The Most Beautiful (一番美しく)

ATTACK AND DESTROY THE ENEMY

A TOHO PRODUCTION

AN INFORMATION BUREAU "MOVIE OF THE PEOPLE"

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL

EAST ASIAN OPTICS, LTD. HIRATSUKA FACTORY

Here's the factory director.

The previously announced emergency production quota increase

will begin on the first of next month.

The manager will explain the details later.

But before that, I'd like to say a few words.

As you know,

the enemy's counteroffensives

are becoming more massive and widespread.

Now, in a battle of material might,

the more material you have, the more material is emphasized.

But it's our spiritual power that produces that material might.

In order to generate outstanding production capacity,

every single one of you

must become an outstanding human being.

Only strict discipline, a vigilant attitude,

an unwavering sense of responsibility,

and a respectful, silent workplace

will yield increases in production.

Always bear that in mind.

During this emergency production period,

I want all of you

to meet your quotas without fail,

and at the same time

to hone your fighting spirit.

I'll say it again...

One can't improve productivity without improving one's character.

And one other thing:

Without military optics, we wouldn't have a single warship,

a single plane, a single tank, or a single cannon.

Don't ever forget that.

That's all.

As the director mentioned,

I'll be explaining the details of the plan.

The period will be for the next four months.

The quota increases will be as follows:

1000/0 for the men, 500/0 for the women.

Shouldn't you be working?

Quiet! Stop your chattering.

But we're just... right?

That's right.

Hey there!

What's wrong with all of you today?

You're so restless.

You can't seem to calm down.

There must be a reason.

Speak up.

Come on, tell us.

It's about the production quota increases.

Well, as the director said earlier,

you have to bear up under the strain.

Only then will you be pulling your own weight.

Think of the men.

Your quota increase is only half theirs.

Would you... bring it up with the section leader?

- Tsuru Watanabe? - Yes.

PLEASE WALK QUIETLY

LENS CALIBRATION ROOM

NO ENTRANCE PAST THIS POINT

WATANABE

I'm shocked. I've never seen such a messy workbench.

I'm sorry.

There's no need to apologize.

But there is.

Then you want to tell us why?

You women seem unhappy about the quota increase.

That's right.

But we took into account

your production capacity.

Half of the men's isn't unreasonable.

That's what we're upset about.

Is that all you think we can handle?

We think we can do a bit more.

Not as much as the men...

but at least two-thirds.

Please.

It's too soon to be cheering.

You can cheer after we've done the work.

Two-thirds of the men's increase will be tough to meet.

You can't get worked up like you did this morning.

You can't be whispering at your workbenches.

Watanabe, let's sing something.

She's still angry.

Her left shoulder goes up when she's angry.

Watanabe, are you really still angry?

Yes, I am.

Left, right...

Let's sing "The Mongol Invasion." Three, two, one...

Rising from all over China

A hundred thousand Mongol riders advance

Our nation in crisis

In the summer of 1281

We have nothing to fear

Our Kamakura warriors stand ready

EAST ASIA OPTICS GIRLS' DORMITORY

Our righteous martial spirit

We proclaim to the world with a thunderous roar

The barbarians are invading from the south

The Mongols are invading our shores

The insolent invaders

Can't coexist with us under heaven

We vow to fight like demons

To die defending our country

The god of Hakozaki knows

We're full of pride and the spirit of Japan

Heaven is enraged

The sea surges with massive waves

The enemy approaches

Mongol hordes 100,000 strong

They disappear to the bottom of the sea

Only three are left

Before you know it the clouds recede

The moon is clear above the Genkai Sea

Banzai!

You're all in high spirits again today.

Mrs. Mizushima, something great happened today.

That's right. Today we, today -

Tell me about that later. The new fife and drum teacher is here.

Now go pay your respects to your parents.

Father and Mother, I'm back.

PARENTS

I'm back.

Father, Mother, and Grandma, I'm back.

Let's go.

What's the matter?

I envy you.

MOTHER

Everyone assemble, except those on kitchen duty.

From "at ease" change to "attention."

Bass drum, signal with three beats.

Begin marching to the first beat of music.

Take one step forward, then mark time.

Play "The People's March." Understand?

All right. Start.

Ma'am.

Ma'am.

She's not here.

Smells nice.

Today's the anniversary of her husband's...

MAY 10,000 CHERRY BLOSSOMS SCATTER

Our morning pledge.

"Today, all day...

...we shall be loyal.

We shall worship the gods and revere our ancestors.

We shall not forget our filial duties.

Furthermore...

...we shall not be selfish.

We shall be kind and modest.

We shall endure hardship.

We are women of the empire.

Today we will do our best to help destroy America and Britain.

We shall pass these ideals on to our descendants.

This we swear."

EMERGENCY PRODUCTION INCREASE PERIOD

FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE WAR DEAD!

FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO!

FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE YAMAZAKI UNIT!

INCREASE PRODUCTION!

OUR TROOPS ARE IN THE ENEMY'S SIGHTS!

THIS TOO IS A BATTLEFIELD!

- You want to work? - Yes.

Why?

Unless I work alongside my girls,

I can't understand how they really feel.

You may think you have time to spare at the moment,

but think if somebody were to fall ill.

In fact, that's the case. According to yesterday's medical exam,

something's wrong with Shizuko Yamaguchi.

What?

It's nothing serious,

but the doctor says she's frail.

- No, that's too heavy for you. - It's fine.

You mustn't. You're too frail.

We got her!

Hurry! Where's the thermometer!

Suzumura has it.

Wait a minute. I'm taking my temperature.

- 99.3. - You've got a slight fever.

Don't worry. She's too tough to get sick.

Actually, I'm feeling kind of weak.

NORMAL.

ALL OTHERS WELL.

I'M SEPARATED FROM MY HOME BY MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS

MAY MY FATHER AND MOTHER BE WELL AND AT PEACE

Please check this lens.

MOTHER

Quiet, isn't it, ma'am?

With the girls gone, it's so quiet I can't believe it.

They're so spirited.

Is someone still up there?

Yes, she isn't feeling well.

Who's the weakling?

I bet it's Yamaguchi.

No. You'll never guess.

It's Suzumura.

Suzumura?