter's Hill.
ALGREN
The Winchester Model '73 lever-action
rifle. 15 shot capacity, one round-
per-second, accurate at 400 yards.
You'll note the patented loading
port just beneath the cartridge
chamber and the smooth cocking action.
...Lets' just see here --
He peers into the ejection port as he cocks the weapon and
sights out over the crowd.
KA-BOOM!!! The report echoes among the screams of the ladies.
Dust and glass fall from a rear chandelier.
ALGREN
Smooth trigger action, too.
Audience-members murmur nervously.
ALGREN
This is, gentlemen, The Gun That Is
Winning The West... Step on up and
take a look. Mr. McCabe is here to
answer any question and take orders.
I thank you.
Later...
A Winchester representative is handing Algren an envelope.
WINCHESTER REP
What the hell was that?
ALGREN
Got their attention, didn't I?
WINCHESTER REP
Boston in three weeks. And sober
this time.
He goes. Algren immediately starts counting the cash.
INT. SEEDY HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Algren sits alone on the bed. He takes out a leather-bound
journal and begins to write.
ALGREN (V.O.)
June 17th, 1876. The dead are with
me tonight. They return each time I
am obliged to tell their story.
INT. SQUALID BAR - NIGHT
Algren sips absinthe. He stares at the milky, green liquid
before him.
ALGREN (V.O.)
I can almost see them in the shadows,
their bodies whole and beautiful
once more. Sometimes it's as if they
call to me in a sweet invitation --
EXT. GAS-LIT STREET - NIGHT
Algren walks in the fog. Sputtering gas lamps give an
unearthly glow.
ALGREN (V.O.)
"We are dead," they whisper, "and we
are happy."
INT. SEEDY HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Algren is back in the hotel room. From his small suitcase,
he takes the Medal of Honor, looks at it for a long moment.
ALGREN (V.O.)
"Do not be afraid," they whisper.
"You have been dead, too."
A SUDDEN FLASH:
We are back on Sutter's Hill. Algren's slaughtered cavalry
litter the bloody ground, dead to the last man. A rebel army
surgeon gives a cursory look at each body before it is loaded
onto a wagon.
Algren's turn is no different than the others. He is declared
dead and hoisted unceremoniously onto the pile of corpses.
BACK IN THE HOTEL ROOM:
Algren sits, staring into the middle distance.
ALGREN (V.O.)
Is this why they gave their lives?
So that I might disgrace their memory?
He reaches into the suitcase and takes out a Colt revolver.
Stares at it, cracks the cylinder to make sure it's loaded.
His finger wraps around the trigger, the barrel makes its
way toward his head.
And then, unaccountably, he is laughing.
ALGREN (V.O.)
And why, after taking so many lives,
do I find myself incapable of taking
just one more?
A KNOCK on the door. Algren shuts his eyes, then calls out.
ALGREN
Go away.
GANT (V .O.)
Not exactly the greeting I imagined.
Algren looks up. He knows that voice. He carefully puts the
revolver back into the suitcase and shuts it before opening
the door.
GANT
Thought you'd seen the last of me, I
expect.
Algren is filled with emotion, which he tries to hide.
ALGREN
Zeb...
They embrace.
ALGREN
Sit. Please.
Gant moves to the proffered chair with a pronounced limp.
GANT
...Saw your little melodrama today.
Very inspiring...
ALGREN
Given up soldiering to become a
critic?
Gant smiles and shakes his head.
GANT
Got a job for you, unless you're
running for office...
ALGREN
I have I job.
GANT
I mean a real job. Back in uniform.
ALGREN
I' m retired.
GANT
I don't mean a U.S. uniform.
Algren looks at him. Curious despite himself.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Gant leads Algren into a lush San Francisco restaurant.
Flickering gaslight and trays of lobster. COLONEL BENJAMIN
BAGLEY (whom we saw in flashback) sits with the three Japanese
men. Bagley's hair has greyed. He has his eye on a political
future.
BAGLEY
Nathan, good to see you.
ALGREN
(stunned)
Colonel Bagley...
BAGLEY
Sit down. This is Mr. Omura, from
Japan, and his two associates who,
so far as I can tell, don't have
names...
OMURA 40, is a handsome and intelligent man. He watches Algren
closely as Algren pours a glass or whiskey from a decanter.
BAGLEY
They're looking to hire real American
soldiers to create the first Japanese
Imperial Army.
Algren looks at him.
BAGLEY
Japan's got it in mind to become a
civilized country and they're willing
to spend what it takes to hire white
experts to do the job right.
Algren takes a slow lip of whiskey.
BAGLEY
Sergeant Gant has already agreed to
serve. You would be my second-in-
command.
ALGREN
With approval from Washington, of
course.
BAGLEY
Both governments prefer to consider
our mission unofficial. We'd be there
as non-combatants only, advisors to
the Japanese officers. Help them
with training, ordinance and the
like.
GANT
You ought to think about it, Captain.
Unless you intend to take up a career
in the theater.
ALGREN
I have an agreement with the
Winchester Corporation -- I'm sure
these people have some concept of
what an agreement is.
Omura suddenly speaks. His English is flawless.
OMURA
You are paid seven dollars for each
performance. You do, on average,
fourteen performances a year. We
will pay you 400 dollars.
ALGREN
A year?
OMURA
A month.
Algren looks at him. The figure, in 1876, is staggering.
EXT. SHIP - OCEAN - DAY
A steamship chums its way across the great Pacific. Algren
leans on the ship's rail and looks out into an endless
procession of waves.
ALGREN (V.O.)
June 23, 1876. It is impossible,
standing here, not to appreciate
one's, own insignificance.
A dolphin crests the surface, arcing into the air.
ALGREN (V.O.)
Here there is neither past, nor
future. Only an oblivion of water.
In his tiny cabin, Algren finishes writing in his journal
and takes out a daguerreotype of a HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL BLOND
WOMAN.
ALGREN (V.O.)
And yet I ask myself, will the dead
follow me across the ocean to this
strange new land?
He stares at the woman in the picture.
INT. SHIP - CABIN - DAY
In the main cabin, Algren sits with Gant and Omura. Algren
is drinking.
OMURA
...After the Shogun gave up power,
the daimyos -- you would call them
warlords -- knew that Japan needed a
centralized government. So they asked
the hereditary Emperor, His Highness
the Enlightened Meiji, to lead the
country.
ALGREN
And these warlords just... gave up
hundreds of years of power?
OMURA
Economic incentives were offered.
Most provincial leaders saw the
financial benefits of modernization.
ALGREN
What about those that didn't?
OMURA
To deal with those who have resisted,
the Emperor has decided to create an
Army with allegiance only to him...
We considered hiring advisors from
Germany, but your Ambassador reminded
us of your experience in suppressing
rebellious elements in your Civil
War.
This evocation of the Civil War is not lost on Algren.
ALGREN
Who are we supposed to be fighting
against?
OMURA
His name is Mori Katsumoto. He is
samurai.
ALGREN
Samurai?
OMURA
The word you might use it "warrior".
But that does not quite capture it...
Katsumoto once served the Emperor
but he is now a traitor who leads a
band of traitors. He must be punished.
Algren looks pointedly at Bagley.
ALGREN
You told them about our experiences
together on Sutter's Hill, did you,
Colonel?
BAGLEY
They know I was your commanding
officer. Yes.
Algren glares at Bagley, then stands.
ALGREN
Excuse me, gentlemen. I need some
air.
(to Omura)
I'm sure Colonel Bagley can amuse
you with more stories of patriotic
gore.
He walks away.
OMURA
He is insolent.
BAGLEY
Get him in front of the troops, you'll
see. Top of his class at West Point.
Brilliant tactician. Even wrote a
book.
OMURA
Why did he leave your army?
BAGLEY
What's a hero to do when there's no
more great battles?
OMURA
Is that an evasive answer?
BAGLEY
Sir, this man was left for dead at
Sutter's Hill. Doctors swore his
heart had stopped beating, but before
they could bury him, he came back to
life. After the war he fought the
Sioux, the Cree, and the Blackfoot.
(leans closer)
Point him at the enemy. He was born
for it.
INT. SHIP - ALGREN'S BERTH - NIGHT
Algren lies in his cramped berth. Can't sleep.
A SUDDEN FLASH:
On the wagon of dead bodies, Algren's eyes open to stare
into the unblinking eyes of his brother, Davey, half his
face shot off. He tries to move but be is buried beneath the
weight of those piled on top of him. Blood drips down into
his eyes and mouth, blinding and choking him.
BACK TO THE SHIP:
Algren awakens, bathed in sweat. Terror. A silhouette in the
doorway.
Colonel Bagley stands looking down at him.
BAGLEY
I hope you realize the kind of second
chance this is for you. I won't
tolerate insubordination.
Algren reaches for a nearby glass, drains it.
ALGREN
Court-martial me.
BAGLEY
Would you rather I hadn't recommended
you for the medal, Nathan? Is that
it?
ALGREN
We both know why you helped me,
Colonel. Don't expect me to go all
weepy with gratitude.
BAGLEY
I expect you to do your job. Save
the self-pity for your own time.
He turns and walks out, leaving Algren to stare at the empty
glass.
EXT. SHIP - DAY
Algren and Gant stand at the rail.
GANT
Hate boats. If the Lord bad wanted
man to sail he wouldn't have created
infantry.
ALGREN
How many times you puke today?
GANT
I'm down to two.
Omura comes up next to them.
OMURA
I understand you are a scholar,
Captain Algren.
(to Gant)
Have you read his book, Mr. Gant?
GANT
Can't say I have.
OMURA
An analysis of the triumph of weapons
technology over antiquated military
tactics.
ALGREN
(wry)
A real page-turner. Sold twelve
copies.
OMURA
Nonetheless, I was impressed. I enjoy
reading military history. I spent
two years studying English at
Princeton University.
ALGREN
And where did you learn to speak
Japanese?
Omura is perplexed by Algren's remark, then realizes he is
being kidded. He laughs heartily. Algren laughs with him. A
connection is made.
OMURA
Yes, and in Japanese there are twenty-
seven words for "war." I will be
impressed if you learn only half of
them.
He walks away. Algren watches him go. His face darkens.
ALGREN
I got twenty-seven words too -- Reb,
Sioux, Pawnee, Blackfoot, Jappo.
Only one language when it comes to
war.
EXT. YOKOHAMA HARBOR - DAY
Like all Japan, Yokohama is at the cusp of a new era.
Ancient sampans and wooden schooners beside freighters and
steamships.
EXT. YOKOHAMA - DOCK - DAY
After 23 days at sea, they are all glad to climb down the
gangplank. The Yokohama docks are a frenzy of languages and
looks and smells and sounds.
Japanese competes with German and English and French and
Russian.
Warehouses fly the flags of a dozen countries.
One striking Japanese character dominates: the symbol for,
Omura. It is seen on buildings, warehouses, and the headbands
of scores of laborers.
A series of palanquins, litters carried by bearers, await
our voyagers.
As does SIMON GRAHAM, a dissipated Englishman who has lived
in Japan for many years. Slender and pale, with an occasional
consumptive cough, in his 50's, he wears a white linen suit,
a bit worse for wear.
OMURA
Captain Algren, this is Mr. Simon
Graham. He will be your translator.
GRAHAM
Pleasure, Captain.
BAGLEY
You'll be quartered at the Embassy
for now.
OMURA
The Emperor will summon you at his
pleasure.
Graham ushers Algren and Gant into their own less-ornate
version.
GRAHAM
If you please, Captain...
ALGREN
They're gonna carry us?
GRAHAM
You're guests of the Emperor. You
cannot walk.
Algren notes the hoods covering the faces of the palanquin
bearers.
ALGREN
Why the hoods?
GRAHAM
So you won't have to burden your
eyes by looking at slaves. Oh, excuse
me, they're servants now.
(coughs, wipes a bit
of blood)
This way, gentlemen...
INT./EXT. PALANQUIN - YOKOHAMA STREETS - DAY
Their bearers maneuver them through the bustling streets of
Yokohama.
White face painted geishas walk alongside bearded Russians.
Traditional Japanese kimonos alongside European suits and
hats, schizophrenic world of ancient Japan versus modern
commercialism.
GRAHAM
Twenty years ago Yokohama was a lovely
little port. Then your Commodore
Perry arrived and changed all that.
ALGREN
All this in twenty years?
GRAHAM
Japan has... embraced... Western
ways. Hired lawyers from France,
doctors from Germany, naval architects
from Britain, civil engineers, railway
designers, scientists, teachers.
And, of course, warriors from the
United States.
ALGREN
Buying the future.
GRAHAM
Or selling the past...
INT. GUEST QUARTERS - DAY
A shoji screen is opened by a bowing servant to reveal the
clean, classic lines of a Japanese room. Algren is about to
enter when Graham stops him, indicating for Algren to remove
his boots.
Algren scowls, confused, and struggles to pull off the high,
filthy boots. He takes in the foreignness of the room, an
arrangement of flowers on a low table.
ALGREN
No chairs?...
GRAHAM
Correct. And this --
(points to a mat)
...is your bed.
ALGREN
And this?
He points to a block of wood.
GRAHAM
Your pillow.
ALGREN
You mean to say there are no real
beds in Japan?
GRAHAM
For its entire history Japan his
been completely aakoku, a "closed
country." Thirty years ago, if you
had washed up on Japanese soil...
you would have been beheaded on sight.
Now, they let you keep your head...
and give you a wooden pillow.
EXT. AMERICAN EMBASSY - GARDEN - DAYS LATER
In the pristine grounds of the Embassy, a garden party is in
progress.
Incongruous lilting Yankee tunes are heard from the Japanese
band.
Algren and Gant, now in their dress uniforms wander through
the party with Graham.
Liveried servants pall trays of canapés.
Elsewhere we see diplomats representing all the powers
currently trying to devour Japan: Russia; England; Germany;
France; Spain; etc.
GRAHAM
I remember when it was just America
and the Dutch. Now everybody's getting
into the game.
They pass two German diplomats. The Germans glance to Algren
and Gant with suspicion, bow tersely.
Graham greets them in German.
GRAHAM
The Germans are particularly eager.
ALGREN
What do they want?
GRAHAM
Same thing your country wants. Most
favored nation status.
ALGREN
How long have you been in Japan?
GRAHAM
Oh, western time quickly loses its
meaning here... I first came as part
of the British legation in 1857. But
I was soon relieved of my position,
as a result of various...
disagreements with the Crown's
attitude toward the locals.
Omura separates himself from his entourage and approaches.
OMURA
Gentlemen. I hope you are enjoying a
taste of home.
ALGREN
I've done with worse, believe me.
OMURA
America has much to offer us, though.
Its' industry and ingenuity are
without peer.
(ingratiating)
I have spoken to the Emperor about
you. He is interested in the most
modern theories of warfare.
ALGREN
I look forward to the opportunity of
meeting him someday.
OMURA
You will have that chance sooner
than you think. He has requested an
audience.
Graham is open-mouthed at this turn of events.
EXT. IMPERIAL PALACE - DAY
Algren and Bagley sit with Graham in an ornate carriage as
they cross the moat and enter the ancestral palace of the
Shoguns.
INT. IMPERIAL PALACE - ANTECHAMBER - DAY
Algren waits with Bagley and Graham outside the throne room.
GRAHAM
Remember that he is arahitogami. A
god in human form. During the last
two hundred years no emperor was
even seen by commoner. You may look
at him, with deference, but do not
speak unless you are spoken to.
EXT. IMPERIAL COURT - THRONE ROOM - DAY
Algren and Gant are surprised to discover the living god is
barely in his twenties. The divine EMPEROR MEIJI is an
intelligent and curious young man, yet there is a
tentativeness about him.
His throne is surrounded by ADVISORS, principal among them
is Omura. Nearby, the American AMBASSADOR SWANBECK, a cagey
diplomat.
The throne room itself is sweeping, beautiful, and extremely
restrained. Everywhere, tasteful displays of the traditional
flower of the monarchy: chrysanthemums. The vibrant yellow
blossoms haunt the chamber.
As the Emperor considers his guests, Omura whispers into his
ear. Then:
OMURA
The Emperor bids you welcome. He
wishes you to know that he is most
grateful for the assistance your
country offers ours, in order to rid
ourselves of the brutality of the
provincial warlords -- and to
accomplish the same national harmony
which you enjoy in your homeland.
The Emperor speaks in Japanese. The advisors are non-plussed,
and Omura leans down for a moment to confer with him, then
smiles indulgently:
OMURA
The Emperor is most interested in
your American Indians, and wishes to
know if you have seen them firsthand.
Algren looks at Graham, who nods. He may speak.
ALGREN
I have seen many of them, and have
fought them, too. They are very brave.
Graham translates. The Emperor nods and smiles.
EMPEROR
(accented English)
Thank... you... very... much.
He stands. Everyone else hurries to follow suit. The audience
is over.
EXT. PALACE GARDEN - DAY
A1gren, Graham, and Bagley walk through the palace grounds.
BAGLEY
That young pup runs this country?
GRAHAM
That "pup" runs the country no more
than I do. He was installed as a
figurehead at age twelve when the
warlords realized Japan needed a
central government. But don't be
fooled -- he may be a powerless god,
but to these people he's a god
nonetheless.
GENERAL YOSHITAKA appears. He is a seasoned soldier in his
40's. A decent man. He stops before them, bows quickly.
GRAHAM
Gentlemen, may I present General
Yoshitaka. He will assist you in
training the army.
ALGREN
General.
Algren offers his hand. General Yoshitaka does not take it.
He bowl his head and speaks a few words. Graham translates:
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
He greets you with extreme courtesy
and asks if you are ready to meet
the Imperial Army.
EXT. PARADE GROUND - DAY
About a thousand Japanese soldiers in baggy uniforms are
milling around a large parade ground. Each has an old single
shot rifle. Algren, Gant, and Yoshitaka look down on them
from a reviewing stand.
GANT
Jesus....
ALGREN
Ask the General what training they've
had.
Graham speaks to General Yoshitaka, then translates his
response.
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
He says... We have trained them not
to shoot their... asses off.
Algren glances to General Yoshitaka, who looks back wryly.
ALGREN
Sergeant Gant, have the men stand to
attention.
GANT
Imperial Army, Atten-tion!
Graham translates, rather mildly.
ALGREN
For God's sake, let's not keep it a
secret who's in charge here... Mr.
Gant.
GANT
(roars)
ALL RIGHT YOU SLANTY-EYED LITTLE
BASTARDS STAND UP STRAIGHT OR I WILL
SHIT-KICK EVERY ONE OF YOU
COCKSUCKERS!!
As the soldiers immediately stand to attention, we begin a
montage of the training of the first Imperial Army:
We see Gant drilling the men. Shouting at his translator.
Trying to get them to march in formation. Algren is nearby,
watching.
ALGREN (V.O.)
August 4,1876. As I watch this new
army train, I cannot help but think
of those who rode with me in me 23rd
cavalry.
Algren sits in his tent, writing in his journal. Outside,
the Japanese are being taught the basics of firing tactics.
ALGREN (V.O.)
For four years they had survived,
never once shrinking from the fire.
And so, when given my order to charge
the advancing rebel infantry, they
never hesitated... And they all died.
We see Algren showing the Japanese how to fire in formation.
The old single-shot rifles they carry make reloading a
painfully slow process.
ALGREN (V .O.)
