Flowers and Rain
What?
For Mum?
Yeah.
Flowers aren't as good here.
It's that different?
You don't know.
But I like it better here.
You won't get him back?
I want to talk back, but...
Hey. You transferred here, so you better drop the attitude.
Pass the darn ball.
You'll mess up our evaluations.
Teacher said you gotta fit in.
Oh, you mad?
Listening to a cassette? What a loser.
This thing's old.
Gimme those.
What's this? English?
Where was he? London?
Think you're special?
Can't understand Japanese?
"Know what I'm saying"?
Looks like an ape.
Good one.
Can't he speak?
Don't run, ape boy.
You're a good student. You can succeed anywhere.
Why don't you get it?
I don't get it!
I wanted to go on to university there.
We've gone over this. Think of your father.
We wanted to stay too, but it was sudden. It's a recession...
Stop stubbornly speaking English.
Speak Japanese!
Should we have left you there?!
Hey!
Being stubborn won't help you adjust. You hear me?
Hey! Drop that!
It's dangerous! Put it down!
Give it to me. Come on, you two.
It's dangerous! Hey! Come on...
Tagged one.
Tagged two.
Hey, it's stupid ape boy.
- Don't blank me, idiot. - Go easy, man.
He skips school but acts all cool.
It pisses me off.
You barely got into high school.
Thanks to your dad.
His money. You're untouchable.
Life is connections and money.
Hey ape boy. Troglodyte. Say something funny.
Better learn how to talk.
Ape boy! Ape boy! Hey!
Hey ape boy! Monkey, monkey!
Huh? What's this? Uh-oh.
We made him angry?
Look at him go.
Knock it off!
Hey, calm down!
Gimme some weed later.
Yo! Okay, listen 38cm baggies, white force ones
4XL lifestyle, still Biggs
My hip-hop shows a big tomorrow The next episode, that Third Man flow
My words blow kush, purple haze
Whoa. You go to my high school.
Which class? I've never seen you.
That's a lot of records! You like hip-hop?
Oh man, lend me some.
But our school bans part-time jobs. Allowance? You rich?
Look, they were a present. I was given them.
Man, you're crazy. Nuts.
You go next. Kick some butt!
What a face.
Darn, I rap so much, I might not graduate.
Y'all know me, on the beat it's Aida I got punchlines for your butt
This guy's knew to ya, he's my junior A regular high school brawler
Still getting robbed at your age? To that uniform, you're a disgrace
You still look like a middle-schooler You better check yourself, loser
Go for it!
"Seeda releases new album 'Green'"
Three years later
This beat is rubbish.
Man, I'm never gonna beat that.
Hey! How you been?
When did you get back?
The other day. Been busy.
How was it?
Crazy. My hometown loves me.
Put me on next time. I'll rap totally in English.
Shortcuts suck, dude. It ain't that easy.
I heard. You guys are making a new album?
Play the last demo we did.
Nah, it's not ready. Sorry.
You're nervous. Not listening.
- Gimme a break. - No way.
Aida's a strict teacher.
He hasn't changed since you went back to NYC.
If you want to rap in English, get big in Japan first.
Make better beats then.
- It's the beats' fault? - You're biting.
Don't you get it? I'm keeping it fresh!
Cool it, cool it.
Lots of good Japanese rappers now. Don't wanna get left behind.
But we all know you're an original.
Don't go easy on him. Be honest.
Show me.
Dropping out?
I found it. You know what.
For real. Right under my nose. Know what I mean?
I'll tell you later.
Yeah. Gotta go see a client now.
Mark, relax. Alright.
...rap breaks in pop songs are common now,
and rap has become an established form of singing...
Today you heard so-called "real Japanese rap."
Next time we'll compare it with U.S. rap.
That's trash, idiot.
What? You students these days...
This group ain't hip-hop.
Why compare Nas to this? I know real rappers!
Fascinating. You rap, do you?
I throw down with real hip-hoppers.
That's nice.
Don't you get it? That's just wordplay. Not even that.
