1 00:00:12,012 --> 00:00:14,014 [fire crackling] 2 00:00:19,102 --> 00:00:20,270 [sighs] 3 00:00:22,480 --> 00:00:24,983 [Wilhelm] Don't tell me you're full already, Charlotte. 4 00:00:24,983 --> 00:00:26,067 Um... 5 00:00:28,570 --> 00:00:31,781 The thing is... I don't really care for meat. 6 00:00:31,781 --> 00:00:34,034 You shouldn't be so picky about food. 7 00:00:36,036 --> 00:00:37,287 Oh. 8 00:00:37,287 --> 00:00:40,707 I wish there was someone to help me finish what I didn't want to eat. 9 00:00:40,707 --> 00:00:42,292 [Jacob chuckles] 10 00:00:42,917 --> 00:00:46,713 I recently heard a story about elves helping out a shoemaker. 11 00:00:46,713 --> 00:00:49,966 [gasps] The elves sound so nice and generous! 12 00:00:50,800 --> 00:00:53,887 But you see, the reason the elves wanted to help the shoemaker 13 00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:57,515 is because he was such an honest and diligent worker, Charlotte. 14 00:00:57,515 --> 00:01:01,644 You could learn a thing or two about how to be a little bit less selfish. 15 00:01:01,644 --> 00:01:02,771 Aw. 16 00:01:03,438 --> 00:01:04,731 [sighs] 17 00:01:06,066 --> 00:01:08,109 [brothers chuckle] 18 00:01:08,109 --> 00:01:09,611 [Charlotte] I wonder... 19 00:01:09,611 --> 00:01:10,695 [brothers] Hmm? 20 00:01:10,695 --> 00:01:13,239 [Charlotte] Between giving the elves my food to eat for me 21 00:01:13,239 --> 00:01:15,116 or pushing myself to eat it... 22 00:01:17,327 --> 00:01:19,496 which do you think is the better choice? 23 00:01:20,747 --> 00:01:22,415 {\an8}[upbeat music playing] 24 00:02:18,096 --> 00:02:20,098 [insects chirping] 25 00:02:22,183 --> 00:02:24,310 [mysterious music playing] 26 00:02:25,770 --> 00:02:26,729 [cawing] 27 00:02:26,729 --> 00:02:27,647 BAR DAIKICHI 28 00:02:27,647 --> 00:02:28,731 DAIKICHI ODEN 29 00:02:28,731 --> 00:02:29,649 [barking] 30 00:02:32,694 --> 00:02:35,071 [man on radio] Starting this year, the Ryogoku River Festival, 31 00:02:35,071 --> 00:02:39,534 held at Sumida River, will be called the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. 32 00:02:39,534 --> 00:02:42,078 It's been 17 years since it was last held. 33 00:02:42,078 --> 00:02:43,121 [sighs] 34 00:02:43,121 --> 00:02:47,167 In other news, with the beginning of this year's summer tourist season... 35 00:02:47,167 --> 00:02:49,127 - [car door opens] - [woman 1] Welcome home! 36 00:02:49,127 --> 00:02:51,379 [woman 2] She was in a great mood today. 37 00:02:51,379 --> 00:02:53,798 As always, thanks for taking care of her. 38 00:02:53,798 --> 00:02:55,758 Would you like to talk about the schedule now? 39 00:02:55,758 --> 00:02:56,885 - Yeah? - Sure. 40 00:02:56,885 --> 00:02:58,887 Mommy, help me! My poor dolly! 41 00:02:58,887 --> 00:03:02,307 - She's broken! [sobs] - Oh goodness. There, there. 42 00:03:02,307 --> 00:03:05,935 {\an8}[woman 2] Did you hear about Z's kid? Failed the entrance exam, apparently! 43 00:03:05,935 --> 00:03:07,645 {\an8}[woman 1 laughs] Really? 44 00:03:07,645 --> 00:03:10,315 {\an8}[woman 2] That's what I heard! And you better sit down for this one. 45 00:03:10,315 --> 00:03:12,901 {\an8}I hear X is finally getting divorced. 46 00:03:12,901 --> 00:03:15,195 {\an8}[woman 1] I knew it! [laughs] 47 00:03:15,195 --> 00:03:16,696 {\an8}[man groans] 48 00:03:16,696 --> 00:03:19,032 - [woman 2] That was a long time coming. - [man growls] 49 00:03:19,032 --> 00:03:21,159 - Something about an affair-- - [man] Shut up! 50 00:03:21,159 --> 00:03:22,243 - Oh! - Ooh! 51 00:03:23,036 --> 00:03:25,163 - Oh. - Who was that? 52 00:03:25,997 --> 00:03:27,707 [man growling] 53 00:03:31,753 --> 00:03:32,879 JAPANESE DICTIONARY 54 00:03:35,840 --> 00:03:38,551 14TH JONICHI PUBLICATION CULTURE AWARD CEREMONY 55 00:03:39,135 --> 00:03:40,762 That's our neighbor, Mr. N. 56 00:03:40,762 --> 00:03:43,890 He at least says hello when I see him around. Not sure what's wrong. 57 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:46,517 Miss Y, please be careful. 58 00:03:46,517 --> 00:03:49,604 Some people can flip a switch and get mad for no reason at all, 59 00:03:49,604 --> 00:03:51,522 and there's no telling what they might do. 60 00:03:51,522 --> 00:03:54,525 - Mommy! Read book! - Later, okay? 61 00:03:55,109 --> 00:03:57,528 Those types of people have tons of pent-up anger, 62 00:03:57,528 --> 00:04:01,491 and end up taking it all out on those they consider weaker than them. 63 00:04:01,491 --> 00:04:03,785 [Y] I know exactly what you mean. 64 00:04:05,703 --> 00:04:09,457 [N] There's no telling what they might do, huh? 65 00:04:09,457 --> 00:04:15,546 IN A FIT OF RAGE, HE BEATS THE OLD LADY TO DEATH. 66 00:04:16,506 --> 00:04:18,883 - Oh, landlord! Question... - Huh? 67 00:04:18,883 --> 00:04:23,263 [Y] This Mr. N. Wouldn't you say he has a, uh, well, complicated history? 68 00:04:23,263 --> 00:04:24,847 [landlord] I wouldn't say that... 69 00:04:25,598 --> 00:04:28,601 A fully-grown man staying all cooped up in his house 24/7 70 00:04:28,601 --> 00:04:31,771 just isn't normal behavior, I think anyone would agree about that. 71 00:04:31,771 --> 00:04:34,315 Perhaps, but novelists are often odd. 72 00:04:34,315 --> 00:04:37,110 What is that you said? Are you telling me he's an author? 73 00:04:37,110 --> 00:04:39,779 Has he written anything I may have heard of? 74 00:04:40,530 --> 00:04:44,033 Let's see. A couple of his titles are Two in the Ruin, and Ask at Midnight. 75 00:04:44,033 --> 00:04:45,743 Have you heard of either of those? 76 00:04:45,743 --> 00:04:47,662 Huh? Not me. 77 00:04:47,662 --> 00:04:49,706 Hold on. I actually have! 78 00:04:49,706 --> 00:04:52,834 Right, and the author of both those books would be, uh... 79 00:04:52,834 --> 00:04:56,129 [woman 2] But, uh... how long has it been since those came out? 80 00:04:56,129 --> 00:04:58,089 It's been some time, like, um, 81 00:04:58,756 --> 00:05:02,176 ten or... maybe even 20 years? 82 00:05:02,176 --> 00:05:06,139 Wow! Two entire decades have gone by and he still continues to be a writer? 83 00:05:06,139 --> 00:05:08,474 As far as I'm aware. 84 00:05:08,474 --> 00:05:12,103 He used to give me a copy of each of his books as a gift once a year, 85 00:05:12,103 --> 00:05:15,690 but now that I think about it, he hasn't done that recently. 86 00:05:15,690 --> 00:05:17,066 [woman 2] Oh! 87 00:05:17,066 --> 00:05:18,693 [yells] Flower! 88 00:05:18,693 --> 00:05:21,446 [Y] Now, now. You can't yell like that. 89 00:05:21,446 --> 00:05:24,532 Anyhow, it doesn't change the fact that we don't know what he's up to in there. 