Now I am training another army. In
another civil war.
Algren and Gant spar with sabers -- Algren's expertise far
exceeds Gant's, a fact which Gant accepts with good humor.
ALGREN (V.O.)
Is this why I was spared? Once again
to lead men to their death?
It is sunset Algren, Graham, and General Yoshitaka watch the
training.
General Yoshitaka speaks.
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
...the problem is they're peasants.
They have never had this sort of
responsibility or power.
Algren watches Gant march beside the Japanese. They are
illuminated by the majestic red sunset
ALGREN
(to Graham)
Ask him if they have a flag.
Graham translates. General Yoshitaka responds.
GRAHAM
No flag.
ALGREN
They need a flag.
EXT. TOKYO - STREET - EVENING
Tokyo is a city in chaos. Everything seems out of balance.
Dystopic. A collision of Eastern and Western. Algren and
Gant watch as Graham prepares to take a photograph of an old
merchant in front of his store.
GRAHAM
...I've been doing this for years.
Trying to capture it before it's all
gone. Afraid I'm losing the battle.
Algren silently watches the passers-by. Something draws his
attention:
Across the street a man is striding down the crowded sidewalk.
His martial bearings, two swords, traditional dress and unique
top knot of hair instantly identify him to us as a samurai.
We will meet him again later, he is UJIO. A terse, grim man
in his 40's. His proud gait and rigid, imperious manner
intrigue Algren.
Most of the people on the sidewalk instantly step out of the
way, bowing in deference. But two young Japanese in Western
dress do not.
Ujio stands before them, waiting for them to move. They don't.
Tense words are exchanged. Ujio glares at them. Algren
watches.
ALGREN
Mr. Graham...
GRAHAM
Ah... now this should be
interesting... He's waiting for them
to show deference.
Across the street, Ujio barks out some harsh commands to the
two Japanese men. They laugh in response. Then one of the
men raises a hand and barks some clearly disrespectful words
back --
Like lightning -- Ujio pulls out his long samurai sword --
it flashes --
Cleanly beheading the disrespectful Japanese man --
The beheaded corpse begins to fall --
In one smooth motion, Ujio wipes his blade clean of the corpse
as it falls and sweeps it back into its scabbard. The other
man immediately drops to his belly, prostrating himself.
Without another glance, Ujio walks away. His face is
completely impassive.
GANT
What the hell was that?
GRAHAM
That... is a samurai.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Sergeant Gant gazes unhappily at his dinner: glistening raw
fish; tepid beancurds; boiled rice. Algren, Gant, Graham,
and General Yoshitaka sit cross-legged on the floor. Gant
finds this extremely uncomfortable.
GRAHAM
...Before the edicts every citizen
had to prostrate himself in the
presence of a samurai.
ALGREN
What edicts are those?
GRAHAM
The Council of State has been passing
a series of laws designed to eliminate
the samurai.
GANT
Why?
GRAHAM
Because you are here now, Sergeant...
For the last 800 years guarding Japan
and fighting her wars was the
exclusive occupation of the samurai.
The next course arrives. Thick, black eel. Gant groans.
GRAHAM
Men like Mori Katsumoto were the
most elite caste in Japanese society
until the Council of State -- led by
your friend Omura -- decided the
whole class had to go...
(munching eel)
...Most of the samurai accepted the
new laws. But some didn't. Or
couldn't. Like Katsumoto.
General Yoshitaka speaks up. Graham translates:
GRAHAM
General Yoshitaka bids you to remember
that the word samurai means "one who
serves." Their whole existence is
based on serving their country as
warriors.
Graham finishes translating, then continues on his own:
GRAHAM
Your Imperial Army is taking away
their only reason for being... So
what are they to do now?
Algren considers this as he pours another cup of sake.
ALGREN
This is sake?
GRAHAM
Sake. Rice wine.
YOSHITAKA
Hie! Sake.
ALGREN
Sake...
(to Yoshitaka)
Good.
Yoshitaka nods. Enthusiastically tries an English word.
YOSHITAKA
Good!
GRAHAM
Vexing people, the samurai. Blood-
thirsty, honorable, cruel, fabulously
artistic. Wanted to write a book
about them for years, but no Westerner
can get close enough.
ALGREN
Ask him if he ever saw a samurai in
battle.
Graham looks at Algren.
GRAHAM
He is samurai.
Algren looks at Yoshitaka with new eyes.
EXT. TOKYO - STREET - NIGHT
Later that night.
Algren and Gant, a little drunk by now, wander Tokyo's
bustling red light district. Like Amsterdam, the geishas sit
in windows facing the street.
INT. GEISHA HOUSE - NIGHT
This is certainly not the whorehouse they expected. Elegant
Japanese furnishings. Lovely flute music. The MADAM lowers
her head and speaks quietly in greeting.
GANT
My friend and I were looking for
some companionship...
The Madam speaks no English. Gant speaks louder, as if to a
deaf person.
GANT
Ladies of the evening? Hootchie-
cootchie? Boom-Boom?
ALGREN
(embarrassed)
Zeb.
(tries a bow to the
madam)
...so sorry.
Gant flashes a fistful of Japanese currency.
GANT
Universal language, boyo.
The Madam nods and bows. Almost magically, two beautifully-
dressed GEISHAS appear, their faces are painted pure white.
One of the Geishas smile. Her teeth are blackened, to better
set off the whiteness of her face paint
GANT
That one's yours.
INT. GEISHA HOUSE - ROOM - NIGHT
Algren and Gant are led into an elegant room with paper
screens, and a table set for the Japanese tea ceremony.
Gant tries to take the arm of one of the geishas -- but she
moves away, gesturing for him to sit. The other begins the
tea ceremony.
ALGREN
No tea... Sake.
A musician plays a traditional lute. The geisha begins a
graceful fan dance.
GANT
Fan dance. Saw this once in Chicago.
Algren smiles at the Geisha preparing the table. She smiles
back. Algren pours himself a cup of sake.
Later.
The sake bottle is empty. The interminable lute music
continues.
Gant is increasingly agitated as the geisha continues her
dance. Algren can't help but laugh at his frustration. Finally
Gant has had enough. He rises, a bit unsteady from the sake.
GANT
Okay, darlin' time to get down to
business.
He shoos the musician out of the room, then approaches the
geisha, who shrinks from his intention.
ALGREN
Zeb. I don't think she --
GANT
She's just shy. Who knows what we
white devils have got in our trousers,
eh, darlin'?
He takes her arm. She resists -- her voice rising.
GANT
Come on, now.
He tries to pull her along. Her kimono tears. She calls out
in terror. Two men appear, bouncers presumably, but alight
of build.
ALGREN
Oh, shit.
The Madam yells angrily at Gant in Japanese. Pushing him out
roughly.
GANT
Now, hold on there, sister. I paid
good money.
One of the bouncers puts his hand, politely, on Gant's arm.
GANT
Back off, short-stuff.
This time, the bouncer is more insistent. Gant takes a swing
at him. Wrong move. Before Gant knows what hit him, the little
man uses Gant's momentum in an akido move to flip him to the
mat, hard.
Algren can only stare, in awe, at the lethal move. As the
second bouncer moves to confront him, bowing apologetically,
Algren speaks in English, smiling, knowing they can't
understand a word he's saying.
ALGREN
Obviously you can kick the shit out
of people much larger than you, so
we'll be leaving now...
EXT. PARADE GROUND - DAY
The training continues. We see Gant, now sporting a black
eye. Algren walks with General Yoshitaka and Graham. Graham
translates:
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
The General wishes to know if you
bad a pleasant evening?
Algren looks at Yoshitaka, who gives him a wry look.
ALGREN
It was... educational
(Yoshitaka nods)
Would the General mind telling me
more about our common enemy?
Yoshitaka looks at him. Has Algren deliberately used the
word, "enemy," knowing that Yoshitaka, too, is a samurai?
Algren gives nothing away.
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
...Mori Katsumoto is an extremely
charismatic leader. To those who
honor the old ways, he's a hero. His
force is estimated at about five
hundred and growing by the day. All
samurai.
ALGREN
What kind of man is be?
Graham translates. General Yoshitaka considers his words.
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
Katsumoto has no fear. He has no
pity. He is kotsutai -- the soul of
old Japan... He is my honored kinsman.
ALGREN
Kinsman?
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
We grew up together in Yoshino.
Marched together and fought together.
He is Kaishaku, the brother of my
spirit.
Algren considers this as they observe rifle practice. Erratic
but improving. Algren notes Yoshitaka's reaction. The rifles
seem to make him unhappy.
ALGREN
Ask him what kind of guns Katsumoto
has.
GRAHAM
The samurai don't use guns.
ALGREN
No, ask him what kind of firearms
they have.
Graham obliges. Yoshitaka responds, with disdain:
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
The samurai no longer dishonor
themselves by touching firearms.
Algren is surprised at this bit of information. A servant
approaches, bows.
GRAHAM
Colonel Bagley requires you.
INT. TENT - DAY
Colonel Bagley and Algren stand at a map. Omura sits.
ALGREN
They're not a fighting unit yet
BAGLEY
We have no choice.
(refers to the map)
-- the railroad has been stopped
here. Just as it entered Yoshino,
Katsumoto's province.
OMURA
Captain, we cannot govern a country
in which we cannot travel freely...
Katsumoto's provocation is strategic.
His defeat will demonstrate to the
other disloyal samurai that resistance
is an act devoid of honor.
BAGLEY
The rebels don't have a single rifle.
They're savages with bows and arrows.
You get up there and show 'em how
it's done.
ALGREN
With respect, sir, I need more time.
OMURA
With all due respect, this railroad
cannot wait.
He bows and leaves them alone. Bagley spins on Algren.
BAGLEY
You think we're the only country
interested in Japan?! You don't think
the Germans and the French would
like to oversee the new army?
ALGREN
Colonel --
BAGLEY
(brutally)
Why do you think we're here, Captain?
Because Remington and Colt and
Winchester have powerful allies in
Washington. We're here to sell a
shitload of American guns... and
steel... and timber. That shouldn't
be hard for a Winchester whore like
you to understand.
Algren looks at him, murderously.
ALGREN
Yes, sir.
EXT. RUINED VILLAGE - DAY
A STEAM ENGINE lends plumes of smoke into the air as it waits.
Algren, Bagley, and General Yoshitaka ride along the railroad
line.
The Imperial Army follows, with Sergeant Gant, on foot. A
traditional Japanese village is being torn aside to make
room for the railroad line. Houses are being leveled and
black smoke drifts up. The displaced villagers gather
belongings. Omura guards herd them about rather brutally.
Railroad workers are laying a new spur, building a brick
station. Algren notes the by now familiar Omura symbol on
the new water tower and on the headbands of the guards and
workers.
ALGREN
What is that sign?
GRAHAM
It's the symbol for the Omura
Zaibatsu.
ALGREN
Zaibatsu?
GRAHAM
Old family businesses that own
everything worth owning. The most
powerful is the Omura Zaibatsu. That's
your friend, Omura.
ALGREN
They own all of this?
GRAHAM
They do now.
SEVERED HEADS on pikes line the road, a warning to those who
continue to resist
ALGREN (V.O.)
October 24,1876. Today we entered
Kansai province. Here the local
warlords have all been convinced to
accept the emperor's rule.
They pass a particularly wrenching sight. Villagers kneeling
outside what used to be a Shinto temple. The railroad tracks
cut straight through it.
ALGREN (V.O.)
Our destination is Yoshino, home of
the rebel Katsumoto. Protected by
high mountain passes, it can be
reached only during the summer months,
and even then with great difficulty.
The Army moves on. Ahead are towering mountains.
EXT. MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY
The Imperial Army winds its way up a steep mountain pass.
ALGREN (V.O.)
A long march. And then a battle. A
new enemy, but the same feeling I
had in my guts at twenty-one, in the
cornfield at Antietam -- men will
die here, today, and will I be among
them?
EXT. MOUNTAIN PLAIN - MORNING
Fog. Obscuring everything.
Algren and Bagley, on horseback, wait with Graham. General
Yoshitaka and a few Japanese Commanders are mounted as well.
The thousand strong Japanese Army is on foot. They stand,
rifles ready.
ALGREN
(to Graham)
Ask him how they'll come at us.
Graham speaks to General Yoshitaka. Yoshitaka responds:
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
They'll come straight on. They will
push forward and keep on attacking.
And he adds that there is no samurai
word for "retreat."
Algren prepares himself.
They wait.
General Yoshitaka is suddenly alert. He speaks quietly to
Graham.
YOSHITAKA/GRAHAM
He says they're coming...
Algren gazes into the thick fog ahead, sees nothing. Bagley
looks worried.
BAGLEY
Captain Algren, have you posted a
rear guard to protect our supply
train?
ALGREN
Yes.
BAGLEY
Who is overseeing their deployment?
Algren is somewhat confused by the question.
ALGREN
No one.
BAGLEY
Mr. Graham, you will accompany me to
the rear. I want to be certain we
are protected from any surprise
assault.
GRAHAM
Yes. Of course.
Before Algren can respond, Bagley has left the front lines
with Graham in tow. Gant watches as they head out of harm's
way.
GANT
Son of a bitch.
ALGREN
(almost to himself)
...I'm going to kill him.
GANT
Waste of good ammo.
Gant checks his two revolvers. The methodical clicking of
the chambers as he checks his rounds is the only sound.
Then absolute silence. A light SNOW begins to fall.
Algren continues to peer into the fog. Nothing.
Then a sound... distant... building through the fog...
The steady rumble of horses. Slowly approaching. Closer and
closer...
Algren notes some of the Japanese soldiers are literally
shaking in fear.
Algren peers again into the fog. Nothing. But the sound is
closer.
Then the sound abruptly stops.
Silence broken only by the murmured prayers of some of the
soldiers.
ALGREN
Sergeant Gant, order the troops to
assume staggered firing positions.
GANT
Imperial Army, assume staggered firing
positions.
His order is translated. The Japanese soldiers prepare to
fire, one row kneeling, the other standing behind them.
One of the Japanese soldiers faints from sheer tension.
Algren can see nothing through the dense fog. The tension is
unbearable.
Then a form on horseback, ghostly... like some sort of
medieval monster. An elaborate, horned helmet. Sweeping
samurai armor.
All we can see it the eerie silhouette in the fog.
Like something from a nightmare.
And then another figure... and another... as 500 mounted
samurai warriors slowly move into position.
The Japanese troops are terrified
GANT
(quickly)
Hold the line... hold the line...
The order is translated.
A terrible, beautiful moment of absolute stasis.
Nothing moves.
The Japanese soldiers wait.
The ghostly silhouettes wait.
Silence.
Then -- as if a silent signal were given -- the samurai
suddenly CHARGE, emerging from the fog in a great wave--!
The force of a tsunami.
The silence is shattered as the charging samurai roar out
ancient war-cries that chill the blood -- sweeping forward
on their hones like lightning -- swords and spears flashing
ALGREN
FIRE!
The Japanese troops fire then quickly begin trying to reload
their single shot rifles -- others fumble at the ask and
then break and run --
Panic and chaos --
ALGREN
Hold the line!
Too late -- the samurai are on them --
They attack with an intensity few have ever seen -- many of
the Japanese soldiers try to escape, turning and running in
blind panic -- they are butchered -- run through by the
ashigaru, cut in half by the naginata.
Those soldiers who laboriously try to reload their rifles
are quickly mowed down by ferocious clouds of samurai arrows,
fired by mounted Samurai.
ALGREN
Sound fall back! Sound fall back!
A bugler sounds the order. The Army begins to retreat.
But suddenly they are attacked from behind as well! Arrows
shoot from the fog and more mounted samurai appear.
They are surrounded.
Algren, Gant, and the Japanese Officers call out orders but
all discipline soon breaks down -- it is every man for
himself --
The battle swirls everywhere around us. Fleeing soldiers are
run through by lances, run down and trampled by horses.
Each samurai wears individual, vibrantly colored armor.
Various battle flags sweep through the fog.
Gant uses his two cavalry revolvers -- firing constantly --
finally out of ammo he drops from his horse in the cavalry
style and pulls a Winchester repeating rifle, crouching and
quickly firing --
Algren uses his revolver first -- firing as he turns on his
horse -- when the revolver is empty he pulls his cavalry
saber. He manages to parry the lethal blows as the Samurai
hurtle past --
But one Samurai, his armor all in black, comes at him on a
collision course and SLAMS INTO HIM, sending both horse and
rider to the ground.
Algren scrambles to his feet, his saber nowhere to be found
as another rider heads toward him carrying a lance.
Algren manages to grab it and throw the rider to the ground,
wrestling the lance from his grip and running him through.
In the midst of the battle we notice a peculiar thing. One
samurai is just sitting on his horse. Watching Algren. This
samurai wears a BLACK MASK.
The MASKED SAMUARI watches Algren fight.
Algren now wields the lance to battle the horsemen as they
sweep past. He spears one and then unseats another. When a
third samurai cuts his lance in half, Algren uses the
remaining half as a club to take him down.
The Masked Samurai continues to watch Algren. Algren's
tenacity is amazing.
He continues to fight with heroic passion, refusing to give
an inch, long after those around him have fled.
Then a blaze of bright yellow -- a samurai in yellow armor
galloping past, firing arrows steadily from horseback. His
control and speed are astounding.
We will come to know him as YORITOMO, a handsome young
samurai.
Yoritomo fires arrow upon arrow -- the speed is breathtaking --
two arrows slam into Gant, knocking him to the ground.
The battle, meanwhile, has become a rout. Those Imperial
soldiers who fight are easily cut down. Those who flee are
run down like prey.
Left alone, Algren finds himself confronted by ashigaru --
samurai foot soldiers carrying pikes. He turns to discover
his retreat cut off by other samurai wielding katana -- the
lethal long sword.
But rather than give any quarter, Algren launches an attack.
He kills one samurai before he is RUN THROUGH, at the
shoulder, by a lance.
In agony, Algren SNAPS OFF the hilt of the lance, leaving
its tip buried deep in his chest, and fights on.
He manages to parry a blow -- which SLICES into his side.
The next blow takes off a piece of his scalp. Blood flows
down his faces and into his eyes.
Algren is now surrounded by ten samurai. A man's heroic
stand against certain death is of great interest to them. As
they begin to close in, Algren whirls the lance around, a
tattered battle-flag with TIGER INSIGNIA still dangling from
the end.
The MASKED SAMURAI removes his mask. It is the JAPANESE MAN,
whose dream of the tiger we glimpsed at the beginning of the
story. His eyes wide in surprise, he watches his dream come
to life -- the blue tiger holding the dogs at bay.
In SLOW MOTION Algren whirls the lance, as one samurai,
wearing BLOOD-RED ARMOR, advances. With a murderous smile,
he draws his katana.
Algren seems spent -- He drops to one knee, swaying, on the
brink of losing consciousness.
But as the RED SAMURAI, lets out a battle cry and propels
himself forward for the death blow -- Algren suddenly LEAPS
UP and propels the jagged wooden end of the broken lance
into the unprotected throat of his attacker.
As the samurai falls, the rest of his comrades close in to
cut Algren off.
A harsh COMMAND stops them in their tracks.
The Masked Samurai leaps from his horse. Everyone steps aside
deferentially so that be might pass by without being jostled.
He looks down at Algren, then removes his battle helmet.
And we meet MORI KATSUMOTO, the leader of the samurai. He it
an imposing man of about Algren's years.
