The Burmese Harp (1956)

Jun Hamamura: Ito

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Quotes 

• Ito : Captain! What's the point of training it to say that? I know how much you regret Mizushima's death, but such behavior is unmanly. Hearing this bird repeat those words day and night will only demoralize us. We're already homesick as it is! I beg of you, sir: Pull yourself together.

  Captain Inouye : We all saw that monk carrying a white box of ashes. That's a Japanese custom!

  Ito : I thought it odd too, but there's a similar custom in Burma.

  Captain Inouye : He was the only one carrying a white box. I have to find out who that monk is. If we meet again, I'll put this parrot on his shoulder. If it's Mizushima, he'll respond to what the bird says. If he doesn't, then I'll know I'm wrong... and I'll give up. I'm sorry to put you all through this. Bear with me just a little longer.

• Captain Inouye : Hey...

  Ito : What is it?

  Captain Inouye : That music. It's a harp. Who's playing it?

  Ito : That's a famous song.

  Captain Inouye : I don't mean that. I mean the way it's played. The way the notes are played together. That's how Mizushima played it.

  Ito : It's the kid we saw at the temple.

  Captain Inouye : Let's ask who taught him how to play.

• Ito : That's enough! Captain... I know it's disappointing to hear this, but I think it's best to forget about Mizushima. He died bravely trying to carry out his mission. To doubt his death is actually to dishonor his spirit. When dressed like a native, he looked exactly like one. By the same token, there must be Burmese who look just like him. You believe he's alive, so you think you see him or think you hear his harp playing. I'm grateful that you care so much for your men, but you'll only hurt your men if you let worry ruin your health. There's no hope for him. Please just give up.

  Captain Inouye : I suppose you're right.

• Ito : Old lady, do you think you could give this parrot to that monk?

  Old woman : That's impossible. He's a wandering monk, and a highly revered one too, but nobody knows where he is.

  Ito : We're leaving tomorrow. We're not asking you to search all over Burma, but if you see him, could you give him the bird?

  Old woman : What a strange request.

• Ito : Get that damn bird out of here!

  Old woman : This is the other parrot. He kept the one you gave him. He told me to bring you this one in return. He asked me to give this to the captain. He asked me to do that, and since it's the last thing I can do for you, I brought it.

  Captain Inouye : Time to go!

  Ito : There's a letter from Mizushima.

  Captain Inouye : There's no time now. I'll read it later.

  Ito : But Captain, what if Mizushima changed his...

  Captain Inouye : Mizushima isn't going to change his mind. Even if I read this now, it wouldn't make any difference.