90 00:05:24,532 --> 00:05:25,616 - [door opens] - [gasps] 91 00:05:27,493 --> 00:05:28,578 [locks door] 92 00:05:29,996 --> 00:05:31,080 Hmm? 93 00:05:32,874 --> 00:05:36,753 Uh, come on, let's get you home now and I'll read you a book, okay? 94 00:05:36,753 --> 00:05:39,589 Hello! It's rare to see you go out anywhere. 95 00:05:39,589 --> 00:05:41,632 Yeah, well, you know... 96 00:05:41,632 --> 00:05:45,219 It's a good thing! You've gotta gather material and all. 97 00:05:45,219 --> 00:05:47,680 Well, now. I need to head on back. 98 00:05:49,599 --> 00:05:51,392 [N] Don't know what I'm up to, huh? 99 00:05:51,392 --> 00:05:53,144 It's none of their business. 100 00:05:53,144 --> 00:05:54,937 [gentle music playing] 101 00:05:56,189 --> 00:05:58,274 - [van door slams] - [engine starts] 102 00:05:58,274 --> 00:06:02,820 How long has it been since the literary world called me the wonder boy? 103 00:06:02,820 --> 00:06:05,490 A NEW RISING STAR! ASK AT MIDNIGHT BY N 104 00:06:05,490 --> 00:06:09,118 [N] Not that it matters. It's nothing but a thing of the past now. 105 00:06:09,118 --> 00:06:10,203 ACCOUNT BALANCE 106 00:06:11,496 --> 00:06:12,497 [N] Thanks. 107 00:06:13,456 --> 00:06:15,124 - Oh. Sorry. - [coin jangles] 108 00:06:16,125 --> 00:06:18,711 [N] People think I'm in danger of dying alone. 109 00:06:18,711 --> 00:06:21,756 They even fear I might commit impulsive slaughter. 110 00:06:21,756 --> 00:06:24,592 But I'm normal. Well, maybe less interesting than that. 111 00:06:26,552 --> 00:06:28,054 Uh, hi. My name is N. 112 00:06:28,054 --> 00:06:32,183 [man] Ah... Oh, yes! Thank you so much for your call. 113 00:06:32,183 --> 00:06:35,478 Your editor, H, just moved to another department the other day. 114 00:06:35,478 --> 00:06:37,814 - Uh-- - He's sorry he didn't say goodbye to you. 115 00:06:37,814 --> 00:06:39,899 He just got so busy, you know? 116 00:06:39,899 --> 00:06:43,152 {\an8}Then who's replacing him as my new editor? 117 00:06:43,152 --> 00:06:45,738 {\an8}Well, uh, that would be me. My name is S. 118 00:06:45,738 --> 00:06:47,698 {\an8}I can discuss this with you, if it's all right. 119 00:06:47,698 --> 00:06:52,787 {\an8}All right. Just checking in since I sent you a new draft last month and, uh... 120 00:06:52,787 --> 00:06:55,415 Mr. N, I'm afraid I must apologize. 121 00:06:55,415 --> 00:06:59,377 Your manuscript, uh... What was the title of that? 122 00:06:59,377 --> 00:07:01,504 It's From the Shores of Stupor. 123 00:07:01,504 --> 00:07:04,424 Right, right. Uh, can you give me some time? 124 00:07:04,424 --> 00:07:07,510 I'd like to get back to you after I read From the Shores thoroughly. 125 00:07:07,510 --> 00:07:11,722 {\an8}No problem. I'll give you another call next week and see where you're at with it. 126 00:07:11,722 --> 00:07:15,935 {\an8}That would be great. Thank you! I'd appreciate that very much. 127 00:07:15,935 --> 00:07:17,353 {\an8}-Okay. Have a good one! - [hangs up] 128 00:07:17,353 --> 00:07:19,439 {\an8}- [gasps] - [dialing tone] 129 00:07:23,985 --> 00:07:25,111 [hangs up] 130 00:07:25,111 --> 00:07:27,405 [crickets chirping] 131 00:07:27,405 --> 00:07:29,407 [N] Things haven't always been like this, 132 00:07:29,407 --> 00:07:31,868 but I can't remember when they weren't. 133 00:07:31,868 --> 00:07:34,120 I don't think I had too much of an ego... 134 00:07:34,120 --> 00:07:36,330 Well, maybe that's not true. 135 00:07:36,330 --> 00:07:40,543 But I can say with confidence there are much worse authors out there. 136 00:07:40,543 --> 00:07:42,670 - And if we're talking quality... - [grunts] 137 00:07:42,670 --> 00:07:44,505 - [horn blares] - [train passing] 138 00:07:47,550 --> 00:07:48,926 [server] Welcome. 139 00:07:48,926 --> 00:07:51,429 - [N] A bottle of beer and cold tofu. - [server] Comin' up. 140 00:07:51,429 --> 00:07:53,514 [intriguing music playing softly] 141 00:08:04,817 --> 00:08:06,068 Ah. 142 00:08:12,158 --> 00:08:13,159 {\an8}FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR 143 00:08:13,159 --> 00:08:15,286 {\an8}[N] Objectively, the story shouldn't be bad. 144 00:08:15,286 --> 00:08:16,787 {\an8}My ability hasn't diminished 145 00:08:16,787 --> 00:08:20,625 {\an8}since back when I sold 3.5 million copies of Ask at Midnight. 146 00:08:20,625 --> 00:08:24,921 {\an8}In fact, if anything, my structural and descriptive skills have improved. 147 00:08:26,255 --> 00:08:27,298 {\an8}Ah. 148 00:08:27,298 --> 00:08:30,009 {\an8}Is the problem the theme or the material? 149 00:08:30,009 --> 00:08:34,680 It doesn't matter. I'm not going to stoop to writing some pandering romance novel. 150 00:08:34,680 --> 00:08:36,182 [man] Hey! Mister! 151 00:08:37,475 --> 00:08:39,018 Hey, I'm talkin' to you! 152 00:08:39,018 --> 00:08:40,937 Huh? Uh, yes? 153 00:08:41,562 --> 00:08:44,315 You're drinkin', but you got a big old frown on your face. 154 00:08:44,315 --> 00:08:46,108 Mmm... 'kay. 155 00:08:46,108 --> 00:08:48,653 Come on! If you're not happy, then what's the point? 156 00:08:48,653 --> 00:08:51,405 Barkeeper, pour my new friend here some sake. 157 00:08:52,698 --> 00:08:54,242 Go on, drink up! 158 00:08:54,242 --> 00:08:57,328 Oh... sake's not really... 159 00:08:59,539 --> 00:09:00,748 Yeah. Okay. 160 00:09:03,459 --> 00:09:06,462 - Good, right? - Sure... 161 00:09:06,462 --> 00:09:09,131 That's all you've got to say? Where's your spirit? 162 00:09:09,966 --> 00:09:11,968 Come on, now, that's no good. 163 00:09:11,968 --> 00:09:14,595 And you can't even muster up a civil thank you for me? 164 00:09:14,595 --> 00:09:16,264 Th... thank you. 165 00:09:16,264 --> 00:09:19,141 Man, that expression! You look miserable. 166 00:09:19,725 --> 00:09:23,771 That there's the face of a molester, or an arsonist or somethin' like that. 167 00:09:23,771 --> 00:09:25,189 {\an8}Well, I'm not. 168 00:09:25,189 --> 00:09:27,275 {\an8}[man] It's like pullin' teeth tryin' to talk to you. 169 00:09:27,275 --> 00:09:28,317 {\an8}[sighs] 170 00:09:31,028 --> 00:09:33,281 Are you pissed? You're pissed, aren't you? 171 00:09:33,281 --> 00:09:35,449 Just please stop harassing me. 172 00:09:35,449 --> 00:09:37,535 You're such an ass! 173 00:09:37,535 --> 00:09:41,872 I'm talkin' to you 'cause I pity you, man, and this is how you repay my kindness? 174 00:09:41,872 --> 00:09:43,124 Huh? 175 00:09:43,791 --> 00:09:46,794 That's odd. I don't remember asking you to pity me. 176 00:09:46,794 --> 00:09:50,715 Huh? Hey, man, are you seriously gonna give me attitude like that? 177 00:09:50,715 --> 00:09:53,301 In fact, I'm not interested in talking to you at all. 178 00:09:53,301 --> 00:09:54,510 What's your problem? 