Sensing that he is about to be killed, Algren pulls himself
to his knees, and SWINGS his saber at Katsumoto.
With blinding speed, Katsumoto pulls his katana from its
scabbard.
Algren's saber is SNAPPED CLEANLY IN TWO.
Katsumoto looks down at Algren.
Then Gant appears behind Katsumoto -- limping toward him,
cocking his rifle, urgently trying to save Algren --
Ujio, (the Samurai we saw earlier on the streets of Tokyo)
leaps to protect his Lord. His sword flashes --
Gant is eviscerated. Algren watches in horror.
A dreadful beat as Gant stands, pathetically trying to hold
his guts in. Then he sinks to his knees.
Katsumoto turns, leaps back onto his horse and trots off.
Algren finally wrenches himself from under his horse. He
crawls to Gant, blood pouring from his own injured back and
shoulder.
Gant is dead.
Algren looks up to see the battle is lost. The Japanese
soldiers have fled. Or are surrendering, injured or dead.
And he sees one other thing. General Yoshitaka is still on
his horse, head down. He has not pulled his sword. He has
not been hurt.
Katsumoto rides to Yoshitaka. A few serious words are
exchanged. Katsumoto bows his bead in respect, seems to agree
to something.
Both men climb from their horses. General Yoshitaka pulls
out a small blade and hands it to Katsumoto, who holds it
out firmly.
General Yoshitaka quickly and calmly pulls himself on to the
blade, plunging it into his stomach, embracing Katsumoto.
It is seppuku -- the traditional form of samurai suicide.
Algren watches, stunned.
Then a terrible scream cuts through the battlefield.
Algren sees samurai calmly walking among the injured and
captured Imperial soldiers... killing them one by one with a
single stroke.
Algren looks over the slaughter.
And then passes out, bill wounds overcoming him.
FADE TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY
Algren is unconscious, tied to a horse.
The mounted samurai move up a treacherous mountain pass,
disappearing into the soaring mountains of Yoshino.
EXT. VILLAGE - SUNSET
Katsumoto's village is the other Japan. The Japan we have
not yet seen.
The gorgeous mountain scenery of Yoshino envelopes the
village. Snow-capped mountains soar in the distance. A valley
below with rice fields.
After the turmoil of Tokyo, this place seems a bucolic
paradise. Traditional, wooden Japanese architecture. Farming.
The sense of harmony so markedly absent from the cities.
Algren, barely conscious, hunches over his horse. He has
lost a lot of blood.
Katsumoto leads his samurai into the village. As he passes,
every person in the village touches his or her forehead to
the ground to show respect.
Most of these villagers have never seen a white face and
gaze at Algren with curiosity. And suspicion.
Katsumoto dismounts in a large square, the rest of his men
follow suit. A samurai helps Algren painfully slide from his
horse.
Katsumoto moves to the steps of the largest house. His
officers fall into formation around him. Algren notes Ujio --
the grim samurai who killed Gant -- in jet black armor,
glaring at him coldly.
Ujio walks forward and SCREAMS at Algren in Japanese. Algren
doesn't move. This only makes Ujio more angry. He paces back
and forth like a caged panther spitting invective at Algren.
Algren doesn't move. He watches Ujio evenly. This takes
incredible will.
His wounds are so bad that he can barely stand.
SUDDENLY -- Ujio draws his long sword -- it slashes through
the air -- the blade singing -- and stops an inch away from
Algren's face!
Algren doesn't move.
Ujio brings the cutting edge into contact with Algren's check.
Blood runs where even this feather-light touch cuts Algren's
skin. Algren doesn't move.
Ujio glares at him. Then sheathes his sword and walks away.
Katsumoto looks at Algren deeply, gauging him. Then be speaks.
In English.
Algren is surprised.
KATSUMOTO
You cannot escape. We are deep in
the mountains and winter is coming.
Katsumoto turns and walks into his house. Ujio follows him.
Algren collapses.
FADE TO BLACK:
As Algren begins his time at the heart of the samurai world.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren's eyes open...
A WOMAN is leaning close, her eyes intent on the task of
sewing up his wound. She is beautiful, but he is not really
conscious enough to notice, or even feel the pain. He blacks
out again.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren wakes again. He is lying on a simple mat. His injuries
are such that he can barely move his head. He takes in the
traditional Japanese furnishings.
A red ball rolls across the floor. And after it... TOSHIIE,
a little boy, around four. The boy looks at Algren. Offers
him the ball. Smiles.
Algren blacks out...
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - ANOTHER DAY
Algren's eyes open...
Through the archway he can see Toshiie and his older brother
HIGEN, around ten. Also the beautiful WOMAN who earlier was
stitching his wound.
From his recumbent position, Algren watches as she ministers
to the boys, who are clearly her sons. Algren is fascinated
by her grace and the sweet attention she gives them.
She seems to sense him. Her eyes raise, meet his. She speaks
to someone, and YORITOMO appears. He is twenty-one, too young
to be the woman's husband. Yoritomo comes into Algren's room.
Speaks to him.
Algren shakes his head. Doesn't understand. Yoritomo speaks
to the woman, who approaches and places bowl of soup in front
of Algren. He ignores it. The boys stand in the doorway.
Yoritomo shoos them away.
Algren glances up at the woman. Her eyes avoid his, her
expression is opaque.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - ANOTHER DAY
Algren now sits in the main room. The woman is changing the
dressing on his wounded right shoulder and arm.
Yoritomo kneels across from Algren. He is impressed at the
many battle wounds on Algren's body; the old bullet wounds
and scars. In Japanese, he indicates his admiration.
Algren his no idea what Yoritomo is saying. Finally he
interrupts with the only Japanese word he has bothered to
learn:
ALGREN
Sake.
Yoritomo's face breaks into a wide smile.
YORITOMO
Sake?
ALGREN
Sake.
Yoritomo glances to the woman. She nods, and brings A1gren a
saucer of sake. He drinks it down. Holds out the saucer for
a refill. Smiling, Yoritomo indicates for the woman to comply,
but before she can pour another saucer, Algren takes the jug
out of her other hand. Yoritomo laughs as Algren drinks it
down.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
Autumn leaves fall to the ground. In a tiny hut, the village
swordsmith begins work on a samurai blade.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren writhes on his mat. Trapped in his recurrent nightmare.
A SUDDEN FLASH:
The wagonload of the dead. Davey's bloody corpse closes in
on Algren suffocating him.
Back in the house Yoritomo and the woman are asleep in
separate rooms.
A piercing SCREAM shatters the night
EXT. VILLAGE - FOLLOWING
The screaming continues. Lamps are lit around the village...
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - FOLLOWING
Yoritomo and the woman hurry to Algren's room --
Algren in the throes of his recurring nightmare -- awakens,
disoriented.
ALGREN
Sake.
Yoritomo and the woman confer. Yoritomo looks at Algren and
shakes his head, no.
ALGREN
SAKE!
Yoritomo refuses -- Algren roars and tries to rise. Laughing
at Algren's ferocity in his weakened condition, Yoritomo
easily pushes him back down.
Algren folds in on himself, rocking like a feral animal.
EXT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Katsumoto stands outside the house, drawn by the commotion.
Ujio stands with him, shaking his bead.
UJIO
(subtitles)
My lord, why do you spare the
barbarian? He is shamed in defeat,
he should kill himself.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
The barbarian doesn't know his shame.
UJIO
(subtitles)
Then I will kill him.
KATSUMOTO
(pats him; subtitles)
Ujio-San, he will still be shamed
tomorrow or in a month. For now there
are things I wish to learn.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
A glimpse of village life -- fish are hung on lines to dry,
children chase each other, clothes are washed in the river,
and in the rice fields below, farmers squat as they have for
thousands of years. In his hut, the swordsmith continues to
hammer and fold the blade.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren sits hunched in a dark corner. His body is convulsed
with shivering.
His withdrawal from alcohol, his wounds, his isolation and
his imagined sins are devouring him.
Then we see he is not alone. The woman stands in the doorway,
watching him closely. Finally she enters with a bowl of soup.
He glances up, something like panic in his eyes.
She kneels and attempts to hand him the soup, but be knocks
it out of the way and grabs her by the throat.
ALGREN
Sake!
She stares at him, the breath being squeezed out of her, but
there is not even a whisper of fear in her eyes. She is
utterly impassive. Shaken, he lets her go, and crumples to
the floor.
ALGREN
(mumbling to himself)
Sake...
The woman leaves the soup and walks away.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - DAYS LATER
Daylight streams in, finding Algren lying on his back. The
worst of the detox is past. As he lies there, these first
moments of repose lead to:
SUDDEN FLASH OF MEMORY:
The beautiful blond WOMAN from the picture laughs merrily,
and falls back languorously in a grassy field.
Back in the room Algren shakes off the memory as harsh SOUNDS
from outside draw him to the window.
EXT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - MORNING
Algren watches from the window as the samurai train. It is
like nothing else in the world. Part sacred ritual, part
martial preparation, samurai training combines athletic
prowess and graceful artistry into one effortless whole.
Finally well enough to walk, Algren comes out onto the porch
to watch the spectacle. In front of him, is a Kendo (The Way
of the Sword) master practice with their long and short
swords. They have incredible control.
NAKAO, a mountain of a man, is a Karate master. He stands
unarmed, four samurai facing him. They attack with wooden
swords. He effortlessly defeats them -- the agility of the
huge man is shocking.
Kyudo ("The Way of the Bow") masters use their bows for target
practice.
Yoritomo holds a bundle of arrows. In the distance, a line
of plums.
Algren watches. Yoritomo just seems to stand there, his eyes
hall-open.
And then -- in a stunning blaze of movement -- Yoritomo fires
the arrows --
one after another, amazingly fast -- cleanly hitting each
plum. The final arrow splits the previous one as it buries
itself in the tree.
A wooden sword leans against the porch.
Algren idly picks it up, feeling its balance. In a flash,
Ujio has raced over and grabbed it from him. Algren stands
motionless as Ujio screams at him.
The training stops, as everyone watches Ujio berate Algren.
Even as Ujio continues screaming. Algren simply shakes his
head, turns away, and walk back into the house.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - DAY
As the sounds of training resume outside, Algren explores
the house.
He comes upon Higen and Toshiie playing with the red ball.
They are embarrassed to encounter him alone. There's a moment
of suspension, and then Higen throws the ball to Algren.
Algren looks back and forth between the two boys, fixes his
gaze on Higen but throw the ball to Toshiie, causing both
boys to laugh and run away.
Algren walks on.
INT. SMALL ROOM - DAY
Algren opens a sliding shojii screen and discovers a small
room that has been made into a kind of shrine.
Candles and incense burn, a small Buddha sits on a dais, and
Algren's eyes are drawn to what seems like an apparition
standing in the corner.
The BRIGHT RED ARMOR of the warrior Algren killed in the
fog, is held upright by an unseen stand. It is almost as if
the dead warrior himself is swing back at him.
Algren senses someone behind him and turns. The woman is
standing across the hall. Their eyes meet. She turn, and
walks away.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
A first, light snowfall has covered the ground. Algren walks
out into the still night. He turns a corner and confronts
curious sight:
Ten warriors kneel, motionless in the snow, their eyes closed
in concentration.
As Algren puzzles over this, he becomes aware that Katsumoto
is now standing next to him.
KATSUMOTO
They are training.
ALGREN
Training what?
KATSUMOTO
Their minds. It is called bushido...
Algren looks at him. He has never heard the word.
KATSUMOTO
The way of the warrior. We study
from when we are young. Are my words
correct?
Algren does not respond.
KATSUMOTO
I will practice my English with you.
ALGREN
Why do you learn English?
KATSUMOTO
To know my enemy.
ALGREN
If I am your enemy, why have you not
killed me?
Katsumoto doesn't answer.
ALGREN
Was General Yoshitaka your enemy?
KATSUMOTO
No, I honor his memory as my kinsman.
ALGREN
That why you helped him kill himself?
KATSUMOTO
If a samurai is defeated in battle,
he must take his own life to spare
himself the shame of capture. It is
required that his kaishaku his trusted
friend, help him. I was honored to
by his kaishaku.
ALGREN
Hell of an honor.
KATSUMOTO
It was his destiny. He knew it, he
died at peace.
ALGREN
Who was the warrior in the red armor?
KATSUMOTO
My son-in-law. His name was Hiroshi.
ALGREN
And the woman who cares for me?
KATSUMOTO
My daughter, Hiroshi's wife. Her
name is Taka.
Algren is incredulous.
ALGREN
I killed her husband?
KATSUMOTO
It was an honorable death.
Katsumoto walks away.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - DAY
Algren it now well enough to kneel at the table with the
others. Taka treats him with utter politeness and dignity.
He watches her intently, seeking any sign of the animosity
he's certain she must feel.
She hands him a bowl of rice.
ALGREN
(smiling politely)
You hope I choke on it, don't you?
She bows, uncomprehending.
ALGREN
You want to poison it and watch me
fall over the table and foam at the
mouth.
Yoritomo bows in response to Algren's new willingness to
communicate.
YORITOMO
(to Taka, subtitles)
I promise I'll make him take a bath.
TAKA
(subtitles)
Soon. Please.
EXT. VILLAGE - BATHING TUB - DAY
Yoritomo leads Algren to a large, wooden bathing tub in a
secluded part of the village. A banked fire smolders beneath
it.
Embarrassed, Yoritomo indicates to Algren that be needs to
bathe. Algren strips off his filthy uniform then lowers
himself into the steaming water.
Yoritomo begins taking off hit own kimono. Algren is taken
aback. Used to Western privacy, he is a bit disquieted about
bathing with another man.
Yoritomo, unconcerned, climbs into the tub. He chats
pleasantly as they bathe, showing off his old battle wounds.
Algren's discomfort turns to outright alarm when a toothless
old grandmother appears. She happily strips and joins them
in the tub!
Algren sinks a little lower into the water. The old
grandmother smiles at him with her toothless grin.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Algren, feeling self-conscious in the clean kimono he's
wearing for the first time, walks back with Yoritomo. Kids
start walking with them, pointing at his Japanese garb,
laughing as he stumbles in his wooden clogs. They pass by
Ujio training a group of samurai using wooden kendo swords.
Nearby, Higen and Toshiie are imitating the grown-ups,
sparring with wooden swords that are much too big for them.
Yoritomo watches his nephews proudly, murmuring details of
their prowess to Algren, who has no idea what he's talking
about.
Higen charges his little brother, but goes careening past,
right toward Algren, who deftly dodges out of the way. This
causes gales of laughter from the boys, one of whom takes
Toshiie's sword and offers it to Algren.
Algren looks at the sword in his hand and unthinkingly twirls
if with a flourish -- causing the boys to applaud. Yoritomo
bows, and encourages Algren in Higen's direction. Algren
shakes his head politely, but Higen is already on the attack.
Algren dodges one thrust, then parries another, as the boys
begin to cheer.
Suddenly, everyone goes silent. Algren turns.
Ujio is standing behind him, arms folded.
Ujio barks a command in Japanese. He wants Algren to drop
the sword.
It is obvious to Algren what it must mean, but he does
nothing.
Ujio approaches Algren slowly. Algren holds the wooden sword
casually, only his eyes betraying the tension of the moment.
Ujio's wooden sword FLASHES, quicker than the eye can follow.
Algren's sword is knocked from his hands, then, somehow in
the same fluid movement, Ujio brings the sword around and
cracks Algren across the chest hard enough to knock the breath
from his body and send him to his knees.
Satisfied with himself, Ujio starts to walk away, but the
expressions of the bystanders cause him to turn back:
Algren is standing again, and again holding the sword.
With grim purpose, Ujio returns to Algren, who has assumed a
ready pose.
Again Ujio's SWORD FLASHES. Algren manages to parry one blow,
before he is cracked across the face, and blood begins to
flow freely from his nose.
Ujio knocks Algren's legs out from under him, and while Algren
is sprawling on the ground, Ujio kicks Algren's sword out of
his hand, and starts away.
Again, Algren manages to stand up, and before Ujio can turn,
charges him.
But Ujio doesn't need to turn. In a sliding move, he dodges
and cracks Algren in the side, then the legs, then the neck.
Gasping for breath, at least one rib broken, Algren writhes
on the ground. Ujio digs the point of his sword into Algren's
hand until he releases his grip. Again Ujio kicks the sword
away.
The ever-enlarging crowd gasps as Algren once again struggles
to his feet.
This time without hesitation, Ujio runs back and rains blows
upon Algren's now defenseless body. First the wrist, then
the back, then the stomach, then finally the head.
Algren hits the ground, unconscious, his fingers still
clutching the sword.
Ujio reaches down, pries it from his fingers, and breaks it
across his knee.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - EVENING
Algren lies painfully on a mat, his eyes unfocused.
SUDDEN FLASH OF MEMORY:
The lovely blond woman, tears in her eyes, looks up to
Algren's shining face, the epaulets on his crisp officer's,
uniform gleaming gold in the sun.
The reverie is broken.
As Taka kneels to swab the cuts on his face. He stares at
her darkly.
ALGREN
Who are you people anyway?
She makes no attempt to understand or respond.
ALGREN
You have no God, you have no mercy,
you don't even have any fucking walls.
Your walls are made of paper, what's
the matter with you?
She pushes his head aside so she can attend to his neck.
ALGREN
This man tries to kill me and I've
done nothing to him, and you, I kill
your husband and you act like, what?
Like I'm a guest in your house. What
is wrong with you?
This last said so intensely that she glances at him before
picking up a bowl of soup she had brought for him, and
bringing it to his lips...
ALGREN
Do you have a soul at all?
He stares at her for a moment, then knocks the soup out of
her hands.
Her eyes FLASH for one moment, before resuming their usual
mildness.
But that flash is enough to satisfy him, and he calms down.
She walks away.
He sighs, exhausted, only to see her approach again with a
new bowl. Their eyes meet, and hold for a moment. She does
have a soul. He takes a sip.
INT. SHINTO SHRINE - DAY
Algren is led past baldheaded monks into an ancient shrine.
Katsumoto kneels before a small altar. He doesn't seem aware
that Algren is present.
KATSUMOTO
Ujio is teaching you the way of the
Japanese sword.
ALGREN
Is that what he's doing?
KATSUMOTO
At what age did you become a soldier?
ALGREN
Nineteen.
KATSUMOTO
To fight in your American civil war.
ALGREN
Yes.
KATSUMOTO
Tell me about that war.
ALGREN
What about it?
KATSUMOTO
Everything.
ALGREN
Everything about the civil war?
Katsumoto sits impassively, staring at the altar.
ALGREN
That would take a year.
KATSUMOTO
You have pressing business elsewhere?
Shaking his head, Algren sits down.
ALGREN
The civil war began on April 12,
1861 when the rebs attacked Fort
Sumter. Well, actually, it probably
began three years earlier when the
Supreme Court decided a runaway slave
had to be returned to his master
DISSOLVE TO:
The TWO OF THEM, hours later --
ALGREN
-- and Pickett says he wants to do
it, over Longstreet's objections and
Lee doesn't know what to think, but
he lets him. So 15,000 men go up
that hill. And most of them die.
KATSUMOTO
Was that wise?
ALGREN
No, it was stupid.
KATSUMOTO
Why?
ALGREN
The point of a battle is to win, or
at least have enough men survive to
fight another day.
