The Burmese Harp (1956)

Shôji Yasui: Mizushima

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Quotes 

• Mizushima : Captain, you're responsible for these men's lives. If they die in vain, the blame will be yours. Who will apologize to their families and to the people of Japan?

• Mizushima : If only we had time to discuss it calmly. Unfortunately, time's almost up. Please decide in the next three minutes!

  Defense Commander : It's unanimous: We'll fight to the death!

  Mizushima : I'll ask the British to give me more time.

• Captain Inouye : A Japanese unit has been holding out on a mountain. The British have laid siege to it for the past three days. I've asked them to let one of us go and talk our men into surrendering. I don't want a single man to die needlessly. That's the mountain there. What do you say? Will you go? It's a half day's trek by foot.

  Mizushima : I'll go, sir. I'm not sure what to do, but I'll proceed as necessary.

  Captain Inouye : Thank you. The rest of us will go south to Mudon. Join us once you've completed your mission. It'll be tough to walk the 200 miles to Mudon alone, but the British have assured you safe passage.

  Mizushima : I'll proceed to Mudon once I've fulfilled my duty.

• Mizushima : I'm Mizushima from Inouye Company. I'm here on a mission.

  Defense Commander : What? You're a messenger?

  Mizushima : The Japanese army has surrendered. Further resistance is useless. Please surrender as quickly as...

  Defense Commander : Shut up! How dare you! Surrendering is an insult to those who've died! Unlike your unit, we're not filthy cowards! We'll fight to the death!

  Mizushima : What good are you then? Live, endure, work for your country!

• Mizushima : Why do you play that tune?

  Boy : If I play this, the English give me money.

  Mizushima : May I play?

  Boy : Please teach me to play like that. They're sure to give me more money.

• Defense Commander : A coward like you can't be Japanese. Leave!

  Mizushima : I refuse! Not until you reconsider.

  Defense Commander : You'll die if you stay. Aren't you afraid?

  Mizushima : I don't want to die meaninglessly.

  Defense Commander : Dying in battle is meaningless?

  Mizushima : It doesn't serve Japan or its people or yourself. It's meaningless.

• Mizushima : Can you see the Himalayas?

  Village head : Not from here. The sutras and traditions tell us that the Himalayas are the home of the soul. We long to see them, if just once.

• Mizushima : PFC Mizushima reporting. I'm leaving now to scout ahead.

  Captain Inouye : Thanks.

  Mizushima : I'll signal on the harp, as usual. I'll play 'Danger' if I see anything. 'All Clear' if it's okay to advance.