Threads of Blue (2023)

[bunniefuu]

At the bottom of a deep river,

where daylight doesn't reach,

I feel like a tiny pebble

at the mercy of its current.

How many times

have I wished that

this wasn't me?

Hey, can you give me a hand?

Yeah.

And this too, please.

- Morning.

- Good morning!

Good morning.

Sit down and have some breakfast.

You can have this.

Oh, come on!

Look, you better eat your greens, or

you won't live a long life!

Can I get another coffee?

Sure.

I'm not a waitress, you know?

Here you go.

Thanks.

Hey, what's all this?!

Akira!

Can't you say something to him?

You gotta be kidding me!

It's forecast to rain from tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Did we have plans?

We're going on a trip.

You forgot?

To the mountains?

Slow down, it's dangerous!

What's the matter?

Huh?

Oh, it's nothing.

Thanks for breakfast.

Are you hearing that noise?

Yeah...

It started about 2 or 3 days ago.

You really should get it fixed.

It's fine. It just makes that

sound when I turn sometimes.

But what if we break down in the mountains?

Don't be such a worrywart!

Be sure to work hard today.

I can do my job without working hard.

- See ya later.

- Yeah.

En, is everything okay?

I'm fine.

The eggs you dropped

are still on the floor.

My apologies!

Don't sweat it.

Just be careful.

Come on, get in line.

Let's practice what you did last week.

What's wrong?

You did great last time.

Never mind.

Go take a break.

How'd it go?

Oh, same as usual.

Really?

I watched you from here.

You didn't swim at all.

That's because my legs were pulled.

By who?

By a hand emerging from

the dark depths of the pool.

Huh?

It happened in my dream.

What the heck?

But dreams can come true, right?

We call those ones prophetic.

If there's even the slightest chance it'll

come true, it's best to be on my guard!

Yeah, I guess so.

I wonder what's for dinner.

I hope we don't get broccoli again.

Huh? You should eat what you're given!

Why should I?

Don't be so cheeky!

Mom will yell at you again.

Maybe so, but I don't

see why I have to eat it!

We're back.

Welcome home.

What's for dinner today?

What do you think?

I'm home.

Welcome back.

Welcome home, dad!

Woah! Steady on, Akira!

Your hands are filthy! Go wash them!

Do you notice anything different?

Huh?

Oh, you bought a new top?

I'm always wearing this.

Hey!

Eat your broccoli!

You gotta stop this!

Eat your broccoli!

You gotta stop this!

- Put some sauce on it.

- I'll give you even more!

- I don't like it either.

- Hey, cut it out!

Hold it here.

Keep holding.

Oh, wow!

You're really good with your hands.

I did a much better

job folding this rabbit.

Oh, how cute!

Where's the naughty little

boy who hasn't bathed yet?!

Found you!

Nice try, but not good enough!

You thought I wouldn't notice?

Come on!

You're holding everyone up if

you don't hurry up and take a bath.

I had this dream last night...

Want me to bathe with you?

I'm the winner!

I would've won if it hadn't got up my nose!

I'm not interested in hearing your excuses!

Are you okay, Sis?

Come on! That's unfair!

No, it's not.

Hey! What do you think you're doing?

You made me swallow some!

Akira!

Are you hearing that noise?

Yeah...

It started about 2 or 3 days ago.

Those hamburger steaks

tasted pretty strong. I feel thirsty.

You too?

Yeah.

I could use a glass of water too.

I even followed the

recipe they showed on TV...

Cooking ain't easy, huh?

You got that right.

You should learn how to cook now, or it'll be

too late by the time you decide to get married.

Marriage, huh?

I've never thought about that.

My relationships don't last.

You're just picking the wrong guys.

Oh, you think I'm to blame?

A relationship that lasts...

En...

Once we get back from our trip,

I plan on breaking up with your father.

What are you talking about?

Did something happen?

Has Dad been cheating on you?

Well, you know...

He has taken us a lot of places...

Yeah...

So why break up?

The thing is...

I can't really remember

what I liked about your father,

or why I married him.

Seriously?

I thought long and hard about it, but...

I just

can't remember at all.

Yeah, but

you obviously loved

him enough to marry him.

Does it matter if you

can't instantly recall why?