KATSUMOTO
You did not try to survive when we
took you prisoner.
Algren eyes him, frustrated.
ALGREN
What do you want from me?
KATSUMOTO
What do you want for yourself?
ALGREN
You know they're not going to ransom
me.
KATSUMOTO
We have little use for money.
ALGREN
(mounting fury)
Then what are you doing, why are you
asking me these questions, what is
going on here?
KATSUMOTO
The snows will melt in May, and the
passes will open, and the events of
the world will unfold. Until that
time, you are here.
(smiles)
I enjoyed this conversation in your
English. I hope you will honor me
with more tomorrow.
Katsumoto stands, bows, and leaves.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - DAY
Young Toshiie sits near Algren. He labors over a scroll with
a brush, the gentle brush strokes are hypnotic as they sweep
across the rice paper.
Algren tries to indicate that he would like pen and paper
for himself. Toshiie gives him what he asks. Algren begins
to write:
ALGREN (V.O.)
Day unknown, month unknown, 1876. I
continue to live among these strange
people.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Katsumoto watches Ujio bark orders to the men he is training.
A sudden movement of their eyes, causes Ujio to stop. He
turns to find:
Algren standing at the end of the line, holding a wooden
sword.
An almost imperceptible look passes between Ujio and
Katsumoto, but Ujio's Resentment is over-ruled. Without a
word, he continues.
Algren does his best to follow the exercise.
Katsumoto, the slightest hint of a smile on his face, walks
away.
ALGREN (V.O.)
Each day I am confounded by their
strange customs and contradictions,
savagery followed by mildness.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren now kneels at the table with the rest of the family
as they eat. He is in considerable pain from the rigors of
training. He tries to roll the stiffness out of his neck,
when be notices that Higen it imitating him. Toshiie laughs.
ALGREN (V.O.)
They seem to value nothing more than
their families, and yet they kill
defenseless wounded men without a
shade of remorse...
Yoritomo sternly tells Higen not to make fun of their guest.
Yoritomo apologizes to Algren, who shakes his head
unnecessary.
ALGREN
Raisu? [Rice?]
They stop, shocked. He has spoken!
Yoritomo calls for Taka to serve him more rice, then begins
yammering enthusiastically in Japanese. Algren holds up his
hand.
ALGREN
Not so fast. Ko... toba? [Words?]
(holds up chopsticks)
What is this?
YORITOMO
Hashi.
ALGREN
Hashi.
Yoritomo is hysterical with glee now.
YORITOMO
Hai!
The boys are suddenly dervishes, pulling various objects
from the table and around the room, shouting the Japanese
words for each.
Algren shakes his head, and smiles for the first time in
this story.
Yoritomo manages to quiet the boys. He points to himself.
YORITOMO
Yoritomo.
ALGREN
(points to himself)
Algren.
YORITOMO
All-gren.
Algren nods, and the boys start screaming "All-gren!.
YORITOMO
(points to each in
rum)
Higen. Toshiie. Taka.
ALGREN
(bowing)
Higen. Toshiie.
(turns to Taka)
Taka.
She meets his eyes for the slightest moment, then looks down
and walks away.
INT. KATSUMOTO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Katsumoto is arranging flowers. Algren watches in confusion,
as this powerful lord goes about doing something so feminine
and delicate. Finally:
KATSUMOTO
The parliament of your country has
two houses. Why is that?
ALGREN
To keep either one from being too
powerful.
KATSUMOTO
Does not a people need a powerful
ruler to protect them?
ALGREN
We believe the opposite.
Katsumoto thinks about this.
ALGREN
I have a question. How do you come
to speak English?
KATSUMOTO
Members of the Council were required
to study it... Yes, I was a member
of the government. I helped restore
the Emperor to the throne.
ALGREN
So that Japan could have a powerful
ruler to protect it.
Katsumoto understands Algren's irony, but doesn't smile.
ALGREN
And now you must hate him for what
he's done.
KATSUMOTO
He is my blood. I serve him with my
life.
ALGREN
By fighting his army?
Katsumoto looks at Algren.
KATSUMOTO
I do not fight the emperor. I fight
those who seek to influence him,
those who betray the soul of my
country.
He slowly draws his long samurai sword, and places it next
to the flowers on the table in front of him.
KATSUMOTO
The Emperor gave this blade to my
ancestors 400 years ago. It has been
used only to defend his sacred honor.
Katsumoto hands the sword to Algren. Algren studies it.
KATSUMOTO
It takes many years to make a sword.
It is a holy act. A samurai's sword
is his soul.
ALGREN
This sword is flawed. What is this
uneven line near the edge?
Katsumoto smiles at Algren's ignorance.
KATSUMOTO
One man is flexible and compromises
too much to avoid conflict. Another
man is so fierce he wins every battle,
but so rigid he can never know peace.
A man who knows both is the perfect
warrior. The same is true of a
blade... one steel bends, and the
other cuts. And where they meet is
never perfect. Hold the blade up.
Algren holds the sword, cutting edge up. Katsumoto takes a
silk cloth and drops it. It gently billows down -- and splits
evenly on the edge.
KATSUMOTO
Some believe a blade is thirsty until
it tastes the blood of its enemy.
Algren hands the sword back. Suddenly, Katsumoto swings the
sword, cleanly splitting the table in two.
Silence.
ALGREN
The crew at Winchester can produce
one rifle every seven minutes.
KATSUMOTO
We gave up firearms two hundred years
ago. It takes no courage to kill a
man from half a mile away. You must
look into the eyes of your enemy to
know who you have killed.
ALGREN
I'm not sure an artillery officer
would agree.
KATSUMOTO
Do you?
ALGREN
I think all killing's a filthy
business.
KATSUMOTO
Taking a man's life is nothing. It
is his honor you can never take away.
ALGREN
In other words you have no respect
for human life.
KATSUMOTO
(Fierce)
What do you know of human life? You
come here to kill for money. Where
is your family? Where is your wife,
your sons? What is your legacy?
ALGREN
(undaunted)
And what is yours? To rebel against
the future? I fought the South in
our civil war. Their leaders believed
they were fighting for "honor" just
as you do. And their people died by
the thousands!
Katsumoto simply looks at him.
ALGREN
And my wife is dead.
KATSUMOTO
Mine, too.
They look at each other. Some unexpected recognition has
taken place.
KATSUMOTO
Tomorrow we will discuss your
country's wish for dominance in the...
"Far East."
ALGREN
...I look forward to it.
Algren turns to go.
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - DAY
We see the village swordsmith at work. He has been forging
the same long samurai blade for months... Algren watches him
as he works.
ALGREN (V.O.)
March 9, 1877. I have never known
such a disciplined people.
EXT. VILLAGE DAY
Algren trains with the other men. He attempts an attack,
which is easily brushed aside by Nakao. Algren ends up in
the dirt again.
ALGREN (V.O.)
From the moment they wake, they devote
themselves to the perfection of
whatever they pursue --
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Algren walking with Katsumoto -- they are deep in
conversation.
ALGREN (V.O.)
And yet the more time I spend here,
the less I understand them.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Two women are bowing repeatedly, chattering in smiling,
earnest argument.
ALGREN (V.O.)
Everyone is polite, every nuance of
behavior seems to have a great
meaning, and increasingly I am
convinced that the lower they bow,
the less they mean it.
EXT. YORITOMO'S - HOUSE
Algren, holding the wooden sword in 1870'5 baseball manner,
is coaxing Higen to throw the ball at him. The children laugh
as Algren hits it onto the next porch.
Taka watches her sons impassively. It is clear how much they
like Algren.
ALGREN (V.O.)
And I am sure they regard my ways to
be as confounding and unfathomable
as I find theirs.
AN ICE CRYSTAL ON THE END OF A BRANCH
Starts to drip. SPRING has begun.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Villagers laugh as they go about the business of life. A man
throws a sack of rice to another. Two women hurry away from
a farmer who is teasing them.
Algren is once again among the training warriors. He and
another man face off, each waiting for the other to attack
with his wooden sword.
Algren moves first, but his opponent counters, and strikes
him easily. They wheel around and engage again, and again
Algren is bested. Furious, he throws himself at his opponent,
reverting to classic saber technique.
In a flurry of movement, his opponent manages to deflect the
blows and also knock Algren to his knees.
Yoritomo approaches and bows.
YORITOMO
Algren-San. Please forgive. Too many
mind.
ALGREN
What?
YORITOMO
(pointing as he
explains)
Mind sword, mind face, mind people
watch, too many mind.
(on Algren's confused
expression)
No mind.
ALGREN
No mind?
YORITOMO
Hai! No mind. You try.
Algren nods, uncertainly, and picks himself up. Again he
faces the opponent, shaking off the tension and trying to
stay calm.
This time the opponent charges first, and Algren manages to
parry one blow, before he is again bested.
Yoritomo bows happily and begins yammering in Japanese,
clearly taking credit for Algren's progress.
Across the square, Katsumoto watches.
EXT. IMPERIAL PALACE GARDEN - DAY
The cherry blossoms have emerged, creating a scene of intense
color, beauty, and serenity. The Emperor sits cross-legged
next to a shrine. He is approached by Omura and two other
advisors.
OMURA
Your majesty, beg permission to
approach.
(the Emperor nods)
Your humble servants are most anxious
to know if his Majesty has signed
the order regarding the railroad
progress.
EMPEROR
(after a long moment)
I am most impressed at the way the
blossoms float upon the air, as if
held by unseen hands.
OMURA
Yes, they represent the highest form
of gyoko. About the order, your
Majesty.
EMPEROR
This railroad must go through Yoshino
Province?
OMURA
It is absolutely necessary your
Highness.
EMPEROR
If you say so, I shall sign.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Algren walks through the village, past the swordsmith who is
now honing the blade, carefully sharpening it.
EXT. CHERRY TREE FOREST - DAY
Algren makes his way through a stunning cherry forest near
the village. The pink and red blossoms are dazzling and
abundant. Other villagers can be seen gathering cherry
blossoms.
It is a place of otherworldly beauty.
It is all so beautiful that Algren just stops. Takes it in
for a moment. He reaches out and touches a blossom.
KATSUMOTO (O.S.)
A perfect blossom is a rare thing...
Algren turns. Katsumoto is kneeling nearby, meditating.
KATSUMOTO
You could spend your life looking
for one. And it would not be a wasted
life.
ALGREN
Were you praying?
KATSUMOTO
Just sitting. I do not think I have
the word. Satori, it means, maybe,
awareness.
ALGREN
Of what?
KATSUMOTO
This moment alone, apart from all
others... You know this?
(Algren shakes his
head)
I am writing a poem about this time
we have spent. I have only written
one line on "His eyes were like my
own but seen through a deep and
troubled ocean..." Can you suggest a
second line?
ALGREN
I'm not much of a writer.
KATSUMOTO
Is this why you spend so much time
with your journal?
ALGREN
How do you know that?
(no answer)
She told you.
Katsumoto appraises Algren.
ALGREN
Did you love her husband as your own
son?
KATSUMOTO
You have sent men to their deaths,
just as I have.
ALGREN
The difference is, you feel nothing.
KATSUMOTO
Before you were a soldier, you were
a farmer.
ALGREN
What does that have to do with
anything?
KATSUMOTO
You lived on a farm. Or in a forest
of trees.
ALGREN
How do you know?
KATSUMOTO
The way you look at the cherry
blossoms.
ALGREN
(reluctantly)
We lived in a place called
Connecticut. My... brother and I
climbed the maple trees.
KATSUMOTO
Were they beautiful?
ALGREN
Yes.
KATSUMOTO
And you were sad to see them die in
the winter.
A beat. Something flickers in Algren's eyes.
KATSUMOTO
You were something before you were a
soldier. You were a boy who was sad
to see the leaves fall and the trees
die.
Katsumoto looks at him deeply.
KATSUMOTO
Like those trees, we are all dying.
The future is an illusion, our plans
are an illusion, our fears an
illusion. We live life in every
breath. Eat, drink, fuck. Now. Every
cup of tea. Every word we write.
Every blossom we hold.
He smiles sadly.
KATSUMOTO
Every life we take.
A beat. He stands, takes in the beautiful cherry orchard.
KATSUMOTO
Life in every breath. That is bushido.
The way of the samurai.
He goes. Algren stands for a moment deep in thought
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren is asleep. And then we note that the ground is
vibrating... he slides across his mat -- wakes with a start.
An unholy rumbling --
Algren bolts up... just as a paper wall rips open, the wooden
framework to the room splits and the roof collapses --
An earthquake. Common for this part of Japan.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
Yoritomo appears. He and Algren crawl out of the house just
as the ground lurches violently --
Part of the house contorts and caves in. Around the village,
the wooden frame houses are swaying and lurching. They have
some torque, but not enough.
Ujio directs the villagers as they battle a fire --
Taka appears, calling frantically for Toshiie.
Then an even larger seismic tremor suddenly TEARS THROUGH
THE VILLAGE.
Houses are ripped apart -- the whole world shifting.
Though the smoke, Algren sees Toshiie cowering under an eave.
A heavy ceiling beam breaks loose, threatens to crush Toshiie.
Algren dives forward, grabs Toshiie and pulls him out of the
way... the front of the house collapses, the beams smashing
to the ground..
Taka and Higen race to Algren and Toshiie. The boy is safe.
Taka grabs the child and cradles him. Her look to Algren is
fierce, protective, almost feral -- as if he were the threat
instead of the rescuer.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Algren watches the villagers rebuild. Yoritomo and Higen
struggle with a large wooden framework.
ALGREN (V.O.)
I am struck by these people and their
acceptance of fate in all its
variations. At a time like this,
they seem utterly without sentiment.
Even the children have a gravity
beyond their years.
Algren goes to them. Silently begins to help them.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - DAYS LATER
Algren works with Yoritomo, binding the wooden framework.
Higen prepares the paper walls nearby. He does this with
considerable skill.
Taka is getting water from a rain barrel. She observes Algren
helping rebuild her home. Yoritomo is working nearby.
Algren's Japanese is rough but improving:
ALGREN
(in Japanese, subtitles)
Would last longer... if stone.
YORITOMO
(subtitles)
No. House fall. House go back easy
with wood.
Algren shakes his head. Taka appears with cups of water.
Algren looks at her For the first rime, she holds his gaze.
EXT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - EVENING
Torches illuminate a small stage in the center of the village
square. Several samurai perform a ritualistic Noh drama. (A
form which, by the way, the samurai invented.) Others play
flutes and large steel drums.
ALGREN (V.O.)
And yet I have never seen a people
with more capacity for the joy found
in the simplest things of life.
Katsumoto himself plays the lead role. An enthusiastic actor,
he plays to the children in the audience. They are delighted
with his broad theatrics.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE
Taka is carrying in a huge lack of rice. Algren goes to help
her.
TAKA
(subtitles)
No, please.
ALGREN
(insistent)
Hai.
He carries the rice for her into the pantry area.
TAKA
(subtitles)
Japanese men do not help with this.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
I know.
She looks at him, a little surprised.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
I am not Japanese.
In spite of herself, she smiles a little. There is an awkward
moment.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
I... didn't know he was your husband.
TAKA
(struck; subtitles)
He did his duty. You did your duty.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
And you do yours.
TAKA
(softly)
Hai.
They look at each other for a long moment. She starts to
move, but he stops her. They are close enough to smell each
other's hair, to feel the warmth of the other's breath. She
looks up at him, pleading with her eyes not to take this any
further.
He lets her go.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Algren stands across from Ujio, ready again for the ken-jutso.
They stand frozen for a long time, hands on the hilts of
their wooden swords.
Other samurai watch.
Algren and Ujio stare at each other.
But there is something different about Algren's expression.
Not as much fury and competition, more a sense of balance
and alertness. He studies Ujio's eyes, his hands, the folds
of his kimono, the attitude of his body.
We watch Algren closely.
Gradually all SOUND drains away. We hear only Algren's steady
breathing. He is aware of everything. A bird in a tree. A
woman grinding rice. A plum about to fall.
A gently swaying battle flag, Slow-motion as:
Algren attacks -- no fury, just control-- Ujio tries to
deflect the blow, Algren anticipates -- he swings his sword
elegantly -- Ujio blocks it -- Algren counters --
Algren presses forward, his sword slashing masterfully,
forcing Ujio back. Ujio counters with complex moves as he
retreats -- Algren keeps moving forward, calm -- finally
Ujio's sword is swept aside in one clean movement. Algren
ends with the edge of his wooden sword at Ujio's throat.
The other samurai watch. Amazed.
Algren twirls his sword in a fancy cavalry "flourish." The
pride he has always taken in his swordsmanship has been
restored. He bows to Ujio.
Ujio nods his head, slightly, in respect. The other samurai,
led by the hearty Nakao, congratulate Algren.
EXT. MEADOW - DAY
Algren carries water from the river through a riot of spring
wild-flowers. Something makes him stop, and see the sunlit
clouds in the deep blue sky, the colors around him, hear the
buzzing of the bees, feel the chill of the air.
A sudden flash of memory his beautiful wife, in green field
not unlike this one, laughing, tossing her hair, falling
back into the long grass.
BACK TO ALGREN
The force of the memory causes him to sink to the ground.
Another flash of memory, longer this time:
His wife leans over and kisses his mouth, and his cheek, and
his forehead. He holds her al tightly as be can.
BACK TO ALGREN
As tears begin to course down his face, and he sinks down
into the flowers and the grass, looking up into the impossibly
beautiful sky. He gives in to the sobs wracking his body.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
As Algren returns with the water, he sees Katsumoto
approaching with Ujio and several warriors.
KATSUMOTO
The Emperor has requested my presence.
We leave tomorrow. You will be
released in Tokyo.
He goes. Algren stands, not sure how to react.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren writes on parchment by the light of an oil lamp.
ALGREN (V.O.)
April 13, 1877. Tomorrow we return
to civilization. As eager as I am to
be among my own kind, I confess to a
curious reluctance.
EXT. KATSUMOTO'S VILLAGE - DAWN
Algren stands overlooking the village as the sun rises over
the misty peaks.
ALGREN (V.O.)
These months have marked me, and I
don't fully know yet why.
EXT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - DAY
Algren prepares to mount up. Yoritomo says goodbye to his
family.
ALGREN (V.O.)
I do know it is here that I have
known my first untroubled sleep in
many years.
Taka comes to Algren, bows her head.
TAKA
(subtitles)
You are always welcome in our home.
ALGREN
Domo Arrigato.
He glances at the unfinished house.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
You will finish it soon.
TAKA
(subtitles)
If that is my destiny.
She bows her head again. Toshiie hands him a scroll: it is a
picture of the family. Algren is included. Japanese characters
list all their names.
Toshiie bows. Algren bows and tucks the scroll into his coat.
Algren and Yoritomo move out with Katsumoto, Ujio, Nakao and
his bodyguard of several dozen Samurai.
The villagers bow and honor the warrior as they pass.
EXT. MOUNTAINOUS LANDSCAPE - DAY
Algren trots alongside Katsumoto.
ALGREN
...The Emperor sends a message for
you to return to Tokyo, and you go?
KATSUMOTO
Yes.
ALGREN
Even though you're in rebellion
against him.
KATSUMOTO
Against the Emperor? Never. I serve
him. As I have always done.
ALGREN
I don't understand.
KATSUMOTO
Our Emperor is young, and there are
things I must say to him.