179 00:09:54,510 --> 00:09:57,054 Look, I'm not some musty old man like you, bud! 180 00:09:57,054 --> 00:09:59,473 I might as well be a different species altogether! 181 00:09:59,473 --> 00:10:01,726 Bastard! [yelps] 182 00:10:02,977 --> 00:10:04,729 [man grunting] 183 00:10:06,939 --> 00:10:10,109 [groans] You kiddin' me? He was clearly in the wrong! 184 00:10:10,109 --> 00:10:12,445 I don't care. Don't come back! 185 00:10:12,445 --> 00:10:14,196 What the-- [groans] 186 00:10:14,196 --> 00:10:15,448 [scoffs] 187 00:10:17,491 --> 00:10:18,534 [insects chirping] 188 00:10:18,534 --> 00:10:20,369 [Chopin's "Prelude no. 7 in A Major" playing] 189 00:10:20,369 --> 00:10:23,497 ONE CUP SAKE 190 00:10:25,916 --> 00:10:27,835 What the hell, man... 191 00:10:27,835 --> 00:10:28,794 [gulps] 192 00:10:28,794 --> 00:10:30,796 [coughing] 193 00:10:33,674 --> 00:10:36,427 "A different species altogether," huh? 194 00:10:36,427 --> 00:10:39,764 I can't believe I said that. How absolutely pathetic. 195 00:10:39,764 --> 00:10:43,267 When people talk about cowardly pride, they mean this. 196 00:10:43,267 --> 00:10:46,354 Looking from the outside, we're the same. 197 00:10:47,813 --> 00:10:52,485 No, I'm actually inferior, since I don't even produce anything. 198 00:10:53,277 --> 00:10:57,365 It doesn't matter. I was born with the blessing and curse of creativity. 199 00:10:57,365 --> 00:11:00,660 I'm always going to think of myself as something special. 200 00:11:04,455 --> 00:11:06,832 FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR 201 00:11:06,832 --> 00:11:08,042 [gasps] 202 00:11:09,627 --> 00:11:11,629 [wind gusting] 203 00:11:14,632 --> 00:11:15,883 [gasps] 204 00:11:15,883 --> 00:11:17,968 [girl] "The man, after having killed the old woman, 205 00:11:17,968 --> 00:11:20,680 wanders aimlessly around town in a stupor, 206 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:22,890 when the women he had relations with in the past 207 00:11:22,890 --> 00:11:25,935 appear one after the other, asking him questions." 208 00:11:25,935 --> 00:11:28,354 But that's a story I've already heard somewhere. 209 00:11:28,354 --> 00:11:29,689 [groans] 210 00:11:29,689 --> 00:11:32,692 [girl] A pilgrimage? Or is it a confession? 211 00:11:32,692 --> 00:11:33,776 Wha... 212 00:11:34,652 --> 00:11:36,737 The story you're trying to write. 213 00:11:38,823 --> 00:11:42,201 Hey, kid? What are you doing out here this late at night? 214 00:11:42,785 --> 00:11:43,911 [girl] I got in trouble. 215 00:11:44,787 --> 00:11:46,122 What happened? 216 00:11:46,706 --> 00:11:48,332 I was told I need to be good. 217 00:11:49,041 --> 00:11:52,294 Wouldn't it be best if you went to a police station? 218 00:11:53,045 --> 00:11:54,505 Would you take me? 219 00:11:55,798 --> 00:11:57,967 Uh... no. 220 00:11:58,551 --> 00:11:59,719 [huffs] 221 00:11:59,719 --> 00:12:01,387 {\an8}I figured. 222 00:12:02,805 --> 00:12:05,099 Your focus is blurred and you're messy. 223 00:12:05,099 --> 00:12:07,685 Is it the protagonist's anguish you want to write about, 224 00:12:07,685 --> 00:12:10,813 or is it perhaps the air of the period? 225 00:12:10,813 --> 00:12:14,942 If you're attempting to write about both, it's impossible with your skills. 226 00:12:14,942 --> 00:12:16,777 [gasps] Give it back. 227 00:12:17,486 --> 00:12:21,282 The Supermarket in Alaska was a total abomination as well. 228 00:12:21,282 --> 00:12:25,035 What, did you get too excited about your first long-term fieldwork? 229 00:12:25,035 --> 00:12:28,372 It felt like you were showing off. So self-important. 230 00:12:29,248 --> 00:12:31,667 {\an8}That kind of thing is so annoying to me. 231 00:12:31,667 --> 00:12:34,003 {\an8}The Castle in the Strait also. 232 00:12:34,003 --> 00:12:38,007 {\an8}You have no ability to select the necessary materials at all. 233 00:12:38,758 --> 00:12:42,845 {\an8}Not to mention all your character studies lack any depth whatsoever. 234 00:12:43,721 --> 00:12:44,555 [N] You... 235 00:12:44,555 --> 00:12:48,309 That said, back in the day, you were no doubt brilliant, 236 00:12:48,309 --> 00:12:50,728 armed with overflowing youth. 237 00:12:50,728 --> 00:12:53,397 But now, you're hopeless. 238 00:12:53,397 --> 00:12:57,401 How do you... Where did you learn to talk about things like this? 239 00:12:57,401 --> 00:12:58,819 And why are you here? 240 00:12:58,819 --> 00:13:01,280 You shouldn't walk around so late at night. 241 00:13:01,280 --> 00:13:02,823 You need to go home. 242 00:13:03,574 --> 00:13:07,036 - You truly are mediocre. - 'Scuse me? 243 00:13:07,036 --> 00:13:09,330 {\an8}[girl] A total cut-and-dried cliché. 244 00:13:09,330 --> 00:13:12,541 {\an8}Anyone who considers themselves to be a professional of words 245 00:13:12,541 --> 00:13:15,169 {\an8}should never neglect them at any given time. 246 00:13:16,921 --> 00:13:20,174 Look, I know you're just a kid and you assume it's a big deal to be an author, 247 00:13:20,174 --> 00:13:21,675 but that's not reality, okay? 248 00:13:21,675 --> 00:13:23,177 It's not like we're always eloquent, 249 00:13:23,177 --> 00:13:26,305 only using fancy words and speaking in clever phrases... 250 00:13:26,305 --> 00:13:28,808 We just only do that in our writing. 251 00:13:28,808 --> 00:13:31,519 How truly disappointing, 252 00:13:31,519 --> 00:13:34,897 with regard to your writing, as well as your existence. 253 00:13:34,897 --> 00:13:38,025 I can't find any excitement in either. [blows] 254 00:13:38,025 --> 00:13:39,568 {\an8}Go home, already! 255 00:13:39,568 --> 00:13:42,988 {\an8}I hate annoying brats like you. Get out of my face. 256 00:13:42,988 --> 00:13:44,740 Oh yeah? Well, that's too bad. 257 00:13:44,740 --> 00:13:47,952 You have no skill when it comes to writing or listening, it seems. 258 00:13:47,952 --> 00:13:49,495 That's very unfortunate. 259 00:13:49,495 --> 00:13:53,207 But at the end of the day, I'm assuming that's just who you are as a person. 260 00:13:53,207 --> 00:13:57,169 Listen here... if you think that I'm gonna quietly sit back and take it 261 00:13:57,169 --> 00:14:00,130 while you nonstop berate me, you're dead wrong. 