No

but

the more I try to recall the

moment I fell in love with him,

the more my memories seem... blurred.

Even though they're mine...

I don't recall experiencing them.

You lost me.

Sorry to spring this on you!

Well...

I'll think about that when we get back.

Then we'd rather not go.

Okay, time for bed. We've

got to get up early tomorrow.

Right?

Yeah.

Hey, can you wake up En and Akira?

Yes, sir.

Why can't he wake them up!?

Oops! You're already up?

Yeah...

Still no sign of rain.

Hey!

Don't talk about the

weather in front of your father.

He was looking at the radar just now

and was like, "Oh, I think

the weather's gonna be okay."

Morning...

Oh, good morning!

Hey!

No going back to sleep!

Okay, here I come!

Wakey, wakey!

Heave-h*!

Now you're up!

Come on, let's go!

Heave-h*!

Hey, you too!

That's so unfair!

I'm counting on you...

Morning.

Good morning.

Go wash and get changed.

Okay.

Heave-h*!

Hey, Yumi!

One of the paper dolls

is hanging upside-down!

Don't look at me!

They need to be hanging

properly if we want good weather!

Maybe it got flipped

when opening the curtains?

Me and En hung them up properly!

Here's a towel.

Something wrong?

No, it's nothing.

It's not here?

Where did I put it yesterday?

Hey, Yumi!

What is it?

When I got home yesterday, Akira

came at me with his filthy hands

then where did I put my key after that?

How would I know?

You came home okay, so it

must be around here somewhere.

Hey, En.

Have you seen my car key?

Can't say I have.

Found it!

That's where it was!

It must have fallen out of your pocket.

Yeah, I guess so!

Shall we go?

You can go on ahead.

I wanna use the bathroom once Akira's done.

Okay. I'll leave you to lock up.

Sure.

En, we're leaving.

Right.

sh**t.

I left my phone on charge.

Can you wait in the car?

Going on a trip?

Um...

Yes.

Where are you going?

Somewhere in Gunma...

The Kusatsu hot springs.

Oh, a summer retreat!

That's right.

We go to Kusatsu every summer.

A family trip together? I envy you!

They say nothing lasts forever.

Be sure to enjoy these trips while you can.

I couldn't agree more!

It's looking like it will

rain this afternoon, so

be careful on those mountain roads.

I will. Thank you for the kind concern.

Dad...

Can't we cancel our trip?

What are you talking about?

You heard what the caretaker said.

We gotta enjoy these trips while we can!

But I have a bad feeling about this one...

What?

Rather, I had a dream about it.

A dream?

What kind of dream?

While in the mountains

we had an accident.

Come on, it'll be fine!

I drive us along those roads every year!

- I know, but-

- Okay, okay...

I'll drive extra safe. Deal?

Hey, come quick!

Akira's come down with a bad fever.

What?

Hurry!

You were in the bathroom for ages.

I knew something had to be wrong.

You had an upset tummy, huh?

He said he was cold,

so I took his temperature

and it was 38 degrees.

You were looking forward to the hot springs,

so why don't you go with there with En?

You'll have more space to enjoy

the hotel room with just you two.

But, I'd rather go as a family...

You sure?

Yeah, let's all go next year.

You better not say you're getting

married and tell us you can't go.

But that would be a good thing, right?

Cut it out, Mom.

What time are we leaving?

The weather is looking bad

today, so we're calling off the trip.

Aww...

But I made a paper doll yesterday!

To whomever is parked

in front of the stairs,

you're blocking the way for other

drivers, so please move your car.

Oh, crap! That's my car he's talking about!

Thanks.

To think we'd have to put away everything after

hurriedly packing it this morning. No wonder I'm pooped.

Gosh, look at the time...

What do you want for lunch?

What have we got?

Let's see...

There's leftover soup from yesterday,

and fried rice in the freezer, I think.

Okay, that'll do.

Thanks.

I sure hope your father's okay...

He really gets a bee in

his bonnet sometimes, huh?

I'd say.

"How long's this fried rice

been frozen? Is it edible?"

It's bothersome having him

around the house on his days off.

I guess.

The Muratas are throwing a

barbecue and have just invited us.

Have you already prepared lunch?

No.