ALGREN
But everyone around him wants you
dead.
KATSUMOTO
And if the Emperor desires, I will
take my own life at his command.
He spurs his horse and rides on. Algren watches him.
EXT. MOUNTAIN VALLEY - SUNSET
They approach a large inn.
A boy working in the fields see Katsumoto approaching. He
doesn't believe it -- the Great Katsumoto. He drops his hoe
and races away, calling out.
KATSUMOTO
We will stop here for the night.
EXT. MOUNTAIN VALLEY - SUNSET
Samurai guards have been posted around the perimeter.
INT. KATSUMOTO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Algren is escorted in. Katsumoto kneels at a table. Preparing
the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
KATSUMOTO
Sit, Captain.
Algren sits. By now he has learned how to sit on the ground.
Katsumoto begins the exacting, delicate and precise tea
ceremony.
KATSUMOTO
Do you drink tea?
ALGREN
I've had little else for some time...
Katsumoto continues with the tea ceremony.
ALGREN
How's your poem coming?
KATSUMOTO
I am having trouble. The truth is I
am not a very good poet.
(Algren smiles)
Do you know why you were sent here?
To Yoshino.
ALGREN
To protect the railroad.
KATSUMOTO
Why is the railroad here?
ALGREN
So Tokyo can control the whole
country.
KATSUMOTO
You have seen my province. All
mountains. Far from Tokyo. Yet the
rail line must come here?
Katsumoto tosses a tiny bit of coal on the simmering brazier
on the table. Algren watches carefully.
ALGREN
You have something they want
KATSUMOTO
What do they want in my mountains?
ALGREN
Minerals... Gold.
KATSUMOTO
(smiles)
There is no gold in Japan.
Katsumoto gently blows on the coal brazier. The coal flares
a bit.
ALGREN
Coal?
(Katsumoto looks at
him)
For steamships.
KATSUMOTO
And why would steamships be so
important?
ALGREN
...China.
Katsumoto looks up at him. Impressed.
KATSUMOTO
Japan has nothing. China has
everything.
ALGREN
Mine the coal to create a way station
for the trip to China... Freeze the
Europeans out and Japan and America
have a monopoly on the China trade.
KATSUMOTO
Add to this the Omura Zaibatsu. You
know the Zaibatsu?
ALGREN
The wealthy families.
KATSUMOTO
As patron of the railroad, Omura
owns all land within four hundred
feet of every new rail line. As my
country grows, so will his wealth.
(looks at him)
This is why you are fighting.
Katsumoto completes the tea ceremony. He pours a cup for
Algren. Bows his head and offers it to him.
ALGREN
And you will tell the Emperor to
stop them?
KATSUMOTO
I do not tell the Emperor what to
do.
ALGREN
Then what do you hope to accomplish?
Katsumoto looks at Algren, the slightest gleam in his eye.
KATSUMOTO
Will you return to America?
Algren watches him -- why didn't Katsumoto answer?
ALGREN
...I have a job here.
KATSUMOTO
You should return to your home.
ALGREN
Why?
KATSUMOTO
Because I do not wish you to be my
enemy again.
Katsumoto returns to his poem, he does not look up.
KATSUMOTO
Go home Captain... Anshinritsumai. I
wish you peace.
Algren waits but Katsumoto just continues to work on his
poem.
EXT. AROUND THE INN - NIGHT
The samurai guards are alert, their senses heightened to
almost superhuman proportions.
But there is another way. Another way of learning combat. A
way without the beauty, the philosophy and the moral code.
They are almost imperceptible at first... their head-to-toe
black clothes a perfect camouflage... their silence and
stealth are otherworldly.
They were then known as Shinobi, masters of stealth and
spying.
We know them as Ninjas.
They float across the ground... creeping an inch every hour...
complete physical control. One black-gloved finger moves.
Then the next.
They crawl and then wait, poised on their fingertips and
toes.
There is no sound as they strike.
The samurai guards are garroted in an instant. Other Ninjas
catch the samurai's weapons as they fall. No sound disturbs
the peaceful night.
EXT. INN - FRONT DOORWAY - NIGHT
Silence.
Two samurai guards are in position.
One of them glances up at the stars.
A Ninja throwing star instantly slices into his jugular --
blood sprays -- the other guard turns. A series of Ninja
slice into him...
EXT. INN - WALLS - NIGHT
Silence.
The Ninjas use claws to crawl up the walls like spiders.
EXT. INN - ROOF - NIGHT
Silence.
A samurai guard stands at the edge of the roof. A Ninja
silently moves toward him. Stops. Ten feet away.
He pulls out a shuriken -- a small needle-shaped projectile,
dips it into a sack of poison. Places it carefully into the
palm of his hand. And with the flick of his wrist --
The needle flies -- stabbing into the samurai -- he crumples.
Other Ninjas immediately pour over the edge of the roof --
catching the samurai before he falls...
INT. INN - KATSUMOTO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Silence.
Katsumoto cannot sleep. He stares out the window at a
nightingale.
INT. INN - UJIO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Silence.
Ujio sits in his room. He is unblinking. Alert. Swords at
the ready.
INT. INN - ALGREN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Silence.
Algren cannot sleep either. He sits leaning against a wall.
Thinking.
INT. INN - MAIN HALL - NIGHT
Silence.
Yoritomo drinks tea with Nakao, the huge martial arts master.
INT. OUTSIDE KATSUMOTO'S ROOM - NIGHT
A guard stands sentinel. Above his head, unbeknownst to him,
two Ninjas descend on ropes.
One of them swings a long chain -- to which a barbed-knife
is attached.
As it lodges in the guard's chest, the second Ninja swings
down just in time to catch the dead guard, silently, before
his body hits the ground.
INT. INN - KATSUMOTO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Silence.
Katsumoto lies in bed listening to the night bird. It stops
singing. Katsumoto smiles sadly. He decides to give up on
sleep, leans forward to rise.
This act saves his life.
For when the Ninjas come, they come all at once --
A Ninja suddenly comes TEARING STRAIGHT THROUGH THE PAPER
WALL, his sword slashing down -- just missing Katsumoto.
Katsumoto calls out an alarm, diving and rolling across the
floor for his sword. He instantly kills one Ninja using his
steel-tipped "war fan" to slash his attackers throat. Another
smashes in through the window.
INT. INN - MAIN HALL - NIGHT
Ninjas EXPLODE into the main hall. Samurai who come out of
their rooms are cut down by a variety of weapons -- one takes
a throwing star in the face, others are felled by the
traditional ninja-to, short swords ideal for fighting in
confined spaces, chain-knives, nun-chaka and others.
More Ninjas drop from the rafters on ropes.
INT. INN - ALGREN'S ROOM - NIGHT
A Ninja SMASHES through the paper wall -- Algren grabs the
nearest object, a low tea table, and swings it at his head.
The Ninja dodges the blow and slices at Algren with short-
sword.
Algren barely avoids the blow by ducking behind a post as
the sword LODGES deep in the wood. Algren flings himself,
bodily, at his attacker.
INT. INN - MAIN HALL - NIGHT
Ninja throwing stars spin across the room, killing a samurai.
Yoritomo emerges from his room, readying his bow, but the
dead samurai falls back blocking his way. From behind the
rice wall, Yoritomo lets fly an arrow without even looking.
It passes THROUGH the wall, killing the Ninja on the opposite
balcony.
INT. INN - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT
Ujio screams a war cry and begins to battle his way up the
stairs. With breathtaking moves, he slashes hands and limbs,
forcing the Ninja back.
Nakao fights his way up beside him, desperately trying to
reach Katsumoto's room. Using only his bare hands he catches
a Ninja's wrist and hurls him over the railing.
INT. INN - ALGREN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Algren and the Ninja are in a death struggle, kneeing,
gouging, butting. They awkwardly smash through a paper wall
into the next room.
INT. INN - KATSUMOTO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Katsumoto wields his long sword in one hand and his short
sword in the other. It is the first time we have seen him in
action and his movements are both beautiful and deadly.
But more Ninjas are pouring in through the window, threatening
to overwhelm him.
INT. INN - ALGREN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Rolling on the ground, Algren manages to grab a chopstick
and STAB his adversary through the eye.
He picks up the fallen short sword and steps out into the
hall.
ARROWS whiz past, thudding into the wall beside his head.
INT. INN - KATSUMOTO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Katsumoto, breathing heavily, his kimono shredded and bloody,
is fending off the Ninjas' increasingly savage attacks as
Algren enters.
Algren SCREAMS, distracting them just long enough for
Katsumoto to take advantage and kill one.
Then, just as a Ninja is about to kill Algren, Katsumoto
FLINGS his short sword... it pin-wheels across the room,
hitting Algren's attacker in the chest.
Without missing a beat, Algren pulls the short sword from
the dying Ninja's chest and uses it to stab another Ninja
who, thinking Algren defenseless, has launched an attack.
INT. INN - MAIN HALL - NIGHT
Ujio and Nakao are back to back, a perfect fighting machine
as they fight their way to Katsumoto's rescue. They battle
Ninjas wielding lethal kusarigamas, the Ninjas swing chains,
the attached blades slice the air. Nakao catches the chains
and flings the Ninja over the balcony.
INT. YORITOMO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Yoritomo is pinned down. Darts and throwing stars shred the
rice paper wall above him. He picks off another Ninja before
changing his position.
INT. INN - KATSUMOTO'S ROOM - NIGHT
The blazing sword battle continues.
Algren throws a beautiful painted standing-screen in front
of an attacking Ninja, momentarily confusing him. Then he
stabs THROUGH THE SCREEN -- as a blood-stain SPREADS across
the pastoral painting.
But another Ninja catches Algren off-guard and slices at him
with his short sword. As Algren lifts his sword to parry the
blow, HIS LITTLE FINGER IS CHOPPED OFF.
He drops the sword, momentarily defenseless.
Across the hallway Yoritomo has been watching the shadowplay
on the rice-paper walls.
Algren's attacker raises his blade to deliver the death blow.
In Katsumoto's room Algren flinches involuntarily beneath
the raised blade. Suddenly the Ninja JACKKNIFES as if punched
by an unseen hand. As he spins, dead, to the ground, we SEE
an ARROW lodged between his shoulder blades. Yoritomo has
FIRED blindly, through the wall, killing Algren's attacker.
Nearby, a Ninja hurls a throwing star at Katsumoto. With
blind instinct Katsumoto turns and takes the blade in the
meat of his arm.
Algren, meanwhile, has ripped the sleeve of his kimono into
a tourniquet for his maimed hand.
He uses the rest of the fabric TO TIE HIS HAND TO HIS SWORD
before launching himself back into the fray -- slicing an
attacker just as he is about to impale Katsumoto.
Together, he and Katsumoto force the last two Ninjas through
a paper wall to the next room.
They fight all the way through that room and BLAST through
another paper wall to the next.
INT. INN - STAIRWAY - NIGHT
The battle continues unabated on the stairs -- the Ninjas
spring for position with incredible grace -- perching and
fighting on banisters, leaping from one level to the next.
It is a mayhem of flashing swords and flailing limbs and
flying arrows and spinning Ninja stars.
Sprays of blood splatter against the white rice paper walls.
Some of the fighting is less than elegant. Men bite and
wrestle and gouge to survive in close quarters.
All of them are bloody and sweaty and dirty and tired, heaving
for breath, their skin flayed open, their kimonos ripped,
their hands and arms and faces blood-stained.
But more samurai reinforcements follow Ujio up the stairs:
Together with Yoritomo and Nakao, they have begun to gain
the upper hand.
Ujio flings both his swords through the air -- killing two
Ninjas -- and dives to fight others -- his martial arts skills
are dazzling.
Algren and Katsumoto are fighting side by side.
And we cut to --
EXT. INN - NIGHT
Outside of the inn, we slowly pull away...
The sounds of the battle gradually fade...
Soon it is nothing more than a lovely rustic inn nestled in
the mountains.
INT. INN - STAIRWAY - NIGHT
Later. The battle is over.
Ninja and samurai corpses litter the inn.
We slowly move up the long stairway from the bottom...
Yoritomo pulls a Ninja star from Nakao's_shou1der. Then one
from his own.
We move up another level, past more bodies...
Ujio moves through the Ninjas. Making sure they are dead.
Before sheathing his sword, he angrily FLICKS it at the rice
paper wall, spattering it with the bloody spray.
Katsumoto wipes his sword on a nearby corpse, replaces it in
its sheath. He sits beside Algren on a stair. Both men are
exhausted. Bloodied. Alive.
A long beat as we watch the two warriors.
Slow fade to...
EXT. TOKYO - IMPERIAL PALACE - DAY
Algren, Katsumoto and the others are nearing the palace.
Algren slows to a stop -- his path is toward the city.
Katsumoto stops, looks at him, then does something absolutely
extraordinary.
He kneels and bows before Algren. Quickly touching his head
to the dirt.
Then he rises, turns and walks toward the palace.
Algren stands, stunned.
EXT. PARADE GROUND - DAY
Algren walks onto the parade ground. The change he sees could
not be more remarkable.
Thousands of new Japanese troops are drilling with new bolt-
action Mausers. They are precise, exact and frighteningly
mechanistic, their uniforms new and crisp.
New German advisors are barking commands. Colonel Bagley
sees him.
BAGLEY
Algren? My God, you never cease to
astonish.
Bagley runs over, hand extended, but Algren turns to look at
the troops.
ALGREN
They have new weapons.
BAGLEY
The Kaiser was only too happy to
help. Along with his friends at Mauser
and Krupp. Thank God we Americans
still have a few teeth in our head.
And they come to the "teeth." Howitzer cannons. A row of
them. Artillery officers in US Army uniforms are instructing
Japanese officers.
BAGLEY
The ambassador and I have spent eight
months kissing Omura's ass so he'll
sign the damn trade pact with us.
You spent all this time living with
those savages?
(Algren looks at him)
He's going to want to talk to you...
ALGREN
I need a bath.
BAGLEY
And your back pay, I imagine.
Algren starts walking away.
BAGLEY
They got their flag... See?
And we see it... snapping on a flagpole high above the parade
ground.
It is immediately familiar. A red circle on a white field.
The Rising Sun.
The Howitzers fire in sequence. Thundering blasts that shake
the heavens.
EXT. ROYAL TEMPLE - DAY
Omura stands above Emperor Meiji respectful but persistent.
The Emperor is kneeling, tending to his iris garden. It is
one of the wonders of the Palace: a sea of white, pink, blue,
and purple blossoms.
Retainers and servants stand at a distance. One holds a
standard with the Imperial seal: a yellow chrysanthemum.
Omura sees Katsumoto making his way toward them. He talks a
bit more quickly to the Emperor.
Katsumoto begins to prostrate himself before the Emperor,
the usual sign of extreme respect -- but the Emperor stops
him:
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
No, Mori-san. We are "civilized"
now.
Katsumoto stops prostrating himself. The Emperor offers his
hand.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
I cannot touch the Sacred One.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
You can.
It is a difficult moment for Katsumoto. He simply cannot do
it.
OMURA
(subtitles)
Did you have a pleasant journey,
Minister Katsumoto?
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
It was uneventful.
Omura appreciates Katsumoto's droll response. He assumes
that Katsumoto is aware of his part in the assassination
attempt.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
If it is not a great imposition. I
desire a moment alone with Minister
Katsumoto. Omura-San.
OMURA
(subtitles)
Enlightened One, perhaps I can be of
service in a conversation of state.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
So kind of you, but I fear my old
teacher wishes to upbraid me in
private for neglecting my studies.
Omura bows his head quickly and goes.
Silence. The Emperor gazes at Katsumoto. Then:
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
You rise against me, my teacher.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
No, Highness, I rise against your
enemies.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
They are my teacher, my advisers,
like you.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
They advise in their own interest.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
The world is changing, Mori -- you
have not seen what goes on beyond
our borders, the inventions, the
science. I need men who can look
outward, or soon we will be left
behind, and defenseless.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
I am sworn to defend you even to my
last breath.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
The samurai live in the past. You
cannot defend against a future you
don't understand.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
If I am no use, then I will happily
end my life,
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
No, Mori. It is my wish that you
rejoin the Council of State. I need
your voice.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
It is your voice that needs to be
heard, Highness. You are a living
God, you can do what ever you think
is right.
The young emperor is silent a moment.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
I am a living God only as long as I
do what they think is right.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitle)
Your Highness, may I beg forgiveness
for saying what a teacher must, that
such a statement is pathetic drivel
not worthy of an ignorant stable
boy, let alone a young man I know to
have some modest intelligence.
The emperor laughs warmly, almost happy to be scolded as he
once was.
EMPEROR
(subtitles)
Is it possible a living God can be
too afraid to make his voice heard?
(Katsumoto's look is
not unkind)
Tell me what to do, Mori-San?
KATSUMOTO
(subtitles)
You are emperor, my Lord, not me.
You must find the wisdom for all of
us.
EXT. YOKOHAMA WHARF - DAY
A series of warehouses, beyond which we see warships in the
harbor. Algren walks with Bagley and two other OFFICERS.
INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY
The cavernous warehouse piled high with huge crates.
BAGLEY
As soon as they sign the agreement,
they're obligated to buy the entire
weapons package, from Colt revolvers
to Halliwell twelve-pounders. Plus
this particular item you might
recognize.
A few stevedores tear open one of the crates. Algren hides
his astonishment:
A Gatling Gun is revealed.
BAGLEY
They've been calibrated to fire 200
rounds a minute, The new copper
cartridges cut down on jamming.
Algren closes his eyes, trying to keep his memories at bay.
EXT. - TOKYO STREETS - DAY
Algren fights the crowds with Colonel Bagley And Ambassador
Swanbeck.
ALGREN (V.O.)
May 15, 1877. The city I return to
is immeasurably changed. New
construction everywhere. Telegraph
wires strung next to an ancient
temple. A modern European hotel is
going up, dwarfing the traditional
Japanese buildings. Huge billboards
advertising Western goods. A new
invention, the rickshaw, has replaced
many of the palanquins. As though
Tokyo were determined to become
another New York or Chicago -- all
in one headlong rush.
Spider's web of telegraph cables spread from a tall new brick
building.
It is like a New York office building stabbing into the heart
of old Japan.
The familiar Omura character is emblazoned on the side.
INT. OFFICES OF THE OMURA ZAIBATSU - DAY
Aside from the occasional bit of Japanese decor, this could
be a buzzing Wall Street firm.
Telegraph operators click away. Accountants use adding
machines. Secretaries use pneumatic tubes to send documents
back and forth. Engineers plot out railway lines. All are
dressed in Western clothes.
Algren, Colonel Bagley, and Ambassador Swanbeck enter.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
(to Algren)
If he asks, you can talk about
ordnance and tactics. But remember,
this has to do with a lot more than
just weapons.
An anteroom holds waiting delegations from the various
European powers.
A babel of language... French... Dutch... Russian... German.
A pretty American secretary looks up from her desk.
SECRETARY
Ambassador Swanbeck, if you'll follow
me.
Some of the delegates are craning forward, watching Algren
and the others hungrily as they head into the final office.
INT. OMURA'S OFFICE - DAY
Omura stands like an industrial titan before large picture
windows offering a dramatic view of Tokyo.
The only decoration in the room is an enormous Caravaggio.
OMURA
Please, sit down, gentlemen.
Omura removes a gold cigarette case and lights up. Cigarettes
are the newest Western fad Sweeping Japan.