They ain't hungry! They can't write lyrics!
I don't care. Don't ever come back. No bad vibes in here.
Are we clear?
Hello? Um, it's me.
Hi. Long time no see.
- You changed the lock? - No.
Where'd my key go?
It's okay, I was up.
Still studying? You're hardcore.
You too.
You never answer your phone, but you call me now?
Yeah?
Still up?
Yeah, what?
I'm kinda hungry...
Oh. Wanna go to that place?
Yeah.
I'll wait downstairs.
Rings under your eyes.
Oh no...
I can't sleep.
That dog won't shut up, even on my days off.
Still doesn't like you?
It never will.
You never come home anymore.
Mom's cooking's that bad?
Nah...
It's just too good for me.
You forgot the taste.
Don't tell me...
...you've got a girlfriend?
You stay with her?
You know I'm no good with girls.
Money before hos.
How dare you. I bet you're dating a classmate.
You lose that bet.
Are you going to class?
Hey, don't drop out again.
Alright.
You studied so hard...
You're Mom now?
Work's been busy.
Yeah? Good. Music? You and Aida?
Get me tickets.
Sure...
What about you, and your super boyfriend?
We broke up already.
To focus on work and study?
You hustle real hard too.
Oh. You're early.
You're late.
Yoshida, you've got more talent for this than music.
Hey.
I heard there's a place in Hokkaido where it grows wild.
Want to go?
Too far.
Get it for free. Even if it's bad, you can sell it to morons. Right?
Got a pen?
A treasure map.
Great way to kill time.
30,000.
- It was 10,000 a baggie. - 15,000 now.
Seriously? But that's...not fair...
I told you already.
Yeah!
Don't want it?
You're breaking my heart...
See ya. Next time.
Thanks.
Feeling inspired?
You look like a weirdo.
Cool, right?
I met my wife's mom and dad.
You grifter... It's their fault for falling for it.
You'll regret it one day.
Not gonna count?
Sold some to my wife's dad. Sorry.
You stupid idiot.
Kelly, this is bad. Time to grow up.
You're short. Where's the rest?
Hey!
Yeah?
Should I do the overdubs again?
How's this?
You don't hate it?
Maybe.
Be honest for once.
Who's he?
That guy. Yoshida.
The guy you're pushing?
Hey there. I'm Bessho.
He makes beats too?
No, I rap. As a hobby.
Hobby? We put out an album.
It didn't sell.
Quit saying that. The next one will.
Japan's a waste of time.
You're like a broken record.
How come?
His stuff doesn't sell, so he blames it on Japan.
Want some?
Yeah! Thanks.
How much?
10,000.
No way.
I like him.
Yoshida, rap for me.
- Next time. - Running away?
My dealer got busted. Hook me up again.
We'll finish up tomorrow.
- I won't. - Huh?
Rappers gotta hustle.
Hey...
What's up with him?
Nothing. He never listens.
Yoshida, whassup?
Oh man...
A party. Big score.
For real?
That CEO's shady. Always with a new woman.
But he buys a lot. Dude, wise up already.
2,000,000 in one night. No no, maybe more.
- We can't sell that much. - We can. Us three.
If we do this well, we'll get more work.
Satomi, got any beer?
Sure do.
Hokkaido was like Vancouver.
Japan ain't so bad. Loads of weed.
Quit yapping.
Who's yapping?
Mark, I got evidence.
Don't keep that thing.
You're on a roll.
What's this?
Hey Kame. This is solid gold. Like it?
Not bad.
You jealous?
You've learned well.
Keep it up. I'm counting on you.
Here's your bonus.
Thanks man.
No problem.
How's things?
Never been better.
You cut ties with Aida?
Oh, that?
Hey Yoshida.
How much you making?
This much.
So Bessho, how do you make money?
I work, part-time.
A job?
How many days?
Three a week.
Three? And you don't live at home?
How do you eat after paying rent?
That's the problem.