I was just about to fix something up.

They've invited us over,

so can you come say hi?

Why don't you go with En?

Huh? What about you?

I've gotta stay and keep

an eye on your brother.

Good point.

Okay En, let's go.

Yeah.

That was close.

Lucky you.

See ya.

Have fun.

Oh! I'm so glad you came;

We bought too much meat!

Thanks! I was just thinking about lunch!

Damn, this is good!

Wow! You really gulped that down!

Gotta help them get through the beer!

Are you eating enough?

I got a bunch of meat.

Anything else you wanna eat?

Have some vegetables, too!

We have fruit for

dessert, so don't miss out!

I'll get some later.

Still feeling rough?

You still have a fever.

I'm thirsty.

Water or tea?

Something sweet.

Sweet?

I'll be right back.

I want something fizzy.

Seriously?

Don't scare me like that!

Ouch!

Good morning.

Oh?

You didn't go to Kusatsu?

My brother got a fever, so we cancelled.

That's a shame.

Well, the weather wasn't looking

good, so it's probably for the best.

Gotta dash.

Okay, take care!

After all, you never

know what might happen.

Hi there.

Hi!

- I'm gonna ask her.

- No, don't!

No chance! I wanna know!

Ask her some other time!

Shhh!

En, what kind of guys do you like?

Guys? What's with the sudden interest?

We were just talking

about going to a mixer.

Right?

Yeah, we were!

Do you like older guys?

Somebody as old as your dad, for example?

Hey!

That's too direct!

Cut it out. She's going

through a tough time.

"A tough time"?

Just ignore them! Sorry about this.

Hey, didn't the manager

tell us to replenish the stock?

- Ah, that's right!

- Come on, let's go!

We better hurry!

You think she has a sugar daddy?

Knock it off!

Thank you!

What's your problem?!

Look!

Look!

Get away from me!

En!

Oh, Yuriko!

I need to talk to you. Can you come in?

To me?

Yes, hurry!

Sorry to call you here suddenly.

What is it?

En

where did you live before moving here?

Huh?

I've only ever lived here.

You used to play with

me when I was a kid, right?

I moved here last year.

Come on, that's simply not possible!

You would take me to the pool

when my mom was busy, remember?

As I suspected...

What?

Look into the flame.

Huh?

- But why?

- Just do it!

Tell me.

Where did you come from?

This will reveal all.

Now

let your memories show you.

You shouldn't push

yourself too hard just yet.

Yeah, I'll be okay.

Thanks.

"Be free."

"Blue Fish."

Excuse me.

What's this line for?

We're waiting to

release our souls.

The venue is now open for admission.

Take your seats, starting from the front.

The performance will now begin.

Here in this forest, where

the night lasts for days on end,

all the animals, plants, and trees grow

tired of the darkness and go to sleep,

and all sound finally

disappeared from the forest.

As they slept, a single fish

came looking for a river to swim in.

That's strange...

The morning promised he'd be back again

But there's still no sign of him.

Maybe he got lost?

With the night showing no sign of waning

it's hard to find a river in this darkness!

What's that sound?

Is it a river?

Can you hear the sound of a river?

Who's there?

Are you sure it's the sound of a river?

Shhh! Be quiet!

There it is!

The river here dried up long ago.

What?

It's been more than a

few days since night fell.

Because of the long-lasting darkness,

beautiful trees and plants have withered,

pure souls have been defiled, and

warm-blooded creatures have grown cold.

Whoever said time solves all problems?

Only the ruthlessness of

time is capable of such a feat.

Then where did that

sound of water come from?

That wasn't a river, but the

sound of your soul shedding tears.

Your memory simply misheard it.

So

what should I do?

Drink this.

A new forest will reveal itself.

What is it?

Water from the river.

But you just said that

it dried up long ago!

Have no fear.

After drinking it,

you'll forget the river ever made a sound.

Along with the loneliness in your heart.

Thank you.

The loneliness in the fish's heart

was reconciled with the morning

that awaited him in the new forest.

And he lived happily ever after.

The week after my

department was restructured

my wife

took our kids,

and ran away from home.

Every day

my husband would find

something about me he didn't like.

And every day

he would abuse me.

It got increasingly worse.

