Scent of a Spell (魔性の香り)

A NIKKATSU FILM

A DIRECTOR'S COMPANY PRODUCTION

SCENT OF A SPELL

Esaka, it's your shot.

What're you doing? Start paying attention to the game.

I feel like somebody is watching me.

Huh?

Maybe a private eye

hired by your ex-wife to watch you?

She's already remarried.

Then you're having an affair with somebody else's wife.

I don't need any women for a while. I've learned my lesson.

Original novel by SHOJI YUKI

Screenplay by TAKASHI ISHII

It started to bother me.

I feel like I'm being followed.

You owe me 5,000 yen.

MARI AMACHI JOHNNY OKURA

YUKI KAZAMATSURI CHOEI TAKAHASHI

Directed by TOSHIHARU IKDEA

Wake up! Hey!

Did you swallow water?

Where are we going?

To the hospital.

Hospital? No. I'm scared.

Scared? Of the hospital?

What are you afraid of?

Taxi! Right here.

To the nearest hospital. Quickly please.

Hey sir, I don't appreciate wet clothes on my seat.

She's injured. Take us to a hospital.

I'm being chased. Help me.

Being chased? What are you talking about?

Help me. Hide me... Please.

Hey. Lady!

Gimme a break, sir.

Darn it.

To Waseda then, please.

Who could it be?

Hello? Esaka speaking. Oh? It's you.

Eh? What? It's already time?

Yeah. They called? I guess they're upset?

I screwed up, didn't I?

Not yet. It's still wet.

Huh? Nobody's here.

I'm coming right now.

Hey, you owe me 5,000 yen for yesterday's game.

Bye.

You can't wear wet clothes.

You'll catch a cold.

Leave it for now. Sit down.

You shouldn't walk as you sprained your ankle.

How do you feel? I need to change your bandage.

It still hurts.

That's why I wanted you to go to a hospital for X-rays--

No way.

Your shoes are at the entrance.

Your bag is over there, I didn't look inside.

You're leaving, so I'll go too.

I didn't ask for that.

I wouldn't chase an injured person away.

You asked me to hide you.

I'll be right back. Just rest for a while.

You're probably still in shock from yesterday.

Take a shower. Use these clothes.

Is your wife out?

Does this room look like I have a wife?

If you need me, call this number. I'll make sure I'm easily reachable.

Can I ask one question?

Yes.

What is your name?

I'm sorry. Akiko. It means autumn.

I'm Esaka. I felt weird, like I shouldn't ask anything.

- Bye. - Yes.

Don't answer the door, even if somebody knocks.

Thank you.

I see, it was your husband. He chased you around.

He has an alcohol problem and he's incredibly jealous.

Whenever I go to the shops, he thinks I'm having an affair.

You married him because you love him.

Why don't you put up with his jealousy?

He's just not very good at showing love.

Showing love by hitting and punishing me?

Punishing?

He locks the door from outside whenever he goes to work.

Can't you divorce him?

He won't agree to a divorce.

Takimura is not that kind of--

- Takimura? - Eh?

I'm sorry, I interrupted you.

How long has it been since you ran away from Osaka to Tokyo?

Half a year. I worked at some bars and clubs.

But he always finds out where I am.

I don't know how he finds me. I feel I'm being watched all the time.

I see. I'm familiar with cases like that.

But, if you die, you lose. This man isn't worth it.

It may be easy for me to say...

but if I hadn't been there,

you'd be dead.

I'm sorry for all the trouble--

I didn't mean it that way.

What I mean is, you must come up with an idea...

besides giving up your life.

Sorry...

Don't cry.

If he follows you everywhere...

why not stay here?

Why are you so nice to me?

Don't you have an appetite? Then have a beer, you'll feel better.

You need to eat.

I'll get another glass.

Know what? I was really excited.

My blood was pumping.

Who'd expect that?

It's pretty extraordinary meeting someone like that.

I didn't know I had the guts to save somebody's life.

I was proud of myself.

I'm sorry. I'm not belittling your life.

I understand.

Stay here until you've settled down.

If you don't mind.

I'm sorry.

Can you stop apologizing? You're easily victimised.

Okay, I'll stop.

The Tokyo Giants will win.

Waiting?

People see many things while waiting.

What's the last thing they see?

You want to find out?

Yes.

It's not like you can tell anybody after.

Dinner was delicious.

I haven't eaten tempura at home for two years.

Why two years?

That's when I got divorced.

What day is garbage collected?

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Recycling on Monday.

Don't do that, I'll do it. Your ankle won't heal.

I haven't seen a clean house for two years.

- What's wrong? - Somebody's there.

Who was it?

It was too dark, but I know someone was watching.

Where?

By the fence on the corner.

Was it your husband?

I don't know.

- I'm going to check. - Don't go, I'm scared.

You never ask about me.

Aren't you curious about my divorce?

It must have been her fault. She had to be the bad one.

THREE MONTHS LATER

She's from Osaka, right? Not fair!

I didn't ask her to come!

Move.

- You found the place okay? - Yes.

- This way. - Welcome.

So, this is Minami who called you earlier.

This is Ohta. This is Akiko, guys.

I'm Akiko, nice to meet you.

Please, have a seat. Madam, another drink for us.

Sit there.

Excuse me.

Have a seat.

- Welcome. - She's so polite!

- Ohta, bottoms up! - Madam, I need more ice.

- Beer okay? - Anything.

Anything? Really!

I'm Minami.

Madam, isn't it almost closing time?

Don't worry about it.

I read your article. It was really good.

Really? I would've liked to have discussed her private life more

but I didn't want to compromise her reputation.

But it was very realistic.

- Problematic, huh? - What?

Tell me how you two met.

Minami, you're always trying to get ideas for your novels.

Shut up! Madam, listen...

- Ignore him. - This one here is still a cherry.

None of your business!

Are you feeling sick? It's in the back!

Bathroom's in the back. Shall I come...

- Stop it! - ...and wipe her ass?

Akiko.

It's me.

Are you okay?

Wanna go home?

- Big mouth. - What?

You told them my problem, right?

I didn't tell them anything.

I hate a man who talks too much.

- My blood type is O. - Oh yeah?

Type O's personality; good relationship is the key. Matches well with Type A.

Check, please.

Okay?

Yes, but just for the two of us.

Here, this will cover it.

Thanks again. See you soon.

- You're Type AB? A sissy one! - Not true.

If you're really AB then drink up.