Dodes'ka-den (1970)

Noboru Mitani: Beggar

Photos 

Quotes 

• Beggar : Our house ought to be built on a hill. We Japanese used to build houses in valleys and mountain coves. We've always preferred the lowlands.

  Beggar's Son : That's true. I saw pictures of foreign countries. They have their houses in high places, but ours are in low places.

  Beggar : There's a reason for that. There are many earthquakes and typhoons in Japan. Wooden houses in high places are easily shaken by earthquakes and typhoons. So they chose the lowlands to avoid the danger. But that's not the only reason.

  Beggar : [continues]  The Japanese prefer soft light to bright sunshine. We like shady places. We like to live in the midst of nature. So we couldn't get used to concrete houses.

  Beggar's Son : That's right. I don't like concrete houses either. They're too cold for me.

  Beggar : But we shouldn't forget one thing. It's true that wooden houses suit the Japanese people. But we mustn't cling to our culture and characteristics if we become weak and lose endurance as a result. By living in houses made of stone, iron, and concrete, foreigners have strengthened their characters and capabilities. Now we're building our own house. We must take our future into consideration. We must think of you, your children, and your grandchildren.

  Beggar's Son : Yes, that's true.

• Beggar : I've been thinking all evening about the house we're building... Looks like you're sleepy?

  Beggar's Son : No, I'm not sleepy. I'm listening.

  Beggar : The gate comes first. The gate is the face of a house. The face shows the character.

  Beggar's Son : Mm hmm. That's right.

  Beggar : Since we're building a house on a hill, it must be in a European style. How about rococo? Or Spanish style? British style isn't bad either... They're a bit showy. It should be neither too fancy nor too imposing. I want a gate both plain and inviting.

• Beggar : We forgot about the swimming pool. Let's make one.

  Beggar's Son : Oh, yes, let's.

  Beggar : One you'd like. I'm glad you're talking. Everything will be all right. The worst is finally over. Children are really very strong.

  Beggar : [continues]  A swimming pool is good. It'll be in the lawn. White tiles in the middle of evergreens. Still, filling and draining it will be hard. The place is on a hill. We'll need a huge water tank in case of water shortages. And the drainage problem... To drain a pool full of water, a small drainpipe won't do. But don't worry, we'll make it. This is all your idea, and the pool will be good for your health.