One day

my seven-year-old son

stood up to him,

and tried defending me...

But then

my husband threw a vase

which hit my son in the head,

and k*lled him.

I lost my parents,

and my little brother

in a car accident.

I was the only survivor.

I wasn't able to

save them from the burning wreckage.

It's reassuring to know we have friends.

Those who feel brave enough to

take the last step with their new friends,

please raise your hands.

After drinking this,

look at the painting

and refrain from blinking.

Don't be afraid.

It has no taste.

Open your eyes!

Welcome home!

Welcome back!

Hi Sis!

I'm home!

I thought my dream was telling me to

prevent the accident from happening.

But it's already happened.

They're already gone.

Just like you, everyone living here

visited the Blue Fish,

intending to commit suicide.

But they came out alive.

They had their memories erased,

given new ones from another person,

then made to live in this apartment block.

For what purpose?

Twenty-thousand.

Do you know what that number means?

No.

It's the number of suicides

committed in Japan each year.

In order to combat the situation,

on October 28, 2006,

the "Basic Law on Suicide

Prevention" was enacted.

Meanwhile, an advanced national defense

research institution was established,

and talented brain scientists

were recruited from across Japan.

To treat the causes of suicide,

namely depression, psychological

trauma and stress disorders,

they focused their

attention on human memory.

And the one assigned to lead the research,

was the foremost scientific

expert, Professor Iwanami.

By implanting into the brain

an artificial neural device

that interacts directly

with the hippocampus,

he succeeded in recovering

his patients' lost memories.

And then

he figured that if he

could recover memories,

he should also be able to erase them.

Memory makes a person who they are.

It's like the root of their identity.

He took another root,

or rather,

somebody else's memory, and

experimented to switch them.

And make them live as different people?

As a result,

the number of suicides

can be temporarily reduced,

and the government's fears of a

declining work force can be curbed.

It's too good to be true.

Did anyone else see fragments of

their memories in their dreams like I did?

Of course.

And it caused a problem.

A young girl who was a test

subject suddenly had a flashback,

went on a rampage with a knife in the lab,

and slit her own wrists.

Luckily, she wasn't fatally injured,

so Professor Iwanami never

reported the incident to the government.

However...

One of the lab workers, dissatisfied

with the ethics of the research,

blew the whistle on

that particular incident.

Fearing that it would

become public knowledge,

the government fired the professor,

and the facility was shut down.

But the professor never

gave up on his research.

You don't mean

this place?

I do.

It's basically his laboratory.

Yuriko, how do you know all this?

I was one of the lab workers.

Don't misunderstand!

I'm on your side!

I mean it.

I lived here among the residents

as an undercover monitor.

At first, I considered it a

job and was fine with it.

But when I noticed Akio's empty smiles,

caused by the fake memory implanted in him,

all I could see was a smiling scarecrow.

During yesterday's barbecue,

he had a sudden flashback,

and became very confused.

He didn't know why he was there.

It was hard to witness.

I wanted more than

anything to let him leave.

But I told him that leaving

requires precise timing.

He wouldn't listen to me.

That night, when I took my eye off him...

What happened to him?

He was seen running away, so...

I'd like to think he's safe.

You saw him run away too.

What's more, they saw you witness it.

You're being watched.

I am?

What should I do?

Escaping from here is possible,

so long as you're with me.

Hey, wait up!

Hi, Shige.

Are you neighbors heading out together?

You must really get along.

Yeah...

We're gonna go shopping.

That reminds me...

I have something to give you, En.

Follow me.

Oh!

What could it be?

You said Akira came

down with a cold, right?

Ginger preserved in honey.

It warms the body and soothes the throat.

I can have this?

When I told my wife that Akira was ill

and that your family trip was cancelled,

she told me to give you this.

It's homemade.

Thank you!

Sorry to hold you up!

We're expecting a sudden

spell of bad weather, so

be sure to get your shopping done quickly.

That was a close call!

- The caretaker's one of them?

- Yes, he is.

But

he's no longer your problem!

Get out there and live your life.

But, I'm all alone...

What about Akira?

- What'll happen to my parents?

- They're all strangers.

- You must go back to your real home!

- Yes, I know that, but my family died!

Every single one of them...