Rent makes my pay fly away
Love for weed makes my pay fly away
Only life's left in my ashtray
First class to Jamaica Watch me fly away
Yo Bessho Our lives are crazy
I slang, they smoke, vision gets hazy This thing is risky
No way, I don't pump bad dope In five minutes, the purest flies away
Rap gets me gold chains
I excel at freaking too, sorry man
I don't need Divine to do me a favour
Reality and heaven'll flip on ya
Gifts for my momma, Dear Mama
OGs taught me how to sell marijuana
Now it's years later Booty-butt beats by Aida
- They ain't that bad. - They are.
Getting high off what's in my pocket We choose how we rock it
In the rap game, we skyrocket One pass, we take it to the bucket
Can we?
Whassup?
Why'd you come?
Don't bring him.
I told him to come.
This is Ando. Does A&R for a major label.
He heard your stuff.
Hi there.
Hey. I supply your CEO.
Oh, that's you?
Yoshida, we'll pay you two well if you sign for us.
We handle promising artists. I'd like to represent you.
KDM started with us.
But we broke up... Me and Aida.
Hey, don't say that!
Leave it to me.
Come on.
- Can I trust you? - Let's toast!
You dissed Japanese labels.
A wise stance. I get the message.
Let's link up with overseas.
- Seriously? - Why do you want us?
Your lyrics are rare in Japan. Like real U.S. street life.
Yeah!
He's no thug. He lives with his rich parents.
Tokyo's all about money.
Overseas, rappers sell drugs to live.
My bro got shot three times.
- You've got a brother? - I'm a real hustler too.
I came to Tokyo to hook up with real Gs who want out.
Okay, I know how you feel.
Real, huh... Well, nobody will care.
Are you serious? He needs cue cards to rap.
Well, it's about his vibe.
- His vibe? It ain't tight. - Then make a U.S.-level beat!
You're blaming me?
What? Wait a minute.
He might not be your producer. I'll decide that.
You're Aida, right? I hear your name here and there.
And that you changed your style. To pander, perhaps.
Typical Japanese underground artist. Never mind.
I'm thirsty.
How's it going?
Thank you, man.
Want to take part in our battle show?
Biggs will host. Major artists appearing.
Get revenge on him.
To be honest...
Guys who get too cocky don't last long.
People remember how you treat them.
Aso's doing beats for the battle.
Really? Whoa.
He's on the star track. U.S.-style production too.
I'll introduce you soon.
For real?
- Of course. - I'll do it.
Don't let me down.
It's all about...
Don't need a cosign or money to rap Skills run through our flow, brrrap
Feel the boom-bap Crib to the club, dealers...
Stupid beat.
Oh, it's you.
More practice?
Yeah.
My next joint's gonna sell, and I'll go major in Japan.
Then I'll try my luck overseas.
Really? You'll put out another CD?
Yeah. A more professional one. A label's interested.
Wow, that's great. Way to go.
Thanks. Listen when it's done.
Sure.
- Sorry to interrupt. - It's cool.
By the way...
Show them what you've got. It'll help sales.
Just this once.
Come on. It'll make it easier for me to push you.
- Oh, right. - That's how it works.
Hey Yoshida.
- What? - Let's talk.
- You listening? - Sure.
Aida, not now.
They won't understand you.
Huh?
No wonder your last CD didn't sell.
- Stay out of this. - What?
You're gonna sell now?
Watch your mouth.
It's obvious.
Get real. Your production's holding him back.
Yoshida, cut him loose before he drags you down.
Let's meet Aso later.
Winner, Bessho!
Give it up for him! More!
Oh? Who's this? Oh yeah. The dropout lost boy rapper.
Yeah right.
Oh, ape boy?
Yeah, I know your face.
I don't know you.
I saw your CD in the store. Boxes of unsold stock.
Hey.
I ain't forgetting this scar.
What's your name? Those tattoos are distracting.
Can't fix your face with daddy's money?
Huh? You never beat me verbally.
You got no right to be here.
You drug-dealing nobody.
Okay, here's the final battle of Round 3.