262 00:14:00,130 --> 00:14:03,384 Children who make fun of adults learn lessons the hard way. 263 00:14:03,384 --> 00:14:06,679 You gonna drag me into a public bathroom and rape me? 264 00:14:06,679 --> 00:14:09,098 Cut me up, and toss the body? 265 00:14:09,098 --> 00:14:10,474 Wha-- 266 00:14:11,767 --> 00:14:13,060 [girl giggles] 267 00:14:14,728 --> 00:14:15,604 [N gasping] 268 00:14:15,604 --> 00:14:18,399 - I'm only joking with you. Goodbye. - Uh... 269 00:14:19,692 --> 00:14:23,237 [N] Huh? What the hell is this? 270 00:14:29,326 --> 00:14:30,744 [music fades] 271 00:14:30,744 --> 00:14:32,121 [birdsong] 272 00:14:37,918 --> 00:14:39,461 [grunts] 273 00:14:39,461 --> 00:14:41,046 Oh, my head... [retches] 274 00:14:44,633 --> 00:14:46,010 [groaning] 275 00:14:47,136 --> 00:14:49,138 - [door opens] - [retching] 276 00:14:50,180 --> 00:14:52,182 [toilet flushes] 277 00:14:53,851 --> 00:14:55,102 - [door creaking] - [groans] 278 00:14:56,729 --> 00:14:58,355 [water running] 279 00:14:58,355 --> 00:15:00,065 [gulping and spluttering] 280 00:15:00,858 --> 00:15:04,028 - [groans] This is the worst. - [rustling] 281 00:15:04,028 --> 00:15:04,987 Uh... 282 00:15:17,917 --> 00:15:19,251 [scoffs] 283 00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:22,046 Uh... 284 00:15:22,046 --> 00:15:25,007 SELF-INTRODUCTION BY N 285 00:15:26,008 --> 00:15:28,677 [Chopin's "Grande Valse Brillante, Op. 18" playing] 286 00:15:33,432 --> 00:15:35,935 [N] This is my handwriting... 287 00:15:39,396 --> 00:15:43,150 Self-Introduction. That's the title, huh? 288 00:15:43,651 --> 00:15:44,860 A novel? 289 00:15:45,903 --> 00:15:47,071 [scooter engine starts] 290 00:15:52,284 --> 00:15:54,662 Reading through it was simply bizarre. 291 00:15:54,662 --> 00:15:58,916 A story I knew nothing of, and handwriting I knew all too well. 292 00:15:59,458 --> 00:16:00,751 As far as the plot goes, 293 00:16:00,751 --> 00:16:04,296 if I'm being honest, I didn't quite get it. 294 00:16:04,296 --> 00:16:07,758 The sorrow of a middle-aged man is described in a detached manner, 295 00:16:07,758 --> 00:16:10,177 and I felt it was lacking in dynamics. 296 00:16:13,222 --> 00:16:14,682 [sighs] 297 00:16:18,310 --> 00:16:22,398 Looking back, it's unclear to me what kind of emotions I felt at the time. 298 00:16:22,398 --> 00:16:24,483 I'm far too removed. 299 00:16:24,483 --> 00:16:27,069 Confusion? Maybe desperation? 300 00:16:27,069 --> 00:16:28,988 And rage? 301 00:16:28,988 --> 00:16:31,115 I think that probably sums it up. 302 00:16:32,116 --> 00:16:33,492 {\an8}MR. S CENTRAL PUBLIC OPINION CO. 303 00:16:33,492 --> 00:16:35,452 What I do remember is that I wished 304 00:16:35,452 --> 00:16:37,913 the editor would just lose the draft again. 305 00:16:38,706 --> 00:16:41,083 That way, he'd be indebted to me. 306 00:16:41,083 --> 00:16:42,918 Worst case, I'd get apology money. 307 00:16:42,918 --> 00:16:46,213 Or I might get my work published out of charity. 308 00:16:46,213 --> 00:16:48,882 I should be able to get at least one of those. 309 00:16:51,927 --> 00:16:52,845 Guess that's it... 310 00:16:52,845 --> 00:16:53,804 EXTERMINATE DRUNKARDS 311 00:17:01,979 --> 00:17:03,272 [music fades] 312 00:17:03,272 --> 00:17:05,232 IMAIZUMI STORE 313 00:17:05,232 --> 00:17:06,316 [insects chirping] 314 00:17:06,316 --> 00:17:09,653 Uh-- Oh there he is, over there! Mr. N! 315 00:17:10,279 --> 00:17:11,864 CENTRAL PUBLIC OPINION CO. S 316 00:17:11,864 --> 00:17:15,659 [S] I had the chance read your manuscript, and I simply could not sit still! 317 00:17:16,952 --> 00:17:19,955 [N] This is all so sudden. I don't know what to... 318 00:17:19,955 --> 00:17:22,875 Are you talking about From the Shores of Stupor? 319 00:17:22,875 --> 00:17:27,087 [laughs] Of course not! Come on. No. Self-Introduction. 320 00:17:27,838 --> 00:17:30,716 Even though it's a short story, it's surprisingly robust. 321 00:17:30,716 --> 00:17:33,552 And it has a solid underlying universal theme. 322 00:17:34,845 --> 00:17:36,764 Anyway, I'll cut to the chase. 323 00:17:36,764 --> 00:17:38,390 I want it, Mr. N. 324 00:17:38,390 --> 00:17:41,560 I'd like Self-Introduction to open our next month's issue. 325 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:43,896 I have no doubt that it'll cause a major buzz, 326 00:17:43,896 --> 00:17:46,231 {\an8}and it's a perfect chance for you to make a comeback! 327 00:17:46,231 --> 00:17:47,441 - [gasps] - [S] What do you say? 328 00:17:47,441 --> 00:17:49,777 Will you please give me your permission to publish it? 329 00:17:49,777 --> 00:17:52,071 You seem really determined, huh? 330 00:17:52,071 --> 00:17:53,447 - [S] I am. - [gasps] 331 00:17:53,447 --> 00:17:57,326 I'm incredibly determined. No, captivated, even. 332 00:17:57,326 --> 00:18:00,662 It's rare for an editor to find a piece of writing he's passionate about 333 00:18:00,662 --> 00:18:02,748 and considers an amazing masterpiece. 334 00:18:02,748 --> 00:18:06,585 {\an8}If there's any request on your end, I promise I'll do all that I can. 335 00:18:08,462 --> 00:18:10,964 I don't have a problem with you publishing it. 336 00:18:11,715 --> 00:18:15,010 But is it possible for me to get paid sooner rather than later? 337 00:18:15,010 --> 00:18:16,845 - [S] Get paid? - Uh-huh. 338 00:18:17,513 --> 00:18:20,307 Ah, you mean your manuscript fee. I've got you! 339 00:18:20,307 --> 00:18:23,352 I'll speak with the editor-in-chief and our accounting department right away... 340 00:18:23,352 --> 00:18:26,063 [echoing] ...and come up with an amount that's satisfactory for you! 341 00:18:26,063 --> 00:18:29,441 - [N] I was beyond clueless back then. - [brisk version of Chopin's Funeral March] 342 00:18:29,441 --> 00:18:34,488 It was as if there was a thin membrane separating me from the rest of society. 343 00:18:35,030 --> 00:18:39,451 I was in a state of derealization. Experiencing a lack of reality. 344 00:18:39,451 --> 00:18:44,248 As if I were looking at the rest of the world from underwater. 345 00:18:44,248 --> 00:18:47,251 And what a peculiar view that was. 346 00:18:47,251 --> 00:18:49,962 Sure enough, that short story of 20 pages or so 347 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:52,714 became a hit and stirred up the scene. 348 00:18:52,714 --> 00:18:56,677 That magazine decided to order a reprint the day before it went on sale. 349 00:18:57,427 --> 00:19:01,640 {\an8}Apparently, it was the first time ever in the entire history of the magazine. 350 00:19:01,640 --> 00:19:03,517 - [tires screech] - [all] Huh? 351 00:19:10,023 --> 00:19:11,400 [music stops] 352 00:19:11,400 --> 00:19:14,695 Mr. N, sir, I'm so sorry to come by unannounced. 353 00:19:14,695 --> 00:19:17,030 I'm here to ask if you'll write a piece for us. 354 00:19:17,030 --> 00:19:19,324 - Who do you think you are? How rude! - Please hear me out. 355 00:19:19,324 --> 00:19:21,785 Allow me to discuss it with you in further detail, okay? 356 00:19:21,785 --> 00:19:22,870 HAKUBUNKAN, INC. B 357 00:19:22,870 --> 00:19:24,246 Wait. When did you-- 358 00:19:24,246 --> 00:19:26,206 But why do you want me? 359 00:19:26,206 --> 00:19:30,043 One thing about me is that I can spot great talent when I see it. 360 00:19:30,627 --> 00:19:33,422 I was so moved by your Self-Introduction. 