OMURA
(re: cigarette case)
A gift from Czar Alexander... Captain
Algren, it seems you have endured
your captivity with little ill-effect.
ALGREN
Yes, sir.
OMURA
He's an extraordinary man, isn't he?
ALGREN
He is samurai.
Omura gazes at him. Slowly takes a puff from his cigarette.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
Mr. Omura, my people have been drawing
up the documents we discussed. I
have a draft --
OMURA
We're not quite ready to announce
the treaty, Ambassador.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
Excuse me?
OMURA
The Emperor is... sentimental.
Katsumoto was his old mentor -- he
is not eager to offend him. It will
take I few more days.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
How many days is... a few?"
OMURA
I assure you the Samurai will not
stand in the way of our agreement.
You are prepared to make delivery?
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
Soon as your Emperor signs on the
dotted line.
OMURA
Captain Algren you are the expert.
Will this array of ordnance be
sufficient?
ALGREN
Depends on what you're trying to
accomplish.
OMURA
I want my country to take its place
as a modern power.
ALGREN
Then they will set you well on your
way.
OMURA
I am pleased.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
Mr. Omura, you assured us you had
the influence with your emperor to
make this deal come to pass. With
all due respect perhaps there is
someone else we should be speaking
to.
OMURA
With all due respect, Ambassador,
perhaps there is someone else we
should be speaking to, for instance
the French. Or the English. Or any
of the legations waiting in the next
room.
Ambassador Swanbeck stands swallowing his rage.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
Yes, well, we look forward to hearing
from you.
OMURA
Good afternoon, gentlemen.
They start to go.
OMURA
Captain Algren, perhaps you can stay
a moment and tell me of your
experiences in our rebellious
provinces.
Bagley looks at Algren. Do as he asks. He leaves Algren alone
with Omura.
OMURA
Cigarette?
ALGREN
Thank you.
Omura lights his cigarette. A moment as he takes Algren's
measure.
OMURA
You fought bravely on behalf of our
army, against the rebel Katsumoto.
Algren says nothing.
OMURA
And yet you helped save his life
when attacked by the Ninja.
ALGREN
My role was much less significant
than you may have heard.
OMURA
Tell me about your role in Katsumoto's
plans.
ALGREN
I have none.
OMURA
And your sympathies?
ALGREN
Again, I have none.
OMURA
I know you have little sympathy for
Colonel Bagley.
ALGREN
He is... unsympathetic.
Omura smiles.
OMURA
I thought it was we who are
inscrutable.
Now it is Algren who smiles.
OMURA
You have gained important knowledge
of Katsumoto's province, his army,
and his rebellion. This is extremely
valuable to me.
He watches Algren to see how this lands.
OMURA
You also possess significant knowledge
of my army, my weaponry, and my plans.
This is extremely valuable to
Katsumoto.
ALGREN
Again, you flatter me.
OMURA
No. I am a businessman. I recognize
what is valuable. And I buy it.
(looks at him)
In this case, I value your loyalty.
Algren considers the implications of what Omura is saying.
ALGREN
I didn't know loyalty was something
that could be sold.
OMURA
Then perhaps you will give it, as a
token of future friendship -- for
which, as a friend, I would be in
your debt.
ALGREN
(stands)
Then I will consider it.
OMURA
And I will be grateful.
INT. SHIPPING OFFICE - DAY
Algren is in a shipping office. A clerk consults his schedule
of departure.
CLERK
All righteee, the ANDREW JACKSON
leaves tomorrow -- if you want a
steamship you'll have to wait six
weeks.
(Algren is silent)
Gets ya to Frisco by the 28th. 14
dollars for a private cabin, 8 for a
shared or 3 for a lower berth. What
can I put you down for?
Algren is silent, concentrating on a calendar hanging behind
the clerk. It features a beautiful Hiroshigi watercolor of
mountains.
CLERK
Sir...?
ALGREN
(after a moment)
Private cabin.
EXT. TOKYO - STREET - DAY
Graham walks with Algren.
GRAHAM
Leave? Why would you leave now? No
white man has ever been in your
position. Do you have any idea what
it will mean to have Omura as your
friend? You want land, you want women,
you want boys?
Algren starts to walk faster, but Graham stops him.
GRAHAM
Nathan. I wanted to leave, too. For
three years. You must believe me
there is a majesty about these people --
can you imagine what your own country
would be if it had half the drive
and the discipline and the belief
and the bravery of these ridiculous
little people?
Then raised voices from across the street stop them.
They see Yoritomo surrounded by four Imperial Army soldiers.
The soldiers are rough and imperious, drunk with power. They
carry gleaming rifles.
The soldiers bark orders. Yoritomo stands proudly, responding
calmly.
ALGREN
What is this?
GRAHAM
My God, it's the edicts...
ALGREN
What edicts?
Algren arrives as the situation is clearly growing volatile --
the soldiers are pointing to Yoritomo's head, screaming.
Algren steps toward the soldiers --
ALGREN
That's enough --
One of the soldiers SCREAMS at him -- raises his rifle --
all the soldiers raise their rifles.
Yoritomo reaches for his sword -- Algren tries to push through --
ALGREN
(subtitles)
YORITOMO, WAIT!
One of the soldiers smacks Algren in the chin with a rifle
butt. Algren reels, and by the time he stands straight again,
four others are pointing their bayonets at his face.
Graham takes hold of Algren's arm.
GRAHAM
Don't be stupid.
Algren makes eye contact with Yoritomo, who -- in deference
to his friend -- puts his sword away.
The Japanese soldiers continue to scream at Yoritomo. They
force him to his knees.
Rifles pressed to his head.
Yoritomo bows his bead, speaking quietly, as if praying.
Algren witches in horror all one of the soldiers removes his
bayonet -- another grabs Yoritomo's hair, jerks his head
back and begins hacking off Yoritomo's traditional top-knot
of hair. Brutally. Blood.
Yoritomo remains kneeling, head down, blood flowing down his
face.
The soldiers laugh and move off.
Algren kneels by Yoritomo. Yoritomo looks up at him. There
are tears in his eyes.
EXT. KATSUMOTO'S HOUSE - DUSK
Katsumoto's house on the outskirts of Tokyo is spacious and
harmonious. Utterly Japanese. Samurai guards in full regalia,
stand menacingly outside.
INT. KATSUMOTO'S HOUSE - DUSK
Ujio kneels with Yoritomo, dressing the wounds on his head.
Graham sits across the room talking quietly to the mammoth
Nakao, taking notes in a small notebook. Nakao has been
brutally shorn of his top knot as well. His shame is apparent.
INT. KATSUMOTO'S CHAMBER - DUSK
Servants help dress Katsumoto in his exacting samurai wardrobe
as Algren is ushered in.
KATSUMOTO
Captain, I had not thought to see
you again.
ALGREN
I'm leaving tomorrow. But before I
go I need to tell you what's going
on here.
KATSUMOTO
You mean the Gatling Guns and the
howitzers, is that how you say it?
ALGREN
They're about to close a trade
agreement that will bring this country
more weapons than you can imagine.
KATSUMOTO
Yes, if the emperor agrees -- but
Omura knows the Emperor must be
convinced there is cause to need
those weapons before be will sign.
ALGREN
(realizing)
And you are to be the cause...
KATSUMOTO
Elegant, isn't it? Omura passes laws
sure to cause a samurai revolt,
creating a need for the weapons. The
Emperor sees that the weapons are
needed so he agrees to the entire
treaty, giving your country what it
wants and the Omura Zaibatsu what it
wants. And my country is sold to
yours.
As Katsumoto dresses, Algren notes that Katsumoto's body is
a battleground of old scars, so like his own.
KATSUMOTO
Today the Council passed two edicts.
The first called for the elimination
of our traditional topknots.
ALGREN
I know.
KATSUMOTO
The second banned the wearing of
sword.
Algren stops. He knows what swords mean to the samurai.
KATSUMOTO
(re: his swords)
Hand them to me, will you?
Algren picks up Katsumoto's two swords. Looks at him deeply.
ALGREN
If you do this, they will kill you.
KATSUMOTO
I am hard to kill.
ALGREN
You don't know what their weapons
can do. All your men butchered...
Just for pride.
KATSUMOTO
Not for pride. For the Emperor.
ALGREN
But the Emperor is the one signing
the agreement.
KATSUMOTO
He has not signed it yet.
He holds out Katsumoto's two samurai swords.
ALGREN
Is it worth it?... just for these.
KATSUMOTO
I cannot live without my soul... Can
you?
They regard each other.
EXT. OUTSIDE KATSUMOTO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren leaves Katsumoto's gate and sets off on foot.
EXT. TOKYO STREETS - NIGHT
As Algren walks, he becomes aware that he is being followed.
Two dark figures lurk some distance behind him. After a few
moments, he whips around to face them. They stand for a
moment, then melt away into the shadows.
INT. COUNCIL OF STATE CHAMBER - NIGHT
The Council of State meets in an august chamber. Many of the
Council members wear Western clothes. Cigarette smoke billows.
The young Emperor sits on a dais off to the side, as befits
his ceremonial role in the proceedings.
Omura is speaking... he stops... looking at something... all
the Council members turn... and gape.
Katsumoto strides into the chamber, his swords proudly
displayed.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Minister Katsumoto, you honor us.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitled)
It is my honor to join again the men
who are leading Japan into her
glorious future.
OMURA
(subtitled)
You are perhaps unaware of this
Council's edict regarding the wearing
of swords?
KATSUMOTO
(subtitled)
I read every edict with singular
attention.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Yet you would bring weapons into
this chamber?
KATSUMOTO
(subtitled)
This chamber was protected by my
sword for four hundred years --
OMURA
(interrupting,
subtitled)
We need no protection. We are a nation
of laws now.
KATSUMOTO
(calm, subtitled)
We are a nation of whores. Selling
ourselves to our Western "allies."
Katsumoto slowly looks around at the Members of the Council,
but his words are addressed to the Emperor.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitled)
Does Japan no longer need its
patriots?
Omura speaks with quiet conviction and honesty.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Who is the patriot? The man who would
keep his country trapped in the past,
or the man who would help his people
into the future?
KATSUMOTO
(subtitled)
A future with no honor.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Honor means less to me than feeding
our children. And teaching them. And
giving them modern medicine so they
will live.
KATSUMOTO
And lining your own pockets in the
process.
They stare at one another with barely concealed hostility.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Minister Katsumoto, it is with great
regret that I ask you to remove your
sword, as this body has declared in
its edict.
Katsumoto's hand closes on his sword hilt
KATSUMOTO
This sword serves the Emperor, and
only he can command me to remove it.
Katsumoto looks to the Emperor, as murmurs fill the room.
OMURA
(quickly)
Ah, but it is our tradition that the
Emperor's voice is too pure and great
to be heard in such worldly
circumstance as the Council of State.
One last time, Katsumoto meets the Emperor's eye.
KATSUMOTO
Then, with great regret, I must refuse
to give up my sword.
Omura looks to his associates, and a silent decision is made.
OMURA
Minister Katsumoto, I must invite
you to accompany our soldiers to
Himeji Castle, where you will be our
honored guest. I think you will find
the surroundings there quite
harmonious.
Guards with Mauser rifles move into position around Katsumoto.
He turns to the other Council members. Looks at them.
KATSUMOTO
(subtitled)
Brothers... One day you will know
what you have done and feel what I
never will... shame.
Omura nods to the guards. The guards lead Katsumoto out.
EXT. LIVING QUARTERS - AFTERNOON
A BEARER is loading the last of Algren's luggage on the back
of a rickshaw.
Algren emerges from the building, sees the same two
disreputable MEN who followed him earlier lurking nearby.
He resists the temptation to confront them. Instead he climbs
into the rickshaw and it starts off.
But a moment later, Graham has jogged alongside, huffing and
puffing.
GRAHAM
Thought I'd missed you. Were you
going to leave without even saying
goodbye?
ALGREN
I have a fear of sentimental
Englishmen.
GRAHAM
You sod.
(trying to keep up)
Christ, give us a second here
Algren indicates for the bearer to stop. Graham tries to
catch his breath.
GRAHAM
You're making a mistake, I promise
you. Katsumoto's under house arrest,
Omura's made his move -- he'll need
you more than ever --
Graham stops, sees the look on Algren's face, realizes.
GRAHAM
Oh, my goodness. How silly of me.
All that time you were with him, up
in those mountains -- I told you
they were a remarkable people...
Algren doesn't answer, but isn't denying it either.
GRAHAM
Then you should get out. Because
Omura will become rather impatient
with anyone who isn't on the team.
Graham notices Algren staring at his followers.
GRAHAM
Case in point.
ALGREN
Who are they?
GRAHAM
Ronin would be my guess. Disgraced
samurai doing odd jobs for his meals.
ALGREN
What do they want from me?
GRAHAM
To make sure you're on the side of
God and Country, or to make sure you
get the hell out.
ALGREN
You've been a great help, Graham. I
thank you.
GRAHAM
Look who's getting sentimental now.
A look between them, then Algren nods for the bearer to
continue.
EXT. HARBOR - SUNSET
Algren stands at the gangplank. Porters wait with his luggage.
Algren looks back into the crowd and sees the Ronin. They
glare back, no longer trying to keep out of sight.
A BLAST from the steam whistle.
Algren looks from the ship, to the Ronin, to the bustling,
chaotic city behind them. Finally, he looks out at the harbor
and the ocean, beyond which used to lie his home.
He turns to the bearer.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
Take back to quarters. I walk.
And Algren starts back into the city.
EXT. TOKYO STREETS - EVENING
Down a shadowy street, lit only by torches. Slowly we realize
he is being followed and that he knows it.
Up ahead, the street appears to dead-end.
The two Ronin step out from the shadows and face him, their
hands on their swords.
Behind him, another dangerous looking Ronin joins the one
who has been following him.
They begin to close in.
Algren stands completely still. They grow closer.
Algren appears to close his eyes. And the sound of the
approaching footsteps fades as we HEAR ONLY the sound of his
breathing.
The Ronin draw their swords.
Algren gently opens his eyes. Everything has SLOWED DOWN: a
sign in the breeze, a piece of rubbish on the street, the
flame of a nearby torch.
A BLUR OF MOTION.
Everything happens so fast it is hard to tell just what has
taken place. In the strobing shadows, all we really know is
that Algren has leapt to the attack.
Within seconds, four bodies lie in the street Algren holds a
bloody sword.
His face is cut and a sleeve of his jacket is ripped, but
other than that he is unharmed. Ujio has taught him well. As
he stands, catching his breath, we HOLD on his face in CLOSE-
UP.
A SUDDEN FLASH:
We see Algren grab one of the torches and smash it across
the Ronin's face.
It is the attack -- replayed in real-time.
Rolling to avoid a death-blow, he grabs the fallen man's
sword and eviscerates attacker #2.
The two remaining Ronin strike.
He parries the blow of attacker #3, whirls to slice the legs
of attacker #4, whirls again to cut off the hand of attacker
#1, who has returned to the attack.
Meanwhile, attacker #3 turns and charges -- just as attacker
#4 is trying to stand.
Algren steps back as attacker #3 impales attacker #4. Algren
steps forward and cuts off the head of attacker #3.
Even now, it has happened too fast to be truly appreciated.
BACK TO THE STREET
We move, closer-still on Algren's face.
A SUDDEN FLASH:
And so we watch the attack again. in super-slow motion now,
so we can fully appreciate it.s terrible beauty.
A torch smashes across a face.
A sword slices the sleeve of a coat.
Sparks fly as two swords meet.
A severed hand falls in the dirt.
Blood sprays from a decapitated head.
A sword is wiped clean.
BACK TO THE STREET
In real time, Algren kneels to examine one of the dead Ronin.
On his arm is tattooed a familiar emblem: The sign of the
Omura Zaibatsu
EXT. OMURA CASTLE - NIGHT
Omura lives in a huge medieval castle on a promontory directly
above Tokyo Bay. A testament to Japan's martial past.
INT. CASTLE - TOWER - NIGHT
Two guards are standing at attention in a dank corridor high
in one of the towers of the castle. Cell doors line the
corridor.
Katsumoto's samurai swords lean against the wall next to
them.
INT. CASTLE - CELL - NIGHT
Katsumoto kneels in a cramped cell. A sound draws his
attention. He rises and looks out a barred window.
Below he sees two rickshaws moving up the twisting road to
the castle.
INT. RICKSHAW - NIGHT
Algren and Bagley, in formal dress uniforms, sit in one of
the rickshaws.
Bagley looks him over.
BAGLEY
Oughtta shave more often, Algren.
Becomes you.
ALGREN
Thought I would follow the Japanese
fashion.
BAGLEY
...Heard you were leaving, actually?
ALGREN
Why would I do that? Omura wants me
to train his personal guard.
BAGLEY
Certainly seems obsessed by you. Why
do you think that is?
ALGREN
Could it be my nose isn't permanently
lodged up his ass?
Bagley shakes his bead, turns away. Algren stares up at the
looming aide.
EXT. CASTLE - MAIN GATES - NIGHT
The two rickshaws stop by the heavily-guarded main gates.
Guards check the occupants. Motions to other guards atop the
gates.
The main gates slowly swing open.
EXT. CASTLE - COURT YARD - NIGHT
The bearers lower the rickshaws. Algren and Bagley climb
from one.
Ambassador Swanbeck climbs from the other.
EXT. CASTLE - RECEPTION CHAMBER - NIGHT
Omura waits in elegant evening clothes. A woman plays a harp.
The interior of Omura's castle is heavy, oppressive. Old
Masters paintings dot the walls. Leather-bound books.
Chippendale furniture.
OMURA
Gentlemen...
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
Omura, you have a lovely home. It
must be very old.
OMURA
Nothing is "old" in Japan, everything
is "ancient." ...But the views are
pleasant. Sit down...
They move to chairs by the roaring fireplace as Omura turns
to Algren, noticing the cut on his face, but saying nothing.
OMURA
Do you know your Wagner, Captain?
This is the 'Leibestod' from Tristan
and Isolde.
ALGREN
I'm surprised you enjoy it. Literally
translated it means "love/death."
(looks at him)
A samurai concept, don't you think?
The two men take each other's measures. Servants appear with
trays..
OMURA
Champagne? And cigars, of course.
Servants light their cigars.
BAGLEY
(re: cigar)
A gift from President Grant?
OMURA
(smiles)
Queen Victoria.
ALGREN
Mr. Omura, may I use the necessity?
OMURA
Certainly.
Omura summons a servant. The servant escorts Algren out.
OMURA
Now, Mr. Swanbeck, regarding our
agreement, I noticed a discrepancy
in paragraph seven in reference to
the investment protocols for coal.
INT. CASTLE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
The servant leads Algren through a corridor, head bowed.
Then, still puffing on his cigar, Algren taps the servant on
the back, and as the man turns, decks him. The servant falls.
Algren flicks his cigar out onto the sloping roof. We FOLLOW
the BURNING EMBER as it rolls off the roof and lands at the
feet of TWO CURIOUS GUARDS.
EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD - NIGHT
The guards look up, trying to determine where the cigar butt
has come from.
But their curiosity lasts only a moment: ARROWS pierce their
necks, strangling any sound.
We REVERSE to discover that one of the rickshaw-bearers has
fired the arrows. As he peels back his hood, we SEE it is
Yoritomo.