Even if I go home

there'll be nobody there!

Okay.

I'll bring your family members to you.

I'm coming with you!

What did I tell you?

You're being watched!

I don't know if I can sneak

them out as I did with you.

Go wait at the caf.

I'll meet you there.

We have an hour until the last bus.

I'm gonna need to borrow this.

Welcome.

Please, take a seat.

Will do.

Yuriko.

Good evening.

Hi, Kosuke.

Nice timing!

I have something to give you.

Do you have a sec?

Huh?

Come in.

It's a nice painting, don't you think?

Here you go.

It's my favorite piece of art.

Yes, I think it's lovely.

It's inspired by a short story called

"Lyric Poem" by Yasunari Kawabata.

The story tells of a woman who feels lonely

because of her deep attachment to human life,

and wishes to become a

beautiful flower in her next life

rather than have the same human

body as she does in her current one.

They say the artist painted this

because they sympathized with the story,

- but it's really-

- When she was reborn as a flower

do you think she retained

her memories of being human?

The expression on her face

Is it the smile of somebody who,

after thinking back on her time as a human,

feels much happier now that she's a flower?

Or could it simply be

A smile that comes from the joy

of bathing in sunlight as a flower?

Well...

That's a tough question...

Do you think it's possible

that she can go on living

while keeping her memories of

being both a human and a flower?

Why, those two...

What are they up to? It's getting late...

I heard that Akira caught a cold,

so feel free to give him some of this.

Oh, are you sure?

How kind of you.

I made more than I needed.

Actually...

I was hoping I could show

you a new magic trick I learned.

Do you mind?

- A magic trick?

- Yes!

Sure, why not?

Great!

Okay, please take a seat!

Thanks!

- What's this?

- Don't worry.

Please focus on the flame, not me.

Tell me.

Where did you come fr

Huh?

What the...?

Please wait here, I'll go get some matches!

Sure thing.

Can we do this another time?

- My wife is-

- I found them!

It'll only take a few seconds, I promise!

Tell me.

Where did you come fr

Hey!

You have a visitor.

Good evening.

You're really putting me in a bind.

Shige, has something happened?

What's going on?

As the caretaker of

this apartment building,

it concerns me that

discipline has become lax.

You're in the wrong!

How dare you overwrite the memories

of those who tried committing suicide!

Humans are the same as resources.

It's good to recycle them both.

Kosuke...

Run!

Yuriko.

It's because...

It's because of you

that this had to happen.

What will I do if

staff numbers drop again

and research is delayed?

Ko... suke...

I doubt I'll ever get used to you

calling me that.

Call me Professor.

Don't tell me you're...

Professor Iwanami?!

Surely not!

How can that be?!

Some things you just don't know

until you try them out for yourself.

I don't believe it!

You implanted your memory

into the mind of somebody else?!

You're quick to comprehend.

Losing somebody as smart as you

will be a real shame.

Get rid of her first.

Can't you at least tell me

if you're gonna be late?

Where's Yuriko?

What?

Has she not come here?

No. Should she have?

Check this out.

I tried putting some coffee in the curry.

It deepens the flavor. Try some!

What are you doing?

- Are you that hungry?

- Look into these flames.

Why?

- Just do it.

- What's got into you?

Sit down.

- What for?

- Shut up and sit!

What's the rush?

- Sit!

- What's with the flames?

- Look at them!

- I'm home.

Welcome home.

I ran into Yuriko. She

said this is for Akira.

It's ginger preserved in honey.

Really?

Ginger preserved in honey?

Wow, this should help

soothe his sore throat.

Oh, we have curry tonight?

Did you help make it?

No, not this time.

Hey.

Notice anything different?

Huh?

You cut your hair?

That's not it.

I'm talking about the curry...

Mom! Can you bring me some clothes?

I forgot!

On my way!

En, I brought them.

What is it?

A c*ck?

Why did you call me? I hate c*ck!

- What's the big idea?!

- Get in there!

Why are you acting so strange?!

Hey, that's dangerous!

- The flame, look at it!

- What are you doing?

- Just look at it!

- What?!

Everything okay?

I'm coming in!

Wait!

I'm not dressed yet.

- Good evening.

- Good evening!

I knew it...