361 00:19:33,422 --> 00:19:36,341 It made me look forward to reading whatever comes after. 362 00:19:36,341 --> 00:19:39,428 [scoffs] Oh, man, lady! You are so overstepping! 363 00:19:39,428 --> 00:19:41,638 I can't help how I feel. 364 00:19:42,389 --> 00:19:46,310 Plus, I'm certain we can accommodate any request you might have financially. 365 00:19:46,310 --> 00:19:47,936 This isn't a matter of money! 366 00:19:47,936 --> 00:19:50,105 [B] Oh? You can't deny money's important, though. 367 00:19:50,105 --> 00:19:51,899 I'll leave it to you two to hash it out. 368 00:19:51,899 --> 00:19:53,358 [in unison] Mr. N! 369 00:19:54,443 --> 00:19:56,111 DEPOSIT: 2,000,000 YEN 370 00:19:56,111 --> 00:19:57,988 [somber music playing] 371 00:19:57,988 --> 00:20:01,283 [N] The manuscript fee deposited into my bank was significant. 372 00:20:01,867 --> 00:20:03,827 Every single day, there was a line at my door 373 00:20:03,827 --> 00:20:06,246 of editors who figured out my address. 374 00:20:06,997 --> 00:20:09,708 And of course, each one wanted me to write for them. 375 00:20:10,792 --> 00:20:13,879 If I said it didn't make me happy, I'd be lying. 376 00:20:13,879 --> 00:20:17,424 Well, I should just be straightforward and admit that I was happy. 377 00:20:18,008 --> 00:20:20,969 There was an audience out there, waiting for my writing. 378 00:20:20,969 --> 00:20:22,596 When I thought about that fact, 379 00:20:22,596 --> 00:20:26,892 it filled me with joy, pride, and a sense of superiority. 380 00:20:27,476 --> 00:20:32,105 Even if it all came to be because of a novel I had no memory of writing. 381 00:20:38,362 --> 00:20:39,863 [growls] 382 00:20:41,156 --> 00:20:43,450 Damn it, I can't come up with anything. 383 00:20:44,409 --> 00:20:45,410 [groans] 384 00:20:45,994 --> 00:20:47,829 What's so great about this? Huh? 385 00:20:47,829 --> 00:20:48,872 SELF-INTRODUCTION BY N 386 00:20:48,872 --> 00:20:52,334 Makes me think no one has any reading comprehension these days. 387 00:20:52,918 --> 00:20:54,753 People just really love to talk. 388 00:20:54,753 --> 00:20:57,297 If someone proclaims it's interesting among their peers, 389 00:20:57,297 --> 00:20:58,590 everyone agrees with them. 390 00:20:58,590 --> 00:21:02,052 And if they say it's boring, then it magically becomes boring. 391 00:21:02,052 --> 00:21:04,137 It's all about gossip. 392 00:21:06,098 --> 00:21:07,724 [music fades] 393 00:21:07,724 --> 00:21:09,351 Here's the thing. 394 00:21:09,351 --> 00:21:13,272 I'm really sorry to do this, but I can't accept this. 395 00:21:13,814 --> 00:21:16,692 Has, um, something been troubling you lately? 396 00:21:17,526 --> 00:21:19,152 [N] What do you mean by that? 397 00:21:19,152 --> 00:21:24,283 Sorry. I'm not quite sure how to best put it into words, but... it's just... 398 00:21:24,866 --> 00:21:28,620 I read it, and it seemed like you were not your usual self. Something was off. 399 00:21:28,620 --> 00:21:32,332 [N] Are you trying to insinuate that I've gone crazy or somethin'? 400 00:21:32,332 --> 00:21:35,294 By "not my usual self," you mean out of my mind, huh? 401 00:21:35,294 --> 00:21:38,130 I must apologize for repeatedly prodding you to write. 402 00:21:38,797 --> 00:21:42,175 It seems as if my actions may have had a negative effect on your motivation. 403 00:21:42,175 --> 00:21:46,305 {\an8}I let my excitement get the better of me. It's entirely my fault! 404 00:21:47,639 --> 00:21:49,599 But still, If you don't mind me asking, 405 00:21:49,599 --> 00:21:51,685 was this perhaps written by a student of yours? 406 00:21:51,685 --> 00:21:53,186 - [gasps] - [S] It's too unrefined to-- 407 00:21:53,186 --> 00:21:56,690 Are you accusing me of having someone else write this for me? Really? 408 00:21:57,232 --> 00:22:00,861 It's just that it seemed the only logical explanation. 409 00:22:00,861 --> 00:22:03,905 I mean, if someone else with less talent or experience wrote it, 410 00:22:03,905 --> 00:22:05,699 then that would explain the quality. 411 00:22:05,699 --> 00:22:08,869 Because if I'm looking at this novel objectively... 412 00:22:08,869 --> 00:22:10,287 - [N] Enough. - [gasps] 413 00:22:10,287 --> 00:22:14,624 You're not the only literary magazine out there. I'll take this somewhere else. 414 00:22:14,624 --> 00:22:16,626 I won't accept no for an answer. 415 00:22:18,128 --> 00:22:20,255 Very well, then. Do whatever you need to. 416 00:22:20,255 --> 00:22:22,341 We won't be needing that manuscript after all. 417 00:22:23,175 --> 00:22:24,509 [grunts] 418 00:22:26,762 --> 00:22:28,305 [B sighs] I'm sorry. 419 00:22:28,305 --> 00:22:30,557 I did take a look, but I can't help. 420 00:22:31,224 --> 00:22:33,518 I'm afraid short stories aren't my area. 421 00:22:34,770 --> 00:22:36,980 Ridiculous. What kind of excuse is that? 422 00:22:36,980 --> 00:22:38,482 I'm so sorry. 423 00:22:39,024 --> 00:22:42,402 But either way, I'm really glad that you reached out to me for this. 424 00:22:42,402 --> 00:22:44,863 How about you write a novel for us? What do you say? 425 00:22:44,863 --> 00:22:46,990 That's nothing but lip service. 426 00:22:46,990 --> 00:22:50,827 [B sighs] If you don't believe me, what else can I tell you? 427 00:22:50,827 --> 00:22:52,412 At least give it to me straight. 428 00:22:52,412 --> 00:22:55,540 I want to hear your honest thoughts on the story. No holding back. 429 00:22:55,540 --> 00:22:56,666 What did you think? 430 00:22:56,666 --> 00:22:59,961 I showed it to another editor and he thought it was written by someone else. 431 00:22:59,961 --> 00:23:01,630 He wouldn't stop shitting on it. 432 00:23:01,630 --> 00:23:04,341 Oh, you must mean Mr. S, right? 433 00:23:05,133 --> 00:23:07,260 I do. But it doesn't matter. 434 00:23:07,260 --> 00:23:09,429 I think you have a better eye than him. 435 00:23:10,305 --> 00:23:11,973 [B] Let me think... 436 00:23:11,973 --> 00:23:15,310 Setting aside whether or not it was you who actually wrote it, 437 00:23:15,310 --> 00:23:19,648 and the fact that I'm only in charge of long novels and not short stories... 438 00:23:19,648 --> 00:23:21,066 I'd say... 439 00:23:21,775 --> 00:23:23,610 It just didn't feel like a novel. 440 00:23:23,610 --> 00:23:27,572 It was like being made to listen to a dream someone has with no punchline. 441 00:23:27,572 --> 00:23:29,032 [gasps] 442 00:23:29,032 --> 00:23:31,576 Sorry, that's only my personal reaction. 