Sanshiro Sugata (1943)

Kokuten Kôdô: Buddhist Priest

Photos 

Quotes 

• Sanshiro Sugata : The spirits of heaven and earth congregate in our nation of gods. For us they have built Mt. Fuji that towers for eternity. For us they have brought water to flow around our islands. For us they have created the beauty of cherry blossoms...

  [he stops and remembers Sayo] 

  Buddhist Priest : [hits Sanshiro on the head]  Idiot! This is an important match. What the hell are you thinking?

  Sanshiro Sugata : I can't do it. I can't win.

  Buddhist Priest : What? Are you afraid of Hansuke Murai?

  Sanshiro Sugata : No. Someone stands between him and me.

  Buddhist Priest : Who?

  Sanshiro Sugata : His daughter.

  Buddhist Priest : You love her?

  Sanshiro Sugata : No. It's not that. Priest, I saw her praying selflessly for her father. It was beautiful and I was touched. That's the problem. How can I overcome it?

  Buddhist Priest : Stupid! Be pure and innocent like her.

  Sanshiro Sugata : I can't.

  Buddhist Priest : You can. You once were.

  Sanshiro Sugata : When?

  Buddhist Priest : [pointing to the pond]  Sanshiro Sugata found new life there. Have you forgotten? What is your life, Sanshiro?

• Buddhist Priest : Well, proud one. Are you comfortable? No answer? You haven't figured it out. Won't you give up, Sanshiro?

  Sanshiro Sugata : No!

  Buddhist Priest : Oh ho! You sound like you can go on a little longer. But, Sanshiro, do you know what you're hanging on to? Too full of yourself to notice?

  Sanshiro Sugata : It's a stake!

  Buddhist Priest : Yes, one that keeps you alive. Without it, you'd sink into the mud. You're too proud to come out. Death is near.

  Sanshiro Sugata : Shut up, monk!

  Buddhist Priest : Well, then, why don't you give up and come out?

  Sanshiro Sugata : No!

  Buddhist Priest : How stubborn. Suit yourself. The moon is beautiful tonight. Enjoy the view.