We realize the other bearers are Ujio, Nakao, and Simon
Graham. They hurry past the dead guards and up the stairs.
INT. CASTLE APPROACH - NIGHT
The three samurai and Graham race up the winding parapets.
Three GUARDS round a corner. Swords flash as Ujio and Nakao
dispatch them without even slowing. They race on, Graham
laboring to keep up.
INT. CASTLE KEEP - NIGHT
Algren rounds a corner.
Ujio, Yoritomo, Nakao, and Graham are moving toward him.
ALGREN
This way.
Clearly, this has all been Algren's plan. They move up a
stairway.
INT. CASTLE KEEP (SECOND FLOOR) - NIGHT
The three guards are still standing at attention outside
Katsumoto's cell.
His swords are next to them.
Algren keeps the others out of sight and lowers his head to
whisper with Ujio. Ujio nods, then walks into sight and calmly
approaches the guards.
Still hidden, Algren gestures for the others remain to silent.
After a moment, he gestures that they can proceed.
Algren and the others round the comer to discover the bloody
remains of the three guards -- whom Ujio has dispatched in
absolute silence. They unlock the cell.
INT. CASTLE - CELL - FOLLOWING
Katsumoto is shocked to see Algren enter. Algren tosses him
his swords.
ALGREN
How's the poem coming?
KATSUMOTO
The ending is proving difficult.
INT. CASTLE - RECEPTION CHAMBER - NIGHT
Omura glances up from the documents.
OMURA
What has become of Captain Algren?
INT. CASTLE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Algren, Katsumoto, and the others race through an upper
corridor.
KATSUMOTO
(re:Graham)
Who is this?
ALGREN
Name's Simon Graham. Wants to write
a book about you.
GRAHAM
An honor. I have followed your
activities with great interest. I
think the European public would be
fascinated by a book about your
adventures.
KATSUMOTO
Not a book. A play!
Suddenly, from below, the raised voices of guards. They hurry
away.
INT. CASTLE - STAIRS - NIGHT
Guards carrying pikes race up the stairs --
INT. CASTLE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Algren and the others are moving swiftly down a stone
corridor.
The sound of the approaching guards is growing louder.
A silent WILD BUNCH moment of preparation as they stride
down the corridor, five abreast.
Algren pulls the cavalry saber from his dress uniform.
Katsumoto prepares his swords. Nakao stretches his huge arms.
Yoritomo and Ujio draw their bows.
EXT. CASTLE - UPPER COURTYARD - FOLLOWING
Ten guards with rifles patrol the upper battlements.
Yoritomo and Ujio crouch and fire. Arrow after arrow after
arrow, as fast as a repeating rifle, the arrows streak
through the night.
Completely silent.
It is a dazzling display. They time shots to sail over walls,
shoot through tiny windows, shoot out torches. Multiple
arrows. Perfect aim.
In a matter of seconds all ten guards are dead.
They continue across the courtyard, up some steps --
INT. CASTLE - TIGHT CORRIDOR - FOLLOWING
They stride through a tight, dark stone corridor.
Suddenly, a cadre of Omura guards emerge from the shadows.
Without hesitation, they launch into battle. Algren and
Katsumoto wield their swords. Yoritomo and Ujio fire arrows.
Nakao fights with his hands, dramatic martial arts from the
huge man.
But this corridor is just too tight -- it is a sea of
combat... the guards and our warriors are slammed together --
the swords and pikes sending up sparks in the darkness as
they strike the stone walls.
The right corridor echoes with samurai war cries and clanging
swords.
Then...
More guards appear.
These guards have rifles.
Rifle blasts thunder -- startling strobe-like bursts of light
in the darkness --
Algren dives in front of Katsumoto to protect him --
Yoritomo is hit --
He jerks back -- blood --
Ujio fires arrows at the guards with rifles, hitting two --
but more guards with rifles are appearing, bullets sending
showers of debris and ricochets --
Algren sees a stairway leading to a higher level, barks out
a command. As Nakao drags Yoritomo toward the stairs -- the
others bolt a heavy SIEGE DOOR, designed to keep attackers
at bay.
INT. CASTLE SIEGE ROOM - NIGHT
Ujio fires arrows through the siege ports -- momentarily
delaying the guards as Algren leads them toward a rear stairs.
INT. REAR STAIRS - NIGHT
Algren starts down -- only to discover MORE GUARDS blocking
this means of escape. He backs out of the way just in time
as rifle blasts SPLINTER the wooden stairwell.
Meanwhile, an EXPLOSION from behind them indicates that the
guards have blown the siege door.
Algren, Graham, and Ujio have no choice but to continue
upwards into the castle keep. Nakao helps the wounded Yoritomo
as they climb.
INT. UPPER KEEP - NIGHT
A narrow ladder leads to the final redoubt. They start to
climb but Yoritomo leans against the wall. He is gravely
wounded.
ALGREN
Come on.
YORITOMO
(subtitled)
You go, Algren-san. I will stop them.
ALGREN
No --
YORITOMO
...Please.
Yoritomo's determination is absolute. Finally, Algren nods.
Katsumoto moves to Yoritomo, leans in for a few final words,
taking his head and pressing his forehead to Yoritomo's.
Bullets begin ricocheting around them -- Yoritomo looks to
Algren:
YORITOMO
(subtitled)
Tell my family.
Algren bows his bead in respect.
Then Algren leads them up the stairs. Ujio fires a final
volley, nods with respect to Yoritomo, then follows the
others.
Yoritomo pulls himself erect. Draws his two samurai swords.
A beat. He closes his eyes. Smiles.
Then he opens his eyes and hurls himself down the stairs --
The guards fire hitting Yoritomo -- but still he comes --
wading into them, swords flashing -- he is hit again and
again -- but still he comes.
It is a glorious death.
EXT. SIEGE ROOM - NIGHT
Algren leads them into the highest room of the castle, the
siege room. The echoes Yoritomo's death rings in their ears.
Katsumoto glances at Ujio and Nakao. Without a word, they
kneel on the floor, open their kimonos and unsheathe their
short-swords, preparing to commit seppuku.
ALGREN
No. Wait...!
Katsumoto glares at him harshly, furious to have his
concentration disturbed at such a moment.
ALGREN
There's a way out. Look --!
Reluctantly, Katsumoto joins him at the window.
ALGREN
This place is designed to keep people
from getting in, not from getting
out. We can make it
KATSUMOTO
This was your plan?
ALGREN
Do you have a better one?
Nakao and Ujio look at Katsumoto, awaiting his response. He
turns to Algren.
ALGREN
I may die. But I'll die trying.
And without another word he LAUNCHES himself out the window,
onto the sloping roof.
EXT. CASTLE ROOF TOPS - NIGHT
Like his cigar butt earlier in the sequence, he rolls, then
falls, hits another roof, rolls, slides, falls, hits again.
INT. UPPER KEEP - CONTINUOUS
Katsumoto and the others share a look. Has he survived?
GUNFIRE begins to pepper the floorboards, bullets whistling
past them.
EXT. CASTLE ROOF TOPS - CONTINUOUS
Algren slides, bumps, rolls, falls, hits, then slides again.
Until he finally plummets into the moat.
As his head rises above water, he lets out a scream of
absolute joy.
INT. UPPER KEEP - CONTINUOUS
Katsumoto hears the scream. A look of disbelief spreads over
his face.
Then the beginnings of a smile. Without a second look, be
leaps out the window. Ujio follows.
Graham shrinks away in fear. Nakao lifts him bodily, throws
him out, and then follows.
INT. CASTLE - RECEPTION CHAMBER - LATER
Omura stands, very calm, smoking a cigarette, listening to
the report of his guards.
Colonel Bagley tries to apologize.
BAGLEY
...I don't know what to say, sir. I
never would have thought him capable
of treason.
OMURA
I would say Captain Algren's acts
tonight have assured our success.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
What do you mean?
OMURA
Katsumoto will rejoin his kinsmen.
They will fight. We will destroy
them with your new weapons.
BAGLEY
What if he just goes off to the
mountains and becomes a damn sheep-
herder or some such?
OMURA
You still do not understand us...
Katsumoto can do nothing but fight.
It is his role in the drama. He must
act out his destiny. He knows it.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
You trust a lot in destiny.
OMURA
This story was written years ago.
From the first sight of your warships
in our harbor...
(stares out the window)
It is all inevitable.
EXT. HILLS - SUNSET
Algren, Katsumoto, and the others ride over rocky ground.
ALGREN (V.O.)
June 1, 1877. Yesterday, I passed
the field where Zebulon Gant was
killed by the man with whom I now
ride.
In the distance a steam train chugs along. Inevitable.
Progress.
EXT. FOREST - MOUNTAINS - DAY
They climb a steep trail. Beyond, the glaciers glow pink.
ALGREN (V.O.)
I am beset by ironies -- trained to
fight rebels, now I am one. And yet
I ask myself... can a man be reborn?
Algren, Katsumoto, and the others ride through a dense forest.
Katsumoto reins his horse. The others follow suit. They wait
ALGREN (V.O.)
And if so, what would he make of it?
Mounted samurai emerge from the thick forest as if they were
invisible.
The leader leaps from his horse and bows, touching his head
to the dirt.
All the other samurai follow suit.
EXT. CHERRY TREE FOREST - NEAR THE VILLAGE - EVENING
Katsumoto rides at the head of his samurai as they pass
through the cherry orchard. Then he reins his horse and falls
in beside Algren.
KATSUMOTO
(his voice troubled)
I was prepared to die in Omura's
castle. And yet here I am. I cannot
help but ask why were you sent into
my life. What is the lesson you were
meant to give me?
ALGREN
Maybe that neither of us is as smart
as we thought...
Katsumoto laugh. And then in a surprisingly deft imitation
of Algren...
KATSUMOTO
You... ain't whistlin' Dixie...
He spurs his horse and heads off. Algren shakes his head and
follows.
EXT. VILLAGE - EVENING
The returning warriors are warmly welcomed by the villagers.
Algren rides directly to Yoritomo's house, dismounts.
Taka and Toshiie are waiting.
He goes to them. His expression tells them all they need to
know.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Algren sits with the family. The boys sit next to their
mother.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
...he gave his life to save us. He
died bravely.
TAKA
(subtitles)
Thank you, Algren-San.
HIGEN
(subtitles)
Will you fight the white men?
ALGREN
(subtitles)
If they come here, yes.
HIGEN
(subtitles)
Why?
ALGREN
(subtitles)
Because they come to destroy what I
have come to love.
Taka looks at him, moved and surprised. Suddenly, Higen jumps
up and bolts... out of the room. Algren looks to Taka.
TAKA
(subtitles)
The way of Samurai is difficult for
children. He misses his father.
ALGREN
And he is angry because I am the
cause of that.
She smiles ever so slightly at his obliviousness.
TAKA
No. He it angry because he fears you
will die as well.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
Higen stands, looking up at the stars.
ALGREN
Higen.
HIGEN
(subtitles)
My father taught me it is glorious
to die in battle.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
That is what he believed.
HIGEN
(subtitles)
I would be afraid to die in battle.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
So would I.
HIGEN
(subtitles)
But you have been in many battles.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
And I was always afraid.
Higen looks at him, tears welling in his eyes.
HIGEN
(subtitles)
I don't want you to go.
Algren has no answer. He can only gather the boy up in his
arms and hold him.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Nakao is standing proudly, his massive arms folded across
his chest. We pull back: Graham is bunched behind his
photographic equipment. A flash of phosphorous and the moment
is immortalized.
Meanwhile, Algren is working with Higen on the house.
Katsumoto silently watches Algren working with the boy.
KATSUMOTO
Algren-san.
Algren turns.
KATSUMOTO
They are corning.
EXT. MOUNTAINS - DAY
Algren and Katsumoto perch on a precipice, looking down into
a valley.
It is a beautiful setting. Towering peaks and peaceful
valleys. It is here that the final act of the inevitable
drama will play out.
Below they see the Imperial Army, thousands strong, marching
across the valley toward them. Terrifying martial columns in
strict formation.
ALGREN
I call it five thousand troops.
They'll come in waves of about a
thousand, a few minutes between each
wave.
Katsumoto listens carefully to Algren's expertise.
ALGREN
German formations have the infantry
staggered with only light flanking.
They'll come straight on with rifles
and fixed bayonets. Mausers are only
accurate to about 150 yards. They'll
look to overthrow us.
Katsumoto takes this in.
EXT. VALLEY - DAY
Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisors and Japanese
officers ride at the head of the Imperial Army.
Bagley sees something, raises a hand. The troops halt.
Algren and Katsumoto ride up to them. Stop.
ALGREN
Colonel.
BAGLEY
Captain...
(To Katsumoto)
...Sir, the Imperial Army of Japan
demands your surrender. If you and
your fellows lay down your arms you
will not be harmed.
KATSUMOTO
That is not possible. As Omura knows.
Omura meets Katsumoto's look, nods. Bagley turns to Algren.
BAGLEY
Captain Algren, we will show no
quarter. You ride against us and you
are the same as they are.
ALGREN
I take that as a compliment, Colonel.
(a deadly calm)
I'll look for you on the field.
Algren and Katsumoto wheel their horses and go.
EXT. MOUNTAIN RIDGE - DAY
Algren and Katsumoto ride.
ALGREN
They have the howitzers.
KATSUMOTO
How many?
ALGREN
About a dozen.
Katsumoto considers this. Algren looks up into the mountains.
ALGREN
A man could get lost up there...
Build an army. Hold out a very long
time.
KATSUMOTO
Algren-San... Have you seen what
happens to the villages that stand
in the way of the railroad?
Algren nods. He remembers.
KATSUMOTO
That is what will happen to my village
if we do not stand and fight.
(looks at him)
No. We serve the Emperor here.
ALGREN
By dying?
KATSUMOTO
Perhaps.
ALGREN
At least make it battle, not a
suicide.
KATSUMOTO
And what would that accomplish?
Algren lifts his head, enjoying the feeling of the sun and
wind on his face.
ALGREN
It might give you one more day...
One more fine day like this.
Katsumoto stares at him for a long moment, then smiles and
spurs his horse. Algren follows.
They ride together, side by aide, the wind billowing their
cloaks -- We enjoy the ride as they do, the trees strobing
by, the sun slanting through the leaves.
EXT. VILLAGE - NIGHT
It is the eve of battle. And the samurai rejoice.
Katsumoto is on stage at the center of the village square,
enthusiastically performing a Noh drama. Algren sits with
Toshiie and Taka in the audience, enjoying Katsumoto's
theatrics.
Other samurai can be seen around the village, eating, singing,
and playing instruments. Tonight is for celebrating life.
Elsewhere, a flash as Graham takes a photograph of some
children.
On the stage, Katsumoto spots Algren in the audience, points
to him and encourages him to join him. Algren resists. Toshiie
prods him. Algren surrenders and joins Katsumoto on the stage.
The villagers are delighted.
Katsumoto embroils Algren in the performance. Algren does
his best, laughing at Katsumoto's antics.
It is the freest and happiest we have ever seen Algren. Time
SLOWS as we savor his simple enjoyment. Toshiie is highly
amused. Taka has a deeper response, she is moved as she
watches Algren give himself over to the part.
EXT. VILLAGE - LATER THAT NIGHT
A somber mood has descended. Algren sits and writes in his
journal.
ALGREN (V.O.)
July 14, 1877. For so long now, I
have managed to convince myself that
there was nothing worth believing
in.
A samurai plays a melancholy bamboo flute. The gentle sound
floats through the village...
ALGREN (V.O.)
Certainly nothing worth dying for.
We see samurai preparing for the final battle. Some check
their armor... Others meditate...
ALGREN (V.O.)
Now I am not so sure.
Some make up their faces so they will look handsome when
they greet death.
Some methodically polish their swords. Some sit with their
families.
ALGREN (V.O.)
And so, for the first time in my
life, I am truly afraid. Not of dying.
But of losing something worth living
for.
Ujio is performing a graceful, ritualistic sword-dance to
the song of the flute.
Algren Joins Graham to watch him.
GRAHAM
What is it?
ALGREN
The kenbu... his dance of death.
Taka comes to them.
TAKA
(subtitles)
Algren-san, will you come with me?
Algren leaves Graham and accompanies Taka toward the house.
They pass Higen and Toshiie, who sit with other children at
the feet of the massive Nakao, listening to a quiet story he
tells.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - FOLLOWING
The gentle flute music from outside drifts in.
One of Yoritomo's beautiful kimonos is elegantly spread on a
mat.
TAKA
(subtitles)
If you wear this, it will honor us.
He nods.
She steps to him.
A moment. She gently reaches forward and unbuttons his collar.
A tender, silent scene as she undresses him and carefully
wraps him in the kimono. Her hands move gracefully around
his body, never quite touching him. His movements are gentle
in response.
When he is fully dressed, there are tears in his eyes.
Suddenly, fiercely, they are holding each other.
EXT. KATSUMOTO'S HOUSE - PORCH - LATER THAT NIGHT
The quiet evening continues.
Algren, now dressed in the kimono, finds Katsumoto carefully
dropping little leaves of incense into a small flame that
simmers inside his battle helmet.
KATSUMOTO
So my hair will have a pleasing scent
when I meet my ancestors.
(dry)
...You do not do this?
Algren smiles, sits.
ALGREN
I studied war at a place called West
Point. They taught us about a battle
called Thermopylae. Three hundred
brave warriors held off the king of
Persia's army of a million men. For
two days they made them pay so dearly
that the king lost all appetite for
further invasion.
(looks at him)
...I have some thoughts about the
battle tomorrow.
KATSUMOTO
(bemused)
Do you really think we can defeat
them?
ALGREN
I sure as hell want to find out.
KATSUMOTO
You believe a man can change his
destiny?
ALGREN
No. But I think a man cannot know
his destiny. He can only do what he
can, until his destiny is revealed.
A silent beat.
Then Katsumoto picks up a long bundle wrapped in cloth. He
unwraps it.
A beautiful long samurai sword.
He bows his head and offers it to Algren.
There are Japanese characters etched on the blade.
ALGREN
What does it say?
KATSUMOTO
"I belong to the warrior in whom the
old ways have joined the new."
Algren is moved beyond words. He bows.
As the CAMERA pulls away, Algren and Katsumoto squat side by
side, drawing in the dirt with a stick, planning the next
day's battle strategy.
Across the square, Ujio continues his elegant dance of death,
his graceful form illuminated in silhouette by a fire.
INT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - MORNING
It is the day of the battle. Algren is buttoning the long
coat of his cavalry uniform.
He looks up to see Higen standing in the doorway, holding
the breast-plate of his father's armor.
EXT. YORITOMO'S HOUSE - DAY
Algren emerges from the house, wearing the breast-plate over
his coat.
Taka is at his horse, tying a bag of food to the saddle. She
turns and sees her husband's armor on this man. And her breath
stops.
Algren approaches her. They stand very close.
TAKA
(subtitles)
Return.
ALGREN
(subtitles)
If that is my destiny. Anshinritsumai.
[I wish you peace.]
TAKA
Anshinritsumai.
He bows his head to her, she responds. The boys stand on the
porch, watching. He mounts his horse and trots off. They
watch him go.
Algren joins the line of samurai leaving the village. It is
the first time we have seen them in their full battle armor
since the battle in the fog.
Katsumoto in his black armor, Ujio in his jet black. And
Algren in the blood-red breast-plate. It is dazzling.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - DAWN
We move along the line of waiting samurai. The faces are
stoic. Prepared.