KDM, and Seeda!
Thing's about to go down!
Okay okay, who got first?
Y'all know it's me.
Okay! In the red corner, KDM!
In the blue corner, Seeda!
Listen up and judge well, right?
DJ, bring that shit! Y'all ready?
Y'all ready?!
Okay, first up is KDM!
Check it, I ain't new to this Eyes on the throne, not you idiot
You live at home, got no hope Giving away your CDs with drugs, I know
Darn Japan? Shut it like a ziplock This ain't England, momma's boy
I torment and represent, no-talent slacker
What a bore, you just a benchwarmer Quit monkeying around, amateur
High school dropout You lose, no doubt
Go play with kids You just a fake fronting, tramp
That ink laughable, non-sense unstoppable Are you a dope fiend, tramp?
Weak wordplay's your reality That don't interest me
My flow is my life style, can't hide that I'm wild, I ain't even gonna try
I ain't got no time for ya No one care if you die, nah
Leeching off your daddy Running off the...
Darn, that was close.
Lucky for me, you're still ignorant.
I wasn't even trying.
See no evil, hear no evil?
Say what?
Forget him, man.
What's up?
Can't out-rap me, so you'll hit me?
Yeah. Act tough all you want.
Everything about you is inferior.
Let's go.
Later buddy.
- Thanks! - Thanks!
Too bad, dude. You got better skills.
It was rigged.
Yoshida.
Audiences are honest.
Your flow's a darn shame.
It's like, you got the voice of a bug.
You're so harsh, man.
Am I? I don't think so.
You know Aso?
Of course. You're big news.
What a shame.
- Bad, right? - Don't sweat it.
But you said...
It was your first time on stage, right?
You're too hard to sell. Do media first, then shows.
Pretend you're busy, like Biggs.
I don't want comparisons.
Yeah? I'm being nice to you.
Anyway, Aso's dead right. Your delivery wasn't clear at all,
and...you're not likeable. Trying to act American or something.
Let's go.
Stick with er, Aida. Anyway, good luck.
Come on. We need to talk.
Darn him. He wasn't always like that.
Oh, you're not Aso's errand boy now?
Don't say that.
Oh, anyway, that CD deal's off the table now.
No way! Darn…
That's low.
We ain't finished!
You need a chin check. What's your problem?
No no, the deal's on!
When, darn it?!
Our schedule's full already...
Kidnap him?
Aso, help me!
Mr. Ando, promises are meant to be kept.
Cool! Let me go!
Scum like you make rubbish rappers stars!
Cool down, man...
It's your own fault.
Never facing reality. Always dreaming. Say one thing, do another.
- Going international... - I ain't even started!
Quit acting like you're the man.
Japan doesn't suck, you do.
I need some help here...
I'm through with you.
Yeah? I don't need you either, idiot.
I got Bessho.
I don't care! Get off me! Get him!
Let me go! Hey!
Your beats suck, loser! Hey! Make better beats, idiot!
You're dead to me!
Your writing's messy.
Shut up. Don't come in here.
This is good.
No way. I trashed it.
Yeah? It sounds like you though.
It's like...seeing through your eyes. It's really evocative.
"Tokyo, city of dreams. Empty and hollow."
Shut up.
It reminds me a lot of when we were in London.
Rapping about childhood's wack.
U.S. rappers write real street talk.
But for you, this is real.
What's this?
Why are you reading it?
Well... It costs a lot in Tokyo.
What do you mean?
That's how you make money?
You're dealing?
Just butt out, okay?
Aren't you ashamed?
Money's money. Everybody does it.
Are you serious?
"Everybody does it"?
I thought you were different.
I'm serious. I'm not smart like you, so I do this. Butt out.
If I'm smart...
...why do I fail the exam every year?
Oh no. What the heck?
Yeah?
It's Mark. Sorry, man.
These plants you got up north are full of bugs.
They're bad news. Same here.
Huh?
- Found it? - Not yet.
I said it's gone!
You used it all?!
Tell him!