Yuriko was here!

Yuriko!

- Let go of me!

- Get over here!

Let her go!

Oh, dear...

Things were going so well, too.

If only I wasn't betrayed.

You're using people like they're tools!

Aren't you the ones who

sought our help in ending it all?

I'm just repurposing lives

that would have been lost.

No!

Stop!

Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

- Restrain her.

- Stay away!

Mom!

Stop it!

Mom!

Mom!

Stop!

Mom!

Mom!

Stop!

Please!

Don't do it!!

Now it's your turn.

Stop!

You little b*tch!

I didn't want to have

to k*ll my housemates.

But you leave me no choice.

Attention!

Attention!

A power outage has hit the building.

We have no idea how long it will last.

Assuming the outage will last, please refrain

from using flashlights or smartphones,

and use candlelight as

much as possible for now.

We have absolutely no idea

how long the outage will last.

Restoring power will likely take time, so

refrain from using flashlights or smartphones,

and use candlelight as much as possible.

Please use candlelight.

Candles.

Use candlelight instead.

Residents,

have you all lit your candles?

Once you have done so,

please look into the flame.

That voice...

Surely it can't be him!

Now, I wish to ask a question.

Where did you come from?

sh*t! Somebody stop him!

Go stop him!

On it!

I'll repeat the question.

Where did you come from?

I'll deal with you later.

Where did you come from?

Where did you come from?

Where did you come from?

Where did you come from?

Where did you come fr

Damn it!

Of all the times for the battery to die!

Aren't they supposed

to last in an emergency?!

Move!

Outta my way!

Dad!

Haru!

Haru!

What am I doing here?

Thank god, your memory's returned!

What is this place?

Thank god, your memory's returned!

What is this place?

I'll explain everything later.

But first, get outta here!

What?

There's something I have to do.

So, go on ahead!

Okay?

Haru!

So it was you.

You traitorous b*stard!

Professor Iwanami?

How do you guess?

You're the only one who would ever

call me a traitor.

If only

you hadn't blown the whistle on me!

I couldn't stand how you treated

people like they were your property!

The others don't matter so

long as you save your daughter?

You're the selfish and

irresponsible one here!

Your entire work was a mistake!

See for yourself!

Your subjects escaped after

getting their memories back!

This proves they couldn't

adapt to their new memories!

You're always interfering with my research!

I'm gonna bring your daughter back here.

That's the only thing I

won't let you get away with!

Hold him still.

Dispose of the body.

Understood.

I'm gonna take care of those brats.

Hey!

Wake up!

Come on, wake up!

That b*tch!

Where did she go?

That hurt, you little sh*t!

Is that any way to treat your old man?

You ain't my dad!

Do you even know who your real father is?

Yes!

I got my memories back!

But what if those memories aren't real?

How can you be so sure

that I didn't implant those

memories into your brain too?

I know that they're real!

You can't trick me anymore!

Look

if you come with me...

I'll tell you the truth about everything.

Like how many people's

memories you're living with.

You wanted to k*ll yourself, right?

Why don't I help you with that?

You wife-beating b*stard!

Hey!

Quit interfering!

You're attacking children now?

That's unforgivable.

Relax...

You never gave birth to her anyway!

It's because of you

that Takeru died that day.

Hold on...

That wasn't me.

Your memories have become all mixed up!

Give me back my son!

I told you, it wasn't me!

Give him back!

Give him back! Give him back!

Give him back! Give

him back! Give him back!

Akira!

Come here.

Let's go!

Yeah.

Don't leave me here!

Help me!

I'm not your real father, but

we created lots of fun

memories together, didn't we?

Please don't leave me here!

Don't go to him.

You know why, right?

Help me!

Welcome home...

En.

Today we learned that the man who committed

suicide also posted his intention on social media,

and was looking for

somebody to adopt his pet dog.

Although the number of

suicides in Japan is on the decline,

- Asuka, go tell Grandma that her breakfast's ready.

- It's still the leading cause of death among 15-to 39-year-olds,

- Okay.

- With numbers exceeding 20,000.

Grandma, breakfast's ready!

Grandma!

It's breakfast time!

Is that for me?

You're really good with your hands.

Thanks!

Grandma, let's eat breakfast.