Their horses are corralled well behind them.
Algren stands with Katsumoto and Ujio. Graham is nearby.
They peer into the plain beyond.
They have chosen a strong defensive position. A steep mountain
pass. Slopes on either side create a funnel ahead of them.
The Imperial Army will have to pass through the funnel to
reach them.
On a hill above them Higen is revealed. He looks down first
at the five hundred Samurai, then sees, beyond, the
overwhelming mass of the IMPERIAL ARMY.
Back on the battlefield A distant thud followed by a high-
pitched whine. A MASSIVE EXPLOSION ahead of the Samurai.
Artillery.
Algren finds Graham cowering at the base of a straw barricade.
ALGREN
Mr. Graham...
GRAHAM
Captain?
ALGREN
Would you please stay with the horses?
Graham would like to be brave enough to remain, but he is
not a soldier.
GRAHAM
As you suggest.
Graham starts to go --
ALGREN
Mr. Graham... Take this.
From his coat, Algren takes his journal, hands it to Graham.
ALGREN
Maybe you can use it for your book.
GRAHAM
I will.
He heads back to the relative safety of the horse corral.
Meanwhile, the samurai remain impassive as artillery is
stepped in closer, the range bracketed. Then artillery rounds
begin to fall among them.
Samurai are blown to pieces as they bravely stand and await
death. Katsumoto BARKS a command to Ujio.
Suddenly, the Samurai break ranks and trot into a new defense
alignment. The artillery rounds now fall ineffectually where
once they stood.
Bagley directs the artillery to be re-targeted, It is a
laborious, clumsy process. They fire again. Another command.
The Samurai change position again.
Bagley is furious. Their fluid tactics have rendered his
field artillery useless.
Katsumoto and Algren share a look of grim satisfaction. They
are leveling the playing field.
Bugle calls are heard from the Imperial Army.
ALGREN
The call to advance.
The rattle of the snare drums. The sound of marching boots.
And then they appear. Thousands upon thousands of them. The
Imperial Army marching relentlessly forward in strict
formation. The Rising Sun displayed.
Katsumoto gazes at the awe-inspiring sight. His 500 samurai
face a staggering 5,000 soldiers.
KATSUMOTO
Tell me... what happened to those
three hundred warriors at Thermopylae?
ALGREN
(a grim smile)
Dead to the last man.
Katsumoto glances to him, smiles.
EXT. THE SAMURAI POSITION - CONTINUOUS
The First Division of the Imperial Army moves into the funnel,
their numbers reduced by the size of the access, and head
toward the barricade.
Katsumoto and Algren watch as they move closer and closer.
We are expecting the samurai to open fire, but they do not.
They just wait.
Finally the Imperial soldiers are in rifle range. They stop
to fire a volley.
Bullets begin hitting among the samurai. Many fall.
Algren nods to Katsumoto, Katsumoto then calls out a command
and the samurai retreat.
They race back toward the rear of the funnel.
The Imperial Army soldiers climb awkwardly over the first
barricade and pursue --
The samurai, meanwhile, have taken cover behind a second
barricade that had been hidden from the Imperial soldiers'
view. Now safely behind the second barricade, Katsumoto calls
out a command and --
The samurai fire!
500 arrows explode -- almost instantly followed by 500 more --
Like an image from Agincourt, the clouds of arrows sweep
across the sky --
Imperial Soldiers fall, the attack falters --
From behind the new barricades, archers fire FLAMING ARROWS,
that hit the old barricade. It EXPLODES INTO FLAMES, trapping
the Imperial Army between the two barricades.
And from the second barricade, two large CATAPULTS send balls
of flaming pitch into the already panicking soldiers.
EXT. OPPOSING HILL TOP - DAY
Colonel Bagley, Omura, several German advisers and Japanese
Officers watch through binoculars. Stunned. As the First
Wave is routed.
HAGLEY
What the hell?
OMURA
It seems Katsumoto will resist his
destiny.
(snaps an order)
Send in the second wave. Two
divisions.
EXT. BARRICADES - DAY
Algren and Katsumoto wait behind the second barricade. We
note that this barricade is the real thing.
Katsumoto removes a piece of shattered armor from his left
forearm, a bullet wound beneath. Algren looks over the
barricade.
They see Imperial soldiers using semaphore flags to
communicate with their commanders on the opposing hilltop.
KATSUMOTO
How long?
ALGREN
They need to regroup and report our
position. Then they'll come hard.
Katsumoto considers the bodies of the dead Imperial soldiers.
KATSUMOTO
It is sad to see brave men die without
faces. You cannot tell one warrior
from another.
ALGREN
They're not warriors. They're
soldiers. It's a modern army.
KATSUMOTO
Not my world anymore.
EXT. BATTLE FIELD - DAY
Bugles. The attack is reforming. Ranks now bolstered by
reinforcements.
They come at a trot, through the narrow defile, skirting the
first barricade, continuing at a trot toward the second
barricade.
EXT. 2ND BARRICADE - DAY
Katsumoto pulls his long sword. Algren does the same.
Katsumoto calls out an order -- the archers fire another
round.
The Imperial soldiers are being annihilated but still they
come in great waves -- for every one who falls it seems there
are ten to take his place.
They race forward, stepping over their fallen comrades,
bayonets poised --
The Mauser rifles flash --
Bullets explode around the samurai, many are hit.
The Imperial Army has been trained to keep firing on the
run. The waiting Samurai will be decimated, except --
From the hills on either side fully half of the Samurai force --
who have been kept hidden until this moment... charge,
screaming into the flank of the attacking Army. Even rifles
cannot fire in three directions at once.
Algren and Katsumoto lead the charge over the second
barricade. Some are cut down, but in moments swords engage
bayonets in brutal hand-to-band combat.
Algren And Katsumoto fight back to back, as if one person,
slashing with their swords, shattering bayonet, dealing death
on all sides.
Ujio crouches, his back leg straight and planted, his front
leg bent. Still using his bow, firing off arrows with stunning
speed, refusing to budge --
On the opposing hillside Bagley and Omura watch the battle
through binoculars.
BAGLEY
A classic "V" ambush. Sonofabitcb is
using West Point tactics.
In the midst of the battle, a charging soldier thrusts his
bayonet into Katsumoto's arm - Katsumoto kills, the soldier
with his short sword but is awkwardly tangled with his body,
a second soldier races toward him for the kill -- Algren
spins and attacks killing the second soldier -- but a third
races toward Algren, bayonet flashing.
He dodges -- but the bayonet slices into his side --
Algren kicks the soldier away -- tries to use his sword but
the soldier springs back athletically... Ujio appears like a
black spectral figure to deliver the coup de grace.
All SOUND gradually fades and is replaced by the elegant
sound of a bamboo flute... the images of combat become
fragmented and impressionistic.
Bur no matter how bravely the samurai fight, they are simply
outnumbered...
Nakao is like a cornered bear, arcing his two swords wildly
around him. He is shot in the chest, and staggers a moment
before continuing. Another soldier shoots him in the arm at
point blank range. Nakao's sword goes flying, so the giant
Samurai leaps forward and picks up the shooter bodily,
twirling him around like a wrestler, throwing him finally
onto the upraised pike of a fellow Imperial soldier. But now
three more soldiers have levelled their weapons, and a
ruthless volley staggers him again. Shots rain on him as he
tries to continue fighting, but his strength leaves him.
Finally, with one last lunge, he manages to pull an Imperial
soldier with him, crushing him as he falls.
More and more fall as Algren, Katsumoto, and their comrades
fight desperately...
The mournful flute is the appropriate accompaniment as Ujio
is mortally wounded. The grim sword master is cut through
with bullets. Still he fights.
An Imperial soldier holds up a rifle to protect himself, and
Ujio's blade cuts through the barrel. The soldier just has
time to look at the gun in amazement before a second sweep
of Ujio's sword beheads him. But there are too many to take
the man's place, and finally five men run Ujio through with
bayonets, and he is pinned against the barricade, still
upright in death.
At last, what is left of this second wave of the Imperial
Army, retreats.
EXT. PLAIN - ALMOST SUNSET
The plain before the barricade is littered with Imperial
Army dead.
Algren and Katsumoto sit exhausted, leaning against the
barricade. They are both wounded.
Only about hundred samurai are still alive.
Algren looks over the decimated warriors for a moment. Even
those still alive are in bad shape as they wait for the next
wave of Imperial soldiers.
Katsumoto is looking at Ujio's body nearby.
KATSUMOTO
He was Kaishaku... my trusted friend.
ALGREN
We won't be able to hold them back
this time.
KATSUMOTO
This is not your battle. You do not
have to die here.
A long beat.
ALGREN
I died a long time ago.
KATSUMOTO
But now you live again.
ALGREN
Yes.
KATSUMOTO
It was not your time.
ALGREN
No. Maybe I survived just to live
this one last day.
Algren looks at him.
ALGREN
I'll stay.
He slowly pulls himself up. He and Katsumoto gaze at the
plain before them.
At the infantry troops massing on the opposing hilltop.
Algren looks at Katsumoto. He reaches into the pocket of his
old uniform and takes out the Medal of Honor he received,
long ago, at Sutter's Hill.
He affixes it to his old cavalry tunic.
Katsumoto looks at Algren. They are both thinking the same
thing.
Silent agreement.
EXT. PLAIN - SUNSET
The hundred mounted samurai are a beautiful sight.
They wait in formation in front of the barricade, the long
plain through the funnel to the opposing hilltop before them.
Katsumoto draws his long samurai sword.
Algren draws his.
And they slowly begin to trot forward...
And then to canter...
BEHIND THE IMPERIAL ARMY
Colonel Bagley and Omura watch, transfixed. There is something
approaching admiration on Omura's face. On Bagley's, there
is only malice.
BAGLEY
The gatling guns. Quickly.
EXT. PLAIN - SUNSET
Katsumoto points his sword and screams out his war cry.
And they charge. It is suicidal It is glorious.
It is the end of the samurai.
They charge forward, their war cries echoing in the canyon.
The Imperial troops fire rifles -- samurai fall... but still
they come -- pounding over the earth like something from an
ancient dream.
Algren and Katsumoto charge side by side. Alive. Warriors.
BEHIND THE IMPERIAL ARMY
Bagley and Omura watch as the samurai fall, one by one.
WITH THE CHARGE
Fifteen or twenty of the samurai -- including Algren and
Katsumoto -- somehow manage to fight their way through the
lines.
They break into the open.
And continue riding straight toward the rear.
ALGREN AND KATSUMOTO
Are both wounded, yet still they charge. They have only one
thought in mind -- death to their enemies. They gallop forward
toward Bagley and Omura.
BAGLEY
Looks around in abject terror. He screams out an order.
TWO WAGONS
Are moving into position. Their rear gates fall open...
revealing the GATILING GUNS.
ALGREN AND KATSUMOTO
Are near enough to see them. Yet they will not be deterred.
They charge on.
Up ahead.
THE GATLING GUNS
Are not yet ready to fire. Japanese soldiers slam ammo belts
into the chambers.
ALGREN, KATSUMOTO AND THE REMAINING SAMURAI
Have almost reached their goal.
BAGLEY
Cowers in fear, looks around, but there is nowhere to hide.
THE SAMURAI CHARGE
Even while riding at a full gallop, they have fixed arrows
into their long bows. They let loose a lethal volley.
BAGLEY
BAGLEY
Fire! Fire, dammit!!!!!
But before the guns can open up, he is IMPALED BY ARROW AFTER
ARROW, a human pincushion. The final arrow pierces his
forehead.
Then...
The Gatling Guns finally fire. Ripping into the samurai --
destroying them --
One after another is hit -- and still they come -- their
voices raised in glorious cries of triumph --
Graham watches from a hilltop, tears in his eyes.
Katsumoto is hit, blood explodes -- his horse falls -- he
spills off.
Then Algren is hit -- he falls --
Algren drags himself to Katsumoto, bullets exploding
everywhere.
Algren looks up to see...
The remaining samurai still charging --
And still the Gatling Guns tear through them --
And still they charge.
Until they are all down.
EXT. OPPOSING HILLTOP - SUNSET
A Japanese Officer shouts out an order -- the Gatling Guns
stop.
Omura screams at him to continue firing!
The Japanese officer barks out response. Refusing.
Omura sees all the samurai are dead or dying.
But he also sees Algren kneeling by Katsumoto, dragging him
away. He screams at the Japanese officer to resume fire!
The Japanese officer refuses.
He just looks over the plain of dying Samurai for a moment.
Then he does the most remarkable thing.
He slowly kneels and touches his head to the dirt.
Then a soldier near him does the same thing. Then another
and another.
And then by the thousands.
They kneel and touch their heads to the dirt.
Honoring the last samurai.
EXT. PLAIN - SUNSET
Algren drags the dying Katsumoto to a copse of cherry trees
nearby...
EXT. CHERRY TREES - SUNSET
Both men are bleeding profusely.
KATSUMOTO
Help me up...
ALGREN
Just -- stay there.
KATSUMOTO
Help me up.
Algren helps him to stand. Without Algren's support, he would
fall.
KATSUMOTO
My sword...
ALGREN
No.
KATSUMOTO
You have your honor again. Let me
die with mine, Kaishaku.
Algren looks at him, deeply moved. Katsumoto manages to pull
out his short sword.
KATSUMOTO
You must help me. Hold it firmly...
Algren supports Katsumoto as he holds the sword's point firmly
to his stomach.
KATSUMOTO
Are you ready?
ALGREN
No, Kaishaku.
Katsumoto looks at him deeply, warmly.
KATSUMOTO
We will ride together again.
Katsumoto embraces Algren firmly -- the small sword impales
him. Algren holds him tightly. Katsumoto is looking over
Algren's shoulder as he dies.
Katsumoto sees something. A look of joy and absolute peace
comes to his features.
KATSUMOTO
(whispers)
It is perfect... They are all perfect.
His eyes close. He is dead.
Algren gently kneels with Katsumoto's body. He holds him for
a moment and then turns to see what Katsumoto was looking
at.
Cherry blossoms.
A display of perfect beauty.
We slowly fade to...
INT. IMPERIAL PALACE - THRONE ROOM - DAY
Ambassador Swanbeck, Omura, and a retinue of advisors are
presenting the treaty documents for the Emperor's signature.
The Emperor sits restively on his throne.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
...will usher in an era of
unprecedented prosperity and
cooperation between our two great
nations.
A servant comes and whispers into the Emperor's ear.
OMURA
(subtitles)
Highness, if we could just conclude
the matter at hand...
The Emperor ignores Omura, and gestures that the doors to
the chamber be opened.
Algren enters with Graham. Algren carries something wrapped
in a blanket.
He approaches the Emperor. Kneels and sets the bundle at the
Emperor's feet.
Algren remains kneeling with his head bowed. He unwraps the
bundle.
It is Katsumoto's long samurai sword.
The Emperor looks at it.
OMURA
(subtitled)
All your enemies are dead, Enlightened
One.
The Emperor continues to look at the sword. He does not look
up.
EMPEROR/TRANSLATOR
(to Algren)
You were with him at the end.
ALGREN/TRANSLATOR
Yes. He asked that I bring you this --
that the strength of the samurai
will be with you always.
The Emperor rises from his chair and sits on the floor, in
the traditional Japanese fashion, before the sword.
OMURA
(after a moment)
Enlightened One, we all weep for his
loss, but the future of our country
lies in --
The Emperor interrupts him, speaking in English -- to
everyone's surprise.
EMPEROR
My ancestors have ruled Japan for
2,000 years. And for all that time
we have slept. During my sleep I
have dreamed. I dreamed of a unified
Japan. Of a country strong and
independent and modern...
(touches the sword
lovingly)
And now we are awake. We have
railroads and cannon and Western
clothing. But we cannot forget who
we are. Or where we come from.
The Emperor looks up at the gathered dignitaries.
EMPEROR
Ambassador Swanbeck, I have concluded
that your treaty is not in the best
interests of my people.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
Sir, if I may --
EMPEROR
You may not. From this moment on,
economic investment from every nation
will be considered equally.
Ambassador Swanbeck is stunned.
AMBASSADOR SWANBECK
This is an outrage --
The Emperor gestures. A servant escorts Swanbeck to the exit.
Omura takes a step closer to the Emperor.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Enlightened One, we should discuss
this
EMPEROR
(subtitled)
Omura, do you know our northern
island?
Omura is confused.
EMPEROR
(subtitled)
There is a small one called Taraku.
A rock in the sea. There is nothing
there but crabs who have been known
to tear a sleeping man apart... I
have had a small house constructed
on the island. You will go there now
and await our summons.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Sir...?
EMPEROR
(subtitled)
I hereby seize your family's assets
and present them as my gift to the
people.
Omura looks at him, stunned.
EMPEROR
(subtitled)
Further, I have decided to stop the
railroad expansion into Yoshino.
OMURA
(subtitled)
Enlightened One...
EMPEROR
(subtitled)
You have served your function. I
have no more need of you... You can
conspire with the crabs now. Remove
yourself.
OMURA
(protests, subtitled)
Honored Emperor, I do not know why
you disgrace me.
The Emperor finally looks up from the sword.
EMPEROR
(subtitled)
If your shame is too unbearable... I
offer you this sword.
Omura looks at him for a moment. Then bows tersely and goes.
The Emperor looks at Algren, still kneeling before him.
EMPEROR
(in English again)
The Samurai is not a man now. He is
an idea.
(a beat)
Tell me how he died.
Algren looks At the Emperor.
ALGREN
I will tell you how he lived.
We slowly fade as Algren begins to speak...
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Spring. A few years later.
There are no Samurai training in the square, but otherwise
the village is bustling with life. We HEAR Graham's voice:
GRAHAM (V.O.)
...And so the days of the Samurai
had ended.
INT. LECTURE HALL (ENGLAND) - DAY
Graham stands at a lectern on a book tour. A well-dressed
audience listens attentively. A banner proclaims, "The Last
Samurai," by Simon Graham.
GRAHAM (V.O.)
And in the years to come, the Rising
Sun of Imperial Japan would fly in
triumph over Korea, over Russia,
even over China. Nations, like men,
it is sometimes said, have their own
destiny
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
We see that Yoritomo's house has finally been completed.
Toshiie sits on the porch, Instructing a group of younger
children in calligraphy.
GRAHAM (V.O.)
As for the American Captain, no one
knows what became of him. All that
is left is his journal which I have
published, according to his last
request.
Taka steps from the house and passes Toshiie, she carries a
basket. We move through the village with her...
GRAHAM (V.O.)
Some say he died of his wounds, others
that he returned to his own country...
She passes an old man teaching the Noh drama to a group of
teenagers.
She passes Higen, working on a new building. Apparently he
has found a good life as a carpenter. He seems content.
We go with Taka as she leaves the village...
EXT. CHERRY TREES - DAY
Taka moves through the cherry orchard.
GRAHAM (V.O.)
But I like to think he may have found
at last some small measure of the
peace we all seek, but few of us
ever find.
Taka stops. Watching. We follow her gaze to discover:
Algren, sitting alone. Gazing peacefully sat the cherry
blossoms.
Waiting for the perfect one. He turns to her, a smile of
quiet joy spreads across his face.
GRAHAM (V.O.)
Anshinritsumai. [I wish you peace.]
FADE OUT:
THE END