Sorry. I flushed it all.
Flushed it?! Non-sense!
That thing won't flush!
Sell your passport.
I couldn't sell my organs...
Get out!
"University professor arrested for growing marijuana"
Get out! Get out!
We'll get by.
Nah, we can't make back what we lost.
Kelly's trouble, man.
Thanks.
Thank you.
You're not writing lately.
Don't feel like it.
Kelly won't pick up.
Yo, we could extort money out of his wife.
Are you serious?
Come on, her dad's rich.
They're still our friends.
Huh?
The passport's owner, Kelly Shiratori, has been missing since last night.
Police are searching...
What does it say?
It was found 15 minutes from Itabashi Station...
"Passports, resident and health insurance cards
are sold between illegal immigrants..."
He sold his passport?
You told him to.
I'm sorry.
Too many trouble lately.
I know about your crew too. Got it?
Start over.
As a dealer.
Sell it yourself. No third parties.
Hello? It's me. Yeah.
It was 15,000 last time, but it's back to 10,000.
Yeah. The same product.
Die, idiot.
Hello? It's me. Hey...
Forget it.
It's a ripoff. I won't buy from you anymore.
- Wait, 10,000. - No way.
Come on, please.
Don't follow me! Creep.
- Don't follow me. - My car's this way!
What the heck…
What?
I'll be deported! What now?!
- Trash the drugs. - The cops went in!
I told you to be careful!
Hey!
Come back here!
Hey!
- Outta my way! - Stop!
Stop!
Come back here!
Stop! Hey!
Stop struggling!
"Saki"
Good evening.
Your tail light's off.
Really? Sorry.
The right one. Better get it fixed.
Sure.
May I see your license?
Hey, could you wind down your window?
All good.
Okay. Thank you.
Wait...
Your eyes are bloodshot. Any reason?
- Driving. - What?
Driving.
Mind stepping out for a second? Okay?
What's that in your hand?
What is it?
- Get out. - Get out!
Inmate 3, paper and pen. Call out when you're done.
Can we send letters from here?
Um, this isn't a letter.
Oh. Right...
I think we can send letters.
Yoshida.
I'm getting out tomorrow. Hang in there.
Inmate 4, come out.
Inmate 3 too.
You're getting out. Pack up.
I'm home.
Hakuhiro! You're back.
That was a long time.
They won't bloom like they should.
Your sister...
Come on. Let's celebrate.
Nah. I got some snacks.
Oh. Wow...
We haven't been together like this in so long.
Honey, put down the newspaper.
Oh, Saki passed her exam. She got her MBA!
Studying while she worked. I've been telling everyone.
You're all grown up now. Find a proper job.
Someone will hire you.
Tell him, honey.
Well, do what you want.
Thanks.
Wait, are you full?
Hakuhiro, say hi to Saki.
She's home?
Of course she is.
Oh. You're back.
Hi.
Sorry. I wanted to pick you up, but...
It's okay. Dinner's ready.
Thanks. How was it?
Pretty tough.
Sorry.
You look so grim.
I got arrested, you know.
You did it to yourself.
No more?
No.
No, no more.
I won't deal anymore.
Good.
You got serious?
Oh, you too.
Congratulations.
What?
I can't take much more.
I feel trapped.
I think I'll quit my job and look for a new one.
Here.
What brought this on?
What happened?
Are things going well or not?
You in trouble?
Before I got arrested, I saw you.
In a car with one of my customers. A shady dude.
The CEO?
He hires me sometimes. As an interpreter.
Hey, what's up with you? I just got out today.
It's just...
I feel like I lost control of my life.
But don't you give up.
What's the heck's going on?
I don't get you...
I'm sorry.
Quit dodging me. Get here now. Now.
Want me to go to your home?
Darn…
You were here?
Must be nice.
What?
Saki?
Aida dropped by.
Huh? Why?
I bumped into him at the station. You should've stayed in touch.
Saki will be delighted. How long's it been?
Oh, thanks for the tea.
You're going? What about your tape?
