Spanien Edition, PAL/Region 2 DVD: TON: Deutsch ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), Englisch ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), Spanisch ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), Englisch ( Untertitel ), WIDESCREEN (2.35:1), BONUSMATERIAL: Wechselwirkendes Menü, SYNOPSIS: 1856 reist der amerikanische Diplomat Townsend Harris als US-Botschafter nach Japan, um über Handelsbedingungen mit der Regierung zu verhandeln. Seine Mission erweist sich jedoch als schwierig, da die Bewohner und der Gouverneur von Shimoda dem "Barbaren" feindlich gesinnt sind. Die junge, schöne Geisha Okichi wird als Spionin auf ihn angesetzt und verliebt sich in Harris. Um ihm zu helfen, will sie den Shogun von seiner Mission überzeugen und beschreitet einen gefährlichen Weg. ...Der Barbar und die Geisha / The Barbarian and the Geisha ( The Barbarian )
Townsend Harris is sent by President Pierce to Japan to serve as the first U.S. Consul-General to that country. Harris discovers enormous hostility to foreigners, as well as the love of a young geisha.It began on the night of the Oban festival...
here in the small fishing village
of Shimoda.
Once each year, we invite the spirits...
of our dead ancestors
to join us in a celebration.
It was an old and happy custom.
There was much joy and much sake.
My name is Okichi. This is my story, too.
Black ship meant danger.
Foreigners were threatening our shores.
A messenger was sent
to warn the Governor.
Baron Tamura was the Governor
of Shimoda...
and my benefactor.
It was he who had paid for my training
as a geisha.
The ship lay at anchor all night.
At sunrise, the strangers approached.
He says it is forbidden for you to land.
You are commanded to return
to your ship...
weigh anchor, and leave this harbor
and all the Japan seas.
Commanded by whom?
The Governor of Shimoda, sir.
Tell him that I am the Consul General
to Japan from the United States.
Say that I am here in accordance
with a treaty entered into...
by their Shogun and Commodore Perry
two years ago.
He denies any treaty is in force
whereby you have the right to land.
Tell him I am landing.
Tell them it's a salute.
It speaks with a loud voice.
Townsend Harris.
I am Saemon-No-Kami Tamura,
Governor of the prefecture of Shimoda.
Are you aware, Your Excellency,
of an agreement between our countries...
which states,
"A Consul shall reside in Shimoda...
"when either country shall so require"?
Not either. Both.
"When both countries shall so require. "
If that is how your Japanese text reads...
a mistake has been made in translation
or a willful change.
I will acquaint my superiors at Edo
with that opinion.
- Meanwhile...
- Meanwhile, I'll require quarters...
for Mr. Heusken, my interpreter,
three Chinese servants, and myself.
It must be understood
that I am receiving you...
only as a private person.
Due note is taken of your refusal...
to recognize my status
as an American Consul.
Follow me.
This is a pleasant place to be buried.
Well, at least we'll have quiet neighbors.
This is the best we have to offer.
Two years ago, Commodore Perry was
allowed within the sacred walls of Edo.
Since then, our land has been torn
by earthquakes and typhoons.
We have lost homes, crops, loved ones.
Some ignorant people believe...
those disasters were warnings
from the gods...
not to change our ancient ways
but to remain as before.
No one stays as he was, nor any country.
This will do.
Home, sweet home.
There she flies, gentlemen.
The first time in this empire.
I think, Mr. Harris, you'd better
raise the doorways or cut off your legs.
The Governor says
you must take the flag down.
Very well.
He says it is not to be flown again.
Tell him it will fly again.
On holidays, ours and theirs...
and on certain other occasions...
such as the arrival and departure
of our ships.
A void the Americans, sell them nothing.
Baron Tamura had ordered.;
"Harris-san must be made to go. "
There was no place in Japan
for foreigners. They were all barbarians.
- Mr. Harris.
- Your Excellency.
I wish to protest against the way
I and my household are being treated.
We cannot even buy food
in the open market.
You are free to buy
from anyone who will sell to you.
And whoever does will answer
to your samurai?
You are in no position to lodge a protest,
Mr. Harris.
You have no standing here.
Your Excellency, let's stop this nonsense
about my official existence.
If your version of the treaty
between our countries were correct...
it would be an agreement to agree
if and when we chose to agree.
Would responsible men ever sign
such rigmarole?