443 00:23:31,576 --> 00:23:33,412 I'm sure if you show it to another person, 444 00:23:33,412 --> 00:23:35,622 they'll say something completely different. 445 00:23:36,164 --> 00:23:37,499 [N grumbles] It's fine. 446 00:23:37,499 --> 00:23:39,209 [ringing tone] 447 00:23:39,209 --> 00:23:40,293 [click] 448 00:23:40,293 --> 00:23:42,212 [N] I can't take it anymore. 449 00:23:42,212 --> 00:23:46,049 I didn't write Self-Introduction! It's borrowed. 450 00:23:46,049 --> 00:23:48,468 No, it's plagiarized! 451 00:23:48,468 --> 00:23:51,388 [S] Mr. N, please calm down. Listen. 452 00:23:51,388 --> 00:23:53,974 No one understands how talented you are better than me. 453 00:23:53,974 --> 00:23:56,935 [N] No! My talent has long since dried up! 454 00:23:56,935 --> 00:24:00,439 [S] That's not true at all. You're not in your right mind right now. 455 00:24:00,439 --> 00:24:03,608 I know you've been drinking, but I'm worried about you... 456 00:24:03,608 --> 00:24:06,903 - [Chopin's "Prelude no. 7" resumes] - Don't worry about me, I'm fine. 457 00:24:06,903 --> 00:24:10,574 Wanna know why? 'Cause I'm not gonna write anything at all! 458 00:24:11,783 --> 00:24:14,703 Damn it! It's all that stupid kid's fault! 459 00:24:14,703 --> 00:24:17,998 She said all that messed-up shit, and it all went downhill from there! 460 00:24:17,998 --> 00:24:19,249 I'm done! 461 00:24:27,674 --> 00:24:29,342 - [banging at door] - [doorbell ringing] 462 00:24:29,342 --> 00:24:30,552 [landlord] Please! Calm down. 463 00:24:30,552 --> 00:24:32,512 - [door unlocks] - [S] Mr. N? Mr. N! 464 00:24:33,263 --> 00:24:35,474 - Mr. N! Are you okay, Mr. N? - [landlord] Huh? 465 00:24:35,474 --> 00:24:37,851 - [N groans] What? - [door closes] 466 00:24:37,851 --> 00:24:40,103 Oh, thank God... 467 00:24:40,103 --> 00:24:43,356 After that whole conversation last night, I got so worried. 468 00:24:43,356 --> 00:24:44,816 [N] Ohh... 469 00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:47,777 I tried calling you, but you never picked up. 470 00:24:47,777 --> 00:24:49,988 I thought maybe something bad had happened. 471 00:24:50,489 --> 00:24:52,073 Uh... Is that... 472 00:24:53,033 --> 00:24:54,284 Oh, wow! Mr. N! 473 00:24:54,284 --> 00:24:56,203 - [N] Huh? - [S] Is this what you were up to? 474 00:24:56,203 --> 00:24:57,537 THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER BY N 475 00:24:57,537 --> 00:24:59,873 - What have you written? - Huh? 476 00:24:59,873 --> 00:25:01,458 [Chopin's "Minute Waltz" playing] 477 00:25:01,458 --> 00:25:02,876 [grunts] 478 00:25:04,628 --> 00:25:05,837 Mmm... 479 00:25:05,837 --> 00:25:10,175 This is such marvelous work! I can't believe it! 480 00:25:10,175 --> 00:25:14,012 I know I've only read the beginning so far, but I can already tell! 481 00:25:14,012 --> 00:25:17,516 This here is a masterpiece. There is no denying it! 482 00:25:17,516 --> 00:25:19,893 Your passion can't be topped, Mr. N. 483 00:25:19,893 --> 00:25:21,853 My passion? 484 00:25:21,853 --> 00:25:23,313 This piece transcends time, 485 00:25:23,313 --> 00:25:26,191 cutting through time itself to be experienced by us. 486 00:25:26,191 --> 00:25:28,610 I've never read such a powerful opening! 487 00:25:29,277 --> 00:25:32,864 Sir? I'm sure you're exhausted, but I do have a request. 488 00:25:32,864 --> 00:25:35,700 Sir, I'd like you to meet the editor-in-chief. 489 00:25:47,212 --> 00:25:49,589 [man] Please, go on, Mr. N. Have a cup. 490 00:25:49,589 --> 00:25:52,259 Pardon me, sir. Here you are. 491 00:25:52,259 --> 00:25:53,301 Oh... 492 00:25:56,930 --> 00:25:59,224 Now then, let's get down to business, shall we? 493 00:25:59,224 --> 00:26:01,726 S told me quite a bit about your new work already. 494 00:26:02,477 --> 00:26:05,939 First of all, I have absolute faith in his reading comprehension, 495 00:26:05,939 --> 00:26:09,442 sense of aesthetics, fervor and raw talent as an editor. 496 00:26:09,442 --> 00:26:11,444 That's why it means a lot when I say 497 00:26:11,444 --> 00:26:13,905 I haven't seen him praise a piece of writing this much 498 00:26:13,905 --> 00:26:15,699 since your Self-Introduction! 499 00:26:15,699 --> 00:26:18,368 After he turned down From the Shores of Stupor, 500 00:26:18,368 --> 00:26:21,997 I got another magazine to publish it instead, but, um... 501 00:26:21,997 --> 00:26:25,500 It got completely slammed by the public and didn't fly at all. 502 00:26:26,501 --> 00:26:28,378 That's past. 503 00:26:28,378 --> 00:26:30,672 This publication is going to be a sensation. 504 00:26:30,672 --> 00:26:33,008 A real renaissance of literature. 505 00:26:33,008 --> 00:26:34,092 Right... 506 00:26:34,092 --> 00:26:38,305 Well, it's yours now. Do whatever you want with that manuscript. 507 00:26:38,305 --> 00:26:41,766 - I won't complain or argue or anything. - Huh? 508 00:26:41,766 --> 00:26:43,977 I think the anxiety you have about your writing 509 00:26:43,977 --> 00:26:46,271 only proves you're a sincere person. 510 00:26:46,271 --> 00:26:47,689 You don't see being an author 511 00:26:47,689 --> 00:26:51,067 in terms of how much money or fame or power it might be able to bring you. 512 00:26:51,067 --> 00:26:52,527 You're an artist. 513 00:26:53,403 --> 00:26:54,863 Uh... I'm not anxious. 514 00:26:55,572 --> 00:26:57,699 Trust us, and let us take care of the rest. 515 00:26:59,159 --> 00:27:00,660 [somber music playing] 516 00:27:02,746 --> 00:27:04,497 [N] It all felt so strange. 517 00:27:05,707 --> 00:27:08,084 Editors insisted that I wrote the manuscript, 518 00:27:08,084 --> 00:27:10,920 even though I have no recollection of writing whatsoever. 519 00:27:10,920 --> 00:27:14,215 Even when I told them that, they tried to persuade me otherwise. 520 00:27:17,802 --> 00:27:19,721 {\an8}- It's just... - Yes? 521 00:27:20,472 --> 00:27:24,309 [N] Actually... can I take another look at the manuscript? 522 00:27:24,934 --> 00:27:26,519 Of course, sir! 523 00:27:27,729 --> 00:27:30,607 [N] It was a baffling experience. 524 00:27:30,607 --> 00:27:34,486 It felt foreign and familiar, all at the same time. 525 00:27:35,070 --> 00:27:39,199 It was certainly my writing, but then again, it really wasn't. 526 00:27:39,199 --> 00:27:43,119 Of course I was confused. Anyone would be, in this situation. 527 00:27:43,119 --> 00:27:45,205 I was looking at a portrait of myself, 528 00:27:45,205 --> 00:27:48,667 and realizing it differed from the face I saw in the mirror. 529 00:27:53,588 --> 00:27:54,714 [sighs] 530 00:27:55,465 --> 00:27:56,675 Mr. N? 531 00:27:57,676 --> 00:27:58,760 [N] I read it. 532 00:28:00,387 --> 00:28:01,680 What did you think of it? 533 00:28:05,225 --> 00:28:08,770 - It's not bad. - Right? [chuckles] 534 00:28:08,770 --> 00:28:11,481 [N] The Elves and the Shoemaker. 