I changed my mind.
You're not a kid anymore. Return what you borrowed!
I'd better go.
Thanks for coming. Sorry about this.
Hey.
Taking pity on me?
Whatever. Off you go. Take care.
What darn tape?
No wonder you're a leech.
Hey!
"I'm not good at much, but I'll work hard for your company."
- Rejected! - Shut up.
Is that the best you could write?
Nice door-to-door sales suit.
You're selling drugs again?!
I got nothing to sell.
Yes you do.
Bring me your cringey lyrics.
Hello? Aida's worried about you for a change.
Come over sometime. See ya.
"Saki"
"Hope your interview went well. Heat this up and eat it. Mom"
"Resume Saki Yoshida"
"Resume Hakuhiro Yoshida"
That ain't real.
You're still trying to be something you're not.
Time to quit.
I'll make it work.
Produce me, please.
Say what?
Your life story?
Speak your mind.
Give me one last chance...
...to say what I couldn't say. To my sister too.
I like it.
I'm not doing it.
Come on, do it.
Nah, not this time. My beat'll sound too naive.
- Know anyone good? - It ain't that easy.
Anyway, you're too nervous.
It's blocking your message.
Voice like a bug, huh...
Hey! Drop that! It's dangerous.
Don't do that! Come on, stop it!
Don't! No more. Give it to me.
Born 1980 in Nerima Memories of Hibarigaoka
Then Wembley, London before I knew it English? I could barely speak it
Parks with other kids, playing football On the pitch I had no problem at all
I remember days when it was sunny But mostly cloudy or rainy
Things I couldn't do ‘cause I was Asian For being Japanese, I got picked on
Race, culture, and religion I learned a lot growing up in London
“You got slanted eyes,” they said this “Are you Japanese? Chinese? English?”
Now I can laugh about it Back then I couldn't do nothing about it
Somebody...like Aso, who doesn't know Yoshida well.
He's too popular now.
It made Aso tear up.
He wants to help.
So, how you gonna pay for the recording?
Aso wants a proper studio.
I'll find the money.
Who are you?
Remember now?
Hey, Yoshida.
So, how are you going to compensate us?
I'm sorry.
I...want out.
Now you say that?
I'll make it right.
We've got plenty of other good dealers.
I'll make it right.
Oh? How?
Rapping.
Music.
Stupid dreamers. I'll drown you in Tokyo Bay.
Well, at least you didn't snitch on us.
Hey.
Sell all of this.
Then I'll consider.
Isn't it a lot?
Say something please.
Good, thank you.
Thank you.
Here we go.
What? Lost your voice?
Come on, man.
Can we do this one last?
Sure. No problem.
Thanks.
Yo, underground, overground Everybody kept Seeda down
From my closet booth, a word bomb
Compared to last time, you sound way better.
Sorry about that bug thing.
You were right.
The first time I saw neon I realized the weakness of this town
Concrete homes in rows Tokyo, city of dreams, empty and hollow
Measured myself by its value
...some unseen power If she's in pain...
Man, it's late.
Your throat's seizing up. Take a break? Continue tomorrow?
- Nah. - Keep going?
Next one's the last one.
Wish your sister could hear it.
She had your back.
Let's do it.
- Yeah. - Okay.
R-I-M-I, R.I.P., Rimi One love
We fought a lot with our folks Together we'd share a smoke
Now I realize so much I should've said Too late, I was too stupid
So much I want to say now Going deep to let you know somehow
In that house with that dog you hated A rapper I am, a dealer I ain't, kid
Unlike back then, I'm listening So I can understand, I'm trying
Hey Divine or some unseen power If she's in pain, deliver bliss to her
Convey what words can't say Sleep to a never-ending lullaby
A late bloomer equinox flower Instead of tears ,the sky cries a shower
2002, 3rd of September It's like yesterday when I remember
Standing on my own two, a bad idiot If you feel what I feel, holla
Peace my neighbour, who are ya If you wanna smoke, you can't do it here
English subtitles by Don Brown