535 00:28:11,481 --> 00:28:15,568 [S] It's a richly allegorical, beautiful title. The perfect fit. 536 00:28:16,277 --> 00:28:17,445 I agree. 537 00:28:18,697 --> 00:28:19,948 {\an8}Beautiful. 538 00:28:20,740 --> 00:28:21,741 Yes. 539 00:28:22,450 --> 00:28:25,704 [N] It's beautiful. I'm sure... 540 00:28:28,373 --> 00:28:31,251 Uh... yep, there's no denying it. 541 00:28:34,003 --> 00:28:36,214 [sighs shakily] 542 00:28:37,465 --> 00:28:41,219 [voice breaking] This piece is simply wonderful. Isn't it? 543 00:28:41,219 --> 00:28:44,681 Mmm. You're absolutely correct. Of course! 544 00:28:45,640 --> 00:28:48,601 It looks like it's going to be my magnum opus then. 545 00:28:48,601 --> 00:28:50,562 This is just brilliant. 546 00:28:51,771 --> 00:28:53,148 [laughs] 547 00:28:53,148 --> 00:28:55,108 Yes, I'm confident it will be! 548 00:28:55,108 --> 00:28:56,317 [laughing] 549 00:28:56,317 --> 00:28:59,487 Absolutely... fantastic... 550 00:29:01,364 --> 00:29:02,991 [upbeat jazz playing] 551 00:29:03,825 --> 00:29:06,244 [man 1] Tell us how you feel about receiving these awards. 552 00:29:06,244 --> 00:29:08,288 [man 2] Was the protagonist based on you? 553 00:29:08,288 --> 00:29:11,166 Did it take a lot of biding your time and trusting the process? 554 00:29:11,166 --> 00:29:14,377 What's next for you? Do you have anything you're currently writing? 555 00:29:14,377 --> 00:29:15,587 {\an8}Hmm. 556 00:29:18,465 --> 00:29:20,550 THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER 557 00:29:23,094 --> 00:29:26,473 CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER 558 00:29:29,517 --> 00:29:32,145 MORE IMPACTFUL THAN HIS PREVIOUS WORK! 559 00:29:40,320 --> 00:29:42,030 [phone ringing] 560 00:29:46,367 --> 00:29:48,953 - Mr. N, this is B. - Oh, hello. 561 00:29:48,953 --> 00:29:51,247 [B] Thank you very much for your time today. 562 00:29:51,247 --> 00:29:54,709 The president was delighted he got to spend some quality time with you. 563 00:29:54,709 --> 00:29:58,213 About your new book, we've decided to preemptively go into reprint 564 00:29:58,213 --> 00:29:59,672 before it goes on sale! 565 00:29:59,672 --> 00:30:01,257 {\an8}THE LATEST BOOK BY BEST-SELLING AUTHOR N 566 00:30:01,257 --> 00:30:04,969 We also thought about it, and since it'll be our first time publishing your work, 567 00:30:04,969 --> 00:30:07,764 we'll be, um... putting extra effort into sales. 568 00:30:08,973 --> 00:30:12,852 So, anyway, Mr. N, I hope through all of this that you're taking care of yourself. 569 00:30:12,852 --> 00:30:15,522 You've published five long novels already. 570 00:30:15,522 --> 00:30:18,233 Between the writing itself, and endless meetings and events, 571 00:30:18,233 --> 00:30:20,068 have you even had time to rest? 572 00:30:20,068 --> 00:30:22,237 [N] Yeah. I'm getting plenty of sleep. 573 00:30:22,237 --> 00:30:24,030 But thank you. Bye! 574 00:30:24,030 --> 00:30:25,281 [hangs up] 575 00:30:28,326 --> 00:30:30,286 [poignant music playing] 576 00:30:30,286 --> 00:30:33,122 [N] Right, there's nothing to worry about. 577 00:30:34,791 --> 00:30:37,669 Okay! This is good. Let me out. 578 00:30:40,213 --> 00:30:44,092 [driver gasps] Sir, the bill has already been taken care of. 579 00:30:44,092 --> 00:30:46,678 Doesn't matter! Take it. 580 00:30:47,887 --> 00:30:49,889 [humming happily] 581 00:30:52,350 --> 00:30:54,477 "I feel both intense ecstasy, 582 00:30:54,477 --> 00:30:57,564 and the crippling terror of being among the chosen." 583 00:30:57,564 --> 00:30:58,690 Hah. 584 00:30:59,566 --> 00:31:01,234 [laughs] 585 00:31:02,527 --> 00:31:04,320 Arrogant self-esteem. 586 00:31:04,988 --> 00:31:07,574 Or was it actually "shame"? 587 00:31:08,950 --> 00:31:10,660 Wha... Huh? 588 00:31:11,786 --> 00:31:13,037 [gasps] 589 00:31:14,747 --> 00:31:16,332 [breathing shakily] 590 00:31:19,961 --> 00:31:23,089 NO TRESPASSING DO NOT ENTER 591 00:31:24,465 --> 00:31:26,467 [trembling] 592 00:31:41,733 --> 00:31:42,859 Huh? 593 00:31:45,403 --> 00:31:46,779 [gasps] 594 00:32:00,209 --> 00:32:01,878 - [splashing] - [N panting] 595 00:32:02,670 --> 00:32:05,048 [slow version of "Prelude no. 7" playing] 596 00:32:05,965 --> 00:32:08,217 [panting and splashing slowed and echoing] 597 00:32:17,518 --> 00:32:19,145 [sobbing] 598 00:32:24,442 --> 00:32:26,444 [sobbing] 599 00:32:30,073 --> 00:32:32,533 - [girl] It's been a while. - [gasps] 600 00:32:37,664 --> 00:32:38,706 {\an8}What's wrong? 601 00:32:38,706 --> 00:32:40,166 [N shudders] 602 00:32:41,042 --> 00:32:42,126 Huh? 603 00:32:43,503 --> 00:32:45,338 Where am I? 604 00:32:45,964 --> 00:32:49,884 A park. In fact, the one where you and I met for the first time. 605 00:32:49,884 --> 00:32:52,762 [N gasps] But I don't live here anymore. 606 00:32:52,762 --> 00:32:55,348 I moved to an apartment on the edge of downtown Tokyo, 607 00:32:55,348 --> 00:32:57,976 and then to a nicer place in the center of the city. 608 00:32:57,976 --> 00:33:01,396 And I just had a dinner party with the president of a publishing company, 609 00:33:01,396 --> 00:33:04,023 and then I was heading home in a taxi. 610 00:33:04,023 --> 00:33:07,944 No way. No way I would return to this damn backwater town. 611 00:33:08,736 --> 00:33:10,363 [sobbing] 612 00:33:19,080 --> 00:33:21,958 Say, are you getting close to finishing your writing? 613 00:33:23,001 --> 00:33:23,918 For what? 614 00:33:24,961 --> 00:33:27,672 For your novel. Obviously. 615 00:33:27,672 --> 00:33:28,881 [N sighs] 616 00:33:29,966 --> 00:33:30,883 What's wrong? 617 00:33:30,883 --> 00:33:35,430 One book's due next month, and I have two more to finish by the end of the year. 618 00:33:36,431 --> 00:33:38,266 I don't mean those ones. 619 00:33:38,766 --> 00:33:39,934 Huh? 620 00:33:40,727 --> 00:33:43,062 I'm talking about the one that you showed me last time, 621 00:33:43,062 --> 00:33:44,897 about the young man who's a murderer. 622 00:33:44,897 --> 00:33:46,649 Whatever happened to that? 623 00:33:47,275 --> 00:33:48,526 [N sighs] 624 00:33:48,526 --> 00:33:50,528 I thought you were going to rework it? 625 00:33:51,195 --> 00:33:53,781 [N] That one's a lost cause. I'm over it. 626 00:33:53,781 --> 00:33:55,116 How come? 627 00:33:55,116 --> 00:33:56,617 [grunting] 628 00:33:58,161 --> 00:34:01,539 Why are you asking me about that one, when you told me it was boring? 629 00:34:02,123 --> 00:34:04,542 You're right, I'm not going to deny that. 630 00:34:05,293 --> 00:34:07,545 But still, if you don't write that story, 631 00:34:08,796 --> 00:34:11,007 what exactly can you write? 632 00:34:11,007 --> 00:34:12,425 [gasps] 633 00:34:12,425 --> 00:34:14,343 Is that... a joke? 634 00:34:14,886 --> 00:34:17,722 Do you have any idea who the hell I am, you little brat? 635 00:34:17,722 --> 00:34:20,516 I've published a ton of books since the last time we met. 636 00:34:21,184 --> 00:34:22,393 Really, now? 637 00:34:22,393 --> 00:34:25,646 It's true! And every one of them was a bestseller! 638 00:34:25,646 --> 00:34:29,150 Any publisher would kill to get their hands on just one of my manuscripts... 639 00:34:29,150 --> 00:34:31,110 Since I'm a bestselling... 640 00:34:31,110 --> 00:34:33,071 - [low rumbling] - [weakly] ...author... 641 00:34:33,071 --> 00:34:35,031 - [trembling] - [girl] Is that true? 642 00:34:39,577 --> 00:34:40,953 Are you sure? 643 00:34:40,953 --> 00:34:43,039 [whimpering] 644 00:34:47,919 --> 00:34:49,212 [sighs] 645 00:34:50,213 --> 00:34:51,297 [whimpering] 646 00:34:51,297 --> 00:34:53,091 [girl] Were they actually your novels? 647 00:34:53,091 --> 00:34:56,469 [N] What do you mean, were they my novels? Of course... 648 00:34:56,469 --> 00:34:59,055 What the hell? What are you trying to say? 649 00:34:59,597 --> 00:35:00,807 [girl] Are you stupid? 650 00:35:00,807 --> 00:35:03,935 When you refer to a novel as being yours, 651 00:35:03,935 --> 00:35:07,021 shouldn't the storyline within it be yours as well? 652 00:35:07,021 --> 00:35:11,234 But if you haven't been writing at all, I'm done wasting my time with you. 653 00:35:11,859 --> 00:35:13,486 How disappointing. Goodbye. 654 00:35:13,486 --> 00:35:16,239 Wait! Wait... Hold on... [yelps] 655 00:35:17,240 --> 00:35:19,075 - [gasps] - [chiming sounds] 656 00:35:19,075 --> 00:35:21,160 [Chopin's "Raindrop Prelude" playing] 657 00:35:26,916 --> 00:35:29,210 If none of those stories are actually my work, 658 00:35:29,210 --> 00:35:31,587 then who the hell has been writing them? 659 00:35:35,550 --> 00:35:37,051 [sobs] 660 00:35:39,512 --> 00:35:41,139 Sometimes I wake up. 661 00:35:41,139 --> 00:35:44,183 Sitting there on top of my desk is a whole new story, 662 00:35:45,143 --> 00:35:46,519 in my handwriting, 663 00:35:47,103 --> 00:35:49,522 on subjects that I would write about. 664 00:35:49,522 --> 00:35:51,482 But I have no memory of 'em. 665 00:35:52,483 --> 00:35:53,484 Huh... 666 00:35:53,484 --> 00:35:54,902 [groans] 667 00:35:56,195 --> 00:35:59,949 It was me, wasn't it? Why won't you say I wrote them? 668 00:36:00,533 --> 00:36:04,036 But you know the answer to that better than anyone, isn't that right? 669 00:36:04,036 --> 00:36:05,872 [sighs] 670 00:36:06,914 --> 00:36:09,542 That's the problem. I can't tell. 671 00:36:10,459 --> 00:36:11,836 [girl laughs] You can't? 672 00:36:11,836 --> 00:36:14,255 The handwriting... It is mine. 673 00:36:15,298 --> 00:36:19,510 The quirks, the phrasing, it's so familiar. [sobs] 674 00:36:19,510 --> 00:36:22,805 But I can't tell what's so good about the writing. 675 00:36:22,805 --> 00:36:26,309 No matter how many times I read, I don't find it exciting. 676 00:36:26,309 --> 00:36:29,020 I can't even comprehend the context. 677 00:36:29,729 --> 00:36:31,647 But everyone gives it so much praise. 678 00:36:31,647 --> 00:36:33,524 They call it a masterpiece. 679 00:36:33,524 --> 00:36:36,485 A timeless classic that will go down in history. 680 00:36:37,069 --> 00:36:39,697 It's like I slipped into another dimension. 681 00:36:39,697 --> 00:36:42,366 Trapped here forever in solitude. 682 00:36:42,366 --> 00:36:44,202 So painfully alone. 683 00:36:44,827 --> 00:36:47,997 Everybody around me is like a totally different species. 684 00:36:47,997 --> 00:36:50,166 Do you have any idea how that feels? 685 00:36:50,166 --> 00:36:53,169 I'm terrified. I feel like I'm losing my mind. 686 00:36:53,169 --> 00:36:57,632 {\an8}Then again, how could anyone be expected to keep their sanity living like that? 687 00:37:00,676 --> 00:37:02,428 {\an8}But I grin and bear it! 688 00:37:02,428 --> 00:37:06,557 {\an8}I keep my mouth shut and pretend I'm the same kind of creature they are! 689 00:37:11,103 --> 00:37:12,480 {\an8}Aw, I'm sorry. 690 00:37:12,480 --> 00:37:13,689 [gasps] 691 00:37:13,689 --> 00:37:18,736 But it was your choice to accept it, to continue living that way. 692 00:37:18,736 --> 00:37:21,948 Even now, you're choosing not to resist it. 693 00:37:21,948 --> 00:37:24,700 And there's nothing I can do to change that, 694 00:37:24,700 --> 00:37:28,913 because my only interest has been about your novel. 695 00:37:30,081 --> 00:37:31,624 So goodbye. 696 00:37:31,624 --> 00:37:33,000 [groans] 697 00:37:33,000 --> 00:37:34,585 [chiming sounds] 698 00:37:34,585 --> 00:37:35,878 [gasps] 699 00:37:37,129 --> 00:37:38,589 [wind gusting] 700 00:37:38,589 --> 00:37:40,675 [gentle music playing] 701 00:37:45,137 --> 00:37:46,806 - [door opens] - [woman] Welcome home, honey. 702 00:37:49,600 --> 00:37:51,394 [N grunts shakily] 703 00:38:05,449 --> 00:38:07,076 [gasps] 704 00:38:08,452 --> 00:38:10,454 [crying] 705 00:38:11,163 --> 00:38:13,541 [gasps] Huh? 706 00:38:13,541 --> 00:38:15,042 [mother] It's all right. 707 00:38:15,042 --> 00:38:17,169 [chuckles] There, there. 708 00:38:18,587 --> 00:38:19,839 [chuckles] 709 00:38:25,011 --> 00:38:27,013 [music swells] 710 00:38:31,600 --> 00:38:32,601 [no audible dialogue] 711 00:38:46,324 --> 00:38:48,701 FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR BY N 712 00:38:52,913 --> 00:38:54,915 [no audible dialogue] 713 00:39:01,088 --> 00:39:03,090 [no audible dialogue] 714 00:39:09,180 --> 00:39:10,431 THE END 715 00:39:29,992 --> 00:39:31,410 [music fades] 716 00:39:31,410 --> 00:39:33,537 [insects chirping softly] 717 00:39:37,375 --> 00:39:38,751 [groans] 718 00:39:38,751 --> 00:39:41,712 EXTERMINATE DRUNKARDS 719 00:39:42,505 --> 00:39:44,965 [groaning] 720 00:39:48,677 --> 00:39:50,763 - [rustling] - Huh? 721 00:39:51,597 --> 00:39:53,516 [gasps] Huh? 722 00:39:56,602 --> 00:39:58,229 FROM THE SHORES OF STUPOR BY N 723 00:39:58,229 --> 00:39:59,647 {\an8}[gasps] 724 00:39:59,647 --> 00:40:01,190 ["Prelude no. 7" resumes] 725 00:40:01,190 --> 00:40:02,983 [N choking] 726 00:40:03,859 --> 00:40:05,861 - [sighs] - [wind gusting] 727 00:40:24,880 --> 00:40:31,262 {\an8}BREAKING NEWS SUDDEN DEATH OF BESTSELLING AUTHOR N 728 00:40:42,273 --> 00:40:43,732 [music fades] 729 00:40:45,651 --> 00:40:49,113 [lively version of Chopin's "Funeral March" playing] 730 00:40:58,914 --> 00:41:01,333 {\an8}THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER BY N 731 00:42:38,013 --> 00:42:39,265 THE END 732 00:42:39,265 --> 00:42:40,808 [music stops]